The Riddle of Blood e10 : Houses of the Blooded

05/25/2013

The Riddle of Blood
Episode Ten

"Endings"

Houses of the Blooded

The acts of vengeance between Ti'Ann Burghe, Duchess of Dundar, and Madelyn Yvarai, Duchess of the Box culminated with the death of Kythranus Yvarai.  But the need for blood to seek revenge for split blood meant the story was far from over.  Kyocera, Kithranus' estranged brother still sought to avenge his sibling's murder, even if he had no idea who was behind it.   And while Circe Yvarai, Kithranus' late wife and the infamous Mother of Monsters, was long dead, the echoes of her passing remained resonant in the presence of the demoness Liliandra, who relished in a Shanri where none seemed to know how to best a demon.  Not even Quan Wei Yvarai and her husband Yao Lin knew how to handle the events that spiraled around them, even if Quan Wei was touched by "the balancer of Shanri" known only as the Dara.  Tears, blood and regrets were surely to come as Gaius Mwrr sought to remain within the former Bronze Inquisitor's favor, and Viktor Krev entertained an eight-long Romance with the same woman.

In the end, the Riddle of Blood was made clear.

Rumors spread in the coming Seasons.  Of Puzzle Houses found empty, or of coffers and chests found opened without effort.    More frightening were the rumors of many Airships having been purchased in the last few Seasons, and the man who built them all, Cavilo Steirner being found dead in his very own throne.

The players added their own "Rumors" to the mix:
There are whispers in the Senate halls of Madeline Yvarai being behind the burning of the theater in Reidon Yvarai's second Province, the Red Throne.  Some even believe that she has been building a Secret Army to strike Ti'Ann Burhe.  However, many say Ti'Ann Burghe herself knows of the growing army and hopes to preemptively strike.  Given her having gained the support of 30% of the Senate, many fear the time of the Bronze Inquisitor is now. There are also whispers from many of the younger Ven that "We have been here before," (a rumor supported by the origin story revealed in the previous game).  Others are starting to learn about the presence of the demoness, and Jocelyn Yvarai - Quan Wei's mother - has realized how the Aspect of the Dara can be revoked.  

A man matching the appearance of the Mad Emperor was sighted in The Red Throne as well.  And many say the Personal Guard of Reidon Yvarai, the Blood Guard, have rebelled against their new master and have left to join Madeline's troops.  

These rumors, however, are less worrying than others:

For some say Orks have been witnessed marching in groups, and carrying a banner that resembles the sigil of the House of the Wolf.  And that one Ork, horned and wicked, even bears in its talons a ring of the House Banin.

And worst yet, an Eclipse looms - one which the Serpents say will last a full season - and this will not permit any Food to be produced.  A tragedy given the season to come next is Winter.

This is the finale episode of The Riddle of Blood.

Act One

Reidon Yvarai is having wine with Dano and Obus Sinjin when an Ork is captured by his men. The Ork, it seems had hoped to kidnap the Ven, which sounds inconceivable to the others. But as they consider who sent this female Ork to him, they learn of a small army of these things amassing outside the Castle walls! As Reidon peers out, he sees the banner that the Orks hold high: House of the Wolf. The Orks demand to see the Ven, and Reidon decides to see exactly what these monsters hope to achieve firsthand. He fearlessly heads down to speak with them.

Quan Wei Yvarai travels to Talida Mountain to visit her mother, and while the two spend time meditating upon the dreams of the Suaven, they find disturbing truths awaiting them.  The Dara exists as the light which casts the Demon's shadow.  That which the Dara has, the Demon is permitted to have.  Quan Wei realizes that by having family, friends, artifacts and a province to her name, she has allowed the Demon to have the same benefits! These realizations weigh heavily on her mind.  The next morning, she finds herself waking in a small tent far from the temple.  Though most of her injuries have healed, she learns that Josephine was fatally wounded in her struggle to save Quan Wei from the temple's collapse.  A massive Ork had surfaced beneath the temple and its hideous strength tore the structure down.  All the dreaming Suaven within were slain.  As Josephine feels death wrap around her, she hands Quan Wei the Pearl, and gives her a knife, telling her to use her own life to activate the Pearl's powers and send her immediately to either someone she can trust, or the demon to kill it.   Quan Wei slides the blade into her mother's heart, and wills the pearl to send her to Viktor Krev, the only man she trusts.

Gaius Mwrr meets with Ti'Ann Burghe, and learns that the rumors of her rising influence are true.  She indeed has become a new power house in the Senate.   She welcomes him and the two talk openly.  She tells him that she knows about his ring: the Ring of Phobos.  She claims it once belonged to a wolf who was great with the sword but pitiful in Romance.  The man's name was Tiall Banin and he had lost both wife and daughter in a battle against a massive Burrower Ork.  He returned from the battle with the Ring and kept it safe.  He once owned Gaius' Province, and was the one who had built the altar beneath the grounds for the Vashna.  When pressed, Ti'Ann shares the story of Kali, Tiall's daughter, and how he had collected her tears and her blood to forge the Ring.  She has him swear to NEVER use it upon her, and relates how the father had once vowed that she would die by his daughter's hands.  And how the ring embodied that daughter.

Kyocera Jalan dines with his guest, Ming Tal - sister of Quan Wei - and the two talk about Kithranus.  Kyocera deflects most of the discussion, not certain if the woman knows of his connection to him.  Not that many, after all, are aware of them being siblings.  Ming Tal, however, keeps suggesting she knows more than he realizes.  When Kyocera notices a female reflection motioning him to come closer, he suspects something is up with the woman.  Eventually, she asks him if there is anything he wants.   The two dance a seduction at the bed, with Kyocera soon sliding an Artifact Key from around her neck.  Kyocera tries to use his Blood Mirror to spy on Ming Tal, he realizes he cannot see her in it.  She is someone else.  The two passionately indulge in the physical contact while they both try to outwit each other.  But when Kyocera hopes to draw his Bloodsword from nearby, he finds her already caressing it, and offering once more to fulfill his desires.

And as the Orks with the banners begin to gather outside his Castle, Kyocera realizes the woman is a demon.  She reaches a hand out to him and asks him what he wants.  She offers to grant his desires.  He decides to flee and hide out in the woods.

Viktor Krev finds Quan Wei appearing and the two realize they have to act soon.  They use the Pearl and see the demon is in the bed of Kyocera.  She is eager to confront the demon, but Viktor warns her to hunt down Jaymen Steele first.  He explains that the Mad Emperor, one of the Fashuva, was the very one who allowed Demons to enter Shanri.  "If we do not destroy him first, more and more demons can simply come."  Quan Wei tells him of their need to find Kithranus' Blood Sword: The Taltos.  It was capable of slaying any Demon, it was believed.  They realize that sword might be the very one Kyocera has inherited.   Seeing her reaching for it in the bedroom, and realizing she had given up her Key, she was now capable of owning a new Artifact!   They realize the Demon can own an Artifact so long as Quan Wei owns the Pearl, she throws it at Viktor and demands that it now belongs to him.  They prevent the demon from being able to claim the Bloodsword.  Silently, the two consider they have to deal with the fact their friendship means the Demon can gain allies.  

The Ven find Ork armies gathering outside their walls. Calling themselves Debanin, the Orks calmly ask each Province they visit to surrender, or be consumed.  Most Ven fight, and sadly, few survive the assault.  While Reidon hopes to intimidate them, the Orks vow to return to hear his answer in time.  Reidon worries and wonders when the demon that serves him will return.  Gaius' brush with the Orks works to his advantage, as he uses Phobos to instill terror on the Horned One, then claims the Wolf's Ring and wears it as a show of greater strength over the Horned One.    Many of the Orks bow and choose to serve him out of fear.

Act Two

The Senate gathers.  Many voices whisper as the proceeds open, with a clear shift in influence being very noticeable.  Many of the Senate have learned to fear Ti'Ann Burghe, who seems to know the perfect thing to say to catch them off-guard or silence them with an implied threat.  None are aware of the earring she had inherited (see previous session) which Whisper to her the Compels that her opponents are vulnerable to.

The first matter of debate is the removal of the need for an Inquisitor.  Madeline Yvarai leads the charge, calling Ti'Ann Burghe's role unnecessary and antiquated.  To her surprise, Ti'Ann agrees.  And rather than defend her role, proposes instead "in Memory of the late Circe Yvarai" that the Ven seek out a means to be allies among with the Orks.  While unthinkable, she reminds them all that here in the Wilderness, the Ven have allied themselves with Orktalkers.   And that perhaps through this peaceful endeavor, the Ven can grow stronger.  Many quickly vote with her, which pleases the presiding Earl of Aeldrena, Vishashael Yvarai.  They move quickly to the next proceeding which tackles the wrongful Blackening of Gaius Mwrr's brother.   The Ear's questioning is meticulous and Gaius at first feared he had just condemned his brother to die.  But instead, the punishment for using Sorcery was overturned, now that evidence shows Zhul did not use such things.  However, given his having broken the silence of the Vashna, he is condemned to be Unblooded.

In response to the harsh judgement, a lone man begins clapping as he descends from above the Senate hall.

From the woods, Kyocera watches as Airships gather around the Senate hall.  He tries to see if any of them show any banners but finds only black clothes adorned with a white inverted crown.  He decides to rush back to his Castle, hoping the demon and Orks have left, in hopes of getting something useful to bring with him.   Instead, he finds the ghostly figure once more calling him, beckoning him to a Puzzle House he was not aware to have in his grounds.  The child calls him to touch the glass, and while desperately tempted to, Kyocera fights it off and continues to his Castle.   Inside, Quan Wei and Viktor confront the demon.  Quan Wei had a moment of truly embracing the Dara, and as the ground repelled her, she took Viktor with her to confront the demon herself.  But there, hoping to remove her advantage, Viktor turns Quan Wei away, and while the demon tries to make Viktor do things for her, Viktor is wise to her attempts to control him, and uses his knowledge to confound her more.

Reidon challenges the Orks. And though the Demon visits him to help him, she withdraws completely when it becomes clear the Reidon still believes himself to be in charge.  She twists him and transmutes him into a Bloodsword, and leaves it half buried in the earth.  The demon then whispers to Viktor to convince Quan Wei to get a steed, but he instead asks for the Senate Temple hall to crumble to ash.    He figures if Jaymen Steele's temple is truly below the Senate Hall, then destroying it may be a step in killing the Fashuva.  In exchange, the demon demands every single memory of his love for Ti'Ann Burghe.  He accepts.

Madeline leaves the chamber in panic as the rest of the Ven search for who would dare applaud.  Jaymen Steele applauds the Earl, but clearly shows his disdain for them all.  Gaius stays close to Ti'Ann and the two listen as Jaymen offers a simple matter to the Ven. "Join Me or find your death here."  Swords, both magical and mundane, falls from the airships.  And all the Ven leap into action to grab a sword and survive.

Ti'Ann and Gaius stay back to back, taking down any Ven that get to close.  Bodies fall and blood flows.  And as if in response, Shanri begins to scream as a Storm arrives.   None realize the Storm is instead the Demon Lilandra's doing as she fulfil's Viktor's request.  As the winds buffet the airships into each other, the debris raised by the cyclone begin tearing the Senate Hall apart!

Kyocera arrives and finds Quan Wei there.  The two head to the Senate Hall, hoping to take Jaymen Steele and the demon down.   When Viktor asks to be brought to the Senate Hall, the Demon twists Reidon's Bloodsword metal body into a makeshift cage, then inflates the Orks nearby to serve as hot air balloons.  The two are lifted off the ground.

All the Ven gather at the Senate Hall for one final Act.

Act Three

Once upon a time, Drin Krev, Viktor's brother glimpsed the future and saw the world destroyed by a gamble the Bronze Inquisitor took.  Once Upon a time, a man named Tatlos Jalan desired to become a blade that slew all demons, and for that request paid for it with his own life.   Once Upon a time, Jaymen Steele ruled.  And during his reign, he built a massive temple beneath the Senate Hall.  He knew there would come a time when he would have to slip into the slumber of the Suaven.  And he knew he wanted his slumbering form to NEVER ever be harmed.

The Senate Hall begins to collapse.  Vance Vashna, the partner of Gaius Mwrr, watches as the building falls.  The Debanin Orks, now serving under Gaius, gather outside and offer to help him in.  He considers.

Madeline feels the Storm rush around her, and to protect herself, she utters to the storm her secret name.  The winds cease buffeting her, but not the rest of the world around her.  She remains in place to stay safe.

Ti'Ann Burghe gambles and buries her Bloodsword into Gaius' stomach, in a bid to gain Jaymen Steele's trust.  But lacking any courage to trust her, Gaius panics and uses the Ring of Phobos against her.  Destiny and Fate conspire as the Artifact... the very one vowed to kill her... strikes her down with utter fear.  Ti'Ann falls to the ground as in her mind's eye she witnesses her failure coming to pass.  Jaymen kicks her to the ground while she is catatonic from fear, then stomps his boot into her head over and over until it pops open with a crimson smile.

Quan Wei finds Viktor and Lilandra there.  She regards the demon carefully, and the two face off amid the roaring winds.    Reidon, now cursed in an object form, is swung about by the winds, and made impotent and insignificant as a punishment.  Gaius finds help from Viktor, who tries to move his impaled body to the side.  And Kyocera stomps off, searching for Madeline, whom he believes was behind Kithranus' death.

Gaius fingers his pocket and draws out the ring of the Wolf.  Perhaps, he thinks, perhaps if Father were to join Daughter... and he slides the Ring of Phobos close.  The rings are joined with blood.  Wolves howl in the distance.   Quan Wei realizes the Fashuva is best defeated by attacking the sleeping body.  She considers where the temple could be down below.  Viktor quickly makes his way down, eager to find the temple and destroy Jaymen Steele's body.   And Kyocera finds Madeline, steps into her safe haven from the Storm, and confronts her on the murder of Kithranus Yvarai.

The Serpent's Blessing rings in his ear.  Kyocera learns that Madeline is indeed innocent of Kithranus' death. As he tries to overcome the shock and struggles to comprehend who was truly behind it, the Storm sees Madeline now, and takes the life she slipped from them when she muttered their name.  Madeline dies indignantly as a massive hill of debris crushes her head off in a single swipe.

Viktor and Quan Wei are beneath the ground, and quickly search for the temple's heart.  Kyocera follows suit and the three regard each other as temporarily allies, given the foe they all face.  Viktor realizes the sword, Taltos, is now with them, and Kyocera ready to use it.  When Jaymen Steele emerges, taunting them for being lost, and asking them if they would want to beg forgiveness now, the three focus instead on the Demon, knowing she now fears the sword in their hands.   Jaymen knows they fear the Demon, and begins calling upon more to rise from the Darkness.   Viktor charges forward, slashing at the manifesting Demons to by the others time.   Quan Wei hesitates no longer and using the Dara's gift, flies into the heart of the Temple to impale the blade into Jaymen Steele's sleeping body.  As Jaymen screams, he is pulled from the body he possessed and ripped asunder by the Storm's spiritual fury! Quan Wei returns only to drop down in anguish as she realizes the body Jaymen Steele had possessed was that of her husband, Yao Lin!  Now it becomes clearer why she became the Chosen.  Why her son, Guan Yu acted strangely during the night of Kithranus' death.  

As the Demon laughs, offering to bring him back for a price, Quan Wei rises to the air, lifts Kyocera with her immense strength and flings him towards the Demon.  Kyocera channels all anger at that final strike, and the blade bites deep into the demon's very essence.

Some would later claim that Kyocera claimed to have been haunted by his brother during that time.  That the sword, Taltos, contained his very spirit.  And that spirit demanded Kyocera avenge him.  Whether there is truth in this, we will never know.

What we do know, is that the Demon remained to have the last laugh.  With her demise, the Storm died.  And with the Storm's death, Reidon's Blood Sword body fell from the sky, and its vorpal form sliced through the stone, the wood, and the ground all the way deep, until it sliced through where Viktor and Kyocera stood.

Their bodies were impaled, taken by the final futile act of hatred of the Demon.

Viktor closes his eyes.  His last fleeting thoughts the memory of a woman he once loved.
It was not Ti'Ann Burghe he remembered, however.

Epilogue

Gaius Mwrr finds the Massive Wolven Orks moving safely through the debris and the dying Storm.  They lift their new-master and carry him back to his partner.  And with the Senate falling, the Ven find themselves leaving to find new life in the Wilderness.

But not all.

No.  For some Ven remain to live among the Veth.  And without the number of the Ven, the Veth quickly grow in influence, confidence and strength.  Soon, the Veth embrace their new lives and take on new names. Humans, the call themselves.

Quan Wei, now ages past, nears her Winter years as she sees hints of the Ven that have chosen to live among the trees.  The Wood Ven seem happy with their simple lives.  She does not recognize Gaius or Vance when she sees them, though.  Time and Age have been far too long for that.

She does, however, grow old enough to see the humans retrieve a strange metal cage from the depths of the sea.  The cage is crimson.  Red.  The red of Blood.  Its metal gleams a hungry gleam.  Some humans believe it to be a remnant of the Gods.  Great beings that ruled over them.  Wiser.  Beautiful.  Deadly.  Others simply dismiss it as a relic of a bygone age.

Quan Wei leans closer, however, knowing the truth behind the Riddle of Blood.  She whispers to it a secret and walks away, leaving us humans none the wiser of a time when tragedy most painful... most foul... changed the world forever more.

The End

The Riddle of Blood e09 : Houses of the Blooded

03/29/2013

The Riddle of Blood
Episode Nine
"Pandora, Bronze and Promises"

Houses of the Blooded

It was Gamer's Meet night and the group wanted to try out Houses of the Blooded.  I was at first anticipating  two of the gamers from the ongoing Houses of the Blooded chronicle to be present, so I decided to make this a glimpse of the backstories of some of the key npcs in that game.  Sadly, only one of them (my partner, Rocky) was able to attend so the "dual nature" of the plot didn't have as much an impact as I had hoped.  Still, the game had a cool story that unfolded with lots of the players contributing to its creation, and nicely fit in with the established events of the ongoing chronicle.

I pregenerated the characters for this game, and players got a chance to choose two from the list (I did not want them reading too much about each character).  Each one had the Virtues blank, save for their highest virtue.  I wanted the players to choose a Weakness, and allocate the points on their own to get a feel for how the system works.  There's a light bulb moment that happens each time a player first learns this game has a Weakness, which means a Virtue where you will ALWAYS fail in.  Then they read up on their Advantages, and had a quick lesson on how dice, wagers, and declarations of intent were done.  And we were off!

Choth Yvaria, Baron of Ur, Blooded of the Fox, was portrayed by my partner Rocky.
Rocky took Prowess as the Weakness.
Taltos Jalan, Count of Sidio, Blooded of the Serpent, was portrayed by Mahar.
Mahar took Strength as the Weakness.

Marcus Mwrr, Count of Staniga, Blooded of the Serpent, was portrayed by Rachelle.
Rachell took Courage as the Weakness.

Tiall Banin, Baron of Mishrin, Blooded of the Wolf, was portrayed by Justin.
Justin took Strength as the Weakness.
Eodan Stelle, Baron of Dundar, Blooded of the Elk, was portrayed by Erich.
Erich took Strength as the Weakness.

And of the remaining cast, Donal Thorne, Baron of Spire, Blooded of the Falcon, Ildril Burghe, Baron of Fenri, Blooded of the Bear, and Madelyn Yvaria, Countess of the Box, Blooded of the Fox, were all NPCs that I portrayed.

Readers of The Riddle of Blood would quickly notice the familiar names:  Madelyn Yvarai is in the modern days the influential Duchess of the Box and a mover in the Senate.  She is the grandmother-in-law of Kithranus Yvarai, whose tragic events are remembered well.   Marcus Mwrr is the father of the Serpent, Gaius Mwrr.  And of course, other familiar names and faces were to appear in the story as it progressed.

It was the birthday of the Duchess Koryn of Ydea, and all have been invited to her Althua.  

• Players made their wagers and the final truths were as follows: 
• Koryn is Kind-hearted.
• Koryn is Well-Liked.
• Koryn has Vindictive Streak.
• This vindictive streak shows in how she has planned out her party.
• It would be insult to bring weapons of any kind.
• She suitors are also at the party to impress her.
• There is an Opera in her birthday.
• There is nothing that she desires more than to find out if Foxes are good in bed.
• We were all especially invited compared to everyone else.

I then started the game with all making Strength wagers, to represent who had trouble in the long journey to the Duchy of Ydea.  Among the early arrivals were Choth Yvaria and Marcus Mwrr.  Choth finds himself arriving at the same time as Madelyn Yvarai, and the two are escorted to the Garden because "The party is not yet ready."  They discuss their views on the senate and Madelyn promises to some day become a force in the Senate itself.  They discuss how hard life is here in the Frontier and whether or not to take part in the Migration that the Senate is proposing.  "Too many demons," Madelyn admits, "and you'd think the Senate would consider Sorcery as a solution by now."

Madelyn Yvaria speaks with Choth Yvarai

Marcus Mwrr opts for the Library and while there finds a book on Poisons and how they can be gently placed in the wines.  While reading, the Baron of Fenri walks up to him to thank him for the welcomed trading.  Ildril had been trading with Marcus' wife, Bethesda, and wanted to give a show of gratitude for their kindness.  Ildril offers an intricate Bloodsword as a gift, and asks Marcus, "If you would be kind enough to wear it proudly, as a display of my Gratitude towards your house." Marcus agrees, though ponders on whether this will be an issue in the party.

When Eodan Steele arrives, he is informed to take the side entrance, an act which bothers him at first.  Arriving, he finds the door locked, and a small missive is slid under the door.  "If it is you, Enter," the letter states.  When the Elk succeeds in the simple test, the Duchess meets with him.  "We Elks have to stick together," she admits and the two talk of Puzzle Houses, of Artifact Keys, and of promise.  "This may secure yourself a new title."

Taltos Jalan finds a broken down carriage in the path ahead, and discovers it is Tiall Banin's ride.  As Tiall calls out to Taltos for assistance, the Serpent struggles not to find his boorish behavior off-putting.  It is difficult, however, given the Serpent's already lack of goodwill towards the Wolf.  Worse still, when the Wolf seems to favor Taltos so much for having assisted in a previous engagement.  The two arrive at the party to find it already alive, and once announced, Taltos quickly moves away from the Wolf to mingle with others of his own House.

Donal Thorne sees Choth Yvarai and moves to approach, wanting to begin his act of vengeance upon him.  But Marcus Mwrr (Court Gossip) and Eodan Steele (I Know What You Want) interject, and the discussions have the hot-blood cool for the time being.

Choth Yvarai approaches the Duchess Koryn and the two discuss matters of position and of Affairs.  The Duchess supports Choth's bid to become a Count, but admits it will be settled through events in the Althua.  She knows of Choth's affair with the late Edana Thorne, mother of Donal.  The other players throw in wagers of what they know of that affair: Marcus Mwrr (Court Gossip), Eodan Steele (My Eyes See All) and Taltos Jalan (Meticulous)  .  The facts are:  the Duchess finds Donal impetuous.  Koryn was jealous of the affair!  Donal was overhearing the conversation.  The Duchess clearly wanted some time alone with the Fox, although she kept referring to him as a Serpent.  And the other suitors in the room had noticed and were getting jealous.

In the distance, with not many wishing to interact with him, Tiall Banin finds a burly red-haired man accompanying a moving cart that was being pushed by a pair of Veth into the party.  The man's red locks had a white streak that started from the hairline above the left eye.  The cart carried twelve beautiful swords (none of which were Bloodswords).  The man himself, however, had a Bloodsword.  Tiall recalls what he knows of him (Invisible + Failure is Not an Option) and learns he is a Falcon and his name is Drin Krev.  He is the brother of Viktor Krev and supposedly has the ability to see the future.  He fights with Orks on his side and he is here for ambition.  He desires a lion share of the Western lands.  And he wants to cut down those who will gain power in the West, such as Madelyn Yvarai.   He watches the man carefully, and considers why so many swords would be brought into a party that explicitly was against weapons being brought in.

Taltos Jalan and Marcus Mwrr trade stories, as the two Serpents relate how the other houses clearly struggle to win their favor and attention.  As they talk, another approaches them and seems hoping to gain their favor.  His name is Scorpius Jalan and he seems out of his element as he asks the two if they would be willing to assist him regarding some trouble with his lands.  Both recognize him more for his wife, Catherine Banin, who has been actively trading with them. He mumbles something about the Senate, but Taltos chides him that, "You own what you hold.  If you cannot hold it..."  It would be a harsh lesson the Serpent someday will teach his two children:  Kyocera and Kithranus.

The Duchess calls for everyone to gather, and offers the first event for the night:  A wager!
She chooses a number of Ven and have them draw swords.  Elimination is to be based on those whose blood gets drawn.  The winner will be given additional prestige and will serve as a Count under her Duchy.   Madelyn Yvarai shows off her granddaughter,Circe Yvarai, whom she carries proudly in her arms.  She asks Choth Mwrr to carry the child for her, which he readily does so.  "She will someday become a true force to reckon with.  She is a Fox unlike any other."  Eodan Steele attempts to place Choth Yvarai on the spot, but the Serpent eludes the fight with a few well chosen words.  Madelyn takes his place.  "A Dance of Blades!" the Duchess proudly proclaims, and the Ven prepare to battle it out.  

The Dance of Blades

All Participating Ven draw Prowess + any other appropriate values.

Starting with the winner of Privilege, that player chooses to spend a wager to either Strike or Defend, then chooses the next player to declare.  Any Strikes must be matched with a Defend or that player is Eliminated.  The game ends when there remains a singe Player who has not been Eliminated.

Eodan Steele (Ambitious + Underestimated) wins the challenge easily, and receives the rise of title.  The Duchess whispers to him to prepare to make the announcement about the Puzzle House in her grounds, and how opening it will be the challenge.  This should force Donal Throne to reveal the Key he has in his possession.

 Some suitors wonder about the Opera, but Koryn insists that is best for another night.  Donal seems intent on revenge, and there is worry on whether or not he will act upon this tonight.  

Taltos Jalan and Madelyn discuss matters of Sorcery, and Madelyn admits that she is not one to look at such well.  "There are monsters, and there are the mothers of monsters."  Madelyn is impressed though with Taltos' show of ambition, and considers whether or not to share with her the support she gains from a certain unspoken Patron.  Tiall Banin meets with Madelyn Yvarai on the balcony afterwards, and he offers to her a vow to protect the child.  Madelyn accepts this, but is distracted as she sees an approaching gathering of soldiers and Vashna, under the banner of the Senate, and a certain Ven she opposes.

As Eodan Steele calls out for all to gether again, as he readies himself to declare the new event, Donal takes the opportunity to close in on Choth Yvarai and draw his Bloodsword.  Ildril Burghe sees the attack, and tries to draw the gifted Bloodsword from Marcus Mwrr's side.  But Marcus does not realize what is going on, and dodges away from Ildril's grasp!  The initial strike of Donal Thorne thankfully misses, buying Choth time to do the unexpected!

From the cloth portion of the blanket of the child that the Bloodsword had sliced away, Choth grabbed it, flung it over his head and shoulders as a "cloak" and thru the blessing of Ashalim Avendi, transformed himself into the appearance of Donal Thorne's late mother, Edana.  Everyone gasps in shock upon seeing the regal woman standing before Donal.  To further strike the attacker down, Choth mutters five words (The Right Words Matter + I Know You) that perfectly twist the verbal dagger deeper to disable the swordsman.  "You are not my son."  

Donal drops the Bloodsword in despair.  

And somewhere, a voice declares in panic that the Bronze Inquisitor, Ti'Ann Burghe, the Duchess of Grindle,  has arrived.  Realizing the danger of letting her judge them, Choth Yvarai withdraws from the crowd (But I Wasn't There) to vanish, but Tiall Banin (Invisible + Only WhenViolence Awakens) sees him, and intercepts.  He tells him the child must be in his hands, and Choth willingly hands the child over.  Making matters worse, somewhere in the party, Ildril Burghe's supposed surprise entourage of Orks, a small tribe he had hoped to offer for hunting, breaks free and starts attacking the guests.  

Ti'Ann Burghe enters the hall to inform everyone they have a few minutes to come outside and confess to the use of Sorcery.  Afterwards, she will punish those who have not.  As she exits, Ildril Burghe immediately makes to confess.  Other ven consider as well.  While others consider escaping.  

Taltos Jalan takes this opportunity to sneak out of the area, asking a beautiful red-haired maid to assist in her escape.    Choth Yvarai does the same, and uses the Good Night Kiss upon Ildril Burghe to knock him asleep.  When the Vashna arrive, he calls out to them to take the Bear, and during that confusion makes his escape.

Tiall Banin finds himself confronting one of the Orks, a leader it seems among their kind, who allows them to escape but not before blessing the baby (Circe) with a promise that all Orks shall, "Heed and respect her.  As their own Mother."  Tiall hands the Horned One a ring of the House of the Wolf.  "They will know you are protected," Tiall declared.

Marcus Mwrr is forced to fight some of the Orks that have broken into the hall.  While dispatching the smaller Orks is easy, dealing with the larger stronger one takes more effort.  He tries to trick them all into eating the food and wine, hoping that some Ven had indeed poisoned them.  Sadly, it turns out none have.  But at least the distracted Orks are much more easily dispatched by the guards.

Taltos Jalan however discovers that the maid is no ordinary maid.  She quickly reveals her demonic nature, and offers Taltos a gift in exchange for allowing her to leave.  Taltos words his request carefully, knowing the wicked tricks a demon tends to throw.  "I desire to have the ability to slay all demons and I want to enter the puzzle house."  The demon smiles and asks him to touch the Puzzle House which he does.  His hand embeds into the glass, and suddenly, Taltos is shunted into the Puzzle House, transforming into a Blood Sword.  The Puzzle House then collapses into itself, leaving nothing but a ruin where it once stood.

Choth Yvarai meets with Madelyn outside, who seems preoccupied in her thoughts as they board the carriage to leave.  Both watch as the Bronze Inquisitor continues to judge the others for Sorcery including Tiall Banin, who vows revenge against her cruelty.  "If i won't be your doom, my sons will. Or better yet, my daughter."

Ti'Ann Burghe and Eodan Steele make a Promise.

Madelyn admits the Bronze Inquisitor has gained much clout, but believes things will change once they fly to the new lands.  She asks Choth to be well and tells him she is headed to certain Mount Shrine to visit.

And Eodan Steele approaches the Bronze Inquisitor, and she admits to him that she has always been proud of him.  Eodan Steele, as it turns out, is a friendly face to Ti'Ann Burghe, and she asks of him a duty.  "Stay here, in the Frontier lands.  Hold to your County even as the rest of the Ven fly to the New Lands.  There will come a time when the Ven shall migrate once more.  You shall be the Count I shall return to.  Can you do this for me?"

Eodan agrees, and as a gift to show his favor, gives her the Earring he wears.  Ti'Ann Burghe smiles knowing her future is secure.

The Riddle of Blood e08 : Houses of the Blooded

03/10/2013
The Riddle of Blood
Episode Eight
"The Serpent"

Winter continued its harsh and terrible toll upon the Ven.  The eight episode of The Riddle of Blood introduced a new character:  Kyocera Jalan, the estranged brother of the late Kithranus Yvarai, Blooded of the Serpent, who has been living in the frontier lands even before the trip to The New Land (which happened in Episode Five, "The Wilderness").

Kyocera Jalan, Gaius Mwrr, and Quan Wei Yvarai all wore disguises as they snuck into another's Region to watch what was called a play by the Veth.  Each one disguised their appearance as to not be seen among the Veth as they viewed the performance which was called, "The Life and Affairs of Kithranus Yvarai."  The play was a parody, with many of the dramatic moments of the Fox' life exaggerated for added humor, such as having Sapphire, Scarlet and Gold as his women.  Kyocera watched with great interest, but soon noticed a pair of far too beautiful boots worn by a cloaked man in the opposite balcony.   Quan Wei found herself speaking with some Veth who mistook her as a new Maid of the Ven lord of the land.  They opened up to her about how the Ven are careless and blind to the Veth's needs and how even the kind Quan Wei is unawares of the real reason behind the revolution in her lands.  When Quan Wei prodded for info, she discovers the Veth blame her husband, Yao Lin, was known for his cruelty towards the servants!   Gaius, unawares that his boots caught attention, made to leave the play after having seen enough.

Gauis would find a fourth Ven exciting the theater.  As the Ven motioned outside the theater, and a carriage drew up to receive her, Gaius slipped around the back of the carriage to appear as if he had arrived from away from the theater.  Dropping his black cloak, he walked up to the carriage's window and saw none other than the Dutchess of the Box herself and the late Kithranus'mother-in-law, Madelyn Yvarai.  The Duchess notes his presence and was about to invite him inside when Kyocera calls out for Gauis and instead sees his late-brother's mother-in-law.  She ushers him away and has Gauis sit with her in the carriage, then motions outside for her Vassals to act.   Gaius, uncertain how to act, plays it cool and pretends not to know why she is here.

Quan Wei realizes there is danger in staying and earnestly leaves the theater.  Kyocera walks after her, and both duck into a nearby alleyway upon hearing the sound of marching feet.    Gauis realizes Madelyn had called for her Secret Army, which then surrounds the theater, and massacres everyone inside.  "We were having wine," Madelyn tells Gaius without a moment's hesitation, "All afternoon."  Gaius realizes she had just secured an alibi of her whereabouts, but decides to play his own card.  "Yes,  and I appreciate the support you will give my patron, Ti'Anne Burghe in her bid to be in the Senate."  Madelyn is trapped, for her dislike for the Elk was quite clear.  But she relents.

Kyocera and Quan Wei find an archway to duck under in the alley way, and when the screams begin, both wonder what exactly is coming to pass.  Then it rains.  Blood.  And the streets are painted red.  Kyocera realizes the Duchess had every single veth present in the theater killed for insulting his brother's memory.  And Quan Wei hurriedly makes her way home, wishing she never came to visit the holding that was once part of the late Kithranus' Province, The Red Throne.

The three continue their tales in their own Provinces.

Kyocera finds a woman trapped under a toppled carriage on one of the paths leading to his Castle.  When he helps the woman to her feet, she introduces herself as Ming Tal, Blooded of the Wolf and Baroness of Shu.  She is the sister of Quan Wei Yvarai.  Ming mentions being attacked by a massive spider-like Ork which ate her horses and pinned her to the ground.  Soon the two encounter the said monstrosity once more, and Kyocera realizes the Ork is one of the creatures that have befriended him and serve his Province.  Not wanting to reveal such an un-Ven practice, he allows the Ork to be slain, and has Ming welcomed to his castle.  A strange hint of seduction seems to stand, but it is uncertain what her true motives are, only that she is seeking someone who had settled in the frontier.  In the other room, Kyocera meets with his Ork Talker, however, and learns that one of the Ork Maidens is seeking a Ven mate to further the tribe.  Culture dictates the Ork women rape a Ven male, preferably the best swordsman in the land, and misunderstanding some of the translations, Kyocera directs the maiden to seek out Reidon Yvarai.. unawares he had just seemingly sent an Ork to kidnap a Ven noble in another Province.

While at Wushu Castle, Quan Wei confronts her husband about the news.  He, however, does not take the confrontation well, and feels insulted she would trust the Veth over his own words.  He explains his actions are cruel to promote her own actions as that of kindness, winning the hearts of the people.  When she prods on the riots and why they began, her own servants finally confess that the riots are more due to the rumors of her being "possessed by the Dara".  Confused, she asks what they know of it and as it turns out, among the Veth the Dara is the embodiment of the Bogeyman.    It is a supernatural monster that comes to steal the undisciplined Veth children, and exists solely to destroy everything that their masters, the Ven, have created. Bothered, Quan Wei tries to ask her husband to trust her, then makes arrangements to leave while he is sleeping.  Her destination has yet to be revealed.

And finally Gaius Mwrr was dropped off at the borders of the Province of Box, to see his carriage already waiting there.  One of the Vashna is there, waiting for him, and informs him that his brother is being punished for breaking the code of silence.  While he was pardoned of his wrong accusations of being a Sorcerer, an error that the late-Kithranus Yvarai caused, he was then punished for contacting a family member.   When questioned on who reported it to the Senate, the truth reveals it to be Ti'Ann Burge herself.   Gauis arrives at his own castle to find Ti'Ann Burghe already there, and she readily admits to having reported it, not realizing the Vashna was Gaius' brother.  She promises to help, but admits she came to see him for an important reason, but the reason has yet to be revealed.

*

It was then I sprung a meta moment on my players.
But more on that once the eight episode of Lacuna : Recruitment is uploaded.

The Riddle of Blood e07 : Houses of the Blooded

by SexyDemyx

02/17/2013
The Riddle of Blood
Episode Seven
"Love is Crimson"

The seventh session opened two Seasons after the last game.  With the journey to Talida Mountain taking a season each way, I decided to call for the session to open two Seasons later, with the players attending Quan Wei Yvarai's Winter Althua.

Quan Wei and Victor Krev are insistent on visiting the shrine to Jessice Sinjin, Victor's ex wife.   They send both Yao Lin (Quan Wei's husband) and Ti' Ann Burghe (Victor's growing romance) back to the castles to watch over the Provinces in their absence.

Kithranus Yvarai receives a visit from his grandmother-in-law, Madelyn Yvarai, who calmly informs him that she was visited by Scarlet and has been moved by her words.  She believes that her daughter was maligned by events and now requires her support.  The grandmother-in-law however threatens him with a question, "Are you willing to do what it takes to take her back and leave the affair he is involved in?"  She leaves Kithranus to ponder on the question.

Reidon Yvarai receives a visit from Dano and Obus Sinjin, the two Ven whom were gifted Food by Kithranus during the last Althua.  They remembered Reidon's kindness and had come to visit, but their perceptions were twisted by the demon Liliandra, who made them see instead a wonderful vibrant Castle, rather than the roads that were paved with bones, nor the castle forged with black glass and gold.  She asks him what he is wearing, and he asks for a vibrant cloak that is decorated with gemstones in exchange for his nightmares.  She then grants him a second request, and creates a wonderful jewelry necklace as a gift, and trades a single second of his life in return.  Finally, she asks him if he wants something else, but this time opts to decline.  The four ride a carriage and make the journey to the Althua.

Gaius Mwrr is enroute to the party when he chances upon his mother, Bethesda Ashken's carriage.  Having it alongside hers, the two trade wine and stories of the upcoming party.  Bethesda tells Gaius to befriend Kithranus Yvarai, and to get him to reconsider his judgment upon Zhul, Gaius' brother who now wears the black for allegedly using Sorcery.  She offers him a piece of information to trade with:  That Scarlet has been selected by the senate to become the new Magus of the Senate (instead of Kithranus' wife, Sapphire) because of her knowledge of Sorcery, as well as her.

Autumn Season Actions:

Autumn was a mixed back.  While Trouble barely surfaced in the Regions,  there was some concern from the Senate given the last session's events.  All players had a part of their Provinces explored as the Senate required the Vashha to explore their lands for any Ork presence.  While none of the players were discovered to have such threats in their domains, all however learned of certain regions that they've never considered exploring before.

While most of the Ven focused on developing their regions and building new Holdings, Kithranus Yvarai opted to attempt another Espionage Action to determine the activities of his ex-wife Scarlet.   He uncovers that his ex-wife has been wandering about Victor Krev's domain and does not wish to hurt Kithranus as her passions for him continue to grow further.

But Quan Wei's invitations begin arriving, and her attempt at a Banquet are successfully established.

Winter Season Actions:

Winter was a terrible ordeal, however, with players discovering some of their holdings collapsed into Ruins.  Trouble was much more intense, as it tends to be during Winter, and many put their final finishing touches on the Gift they planned to bring to the Althua.   Many also marked down their Food supplies, knowing to be ready for the end of the Year.  

Flashbacks would be useful in reflecting the events that transpired during the trip of the Ven to Talida Mountain.  Thankfully, the others were able to just focus on their usual tasks during the journey.

The Party Truths:
1) Entire senate is present
2) Everybody knows this is a party to celebrate peace
3) Secret council sympathetic to plight.
4) All ven present are lacking of food.
5) A majority of the senate recognize sapphire as the wife.
6) Ti'Ann Burge's influence is higher than what it was in the Senate.

The Althua
Given the violence in the previous parties, the general feel of the party was one of hope.  Winter oppressively forced all the Ven to consider their Food stocks, given the need to ensure all their Vassals were well fed.

Baron Kithranus Yvaria arrived to see Baron Gaius Mwrr at the front of the castle.  While Baron Vance   Vashna spoke with Sapphire to discuss what new gossip they had to share, Baronness Quan Wei Yvarai kept a welcoming front and hoped the party would flow smoothly.  None foresaw the arrival of Duchess Madelyn Yvarai, who was accompanied by her long presumed dead daughter, and Kithranus' wife, Scarlet, Countess of the Crimson Throne.   Given the presence of the Senate in the party, it was clear to Kithranus that his ex-wife was forcing him to either acknowledge they are married, to retain his ties to the House of the Fox, or stick with Sapphire and probably be forced to beg the Houses of his own parents to take him back.

None seemed to notice the arrival of the Baron Reidon Yvarai, who was accompanied by the demon Liliandra, whom all seemed to recognize as the Baron Reidon's wife.  The two had Baron Dano and Obus Sinjin ride with them, and talked much about the many events that have happened so far.  Liliandra senses Reidon's having second thoughts of their deal, but she reminds him he willingly entered this arrangement.  If he really wants her to leave him alone, all he need to do is ask.

All these seemed oblivious to Baron Viktor Krev who was struggling with Ti'Ann Burghe in their attempts to formally begin what would be called a Romance.  Though the events back at Talida Mountain still resonated in the Baron's worries, his interest in Ti'Ann were undeniable and needed to be declared.  A few false starts had them questioning if they were too old to be Romancing each other, but finally, Viktor found the stride and became Predator to Ti'Ann's Prey.  With a Potentially Rank 8 Romance in their hands, Viktor and Ti'Ann were preoccupied most of the night throwing back and forth tiny challenges to each other.

Clearly, that was not destined to last the night.

Kithranus quickly spoke with Casius, a member of the Secret Council of Foxes that seeks to dominate the Senate.  Though they were good friends, Casius warned Kithranus that with MadelynYvarai backing her daughter, no one will "care" to demand facts if her claims of having been a victim of sorcery are true in making her affiliated with the Orks.  Though Kithranus clearly wants to maintain his ties (and marriage) to Sapphire, Casius asks him bluntly, "Is she really worth it?  This woman?"

Quan Wei thankfully collects various Gifts and is a bit amused at Kithranus' predicament.  She is fascinated also by a new guest, a man named Ogio, House of the Boar, whom has been living in the frontier for quite some time.  The man offers his Gift, a song which some realize is using Ork Speech. Quan Wei thanks him and promises to get in touch again.

But eventually, one of the guests, the Earl of Aeldrena, Vishashael Yvarai calls out for everyone to gather and offers to host an event that night in Quan Wei's stead.  "A Wager," the Earl explains.  As he calls Scarlet, Sapphire and a third woman (Lady S) to simply come forward, he declares the wager to be a sword fight among the three.  The first to draw blood will win Kithranus for the evening.  Kithranus wishes to complain but wisely holds his tongue.  Scarlet smiles, sensing victory.  But Sapphire does not plan to lose.  Lady S clearly wants to back out, but not wanting to look like a loser, she requests to concede.  Tower Azure's Sword Industry comes into play as Viktor Krev offers some swords for the women to use.  The battle is short-lived, with Sapphire swinging the blade and scarring Scarlet on the cheek permanently.

"I win," Sapphire tells Scarlet.
"But I..." Scarlet grins, "Get to bring him home afterwards."

Publicly, in a bid to retain his hard earned title and position, Kithranus publically recognizes Scarlet as his wife.  This act wounds Sapphire emotionally, forcing her to withdraw from the party for the nonce.

The night could have ended there.  With the Althua to enjoy a second night.  But no, the fates would be crueler.  The demoness visits Quan Wei, offering a gift.  A promise not to harm her.  But Quan Wei refuses the gift repeatedly, a decision borne from the memories she had learned of while at Talida Mountain.    Gaius attempts to befriend Reidon, but both he and Vance back away when Reidon seems to speak to unseen people, and the reemergence of Yves, his "knight" unnerves them further.

And finally, tragedy.

As Quan Wei and the guests enjoyed the banquet, none saw the discussions between Kithranus and Scarlet. As she began to realize how Kithranus had only used her all these years, his claims to love her fell upon deaf ears.  And when Kithranus opted to walk away, Scarlet's rage blinded her as she drew out her Blood Sword and attempted to kill him.  Kithranus, being the far more skilled one between them, casually kept parrying her blows.  He could not imagine, however, how to disable her without hurting her.

And that's when Sapphire, in a bid to save the man she loved, ran to shield him from Scarlet's blade.  Kithranus dropped his weapon, an unwise decision, as he grabbed Sapphire with both hands, and used his own body to protect her.  But a Blood Sword cleaves through skin, bone and glass without effort.  Only another Blood Sword can parry such a deadly blow.  And as the two fell down, dying, with Kithranus whispering his final words.  Scarlet was far too overcome by grief that she stabs herself in the stomach to join them.

The Dragon.

All were silent, watching as their blood spread upon the ground, marring the large moon design that adorned the floor. Quan Wei remembered a warning told to her, of death coming at a bleeding moon.  And she threw an accusatory glance at the demoness Liliandra, believing her to be behind this.

But she wasn't.  Outside, Gaius Mwrr sees Ti'Ann Burghe, who confides with him the joys of a long drawn out Revenge.  He overhears how she suggests spending Seasons to gain Kithranus', Scarlet's, and Sapphire's trust, but admits she had long sought to have them killed for the atrocities and betrayal she has felt.  Gaius tries to stay calm as he realizes Ti'Ann Burghe was behind it all.  How she whispered to Scarlet to be aware of whether or not Kithranus truly loves her.  And how she gently touched Sapphire's neck as she Moved The Pawn to have Sapphire save Kithranus at the cost of her own life.  Revenge.   Sweet long delayed Revenge.

The Temple

And as the Althua si concluded, Quan Wei and Viktor remember how the Temple of his former wife, Jessica Sinjin, happens to contain the Pearl.  Back during the Autumn, the two found the temple with Josephine Yvarai, whom knew Jessica and Viktor during their younger years.  They learn the Pearl is empowered by the blood of others and with enough sacrifices, can be used to find the Demon and directly go to it.

But with Scarlet, Kithranus and Sapphire dead, the demoness grants Reidon's request and withdraws her help towards him.  Instantly Reidon realizes how hard it is to live without the Demon as she releases her influence on the hold on him and allows the unhealing wound in his palm from the Obsidian Dagger to begin bleeding a new.  Forced to accept her back, Reidon wonders how he can ever get free.

Epilogue One

A Dark Figure growls in frustration.  His favorite pawn has been eliminated and he will have to rethink his plans.  He still believes it is only a matter of time before he, Jaymen Steele, regains a hold over the world.

Epilogue Two

Somewhere in the Frontier, a young Ven learns of his brother's demise.  He decides he may have to step in to assist in this.

Epilogue Three

"You Own What You Hold".  Unfortunately with the deaths of Kithranus and Scarlet, SOMEONE has taken the Provinces.   And since that person is able to "hold it,"  the Ven who snatched the locations, legally owes then.

The Riddle of Blood e06 : Houses of the Blooded

02/02/2013
The Riddle of Blood
Episode Six
"The Insult"

The sixth session was intended to be a celebration as Madelyn Yvarai hosted an Althua to honor Baron Kithranus Yvarai, Senator and Ork Hunter.  Given the party was a very sudden event (something Matt, Kithranus' player, threw in as a Beauty wager in the previous game) the invitation that was given out clarified that a simple Gift was all that was necessary.    Kithranus, of course, was supposed to receive all such gifts.

Of course, the other players scoffed at the idea that Kithranus should deserve such a thing.     This clearly made for an interesting Beauty wager to determine the Things That Are True about the party.

The Party's Things That Are Truth:

People generally don't get the point of the party.
They mostly like him.
Josephine Yvarai is there.
Most of the Senate did not show up.

It was Summer.

Baron Kithranus Yvaria decided to spend some time engaged in an Espionage Action.  He sent out spies to infiltrate his ex-wife, Scarlet, and learned that she spent the Season building what seems to be an army.  He also started construction of a Glass Throne, something which he planned to show off in time in another Althua.  There was some debate as to the new wife, Sapphire, as new facts were stated about her.

Sapphire is not a Fox, but the House of the Fox secretly favor her as she could have been a perfect Fox.  Her mother was a Fox, but having been murdered in cold blood, the Secret Council finds her useful but fears that Kithranus might be her next victim.

Baron Viktor Krev finds new romance blooming with Ti'Ann Burghe's resurfacing.  The two awaken in the shared bed with Ti'Ann reminding him to be present for the party.  When Viktor asks her if she is staying for breakfast, she reminds him, "You haven't Romanced me yet," and throws him a knowing look.  He realizes she will look forward to the Game of Romance in the Party.  The two, however, are clearly out of practice as they stumble and trip on each other's attempts to win the other's attentions.  In the end, they decide to postpone any romances for now and focus on the matter at hand.  A matter that is elaborated further below.

Baron Gaius Mwrr is happy that his lands have recovered from the plague.  He wonders if it is starting to spread in the other Provinces however, given the visitors and messengers he had and had come to his Barony.  He finds himself much amused in the party, but this merriment fades as the matter turns serious when calls for Insult are raised.

Baronness Quan Wei Yvaria finds a glowing mark present upon her brow once again. She wonders on its meaning and learns from her mother that there was once a thing called the Dara.  The Dara was a powerful force that some felt was evil in nature given it was not from the Suaven.  But Quan Wei's mother, Josephine Yvarai, who confesses that an old friend of hers named Jessica Sinjin was touched by the Dara.  She would float, and at times seemingly have the power to heal wounds.  It was believed the Dara was in response to a threat that was beyond the Ven to battle alone.  But their discussion and their attempt to leave is interrupted by a matter of Insult.

The Baron Reidon Yvarai had brought Kithranus' ex-wife Scarlet with him to the party.  Scarlet asks Reidon if he desires to lead the Senate.  And offers him the opportunity to have the power to do so.  "What are you willing to do to get what you want?  Are you willing to sacrifice your dreams?"  He responded, "Anything." And so she handed him an obsidian dagger, told him all it took was to cut himself with it, and to embrace the End Pact and call for, "Liliandra."   Reidon does so.   As the night unfolds, Scarlet and Sapphire meet, with Reidon relishing in introducing the two.  At first Sapphire seemingly has the upper hand, until Scarlet begins to throw question to whether or not she truly is Kithranus' ex-wife.  "If I am recognized to be his wife, then you dear Sapphire are proof of his... affair.  Such an act is not welcome in the Senate halls."   This matter is the catalyst to the cries of Insult.

When the doors slam open as a young Veth drags a bloodied Ven into the Althua, most are aghast.  But the Veth calls for Baron Reidon Yvarai and declares he has achieved the quest given to him.  The man behind the Invasion, Marcellus Steele is dead, and the Veth, Yves, son of Scarlet, wishes to be recognized.

And as it so happens, one of the Vashna is present.

The Insult

Kithranus and Scarlet both call for Insult, and the Vashna present calls for a tribunal to be formed to judge on the matter.  Given the circumstances of the aggrieved, the Senator Quan Wei Yvarai is called to the task. Baron Viktor Krev is also called to the task.  Ti'Ann Burghe too was called to be in the tribunal.  Finally, to determine falsehoods, Gauis Mwrr is called to the task.    Much talk is bandied about, with questions of Yves' actions being called out, whether guilt has been proven, and whether or not Scarlet is recognized as the Yvarai the Senator was once married to.    A few times, Kithranus is over-wrought by anger and speaks out of place, testing the Tribunal's patience.  But when a new voice joins to question the Senator's validity, many stare and gasp at Armand Steele's return.

Long thought dead in the Old Land, Armand Steele, former War General of the Ven, walks into the room and speaks in support of Scarlet's anger.   All stare in shock to see him still alive.  Quan Wei, however, sees not the man but a extremely beautiful ven woman with vibrant red hair that has a white stripe on its middle.  Every motion seems to cry out, "Love me."

Yves and Armand speak of the dead Marcellus to have been building an Ork Army and Armand subtly muses that Kithranus was allied to the man.  He even suggests the Senate can have the Serpents determine falsehood and ask him how his daughter truly died.  Kithranus stares in horror, wondering how he knows of that secret!  The Vashna raises the need for proof, and calls for Dano and Obus Sinjin, whom all remembered to have been given generous gifts of Food by the Baron Kithranus, to check the bodies.  They return, claiming to have seen proof and in agreement of Yves' accusations.  But again, only Quan Wei sees that neither have returned, and she starts to wonder if her being the Dara is related to this incident.

Quan Wei decides to speak up, and Armand Steele recognizes the mark of Dara upon her.  Suddenly, the whole room breaks into chaos as Ven and their personal guards begin attacking one another.  Besieged by attackers none else can see, many of the Ven begin slaughtering each other, as Bloodswords clash and blood splatters with wild abandon.   Scarlet unfurls and allows her Ork side to manifest.  She transforms into a massive Burrower which Armand Steele, now manifest as the beautiful Liliandra, rides with Yves and Reidon to escape the building.  With the commotion, Gauis Mwrr moves to exit the area, using his Ring of Phobos to help him when needed.  He finds a companion in Cavilo Steiner, the man behind the creation of the Airships.   Quan Wei and Viktor Krev are joined by Ti'Ann Burghe and Josephine Yvarai, and the four make their way to Talida Mountain to visit the Suaven Jessica Sinjin, Viktor's wife from the past, in hopes of finding answers.  Kithranus breaks down laughing as the whole room becomes painted red.

The Vasha approches the laughing Kithranus, and admits to him, "I had hoped to... accomplish something else,  but I too am of the Serpent and I can see you were not lying.  You are innocent in these matters.  My... request will wait for now."  When Kithranus asks him to identify himself, he merely mutters, "I am Vashna.  Nothing more."

Elsewhere.  Reidon speaks with Scarlet and Yves, who tell him they have done enough.  "This is where our roads diverge.  Our vengeance is different now from yours.  I thank you..." she glances at Liliandra, "...for being willing."  Reidon does not comprehend much but watches them leave.  Liliandra offers to take his Province away from its current location, admitting the events of the night are sure to have the Senate strip his lands from him.  "All you need to do is ask and I will bring it here."  Reidon does so and finds the forest around him suddenly replaced by his own Province.    "Now what are you willing to do to get what you want?"  Liliandra offers him frightening Strength, sensing it has always been his weakness.  A massive oak tree falls upon them.  Reidon discovers with the Strength this demon has given him, he suddenly has the power to reach out and swat it aside.

"Now, what do you really want?"

The Riddle of Blood e05 : Houses of the Blooded

01/19/2013
The Riddle of Blood
Episode Five
"The Wilderness"

The fifth session began with a major change.  As we were moving forward in the game with one less player from the original group, and one new incoming player, we had to change the flow of the story to compensate of the huge plots that were supposed to be developed by the leaving player.  The story of Armand Steele, and his role in Ven society would have to be shifted out of the focus and thankfully I had just the vehicle to facilitate it in the game.  In the previous game, there was mention of a possible migration of the ven as a whole.  The building of Airships was initiated and to make sure things feel right, I declared that the fifth session was to be set at the start of a new year, now in the new land.   Even better was the fact this game was to be run after the success of John Wick's Kickstarter campaign for the new Houses of the Blooded book, the Wilderness.  So all players were to have the following changes:

1) All players had the freedom to change their Aspects.  
With the passage of two seasons, and the coming of a new Year in a new location, people change.  And this was reflected by all the players having the freedom to tailor their character sheets in a more appropriate way.    This, however, also meant that the temporary and additional Aspects gained in the previous sessions was lost.  Allowing a sort of clean slate for the new player to dive into.

2) All Provinces and Vassals were to be reallocated.
With the introduction of the Wilderness came new regions that the players had the option to take.  The basic rule was as follows:  Players can reallocate their regions, as well as holdings, so long as they retained the number of regions that were present in their Province.  So a ven who had a province composed of three Forests, a Castle, A Town, and two Mountains, with only a Shrine for example can opt to have in the new Province a Castle, a town, a Mountain, two Forests, a Jungle and a Swamp, with the new holding being a Mine in the mountain.

Vassals followed the same rule, with special focus being given on the question, "Are you still with your spouse?"  For those who said yes, we checked for possible pregnancies.  For those who did not, I clarified with the player that the state of their spouse is up for grabs with Wisdom Risks in game.

And to reflect the perils of a new land and the struggles of adjusting to it, I handed out Josh Roby's Trouble Cards to the players.   (Oh and the first two players who showed up got a free Ork Vassal each.  Ork Vassals?!? Unthinkable!)

The New Land

In Tower Azure, the people of Baron Viktor Krev, Blooded of the Falcon are starving.  As he reluctantly opts to distribute the stored Food supplies in his Silo, he receives a visitor in the form of Marcellus Steele, a Merchant Ven who holds no land.  The visitor has come to Viktor to ask for his support in a upcoming attempt to usurp a nearby Barony.  He tells Viktor that he still is watching over his wife, who remains in Talida Mountain with the Pearl in the Shrine.  Viktor agrees to help.  His yellow-eyed hunter, an Ork that obeys him, reveals to Viktor that he is shunned among his own kin.  This suggests a society structure among the Orks previously unheard of.  At the end of the eve, a visitor.  Ti'Ann Burghe has found him, having learned from her friend Gaius of Viktor's survival, and the two share a long delayed delicate kiss.  And an understanding that in their hands stands the task of defeating the Fashuva that had escaped.

In the Red Throne, the people of Kithraus Yvarai, Blooded of the Fox, the people are terrified as they are under attack by Orks.  Hound-like creatures known as the Djjo have been stalking his lands.  He remains a member of the Senate, however, a fact which Lucian Steele, father of the Late Armand Steele, holds evidently against him.  The Senate grants Kithranus his request to become the Ork Hunter of the Senate and many seemingly have stopped wondering about his ex-wife Scarlet.  His new wife Sapphire pulls her own strings and gets approval from the Senate to become the Magus Sister of the Ork Hunter.  Her jealously becomes apparent, however, when they both learn that Scarlet somehow has both survived death, and somehow followed to the new land.  He also learns that the Duchess Madelyn Yvarai, Grandmother of his late wife, has sent out invitations for a party in his honor.

In Wushu, the people of Quan Wei Yvaria, Blooded of the Fox, are rioting.  Quan Wei's Fa Yu, known for their Subtlety, seem to have failed to uncover the leaders of the riot.  Possible suspects are Elliot, a Veth who supposedly was once a Ven poet named Eli Toth, Blooded of the Dragon,  Josephine Yvaria, the Marquis of Lin and her mother, or someone referred to as Yellow Eye, who is a hooded man with yellow eyes.     In hopes of gathering the Resources she needs to quell the riot, she learns of an upcoming party to be held by Bethesda Ashken, mother of her Contact, Gaius Mwrr.     With their son Shan Yu, and their new son, Guan Yu, Quan Wei and her husband Yao Lin, try to keep a low profile given her husband is one of those of the new Houses.  Long thought to be a Bear, he turned out to be of a different House altogether.

In Schlangeturn, the people of Gaius Mwrr, Blooded of the Snake, are suffering from a plague called the Platinum Death.  The plague seems to affect only Veth and Orks.  Uncertain how to resolve this, Gaius visits Quan Wei and learns from her that the plague can be healed through rest, a prayer to Talia, and sipping a tea which Quan Wei herself knows how to make.    However, not having the necessary herbs, Gaius thanks her and visits another old friend, Ti'Ann Burghe, the former Bronze Inquisitor.   She is now a Countess and introduces Gauis to her Ork Witch, who reveals to Gaius the cure, in exchange for his True Name.  The Curse, it so happens, is merely rest, however, the plague is carried by the Ven as well.  And so, unless one locks themselves in their individual rooms, the plague will not consume itself and stop so long as the chain of reinfections keep happening.

Finally, in Sun Castle, the people of Reidon Yvaria, Blooded of the Fox, are living in fear for the land is being invaded.  Uncertain who is behind the assault, Reidon attends the Senate to petition for help.  Being a young Baron, Reidon is unaware of how his inability to protect his own lands opens him to be stripped of his own Barony as per the Ven law, "What you hold, you keep."  As he waits for his turn to speak, one of the Vashna petitions for help.  He hands Reidon a letter meant for Gauis Mwrr, which Reidon opens and sees is a request to ask for Revenge against the Crimson Inquisitor, Kithranus Yvaria.  The man, it turns out, is Zhul, one of Gaius' brothers.  Reidon returns home, uncertain how to deal with the issues, when a visitor happens to come to his Castle.  The beautiful woman reveals her naked body, and asks him to allow her son, Yves, to be a knight under his barony.  And in exchange, he will learn of who is behind the assault.

With the stories of the new land, one can clearly see that the path of the tales are headed towards the upcoming two parties:  the one held by the Duchess Madelyn Yvaria, and the one held by Bethesda Ashken.

And somewhere, an escaped Fallen among the Suaven plots and plans for his rise back into power.

The Riddle of Blood e04 : Houses of the Blooded

11/11/2012
The Riddle of Blood
Episode Four
"Names"

The fourth session opened with the coming of Summer.  Only four of the five players could make it, though, so things were definitely going to be different.  The immense advantage of having Contacts became quickly apparent as the players declared their Season Actions in each other's Castles.

Rocky, as Gaius Mwrr, has begun taking the steps to building an Opera House.
Arj, as the newly released Viktor Krev, having claimed Talia Mwrr's Domain as her own, has finally hired a Caravan to assist in Resource management.
Matt, as Kithranus Yvarai, attempted to prepare the Banquet in hopes of hosting a Party.  But his attempt failed.
Princess, as Quan Wei Yvarai, on the other hand successfully created a Banquet with the potential of making it even more wonderful.  Invitations to her Winter Party have been sent out to all the nearby Ven.

As new Senators, Kithranus and Quan Wei take part in a number of debates in the Senate Hall.  Among the debates of note were the reemergence of Ti'Ann Burghe, who all had presumed to be dead.  As it turns out, Ti'Ann Burge had been imprisoned in a Puzzle House by her own daughter.  A tulpa had been created of her, then used as a puppet to further her own motives.  Now seeking to regain her power, she entered the halls of the Senate to demand that Valentina Sinjin, Blooded of of the Falcon and Baroness of Grindle, return to her both title and lands.  As the two debated publicly the matter, Kithranus stepped into the discussions and attempted to sway others into opposing Ti'Ann Burghe's words.  But the young senator had overstepped in his actions and ended up becoming the focus of Ti'Ann's words.  Even if the former Bronze Inquisitor claimed to have never met Kithranus before, the Crimson Inquisitor still addressed her as if stung by how the previous tulpa had treated him.  But even as Ti'Ann Burghe attempted to sway the Senate to have the Crimson Inquisitor investigate her claims of knowing where the Mother of Monsters resides, Kithranus' debating skills triumphed over hers and won instead the Senate's vote.

But in private, Kithranus found himself in discussions with a smaller group of Senators.  Composed of Dukes, and Earls, with Madelyn Yvarai (Kithranus' Mother-in-law most notably), the private circle warns Kithranus that his actions have inadvertently declared they would ignore Ti'Ann Burghe's warnings, and her plans of creating her own Senate would allow them the reason to execute those that gather under her banner as her Private Army.

Quan Wei Yan fears for her husband, who grows more despondent with every passing night.  Ever since The Night, the former Veth has struggled to accept his new condition.  She even reaches out to speak with her own mother, Josephine Yvarai who seems absent-minded and confused most of the time.  But when Quan Wei stands to leave the table, Josephine pulls her back to sit down, and talks about her special earring that allows her to reap certain benefits.  Fearing her own mother practices Sorcery, Quan Wei warns her mother that to practice Sorcery without a License is punishable in the eyes of the Senate.  Quietly, she responds by using a Ritual known as The Rose, then tells her daughter that she knows of a group that seeks to replace the current Senate.  "If you choose to be party to this, you shall let me know."

In the Azure Tower, Viktor Miklos Krev finds a visitor at his home.  The Serpent, Gauis Mwrr had come to visit, hoping to ask questions.  Earlier in the day, Gauis and his husband spoke openly of their concerns and fears.  Vance had slowly begun to regain what seemed to be long lost memories, and among them was the realization he was Blooded of the Horse.  Vance Vashna was his long forgotten name.  Gauis had hoped Viktor could help share more information on who Moryandal Vashna was, and why Vance would have such memories of him.  During their conversation, however, a second guest came demanding Viktor's audience:  Melinda Mwrr, mother of the late Talia Mwrr.

The mother inquires about Viktor's assumption of her daughter's estate, and rather than question Viktor more on it, simply asks that she be allowed to claim one thing that she states is rightfully hers.  Viktor agrees, and the three begin walking further into the grounds to the garden where a massive tree stands.  To Gauis' shock, another shrine to the Horse is found, but this time, Melinda Mwrr seems to know about it.  She escorts the three inside, then draws a necklace from beneath her clothes.  When Viktor asks what she is planning to take, she holds the necklace to his face and asks Gaius to avert his eyes.  "I take what is meant for me alone: the memory of this place."  Viktor is affected by the Artifact's power, and is lead outside while in his daze.  Gauis sees the value in staying close to his family, and is told that the Veiled Houses are gathering.  There is talk of a new Senate to be forged for them.  Viktor later awakes to realize he had dozed off while talking with Melinda Mwrr.  She excuses herself for overstaying and leaves, with Viktor none wiser of the shrine beneath his feet.

Kithranus' returns home to see his wife in further degeneration.  Her skin is marked with cracks and horrible tears, as if her body was aging.. destroying itself.  She asks him if he is still beautiful and asks him to kiss her. When she notices him recoil, she feels a moment of weakness and admits to him she has not been honest to him.  For the longest time, Kithranus believed Yvonne was their own daughter.  Instead she was the daughter of Circe with another man.  Now, she comes forward to admit a second truth:  she had not been failing to have more children with Kithranus.  She tells him how they actually do have children and she has not been straight-forward to him.  As he tries to comprehend what she means, she uses the secret Devotion she holds to Mahl to make things clear:  the Huge, mantis-like Orks with Sharp Limbs, Flying ability and a Cocoon to protect itself are their children.  And one of them, the Ork seen during the Althua, remains imprisoned beneath Castle Grindle.

Gaius discovers a visitor waiting for him back at his castle.  The infamous landless Ti'Ann Burghe stands at the gates and asks for an audience with Vance, Gauis' husband.  The two welcome her inside and learn from her the plans of creating a new Senate.  "The name Democracy seems to have a nice ring to it."  She seeks to create a representation for all the Veiled Houses.  Gaius offers her space in his own Domain to hold office, an act which Ti'Ann graciously accepts.  As the three continue discussing the possible future of Sharni, Ti'Ann mentions that the dream was once shared by another man.  This man, whom she refuses to name, had to embrace the ultimate sacrifice to save Shanri from one of the Fashuva.  A Fallen Suaven, the stories say, had found a means to embrace physical form.  The hero grappled the Fashuva and pulled it into the mirror prison of a Puzzle House.  There, a Sorcerous Oath was embraced:  So long as none mentioned this man's name, the Fashuva would remain imprisoned.  Before the night ends, however, one more surprise arrives at their doorstep.  The Vashna appaer, marching in what appear to be the hundreds, and stand before the gates.  When asked if they have come on the behest of the Senate, the Vashna remain silent.  But when asked if they have sworn to uphold what remains best for the greater good, they slam their spears against their shields.  "It would seem," Ti'Ann Burghe mutters to the others, "We have a Private Army."

Quan Wei Yvarai recevies a visit from Viktor Krev, who seems intent in getting a License.  She warns him of what getting such a Document entails, and finds her concern suffocating.  He becomes uncertain if it would be best not to get one instead.  As he returns home, however, he finds a guest waiting for him.  Ti'Ann Burghe stares as he approaches, and eventually asks, "Do you remember me?"  When Viktor admits not being able to do so, claiming to have had muddled memories as of the late, Ti'Ann looks forlorn and stares into the distance.  Viktor asks why she has come to visit and she asks him to accompany him to some part of the Domain.  As they travel, they find a massive Tree where a stone door rises from the earth.  Leading Viktor inside, Ti'Ann was about to turn and explain to Viktor why this place existed when she instead meets the terrible Blood Sword in his hands.  Stabbed in her stomach, Ti'Ann drops to the floor and sees the armed Viktor leering at her with glee.  An alien voice speaks, taunting her of dying alone with no one ever learning the secret she keeps.  Seeing two paths before her, one where she dies and leaves the Ven to learn and deal with the Fashuva threat all alone, and the other where she makes things worse but gets the opportunity to inform others of the truth, she chooses the latter.  She calls out, "Viktor Miklos Leeto Krev!" and the man flings himself backwards from her as a dark Spectre tears away from his very heart.  As the Fashuva escapes into the night, Viktor drops to the ground and realizes he has been freed from his wavering memories.  As Ti'Ann feels death creep to her, she tells him of the fallen Suaven, Jaymen Steele, who once attempted to name himself Emperor, and tells him it is up to them now to stop the threat.  Unwilling to have her die, Viktor prays to the shrine before him and asks the Horse to allow him a means to save her.  He finds  these strange herbs in the shrine, which when plucked erupt with unexpected fire.  He uses the plant to cauterize her wounds, and holds her close afterwards as she falls unconscious out of sheer pain.

*

Matt got to experience the rules of Debate, and nearly found himself in the losing side.  Luckily he rolled far better than Ti'Ann Burghe did.

Viktor on the other hand has chosen to embrace a new Devotion.  Which of his current ones would be thrown aside remains to be seen.

The Season Actions continue to become more exciting for the players.  Many already are looking forward to hosting massive parties, and building better Holdings.

For the final scene with Ti'Ann Burghe, I had the four players vote as to what action she would take.  Thankfully, they chose that she make thing worse but survive. It meant more drama for the game as a whole.

And lastly, the political conspiracies have begun, giving the game the feel of shows like Rome and Game of Thrones.  I am excited to see what further direction the game will take.