FontisNiger.Summer1220 History
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!Overview Summer 1220
[[#Session7|A Visitor]][[<<]]
[[#Session8_1|The Wolf Hunt]][[<<]]
[[#Session8_2|Fire!]][[<<]]
[[#Session9|The Magus and the Heretic]][[<<]]
[[#Session10|A new Arrival and a Ghost]][[<<]]
[[#Session11|Mercenaries and Brigands]][[<<]]
[[#Session12|How to lose two silver mines and find two vis sources in one day]][[<<]]
[[#Session13|Carcassonne revisited]][[<<]]
[[#Session14|Meetings]][[<<]]
!A Visitor [[#Session7]]
''3rd and 4th July 1220''
After over two quiet month of rebuilding and recovering from previous
adventures the peace at the covenant was interrupted when the magi
learned that Brother [[Ablehardt]] was still in a very bad condition
([[Spring1220#Session4|A strange wolf in a dark wood]]). [[Dominic]] and [[Rafi]] set out to
see if they could help. At Bugarach they found most of the villagers
and the friars praying for Abelhardt in front of the almost finished
church. His condition indeed turned out to be bad and Rafi tried his
best to help. Meanwhile Dominic met a traveller who just arrived in the
village. This traveller cautiously asked for directions to the covenant
and eventually identified himself as Cornelius Lucretius scholae Tremendi,
member of the covenant at Mistridge (see [[Spring1220#Session5|Màili's Tale]] for the first
encounter with the magi at Mistridge).
At the covenant Cornelius was first met with suspicions and [[Sertorius]]
tried to question him about the events at Mistridge during the visit of
[[Maili|Màili]] and [[André]] but Cornelius claimed to have been absent during these
events as he has just returned from his travels. The atmosphere got
more friendly when he offered to heal everybody if they could provide
the Vis. They shared lunch and information about the mysterious black
stone, the wounds were healed and the magi showed Cornelius around the
covenant. Shortly before sunset he left by magical means.
In the evening Sertorius noticed that [[Cruz]] was missing, and thinking of
it he realised that he had not seen him for several days. Using his
magic he summoned a picture of Cruz lying in a wood together with
several other wolves. He looked healthy but no other information could
be retrieved.
On the next morning Cruz returned, seemingly disturbed. During the day
reports of a wolf pack slaughtering many sheep at the village reached
the covenant.
!The Wolf Hunt[[#Session8_1]]
''5th and 6th July 1220''
[[Sertorius]] and [[Etienne]], the mercenary captain, sat out to track down
the wolves that attacked Bugarach (see [[#Session7|A Visitor]]). They talked to
the farmer Pascal who suffered the most from the attack, losing most
of his sheep. With the help of a shepherd boy they were able to follow
the wolf tracks. They soon realised that the pack had arrived together
to slaughter the sheep but went off into different directions afterwards.
They decided to follow the tracks to the place the wolves originated
from. This finally led them to a small forest. Their guide refused
to proceed and Sertorius an Etienne entered the forest alone.
Their attempts to hunt down wolves were unsuccessful and they made
camp on a clearing. During the night they were disturbed by a boar
which they killed. Later in the night two wolves were attracted by the
remains of the boar but were chased away easily.
The next day Sertorius and Etienne set up traps, using boar meat as
bait, to catch at least some wolves. Realising that it would take some
time they made their way back to the covenant.
!Fire![[#Session8_2]]
''7th July 1220''
[[Dominic]] had spent the day with the Friars and stayed over night in
a guest room of the Priory. During the night he woke up with the
feeling that something bad was about to happen. Looking around he
noticed a fire in the newly build church. Raising the alarm and
organising the efforts to extinguish the fire he did his best to help.
Despite the efforts the fire grew and was soon noticed at the covenant.
[[Sertorius]] flew down to the village carrying [[Zeebebah]]. Sertorius managed
to get a short look inside the burning church and discovered that the
fire had been lit in two places inside the church. Zeebebah tried her
best to extinguish the fire with her magic and finally succeeded by
dropping a large amount of earth on the roof. The roof collapsed and
the fire was stopped. While the Friars and villagers wondered where
all this earth came from they started to clear up the remains of the
church.
Father [[Francis]] asked Dominic to assist in the investigation of this
incident. When he began to question the villagers it became clear
that many were suspecting Cathars to be behind it. Zeebebah, unwilling
to assist in this kind of investigation withdrew to the covenant.
!The Magus and the Heretic[[#Session9]]
''7th and 8th July 1220''
While continuing his investigation on the church burning [[Dominic]]
noticed a traveller approaching the village. The traveller introduced
himself as [[Titus]], a scholarly clerk looking for likeminded individuals.
Dominic concluded that he may be looking for the covenant and gave him
directions.
While Titus was walking up the hill Father [[Francis]] discovered that a
holy relic was stolen from his room. Dominic promised to recover the
relic with the help of the people from the covenant.
Dominic discovered that Jean, the woodcutter, was not only suspected
to be a Cathar, he was also missing. Apparently he had left somewhat
hastily only a few hours ago.
At the covenant the traveller introduced himself as Titus Hillarius of
House Tytalus and expressed his interest in joining the covenant. He
was welcomed and accepted the old scriptorium as his new lab and living
quarters.
When Dominic arrived at the covenant the magi agreed to help him in
his investigations and he was accompanied by [[Zeebebah]] and [[Etienne]]
for a closer inspection of Jean's cottage. In the village they
encountered a mob in front of the cottage. Some subtle magic from
Zeebebah helped to convince the mob leader to go home and the other
villagers followed his example. Investigating the cottage yielded only
very few clues but the party managed to recover one of Jean's hairs.
Zeebebah assured them that this would be enough to discover Jean's
whereabouts. Using her magic she discovered that he had just entered
a tavern. After borrowing a map of the area from the Friars the party
returned to the covenant. Here they learned from one of the grogs that
there are three taverns in the area that Jean could have reached in
the time since the church burned down, one on the road west towards the
Pyrenees, one to the north on the road to Rennes-le-Chateau, and one
in Montferrand. Zeebebah and Titus combined their magic to determine
that the hair recovered from Jean's house was an arcane connection to
someone west of the covenant. [[Sertorius]] jumped of the roof and started
to fly towards the tavern on the western road. Just to be sure not to
miss Jean search parties were dispatched to the other two taverns.
Sertorius caught u with Jean shortly after nightfall and carried him
back to the covenant. There he was questioned and it was discovered
that he is indeed a Cathar but had nothing to do with the burning
church. During Jean's interrogation Sertorius revealed that he is a
Cathar. Everybody agreed that Jean should be free to go.
Titus suspected the existence of a regio around the covenant.
Investigating the ground floor of the main building he discovered that
the magical aura is stronger inside the building. After a careful
search he also noticed what seemed to be the boundary of a very small
regio inside the black stone.
!A new Arrival and a Ghost[[#Session10]]
''9th July 1220''
While [[Dominic]] continued his investigation into the missing relic a new
maga arrived at Bugarach asking for the covenant. Travelling disguised
as a man [[Zola]] travelling from Milan to answer the request for new
members. Shortly after introducing herself to the other magi she found
herself in the middle of an argument about how much and in which way
the covenant could and should help the Cathars against the crusade. The
meeting continued with summoning [[CatharBertrand|Bertrand]], the leader of the covenfolk
who was appointed autocrat.
After showing Zola her rooms the magi decided that it would be a good
time to try and retrieve the books that were suspected to be hidden
in the haunted mine ([[Spring1220#Session6|A visit to the Mines]]). Zola offered to help
clearing the cave ins with her earth magic and all four magi left for
the mines together with three guards.
Inside the mine they soon encountered the first signs of the ghost but
Zola still managed to clear a passage through the first of the blocked
tunnels. In a cave at the end of the tunnel [[Sertorius]] discovered the
bones of a human. He payed for this discovery with being hit by one of
the stones the ghost dropped from the ceiling. This prompted the party
to leave the cave for some time. Upon their return they found the
ghostly figure of a miner walking around the cave that contained the
bones. He seemed confused and often unable to remember details of his
past but at least he was less hostile than before. A conversation
revealed that he worked as a miner in roman times and was trapped
in a collapsing tunnel. Angry that nobody helped him he now is
determined to make others share his fate. Titus convinced him that he
and the other magi are priests of Mercury and that they will help him.
The ghost couldn't tell them his name or where he lived but said that
he would like to see his children again. They promised to help him
and continued their exploration of the mine.
One of the collapsed tunnels led them to two crates filled with books
on various hermetic subjects. Following the third tunnel they came
first to an underground creek and after crossing it to an exit leading
to the surface. Leaving the tunnel they fund themselves at the rear
wall of castle [[Montferrand]].
The party took one of the crates back with them and organised the
retrieval of the remaining one upon their arrival at the covenant.
Going through the books they recovered they discovered a loose page
with [[Attach:MysteryNotes.pdf|notes]] relating to the mystery of the black fountain and another
page containing a [[Attach:DragonsTears.pdf|strange poem]].
!Mercenaries and Brigands[[#Session11]]
''10th and 11th July 1220''
[[Bertrand|Bertrand de Gevaudan]], veteran of the Albigensian Crusade had heard
reports about an unoccupied fortification on Pech de Bugarach. He and his
men set out to take possession of this small fortress.
On route to Bugarach they met [[Clement]], a Dominican Friar travelling in
the same direction.
Arriving at Bugarach they met [[Dominic]] and Father [[Francis]]. Clement
was offered a room at the priory that he accepted. Bertrand and his
men were let to the covenant by Dominic. The approach of 20 soldiers
motivated the guards at the covenant to raise an alarm. After all
inhabitants had been brought to the relative safety of the main
building [[Zeebebah]] and [[Sertorius]] met the soldiers at the gate. After
some negotiations Bertrand was invited inside where negotiations
continued. During the negotiations at the gate Dominic noticed a ghostly
soldier speaking to Bertrand. Eventually Bertrand and the magi agreed
that Bertrand and his men could stay at the covenant. Bertrand promised
in return to help to improve the defences of the covenant.
As Dominic was about to return to Bugarach to continue his
investigation into the church burning and the stolen relic he was
approached by the autocrat. He asked Dominic if there had been any
news of his son Raymond. Raymond and one of his friends had been sent
out to investigate a tavern on the road to Rennes-le-Chateaux to see if
Jean came through there ([[#Session9|The Magus and the Heretic]]). As Dominic
had not heard anything he decided to go and investigate this tavern
himself. He was joined by Zeebebah, Bertrand with a group of his men,
and Father Clement.
When they approached the tavern Dominic sensed a holy presence. On
arrival they found the tavern keeper repairing the front door.
Questioning him revealed that two young men, one of them fitting
Raymond's description, had visited his tavern and had been attacked
and abducted by a group of brigands after enquiring about a man from
their village. This man could have been the one that met the brigands
the day before and left with them after handing over a metal box and
asking about sheep. Further investigation in the area established that
they would have to dealt with about a dozen brigands and Bertrand sent
for his remaining men.
While waiting for the reinforcements Dominic searched the tavern and
discovered an empty metal box. Following his supernatural senses he
was led to the backyard of the tavern where he found a well and a
toilet. Certain that one of them contained the missing relic but unable
to say which one he started an attempt to search the well.
Zeebebah offered her help and used her magic to examine the bottom of
well and the toilet. To her dismay she discovered a finger sticking
out of all the excrements that had accumulated below the toilet.
Using another spell Zeebebah raised the whole lump of stinking dirt
to the surface to allow Dominic to recover the hand of Saint Marcellus
from it. This caused some trembling in the earth and attracted Bertrands
attention who was talking to tavern keeper. He stepped out into the
backyard just in time to watch (and smell) the spectacle. After the
hand was retrieved and cleaned it was returned to its metal box and
handed over to Father Clement. Sertorius arrived with the reinforcements
and the party continued to a nearby wood where the brigands were
suspected. Only Father Clement remained at the tavern.
Entering the wood Bertrand's men spread out and they soon reached a
recently deserted camp on a clearing. Sertorius flew up above the trees
and a few men on horseback fleeing from the small forest. Shortly afterwards
he also noticed men on foot running out of the wood. While Bertrand
ordered a general advance Sertorius shrunk four of the five horses he
had spotted, causing the riders to fall down.
The brigands were rounded up by Bertrand's men. Only one got away.
The brigands were questioned by Bertrand. He identified the leader
and under the influence of Zeebebah's magic the brigand leader finally
admitted killing Raymond and his friend together with three others.
He also said that a Templar Knight had paid them to meet the man who
had stolen the relic and to kill everyone who followed him.
After confessing their sins to Father Clement the four murderers of
Raymond were hanged. On the next day the remaining eight brigands were
brought to Bugarach where they are expected to help out with manual
labour.
!How to lose two silver mines and find two vis sources in one day[[#Session12]]
20th July 1220
Father [[Clement]], [[Zeebebah]], [[Maili|Màili]], and one of Bertrand's lieutenants
travelled to [[Montferrand]] to find out who owns the land the covenant is
located on and to enquire where they could get coins minted from the
silver the covenant mines at the Pech Cardou.
Arriving at the castle they noted that only few guards
were present. They were told that the [[LordMontferrand|Lord of Montferrand]] took most of
his men to aid Amaury de Montfort in his attempt to retake Castlenaudary.
The party was admitted into the castle and greeted by the steward [[Albert]].
Father Clement asked to see the castles records to search for information
on some silver mines. Albert was very interested these mines and allowed
them to view the records. Father Clement and Zeebebah were unable to
find any reference to an owner of the land around the Pech de Bugarach.
They established that it is not part of the land owned by Montferrand
but could not find out more. But they found some indication that at
least one silver mine was previously used by the lords of Montferrand.
From the documents it was clear that both silver mines are the property
of Montferrand. They agreed that the control over the mines should be
handed over to Montferrand and Father Clement informed Albert about
the location of the mines and warned him that one of them may not be
safe. During their visit to Montferrand they also heard stories about
strange creatures living on and under Pech de Bugarach.
Meanwhile [[Titus]] and [[Sertorius]] set out to find vis sources. They were
guided in their efforts by the types of vis they had found in the
covenant. Sertorius found some colourful pebbles in the haunted mine
that Titus identified as Terram vis. Titus noticed that the healing
salve that Rafi had prepared from the plants they had collected
during spring ([[Spring1220#Session4|A strange wolf in a dark wood]]) contains Creo vis.
Unable to locate other vis sources at the moment they turned their
attention to a strange stone formation that Sertorius had noticed while
flying over the area. Arriving at the foot of the hill they met the
others returning from Montferrand. Father Clement told them that the
rock formation was called the devil's seat by the locals.
They flew up the formation that looked like a giant throne. Sitting
on it they noticed two or possibly three large standing stones forming
a straight line with the devil's seat. Titus identified a weak faerie
aura surrounding the seat.
!Carcassonne revisited[[#Session12]]
''20th - 29th July 1220''
[[Bertrand]] de Gevaudan and [[Dominic]] travelled to Carcassonne to find out
what had happened to the two grogs that had been sent to Carcassonne
to buy lab equipment. They were accompanied by [[Frédéric]], one of [[Etienne]]'s
men, [[Olivier]] (cf [[Spring1220#Session6|A visit to the mines]]), and 6 of Bertrand's men.
They intended to begin their investigation at the 'Rose and Thorns'
which had been used as contact address previously (cf [[Spring1220#Session1|Finding a new home]]).
As they approached Carcassonne they noticed that several people had been
burned at the stake in front of the gate. There was a noble searching
the remains and picking up small things from the ashes. Ha was
accompanied by a knight. Dominic and Bertrand talked with the knight
and later with the noble. He introduced himself as Julius. Questioned
about his activities he said that he has a scholarly interest in the
effects caused by these burnings but was reluctant to reveal any details.
Julius agreed to meet them at the 'Rose and Thorns' later that day to
continue their conversation. Olivier kept talking about a third person
walking around the ashes. Dominic eventually noticed a ghost.
Entering Carcassonne they were informed that the crusader army had
left a few days ago to retake Castlnaudary which had been captured by
Raymond VII and the Count of Foix. Proceeding to the 'Rose and Thorns'
they found the tavern boarded up. Dominic and Olivier noticed a ghost
walking into the tavern through the closed door. The door was forced
open. While Dominic was talking to the ghost of the tavern keeper
Bertrand and his men were searching the guest rooms. It turned out
that the tavern keeper was unaware of his condition. He said that the
two missing grogs had been in his tavern but he had not seen them for
some time. But he suggested that they may have moved to a 'save house'
in St. Vincent.
In St. Vincent they found a small shop selling glass wares. Bertrand
asked about the missing glassblower Eilard and the two grogs. The
shop owner offered to sell them glassware himself and was not very
helpful otherwise. But his behaviour seemed suspicious and Bertrand
ordered Olivier to stay behind and shadow the shop owner. Olivier
was instructed to meet them back at their inn at night.
Bertrand and his men continued their search in Glassblower street while
Dominic visited the cathedral. In Glassblower street they found a large
glassblower workshop. This one seemed more capable of meeting the needs
of the magi, but there was still no sign of Eilard or the grogs. When
Bertrand was about to leave the shop Julius entered. After a short
conversation Bertrand left without telling Julius that they were not
staying in the 'Rose and Thorns'.
Heading on to investigate Eilard's house they found it boarded up.
Bertrand ordered his men to break the door open. Inside everything
indicated that the house was left in an orderly fashion. The glassware
and personal belonging had been removed, but there was no sign of
looting. Bertrand returned with his men to the inn where they waited
for Olivier to return.
Meanwhile Dominic visited the cathedral to consult with the local
bishop. To his surprise he also met [[Maximillian|Maximillian Aurelius Quintus]].
Maximillian is a bishop in the order of Sanctus Pessum Diabolus and
the former mentor of Dominic. Maximillian told Dominic that he followed
a vision warning him of a demonic plot. He is unsure what this plot is
or where it will take place but he thinks it involves an attack on a
church. He heard about an attack on a priest at Carcassonne's cathedral.
Dominic told him about the burning of the church in Bugarach and they
decided that Maximillian should return with them to Bugarach. Dominic
also told him about Olivier and his ability to see ghosts. Maximillian
was very interested in this and they agreed that Olivier should be
trained as a member of their order.
The local bishop asked Dominic for help in their attempts to track down
the cathars that were responsible for the attack.
Olivier was able to follow the shop owner to a tavern and was able to
overhear a conversation that indicated the he knew something about the
missing grogs but was unsure what the consequences of revealing this
information to Bertrand would be.
The next day Bertrand and his men returned to St. Vincent to confront
the shop owner. He agreed to send a guide to their in at night.
Dominic took Olivier to his bishop. Maximillian tried to talk with
Olivier to convince him to enter training to join their order but
Olivier apeared to be frightened and reluctant. When Bertrand heard
about this he said he would be interested in training Olivier for
his own purposes. It was concluded that the magi would have to settle
this. During the day Bertrand hired 6 new mercenaries, promising them
land close to the covenant.
Dominic asked to see the priest who had been attacked by cathars.
He was very frightened and seemed to be barely sane. Dominic managed
to calm him with a prayer and was able to speak with him. The priest
claimed that he had been attacked by giant cathars, a saracen witch,
and a giant wolf. Dominic suggested that the poor priest should be
send to quieter place.
At night the promised guide took Bertrand to a house in St. Vincent
that was used as hiding place for a group of cathars. There he found
the missing grogs. He had to find out that they had been unable to
get in contact with Eilar. They had heard that he went to Castelnaudary
to live with his uncle. They had spent some of the money but most of
it remained. It was decided to return to Bugarach as soon as possible.
Some of the cathars were allowed to join them.
Finally they returned to Bugarach and the covenant without the lab
equipment but with new mercenaries, covenfolk, and a bishop.
!Meetings[[#Session14]]
''30th - 31st July 1220''
After his return from Carcassonne [[Dominic]] visited the covenant to
ask the magi for permission to train [[Olivier]]. He met [[Titus]] and [[Zola]].
They listened to his request and decided to call a council meeting
after Dominic had left.
At this meeting the magi decided that Olivier should not be turned
over to the bishop for training. Instead they preferred to take
Olivier's education into their own hands. They also discussed the
covenant charta, the restructuring of the main building, and vis
sources. A new expedition to Carcassonne was organised to finally get
the required lab equipment. They also decided to clear some land
around the Pech de Bugarach to create a new settlement.
The next morning they sent for the bishop to discuss Olivier's future.
[[Maximillian]] explained his desire to train Olivier for his order but
was refused. After exchanging arguments it they agreed that the magi
should be responsible for Olivier's education and that the bishop
can talk to Olivier in regular intervals.
The magi were unable to learn much about the bishop's mysterious order
but had to realise that Dominic had told him a lot about their activities.
The remaining weeks of summer were spent clearing forest, studying the
black stone, searching for vis sources, and waiting for lab equipment.
The latter arrived during the last days of summer.
[[#Session7|A Visitor]][[<<]]
[[#Session8_1|The Wolf Hunt]][[<<]]
[[#Session8_2|Fire!]][[<<]]
[[#Session9|The Magus and the Heretic]][[<<]]
[[#Session10|A new Arrival and a Ghost]][[<<]]
[[#Session11|Mercenaries and Brigands]][[<<]]
[[#Session12|How to lose two silver mines and find two vis sources in one day]][[<<]]
[[#Session13|Carcassonne revisited]][[<<]]
[[#Session14|Meetings]][[<<]]
!A Visitor [[#Session7]]
''3rd and 4th July 1220''
After over two quiet month of rebuilding and recovering from previous
adventures the peace at the covenant was interrupted when the magi
learned that Brother [[Ablehardt]] was still in a very bad condition
([[Spring1220#Session4|A strange wolf in a dark wood]]). [[Dominic]] and [[Rafi]] set out to
see if they could help. At Bugarach they found most of the villagers
and the friars praying for Abelhardt in front of the almost finished
church. His condition indeed turned out to be bad and Rafi tried his
best to help. Meanwhile Dominic met a traveller who just arrived in the
village. This traveller cautiously asked for directions to the covenant
and eventually identified himself as Cornelius Lucretius scholae Tremendi,
member of the covenant at Mistridge (see [[Spring1220#Session5|Màili's Tale]] for the first
encounter with the magi at Mistridge).
At the covenant Cornelius was first met with suspicions and [[Sertorius]]
tried to question him about the events at Mistridge during the visit of
[[Maili|Màili]] and [[André]] but Cornelius claimed to have been absent during these
events as he has just returned from his travels. The atmosphere got
more friendly when he offered to heal everybody if they could provide
the Vis. They shared lunch and information about the mysterious black
stone, the wounds were healed and the magi showed Cornelius around the
covenant. Shortly before sunset he left by magical means.
In the evening Sertorius noticed that [[Cruz]] was missing, and thinking of
it he realised that he had not seen him for several days. Using his
magic he summoned a picture of Cruz lying in a wood together with
several other wolves. He looked healthy but no other information could
be retrieved.
On the next morning Cruz returned, seemingly disturbed. During the day
reports of a wolf pack slaughtering many sheep at the village reached
the covenant.
!The Wolf Hunt[[#Session8_1]]
''5th and 6th July 1220''
[[Sertorius]] and [[Etienne]], the mercenary captain, sat out to track down
the wolves that attacked Bugarach (see [[#Session7|A Visitor]]). They talked to
the farmer Pascal who suffered the most from the attack, losing most
of his sheep. With the help of a shepherd boy they were able to follow
the wolf tracks. They soon realised that the pack had arrived together
to slaughter the sheep but went off into different directions afterwards.
They decided to follow the tracks to the place the wolves originated
from. This finally led them to a small forest. Their guide refused
to proceed and Sertorius an Etienne entered the forest alone.
Their attempts to hunt down wolves were unsuccessful and they made
camp on a clearing. During the night they were disturbed by a boar
which they killed. Later in the night two wolves were attracted by the
remains of the boar but were chased away easily.
The next day Sertorius and Etienne set up traps, using boar meat as
bait, to catch at least some wolves. Realising that it would take some
time they made their way back to the covenant.
!Fire![[#Session8_2]]
''7th July 1220''
[[Dominic]] had spent the day with the Friars and stayed over night in
a guest room of the Priory. During the night he woke up with the
feeling that something bad was about to happen. Looking around he
noticed a fire in the newly build church. Raising the alarm and
organising the efforts to extinguish the fire he did his best to help.
Despite the efforts the fire grew and was soon noticed at the covenant.
[[Sertorius]] flew down to the village carrying [[Zeebebah]]. Sertorius managed
to get a short look inside the burning church and discovered that the
fire had been lit in two places inside the church. Zeebebah tried her
best to extinguish the fire with her magic and finally succeeded by
dropping a large amount of earth on the roof. The roof collapsed and
the fire was stopped. While the Friars and villagers wondered where
all this earth came from they started to clear up the remains of the
church.
Father [[Francis]] asked Dominic to assist in the investigation of this
incident. When he began to question the villagers it became clear
that many were suspecting Cathars to be behind it. Zeebebah, unwilling
to assist in this kind of investigation withdrew to the covenant.
!The Magus and the Heretic[[#Session9]]
''7th and 8th July 1220''
While continuing his investigation on the church burning [[Dominic]]
noticed a traveller approaching the village. The traveller introduced
himself as [[Titus]], a scholarly clerk looking for likeminded individuals.
Dominic concluded that he may be looking for the covenant and gave him
directions.
While Titus was walking up the hill Father [[Francis]] discovered that a
holy relic was stolen from his room. Dominic promised to recover the
relic with the help of the people from the covenant.
Dominic discovered that Jean, the woodcutter, was not only suspected
to be a Cathar, he was also missing. Apparently he had left somewhat
hastily only a few hours ago.
At the covenant the traveller introduced himself as Titus Hillarius of
House Tytalus and expressed his interest in joining the covenant. He
was welcomed and accepted the old scriptorium as his new lab and living
quarters.
When Dominic arrived at the covenant the magi agreed to help him in
his investigations and he was accompanied by [[Zeebebah]] and [[Etienne]]
for a closer inspection of Jean's cottage. In the village they
encountered a mob in front of the cottage. Some subtle magic from
Zeebebah helped to convince the mob leader to go home and the other
villagers followed his example. Investigating the cottage yielded only
very few clues but the party managed to recover one of Jean's hairs.
Zeebebah assured them that this would be enough to discover Jean's
whereabouts. Using her magic she discovered that he had just entered
a tavern. After borrowing a map of the area from the Friars the party
returned to the covenant. Here they learned from one of the grogs that
there are three taverns in the area that Jean could have reached in
the time since the church burned down, one on the road west towards the
Pyrenees, one to the north on the road to Rennes-le-Chateau, and one
in Montferrand. Zeebebah and Titus combined their magic to determine
that the hair recovered from Jean's house was an arcane connection to
someone west of the covenant. [[Sertorius]] jumped of the roof and started
to fly towards the tavern on the western road. Just to be sure not to
miss Jean search parties were dispatched to the other two taverns.
Sertorius caught u with Jean shortly after nightfall and carried him
back to the covenant. There he was questioned and it was discovered
that he is indeed a Cathar but had nothing to do with the burning
church. During Jean's interrogation Sertorius revealed that he is a
Cathar. Everybody agreed that Jean should be free to go.
Titus suspected the existence of a regio around the covenant.
Investigating the ground floor of the main building he discovered that
the magical aura is stronger inside the building. After a careful
search he also noticed what seemed to be the boundary of a very small
regio inside the black stone.
!A new Arrival and a Ghost[[#Session10]]
''9th July 1220''
While [[Dominic]] continued his investigation into the missing relic a new
maga arrived at Bugarach asking for the covenant. Travelling disguised
as a man [[Zola]] travelling from Milan to answer the request for new
members. Shortly after introducing herself to the other magi she found
herself in the middle of an argument about how much and in which way
the covenant could and should help the Cathars against the crusade. The
meeting continued with summoning [[CatharBertrand|Bertrand]], the leader of the covenfolk
who was appointed autocrat.
After showing Zola her rooms the magi decided that it would be a good
time to try and retrieve the books that were suspected to be hidden
in the haunted mine ([[Spring1220#Session6|A visit to the Mines]]). Zola offered to help
clearing the cave ins with her earth magic and all four magi left for
the mines together with three guards.
Inside the mine they soon encountered the first signs of the ghost but
Zola still managed to clear a passage through the first of the blocked
tunnels. In a cave at the end of the tunnel [[Sertorius]] discovered the
bones of a human. He payed for this discovery with being hit by one of
the stones the ghost dropped from the ceiling. This prompted the party
to leave the cave for some time. Upon their return they found the
ghostly figure of a miner walking around the cave that contained the
bones. He seemed confused and often unable to remember details of his
past but at least he was less hostile than before. A conversation
revealed that he worked as a miner in roman times and was trapped
in a collapsing tunnel. Angry that nobody helped him he now is
determined to make others share his fate. Titus convinced him that he
and the other magi are priests of Mercury and that they will help him.
The ghost couldn't tell them his name or where he lived but said that
he would like to see his children again. They promised to help him
and continued their exploration of the mine.
One of the collapsed tunnels led them to two crates filled with books
on various hermetic subjects. Following the third tunnel they came
first to an underground creek and after crossing it to an exit leading
to the surface. Leaving the tunnel they fund themselves at the rear
wall of castle [[Montferrand]].
The party took one of the crates back with them and organised the
retrieval of the remaining one upon their arrival at the covenant.
Going through the books they recovered they discovered a loose page
with [[Attach:MysteryNotes.pdf|notes]] relating to the mystery of the black fountain and another
page containing a [[Attach:DragonsTears.pdf|strange poem]].
!Mercenaries and Brigands[[#Session11]]
''10th and 11th July 1220''
[[Bertrand|Bertrand de Gevaudan]], veteran of the Albigensian Crusade had heard
reports about an unoccupied fortification on Pech de Bugarach. He and his
men set out to take possession of this small fortress.
On route to Bugarach they met [[Clement]], a Dominican Friar travelling in
the same direction.
Arriving at Bugarach they met [[Dominic]] and Father [[Francis]]. Clement
was offered a room at the priory that he accepted. Bertrand and his
men were let to the covenant by Dominic. The approach of 20 soldiers
motivated the guards at the covenant to raise an alarm. After all
inhabitants had been brought to the relative safety of the main
building [[Zeebebah]] and [[Sertorius]] met the soldiers at the gate. After
some negotiations Bertrand was invited inside where negotiations
continued. During the negotiations at the gate Dominic noticed a ghostly
soldier speaking to Bertrand. Eventually Bertrand and the magi agreed
that Bertrand and his men could stay at the covenant. Bertrand promised
in return to help to improve the defences of the covenant.
As Dominic was about to return to Bugarach to continue his
investigation into the church burning and the stolen relic he was
approached by the autocrat. He asked Dominic if there had been any
news of his son Raymond. Raymond and one of his friends had been sent
out to investigate a tavern on the road to Rennes-le-Chateaux to see if
Jean came through there ([[#Session9|The Magus and the Heretic]]). As Dominic
had not heard anything he decided to go and investigate this tavern
himself. He was joined by Zeebebah, Bertrand with a group of his men,
and Father Clement.
When they approached the tavern Dominic sensed a holy presence. On
arrival they found the tavern keeper repairing the front door.
Questioning him revealed that two young men, one of them fitting
Raymond's description, had visited his tavern and had been attacked
and abducted by a group of brigands after enquiring about a man from
their village. This man could have been the one that met the brigands
the day before and left with them after handing over a metal box and
asking about sheep. Further investigation in the area established that
they would have to dealt with about a dozen brigands and Bertrand sent
for his remaining men.
While waiting for the reinforcements Dominic searched the tavern and
discovered an empty metal box. Following his supernatural senses he
was led to the backyard of the tavern where he found a well and a
toilet. Certain that one of them contained the missing relic but unable
to say which one he started an attempt to search the well.
Zeebebah offered her help and used her magic to examine the bottom of
well and the toilet. To her dismay she discovered a finger sticking
out of all the excrements that had accumulated below the toilet.
Using another spell Zeebebah raised the whole lump of stinking dirt
to the surface to allow Dominic to recover the hand of Saint Marcellus
from it. This caused some trembling in the earth and attracted Bertrands
attention who was talking to tavern keeper. He stepped out into the
backyard just in time to watch (and smell) the spectacle. After the
hand was retrieved and cleaned it was returned to its metal box and
handed over to Father Clement. Sertorius arrived with the reinforcements
and the party continued to a nearby wood where the brigands were
suspected. Only Father Clement remained at the tavern.
Entering the wood Bertrand's men spread out and they soon reached a
recently deserted camp on a clearing. Sertorius flew up above the trees
and a few men on horseback fleeing from the small forest. Shortly afterwards
he also noticed men on foot running out of the wood. While Bertrand
ordered a general advance Sertorius shrunk four of the five horses he
had spotted, causing the riders to fall down.
The brigands were rounded up by Bertrand's men. Only one got away.
The brigands were questioned by Bertrand. He identified the leader
and under the influence of Zeebebah's magic the brigand leader finally
admitted killing Raymond and his friend together with three others.
He also said that a Templar Knight had paid them to meet the man who
had stolen the relic and to kill everyone who followed him.
After confessing their sins to Father Clement the four murderers of
Raymond were hanged. On the next day the remaining eight brigands were
brought to Bugarach where they are expected to help out with manual
labour.
!How to lose two silver mines and find two vis sources in one day[[#Session12]]
20th July 1220
Father [[Clement]], [[Zeebebah]], [[Maili|Màili]], and one of Bertrand's lieutenants
travelled to [[Montferrand]] to find out who owns the land the covenant is
located on and to enquire where they could get coins minted from the
silver the covenant mines at the Pech Cardou.
Arriving at the castle they noted that only few guards
were present. They were told that the [[LordMontferrand|Lord of Montferrand]] took most of
his men to aid Amaury de Montfort in his attempt to retake Castlenaudary.
The party was admitted into the castle and greeted by the steward [[Albert]].
Father Clement asked to see the castles records to search for information
on some silver mines. Albert was very interested these mines and allowed
them to view the records. Father Clement and Zeebebah were unable to
find any reference to an owner of the land around the Pech de Bugarach.
They established that it is not part of the land owned by Montferrand
but could not find out more. But they found some indication that at
least one silver mine was previously used by the lords of Montferrand.
From the documents it was clear that both silver mines are the property
of Montferrand. They agreed that the control over the mines should be
handed over to Montferrand and Father Clement informed Albert about
the location of the mines and warned him that one of them may not be
safe. During their visit to Montferrand they also heard stories about
strange creatures living on and under Pech de Bugarach.
Meanwhile [[Titus]] and [[Sertorius]] set out to find vis sources. They were
guided in their efforts by the types of vis they had found in the
covenant. Sertorius found some colourful pebbles in the haunted mine
that Titus identified as Terram vis. Titus noticed that the healing
salve that Rafi had prepared from the plants they had collected
during spring ([[Spring1220#Session4|A strange wolf in a dark wood]]) contains Creo vis.
Unable to locate other vis sources at the moment they turned their
attention to a strange stone formation that Sertorius had noticed while
flying over the area. Arriving at the foot of the hill they met the
others returning from Montferrand. Father Clement told them that the
rock formation was called the devil's seat by the locals.
They flew up the formation that looked like a giant throne. Sitting
on it they noticed two or possibly three large standing stones forming
a straight line with the devil's seat. Titus identified a weak faerie
aura surrounding the seat.
!Carcassonne revisited[[#Session12]]
''20th - 29th July 1220''
[[Bertrand]] de Gevaudan and [[Dominic]] travelled to Carcassonne to find out
what had happened to the two grogs that had been sent to Carcassonne
to buy lab equipment. They were accompanied by [[Frédéric]], one of [[Etienne]]'s
men, [[Olivier]] (cf [[Spring1220#Session6|A visit to the mines]]), and 6 of Bertrand's men.
They intended to begin their investigation at the 'Rose and Thorns'
which had been used as contact address previously (cf [[Spring1220#Session1|Finding a new home]]).
As they approached Carcassonne they noticed that several people had been
burned at the stake in front of the gate. There was a noble searching
the remains and picking up small things from the ashes. Ha was
accompanied by a knight. Dominic and Bertrand talked with the knight
and later with the noble. He introduced himself as Julius. Questioned
about his activities he said that he has a scholarly interest in the
effects caused by these burnings but was reluctant to reveal any details.
Julius agreed to meet them at the 'Rose and Thorns' later that day to
continue their conversation. Olivier kept talking about a third person
walking around the ashes. Dominic eventually noticed a ghost.
Entering Carcassonne they were informed that the crusader army had
left a few days ago to retake Castlnaudary which had been captured by
Raymond VII and the Count of Foix. Proceeding to the 'Rose and Thorns'
they found the tavern boarded up. Dominic and Olivier noticed a ghost
walking into the tavern through the closed door. The door was forced
open. While Dominic was talking to the ghost of the tavern keeper
Bertrand and his men were searching the guest rooms. It turned out
that the tavern keeper was unaware of his condition. He said that the
two missing grogs had been in his tavern but he had not seen them for
some time. But he suggested that they may have moved to a 'save house'
in St. Vincent.
In St. Vincent they found a small shop selling glass wares. Bertrand
asked about the missing glassblower Eilard and the two grogs. The
shop owner offered to sell them glassware himself and was not very
helpful otherwise. But his behaviour seemed suspicious and Bertrand
ordered Olivier to stay behind and shadow the shop owner. Olivier
was instructed to meet them back at their inn at night.
Bertrand and his men continued their search in Glassblower street while
Dominic visited the cathedral. In Glassblower street they found a large
glassblower workshop. This one seemed more capable of meeting the needs
of the magi, but there was still no sign of Eilard or the grogs. When
Bertrand was about to leave the shop Julius entered. After a short
conversation Bertrand left without telling Julius that they were not
staying in the 'Rose and Thorns'.
Heading on to investigate Eilard's house they found it boarded up.
Bertrand ordered his men to break the door open. Inside everything
indicated that the house was left in an orderly fashion. The glassware
and personal belonging had been removed, but there was no sign of
looting. Bertrand returned with his men to the inn where they waited
for Olivier to return.
Meanwhile Dominic visited the cathedral to consult with the local
bishop. To his surprise he also met [[Maximillian|Maximillian Aurelius Quintus]].
Maximillian is a bishop in the order of Sanctus Pessum Diabolus and
the former mentor of Dominic. Maximillian told Dominic that he followed
a vision warning him of a demonic plot. He is unsure what this plot is
or where it will take place but he thinks it involves an attack on a
church. He heard about an attack on a priest at Carcassonne's cathedral.
Dominic told him about the burning of the church in Bugarach and they
decided that Maximillian should return with them to Bugarach. Dominic
also told him about Olivier and his ability to see ghosts. Maximillian
was very interested in this and they agreed that Olivier should be
trained as a member of their order.
The local bishop asked Dominic for help in their attempts to track down
the cathars that were responsible for the attack.
Olivier was able to follow the shop owner to a tavern and was able to
overhear a conversation that indicated the he knew something about the
missing grogs but was unsure what the consequences of revealing this
information to Bertrand would be.
The next day Bertrand and his men returned to St. Vincent to confront
the shop owner. He agreed to send a guide to their in at night.
Dominic took Olivier to his bishop. Maximillian tried to talk with
Olivier to convince him to enter training to join their order but
Olivier apeared to be frightened and reluctant. When Bertrand heard
about this he said he would be interested in training Olivier for
his own purposes. It was concluded that the magi would have to settle
this. During the day Bertrand hired 6 new mercenaries, promising them
land close to the covenant.
Dominic asked to see the priest who had been attacked by cathars.
He was very frightened and seemed to be barely sane. Dominic managed
to calm him with a prayer and was able to speak with him. The priest
claimed that he had been attacked by giant cathars, a saracen witch,
and a giant wolf. Dominic suggested that the poor priest should be
send to quieter place.
At night the promised guide took Bertrand to a house in St. Vincent
that was used as hiding place for a group of cathars. There he found
the missing grogs. He had to find out that they had been unable to
get in contact with Eilar. They had heard that he went to Castelnaudary
to live with his uncle. They had spent some of the money but most of
it remained. It was decided to return to Bugarach as soon as possible.
Some of the cathars were allowed to join them.
Finally they returned to Bugarach and the covenant without the lab
equipment but with new mercenaries, covenfolk, and a bishop.
!Meetings[[#Session14]]
''30th - 31st July 1220''
After his return from Carcassonne [[Dominic]] visited the covenant to
ask the magi for permission to train [[Olivier]]. He met [[Titus]] and [[Zola]].
They listened to his request and decided to call a council meeting
after Dominic had left.
At this meeting the magi decided that Olivier should not be turned
over to the bishop for training. Instead they preferred to take
Olivier's education into their own hands. They also discussed the
covenant charta, the restructuring of the main building, and vis
sources. A new expedition to Carcassonne was organised to finally get
the required lab equipment. They also decided to clear some land
around the Pech de Bugarach to create a new settlement.
The next morning they sent for the bishop to discuss Olivier's future.
[[Maximillian]] explained his desire to train Olivier for his order but
was refused. After exchanging arguments it they agreed that the magi
should be responsible for Olivier's education and that the bishop
can talk to Olivier in regular intervals.
The magi were unable to learn much about the bishop's mysterious order
but had to realise that Dominic had told him a lot about their activities.
The remaining weeks of summer were spent clearing forest, studying the
black stone, searching for vis sources, and waiting for lab equipment.
The latter arrived during the last days of summer.
Page last modified on May 30, 2006, at 11:32 PM