Expedition #44: The Undiscovered Country

(this expedition, consisting of multiple sessions, is thus labeled differently; and this entry in the chronicles, rather than a recap per se, is rather somewhat more of an item of news)

Last week, following the violence and subsequent put-down of the rioters by various fighting-societies loyal to the Souffets and various great Houses, the Survivors of the Tel prepared to embark on a new expedition.

First, a bit of context: though Sesel and Avin had returned to the Dual-Cities to see to their business there, many of the Survivors have remained at a secret camp on the coast north-north-west of Cothon after an expedition some couple months ago. Gan ad-Din, "Bearer of All Things" and retainer of Bartholomew Pettibone has also made an appearance now and again in the harbor, acquiring supplies for his master and comrades (and also checking in with his girlfriend Istrid at the Kantor Kabljauhof).

Whatever the particular nature of this camp, Sesel--as the Voice of the Survivors--has recently been engaged with the Bani al Rashid in an attempt to negotiate their assistance in creating and securing a new 'iqta-holding which the Survivors could then hold (in alliance with the al Rashids, of course); though these negotiations have yet to bear any fruit, nevertheless they suggest that the Survivors have discovered something interesting, and wish to establish themselves there somewhat permanently.

So it was that last week, Avin and Razo both departed Cothon for the encampment, leaving Sesel to see to any business of the Survivors in Cothon-Gadeed. Not long after their departure, Gan ad-Din, and Vlana the Bard made an appearance in Cothon, and set about purchasing large stores of rations, as well as amphorae of wine and beer. These purchases were in line with the kind of laying-in of stores that might presage a voyage, by galley or by caravan--and though they were chary with the details, both Gan and Vlana admitted to something of the case while making the rounds in the souk.

Indeed, it seems the Survivors have not only secured an encampment for themselves, but apparently also come into possession of a galley. The way Gan and Vlana mention it, having been taken from unworthy possessors, suggests that perhaps the Survivors came upon a Luwian pirate-vessel, and liberated it from the buccaneers. And now, being possessed of a ship, it seems they intend to sail out for the Denyan Islands after some treasure rumored to lie within the nuraghe-ruins that dot the islands.

At the end of their purchasing-spree, Gan invited Vlana to the Kantor Kabljauhof, there to enjoy several rounds with Istrid and her dancing-girl friends. A bout of carousing ensued, and Gan's extended farewell to Istrid was indeed consonant with the tenor of one about to go on a long voyage, with assurances that he would return and shower her with gifts to make up for his absence. In his cups, Gan hinted that perhaps he could even offer Istrid an especially fine gem--but no, no, surely Bart has better uses for it ...

And so the next morning Gan (squinting against the red dawn and his own headache) and Vlana departed from Cothon with their carts heavily-laden, returning to the company of the Survivors and their coastal camp, including these members:

• Raoden (magic-user 3)
• Avin (magic-user 6)
  leading Vlana the Bard  (magic-user 3)
• Razo (magic-user 2)
• Bartholomew Pettibone (magic-user 5)
  accompanied by Gan ad-Din (fighting-man 4)
• Ravna (magic-user 6)

And so these magnificent seven have presumably departed on the decks of their galley, seeking glory and riches on unknown shores. Whatever the results of this expedition, it will no doubt be some time before word of their success returns to the Dual-Cities--and if doom be their destination, no doubt it will be longer yet until it is discovered, if ever to be known at all!