Spear Peak

Timeline 1199

Vague memories of their earlier life among the senior magi of the Covenant prompted Augustus and Haas to recall that the Covenant had another potential vis source. It was the prerogative of Spear Peak to contest with other Covenants for Vim vis provided by the Dragon of Wurmshweister Alp. In this contest the Dragon would judge the value of new spells given to him and give the vis to the inventor of his favourite. Unfortunately, no one had been able to work out the criteria the Dragon used for judging. Augustus, having just invented Slip of the Tongue, decided to take this spell to the contest. Haas accompanied him.

The journey passed uneventfully, although the path up the Alp was steep, muddy and treacherous. Reaching a flat grassy sward on the side of the mountain, the magi found other parties were already present. Two clearly separated camps held tents and groups of fighting men. The grogs in the smaller camp were all dressed in a green and yellow livery, and looked a smart and disciplined bunch. The grogs of the other camp were the opposite, ill disciplined and unkempt, their weapons and armour showing clear signs of rust.

At the sight of the arrival of the Spear Peak magi both camps came to life. Soon the magi were approached by an athletic figure from the smaller camp. Clearly identified by his headwear, he introduced himself as Clemence of House Mercere and Lac Neuchatel Covenant. As they talked the news of the disappearance of the older Spear Peak magi shocked Clemence profoundly, although he too found he could not remember either their names or personalities. He offered Augustus and Haas help from his Covenant and appeared genuinely concerned for the survival of Spear Peak.

A party from the other camp now approached, led by two young magi, one of whom Haas recognised as his hated enemy Parakic of House Criamon. [Haas and Parakic had been apprentices and friends together at Spear Peak, but had a serious falling out over research into divination through animal entrails.] The other was introduced as Heinrich of House Tytalus. Both represented High Valley Covenant. Having overheard that there were no senior magi at Spear Peak, they stated that Augustus and Haas had no proper place at the contest, and challenged them to Certamen. Augustus handily beat Heinrich and then passed several pawns of Ignem vis to Haas. Surprising Parakic with this Form, Haas won the contest and with his closing spell burnt a mark of shame upon his forehead. By the terms of the Certamen, neither magus from High Valley was to take any further part in the Dragon's contest, and they left.

Soon after they did so a rumbling issued from the cliff-side and a large portal opened up. Taking this as an invitation the magi entered a set of caves. Walking through the caves, they felt a sense of other-worldliness about the area and noticed the high magical aura that surrounded them. After a time they came across a strange dark pool that seemed to draw both Augustus and Haas, although the un-gifted Clemence was unaffected. Looking into the depths of the pool, initially both magi saw stars within it, but as they looked closer the stars spiralled around drawing their consciousness' down into the pool. To Augustus it seemed as if the pool was drawing him into the depths of his own mind, and he battled to understand what he saw rather than be confused by it. To Haas it was as if he was drawn into the heart of a forest, plunging down among the roots, struggling to stay free of their constriction. As both came out of their visions, Augustus realised they had encountered their first twilight experience, and profited from it, Haas having gained an affinity with growing plants, and Augustus having strengthened his mind against interference.

Once more they followed the caves into the mountain, eventually entering a large room whose walls were covered in alcoves containing scrolls. In the centre, sitting at a large desk, was an officious old man who demanded their spells, and placed these scrolls in two of the alcoves. He then chivvied the magi through a large pair of doors, into the presence of the Dragon. Unable to look at the magnificence of the Dragon, they took in the rest of the chamber. Covering the walls, were huge numbers of strange pictures and glyphs, including diagrams of odd machines and buildings. Recovering their senses they began to speak to the Dragon, trying to understand its interests. What quickly became apparent was that the Dragon had a thirst for obscure and arcane knowledge that exceeded that even of a magus. What he did not know of however, was anything beyond the lunar sphere. Anyone bringing him a way to see beyond it would be greatly rewarded. Further discussion on this decided that an arcane connection, in the form of a fallen star, would be required. The magi resolved to find one of these and create a device of mirrors for the Dragon.

As an afterthought the Dragon declared that he preferred Augustus' spell to that brought by the Redcap, and that the vis would be presented to him outside. The two rooks of Vim vis took the form of translucent pearly dragon scales and required a pack mule to carry. Promising to visit Lac Neuchatel in the near future the magi returned to Spear Peak.

Towards the end of the season, Augustus escorted by several grogs visited Lac Neuchatel. He was dismayed to find it set up like a feudal castle and run by Jerbiton magi, one of who was the local baron! They even asked him not to cast spells! He was guided around the Covenant by Orallé of House Bonisagus (another house well represented here), a young maga who expressed an interest in studying some of Spear Peak's books, especially those on Aquam, an Art in which her own Covenant was lacking. Arranging for Las Neuchatel stonemasons to help with repairs at Spear Peak, and gaining a promise that Haas could copy spells from their library, Augustus made his stay a short one. The Spear Peak grogs had a much better impression of Lac Neuchatel. Welcomed by the men-at-arms there, they quickly felt at home and made many new friends.

Haas visited Lac Neuchatel to copy spells from their library as offered earlier. He had a better impression of them than Augustus did, as he saw them accepting many figures normally ostracised by society, including several Cathar perfectii. During his stay he met many of the other magi of the Covenant although Orallé was his guide during his stay. The young maga always answered any questions he had and quickly assimilated any information he gave her. The most important spell he found in the tomes available to him was The Shrouded Glen.

Enrico, Niccolo and several grogs, including Sgt Gerhart were sent to the Adriatic coast. Their primary mission was to collect the books Karens had promised from Zara, but they were also to take the bars of gold from Dolgold and exchange them for goods and proper coinage in Venice. Secretly, Karens instructed them to visit the island of Miljet, close to Ragusa, and pick up some more books from his old home there. As they were leaving, Callistro approached and told them to seek out any information about Karens that they could.

Once they had reached Venice, Enrico approached the Fondaco St Michel which Karens had recommended and whose good reputation he knew. There he arranged for the conversion of the gold into coinage, and also for the delivery to the Covenant of iron and other useful materiel. His subtle questions about Karens drew forth few details from the banker. Apparently family that owned the bank had dealings with Karens family for hundreds of years, and held extensive interests for him, managing them as best they could. Karens it seemed was rich. Very rich. The bank had only ever had dealings with the senior man from Karens family, and had never seen anybody else. The banker thought this odd, but didn't really care as long as the bank made a profit.

Next they travelled to Zara, where Enrico took a very low profile and dealt swiftly with the business at hand. Visiting the address Karens had told them of, they found a hermetic magus there, styling himself Caius Chlorinus of House Tremere. When he found they had come for Karens books, he questioned them closely as to the present whereabouts of Karens, naming him as "that vampire". He seemed only too happy to release the books to the group from Spear Peak, and then dismissed them.

Ragusa was the next port of call. Here they found that some monks who had a monastery there now occupied Miljet. After travelling there on a hired ship, the sailors would not set foot on the island, claiming that anyone that set foot there was cursed. Ignoring these warnings they walked towards the centre of the small island. Here they found that a lake surrounded a tiny island, which was obviously their destination. Rowing the short distance to the lake, they were met by three orthodox monks who demanded their business. As soon as they mentioned that they came from Karens, the monks drew weapons from beneath their robes and attacked! The fight left all the monks dead and Sgt Gerhart and Roland badly wounded. These two were left in the nave of the monastery whilst the others searched for Karens books. Over a hundred tiny volumes were found containing what was obviously a diary covering a year per volume. Unfortunately the diaries appeared to be in code and no sense could be made of the contents.

Meanwhile, as they rested and despaired of their wounds, a vision came to Sgt Gerhart and Roland. A young beautiful woman with peace and compassion in her eyes offered them a drink form a silver chalice. As they drank a sense of well being came over them, strengthening both their bodies and minds, giving them the strength to continue. Both took this to be a visitation from an angel or saint and resolved to lead more virtuous lives.

Returning to Ragusa with the diaries (and making no mention of slain monks), they rested for several days. Scouring the city for information Enrico came across an inn where a cloaked man, bearing a great sword told a strange tale, which referred to a evil figure who slew his best friend for jealousy of a woman, and made pacts with dark forces. Something in the tale attracted Enrico's attention and he followed the taleteller, Andros out of the inn. In the conversation that followed Enrico came to realise that Karens was the evil figure in the tale and that this tale was many centuries old. Upon hearing that Enrico knew of Karens whereabouts, Andros demanded to accompany him, with the clear intention of using the blessed great-sword that hung across his back.

Returning via Venice with Andros in tow, there was a certain trepidation in the group as to their reception at the Covenant. Meanwhile back at the Covenant, several people wondered what tales they would bring back. Especially curious was Sir Gerard who was having increasing doubts about Karens. He couldn't shake off a feeling that there was something not right about the guest in the cellars, however charming he was in person. Upon entering the Covenant, Enrico immediately went to inform the magi of a potential crisis, but was too late to prevent it.

Shouting a challenge Andros drew his sword, and immediately went in search of Karens within the chambers below the Covenant. Sir Gerard gathered several grogs and followed him. They came across Andros and Karens struggling together, Karens previous might seemingly deserting him. Seeing the grogs, Karens put his will upon them, commanding them to kill Andros. Most were confused by the order but one struck Andros down from behind, killing him instantly. Sir Gerard resisted Karens power and sensing the horrible evil within it, ordered the grogs to attack. The couple that obeyed found their best blows had little effect, and fell back dismayed. Hoping that it was the source of Andros immunity to Karens powers, Sir Gerard seized the great-sword and attacked. His blow fell upon Karens neck, severing his head instantly. The head rolled off into the shadows of the deep cellars, as a shudder ran through the chamber and a great crack opened up in the wall, letting sunlight flood in falling upon Sir Gerard and the headless torso of Karens. The body instantly burned up and turned to ash, blowing away in a sudden wind.

Coming late upon the scene, the magi eventually decided that the result was no bad thing. They were rid of a potentially troublesome guest and had improved their library considerably. Augustus took the diaries to his chambers to see if he could decipher the code. Sir Gerard deciding that Andros' sword was holy made it his preferred weapon. Only those who remembered the head rolling out of sight, never to be found, retained any doubts on the good outcome of the endeavour.

Augustus had to tax his intellect to the limit to understand any of the code in Karens diaries. As he read the portions he could make sense of, it became clear that they had been written during the early years of the Order of Hermes, and that Karens had dealings with many magi of the Order. The last entries seemed to occur as the Schism War reached its peak. Augustus made careful note of certain instances in the diaries, in the hope that the information would be of use against certain magi in the future.

The moor Al-Nasir of House Tremere entered the Grater Alps tribunal after leaving the Levant because of certain unhealthy investigations into the death of his parens. Hearing from a Redcap of the parlous state of Spear Peak he decided to seek a home there. The other magi, although somewhat distrustful of him, were happy to let him join the Covenant. Since the death of Friedrich von Hahne there had been no one who wanted to take on the duties involved in the day-to-day running of the Covenant, or dealing with the mundane authorities. The other magi hoped to be able to load all these "boring" task off onto Al-Nasir, who was more than happy with this arrangement. He settled in quickly despite the distrust of several of the grogs.

Blessedly uneventful.

Back to 1198.

Forward to 1200.

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