«Absolutely. Learning it may be a step on the way. And I understand and respect it if you do not want to engage in the deeper research.»
"If you revive this possibly dead tradition I would be most interested in integrating it to the extent that is possible but I would much prefer bringing a current practitioner into the fold if it is not dead." Illugi says after listening intently this whole while. "I would not be very interested in hanging as Odin did."
Balder nods in agreement.
[Illugi has a Magic Lore of 3 with a spec in Magical Traditions. Are Gruagachan commonly known enough for that to just be a "gimme" or should I roll Int+Magic Lore?]
In Novgorod you should roll.
[Got an 11 on that Int+Magic Lore roll.]
«Anyway, I don't think there is more to be gained by discussing this. I intend to start inquiring among the villagers and covenfolk, to see if we can find clues to where remaining practitioners and ancient artifacts may be sought. I hope you will help me, Illugi. If we find something worth investigation, we will travel to do so. I suppose Hugh's time is better spent approaching the fae. When we meet again, having made different experiences, we will hopefully know more and be able to make better decisions.»
===
Balder will prepare two letters, to Uplands and Sinus Wotanis, before the redcap leaves.
«Salve Sodales,
you may remember me from the tribunal two years ago, but time was to brief to speak at any length. Since we are neighbours in this corner of the Order, I would have hoped to get to know you better. I hope over covenants can be friends and allies in upholding the Order in these harsh fringes of its existence.
Would you be interested in trading books and knowledge? I would be particularly interested in texts on the area and the traditions of Scandinavia, and particularly the magical heritage, but the usual arts would be welcomed by the covenant as well. I think we can offer copies of summæ in Creo, Muto, Perdo, Corpus, Herbam, Vim, or Magic Lore, if you are interested.
If I may, I would be happy to pay you visit, and discuss further next year.
By the way, is there still a temple to Odin in the Uplands?
Your friend in the arts,
Balder of Bonisagus»
The letters are virtually identical, except for the last question which is only asked to the Uplands.
OOC. I am not sure if we have completed the meeting with the redcap ... when he leaves he gets the tender (some previous message), the two letters above, and also a letter from Balder to his parens in Rhine, but the letter is inconsequential. All the rest seems to be planning for subsequent stories, I think.
You have heard about the Gruagachan, that they are centered in Hibernia, Stonehenge, and Loch Legean, pose some challenges to covenants there, often have the sympathies of local mundane authorities and tend to work in blessings and curses.
"I would gladly join you to try and find more local practitioners of other traditions of magic. We know there are Muspelli nearby but they were not kind to my master when he offered induction into the order and the other local as well including the Midwife of this village... though she is ungifted... but perhaps folks in the village or our traders and fishermen have heard more rumors we can follow."
Hugh smiles at Alva. "Will you go with me to speak to Heimdallr in the morning?"
Hugh heads out after that.
[Is this "scene" over? Alva needs to discuss something with Illugi in the morning so I was figuring the thread still has life just not sure about this scene.]
[We are playing multiple scenes already, with three different discussions in slightly different groups. Most of the discussion is the kind which would probably, in practice, take place over several days.]
Two days later the redcap departs for Sinus Wotanis, and indicates he will be back within a couple of weeks, at the end of his circuit and ready to try your route home. Given this is Balder still going to travel with him, or wait at the covenant?
Balder offered a lift in the Ashlad's ship whereever he wants to go. Balder would also be very happy for an excuse to visit Sinus, so if the redcap agrees, they go in the ship.
I had the impression he wanted to try Hugh's faerie ways to Durenmar.
he does, when he gets back.
The ship's crew gets prepared and departs when Balder and the redcap are ready, making the trip in a fraction of a day. Sinus Wotanis offers the redcap hospitality, but meets to consider Balder's request while he wats outside, and asks for a pledge of return hospitality before they will allow him to stay, or they can provide rooms outside the aegis.
«But of course,» says Balder, «we would always welcome our Sodales in Flåm. I was hoping to discuss a lasting friendship and possible trade with you.»
"Then come and break bread with us, and tell us what you propose."
The covenant seems a bit sparse, if solidly built, and the serving staff minimal. An elk is being roasted on a spit for the covenant dinner.
Illugi sees Alva in the morning at Breakfast and goes to sit with her...
«Nice place you have here,» remarks Balder. He looks around, trying to get an impression of how well they are doing. «It is odd, I think, we have been a covenant at Flåm for 50 years, and myself I have been there almost half that time, and yet this is the first time we actually see our closest neighbours ... Well, to get to the point, I wanted to propose trade. Our library at Flåm is small, but the few books we have. I wanted to inquire if you would be interested in trading books, like for like. We can make copies of sound summæ in Creo, Muto, Perdo, Corpus, Herbam, and Vim, and we would be interested to trading them for similar books in any other art. We also seek texts on the lands and traditions of Scandinavia ... we hope to take a more outward view from Flåm than our parentes did.»