An Interlude
Below is a brief interlude that I inserted into the game at about this point... I ran it like a play with each player taking a different role and "acting" it out. I have done this a few times now and it seems to work well. Much better to show than tell.
We leave the Island of Nemoren and travel hundreds of leagues in but a blink of an eye. Before us is a small island barren of life, but for a single unremarkable tower and a jetty.
Inside in a fire illuminated circular room, a naked man practices his daily “sword dance”. His entire body is tattooed with realistic flames and such is his skill with the bladed that these flames seem to flicker and flare as he moves. Indeed his sword style also resembles a flame, seeming to never keep still, flicking out at his imagined enemies and consuming them with a greed and passion that is terrible to behold.
Eventually his two-hour ritual comes to an end and he stares into the blazing fire, only the light coating of sweat betraying the ordeal that he has just performed. He is Lord Sear, one of the six Runelords.
The double doors to the chamber and the arrival of another interrupts his thoughts. This man is dressed in hardened studded leather armour, and wears a distinctive skull like helmet that many say was constructed from the skull of a Fire Giant Chief who he defeated in single combat. Crossing his chest is a bandolier of shuriken. A rapier and a dirk can be seen on his belt. He is Seeker, Lord Sear’s most trusted advisor and bodyguard.
Sear glances at Seeker and scoops up his robe, tying the belt before he speaks.
Sear: I take it that there is news?
Seeker: Indeed, the Nemoren vault has been opened.
Sear: By the Keyholders?
Seeker: I am afraid so…Should I call in the Hounds?
Sear: No… They have the scent now and there summoning was a trial…Let them complete their hunt, but make sure we have agents nearby to retrieve either the keys or the blade.
Seeker: Our Agents on the island should be more than able to retrieve either… They have been useful before now.
Sear: Ah, yes, the destruction of that Orcish pirate ship. Tell me, do they report sighting the Dragon again?
Seeker: No, it was only spotted the once thirty years ago.
Sear: You may go…On second thoughts, it might be best if you travelled to the Island yourself, to oversee things directly…
Seeker: I will leave at once my lord.