18 Sept. 11374 [April - May 2010]

While the rest of the RK fellowship gathered & conversed inside the Zeitgeist Temple grotto, By-Tor stuck his head out past the waterfall and took a look around just to check things out.  He was surprised to see Hysterica running off into the jungle along the path to the Didact village.  Upon seeing this, it occurred to By-Tor that somehow the RKs had emerged from the Time Gate at the same moment they had stepped into it.

When By-Tor told the others what he had seen, Dr. Hu agreed with his conclusion, adding, "I don't think it necessary to bother the Didacts any further at this time - unless, of course, any of you have some urgent business with them."  [ If any RK does have business with the Didacts and wishes to role-play some bit of interaction, now's the time to tell me, and I'll add that encounter here. ]  The Doctor also said that he would be back soon anyway to enter into negotiations with the Didacts regarding a location for his college of Time Magics.

Feeling renewed, the RoachKings all exited the grotto of the Zeitgeist Temple and made final preparations for traveling back across the jungle.  Dr. Hu invited everyone to return with him to his SEDAN 40 miles to the northeast.  Shadow Wings potions once again flowed as Shady took on silver form with black wings and Salád polymorphed into his usual avian form.  Once airborne, it only took an hour or so for the RKs to fly back through all the various zones of the Lost Valley - the air getting a little easier to breathe with each successive change in the flora & fauna.  When the RKs reached the Doctor's SEDAN, it was still precisely where he'd left it and quite unharmed.

[ It should be noted here that Raal's hometown of Benfang is in the northwest region of the MorKann Rainforest (see map, below,) so he may want to visit there during this period, rather than teleporting to Pasadena Island with the others.  If so, Jeff can role-play that out and I'll add the encounter in here. ]

As the RoachKings & their associates followed Dr. Hu single-file into his SEDAN, the good Doctor told By-Tor & Nucleon that he would be performing some serious upgrades to the SEDAN very soon (adding a new power source and time circuits, to be precise.)  He also mentioned that craftsmen of their talents would be very helpful in such a project.

Getting right to work, the Doctor started flipping switches, moving levers, pushing buttons & turning dials.  The SEDAN's control console came to life as readouts lit up and odd whirring & chirping sounds emanated from it.  As before, By-Tor & Nuke observed Dr. Hu's routine with interest, noting the sequence of switches, levers, buttons & dials he operated and making educated guesses about the functions of some of the more unusual gizmos.  Once again, that same annoying grinding sound accompanied the display of flashing lights and fluctuating gauges as the SEDAN teleported.  This time, however, everything seemed to work successfully.  A few seconds later, when all the noise & lights had stopped, the RoachKings saw something on the Doctor's exterior-view screen that warmed their hearts - the grassy plaza of the main castle on Pasadena Island.  The RKs opened the door and stepped out onto "the green," their lungs filling with fresh, clean air that immediately drove from their memories the thick, sulfur-smelling atmosphere of the Lost Valley.  Most of the RKs closed their eyes, smiled and filled their lungs several more times with the clear, thin air of

Home.   At last.

In what seemed like mere seconds, Chiles was there to greet the RoachKings with a variety of refreshments.  With a smile on his face, he bowed slightly and said, "Welcome home, my lords."  After taking a closer look at the RKs (and at By-Tor, Raal & Salád in particular,) he seemed momentarily taken aback.  Quickly shaking that off, he noted, "If you don't mind my saying so, lords, the 5 years & more that you've been away seem to have been good to you.  You appear quite rejuvenated.  Nevertheless, you should have some time to refresh yourselves in your own castles.  And of course, your honored guests shall have fine accommodations as well." 

After the necessary introductions and a short exchange of greetings, Chiles promptly offered some up-to-date information regarding the whereabouts of other RoachKings.  First, he said that Dero Zane had made contact about a year ago, but that there had been no further word from him since then.  "At the time, he was down south at the pagoda of Master Ng in the Forest of Ween, but it seems unlikely that he's still there since it is his nature to wander."  The RKs acknowledged that DZ was an elusive fellow, to be sure. 

Moving on to more recent news, Chiles told the RoachKings that Ozone had been at Pasadena Island about a month ago, apparently just passing through on his airship.  "He stayed for about a week, making sure the storehouses were well stocked with his wondrous healing potions.  Before departing, he left 2 of his teleport Runesticks for you and said that he could be reached in Kartola should anyone require any extraordinary healing.  He then simply sailed north over the clouds."  The look on Chiles' face & the tone of his voice revealed a respect for Ozone that approached adoration.

At that point, Chiles reached into a pocket (one that Kendril recognized as a miniature Bag of Holding) and produced an oversized, sealed parchment.   As he did so, he said, "And this message arrived just this morning from Myrddin,"  He handed the extra-large scroll to By-Tor, who opened it right away.  In the letter, Myrddin indicated that he had forged a good "civilian" life for himself back in his homeland up north.  He wrote that he had earned a position of leadership in his community, which didn't surprise the RoachKings at all.  In fact, all the RKs agreed that his hospitality probably was as well-known among his cloud giant kin as it was to them.  Nevertheless, Myrddin disclosed that he hoped to return to Pasadena Island soon and to join the RKs once again in their intrepid exploits.  Apparently, his current life did not sufficiently satisfy his zest for adventure; he said he wanted to "get back into the swing of things - things like my double-sided giant axe."  He even quipped about "questioning" any fair damsels they might rescue.  In conclusion, he advised the RKs that he would bring a few kegs of "real ale" to share with them at his homecoming celebration.  The RoachKings were all quite pleased to hear that their 20'-tall brother would be back on the team soon.

Turning his attention to business, Chiles said, "There is much to discuss, my lords, once you've had time to get settled.  I shall alert the necessary staff and arrange for a briefing first thing in the morning."  Several other attendants had arrived by then and Chiles ordered most of them to see to the needs of all the RKs and to escort Salád to his own castle (where his RoachKing colors awaited him.)  Other attendants were ordered to take Standing Bear, Nucleon & Dr. Hu to guest quarters befitting their status.

[ All characters have ample opportunity to rest, heal, check emails ; ) etc. ]

Later that evening, Kendril examined the 2 Runesticks left behind by Ozone.  He found that one of them was linked to the Runestick in the cave of Singing Wolf, the Helfindian Medicine Woman.  Kendril concluded that the other was linked to a Runestick held by Ozone himself, so that it could be used to teleport directly to the hawkman healer in case of an emergency in which a resurrection or some other miraculous feat of healing was needed.

Chiles' Briefing

Early the next day, the call went out for the RoachKings to gather in the Conference Room.  There were many important matters for the RKs to attend to and Chiles presented an extensive briefing for them.  He started out "at the beginning," informing the RKs of a strange encounter that had occurred just a week after their departure for the Point of Know Return (some 5+ years ago.)  Two "very serious-looking" men wearing black suits & dark glasses had arrived at Pasadena Island, asking to see the RoachKings.  "When I informed them that you were not here, they insisted that their business was urgent and they asked quite forcefully where you could be found.  I insisted with equal forcefulness that the you simply could not be reached at that time, which was true.  Although I'm sure they were dissatisfied with my answer, the men left without any further inquiry, and without showing any emotion, I might add.  I must admit, my lords, that I got a very uneasy feeling about them.  However, the men never returned to Pasadena Island and I've nearly forgotten about them in the years since."  After listening to Chiles' story, some of the RKs had their doubts that this was the last they would hear of these men in black suits.

This was followed by a few other bits of news from the past 5 years.  As instructed, Chiles had moved Pasadena Island to a location out over the Bromar Sea just a month after the RKs had departed for the Point of Know Return.  Of course, even with the RKs gone, hundreds of people had continued to visit the island each month (arriving by avian mount, magic carpet, magic & telekinetic flight and any other means available to them.)  Many were there for business, but most were just looking for a good time.  Chiles had graciously accommodated these visitors, hosting at least one sizeable party each week - "I couldn't allow the RoachKings' reputation for throwing great parties to be discredited, now could I?" he said with a grin.  Other than one problematic group of revelers, Chiles reported that the regular schedule of festivities had gone smoothly for years now.  Then there was the strange "aeroship" that had docked with the island about 2 years ago.  It had been created by a man named Fogg from northern Llofall, who had spotted Pasadena Island while on his maiden voyage in the bizarre vessel.  Since then, he had returned several times, bringing groups of passengers to Pasadena Island to enjoy the recurring festivities.

Next, Chiles told the RoachKings about an arrangement he had established with some operatives in By-Tor's hometown of Palatin, Bänkör.  He explained that thousands of oppressed people were now seeking to escape the Führen's fascist regime and that By-Tor's mother had made a personal plea for help from the RoachKings.  She had stated her desire to establish a secret route for refugees and she had sought the aid of her son & his fellowship in setting it up.  In their absence, Chiles had agreed to provide a safe haven for escapees, as well as RK black gryphons to aid in the effort.  Pasadena Island was now a major stop on the refugee route.  Chiles apologized for possibly acting"beyond my pay grade," but said that he had felt an obligation to respond to the impassioned request of By-Tor's mother and to help her cause.  [ See the more detailed list for players below.  I will add the RKs' responses here. ]

Chiles then went into several other areas of activity that required the RoachKings' attention, bringing in the relevant management personnel when appropriate.  Of course, their accountants needed to speak with the RKs right away to catch them up on annual reports, go over their balance sheets & discuss new investment strategies.  In addition, the business managers of all the various industries on Pasadena Island were anxious to get approval for some new contract negotiations & to discuss other important business matters.  The "bottom line" seemed to be that business was slow and that the RKs needed to diversify their commercial interests.  Then, the commanders of all the guard regiments wished to update their operational orders & defense plans.  There was even a report from the gryphon wranglers, who had been doing some selective breeding and were eager to share their results with the RKs.   Each of these matters took considerable time to fully consider and many of them would require some of the RKs to follow up with detailed plans, official authorizations & written orders later.  [ See the more detailed list for players below.  I will add the RKs' responses here. ]

Near the end of the briefing, another giant parchment arrived for the RoachKings.  This one was marked "Urgent" and appeared to be from Myrddin's sister in Maloria.  The RKs opened the message immediately and discovered that it bore solemn news.  Myrddin had passed away unexpectedly just a day after writing his recent letter.  Deeply saddened by the news and frustrated at the timing, the RKs wrapped up their other business quickly and declared a day of mourning, to be followed by a week of celebrating the life of the cloud giant Myrddin Quindoklyn, RoachKing. 

[ My sincere intentions in writing these passages about Myrddin are to honor Adam & to commemorate his contributions to the early RoachKings campaign.  I hope I have done so in a way that doesn't offend anyone or cause any further grief. ]

 

[ Here, the narrative switches from past tense to present tense.  The following is a players' version of the matters covered in Chiles' briefing.  Of course, sprinkled into the briefing are a few plot seeds and a springboard or two for future adventures.  The list is not exhaustive and other items may be added later, but this gives you a good sampling to start with:

1) Although Chiles brushes it off as something he has nearly forgotten about, the black-suited men clearly disturbed him even more than he's admitting to.  Any RK who can read auras knows that there is more to this story than he 's telling, although Chiles himself doesn't seem to know it.  Even reading his mind reveals no further information, as he has no additional memories of the incident.

2) Of course, it is common for a few individuals to be ejected from Pasadena Island for violence &/or distruction of property during one of the large parties.  However, on one occasion a few years ago, there was an extremely disruptive group who shattered several statues and caused quite a riot that left many people injured.  When escorted from the island by an entire platoon of the City Guard, they threatened "You haven't heard the last of us!"  There have been a few times in the years since when members of this group have attempted to return to Pasadena Island but each time, they've been stopped and sent packing by the skillful intervention of the Gryphon Flight Squadron.  As for Mr. Fogg & his aeroship, he was here a few months ago & Chiles expects him again any time.

3) In your absence, Chiles has established an arrangement with a network of underground operatives in Palatin (By-Tor's hometown.)  Acting at the request of By-Tor's mother to aid in the cause of refugees from the southern areas of Bänkör, Chiles agreed to provide RK black gryphons to smuggle people out of Palatin and bring them to Pasadena Island, where they then can find further means to get to places like Bromalas or Kel Ket.  The network has helped about a hundred people escape the Nazi Christian regime of Der Führen over the past 3 months.  Only 3 gryphons have been assigned to the operation and only one Pasadena Guard is involved (one of the most trusted of By-Tor's Castle Guard.)   He flies 3 missions each week, bringing back 2 to 5 refugees each time.

4) Your accountants have at least 5 annual reports for you to sign & a host of other financial issues for you to attend to.  For instance, revenues from the various RK factories & fabrication shops have shown a sharp decline over the past year or so, and the potion labs have slowed down as well in recent months.  Another interesting point: How do you invest? You have far too much wealth to remain completely liquid (gems, truesilver& gold take up so much space!)  Perhaps you own shares in some other large business ventures.  You are aware of several such companies, like "Goldman Sacks" (purveyors of fine leather bags for your gold,) "Interkingdom Basic Machines" ("IBM," makers of advanced calculating devices for merchants,) "Magic Apple," "Manasoft" & "Hewlett Potter (HP)" (all major forces in the booming mana-tech industry,) "Braish Mechanical Works" ("BMW," makers of fine chariots,) etc.

5) Managers from all the factories, laboratories and workshops look to you for the OK to implement new business plans.  Many of the factories & some of By-Tor's fabrication shops are requesting permission to retool, buy new materials, etc., in order to diversify their production.  They also want authorization to initiate contract negotiations with new suppliers as well as new customers.  Many of the labs & shops also wish to purchase new, different supplies & materials so they can branch out into different products.  Business has been slow for most of them for over a year now and they are looking to expand into more markets.

6) The commanders of the Castle Guard, City Patrol, Gryphon Flight Squadron, Hang-Glider Force, and Pasadena Island Rangers request that the RoachKings update all defense plans for Pasadena Island in general and for the main city & castles specifically.  The existing defense plans are over 5 years old and they require a significant overhaul.  The commanders assure the RKs that all regiments of the Guard stand ready to defend the island at all costs, they simply need an effective set of Standard Orders.

7) The gryphon wranglers report that they have bred a tougher & smarter variety of black gryphon.  The new species has sharper claws & beak, a broader wingspan (for greater carrying capacity,) a higher agility and a greater capacity to be trained with their natural weapons (they can be ranked higher.)   These gryphons are housed in special aeries and are not yet in general use on Pasadena Island because they've only bred 20 of them so far.  However, 13 of them are in use by an elite platoon of the Gryphon Flight Squadron. ]

 

The Doctor

After about a week, Dr. Hu thanks the RKs for their hospitality & tells them that he is returning to the Lost Valley to begin negotiations with the Didacts.  He says that he hopes to reach an agreement with them that will allow him to build "Dr. Hu's Academy of Temporal Incantations" somewhere near the Zeitgeist Temple.  He expects to be gone for about 2 weeks, but says that he will be back immediately afterward.  [ He hopes to use By-Tor's workshop to upgrade the SEDAN and he encourages By-Tor & Nuke once again to join him in installing the new time circuits & power source.  I will add Kevin's & Mark's responses here. ]  He then enters his SEDAN and it teleports away with its annoying grinding sound.

 

[ The RoachKings are now home and able to begin any desired training.  Players can now spend character points and characters can gain levels with skills, spells, etc.  The Danger Room is available for combat training; the RK libraries & other facilities are at your disposal for researching & practicing other skills & magic. ]