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Story Hour
The Saga of Lucius Victorium Gnaeus (A pogre storyhour) Episode Fifteen
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<blockquote data-quote="pogre" data-source="post: 7185129" data-attributes="member: 6588"><p><strong>Episode Thirteen</strong></p><p></p><p>The Saga of Lucius Victorium Gnaeus</p><p></p><p>Episode Thirteen</p><p></p><p>“Come in young Lucius! You look fit my boy. Would you care for some tea?” Lord Fabrece asked.</p><p></p><p>“That’s very kind, my Lord,” I responded. I took the offered cup from his slave while the man poured me some translucent green tea.</p><p></p><p>“I expect you have heard that the charges have been dropped against your father?” Lord Fabrece asked.</p><p></p><p>“Actually, I had not heard. That is great news indeed.”</p><p></p><p>“It gets better, my young friend. All of the Cranstons have been arrested and charged with treason,” Fabrece smiled.</p><p></p><p>I sipped my tea. Fabrece seemed disappointed I was not joyful at the demise of the Cranstons.</p><p></p><p>“I would have thought the plight of the Cranstons would have cheered you,” Fabrece said.</p><p></p><p>“They are getting what they deserve, no doubt. However, the politics of this city bring me no solace, let alone joy,” I replied.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, I can see that,” Fabrece said. “I wonder what role you are going to play in your family’s future enterprises in Rel Astra?”</p><p></p><p>“None, I hope,” I replied.</p><p></p><p>“That will not do young Lucius. I have to tell you honestly that your father is a fool.”</p><p></p><p>“On that much we are agreed, my lord.”</p><p></p><p>“Now, my fate and fortune are tied to his house. Gaius is a pleasant man, but he has no acumen, no savvy, and is a bit dense,” Fabrece stated. “It’s a wonder his seed bore fruit as bright as you.”</p><p></p><p>“My mother is remarkable woman,” I said.</p><p></p><p>“Oh yes. How is Angelina?” Fabrece asked.</p><p></p><p>“She is well. I plan on going to see her and my sister Tullia at the villa this evening. Tullia is who you should be talking to, she is the one who has my Grandfather’s business and political skills.”</p><p></p><p>“Does she? Is she matched?” Fabrece asked.</p><p></p><p>“She is only 18, my lord. It is my hope to get her a strong foothold in the family business before contemplating matrimonial arrangements. A lot of good a political marriage of Petronia did for my family,” I answered.</p><p></p><p>“I forgot about your older sister Petronia. She did marry well as I recall. One of the top families.”</p><p></p><p>“My half-sister, my lord. She does not even acknowledge our family. Like I said, political marriages are not my father’s strong suit.”</p><p></p><p>“Which brings us right back around to the problem of your father - Gaius, I simply must have your assurance that you will be available for your family’s interests,” Fabrece insisted.</p><p></p><p>“I understand your concern my lord. I wish I could say it was unfounded. However, Tullia is a very capable young woman…”</p><p></p><p>“Tell me this young Lucius,” Fabrece interrupted. “If you received a message that your family was in trouble would you come back?”</p><p></p><p>“I will always protect my family,” I answered.</p><p></p><p>“Excellent. That will have to do, for now. Please do give Angelina and Tullia my best.”</p><p></p><p>I received a number of documents from Lord Fabrece’s slaves concerning various open trade monopolies that were open due to the fall of the Cranstons. I walked towards my family villa, stopping off in town for some flowers and sweet biscuits.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>“That was a wonderful meal mother! I doubt Filbert himself could have done better!” I rocked back on the couch and patted at my full stomach.</p><p></p><p>“I will take that as a compliment I suppose,” my mother said with a laugh.</p><p></p><p>“Indeed, you should. Tullia, there are a few parchments that Lord Fabrece gave me to bring to the family business. Would you fetch them from my pack and look them over?”</p><p></p><p>My sister rose from her stool and grabbed the papers from my pack.</p><p></p><p>“Your father is working at the office late. You know he is very grateful for what you did for the family Lucius,” my mother said. She was washing some dishes and handing them to a servant to be dried.</p><p></p><p>I merely grunted.</p><p></p><p>“Lucius! He is grateful!”</p><p></p><p>“Mother, I appreciate your loyalty, but my father is oblivious to what I did for him. He does not fully understand what nearly happened.”</p><p></p><p>“That’s not true!” my mother retorted.</p><p></p><p>“It is true,” Tullia interjected. “But Lucius, isn’t it enough that mother and I are very grateful for all that you did to save the family?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, of course,” I replied with a smile.</p><p></p><p>“You should go see him,” my mother said.</p><p></p><p>“I might,” I replied non-committally.</p><p></p><p>My sister’s eyes went wide as she read the parchments. “Gods’ teeth!” she exclaimed.</p><p></p><p>“Tullia! Language!” my mother complained.</p><p></p><p>Tullia ignored her. “Do you know what these are Lucius?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, a few trade concessions and monopolies Lord Fabrece wants our family to bid for and take over.”</p><p></p><p>“This,” Tullia stuck out a parchment and pushed it towards me, “is the western salt concession.”</p><p></p><p>“Salt, yes, fascinating,” I mumbled.</p><p></p><p>“It’s only the foundation of the Cranston fortune, you fool,” Tullia stated.</p><p></p><p>“Good, let’s sell some salt,” I replied.</p><p></p><p>“You are impossible! I’m going to draw up the bid documents. Come on, grab your cloak. You are escorting me to the office. This is getting done tonight,” Tullia announced.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, your Highness,” I replied.</p><p></p><p>I kissed my mother goodbye and took a small dish of pear patina and libum with me. I told myself it was for me later, but the truth was I knew Edgy loves desserts.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>“And, so now, you own an island?” Tullia asked. We had been walking slowly together through the city talking about all of my adventures.</p><p></p><p>“Part owner, but don’t tell Thock that.”</p><p></p><p>I told her how we were going to have the dwarven brothers, Balen and Valen, as caretakers. However, I needed some barrels of mead to keep the pair happy. She promised she would get the barrels for me. I also told her the fallen ex-consul Tabulus was on the island and might send her some correspondence and that he was a friend, but not to endanger her position for him. I also reminded her that I has access to a great airship and if she came across a business opportunity that required quick delivery - maybe we could work something out.</p><p></p><p>We opened the door to the family office. My father was seated at a large, old leather chair behind a great wooden desk. He looked up briefly and saw Tullia entering.</p><p></p><p>“You are here late my dear,” our father said.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, I have some paperwork, and look who I brought along,” Tullia replied.</p><p></p><p>My father stopped writing and looked up. “Lucius! Welcome my son. Have you come to start learning the family business and giving up that religious nonsense?”</p><p></p><p>I nearly choked. “No father, I just dropped in to say hello and wish you well.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, too bad,” he replied. There was a long, awkward silence and then he said, “You know Lucius, I appreciate what you did to expedite my trial.”</p><p></p><p>“Expedite? You mean save you from certain execution and the loss of the family?” I was barely containing that familiar, old rage.</p><p></p><p>My father laughed, “Oh now, I’m certain justice would have prevailed at the trial if given time…”</p><p></p><p>I looked up to see Tullia making a downward motion with her hands. It was her old signal to me to calm down.</p><p></p><p>“Father, we will just have to agree to have a different view of those things. Now, I know you understand our family’s fortune is closely aligned with Lord Fabrece.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, a wonderful turn events. I’m so glad I could convince him to work with us,” he replied.</p><p></p><p>“I have just talked with the Consul and he has made it very clear to me there are to be no matrimonial arrangements for Tullia for at least three years.”</p><p></p><p>“Paterfamilias,” my rather retorted.</p><p></p><p>“Not in this case father. Fabrece was quite clear on this point.”</p><p></p><p>My father snorted in disgust.</p><p></p><p>“I know you don’t like it, but you do understand?” I asked.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, no arrangements until she is at least 21.”</p><p></p><p>“Good. Well, I wish you well father,” I said.</p><p></p><p>“When you grow up a bit more, come back to the family business and a decent occupation.”</p><p></p><p>I rolled my eyes and turned to leave. Tullia rushed up to me at the door and gave me a hug. She also promised to have the barrels of mead delivered in the morning.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>The trip back to the area of the rebel camp was uneventful save a small storm that did a bit of damage to the airship. Molly reminded us once again we could really use a ship’s carpenter. We decided to head back to the canyon and hope to trace the rebels from there.</p><p></p><p>“It won’t take long to find them,” Shen said. He was holding the spyglass out looking towards the canyon.</p><p></p><p>“Why is that?” Faithless asked.</p><p></p><p>“Because they have not moved,” Shen replied.</p><p></p><p>“The fools!” Faithless growled. “We’re making a pie for a tongueless leper!”</p><p></p><p>“We’re making pie?” Thock asked.</p><p></p><p>“She means we are wasting our time helping these folks,” I offered.</p><p></p><p>“I like pie,” Thock replied.</p><p></p><p>“Speaking of which, do you have anymore of your mother’s libum?” Edgy asked me.</p><p></p><p>“You ate it all. Six days ago actually,” I answered.</p><p></p><p>“Did I? Well, she has to show Filbert how to make those cakes,” Edgy replied.</p><p></p><p>“I like cake,” Thock interjected.</p><p></p><p>“Can we focus please?” Faithless asked.</p><p></p><p>“You did start it,” I replied with a shrug. The Tiefling merely glared back at me.</p><p></p><p>“They did move the catapults down to their encampment,” Shen offered from behind the spyglass.</p><p></p><p>“Where they are much less effective,” Faithless observed.</p><p></p><p>I had to admit Faithless was right - our rebels did seem fairly tactically inept.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>The rebel leader walked forward to greet us as we touched down in the canyon and delivered the foodstuffs we had brought. He gratefully paid for the items and invited us into his tent.</p><p></p><p>“I thought we were quite clear that you needed to move your people out of this canyon,” Faithless stated.</p><p></p><p>“Oh yes, you were quite clear,” Cornelius replied.</p><p></p><p>“You’re still here!” Faithless stated.</p><p></p><p>“Well, we do have that suggestion on the agenda for the next war council meeting. In fact…” Cornelius paused to leaf through some papers. “Yes, it’s right here. Old business, motion four, consideration of moving camp at suggestion of rescuing heroes.”</p><p></p><p>“You have to be kidding me,” Faithless said, clearly exasperated.</p><p></p><p>“Oh no, it’s definitely an item on the agenda,” Cornelius reassured her.</p><p></p><p>Faithless threw her hands in the air. “What are we doing here?”</p><p></p><p>“Which reminds me…” Cornelius shuffled through some more papers. “I have been authorized by the Committee on Important Information to share this news with you.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes?” Shen asked.</p><p></p><p>“By unanimous vote it was decided to let you know a group of religious zealots known as the Doom Speakers came here about a week before the attack on our camp and tried to convert everyone to their cause. We refused them and one of our woodsman trailed them back to a cave beneath an old fort about a day’s journey from here,” Cornelius continued. “The Committee on Important Information or C. I. I., thought you should know because the lead zealot was the Evoker you killed during the battle.”</p><p></p><p>“Can we speak to this woodsman?” Shen asked.</p><p></p><p>“Sadly, no. He left our camp,” Cornelius replied.</p><p></p><p>“Why?” Thock asked.</p><p></p><p>“He said I was an ineffective leader who was never going to get anything done!” Cornelius answered indignantly.</p><p></p><p>“The very nerve,” Faithless interjected sarcastically.</p><p></p><p>“The C.I.I. thought you might like to check the fort out to see how the attack on our camp was connected to the Doom Speakers,” Cornelius stated.</p><p></p><p>“What exactly are your plans for the rebellion?” I asked.</p><p></p><p>“I probably should not tell you, but we are debating Plan 17B at the next war council meeting. It’s quite an exciting possibility,” Cornelius rubbed his hands excitedly.</p><p></p><p>“Then you will strike against the legions of Ivid IV?” I asked.</p><p></p><p>“Well, it is new business. So, the plan cannot be approved at the next meeting. I just hope it does not get tabled from discussion like plans 13-17.”</p><p></p><p>Following a short debate outside earshot of the rebels we decided a couple of things: First, this group of rebels was hopeless. Second, we probably should check out the Doom Speakers’ place to see if we could make sense of the connection between Iuz and Ivid IV.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>The trail through the woods was actually a very pleasant journey and late in the afternoon we came upon the fort. The fort was an ancient motte and bailey affair. It had once stood atop a squat hill and was surrounded by a moat. All that remained of the fort atop the hill were some crumbling flagstones and low wall foundations. Any bridge that might have spanned the moat was long gone and the moat had expanded greatly and turned to marsh. We could see a crevice that entered the hill, below the fort level.</p><p></p><p>Thock took up a javelin and began probing the quagmire that surrounded the hill. “Thock find way,” he announced to the rest of the group and began wading into the stinky muck. Approximately half way across the boggy area the swamp seemed to rise up directly in front of Thock. A creature composed of algae, moss, and rotting vegetation rose up to attack the Half-Orc!</p><p></p><p>Shen launched <em>Shen’s Scorching Rays</em> at the creature. The spell chipped away at the shambling mound, but it still slammed into Thock. Thock valiantly cut through the mass in front of him and then was engulfed by it! Realizing Thock might be lost, I began to wade into the muck. I launched an attack with all of the power I could muster with the help of Kord! The beast was staggered, but lumbered forward and I found myself engulfed too!</p><p></p><p>I managed to wrench myself clear of the nasty swamp creature and cast <em>Kord’s Healing of the Faithful Masses</em>. The prayer was enough to invigorate Thock and he broke free of the deadly shambling mound. With a guttural war cry Thock’s mighty sword whirled in a wide path and put the monster back into the swamp.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>We had decided to camp in the ruins of the fort atop the hill rather than venture into the cavern below. We were exhausted by the battle with the Shambling Mound and needed to rest. While setting up camp we heard the murmurs of a conversation coming from another area of the fort. Edgy explored the area and reported back that the conversation was coming up from a chimney from a complex below the fort. He also said it was a couple of men who spoke with a northern barbarian accent, much like Thock. They were discussing demonic theology in very crude terms. Not surprising to me, because we were on the trail of a demonic cult.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>The following morning we made our way down to the cavern entrance and entered. The area below was mostly a natural cavern, but at the rear we found an area that led to an area of finished stone. Edgy expertly found a path for us to follow that unfortunately required us to wade through a lot of filthy water. We finally emerged on a ledge of an ancient sewer complex.</p><p></p><p>We could hear snatched of conversation up ahead. The talking suddenly stopped, and I assume they heard me trying to move through the passage burdened by my soaking leather and plate armor. As two large northern men came into our area Edgy launched a devastating backstab on one of the men nearly eviscerating him. The other northerner seeing half our group struggling to climb up on the ledge launched himself directly into the water at us! The northerners fought with fury, but soon one was dead and the other was knocked unconscious.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>The northerner shook his head as my curing prayer of the first valence began to wash over him. We had taken the precaution of tying him up and I gently removed the gag to allow him to breath more easily and answer my questions.</p><p></p><p>“What is this place?” I asked.</p><p></p><p>“This is the mighty outpost of the Doom Speakers!”</p><p></p><p>“Keep your voice down. I want to learn more, but if you continue to be loud I will be forced to kill you,” I admonished him. He nodded solemnly to indicate he understood. </p><p></p><p>“You should join us,” he said in a conspiratorial whisper. “I can take you to our priestess Andarra and she can help you join the mighty cult of Doom Speakers!”</p><p></p><p>“I may very well want to join, but I need to know what you are doing this far south?” I asked.</p><p></p><p>“We are spreading the word and power of the mighty demonic force of the Doom Speakers. Soon we will control the entire world. Those who join us will be mighty indeed!”</p><p></p><p>Suddenly, I realized I knew of this cult. A few years before I had heard of rising cult of demon summoners in the kingdoms of Iuz. Iuz had put down a direct rebellion from the cult, but they were still managing to flourish. I knew the cult by a different name. The Bloodied Blades. I was certain it was the same group.</p><p></p><p>“I will lead you to Andarra. She will answer many of your questions and you can join the mighty Doom Speakers!” the northerner’s enthusiasm was borderline juvenile.</p><p></p><p>“I have to know I am joining a truly mighty group,” I began. “Just how many members do you have at this outpost?”</p><p></p><p>The northerner hesitated. “We do not have many yet, but we are growing in power. There are eight of us right now. Well, seven, since you killed Sven. You should not have killed Sven.”</p><p></p><p>“Very sorry about that, but I’m sure his soul is serving a greater power now,” I tried to reassure him.</p><p></p><p>The northerner seemed greatly cheered by this suggestion. I suspected the truth was his soul was being consumed as a larva in some dark corner of the Abyss. I untied the northerner and gave him his weapon back. “Take us to Andarra my good man - so that we too can join the great and mighty Doom Speakers!”</p><p></p><p>The northerner grinned widely and motioned for us to follow him.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>“Drop your weapons,” the man demanded. “You will not be admitted to an audience to Andarra armed.”</p><p></p><p>“They are not going to harm her. They want to join,” our northerner guide tried to reassure the four men who confronted us. Our northerner had led us through several sub-basements and catacombs to this area. </p><p></p><p>“They need to drop their weapons first,” the man again demanded.</p><p></p><p>I gave Shen and Thock a quick nod. I then called <em>Kord’s Guardians</em> to me and the fight was on! Our ignorant, but friendly northerner guide was the first to drop. The melee was fast and furious and these northern cultists proved to be worthy foes. Just as I felt the tide of battle might turn our way a female Tiefling appeared in a doorway at the far end of the chamber and cast a shadowy veil about her!</p><p></p><p>Distracted momentarily by the appearance of Andarra Thock was nearly felled by a great blow to his torso. Three of the cultists went down in rapid succession, but our resources had been tapped in the battle. The Tiefling was shooting arrows at us with deadly accuracy. When the last of her burly northerner barbarians fell she retreated through the door. Edgy moved up to pick the lock and we pursued.</p><p></p><p>Edgy picked the lock and Thock pushed through and charged ahead. The Half-orc was quickly knocked down and Shen gave him a healing potion. Thock got up and continued fighting. Adarra knocked Thock down again and Someone gave him healing potion. Thock got up and continued fighting. Andarra knocked Thock down and someone gave him a healing potion and he fought on. No less that four times in the combat Thock went down and was revived and kept fighting. The force of his mighty barbarian blade took effect and Andarra was struck down.</p><p></p><p>A search of the priestess and her chambers yielded some magic items. However, most importantly, we found a number of missives directing her to establish an outpost for the spread of the cult of Doom Speakers. The fact that the forces of Iuz had been used to aid the Doom Speakers meant that the cult had penetrated high into the upper echelons of Iuz’s command structure.</p><p></p><p>It also meant we had made yet another very powerful enemy.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="pogre, post: 7185129, member: 6588"] [b]Episode Thirteen[/b] The Saga of Lucius Victorium Gnaeus Episode Thirteen “Come in young Lucius! You look fit my boy. Would you care for some tea?” Lord Fabrece asked. “That’s very kind, my Lord,” I responded. I took the offered cup from his slave while the man poured me some translucent green tea. “I expect you have heard that the charges have been dropped against your father?” Lord Fabrece asked. “Actually, I had not heard. That is great news indeed.” “It gets better, my young friend. All of the Cranstons have been arrested and charged with treason,” Fabrece smiled. I sipped my tea. Fabrece seemed disappointed I was not joyful at the demise of the Cranstons. “I would have thought the plight of the Cranstons would have cheered you,” Fabrece said. “They are getting what they deserve, no doubt. However, the politics of this city bring me no solace, let alone joy,” I replied. “Yes, I can see that,” Fabrece said. “I wonder what role you are going to play in your family’s future enterprises in Rel Astra?” “None, I hope,” I replied. “That will not do young Lucius. I have to tell you honestly that your father is a fool.” “On that much we are agreed, my lord.” “Now, my fate and fortune are tied to his house. Gaius is a pleasant man, but he has no acumen, no savvy, and is a bit dense,” Fabrece stated. “It’s a wonder his seed bore fruit as bright as you.” “My mother is remarkable woman,” I said. “Oh yes. How is Angelina?” Fabrece asked. “She is well. I plan on going to see her and my sister Tullia at the villa this evening. Tullia is who you should be talking to, she is the one who has my Grandfather’s business and political skills.” “Does she? Is she matched?” Fabrece asked. “She is only 18, my lord. It is my hope to get her a strong foothold in the family business before contemplating matrimonial arrangements. A lot of good a political marriage of Petronia did for my family,” I answered. “I forgot about your older sister Petronia. She did marry well as I recall. One of the top families.” “My half-sister, my lord. She does not even acknowledge our family. Like I said, political marriages are not my father’s strong suit.” “Which brings us right back around to the problem of your father - Gaius, I simply must have your assurance that you will be available for your family’s interests,” Fabrece insisted. “I understand your concern my lord. I wish I could say it was unfounded. However, Tullia is a very capable young woman…” “Tell me this young Lucius,” Fabrece interrupted. “If you received a message that your family was in trouble would you come back?” “I will always protect my family,” I answered. “Excellent. That will have to do, for now. Please do give Angelina and Tullia my best.” I received a number of documents from Lord Fabrece’s slaves concerning various open trade monopolies that were open due to the fall of the Cranstons. I walked towards my family villa, stopping off in town for some flowers and sweet biscuits. ***** “That was a wonderful meal mother! I doubt Filbert himself could have done better!” I rocked back on the couch and patted at my full stomach. “I will take that as a compliment I suppose,” my mother said with a laugh. “Indeed, you should. Tullia, there are a few parchments that Lord Fabrece gave me to bring to the family business. Would you fetch them from my pack and look them over?” My sister rose from her stool and grabbed the papers from my pack. “Your father is working at the office late. You know he is very grateful for what you did for the family Lucius,” my mother said. She was washing some dishes and handing them to a servant to be dried. I merely grunted. “Lucius! He is grateful!” “Mother, I appreciate your loyalty, but my father is oblivious to what I did for him. He does not fully understand what nearly happened.” “That’s not true!” my mother retorted. “It is true,” Tullia interjected. “But Lucius, isn’t it enough that mother and I are very grateful for all that you did to save the family?” “Yes, of course,” I replied with a smile. “You should go see him,” my mother said. “I might,” I replied non-committally. My sister’s eyes went wide as she read the parchments. “Gods’ teeth!” she exclaimed. “Tullia! Language!” my mother complained. Tullia ignored her. “Do you know what these are Lucius?” “Yes, a few trade concessions and monopolies Lord Fabrece wants our family to bid for and take over.” “This,” Tullia stuck out a parchment and pushed it towards me, “is the western salt concession.” “Salt, yes, fascinating,” I mumbled. “It’s only the foundation of the Cranston fortune, you fool,” Tullia stated. “Good, let’s sell some salt,” I replied. “You are impossible! I’m going to draw up the bid documents. Come on, grab your cloak. You are escorting me to the office. This is getting done tonight,” Tullia announced. “Yes, your Highness,” I replied. I kissed my mother goodbye and took a small dish of pear patina and libum with me. I told myself it was for me later, but the truth was I knew Edgy loves desserts. ***** “And, so now, you own an island?” Tullia asked. We had been walking slowly together through the city talking about all of my adventures. “Part owner, but don’t tell Thock that.” I told her how we were going to have the dwarven brothers, Balen and Valen, as caretakers. However, I needed some barrels of mead to keep the pair happy. She promised she would get the barrels for me. I also told her the fallen ex-consul Tabulus was on the island and might send her some correspondence and that he was a friend, but not to endanger her position for him. I also reminded her that I has access to a great airship and if she came across a business opportunity that required quick delivery - maybe we could work something out. We opened the door to the family office. My father was seated at a large, old leather chair behind a great wooden desk. He looked up briefly and saw Tullia entering. “You are here late my dear,” our father said. “Yes, I have some paperwork, and look who I brought along,” Tullia replied. My father stopped writing and looked up. “Lucius! Welcome my son. Have you come to start learning the family business and giving up that religious nonsense?” I nearly choked. “No father, I just dropped in to say hello and wish you well.” “Ah, too bad,” he replied. There was a long, awkward silence and then he said, “You know Lucius, I appreciate what you did to expedite my trial.” “Expedite? You mean save you from certain execution and the loss of the family?” I was barely containing that familiar, old rage. My father laughed, “Oh now, I’m certain justice would have prevailed at the trial if given time…” I looked up to see Tullia making a downward motion with her hands. It was her old signal to me to calm down. “Father, we will just have to agree to have a different view of those things. Now, I know you understand our family’s fortune is closely aligned with Lord Fabrece.” “Yes, a wonderful turn events. I’m so glad I could convince him to work with us,” he replied. “I have just talked with the Consul and he has made it very clear to me there are to be no matrimonial arrangements for Tullia for at least three years.” “Paterfamilias,” my rather retorted. “Not in this case father. Fabrece was quite clear on this point.” My father snorted in disgust. “I know you don’t like it, but you do understand?” I asked. “Yes, no arrangements until she is at least 21.” “Good. Well, I wish you well father,” I said. “When you grow up a bit more, come back to the family business and a decent occupation.” I rolled my eyes and turned to leave. Tullia rushed up to me at the door and gave me a hug. She also promised to have the barrels of mead delivered in the morning. ***** The trip back to the area of the rebel camp was uneventful save a small storm that did a bit of damage to the airship. Molly reminded us once again we could really use a ship’s carpenter. We decided to head back to the canyon and hope to trace the rebels from there. “It won’t take long to find them,” Shen said. He was holding the spyglass out looking towards the canyon. “Why is that?” Faithless asked. “Because they have not moved,” Shen replied. “The fools!” Faithless growled. “We’re making a pie for a tongueless leper!” “We’re making pie?” Thock asked. “She means we are wasting our time helping these folks,” I offered. “I like pie,” Thock replied. “Speaking of which, do you have anymore of your mother’s libum?” Edgy asked me. “You ate it all. Six days ago actually,” I answered. “Did I? Well, she has to show Filbert how to make those cakes,” Edgy replied. “I like cake,” Thock interjected. “Can we focus please?” Faithless asked. “You did start it,” I replied with a shrug. The Tiefling merely glared back at me. “They did move the catapults down to their encampment,” Shen offered from behind the spyglass. “Where they are much less effective,” Faithless observed. I had to admit Faithless was right - our rebels did seem fairly tactically inept. ***** The rebel leader walked forward to greet us as we touched down in the canyon and delivered the foodstuffs we had brought. He gratefully paid for the items and invited us into his tent. “I thought we were quite clear that you needed to move your people out of this canyon,” Faithless stated. “Oh yes, you were quite clear,” Cornelius replied. “You’re still here!” Faithless stated. “Well, we do have that suggestion on the agenda for the next war council meeting. In fact…” Cornelius paused to leaf through some papers. “Yes, it’s right here. Old business, motion four, consideration of moving camp at suggestion of rescuing heroes.” “You have to be kidding me,” Faithless said, clearly exasperated. “Oh no, it’s definitely an item on the agenda,” Cornelius reassured her. Faithless threw her hands in the air. “What are we doing here?” “Which reminds me…” Cornelius shuffled through some more papers. “I have been authorized by the Committee on Important Information to share this news with you.” “Yes?” Shen asked. “By unanimous vote it was decided to let you know a group of religious zealots known as the Doom Speakers came here about a week before the attack on our camp and tried to convert everyone to their cause. We refused them and one of our woodsman trailed them back to a cave beneath an old fort about a day’s journey from here,” Cornelius continued. “The Committee on Important Information or C. I. I., thought you should know because the lead zealot was the Evoker you killed during the battle.” “Can we speak to this woodsman?” Shen asked. “Sadly, no. He left our camp,” Cornelius replied. “Why?” Thock asked. “He said I was an ineffective leader who was never going to get anything done!” Cornelius answered indignantly. “The very nerve,” Faithless interjected sarcastically. “The C.I.I. thought you might like to check the fort out to see how the attack on our camp was connected to the Doom Speakers,” Cornelius stated. “What exactly are your plans for the rebellion?” I asked. “I probably should not tell you, but we are debating Plan 17B at the next war council meeting. It’s quite an exciting possibility,” Cornelius rubbed his hands excitedly. “Then you will strike against the legions of Ivid IV?” I asked. “Well, it is new business. So, the plan cannot be approved at the next meeting. I just hope it does not get tabled from discussion like plans 13-17.” Following a short debate outside earshot of the rebels we decided a couple of things: First, this group of rebels was hopeless. Second, we probably should check out the Doom Speakers’ place to see if we could make sense of the connection between Iuz and Ivid IV. ***** The trail through the woods was actually a very pleasant journey and late in the afternoon we came upon the fort. The fort was an ancient motte and bailey affair. It had once stood atop a squat hill and was surrounded by a moat. All that remained of the fort atop the hill were some crumbling flagstones and low wall foundations. Any bridge that might have spanned the moat was long gone and the moat had expanded greatly and turned to marsh. We could see a crevice that entered the hill, below the fort level. Thock took up a javelin and began probing the quagmire that surrounded the hill. “Thock find way,” he announced to the rest of the group and began wading into the stinky muck. Approximately half way across the boggy area the swamp seemed to rise up directly in front of Thock. A creature composed of algae, moss, and rotting vegetation rose up to attack the Half-Orc! Shen launched [i]Shen’s Scorching Rays[/i] at the creature. The spell chipped away at the shambling mound, but it still slammed into Thock. Thock valiantly cut through the mass in front of him and then was engulfed by it! Realizing Thock might be lost, I began to wade into the muck. I launched an attack with all of the power I could muster with the help of Kord! The beast was staggered, but lumbered forward and I found myself engulfed too! I managed to wrench myself clear of the nasty swamp creature and cast [i]Kord’s Healing of the Faithful Masses[/i]. The prayer was enough to invigorate Thock and he broke free of the deadly shambling mound. With a guttural war cry Thock’s mighty sword whirled in a wide path and put the monster back into the swamp. ***** We had decided to camp in the ruins of the fort atop the hill rather than venture into the cavern below. We were exhausted by the battle with the Shambling Mound and needed to rest. While setting up camp we heard the murmurs of a conversation coming from another area of the fort. Edgy explored the area and reported back that the conversation was coming up from a chimney from a complex below the fort. He also said it was a couple of men who spoke with a northern barbarian accent, much like Thock. They were discussing demonic theology in very crude terms. Not surprising to me, because we were on the trail of a demonic cult. ***** The following morning we made our way down to the cavern entrance and entered. The area below was mostly a natural cavern, but at the rear we found an area that led to an area of finished stone. Edgy expertly found a path for us to follow that unfortunately required us to wade through a lot of filthy water. We finally emerged on a ledge of an ancient sewer complex. We could hear snatched of conversation up ahead. The talking suddenly stopped, and I assume they heard me trying to move through the passage burdened by my soaking leather and plate armor. As two large northern men came into our area Edgy launched a devastating backstab on one of the men nearly eviscerating him. The other northerner seeing half our group struggling to climb up on the ledge launched himself directly into the water at us! The northerners fought with fury, but soon one was dead and the other was knocked unconscious. ***** The northerner shook his head as my curing prayer of the first valence began to wash over him. We had taken the precaution of tying him up and I gently removed the gag to allow him to breath more easily and answer my questions. “What is this place?” I asked. “This is the mighty outpost of the Doom Speakers!” “Keep your voice down. I want to learn more, but if you continue to be loud I will be forced to kill you,” I admonished him. He nodded solemnly to indicate he understood. “You should join us,” he said in a conspiratorial whisper. “I can take you to our priestess Andarra and she can help you join the mighty cult of Doom Speakers!” “I may very well want to join, but I need to know what you are doing this far south?” I asked. “We are spreading the word and power of the mighty demonic force of the Doom Speakers. Soon we will control the entire world. Those who join us will be mighty indeed!” Suddenly, I realized I knew of this cult. A few years before I had heard of rising cult of demon summoners in the kingdoms of Iuz. Iuz had put down a direct rebellion from the cult, but they were still managing to flourish. I knew the cult by a different name. The Bloodied Blades. I was certain it was the same group. “I will lead you to Andarra. She will answer many of your questions and you can join the mighty Doom Speakers!” the northerner’s enthusiasm was borderline juvenile. “I have to know I am joining a truly mighty group,” I began. “Just how many members do you have at this outpost?” The northerner hesitated. “We do not have many yet, but we are growing in power. There are eight of us right now. Well, seven, since you killed Sven. You should not have killed Sven.” “Very sorry about that, but I’m sure his soul is serving a greater power now,” I tried to reassure him. The northerner seemed greatly cheered by this suggestion. I suspected the truth was his soul was being consumed as a larva in some dark corner of the Abyss. I untied the northerner and gave him his weapon back. “Take us to Andarra my good man - so that we too can join the great and mighty Doom Speakers!” The northerner grinned widely and motioned for us to follow him. ***** “Drop your weapons,” the man demanded. “You will not be admitted to an audience to Andarra armed.” “They are not going to harm her. They want to join,” our northerner guide tried to reassure the four men who confronted us. Our northerner had led us through several sub-basements and catacombs to this area. “They need to drop their weapons first,” the man again demanded. I gave Shen and Thock a quick nod. I then called [i]Kord’s Guardians[/i] to me and the fight was on! Our ignorant, but friendly northerner guide was the first to drop. The melee was fast and furious and these northern cultists proved to be worthy foes. Just as I felt the tide of battle might turn our way a female Tiefling appeared in a doorway at the far end of the chamber and cast a shadowy veil about her! Distracted momentarily by the appearance of Andarra Thock was nearly felled by a great blow to his torso. Three of the cultists went down in rapid succession, but our resources had been tapped in the battle. The Tiefling was shooting arrows at us with deadly accuracy. When the last of her burly northerner barbarians fell she retreated through the door. Edgy moved up to pick the lock and we pursued. Edgy picked the lock and Thock pushed through and charged ahead. The Half-orc was quickly knocked down and Shen gave him a healing potion. Thock got up and continued fighting. Adarra knocked Thock down again and Someone gave him healing potion. Thock got up and continued fighting. Andarra knocked Thock down and someone gave him a healing potion and he fought on. No less that four times in the combat Thock went down and was revived and kept fighting. The force of his mighty barbarian blade took effect and Andarra was struck down. A search of the priestess and her chambers yielded some magic items. However, most importantly, we found a number of missives directing her to establish an outpost for the spread of the cult of Doom Speakers. The fact that the forces of Iuz had been used to aid the Doom Speakers meant that the cult had penetrated high into the upper echelons of Iuz’s command structure. It also meant we had made yet another very powerful enemy. [/QUOTE]
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The Saga of Lucius Victorium Gnaeus (A pogre storyhour) Episode Fifteen
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