This session was short, too short to even count XP. For a variety of reasons - I didn't prepare enough, I forgot my laptop charger so I had more improv that I planned to, it was in the morning so everyone was sleepy, and one of the players was mid-conflict with someone in her phone so she was too angry to pay attention. And as always, my players enjoyed it much more than I did, even despite less-than-subtle railroading (they have actually liked that part)
Also, if someone has been following for a while and is confused, we've decided to rename Agrinis to Hesperia, because players were confusing two countries starting with A
Heroes woke up in the inn in the town of Mountwood, a pretty chilly morning for summer standards, didn't sleep well. As they were eating the really bland breakfast of porrige, one apple and tea, they have noticed that woman, Marion, a merc. As she was passing through to the exit, she did a small detour to say hi. She mentioned that when she'll come back she will be on contract, so it's in heroes' best interests to get the hell out of this town asap - she'll have to capture them again, and nobody wants that (Someone from the players actually paid attention to this "nobody wants that" and that it is includes Marion). She said that if they want to cross the border, they should search for Mountwood Citizen Coalition, and left the town
Jefford, stubborn and mistrustful of her, decided to do literally opposite of that. They got a plan to steal enemy uniforms to go through the military base. They went to the base again through the valley, in hopes of finding someone to rob, but recognized one of the soldiers as one of his old subordinates (1 Fabula point spent). They chatted for a bit (while being threatened by other soldier with a rifle), Jefford has tried to ask for someone to get out (to rob them), without much success, when suddenly from nowhere appeared a youthful freckled guy in a dark brown hood. He exclaimed "Mister Satcliff, everyone was looking for you! Come on, everyone is waiting", and leading the group away from border. As they got further from the soldier hearing range, he immediately changed his demeanor and told them they are freaking stupid and almost ruined their entire operation here. He said that Captain Thomson is expecting them.
Captain Samuel Thomson, a strong sturdy man with beard but without moustache, one eye and half of left arm up to elbow, has been waiting for them in a very large basement under unremarkable building on the edge of Mountwood, full of tables with blueprints, people training with weapons and some machinery in the corner emitting black mist. He recognized Jefford as a comrade he served with in Hesperia. When Jefford complained that other soldiers (especially the one who didn't let them pass) did not recognize him, Thomson said that he should be glad they didn't, since as someone who quit Hesperian army only to serve in Aldania, he is actually wanted for treason in Hesperia. As he was shaking Jefford's hand, he also asked if they are stupid to just go to the military base. Johnny had to abort his task just to get them out of there, because the uproar would jeopardize everything they are doing here. Who are they? Captain Thomson just welcomed the group into Citizen Coalition
It's an open secret that Hesperia is preparing for war, they aren't fooling anybody with their "military exercises". But for some reason, Aldanian queen just simply doesn't care, so Mountwood citizens decided to take matters into their own hands just to try to avoid being massacred by enemy invaders once the war starts. Thomson asks who are Jefford's company. Jefford introduces Anna and Thing (by the name Dorothy) as his nieces, and Marcus (he's also here, we almost forgot about him) as their father. Nervous Marcus hugged Thing by the shoulders and smiled, visibly shaking. Samuel looked at them, his gaze lingering on Anna's face for a little bit too long, but shook his head and continued the dialogue
He said that if they want to go to Hesperia without losing them the war before it even started, he can help them - but only if they help the coalition first. A way to Hesperia is strategic point and they don't want to disclose it to randoms. So they at least should finish the task that Johnny had to abort to rescue them - "Alejandro will give you the details" says the captain as he points towards the corner full of war machinery and black mist. And then.... we decided to take a break and did not continue today 👍