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History
2003
Masquerade
Date: 11 January 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard, Liz Waldock
NPCs
Countess Madeleine Darcy ni Fiona the Sidhe
A rat. Yes... a real rat. No, not a chimerical rat - a real one.
Paddy Stephanotis a Cluricaun assassin (Oathbreaker, punished by the Dreaming)
Tirac the Redcap
Bonnie La Shatte the Cat Pooka
Morning's Light on Fire Mountain the Chimerical Dragon
Kelly Kramer the Rat Pooka (impersonated Spinifex, then killed)
The Lady of the Lake (A spirit?)
Countess Madeleine decided to try to lighten the atmosphere for the Canberran Fae Court by holding a bright party in the newly reclaimed Freehold of Caer Taghairm. Games were played and merriment was had by some, but not all. Strange things occurred, such as the appearance of a large rat, wearing a gold earring, who spoke of the 'Great White Alligator King' who rules the sewers of Canberra (after the appropriate translator had been found).
Then the evening started to go awry as the Court begins to flicker from Seelie to Unseelie in a disturbingly unnatural manner. A Clurichaun assassin apparently killed Spinifex with the assistance of Nahren, who hugged Spinifex so he was covered with her cold iron chains. Oddly enough, the dead Spinifex changed form into some kind of dead rat pooka. The real, rather confused, Spinifex showed up later rather surprised to learn he was supposed to be dead and telling of how he'd managed to get lost in the Dreaming on his way to the party.
A fire elemental inhabited the balefire, sending Bertram into a berserk rage. All attempts to remove it, without destroying the Balefire fail until the Lady of the Lake (see "Heart of Banality") shows up and banishes the Fire Elemental from the Balefire with a wave of her hand. The Lady quietly murmers to Ulaf, leaving him shaking in terror, then answers a softly asked question, which leaves Druscillaís eyes shining. Bertram asks the Lady to heal Nahren from her psychological addiction to Cold Iron chains. The Lady complies, leading the childling by the hand into the Lake, to emerge later without memory or sorrow.
Later in the evening Countess Madeleine called a War Council to discuss threats to Canberra. Raziel was Knighted.
Quests and Quandries
Date: 2 February 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard, Xole, Mike Walker
NPCs
Countess Madeleine Darcy ni Fiona the Sidhe
Tirac the Redcap
Graham Cappellari (Sidhe Kinain and AFP Officer)
Count Sariel Rhys ap Fiona the Sidhe
On this day the Changelings spread out over Canberra, gathering in small groups to try to solve the ills affecting Canberra at Madeleine's instruction. Unfortunately, they each acted without coordination or planning and often the results were far less than could have been expected. And around them all the Chimerical War continued to rage.
The two other great Freeholds of Canberra: Khantabahl to the north and Enverona to the South were found and claimed after various trials and traumas. At Khantabahl, the 'Muppet Heads', strange fuzzy creatures capable of swallowing a Changeling whole, were driven into one of the three mazes that protects that Freehold and the entrance maze was keyed to a special piece of string. The Sphinx who was guarding Enverona was found minced by some great creature (no clue was found as to what could have killed a creature so great). The Lady Trina and Sir Tristan were finally married in a small private ceremony at Enverona by Sir Raziel, with a small group as witnesses and Burt as Best Dog.
A group went to destroy the Kwells, who had been munching their way through Canberra's chimerical landscape for nearly 2 months. Erina learned of the House Elves' plans to build a special Doomsday Device to destroy all Chimerae in Canberra (other than themselves). Later there was a suggestion that Cat stole the Doomsday Device - either that or it never existed. Finally, a large uncoordinated group went to rescue the Fae from the Holt Mental Asylum. While they did manage to rescue them, there were numerous injuries, strange nervosa chimerae encountered, several breaches of the Escheat and they only got away with four of the almost 20 Changeling inmates, including the previous Count of Canberra: Lord Sariel.
The authorities called in Graham Cappelari to investigate the odd occurrences at the Asylum and he phoned Raziel to accuse him of Changeling mischief. Raziel told him of the events and negotiated to get the remaining Changelings out of the Asylum and into Caer Taghairm Freehold.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, a certain Doctor transfered 5 children away from the Asylum as a result of the activities there this day.
A Bunch of Baronies
Date: 16 February 2003 (Late Feb 03 Game)
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard, Xole, Mike Walker
NPCs
Countess Madeleine Darcy ni Fiona the Sidhe
Tirac the Redcap
Count Sariel Rhys ap Fiona the Sidhe
Tecuhtli Mezcoatl "Misha" the Moon Dragon
Taron Clawfist the Troll
Claudon Hearthbright the Boggan
Baron Silas the Bat Pooka
The Countess Madeleine announced that she had spent a large part of the preceding month in ritual and meditation, communing with the Dreaming. She had succeeded in petitioning the Dreaming to raise up to two of the Fae Court within Canberra to the Rank of Baron, regardless of their current rank. To prove themselves worthy they had to complete the following tasks (at all times following the Escheat and Seelie Code):
- Free the Childlings suffering at the hands of the Dauntain doctor
- Heal those of the Old Court who still suffered from the ills of Banality
- Find out what caused the Banality Wave and ensure it never occurs again
- End the Chimerical War
- Search for the Sacred Amulet of Versaginus
- Claim a Treasure from the Moon Dragon
- Find out why there was the strange Cyclic Court Change throughout Canberra and end it
Most of the Changelings eagerly form into groups and headed out to accomplish the Quests. Meanwhile the strange flickering from Unseelie to Seelie continued.
A healing potion from the mysterious Jim's Emporium healed the Banality inflicted illness of the rescued Old Court members. A theory was developed that a shard of meteorite caused the Banality Wave, and thus it was unlikely to occur again. Much wheeling and dealing of all sorts was done with the Chimerae around Canberra. The sacred Amulet was found in the possession of a well known wizard, who allowed the Kithain to take it under certain conditions. Misha the Moon Dragon was happy to give a small token from its hoarde in return for being set free(!).
On returning from a hard day's Questing, the Changelings discovered that Count Sariel and Countess Madeleine, who were left alone in the Freehold, had had a great battle, resulting in the chimerical death of the Countess. Her mortal form was found wandering on the lake shore and was later taken home by an enraged Tirac, who claimed an undisclosed True Love for her. Lord Sariel spoke of an Unseelie evil within him, so fierce and cruel that it must never be set free. Joshua was declared the new Squire to Count Sariel, greatly upsetting the Troll Taron Clawfist, previous Squire to Count Sariel, son of the previous Count and declared heir to the County.
Here there be Dragons!
Date: 30 March 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard, Xole, Mike Walker
NPCs
Count Sariel Rhys ap Fiona the Sidhe
Tecuhtli Mezcoatl "Misha" the Moon Dragon
Morning's Light on Fire Mountain the Chimerical Dragon
Taron Clawfist the Troll
Claudon Hearthbright the Boggan
Baron Silas the Bat Pooka
Count Sariel asked his knights to do something about the Moon Dragon, now terrorising the Chimerae of Canberra (although it did serve as an effective end to the Chimerical War). Fortuitously a strangely silent Black Knight turned up with a tiny pet dragon called Princess, claiming that he was here to kill the evil dragon that was plaguing Canberra: a hideous beast called Morning's Light on Fire Mountain.
In many deeds of heroism the Kithain indeed thwarted the real dragon - the Moon-Dragon - in its insane bid for universal domination and shiny things, and incidentally also put the kibosh on Baron Silas's newly-dauntained schemes, and cured the cyclic court change. A good afternoon's work by any standards.
Raziel and the kinain Graham Cappelari, whom most believed to be his brother, stood forward and Graham publically accused Raziel of the murder of two innocents - attendants at the asylum, murdered with his bare hands while he was escaping.
Raziel pleaded guilty and defended himself only by noting that his drugged state at the time caused him to believe it was a Dauntain doctor that he was killing.
A Meeting at Rose Cottage
Date: 6 April 2003 (RTR)
Storytellers: None.
Never-where?
Date: 27 April 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard, Xole, Mike Walker
NPCs
A Rat Speaker (or so he claimed)
The Marquis de Carabas (or so he claimed)
A Black Friar (or so he claimed)
Hunter (or so she claimed)
Richard Richard Mayhew Dick (or so he claimed)
Baron Silas the Bat Pooka Dauntain and ex-ruler of Khantabahl
In celebration of Burt's ascension to the title of Baron of Khantabahl, the Changelings of Canberra assembled in that Freehold for a party. It turned out to be a pretty wild affair, with dancing girls and all sorts of strange exotic animals. There were even 5 very strange mortals who turned up unexpectedly, emerging from one of the three labyrinths that protect this place.
Then Erina suddenly broke off conversation to bring in a strange glittering box. When it was opened the world wavered and they all found themselves in mortal form in the darkness of a cave system (except Burt, who for some odd reason ended up in his dog form). There was no sign of their Fae selves and with the exception of a few abnormalities, it appeared that they had all been simultaneously Undone by whatever was in that box! They traversed dangers untold and the many traps within the cave system, the vaults closer to the surface where a large number of homeless people lived and eventually the sewer tunnels that spread out towards the more heavily inhabited areas of Canberra.
Several of the more combat-oriented ex-Changelings helped out the homeless people, who were being violently evicted from the hill in order for it to be developed. Scribbler fell afoul of some of the Sentinel Security Company employees, who took advantage of the confusion to capture him (he was later rescued). Many others fled back through the sewers, finding out that these homeless people worshipped a being called "The Great White Alligator King" who set traps throughout the hill - though strangely enough many of them seemed essentially harmless, like flooding a room with sunlight or spraying water across the corridor.
Eventually they all escaped, only to find Baron Silas sitting atop the hill laughing at them. He vanished and they were left forlorn, contemplating lives as mortals if their Fae Souls could not be restored.
When Sir Tristan returned home to try to find Lady Trina to enchant him, he discovered, to his horror, that she had also lost her Fae soul (although no others were similarly affected). Her memories were badly affected, in fact she didn't remember Tristan or any others of the Oathcircle. Her memories seemed to have ceased just after her chrysalis when she was 12 years old.
A Council of War
Date 17 April 2003 (RTR)
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard
NPCs
Dr Joseph Duhamel the Dauntain Nocker
Count Sariel Rhys ap Fiona the Sidhe
Becoming mortals had one small benefit - they were no longer as susceptible to the effects of Banality as they were as Changelings. So a large group of them gathered for a Council of War, to see how many of the ills plaguing Canberra could be better resolved by them as mortals.
Eventually they targeted the Dauntain Doctor Joseph Duhamel, who, as they had discovered from Raziel, was involved with the ongoing torture of childling Changelings aimed at ridding them of their 'delusions'. The Doctor was captured and geased never to do harm to Changelings (amongst other things) and the clinic was raided. It appeared they were too late for one girl who had been declared 'cured' only days before, but 5 childlings in a very sorry state were rescued. The records of the clinic contained several serious shocks for Raziel.
Most of the children were unconscious and repeatedly having fits due to the recent treatment which involved injecting minute amounts of cryoferrate solution into their blood. One, a Sluagh child, was in near catatonic state from being kept in a container that was brightly lit and had no hiding places. They were gently gathered and brought to the Balefire at Caer Taghairm for healing.
When Dreams come True
Date: 18 May 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard, Mike Walker
NPCs
Most of the Companions of the Canberra Changelings
An Ancient Evil from Beyond Time, who became Joshua's new companion.
Miscellaneous Chimerae
Count Sariel Rhys ap Fiona the Sidhe
This game started at the moment the glittering box was opened in Khantabahl (27 April game). The Fae souls had been flung far out into the Deep Dreaming, managing to gather themselves together only through the strength of Sir Tristan's magic, and perhaps a bit of luck. Much to their horror, they discovered Lady Trina's soul was also being tossed about in the whirling maelstrom of Dreams and they gathered her in.
Meanwhile Kincaled, Sir Tristan's trusty steed, sensed his Master way
out in the Deep Dreaming and gathered all the Companions together as a rescue
party.
Both groups battled the strangeness of the various levels of Dreaming until
they met up at the top of a mountain, seemingly the only stable place in
the Deep Dreaming. From the peak they could see, far in the distance, the
way home. In another direction, again far away, they could see what appeared
to be the gates to Arcadia. After much fervent discussion, only Erina Glimmerwing
chose to seek Arcadia rather than return. The others, along with an old
man, who offered his services as a guide in return for being taken on as
a Companion and being escorted out of the Dreaming to the real world. Joshua
accepted him and eventually the entire party made its way out, past many
dangers and strange events.
During this time many noticed Sir Tristan's change of character, and on return to Caer Taghairm the entire court witnessed Trina's very nasty breakup with him. Tristan was left a broken man and various Changelings followed Trina, only to discover that she was not as she seemed. It was theorised that a chimera called a 'Ganconer' or 'Love Talker' had possessed her when she was 12. These creatures exist only to prey on the souls of Sidhe through false love. Tristan was distraught at the thought that he may never have known the true Trina.
Erina, now permanently mortal, faced life as an enchanted mortal within a Changeling court, while Burt and Dragon Girl decided to give up a large diamond with strange powers that they had brought from the Dreaming. Gwylyyr made a bid for partial claim to the Freehold of Enverona, nearly bringing the chimerae within to full-scale war.
A Midwinter's Night Phenomenon
Date: 7 June 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard
NPCs
Robin, a cheeky young sprite, later revealed as Puck.
Ronald Thimblethorn, a lovelorn enchanted man, later revealed as Oberon
The spirit of Titania
An Ancient Evil from Beyond Time, who is also Joshua's new companion.
Count Sariel Rhys ap Fiona the Sidhe
Most of the Changelings of Canberra approached Elsbeth's Birthday party at Caer Taghairm very warily, with memories of the last party they attended still fresh in their minds. To some extent this wariness seemed appropriate. One of the presents caused all the others to disappear until 6 riddles were solved. The young Boggan girl Carnelian brought a shining silver box filled with love enchantments by Gemma and her old Satyr Trago. A strange bracelet was passed around, changing the behaviour of almost all whom it touched. And worst of all - Elsbeth was not acting herself.
Eventually events came to a head, with Ronald Thimblethorn, the man who had spent the entire evening declaring his true love for Gemma (the first person he'd laid eyes on after waking up that morning), being revealed as an extremely angry Oberon. Robin was caught and revealed as Puck, though he pleaded that the enchantment was all Titania's idea as revenge for that little episode last Midsummer's Night. Noone could stand against Oberon's wrath and the Count started to evacuate Caer Taghairm.
Titania fled from where she was sheltering within Elsbeth's psyche into another vessel, leaving a very confused Elsbeth who remembered nothing of the night. The little old man who appears to be an Ancient Evil from Beyond Time, was asked if he could intervene to help the Changelings escape Oberon's mighty wrath. With a wave of his arm he knocked all the Changelings to the ground and rendered Oberon and Puck unconscious and injured.
Titania revealed herself at this point (in the form of Tavi the Mongoose Pooka and Thane Captain) and gathered up her injured love in a very interesting end scene that left many of the onlookers bemused once they left.
Trouble all Round
Date: 22 June 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard, Mike Walker, Xole
NPCs
Count Sariel Rhys ap Fiona the Sidhe
Dr Joseph Duhamel the Nocker Dauntain
Claudon Hearthbright the Boggan Dauntain
Miscellaneous Chimerae
Bob Smith shows up at Rose Cottage with Burt, Rhianwyn and others to remove a statue from the garden and take it to Khantabahl. There is a relatively large dispute that follows the statue around and draws Druscilla away from the Court she is supposed to be running.
In Druscilla's absence the Court is organised by Creswell, the Boggan who was Chancellor before the banality wave of 1999. Gemma makes a request that Baron Silas is dealt with in a definite way. Tristan and T'till request to go on a quest to search for the Eversword. The Lady of the Lake shows up in court at Tristan's request and speaks to various members of the Court. She grants her permission for the Oathcircle to search the Lake. Sir Krellian is later sworn in as an Oathcircle member.
The Gryphon's Wing Oathcircle moves through the 'Canberra at night' dreamscape, encountering disturbing images and creatures, fighting their way through the various near-Dreaming realms until they reach the Realm of True Names. There they find an old man with two pouches, one with the Eversword's true name, and one with the Neversword.
An emissary from Saramon arrives, to inspect the Urakhi troops. The emissary says that Saramon himself will be arriving at the next Solstice (December).
The group that was after Baron Silus learn that Claudon was going to be meeting Doctor Duhamel (who has been geased to report on all Dauntain activity to the Changelings) at a round about near Gungahlin. The group set up a moderately elaborate trap and quite easily caught Claudon. He was taken back to Caer Taghairm in cold iron chains (produced by Raziel, which was extremely disturbing to everyone except Raziel) and interrogated by the court with the help of the Old Man. Some of Silus' plans were revelaed, particularly that he had Taron and Claudon collecting items for a device he is building called the Summer maker.
RTR - "To find the EverSword"
Date: 7 July 2003
Storytellers: None
PCs Present
Druscilla
T'Till
Sir Bertram
Sir Tristan
Sir Krellian.
Members of the Gryphon's Wing Oathcircle meet to discuss tactics for finding the magical mystical Eversword, given that the clues they have found suggest they are very close. A submarine is organised for the foray into the lake to find the Danis Globe. The conversation then turned to the statue that Bob Smith took from the grounds of Rose Cottage, the impending attack by Saruman and means of reducing the chances of boredom in Court.
Swords and Sorcerers
Date: 20 July 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard, Mike Walker
NPCs
Count Sariel Rhys ap Fiona the Sidhe
Baron Silas the Bat Pooka Dauntain
Claudon Hearthbright the Boggan Dauntain
Taron Clawfist the Troll Dauntain
There was a brief delay at the start of Court followed by the announcement that Bluetear is not only Thane Captain, but has also been declared Heir to the County of Canberra and the Freehold of Caer Taghairm by virtue of his being the nearest relative of the late Troll Count Beaufort who is not a Dauntain. Bluetear himself didn't look terribly happy about this announcement.
The Gryphon's Wing Oathcircle took to their tiny yellow submarine to investigate the depths of the Lake for the Danis Globe, which was said to be the key to the Eversword's location. Inside the globe the Changelings are questioned closely by the Lake Burley Griffen, who tells them: "The finding of the Eversword is an end and a beginning. One set of problems will end, and a new set of problems will begin". Secrets are revealed and they face their pasts and worst enemies as they are tested. Some are found worthy and others fail the tests. Finally T'till and Krellian successfully withdraw the sword from the Hall of Swords and they return to the surface.
Many Changelings head to One Tree Court (as it is called by the Seelie Court, or Khantabahl as it is know to the Unseelie Court) in order to search out and capture the evil Dauntain Baron Silas. The captured Dauntain Claudon had revealed him to be hiding within one of the mazes at the back of the Freehold. His lair was penetrated, only to have the evil Baron vanish just as he was knocked unconscious. Most people left, but Baron Burt, deciding to take full control of the Freehold finally, spent some time remoulding the maze into a beautiful subterranean garden. There the pooka girl who claims to be a Dragon Pooka found the unconscious form of Baron Silas wearing some kind of amulet. He was taken for imprisonment in Caer Taghairm dungeons. In his lair notes were found relating to a machine called a 'Summer maker' and also something described as a 'Sidhe Bomb'.
Meanwhile, others were busy scurrying around finding components to help a Nocker known only as 'The Doctor' build a 'Winter-maker'. This is a machine that will help stave off the impacts of the Baron Silas's dreaded 'Summer-maker', which was apparently almost built and ready to change Canberra into a dry scorched pit of Banality.
Several Changelings discover that Trina's father has hired some burly men and has targeted several of the people within the Court as he tries to figure out the mystery behind Trina's disappearance. Apparently two conflicting stories were told to him by members of the Court and they came to the conclusion that Raziel was the one to blame. They captured the AFP officer Graham Cappelari, who shares a startling resemblance to Raziel and put many areas under surveillance.
Spinifex undertook a Quest, aided by a group of his friends, to face his past and discover his true self. Following this Quest he decided to rename himself Orion.
Finally, as the Court reassembled at the end of the day, Bertram challenged the Old Man, who claims to be an ancient evil from beyond time, to a duel. Bertram was sorely wounded by this stage, but stepped forward and succeeded in killing the old man by goading him to open his mouth widely and then throwing the ring that changes into Sir Tristan's chimerical sword Sequence into its mouth. It pierced his skull and the old man dissolved into a writhing mass of tentacles and goo. Altogether a rather positive end to the day, though there are some that believe this victory was all too easy.
The Coming of Winter
Date: 17 August 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard, Mike Walker, Nicole Karman
NPCs
Count Sariel Rhys ap Fiona the Sidhe
'King' Silas the Bat Pooka Dauntain Chimera
The Doctor - a Nocker
Tecuhtli Mezcoatl "Misha" the Moon Dragon
Chimerical future versions of many of the regular characters.
The day of the opening of Raziel's new nightclub came around and the Fae of Canberra went
to the gathering. Lights and music filled the room and much merriment was to be had by all.
Until…
a strange portal materialised, drawing several Fae in to an unknown fate. Then, when the
numbers entering slowed down a fake Lady of the Lake stepped out and encouraged several more
in. When she was exposed and all others refused to enter, strange crystalline warriors
appeared and forced most of the rest through, leaving only a small group standing there,
wondering what was going on.
Those that had passed through the portal found themselves in a future world, where Dauntain ruled the city and factories spewing toxic waste stood in the place of the glorious castle of Caer Taghairm. Rose Cottage was a burnt out ruin; the once-again hidden Freehold of Enverona was home to a small group of Seelie 'freedom fighters'; and the Unseelie Court in Khantabahl was slowly failing in its resistance to the Dauntain forces. Many of those stepping through saw the place where they had died. Many found themselves much changed, with weapons and armour a necessity - needed as much as warm clothing was needed as protection against the bitter cold of the ice and snow that was covering the city - in January!
The city itself was surrounded by a wall of storms and no one who had left Canberra in the last 4 months had returned. It was supposed that the great clash of the magically mystical Eversword with it's opposite the darkly alluring Neversword had destroyed the entire world except for Canberra, where gigantic wards had been set up around the city to protect it. Mortals dully wandered around this Winter world, lifeless and slowly starving as the remaining food resources were used up. The streets were littered with Banality bombs: brightly coloured toys and books that attracted those with creativity remaining and then chimerically exploded when touched, leaking Banality into the victim. Christmas had been a silent and sad event with any attempts at celebrations ruthlessly crushed by King Silas's minions.
Those that could, fought the war that they had to fight. The Wintermaker was destroyed; brave warriors were sacrificed to save those who remained; the Lady of the Lake was given the mercy stroke to end the corruption that filled her and Misha the dragon died in a grand battle against Silas, Dauntain King of the Fae, who absorbed the power of all who went against him, making him mightier each time he conquered.
All seemed hopeless. Then those that remained chose to go out with flair and face down the dread King himself. King Silas told them that they were not meant to be here and made a deal to send them back to the past where they belonged. While they were talking this over, Lady Ariel, the leader of the Unseelie forces, struck down Sir Tristan, who collapsed into a pile of ash. Sir Bertram was gunned down avenging him and then Sir Tristan emerged from the grand cathedral that stood on Spinnaker Island, looking rather bemused at those that had just seen him killed.
The future Doctor then created a portal and those who could, stepped through - including King Silas, the future Doctor and FutureBob. Tristan was able to reveal that the whole future scenario had been a chimerical construction made by the crystal warriors of the Cult of Trina, who had been tricked in November 2002 by Tristan and Burt into signing a contract that allowed them access to Tristan's wife, the Lady Trina, on Tuesdays and Sundays in a possible alternate future. They had been angry when the trick was revealed and had set about constructing that very alternate future so that they could get their hands on their goddess and worship her, as she deserved. Tristan's companions had drawn the Ganconer (in May 2003 Trina had been revealed as a Ganconer - a predator of Sidhe also known as a Love-Talker) into this reality and killed it, giving its ashes to the Cult of Trina for them to worship. The young changeling who was Trina was now truly dead and gone.
There was then a scurry of activity back at the nightclub as those that had gone forward explained the situation to those who had remained. There was a flurry of activity as they raced to destroy the Wintermaker, so that it's icy cold could not prevent the spring from arriving, but in destroying the machine, Scrivener Dam was badly damaged and Lake Burleigh Griffen was partially drained. Those who had seen the future sadly said that that was the first sign of the loss of power and corruption of the powerful protective being that they know as the Lady of the Lake…
Of Strange Surprises
Date: 21 September 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard, Robert Barbetti and Stuart Barrow
NPCs
Regent Count Sariel Rhys ap Fiona
Rita Kirtzweiler (the mortal remnant of the ex-Baroness Rhiannon Mordwyn ni Fiona)
Although the Fae Court of Canberra seemed to progress slowly at first, in a shock announcement, the Regent-Count Sariel stepped down as Count of Canberra! After talking to most of the members of the Court, he raised Lady Ariel in rank to Baroness of Khantabahl and Sir Tristan to Baron of Enverona. He named Baron Burt as Baron-at-Arms of Caer Taghairm. However, the surprise of the night was the naming of the new Count: Bluetear the Troll, nephew of the old Troll Count Beaufort, Sariel's predecessor. Lord Bluetear moved quickly and decisively to take up the reigns of power, confirming several placements recommended by Lord Sariel and choosing Bob Smith as his Chancellor.
Several well-known Court figures announced their intention to leave with Lord Sariel, including Joshua, Sariel's Piskie Squire and T'till, the Eshu Court Herald. Elsbeth, Sariel's lovely lady did not make it public as to whether she intends to follow her Lord, although rumours speak of estrangement between Elsbeth and Sariel.
After the Court ended, an expedition lead by Sir Bertram and T'till battled pirates in the South Seas and found an iceberg to give to the Lady of the Lake, with the hope of restoring the level of the lake to normal levels. The iceberg - tastefully wrapped in a blue ribbon - was apparently well received and water levels did rise somewhat.There were also some strange newcomers to the Court: Aurora, a chain-smoking woman of fiery eyes and unknown kith, arrived early. Little is known of her other than that she is a friend of Bob Smith's. Rumour has it that she was seen smoking outside the castle just before it was surrounded by flames, but as this seemed to lead directly to the destruction of the pollution sprites that had been plaguing Caer Taghairm, everything seems to have worked out. A young Rat Pooka called Caitlin began her chrysalis, but seemed to become stuck halfway through the process. Three young childlings also made their first appearance at Court: a Kitten Pooka Called Nat, a Satyr called Dylan and a Boggan called Alex. They arrived hot on the heels of perhaps the strangest figure of all: a tall, robed, winged Sidhe who claims he has no memories before his awakening in a flower bed at Floriade less than an hour before Court. Little could be discovered about him other than he appears to be of House Gwydion and he seems to talk to his sword. Nat named him Raphael as he had no name of his own.
In other events, Lord Tristan was shot in the feet with a Nocker-modified nail gun shortly before being named as Baron. The Nocker, Gwylyyr/John, was arrested but later acquitted of the crime. The real perpetrator remains unknown, but rumour has it that Baron Silas was somehow involved.
Following an unexpected message from the Queen of Australia, Lords Burt and Tristan were named as envoys to the gathering in Sydney. And finally, in another surprise announcement, Orion and Rita announced their engagement!
RTR: "Floriade Follies"
Date: 28 September 2003
Storytellers: Mark Bruckard and Dan Scott
Attending
Gloriana (Satyr), Raziel (Sidhe), Drew (Kitten Pooka - aka Nat), Prince Tristan (Sidhe), Orion (Ghille Dhu), Baron Burt (Bulldog Pooka), Raphael (Sidhe), Rhianwyn (Troll), Clarice (Eshu), Lorenzo (Eshu), Steerpike (Sluagh), Baroness Ariel (Sidhe) and Beowulf (Redcap).
A large number of Canberra's Fae were drawn to the glamour and brightness of Floriade, spending an afternoon picnicing amongst the mortals and having some strange adventures at the bottom of the garden.
The day started out with everyone tithing something glamourous to be fed into the balefire at Caer Taghairm (via Aurora for heightened effect) to celebrate the joy of spring and in the hope of awakening the slumbering spirit of the Balefire.
Beowulf insulted:
- Gemma (Tristan and Raz stood up in unison to defend her)
- Tristan (over House rivalry. They almost got in a duel but Beowulf apologised and made an oath not to insult House Fiona whilst in Canberra)
- Raziel (over being an un-Liam like sidhe), and
- Ariel (for being too unfashionable and pathetic!)
Lorenzo, Beowulf and a few others opened the pots where floriade visitors had stored all the dark sides of themselves in order to better celebrate the joy of Spring. All the bad things, like lecherous thoughts and cowardice, were set free and possessed some of the Changelings. Beowulf expressed this by dragging Aurora away, ripping open her clothes and discovering she was....anatomically incomplete.
Everyone spotted the spot where Raphael landed amidst the flowers, and where the horses eaten the flowers. They also saw a gazebo and were careful not to wake it up. Wishes were made in a wishing well and everyone generally enjoyed wandering through the flowers and making the most of spring. The weather was perfect!
Conclave 2003: I've been to Sydney to visit the Queen!
Date: 11 October 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard, Robert Barbetti, Andrew Smith and Damon Steff
NPCs
Queen Eskavita Katandra ni Fiona
Duke Sebastian ap Fiona - Duke of Sunlight
Duke Petyr ap Ailil - Duke of Moonlight (raised in rank during the game)
Duchess Adara ni Fiona - Duchess of Sydney (Undone during the game)
Lady Terrigal ni Fiona, Eshu and Lady in Waiting to the Queen
Bally ap Fiona, Native Fae and Bodyguard to the Queen
Tallawong Golden Feather - Chimerical Magpie and Herald to the Queen
Sir Angelis ap Fiona of the Queen's Court
Blaze the Solimond - Ambassador from the Empire of Flames
Steel the Glome - Ambassador of the Empire of Stone
Sapphire the Glome - of the Empire of Stone
All over Australia omens had been arising that the onset of Winter may be closer than imagined and that the coming Summer may be the last. So, the Queen of Australia called all the Changelings of Australia, Seelie and Unseelie alike, to gather together to plan a united defense against the oncoming horrors. In calling for a city to host this most important event, the Duchess of Sydney declared that Sydney was the most practical place for the meeting and welcomed visiting Changelings to her Court.
There was some worry in the first hour of the meeting as it appeared that the Queen had not arrived. Her Herald provided all with a single token and announced that those who gather the most tokens would have passed the first of three tests that will be used to determine the most suitable Heir for the country. Much socialising and talking occurred as Changelings who seldom ventured far from their home cities met others of their kind.
There were also a strange an unusual group of creatures, two saying they were called 'Glomes' and were from the Empire of Stone, and one calling himself a Solimond saying he was from the Empire of Flames. They vied with one another to extend a hand of friendship to the Fae and to gain support against one another. Blaze, the fiery Solimond also claimed that he was seeking a home in Sydney for the reawakening of his Emperor.
Then the Queen, having mingled in disguise as an Eshu since the beginning of the gathering, revealed herself and asked those with tokens to step forward. The four with the most tokens, having proven their social skills, were given dilemmas to test their ability to make decisions. From the answers to this the final two contenders were chosen: Clarice the childling Eshu on behalf of her father Ethan the Eshu Court Scribe of Canberra and Baron Tristan of Canberra. The final challenge was to prove their physical prowess and both contenders were given time to prepare. Clarice chose Orion Storm-master as her father's Champion for the battle.
Meanwhile the Queen called for a representative from each city to describe their current situation and of the dangers faced. The ravages of Banality and trouble for Fae were clear messages from each city. Orion then stood forward and told of the terrible event that had happened in the Northern Territory: the detonation of a nuclear device in a uranium mine and the poisoning of land and people.
The Queen then called for the War Council to commence. Many took part in this, but most took the opportunity to socialise and conduct other business. Most notable of all interactions was Count Petyr turning Beowulf into a stone which was then exchanged from pocket to pocket through magic whereby he managed to hear of a plan set up by the Duchess of Sydney to murder the Queen. He changed back in time to warn everyone and when the Duchess was called forward to speak, the insanity of Bedlam made her choose to Undo herself rather than face the consequences of her actions.
The War Council was called to a close as Baron Tristan and Orion took the floor and fought a mighty battle. It was very close, but finally Baron Tristan had the day and was named Prince Tristan, Heir Presumptive to the Kingdom of Australia.
The Queen then named Duke Sebastian of Brisbane: Duke of the North; Duke of Sunlight; of Brisbane, Darwin and Perth. She called Count Petyr forward and raised him to the title of Duke of the South; Duke of Moonlight; of Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart. In the absence of a Duchess of Sydney she named him also Duke of Canberra and Sydney. With this man representing the Unseelie Court and herself representing the Seelie Court, together they swore an Oath of Alliance between Seelie and Unseelie against the coming Winter. It was then that the newly made Duke Petyr stepped forward and confessed to having deceived everyone as to his house, which until then was thought to be Gwydion. He revealed himself as a member of the Unseelie House of Ailil.
Amongst the other outcomes of the day, the Empire of Flames determined that the Eternal Flame at Sydney's War Memorial would be home to their Emporer Skaggerak. A giant mechanical dragon burst through a window at one point, providing one of the Nockers with a spectacular exit from the event as he leaped into its mouth and they flew away - for no readily apparent reason.
Most left the gathering having made new friends, interesting acquaintances and promises to keep in tough, but also with the vague feeling that something somewhere just didn't make sense…
To Seelie or Unseelie? - That is the Question
Date: 19 October 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard, Robert Barbetti, Xole and Stuart Barrow
NPCs
Rita Kirtzweiler (the mortal remnant of the ex-Baroness Rhiannon Mordwyn ni Fiona)
Taron Clawfist the Dauntain Troll
Silas the Bat Pooka Dauntain
Tecuhtli Mezcoatl "Misha" the Moon Dragon
The morning of the wedding of Orion the Ghille Dhu and Rita the mortal remnant of Orion's Undone fairy love started well: Although slightly under the weather from the Buck's Night the evening before, the Unseelie Court gathered around the groom at Khantabahl. Meanwhile the bride was surrounded by the Seelie Court at Enverona, with few showing the ravages from the excesses of the Hen's Night (although some say that Hannah Macready will never be the same again after seeing the scantily-clad Bob jump out of a cake in the middle of the party). The weather was beautiful and everything was all ready and prepared for the wedding to go ahead (aside from some of the display of flowers who were threatening to close up and not bloom unless something could be done about chimerical steeds going around brutally eating their friends and relatives).
Then those in the Unseelie Court had a strange visit from Raziel. He appeared terrified at something and barely got a few incoherent words out before running away. The Court followed him all the way to Enverona, only to see him become the victim in a horrendous car 'accident' that also took out the archway that anchored the freehold to the mortal world. While some gathered around the unconscious, mortally wounded Raziel, others determined that it was in fact Burt driving the 'banality imbued' car and that he had apparently deliberately orchestrated the accident (though perhaps not Raziel's involvement) to destroy the freehold and all within it. Bil the Redcap made short work of Burt with cold iron, but not before Burt had started coughing - a sign of illness that soon spread from Changeling to Changeling, infecting all who came near one infected. It seemed to be relatively easily cured through Fae magics, although one who suffered most of all was Baroness Ariel - the only Sidhe to become infected before quarantine was affected. It appeared that nothing could cure her and that soon Canberra would lose its only Baroness.
On examining the situation the Changelings found that not only was Raziel not dead, but that he had been within Enverona the whole time. A woozy Burt also staggered into the gathering after a while, claiming that he had been chimerically killed in the dungeons of Caer Taghairm earlier that morning. The corpse of 'Burt' was more thoroughly examined and found to be the Dauntain Taron in disguise. Prince Tristan managed to secure a link between the free-floating Freehold of Enverona to the mortal world before it drifted too far. Unfortunately the link appearing through the Rat Pooka Caitlin's bookshop, so that anyone going to and from the freehold had to tromp through her shop, caused quite a deal of upset. Unfortunately nothing could be done about it.
Many of the Changelings went to see and talk with Silas, including Bluetear, Steerpike and Bob, before Bluetear ruled that noone was ever to be alone with Silas again. They discovered more about the 'Sidhe Bomb' that he had been making - this was apparently what had caused the sickness in the false 'Burt' (ie Taron). Silas also made an offer to cure Ariel before she died by animating some dead blood cells and keeping her alive through use of sorcery) but his offer was refused.
Then a high-tech medical facility was found and raided, with the Nocker Gwylyyr making a chimerical walrus-laden aerosol as a cure. This was sprayed into Silas's cell. Unfortunately not even this would save the poor Baroness Ariel. Eventually it was decided that it was because she was a Sidhe that she couldn't be cured, so Gwylyyr, using his strongest magics, turned her into a Nocker, then used the cure that had worked for Nockers. She was cured, then requested to be turned into a Satyr. Things got odd after that…
A group of Changelings finally tracked down Silas's 'Sidhe Bomb' and Beowulf chose to solve the problem by eating the bomb. Promptly imploding, he thrust the others into a rescue mission that took them into a photo-negative version of Canberra where love was deadly and murderous violence a sign of true friendship. Finally though, things settled down, Beowulf was rescued and Orion and Rita's wedding took place!
Now, if they can only stop Orion from accidentally killing his new wife, going crazy and destroying most of Canberra in his grief…
RTR: "Ariel's Masque"
Date: 8 November 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris and Mark Bruckard
AttendanceBluetear, Tristan, Burt, Ariel, Bob, Bill, Steerpike, Morgana, Gwenevere, Myfanwy, Clarice, Ethan, Lorenzo, Bertram, Beowulf, Hannah McReady, Sir Padraig, Paddy, Raziel, Rafael, Gloriana, Aurora, Caitlin, Terrence, and Elsbeth
NPC: Petyr du Far ap Ailil
The Lady Ariel held a Masque, inviting all the Kanberry fae. It started quite pleasantly, with old friends greeting and talking. Two Clurichaun appeared (Sir Padraig and Prometheus) and before too much longer, drunken fae were singing cheerfully on the back porch. Most of the other Fae ostensibly fled. However, things took a turn for the worst when Duke Petyr (Duke of Moonlight, Duke of the South and the East, and thus Duke over Kanberry) appeared uninvited. Beowulf (having sworn an Oath of Crossed Swords) immediately challenged him. He was promptly trounced. Duke Petyr then retired to a meeting of the Barons, and left after satisfying the Barons that he was the genuine Duke. (His appointment as Duke was quite recent, and there was some controversy over the affair.) Someone stole Bill the Redcap's collection of Sidhe ears. This caused another uproar while he hunted the culprit. Ariel forced him to take an oath not to kill Clarice when it turned out to be her pulling a prank.At the unmasking, Bluetear named Ariel "the Valiant" in recognition of her bravery during the Sidhe Bomb episode.
"The Dismissal"
Date: 17 November 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard, Stuart Barrow, Robert Barbetti
Attendance 34
NPC: Petyr du Far ap Ailil
It started out as a pleasant day. There were to be snacks and a fairly relaxed session at court, followed by games and competitions. Ethan the Scribe read an ode commissioned by Count Bluetear on the events leading to the bestowing of the title "the Valiant" on Baroness Ariel. Then the Count officially appointed Sir Krellian as Champion and announced a competition for the posts of Herald and Thane Captain. Suddenly Duke Petyr of Melbourne summarily stripped Bluetear of his title and appointed clearly Unseelie Raziel as the new Count. He announced his intention of stripping Baron Burt's title as well, but Burt could not be found. This action prompted an unprecedented walkout by many of the fae present.
An impromptu meeting was temporarily suspended when many Fae went to assist in reopening the gates of Enverona, a task successfully carried out at the cost of terrible injuries to Prince Tristan and many of the other fae present. The balefire was found to be still burning, but for some reason Tristan was blocked from being able to extract glamour. Then Raziel had, for no obvious reason, stabbed an innocent Dust Bunny with cold iron. This not only destroyed the poor creature, it badly upset the other chimera of the court.
When the Eshu were called on to locate the reason for the Enverona balefire blockage, they found Bluetear, and it was quickly realised that (whatever Duke Petyr said) Caer Taghairm had NOT accepted his dismissal. There was a great deal of angry rhetoric at this point, including much talk of forming a Republic.
Although it was clear that a majority of the Canberra fae objected to the dismissal-- Bluetear had been a popular Count--there was considerable debate over what actions to take. This was exacerbated by the discovery that nearly all the remaining Kanberry Titled fae had left on a quest lead by Gemma.
Eventually, a second expedition located the first one, where it was discovered that Raziel was under the influence of some inimical force. He and the other nobles were on a trek to rediscover his true name, to break him free of whatever was forcing him to be Unseelie.
Word was passed back to the remaining Court, and the remaining fae were able to examine the Caer Taghairm balefire. The balefire confirmed Bluetear as the rightful owner of Caer Taghairm, whoever the Count might actually turn out to be.
In any case, Raziel returned after some interesting adventures in the Land of True Names, and in a noble act of sacrifice, gifted his Countship and all that went with it to Bluetear.
So now Bluetear is once again Count, and Raziel is perhaps the first ever Sidhe commoner.
Sir Padraig was appointed Herald, and Bluetear invited candidates for the post of Thane Captain to step forward. The candidates were Gwen, Steerpike, Hannah Macready and (by proxy) Bill the Redcap.
Camarilla Crossover "The Auction on New Years Eve"
Date: 13 December 2003 (IC date was NYE)
Storytellers: Tim Smith, Mark Bruckard, Robert Barbetti, Marissa Harris (and all the other genre storytellers)
Attendance 60
An auction was held in the EnTrance Nightclub to raise funds for the relief of Darwin (Darwin having been destroyed by a nuclear device the previous month.) Among the items on auction were a Celtic Broach; an Orrery; Satine's corset from Moulin Rouge; and many other unique items.
All the fae found themselves under the effects of the Augmen, a mysterious strengthening of Glamour, exaggerating all the kith aspects.
Much to everyone's surprise, Steerpike brought a date--Bree McCarthy, an attractive young Professor of Aztec Archaeology.
Anyone who had any form of foretelling received dread portents, involving an evil army, ice and fire and gates and death. Many believe the prophecies are of the god Janus, god of gateways, changes, beginnings and end; and that the salvation of the Fae relies on finding a special key to open some kind of gate.
Otherwise, in spite of the unwelcome attention of the Mafia, the Auction was a fantastic success.
"Swamp Fever"
Date: 21 December 2003
Storytellers: Marissa Harris, Mark Bruckard, Rob Barbetti, Xole
Attendance 31
NPC: Ancient Evil from Beyond Time
The mysterious Augmen was still in effect, exaggerating all kith features: strengths, weaknesses and seemings. Hannah Macready lead a large group of Fae into the swamp as part of her bid for Thane Captain. Her quest was to investigate the nature of the black pyramid that had been observed growing in the Swamp. When Rhianwyn was sucked down into the Swamp by a rampaging tree, Sir Krellian, Sir Bertram, Beowulf and Brett (Count Bluetear's Kinain brother) fought to save her. In the process, they found that magic worked much more easily in the swamp... albeit somewhat unpredictably. As the party approached the pyramid, they were attacked by a massive dragon-like creature, which was later discovered to be the Jabberwock.
The attack was devastating. Nearly all the Knights suffered sucking chest wounds, Ethan lost an arm, and no-one seemed able to even hit the thing. They then proceeded as fast as possible to Khantabahl, where help was summoned. Raphael and Aurora got there first and managed to cover the Fae's retreat. Ethan managed to take some of the wounded to safety, and called for help.
Prince Tristan spent much time hunting the Jabberwock, and finally managed to injure it with the Eversword. However, all he did was drive it away for a while.
The Pyramid appeared be in the centre of an effect which confused searchers, making it very difficult to find. However, during the course of the afternoon, several people did get manage to get there.
The Pyramid was the temple of the Old Man (aka The Ancient Evil from Beyond Time). The Old Man tried to convince the Fae that the world was about to end, and that he could provide a new world for them. It only required a few thousand sacrifices to start...
He said that he would show his new world to all present--on the condition that if they liked what they saw, they had to help him make it come about. Ethan and Sir Pádraig left, the others stayed.
Disturbingly, Bertram, Bob Smith and Aurora were nodding and smiling when they came out.
Most of the Fae sensible enough not to go into the Swamp spent their time in a jaccuzzi in Khantabahl. This was disturbed briefly when the Old Man appeared to talk to Kitty for a few minutes.
All in all, a disturbing day.