The Book of Visitations of Glory

Issue Four | Autumn 2001

A Hot Time in Fasíltum

by Krista Donnelly

Author’s Introduction

I’ve run this scenario twice and identified some weaknesses with it, though both groups had a fun time. Both chose to turn to the Vríddi with their knowledge of the murder much more quickly than I anticipated which brought in Méshmuel that much sooner. Once Méshmuel is on the scene, he can easily dominate the PCs unless the players are imaginative or don’t play entirely true to character.

Neither group decided to use the summoning plaques to summon anyone for questioning, perhaps deterred by the natural question of how (given their lowly status) they would question anyone who came. The second group did pass on information about Senértha’s murder to the Palace of War (through telling the waiting clerk) and Sea Blue (by sending a slave who was being run as an NPC) early enough that both arrived by the end of the scenario, dramatically altering the outcome.

Interestingly enough, both groups attempted to make Béshmu the scapegoat, even though in the second group Darkán (Béshmu’s natural antagonist) was being run as an NPC.

In the end, the first group ended up with Treshélmu revivified, Osumétlu walking away free (though I’ve altered his reactions since these two sessions), and Méshmuel deciding he was going to try and blame Senértha for poisoning the wine so as to escape paying shámtla to Sea Blue. Part of the roof garden also ended up destroyed as a frustrated Méshmuel decided to try out the other eyes “just in case.” The second group also had Treshélmu revivified and couldn’t pin down Osumétlu. However, they exposed Méshmuel’s theft of Senértha’s eyes to the Sea Blue elder which led to Vríddi and Sea Blue deciding to forgive and forget and cooperate together to gain the most benefit from their respective eyes.

Referee’s Introduction

This scenario is set in Fasíltum in 2361 A.S. as Prince Mirusíya is beginning his Northeastern campaign through Milumanaya to attack Yán Kór from behind. This is not essential to the action and can be altered as the referee sees fit. The core event of this scenario is the murder of the player characters' mistress Senértha hiTánkolel. Unraveling what happened will be tricky as there’s more to the murder than meets the eye. In addition, the PCs will be distracted by their personal concerns and by the interference of a Vríddi clan-elder who greatly desires one of Senértha’s possessions.

Introduction

Who would have thought the life of the bureaucrat to be so exhausting? Senértha hiTánkolel, a member of the prestigious Sea Blue clan, exemplifies the hectic schedule of a 15th Circle Aridani bureaucrat in the Palace of War. As a Regional Superintendent of the Disposition of the Palace of War’s Monies and Supplies she is constantly on the move verifying the needs and field conditions of the Seal Emperor’s legions. Unfortunately for you, she oversees the northern region. And in the year 2361 A.S., in the midst of a raging war against Yán Kór, the northern region is not a safe place. Fasíltum is even less safe as Hirkáne hiTlakotáni prepares to open a new Northeastern front under the guidance of his newly revealed son Mirusíya, of the Vríddi clan. Naturally, Senértha has chosen to travel next to Fasíltum, taking you even further from the comfort and safety of a Sea Blue clanhouse in a reasonable city, like, say, Béy Sü. But you must accompany her wherever she chooses to go as you are her personal slave retinue.

You arrived in Fasíltum late at night the day before last. Rather than staying at the Palace of War or the Sea Blue clanhouse, Senértha came to the main Vríddi clanhouse. You don’t know if it’s merely a political gesture or signifies something else. She does have a Vríddi lover, but she has a lover in nearly every noble clan in the empire. Whatever the reason, you were obviously expected as a spacious set of rooms had been set aside for your use.

Yesterday, Senértha got down to business. Operating out of her rooms in the clanhouse, she began receiving visitors early in the morning. A steady stream of forgettable clerks came and went from the Palace of War until lunch. After breaking for a leisurely private lunch spent poring over some volume from her baggage, Senértha began receiving visitors again. Her afternoon callers were more distinguished. The clan-master of High Tower arrived, gift in hand, and was closeted with her briefly. High Tower is only a low-status clan but he was the clan-master! Then a man wearing the clan emblems of Sword of Fire paid a visit. They spoke behind closed doors for several kírens before he strode briskly out. Lastly, a Dritlán from the Legion of the Storm of Fire came and spent a short time with her. By late afternoon, business seemed to be concluded.

The evening was spent attending a Vríddi feast. Three of you entertained there to some success: Timúna, singing an epic while accompanied on the ténturen by Chémyal and Rachán. Afterwards, Senértha retired alone to the roof garden with a Vríddi man, Treshélmu, whom you've seen before several times over the last few years.

Now it’s the dawn of another day.

Player Characters

You were born and raised as the slave of a Cloak of Azure Gems clan member. Three months ago, this man got involved in a particularly high stakes game of tsahltén. To make his bet, he put you up and then promptly lost. You were won by a beautiful lady, Senértha hiTánkolel of Sea Blue clan. Privately, you've had doubts about that game since it was her slave, Kómek, who was doing the judging. But you don’t really care since Senértha immediately took a liking to you and added you to her retinue as a second concubine. Her other concubine, Darkán, is getting older, and you can tell that he’s extremely jealous. He should be: Senértha clearly prefers you.

You've spent your free time carefully observing Senértha’s patterns and the other slaves. She’s obviously a woman of influence, and you suspect there’s more going on than appears on the surface. For instance, why does she travel without personnel from the Palace of War? Why use a personal slave scribe instead of a clerk from the Palace? Why hire litter-bearers in every city instead of using the Palace’s? Why neglect to keep any guards around, save when travelling between cities? You don’t have any answers to your questions, but you'd love to be able to satisfy your curiosity.

Additional Information
1. The night you arrived in Fasíltum (the day before yesterday), you shared Senértha’s sleeping mat.

2. You have a key to Senértha’s chest of money and permission to spend it if you feel you need something.

Goals
1. Search Senértha’s belongings to see if anything there explains her actions.

2. Make Darkán, the other concubine, look like the fool that he is.

You have served the Sea Blue clan for your entire life, as have your parents and siblings. Sea Blue fed you, clothed you, educated you and watched over you. Once when you were young, you accidentally ran into a man in the marketplace. Enraged, he came at you with dagger drawn while you cowered at his feet. But before he could strike, a Sea Blue clansman rushed over and stopped him with a few well-chosen words. This incident has always exemplified the nobility of Sea Blue in your mind.

You were trained by the clan as a scribe, and you have created meticulous documents for many within Sea Blue over the years. You were honored when Senértha added you to her retinue years ago rather than procuring a clerk from the Palace of War. She has always been demanding but fair. You don’t associate much with the other slaves as they are beneath you. You're especially uneasy about Kómek, the tsahltén judge. You've heard that his clan sold him into slavery as punishment for murdering a fellow clan member. What kind of depraved person would deliberately lose their clan membership? For Senértha’s sake, you do try your best to keep the others in line. But it isn't easy.

Additional Information
1. You carry Senértha’s supply of summoning plaques that she sends when she wants to arrange a meeting with someone. There are two types, the "work" plaque that contains the glyph of the Palace of War on one side and the Sea Blue glyph with an "S" on the other side. The "personal" plaque substitutes the Sea Blue glyph for the Palace of War one.

2. You acted as a chamberlain yesterday, announcing and admitting all the guests. The clerks from the Palace of War who came in the morning are all a blur. But in the afternoon, you remember that Túlkesh, the High Tower clan-master, arrived and left very happy. Osumétlu, from Sword of Fire, arrived cordially but left looking upset. The Dritlán was tense when he arrived and very angry as he stormed out.

Goals
1. Serve Senértha to the best of your ability.

2. Keep the others from getting into trouble.

You and your twin brother Rachán were born slaves to the Sea Blue clan. Your mother was a slave but your father was a Sea Blue clan member. That’s given the two of you a few breaks. When you both showed some musical talent, you were trained as ténturen musicians instead of becoming cooks or body-servants or litter-bearers or concubines. The ténturen is a 12 stringed instrument with two resonance chambers. It requires one person to finger the strings and another to pluck them with metal finger-picks. Yours is a fine instrument made of dark, polished wood. You finger the strings while Rachán plucks them.

Despite being your profession, music has never really interested you. That was never a problem before you were assigned to Senértha’s retinue and had to team up with Timúna, the epic singer who accompanies your playing. Besides being pretentious (Who cares that her father was Sea Blue? The clan certainly doesn’t.), she assumes far too much ‘authority’. She wants to practice continually, learning new songs, in a futile quest for perfection. Why after your last performance together, she even had the gall to complain that your ténturen was out of tune. It was, slightly, but only because the strings need replacing. You need to ask Senértha for some money to get new ones. You've put it off, hoping that you'll return in time to a clanhouse where you can just speak to a steward about it. Frankly, Senértha intimidates you. But no matter what, you need new strings before your next performance.

Additional Information
1. After your concert last night, Senértha said she wanted to talk with you this morning.

Goals
1. Don’t be embarrassed in a performance.

2. Don’t let Timúna, the epic singer, push you around

Up until the age of four, you happily played and worked with the other children of Red Moon. But then the harvest failed for the third year in a row. Starvation loomed large in the clanhouse, and you were chosen as one of the children to be sold into slavery so that the others might live. You never knew if you did anything wrong or if it was just the capriciousness of Lord Hrü’ü. Fortunately, the slaver from the Collar of Bronze was able to re-sell you quickly and you ended up with Sea Blue.

At Sea Blue, you never lacked for food. And as you grew, you developed a fine physique and classically handsome features. By your late teens, you were singled out to become a concubine. You belonged to Lady Litheni for ten years before she tired of you and traded you to Senértha. You've been with Senértha for seven years now. Frankly, your duties have always been light. Senértha has many lovers, almost one in every city, and you seem to be partly ornamentation and partly a travelling mat-warmer. This suits you just fine as it leaves you free to do virtually whatever you want.

Your only worry is that she’ll tire of you as well. Then what? You're old enough that maybe another lady won’t want you. You dread the thought of becoming a menial again. Your main competition is Béshmu, the new concubine. Senértha won him in a tsahltén match that Kómek judged several months ago. He’s younger, cockier and sleeps with her more often. If you can get rid of him (how fair a judge was Kómek?) or get him to fall from grace, your position will be much more secure.

Additional Information
You know that Senértha travels without bodyguards because she feels protected by the four Eyes she carries. You can recognize on sight the one that protects her from attacks since she used it once on the Sákbe road. You think you can recognize the one that shoots out lightning. You're not as certain on that one because you were scrambling for cover by then. You don’t know what the other two do. You never saw her use them.

Goals
1. Either get rid of Béshmu or blacken his reputation in some fashion

2. Enjoy yourself. You like musical performances; see if you can sit in on Timúna while she practices with the ténturen musicians.

You have never been so unhappy in your life. What did you do to deserve this fate? Your life had been going so well. You were the son and grandson and great-grandson of slaves owned by Sea Blue. In fact, they for have owned your family so long that there’s no memory left of any previous existence. When you proved to be both handsome and especially agile, you were sent to Jakálla and trained in the most popular and refined styles of dance. Dancing was always a joy and delight to you. You were showered with compliments by the finest of people, and enjoyed many liaisons with your fellow dancers. (How helpful that so many of them worshipped Dlamélish rather enthusiastically.)

But then a year ago Senértha hiTánkolel attended one of your performances. It went magnificently. Then several days later, the clan steward came to you and told you that Senértha had requested you as part of her retinue. She was apparently a rising star for the clan and so her request was granted. It made no sense to you. You don’t perform alone. Your style always requires at least one partner. And yet, while Senértha had a singer and two musicians traveling with her, there were no other dancers. You have yet to be asked to perform a dance. This made you afraid that she really wanted you for another concubine (you’re homosexual), but she made no motions in that direction. Instead, you are ignored and seem to have been forgotten. This has depressed you greatly. You have to do something because you don’t think you can stand this any longer.

Goals
1. Get someone who appreciates dancers to buy you from Senértha.

2. If you can’t do that, at least get the other slaves to pay some attention to you.

How oddly the Weaver has woven your skein! Once you had a clan. You were a proud member of Green Opal. You had a wife. (Have a wife? You never really knew if a divorce was filed at the Palace of the Realm. It must have been.) It wasn’t your fault. It was Qólmu’s. He’s the one who claimed he was the better weaver. He’s the one who was so clumsy that he hit his head when you gave him a well-deserved shove. And he’s the one who had the ill grace to die instead of just being injured. But you’re the one who got blamed for it all. The clan elders conspired against you, revoked your clan membership and sold you into slavery.

That was 14 years ago. Sea Blue purchased you very cheaply. You should have become a litter-bearer or someone else involved in heavy labor, but a son of an elder had a fancy of becoming the talk of the town through his exciting tsahltén matches. So he picked a couple dozen slaves to send over to the Clan of the Balanced Stone to see if any had a facility for learning how to judge tsahltén. To your amazement, you were one of the few selected to finish out the training. It was long and difficult, but you eventually became an accomplished judge. You only ended up working for the elder’s son for less than a year before he grew bored and lost interest. Then you were hired out for special occasions until you were assigned to Senértha’s retinue several years ago. She travels frequently for the Palace of War and attends parties at almost every stop. Drinking, gambling at tsahltén and keeping a string of lovers seem to be her favorite pastimes. You've done a lot of judging for her. Not three months ago, you judged the contest in which she won her latest concubine, Béshmu. This seems to have been some kind of blow to Béshmu’s pride. You don’t know why. He’s a slave; what did he expect? But you keep a careful eye on him in case he tries to get some kind of revenge.

Additional Information
1. Tsahltén is a popular form of gambling. Of Mu’ugalavyáni origin, it involves tossing a handful of colored sticks into the air and "making the pattern" one has called. A professional judge is usually required to determine whether the figure has been "made", "not made", or "neither made nor not made" according to very complex rules. A thrower who makes his pattern wins any wagers he has ventured according to the odds for each figure. Those who have bet on his success also win. All bets must be covered by other players. Béshmu’s former owner bet his slave that he could make a very difficult pattern. Senértha covered his bet with Darkán (Darkán does not know this). He didn’t make the pattern, and Senértha walked away with Béshmu.

2. You've taken a liking to the cook Sitláya. But she seems to be shy and doesn’t spend much time with the other slaves.

Goals
1. Keep track of what Béshmu is up to.

2. Try to get Sitláya to spend some time with you.

You and your twin brother Chémyal were born slaves to the Sea Blue clan. Your mother was a slave but your father was a Sea Blue clan member. That’s given the two of you a few breaks. When you both showed some musical talent, you were trained as ténturen musicians instead of becoming cooks or body-servants or litter-bearers or concubines. The ténturen is a 12 stringed instrument with two resonance chambers. It requires one person to finger the strings and another to pluck them with metal finger-picks. Yours is a fine instrument made of dark, polished wood. You pluck the strings while Chémyal fingers them.

Lately, your profession has become much more interesting to you. Rather than just doing enough to get by, as your twin Chémyal does, you've developed a desire to expand your repetoire. When Timúna, the epic singer, suggested learning the Khéiris Recension of the 'Lament to the Wheel of Black', you were thrilled. Of course, maybe that’s because you would then have to spend many close hours in practice with Timúna. It hasn't escaped your notice that she’s beautiful. In fact, you can think of many activities that you'd to practice with her. If only Chémyal didn’t seem to go out of his way to irritate her, you might get somewhere.

Additional Information
After your concert last night, Senértha said she wanted to talk with you in the morning.

Goals
1. Spend as much time with Timúna as possible.

2. Keep the peace between Chémyal and Timúna.

The Weaver of Skeins has not dealt kindly with you. You were born and raised in the Green Stone clan, a low status but honorable position in Tsolyáni society. You grew up working steadily around the clanhouse, always there to lend a hand when needed. You enjoyed spending time with your clan cousins, waiting slightly impatiently for the day when your marriage would be arranged. After all, you were already 14. And then you met him. Hóru came into the clanhouse when his family came up from Penom. You fell madly in love with him, but he wouldn’t even look at you, not even for a short dalliance. So you decided to attract his attention. You wanted to present him with a fine present. Since you lacked the money to buy one, you decided to just help yourself. Surely the merchant wouldn’t miss just one?

The thread the Weaver wove turned out to be grey, not black, as you were merely sold into slavery for the theft and not impaled. For the last 12 years you have labored for Sea Blue as a kitchen worker and then a cook. You’ve slowly evolved a plan for how to get out of slavery. You will accumulate enough money to bribe a Sea Blue slave overseer into letting you buy your freedom. You'll tell him you got the money from your old clan. Then, when you return home, you'll tell Green Stone that Sea Blue released you as a reward for good service. Then you life will finally be set back to rights.

You've been getting the money through clever management of your resources. When you go out on your food shopping expeditions, you always choose the more reasonably priced ingredients and then bargain hard for them. You then pocket the difference between what you were allotted and what you actually spent.

Additional Information
You made two food shopping expeditions yesterday: once in the morning and again in the afternoon. Two Vríddi bearer slaves (Sivusé and Hémeth) accompanied you and carried your purchases. You saved 4 hlásh yesterday! A good day.

Goals
1. Continue to quietly accumulate money.

2. Don’t get distracted, especially by a man. Men have been enough trouble already.

This trip to Fasíltum is your first time working for Senértha. She has a fearsome reputation of going through body-servants quickly. The other slaves whisper that the first wrong move quickly brings down curses and beatings on your head. Second offenses tend to bring banishment to latrine duties or worse. Consequently, you have kept your head low and been very attentive. This has left you exhausted from lack of sleep, but you’ve yet to earn her ire. You're not sure how long you can keep this up though.

If you weren't so intimated by Senértha, you would try to gain her favor by pointing out a few of the small things you've noticed so far. Like, the cook is stealing from her. She bargains hard in the market and buys inferior foodstuffs and then pockets for herself the hlásh that she saves. Or, that the new concubine Béshmu is a spy for Cloak of Azure Gems. He’s always sneaking around and trying to poke in Senértha’s belongings when he thinks no one is watching. You bet his last owner deliberately lost that tsahltén match just so he could get someone inside Senértha’s household. And who knows what Timúna, the epic singer is up to? She seems to be trying to subvert the musicians, always holding secret conferences with them. Maybe they're planning to try and embarrass Senértha at their next performance.

Additional Information
Your arms are still tired from fanning Senértha all day yesterday as she received visitors and worked. You paid no mind to the faceless little clerks who came in the morning. The afternoon, however, was more interesting. You disliked the Sword of Fire visitor, Osumétlu hiArusá. He was pathetic, wanting to re-start a romance that Senértha cast aside years ago. And he was rude. He didn’t give Senértha her gift (a bottle of wine) until he was ready to leave. A gentleman gives gifts when he arrives. And then there was the Dritlán. He scared you. He seemed very upset about some contract. At one point, you thought he might hit her.

Goals
1. Make yourself look better by pointing out the failings of your fellow slaves.

2. Keep up your good work at your job so Senértha doesn’t decide to do something awful.

You have led a privileged life as a slave. You were born into Sea Blue’s ownership, your mother having been a life-long slave to the clan. By the time you realized that the other slave children were already hard at work while you were still at your lessons, you figured out that your father was a Sea Blue clan member. You suspect that you know who he is, but your mother’s never said anything, and he’s never acknowledged you. Intellectually, you know the clan will never offer you membership, but secretly you still dream about it. To go in one leap from being nakomé to being a member of the most prestigious clan short of the Tlakotani!

As it is, you are very valuable. You turned out to have a fine voice as well as an excellent memory. Consequently, you were trained as an epic singer and frequently perform at clan feasts and for private audiences. For the last three years, you have been attached to the retinue of Senértha hiTánkolel. While you appreciate the opportunity to see the empire, you would prefer to remain in Béy Sü where you could build your reputation by performing for larger audiences. As it is, you make the best of a mediocre situation by trying to expand your repertoire as much as possible. For instance, you need to learn the Khéiris Recension of the "Lament to the Wheel of Black." All the most popular singers know it. It’s a disgrace that you haven’t mastered it yet.

Unfortunately, you’re also being held back by your accompanists. Chémyal and Rachán, the twin brothers who play the ténturen while you sing are growing increasingly lax. They seem to have decided that they no longer need to practice. In fact, their ténturen was even out of tune during the last performance! You're going to have to set them straight before they start making you look bad.

Additional Information
After your concert last night, Senértha said she wanted to talk with you in the morning.

Goals
1. Have a rehearsal session with Chémyal and Rachán, and make sure the ténturen is in tune.

2. Enhance your reputation by giving a successful performance.

Non-Player Characters

1. Senértha hiTánkolel
15th Circle Aridáni Palace of War Bureaucrat, Sea Blue, Hnálla

Senértha is a Regional Superintendent of the Disposition of the Palace of War’s Monies and Supplies. She oversees the logistics of the armies, handing out appropriate contracts, determining the allocation of supplies, evaluating future needs and so forth. Though there are plentiful opportunities for graft, she is nearly as honest as one can be at her level. That is, she signs corrupt contracts only when forced to by political necessity. Determination to keep her hands clean and a certain perverse pleasure in frustrating the ambitions of others has led her to rely mainly on Sea Blue-trained slaves rather than clerks and other personnel from the Palace of War. This also allows her to conduct her affairs with a measure of privacy that others in the higher Circles have lost. Her skill and clan status have led to her eccentricities being tolerated.

Senértha has no husbands, but does keep two concubines and a string of lovers. This habit has finally proved her undoing. Treshélmu hiVríddi met her at a party two years ago and was smitten with her. He’s traveled to various cities to meet her where she works. Senértha found this amusing and encouraged him. At the time, he was a Dritlán in the Legion of Searing Flame, but recently he left to run security for the Vríddi in Fasíltum. Treshélmu did this out of clan loyalty, but Senértha despised it as a sign of cowardice.

When Treshélmu invited her to stay at the Vríddi clanhouse after he heard that she was coming to Fasíltum on business, he did so with the intention of asking her to marry him. Senértha accepted his offer in order to observe the inner workings of their clan and reject him to his face. The confrontation came during their private tête-à-tête in the roof garden yesterday evening. Senértha’s contemptuous refusal of his proposal so enraged the hot-blooded Treshélmu that he seized his ceremonial dagger and stabbed her to death.

Ironically, Treshélmu killed her only hours before she would have died from drinking the poisoned wine that Osumétlu had given her.

The PCs will not discover her death until they try and find her in the morning.

Possessions
It’s very likely that different characters will try and ransack Senértha’s apartment. Her personal belongings of note are as follows:

A. Small collection of eyes:
Eye of Being an Unimpeachable Shield Against Foes
Eye of Calling Forth an Unconquerable Army
Eye of Strengthening the Majesty of Weapons
Terrible Eye of Raging Power

The Eye of Being an Unimpeachable Shield Against Foes provides immunity for 20 combat rounds from all blunt or edged weapons for as many as four people. It doesn’t protect against spells, Eyes, or other magical devices. The effect is not immediately obvious.

The Eye of Calling Forth an Unconquerable Army contains an army of up to 100 automatons that are called forth from another plane. If there is ongoing combat when they are summoned, they will fight whomever the holder of the eye orders them to for 20 combat rounds. If there is no combat, they will wait for an order to attack. If no order is forthcoming within 20 combat rounds, they will return to their plane.

The Eye of Strengthening the Majesty of Weapons permanently enhances the effectiveness of weapons and armor. The effect is not immediately obvious.

The Terrible Eye of Raging Power blasts a charge of electricity up to a range of 100 feet. Its beam is a circle roughly 10 feet in diameter and thus can hit 1-10 beings at once. If fired in close quarters, it will rebound upon the user.

B. Letter of complaint from Dlamúz hiSérekel disputing the fairness of a call during a tsahltén match. It contains a threat of bringing a suit before the Palace of the Realm. (Dlamúz is Béshmu’s former owner.)

C. Two bottles of dark purple dlél-fruit wine. One is marked with the seal of the Arch of Heaven; it was a gift yesterday from Túlkesh hiFershéna, the High Tower clan-master. The other bears the seal of Weeping Stone and is a gift from the Dritlán of the Legion of Storm of Fire who also visited yesterday.

Note that the third bottle of wine, the one from the Glory of the Worm, which was given to Senértha yesterday by her old Sword of Fire lover Osumétlu hiArusá is missing. Senértha and Treshélmu drank from this bottle during their rendezvous in the roof garden.

D. Contract between the Palace of War and the High Tower clan and the Iron Fist clan. It commissions chlén-hide from High Tower and smithing services from Iron Fist. Iron Fist signed a month ago; High Tower signed yesterday (the purpose of the clan-master’s visit).

This contract is corrupt. The Palace of War is paying 25% more than normal and ordering twice as much as they should need. The clan-master of High Tower in Fasíltum is the brother-in-law to the governor’s brother (his sister became the man’s fifth wife). The governor has thus insisted on this clan as the supplier of chlén-hide. High Tower inflated the price. Senértha knows that their quality is poor (they seem to be cutting corners in the tanning process to make it go faster) and that weapons and armor made from this chlén-hide will fail more often than normal. Thus, she has ordered twice as much as normal so as to insure that replacements will be on hand.

F. Contract commissioning the transport of supplies during the Milumanaya campaign. Signed by the clans who are a party to it:
Golden Sapphire (foodstuffs)
Black Pinnacle (foodstuffs)
Weeping Stone (wine and liquor)
Turning Wheel (transport of goods)

This is a major contract that needs to be registered at the Palace of War before it is in force. It will profit all the signatories greatly so they will be very upset if it’s lost and has to negotiate again.

G. Supply of herbs: lisútl root (a contraceptive), tsúral buds (medicine), powdered hmíss-weed bark (medicine), twists of hnequ-weed (a mild stimulant that’s chewed).

H. A book, "Korunkoi hiChanmismongedali" [The Book of Great High Cartography], written in modern Tsolyani, which teaches the reading of map symbols. This is what Senértha studied over lunch yesterday.

I. A map symbol: an oblong of sand-yellow jasper. It’s the symbol for Milumanaya.

J. Letter from Zhurak hiKutonyal of Golden Sunburst. It expresses his desire to see her again and praises her beauty.

K. A poem copied out in elaborate calligraphy using gold ink on the finest parchment. It’s a love poem written in Engsvanyáli from the works of the great romantic poet Yetil of Gánga. It’s from an anonymous admirer.

L. A set of kévuk dice, a set of tsahltén sticks and a dén-dén case.

M. Two small bottles of tsuhóridu (a potent and very expensive liquor).

N. Jewelry: 3 narrow bracelets of gold, a gold anklet of linked pieces, a necklace set with fire opals, 4 amulets and a brooch set with gems.

O. Clothing: Embroidered tunics of find Güdru-cloth, beautiful overtunics of the finest Thésun-gauze, sandals of soft Vringálu-hide, traveling boots of tooled Vringálu-hide, shawls of the softest hmélu-wool, a brocaded mantle sewn with small gems, a belt with plaques of ivory and gold alternating.

P. A locked wooden box filled with káitars, blank Sea Blue writs and blank Palace of War writs.

2. Treshélmu hiVríddi
Clan Master at Arms in Fasíltum, Vríddi, Vimúhla,
Formerly a Dritlán in the Legion of Searing Flame

Treshélmu was a hot-blooded Vríddi elitist. He was among those who believe that Fasíltum should be independent. Or at the very least, a Vríddi should sit on the Petal Throne. Though he'd reached the rank of Dritlán, the clan elders realized he'd never be promoted further. Treshélmu had been far too open about his political opinions. Rather than waste money on fruitless bribes for future promotions, the decision was made to recall him to the clanhouse where his considerable talents could be put to use. Ever loyal, he obeyed and gave up what he thought was a most promising career in the legion.

Treshélmu decided to forge ahead in his new life. It was time to get married and start producing progeny. Being madly infatuated with Senértha, he invited her to Fasíltum in order to propose. When she rejected his proposal in the roof garden, he stabbed her repeatedly in his astonished fury. When he came to his senses and realized what he'd done, he stumbled away and went down to the baths. There he avoided awakening the dozing servants, stripped off his bloody clothing and jewelry and cleansed himself. His clothes he put in the bottom of one of the baskets filled with towels. His dagger he took with him as he stumbled naked back to his apartment. His body-servant woke up on his entry and Treshélmu gave orders not be disturbed for any reason. Once in his bedroom, he flung the dagger against the far wall and collapsed on his sleeping mat with an arm flung over his eyes. He died shortly thereafter from the poisoned wine (from Osumétlu hiArusá) that he and Senértha drank that evening.

Treshélmu will not be missed by the Vríddi clan in the time period of this scenario. His body-servant, Hórga, does not yet know that he is dead. He truly hasn't disturbed him since Treshélmu’s wrath can be great.

If Treshélmu is revivified, he will not realize that he was dead. Instead, he will merely assume that he’s being awakened from his last night’s sleep. By this time he will be filled with remorse over his deed and, if accused, will confess to murdering Senértha, though not the reason why. (At least, not publicly. Privately he will tell Méshmuel.) He will also volunteer to shoulder alone the shámtla claim from Sea Blue. These actions may go at cross-purposes with Méshmuel if Méshmuel has decided to blame Senértha or the PCs for the poisoned wine.

3. Méshmuel hiVríddi
Clan-elder, Vríddi, Vimúhla

Méshmuel has heard that Senértha carries with her a Thoroughly Useful Eye (an extremely rare eye, it re-charges other eyes). He greatly desires this eye, as the Vríddi clan possesses an Eye of Revivification that they believe to be out of charges. It actually has one charge left. It simply failed to work last time because the intended recipient was beyond even the Eye’s ability.

The rumor is false. The Sea Blue clan does have a Thoroughly Useful Eye, but it’s not in Senértha’s possession. But since Méshmuel believes this to be the case, he will try almost anything to search her quarters and steal whatever eyes she possesses. He will first send servants to ascertain Senértha’s whereabouts. If he can verify that she’s out of her apartment, he’ll send more servants to lure the PCs away. Then a Vríddi guard will quickly search her rooms and steal the eyes, if they are present.

Note that the clanhouse is heavily warded against spells so he can’t simply use Clairvoyance. Also, Senértha (indeed, anyone) would consider it a grave insult if she detected it.

Méshmuel’s course of action will be as follows:

Ascertaining Senértha’s whereabouts

1. If the PCs declare she is out, then he will immediately proceed to step two, trying to lure them away.

2. If the PCs stonewall the servant or declare that she’s in:
A. Badger with a strongly worded request to see her immediately, ostensibly to discuss the Fasíltum legions.
B. Deliver a message from the Palace of War that her presence is required immediately (a Vríddi there is primed to receive her if she comes).
C. Invite her to lunch with the elders.

If the PCs refuse to respond to any of these, Méshmuel will become suspicious and proceed to start trying to lure them away.

Luring the PCs Away
1. A couple servants will come and invite them to attend a party going on in the kitchen for the servants in honor of a local Vimúhla holiday. Of course, there is no holiday, but since the servants were promised a party if the slaves came, they will try and be as persuasive as possible.

2. A chamberlain will deliver a summons to report to a Vríddi clan steward for a lecture on how to behave while staying in a noble clanhouse.

3. If the PCs have so far refused to budge, Méshmuel will now simply send in guards, strong-arm them to a different location of the clan-house and then accuse them of a theft. He only needs 5-10 minutes (less than half a kirén) to search for the eyes. Once that amount of time passes, he’ll accept whatever excuses or denials the PCs offer and release them with a warning.

If the PCs have figured out that Treshélmu is the likely murderer and accuse him to Méshmuel, Méshmuel will take their accusations seriously. After all, he’ll still be able to search for the Thoroughly Useful Eye, and if he finds it, he can revivify Senértha and give Treshélmu up. In addition, the murder of a Sea Blue clan member within the walls of the Vríddi clanhouse is explosive, politically and socially. He will take them to Treshélmu’s apartment and get them inside. Once they discover Treshélmu is also dead, Méshmuel’s reactions will depend greatly on how diplomatic the PCs have been. If they have shown proper deference, he will entertain the theories they advance. If they have been aggressive, accusatory or arrogant in any way, he will accuse Sea Blue of murdering Treshélmu and excuse Treshélmu’s actions as self-defense. It will also be difficult to get him to listen to theories of a third party’s involvement.

Possible scenarios Méshmuel will entertain, depending on the PCs actions:

1. It was a murder-suicide. Treshélmu murdered Senértha and then committed suicide. Thus, very little shámtla will be owed to Sea Blue since it’s mostly been paid through Treshélmu’s death.

2. It was Senértha’s fault. She served Treshélmu poisoned wine, he realized it and attacked her in self-defense. The Vríddi clan will seek shámtla from Sea Blue if Sea Blue dares to demand shámtla.

3. It was the PCs’ fault. They poisoned the wine and provoked Treshélmu’s attack.

"Re-Charging" the Eye of Revivification
If Méshmuel has been successful in retrieving Senértha’s eyes, he will try to "re-charge" the Eye of Revivification in order to bring back Treshélmu and Senértha. He'll first ask the PCs if they know which eye is the Thoroughly Useful one. If Darkán doesn’t try and narrow down the choices, he will pick randomly. If Darkán assists, he’ll pick randomly from the ones left. He'll test an eye first by firing it (at a wall or a PC, depending on how interactions with the PCs have gone) before trying to recharge his own eye. If nothing appears to happen, he’ll assume it is the Thoroughly Useful Eye and have a guard "re-charge" by placing the two eyes face to face and pressing the stud on the Useful Eye. Afterwards, he’ll pick it up and try it on Treshélmu. Most likely, the PCs won’t figure out what he intends to do (and thus won’t be able to try and persuade him to raise Senértha first), unless they are given hints. The easiest way would be to simply have Méshmuel starting talking aloud as the "re-charging" proceeds, recounting past tales of famous Vríddi restored to life, speculating on how this will enhance Mirusíya’s chances of obtaining the throne.

Now, while nothing will appear to happen when the Eye of Being an Unimpeachable Shield or the Eye of Strengthening the Majesty of Weapons are tested by Méshmuel, the other two are another question entirely. If the Eye of Calling Forth an Unconquerable Army is tested, the army will appear and will have to be dealt with (see its description in Senértha’s NPC description). If the Eye of Raging Power is tested, have some fun with it. Be sure to remember that if fired in close quarters, it will rebound upon the user.

When Méshmuel has used the last remaining charge in his Eye of Revivification and it fails when he tries to revive a second person, he will be extremely frustrated and puzzled and will take out his frustration on the PCs. The only happy ending for him is for Sea Blue to arrive and for the two clans to realize what the other has and work out a mutually beneficial arrangement.

4. Osumétlu hiArusá
Poet, Sword of Fire, Vimúhla, 36

Osumétlu is an old lover of Senértha. Like many of her other lovers, she met him at a party. It was in Béy Sü many years ago when they were both in their early twenties. At the time Osumétlu still harbored ambitions of being a famous poet. They saw each other for almost two years before drifting apart as Senértha progressed in her career and he concentrated on his poetry. This was long enough ago that none of the PCs will recognize him.

Osumétlu’s life has been a disappointment. His poetry was dismissed as trite and inferior. Humiliated, he left the party scene in the cities and began to wander. His travels took him to Yán Kór where he watched the rise of Baron Ald. It occurred to him that this would make the subject of a great epic. It also occurred to him that if the Baron defeated Tsolyánu, the scope of the epic would be even greater. To help this fortunate ending come about, Osumétlu offered his services to the Surgéth, Yán Kór’s secret police.

When the Surgéth discovered his prior relationship with Senértha, they gave him the mission of removing her as an active player in the Palace of War. The method was left up to him. His plan was to have her fall in love with him again and then she would do his every bidding. If it looked like she was resisting him, he would kill her.

When he heard that Senértha was coming north to Fasíltum, Osumétlu decided to pay her a visit and feel her out. He brought along a bottle of dlél-fruit wine brewed by the Glory of the Worm that had been adulterated with epéng poison. [He opened the bottle, added the poison, and then went back to have them seal it again. They were puzzled, but complied. If Glory of the Worm is questioned, they will quickly confirm this.] He waited to give it to her until the end of his visit (after he ascertained that she could not be turned), a breach of etiquette that was noted by Sríma, the body-servant.

Osumétlu is somewhat deranged, which has left him overconfident. He sent the fruit and the summoning plaque to try and immediately find out if his plot was successful. If summoned, he will come again to the Vríddi clanhouse without delay. If questioned, he will deny poisoning the wine, but he’ll also refuse to drink any of it. He will explain that he has a mission that he must complete. If pressed about this rather surprising statement, he will become increasingly agitated, talking about art and the great epics and the tragic sweep of history. It’s up to the referee’s discretion on whether he’ll actually break down and tell all (though if he does, it should include the name and description of his Surgéth handler). If he is actually confronted with Senértha’s corpse, this will help to break him down.

5. Túlkesh hiFershéna
Clan-master, High Tower, Hrü’ü

Túlkesh visited Senértha yesterday and signed the contract for the chlén-hide. (Iron Fist signed earlier. Senértha was in the final stages of readying this contract.) His visit was quite amicable. He presented her with a bottle of dlél-fruit wine brewed by the Arch of Heaven. Then they exchanged pleasantries about the weather and the city and then signed the contract. Since Senértha had decided to accept the political realities of the situation, there was no conflict between them.

If summoned, Túlkesh will come quickly. When he finds out that slaves summoned him, he will not be pleased. They will need to point out the advantages of clearing suspicion from his clan before he will answer their questions. He'll identify the bottle he gave and truthfully report what they discussed. If questioned about the fairness of the contract (especially if confronted with the Dritlán’s complaints), he’ll obfuscate. It’s a fair price; chlén-hide is in demand these days; must work hard to keep the beasts properly fed. If the contract wasn’t reasonable, why did Senértha order so much from them? (He actually doesn’t understand that part. He’s not aware of the extent of the damage caused by their new "quick" tanning procedure.)

6. Kánbe hiTuplángte
Dritlán, Legion of the Storm of Fire, Vimúhla

The Dritlán visited Senértha yesterday in order to try and bribe her into securing a good contract for their weapons and armor. (The Palace of War passes on the cost of the contracts to the appropriate legions.) Unfortunately for him, Senértha was set on going through with the corrupt contract and refused to negotiate with him. When he inquired as to the specifics of the contract, she refused to show it to him, knowing what his reaction would be. Instead, she quoted Imperial law that a contract isn't binding until registered with the Palace, and that it was going to be registered until tomorrow. He left quite abruptly after that, visibly angry.

He will send a kási today to try to go behind her back and bribe a servant into revealing the contents of the contract. If it is indeed corrupt, the kási is instructed to try and determine who met with Senértha and bribed her.

If he is summoned, he will come, suspicious but hopeful that Senértha has changed her mind about the bribe. If accused of the murder, he will be filled with righteous indignation, threatening shámtla against Sea Blue. He will be able to point out which bottle of wine he brought and can supply witnesses to this effect (he took it from the legion’s stores).

Timeline of Events

Yesterday (Background Information)
* Senértha breakfasted in her room on food prepared by Sitláya. Sitláya also prepared the food for all the other PCs.

* Sitláya went food shopping in the morning, accompanied by two bearer slaves from the Vríddi clan. Chargésh acted as a chamberlain for the entire day, admitting and announcing all of Senértha’s visitors.

* Clerks from the Palace of War came and went all morning. Sríma was in attendance, fanning Senértha constantly.

* Sitláya prepared lunch for all. Everyone ate in their own quarters. Senértha studied her Book of Great High Cartography to improve her reading of the Milumanaya map symbol.

* Sitláya went food shopping again, accompanied by the same two bearer slaves.

* Sríma fanned Senértha all afternoon, making her privy to all the conversations.

* Senértha received Túlkesh hiFershéna, the High Tower clan-master, and they signed the corrupt contract. Túlkesh arrived and left very happy. He gave a bottle of wine as a gift.

* Senértha received Osumétlu hiArusá, her old Sword of Fire lover now Yán Koryáni spy. Osumétlu tried to revive their love affair so he could convert her into spying for Yán Kór. When that failed, he gave her the poisoned wine and left. He arrived looking cordial and left looking upset.

* Senértha received Kánbe hiTuplángte, the Dritlán from Legion of the Storm of Fire. He gave her a bottle of wine as a gift. He tried to bribe her into committing them to a fair contract. She refused to negotiate or share any information on the contract. He arrived looking tense and left very angry.

* Senértha and the PCs attended a Vríddi feast in the evening. Senértha sat with Treshélmu, who began his wooing. Timúna, Chémyal and Rachán performed. This is the performance where Timúna felt the ténturen was out of tune.

* Late in the evening, Senértha took Osumétlu’s poisoned bottle of wine and retired to the roof garden with Treshélmu. The PCs know nothing beyond this point of what she did.

* Senértha and Treshélmu both drink the poisoned wine. Treshélmu proposes, Senértha turns him down contemptuously and Treshélmu stabs her to death in his anger.

* Treshélmu cleans himself in the baths, returns naked to his apartment and collapses on his sleeping mat where he dies from the poison several kirén later.

* By early morning all the PCs have fallen asleep before Senértha returns.

Today
Note: All events in the early morning are designed to spur the PCs into searching for Senértha. In general, space events out so that the PCs are kept busy but not so busy that they don’t have time to talk and strategize among themselves.

* The PCs are in the midst of their morning routines. Let them know that this is a much more leisurely start to the day than yesterday. As Sitláya prepares breakfast for everyone, a Vríddi slave, Marján, knocks on the door. He is bearing a basket of fruit (mash-fruit, dlél-fruit) and a summoning plaque. The plaque bears the emblem of Sword of Fire on one side, and an "O" on the other. Marján will wait for a reply, explaining that he needs to relay it on the slave who brought the items and who’s waiting in the outer courtyard.

These are from Osumétlu, of course. He’s trying to ascertain whether Senértha’s still alive. He plans to do this every day (under the guise of a persistent lover) until he receives the bad news.

Senértha’s door will still be closed. If they talk among themselves, the PCs will realize that no one knows when (or whether) she came back last night. Sríma was supposed to stay awake until she returned, but was so exhausted from the fanning that she fell asleep.

Senértha’s reacted variably to being disturbed in the past. If she felt it was for a trivial reason, she’s become angry. Otherwise, she’s accepted it calmly enough.

Marján will be reluctant to accept that she can’t be disturbed (Sword of Fire is a noble clan after all). If they tell him she’s out, he’ll accept and leave.

* A clerk from the Palace of War arrives and expects to meet with Senértha to get her signature on some documents. He'll be puzzled about why she’s not available since he was expected. He'll insist on waiting as he’s been told not to return without her signature.

Use the clerk’s continued presence to pressure the players if they haven’t started searching for Senértha yet.

* A Vríddi chamberlain, Tháron, arrives asking to speak with Senértha. (He’s sent by Méshmuel who’s trying to figure out her whereabouts.)

If they tell him she’s out, he’ll leave immediately and tell Méshmuel.

If they give him any other answer, he’ll be persistent in asking to see her. (Only under great stress will he give the "reason": a private matter concerning Vríddi-sponsored legions.

* A soldier from the Legion of the Sweet Singers of Nakomé arrives, escorted by Marján. He will announce that the legion accepts Senértha’s gracious offer of a performance of The Hymn to Na-Iverge.

This is the first the PCs have heard of this. (Senértha was going to mention it this morning which is why she told Chémyal, Rachán and Timúna to speak with her.) The soldier will not know when the performance is to be. If pressed, he’ll guess this evening.

* A) If Méshmuel hasn't been told that Senértha’s out: another clerk from the Palace of War will arrive, delivering a verbal message that Senértha’s presence is required there immediately.

He won’t be able to say why, but he can give the title of who needs to see her. This will anger the other clerk if he’s still waiting. Like the chamberlain, he’ll accept that she’s out but will persist if given any other answer.

B) If Méshmuel knows she’s out: Sivusé and Hémeth, the two bearer slaves that befriended Sitláya yesterday, will come and invite them to attend a party in the kitchen in honor of a local Vimúhla holiday ("Feast of the Sun" since Firasúl, the hottest month, is approaching).

* A Kási from the Legion of the Storm of Fire will arrive, sent by his angry Dritlán who visited yesterday. He'll ask not for Senértha but to see the contract. He’s hoping to gather information behind Senértha’s back and will bribe to be able to do so. If he sees the contract, he’ll be upset (the prices listed are far too high and the quantity is far too great). He'll pry for information about who else met with her, who might have influenced her.

* A) If Méshmuel still hasn't been told that Senértha’s out, the chamberlain Tháron will return with a luncheon invitation from the Vríddi council of elders. (It should be near lunchtime by now).

B) If Méshmuel now knows that she’s away, Tháron will instead deliver a summons for the slaves to report to a Vríddi clan steward for a lecture on how to behave while staying in a noble clanhouse. He will strongly imply that they've acted ignobly and are in great trouble. If they go with him, they’ll get a watered-down version of the "theft" lecture (see below) from a steward without any guards present.

If the PCs refuse to move for this, Tháron will simply call out for the guards. Vríddi guards will come and strong-arm them to a different location of the clanhouse where Méshmuel will be waiting. He will accuse them of a theft at the feast last night. He only needs to detain them for 5-10 minutes (less than half a kirén) to allow time for his guards to search for the eyes. Once that amount of time passes, he’ll accept whatever excuses or denials the PCs offer and release them with a warning.

Investigating
Note: Since the PCs are slaves, they’ll have a free run of the Vríddi clanhouse (except for the most sensitive areas) as everyone will assume they're running errands for Senértha.

Roof Garden
If the PCs go to the roof garden to see if Senértha’s still there, they will stumble over her dead body. The scene they will find is as follows: Senértha’s body will be soaked in blood, half-lying on top of a pile of mats. A pool of blood will have congealed around her. She is dressed as she was last night, in a gown of Thésun-gauze with sandals of soft Vringálu-hide and an ornate collar of gold, gems and beadwork. The gown is shredded, and her torso bears multiple stab wounds. A second pile of mats, in slight disarray but with only a few drops of blood on them is next to hers. A bottle and two glasses (both partially shattered) lie nearby. If tasted, they will prove to have contained dlél-fruit wine. Anyone who tastes the wine will detect a bitter aftertaste and start to feel sick in a short while. If the bottle is examined, it will bear the seal of Glory of the Worm. No weapon will be found if the area is searched. However, there is a faint trail of blood that can be tracked down to the bath areas.

If the servants in the bath areas are questioned, no one will remember anyone coming there covered in blood (they were all asleep at the time). If the bath area is searched more than minimally, Treshélmu’s clothing will be found under the towels in a basket, though nothing identifies the clothing as being his in particular. No weapon will be found.

Treshélmu’s Apartment
If the PCs remember that Senértha went to meet him last night, they may come here first, assuming that she spent the night with him. If they do, they will not get very far. Treshélmu’s servant (Hórga) will be waiting in the antechamber with breakfast. He will be very surly as he hasn't eaten yet (cannot eat before Treshélmu eats) and will refuse to disturb Treshélmu or tell them anything. If they are persistent, he will threaten to call for guards (a bluff, there are no guards in the vicinity). If they want to strong-arm him and force their way through, they will be able to do it, assuming that there’s at least three of them.

If the PCs come here after visiting the roof garden and/or the baths, Hórga will be more cooperative. He'll still announce that Treshélmu doesn’t wish to be disturbed, but by this time he’s very bored and curious as to what’s going on with Treshélmu. If they describe the murder, he will be alarmed and will tell all he knows, one slave to another. What he knows is this: Treshélmu returned very late last night, waking him up from his doze (he’ll look slightly embarrassed). He was very upset and headed straight for his room, giving orders not to be disturbed for any reason. Hórga won’t think to mention Treshélmu’s nudity unless the PCs ask about it. If they ask about a weapon, he won’t remember if Treshélmu had one or not. If they want to disturb Treshélmu, he’ll beg them not to, explaining that Treshélmu is a very harsh disciplinarian. Instead, he’ll propose they go to a clan-elder and then let the elder disturb him.

Once Treshélmu’s bedroom door is opened, he will be discovered laying on his sleeping-mat with an arm flung over his eyes. His ceremonial dagger is in plain view across the room against a wall (it is cleaned of all blood). His body will be cold to the touch. There is no sign of violence on his body.

If Méshmuel is present, see below under "Notifying the Vríddi."

Summoning Suspects
If the PCs wish, they can use Senértha’s summoning plaques (which Chargésh has) to summon anyone who visited Senértha yesterday. A Vríddi slave will obey their instructions to go and deliver the plaque(s). No one should respond too quickly, but don’t make them come at the end of the scenario either. See their NPC descriptions for how each will react to the questioning.

Notifying the Vríddi
At some point, the PCs may wish to notify the Vríddi of what has occurred. They will be taken to Méshmuel. If presented just with the fact of Senértha’s death, he will suggest talking with Treshélmu since everyone knew they were together on the roof garden last night. (They were deliberately given privacy. A marriage with Sea Blue would redound to the clan’s credit.)

Once Méshmuel knows that Treshélmu is also dead (either by being told by the PCs or by being present when his room is entered), he will decide to test the eyes so as to re-charge the Eye of Revivification and bring them back. He will naturally want to use it on Treshélmu first since he’s a Vríddi and his death is the most puzzling one. He can be talked into using it on Senértha first. (See his NPC description under "Re-charging the Eye of Revivification").

Accusing Osumétlu
At some point, hopefully by deduction from Treshélmu’s death and which wine was consumed last night, suspicion will fall on Osumétlu. If the case is made to Méshmuel, he’ll desire to summon him. No matter who summons him, Osumétlu will come (see his NPC description).

Other Possible Actions
1. The PCs can obviously change much of this by the actions they choose to take. If everyone leaves the apartment to investigate where Senértha is and then who killed her, Méshmuel will obtain the eyes (unless the PCs, especially Darkán, have taken them) but will not feel the need to experiment with them yet. Have Marján and other servants run across them in various parts of the clanhouse and rely the messages of those who have arrived and are waiting.

2. The PCs may wish to get help from the Palace of War or the local Sea Blue clanhouse. No matter what, outside help should not arrive until near the end of the scenario. The Vríddi clan will not let more than one or two slaves leave the clanhouse. The messenger will have to work his way up through the bureaucracy of either organization. No one will jump just by being shown a summoning plaque. Workers at each level will stall until bribed. If the PC messenger didn’t think to bring cash or valuables to use as bribes, the character will have to return and retrieve some. No writs or verbal promises will be accepted.

To do this properly, just have the PC messenger sit at the table until enough in-game time has passed for him to reach his location. Then take the PC into another room and role-play the encounters. Return to the table and wait until enough in-game time has passed for the PC to return his results. This will take most of the scenario, especially if the PC did bring bribe money and works his way up the hierarchy. (If he didn’t, it’s a wasted errand as there’s no time for a second trip). From the Palace of War, the PC will return with a 15th-Circle bureaucrat, a Palace of the Realm bureaucrat, recorder-scribes and a semetl of soldiers. The Palace of War bureaucrat will arrest everyone with any kind of bearing on the case (all the PCs, all the Vríddi servants) and serve summons on specific Vríddi clan members.

This will end poorly for all. There will be bad feelings between Sea Blue and the Vríddi clan. The case will probably drag on for years and, without outside intervention, all those arrested will rot in prison until it’s resolved. The investigators also won’t bother with the lowly task of examining physical evidence but will rely on interrogations (physical and mental). Osumétlu will probably escape.

If Sea Blue arrives, there is a possibility of a fortunate ending. Méshmuel will attempt to explain what’s happened. When he reaches the part about the Eye of Revivification failing, the Sea Blue elder will realize the great benefits of the two clans working together with Sea Blue’s Thoroughly Useful Eye and Vríddi’s Eye of Revivification. In that case, all will be forgiven and everyone (including the PCs) will benefit from the general goodwill.

Conclusion

The levels of success in descending order are:

1. Revivify Senértha and uncover Osumétlu, the Yán Koryáni spy.
And/or bring Sea Blue and the Vríddi clan together to mutually benefit from each other’s rare eyes.

2. Uncover Osumétlu.

3. Keep blame from Sea Blue for Treshélmu’s death.

4. Prove that the Vríddi owe Sea Blue shámtla for Senértha’s death.

5. Don’t get blamed for either death.

6. Don’t get imprisoned.

7. Don’t get killed.

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