Summary 57

At Akers you found the Volkstimme in full flow. A poet ("Comrade, kill your mutie") and open-air lectures (promoting a pre-Norscan utopia, and with free beer) were just examples of a propaganda offensive that appears to have clicked into action. Two Skythae women were involved with these programmes, and they wore an insignia that Thomas recalled (a roll of '01') was not true heraldry, but was a symbol used by Aer Dressair. Lukas was arrested for "political sabotage", specifically defeatist talk when he queried the reality of the situation facing the Colonies. This was resolved ultimately, but indicative of the general state of affairs. Lukas was chaperoned by a more restrained PC for the rest of the session. At Akers, you also met Farther Petrarch (oddly, a Classical name) taking Teardrop militia northwards.

The ship's crew seem competent and were guarded, but not unfriendly in their dealings with you. You quickly established a routine, including helping to row. The boat is run up the bank when you stop each night. One interesting aspect of the river was the occasional rocky pillar at which the boat stopped and made an offering. These were described as "River Voices" to you, the heralds (servants, spirits) of Istros. Jakob sensed no magic, but you did see a 'shape' under the river at one of these. Local fishermen in reed boats were seen everywhere.

Wolf decided to spy on Dacae, who promised to kill him if he continued to follow him around. Wolf, on balance, decided to drop the matter - a surprisingly sensible decision.

Some Ruthenians threw stones at the boat. Lukas decided to throw his arrows overboard for some reason.

At Borluut, after much bickering over the decision, you interceded in a land dispute at Okai Kraal, a Shallyan hospice-farmstead under attack from Klintoneus, a Hill Man claiming his ancestral lands. Koninkstavel Walewyn Uurp was grateful for your help.

At Rassenkens, the Goedendag, a massive cannon, had been set up on a firing platform indicating the sense of unease here.

Lukas caused trouble once again, when he was refused entry to a private temple to Shallya. There were three hospitals, two shrines and a temple to Shallya here, all with their own heraldic device, the beneficence (hobby) of Opper Koninckstavel Jolanda Adornes.

Arriving at Maas, you found a polluted desolation and that logging had stopped due to the disappearance of loggers. That night the two leading timber merchants and the Commissioner were all murdered in their beds. The Eureko mercenaries were out of their depth, and you offered to help. Galabrovil, missing during the night, appeared, and presented a scroll to the Captain (Chenkov) with which she took up the post of Acting Commissioner. You immediately smelled the stench of a conspiracy, but elected to mind your own business. We left the game at the point she produced a scroll for Jakob, with a view to leaving as soon as possible.

Experience (including carried over)
Jakob  55
Wolf  45
Thomas  70
Rebekah  45
Khadrum  50
Lukas  70
Bob  60

Jakob gains one Fate Point, Rich not having been at the last session.