From Alison:

Last session, once arriving back in Kratas the group split up and wandered about town finding out information. The latest from Jerris was that the people are 'very happy' (as far as Jerrisians go). The economy is doing well and growing daily, the political situation appears to be stable, with certain families demoted in status and others hunted and 'reduced' for being supporters of the Holmwoods. The Holmwoods have all been killed, disappeared or are in exile. Calceonus is building up the Jerrisian army, which is in turn helping to develop the economy. We have heard no more about political relationships with other rulers, except that things are now somewhat strained between Jerris and Iopos.

The Jerrisian Kaers, which were exited at the end of the scourge and resealed, have now been reopened. Groups may enter by obtaining a permit from the Jerrisian authorities which requires agreement to a set of rules.

These identify that certain artefacts may not be removed, while others that may be found must be returned to the Jerrisian authorities in return for a set price. Amongst others, one of these artefacts is the Sword of Archem, a sword belonging to the sixth lord of Jerris that was possibly lost before the Scourge. It is rumoured to have the ability to strike a target at 50 yards away with a normal stroke. There is no way to know whether this reopening is simply routine and that the list is a precautionary thing to ensure that under the highly unlikely but possible scenario that they are discovered, the family heirlooms are not lost to other parties. However, it may also be possible that Calcaneaus is searching for something and has an agenda for opening the Kaer. A garrison of the Jerrisan army is camped out at the entrance to prevent unauthorised entry.

Aramis went searching for his missing Nethermancers, and went to the house of the master who was killed, finding that he had been utterly destroyed and his soul torn apart. It is possible that whatever was done to him similar to what happened to Raythan, the old elf. There is no evidence of who did it.

Mereoni was offered the position of High Priestess of Galen in Jerris, and Captain Kellow was recalled to 'his position' in Jerris (whatever that may be), both effective immediately. The discussions were what we plan from here and how we can get back into Jerris and take control. We decided that we needed to know more about Calceonus and the body transferral spell that he used, so Aramis is going to investigate this issue over the next few days. Mereoni is planning to prepare herself to leave for Jerris and take up her new post where she can act as a spy for the group. We have to go to the farm and see if the money from Raythan has arrived, and perhaps determine how we might get in touch with him. There has as yet been no word or return from Captain Maddox or K'nin who journeyed to Jerris and were to return not long afterward with news, although we have heard the rumour that perhaps K'nin is imprisoned after an attempt on Calceonus' life and killing the chief bodyguard.

The issues with taking the city and overthrowing Calceonus:

1. Raising support from the populace will be difficult to say the least.
2. It will be easier if Aramis is able to reclaim his own body, but then we still have to deal with Calceonus.
3. Are we currently strong enough to take on Calceonus as a group?
4. Can we use our 'favour' from Raythan and his employer to support us? How far does this go? Raythan is powerful and able to confront and withstand other powerful nethermancers, so may be able to provide information on who Calceonus is and what he's capable of. He may be prepared to assist us in returning Aramis to his rightful body or even helping to return Ethilian to the thrown and deposing Calceonus. Maybe they can give us a helpful tip or get us into the palace unnoticed?
5. What other contacts do we have that might be useful?
6. How are we going to be most successful? Outright assault or subterfuge? Outright assault will mean confronting the populace, army and any nethermancy tricks that Calcaneous might throw at us. Subterfuge might mean that we only initially have to deal with Calceonus, although no doubt the guards will soon be in on the act.
7. Do we have the witch hunter's support to authenticate Aramis' claim that Calceonus is an imposter? Will his opinion really hold much sway with the people and other leaders of Jerris?
8. Cullen has been listed as the leader of the army of Jerris, and is on our side. Does that mean that he can control the armies and make them turn against Calceonus?

As far as other ways that we can use our time, Kerac raised the possibility of assisting the enslaved elemental in Iopos, and we have the orc daggers and their 'rightful owners' that we can track down. Whether either of these acts can aid us by developing support for our cause is questionable.

What move shall we make now, and what is our long term plan to take on the pretender? Any ideas people? It would be great if we could come up with some sort of plan by next session, or at least a next step. TomC, can you do your research before next game and perhaps share with us your findings before then?