There's plenty of gossip to be had at the mayor's party. We learn of a supposed deformed son of the mayor that he keeps locked in the attic, apparently the reason all guests were ejected early at a previous party when someone stumbled up there by accident. It's got to be a ruse, a cover […]
Theatrics over, we are preparing to be the guests of honour at the mayor's party celebrating the survival of the cast of our deadly play. Getting in to the mood, Ganelon asks 'can we bring a date?' 'Do you have a date?', I reply. 'No. But the ranger's bringing his cat.' 'Yes, but is it […]
We're missing players, so Pathfinder is cancelled this evening. Still, at least it means we don't need to use the entirely fabricated character sheet that was given to me in order to run Afutavere in the player's absence, because he left the real one at home. 'It's probably got some bits correct', he tells me, […]
Devils vanquished, we are on the final trial that could kill us. We are to face a legion of undead, the curtain behind the stage raised to reveal two skeletal trolls. 'That's not how I pictured a legion', I say, and Ganelon agrees. Two more skeletal trolls appear, all of them large and mighty threatening, […]
The next trial in the play involves birthing devils from eggs, which sounds about as pleasant as it actually is. Each of us eats an egg from which a devil spews forth, prompting a fortitude save from everyone. 'Is a 9 a fail?' asks Brennan optimistically, but knowing the answer. 'Yes.' 'Is a 6?', I […]
The curtain is raised! Our first and hopefully only performance of the play is underway. Despite being present for rehearsals and understanding that an illusionist is at hand for various effects, Ganelon is still taken aback by some of the costumery. 'Is that a real bearded devil?' he whispers. 'Are you a real paladin?' is […]
First-night jitters are encroaching on us, brave adventurers that we are. We already performed a full dress rehearsal the previous day to a hostile crowd, the director telling us to 'just get out there, ignore the rabble, and do your jobs. If they throw anything, take it and move on. Anything short of them starting […]
Rehearsals continue. We are adventurers playing actors playing adventurers, for reasons that are even more convoluted and best not to try to think too hard about. We need to know our lines and perform them well, under the watchful eye of the director. Brennan, our bard in the protagonist's role and a bit of a […]
Casting is complete. We all have our roles for the play. 'There remains one last item before rehearsals can begin', our new director says. 'Don't worry, I am quite comfortable with full-frontal nu—' '...payment.' 'Put your clothes back on, Ur'thwrm Jim.'
Auditions for the play are decided, roles are not. We may be adventurers and eminently suitable, as well as dressed and equipped, to take on the combat roles, but we are still required to read our lines well. We are all taken to the stage, where we meet an old friend of mine, Thressing Umbero […]