The Venetian Tales a Renaissance adventure inspired by the Canterbury Tales and the Sarah Jane Adventure Eye of the Gorgon

Background (GM’s eyes only): the Order of St Eno is a Catholic façade for a much older foundation, the Order of the Medusa. It is governed by 2 prioresses, Stheno (most independent and vengeful) and Euryale (mournful with a bellowing voice) – the order knows the spells: Augury in the Entrails, Blood Sacrifice, Call Obscuring Mists, Cleanse Wound, Close Wound, Curse, Evil Eye, Glamour, Open the Way, Pentagram, Sleeping Draft and Staunch Wound. The Order seeks to restore the Gorgon by finding the Gorgoneion. Long ago, during the era of Heroic Greece (more than 2500 years ago), Perseus slew Medusa (who was the mortal member of the three Gorgons) and stole her head away to be an heirloom of the kingdom of Mycenae. The Gorgoneion was gifted to the Temple of Athena in Argos and rumoured to have properties that made it a wonderfully protective talisman. The Perseid dynasty of Kings of Mycenae came to an end after four generations and when the Mycenian civilisation crumbled some centuries later, Greece entered its Dark Age and the Gorgoneion was lost. The Gorgoneion was rediscovered much later and was taken to the Parthenon in Athens, where it was kept by the Athenai, priestesses of Athena. The temple remained dedicated to Athena all through the Roman occupation. When the Roman Empire converted to Christianity the Athenai ostensibly became nuns worshipping the Virgin Mary but in secret they remained devoted to Athena. Then Constantinople fell in 1453 and the Ottomans invaded mainland Greece. Athens was taken in 1458 and Mehmed II sent a special squad of Sipahis to recover the Gorgoneion, which the Sultan sought to gain as a symbol of Ottoman supremacy, equating his Empire with the Persians, born of Perses, son of Perseus. But the Sultan’s agents, led by Janus Bey, found the Gorgoneion gone, stolen by the Athenai and hidden. However the Medusa’s sisters, Stheno and Euryale had not been idle. They had long ago formed the Order of the Medusa, devoted to recovering the Gorgoneion and grafting it on to the body of a mortal woman so that they might be three again. However the Gorgoneion had always been either hidden or protected. In the Christian era, the Order of Medusa masquerades as the Order of St Eno. Outwardly they are an order of nuns dedicated to withdrawing from society to worship Christ but occasionally venturing forth to do good works in the World. They are based where they always have been, in Gorgonzola, not far from Milan. Over the centuries they have kept track of the Gorgoneion and with the Ottoman conquest of Athens they realised their moment had come. Their agents infiltrated the Athenai in Greece, which was in disarray. Wary of the Ottomans hunting them down, the Athenai failed to recognise the threat from the Order of the Medusa. Having located and stolen the Gorgoneion, a trusted member of the Order is bringing it back via Venice. In a cruel irony, she is using the name Sister Athena. However, the Sultan’s main agent, Janus Bey, has discovered that the Gorgoneion is on its way to Italy and he has come to Venice with the specific purpose of recovering it for Sultan Mehmed II and the glory of the Ottoman Empire. Janus Bey is pursuing the Order of the Medusa and has knowledge about the cult and its purposes. He observes that the Ottomans have inherited the mantle of Persia, founded by Perses, son of Perseus, who slew the Gorgon. He’s pledged to destroy this unclean cult. They recently discovered the hiding place of the Gorgoneion, a cave on Mount Ida on Crete. He was unable to prevent one of their Order from stealing the Gorgoneion from the Athenai but the Order of the Medusa resides in Gorgonzola, deep inside Italy just outside of Milan. Janus Bey fears what the cult will do with the Gorgoneion once it reaches Gorgonzola. PCs: this scenario comes with six pre-generated characters but it can be run with other characters. The pre-generated PCs are a headstrong young noblewoman, her knightly escort, a duellist, a chamois hunter, a

stradiot and an apothecary/alchemist. But any or all of these may be replaced by rolled PCs. All PCs should have horses and good riding skills. At least one of the PCs needs to be a skilled tracker and probably at least two need to be competent in hand-to-hand fighting. They also all need a good reason to travel from Venice in the direction of Milan, at least as far as Peschiera. Most of the pre-generated characters may be given up to two more virtues and flaws if their players wish it – the exceptions are Augusto Benvenuto, who already has the maximum, and Maria, who may have one extra virtue and flaw. Alternatively players may wish to turn any of the NPCs (with the exceptions of Sister Athena, Marcello and Angelo, of course) into PCs – remember to add 9 points to attributes and 20 points to skills. Allow players to completely change the virtues and flaws, if they do so. Someone might even want to play Mirandola; as a ‘personality’, he does not need extra attributes and skills to turn him into a PC but allow the player to adjust attributes by a point each way and amend up to 6 skills by a single point each. The Virtues ‘university education’ and ‘noble birth’ must be retained but the ‘+5 Attributes’ may be changed if the player desires. Alternatively Pico may be replaced by a similar character. The Plot: Venice, August 1477 – a company sets out for Milan consisting of merchants, their guards and private individuals, including religiosi, a Greek Orthodox nun, Sister Athena, returning to her convent and Father Sylvio, a purveyor of indulgences. The guards are necessary as since the end of the last war there’s been frequent trouble from bandits. The nun has a mule carrying a locked box she calls the ‘kibisis’, which any student of Greek will know is a sort of leather or canvas knapsack, usually worn slung over a shoulder. If pressed she confesses the box contains a triptych icon. In actuality it contains the Gorgoneion, which is the severed head of the Medusa. Anyone who looks on the Gorgoneion may be turned to stone. The Gorgoneion has protective powers and can be used as a weapon. There are forces at work that want it for their own purposes. Janus Bey, the Ottoman ambassador to Venice, has spent some years tracking the Gorgoneion since the Turks conquered Constantinople and he has hired an intermediary, Borso Crivelli, to steal the Gorgoneion. Crivelli in turn has placed his agents, Marcello Donnola and Angelo, his bravo (personal bodyguard), within the company. They plan to steal the kibisis but find it difficult to pick their moment. Marcello tries to instigate distrust of her among the party, provoking a friar in to denouncing her as an apostate. Players’ Introduction: the fall of Constantinople to the Turks 24 years ago caused many followers of the Greek Orthodox faith to flee to the hitherto detested west. In some cases whole monastic communities have sought refuge, particularly in Italy, the most cosmopolitan and progressive region of Catholic Christendom. It is therefore common to find monks and nuns of the Eastern Orthodox persuasion, especially in Venice. Sunday August 24th 1477: Venice News: Rome is in dispute with Florence over the disposition of Imola. It seems the Salviati Bank in Florence loaned Pope Sixtus IV the money to buy Imola from Milan and he’s now made them the Papal bankers – the Medici are furious at losing Papal banking and the Duke of Milan had promised them Imola. Cardinal Latino Orsini, the head of the Pope’s government in the Romagna, such as it is, has died. Christoforo Vendramin, the Doge’s nephew, has been wounded in a duel and is gravely ill. Rumour has it that Emperor Maximilian has married Mary of Burgundy, which surely won’t go down well with the French King, Louis XI, AKA ‘The Universal Spider’. Finally, Sultan Mehmed II has sent an ambassador to Venice. Italian city states are beginning to post permanent ambassadors with each other but Ottoman ambassadors are always sent for a set purpose and a

limited duration. Why is Janus Bey here? Perhaps to negotiate a trade agreement (dear to the Doge’s heart) or maybe the Sultan wants another of Venice’s islands to end the current war? Whatever the professed reason, he almost certainly also has a hidden agenda but he comes bearing gifts and is being feted by the Doge. A Nun in Distress: Having spent the morning in church, the PCs are waiting for the ferry to cross to the mainland when someone sees (Spot Hidden (9)) in a nearby ally a nun being harassed by 4 ruffians seeking to steal her pack mule. The ruffians break and run at any show of force from competent swordsmen. If the ruffians are pursued they will split into pairs. Any chasing PCs may make a Spot Hidden (10) to work out who is the leader. The ruffians are very streetwise and cannot be caught but they may be pursued on foot in a test of Phs/Int (9) (or 7 if a native Venetian). An exceptional pursuit roll should be rewarded by catching one ruffian, but this should not be the leader. His name is Gusto and he’s armed with a dagger, Melee 2, Brawl 4 and will attempt to turn any melee in to a brawl. He knows nothing. The leader and one companion will eventually be seen speaking to a dark-haired man. Although his clothes look nondescript a Spot Hidden (7) suggests he’s surprisingly clean, a Spot Hidden (9) reveals his hands have recently worn rings and he carries himself as someone used to command. He easily vanishes into a building. If anyone of Greek/Albanian/Turkish origin sees him (eg Luan), he may make an Int test (7) to suspect the man of being Greek or Turkish (if he gets 9, he’s sure he’s a Turk). Meanwhile, the nun gives her name as Sister Athena of the nuns of the Abbey of St Eno in Gorgonzola – she demurely thanks the party for intervening but says she has no reward for them save her blessing – no one expects anything else from a nun – but it’s strange for a nun to be travelling alone, most don’t travel at all, even locally. She looks and sounds Greek so she’s a long way from home, but then many religious from that part of the World have been forced to flee the Ottoman advance in the last twenty years [see picture]. If asked, Sister Athena confesses that she’s been forced to flee the Ottomans. Her mule has what looks like a box wrapped in a made-to-measure leather satchel strapped to its back. The box is roughly 18” square and a foot deep. Only if pressed several times does Sister Athena confess that it’s a precious icon that she’s rescued from her convent in Greece. She’s bringing it to her order’s convent in Gorgonzola – the Abbey of St Eno. Father Sylvio has not heard of St Eno but it may be a local ‘unofficial’ saint of significance only in Gorgonzola or an Eastern Orthodox saint whose members have relocated from Greece. If asked if this is the case, Sister Athena seems reluctant to answer but eventually she mutters, “No, has always been there.” Sister Athena clearly regards the box as precious and its dimensions suggest it may be a tryptich, with a central icon flanked by two others in fold-out panels. Normally they would be flat but the deep box suggests it may also be a reliquary for a saint’s relics – possibly St Eno himself? This would certainly explain Sister Athena’s protectiveness. If pressed she gets very agitated and refuses point-blank to let anyone see it. The word ‘icon’ may be unfamiliar to Catholic Christians but Luan and most Venetians know they are religious paintings greatly venerated in Greece. They often use precious materials: gold and gems, and can be extremely valuable even beyond their religious significance. A few are said to work miracles. The Ferry: The party are ferried to Mestre in mainland Venice terraferma. They stay the night at an inn – the Lion of St Mark (a winged lion, gold on red), which is very plush but surprisingly good value, since it’s subsidised by the City. Maria and Don Antonio are given their own rooms. Lucia will sleep with Maria. Vito is under orders from Lord Bernabo to sleep outside Maria’s door to prevent her wandering in the night. He keeps his dagger handy under his rolled cloak, which he uses as a pillow, and his sword close to hand. Those in the women’s doom are woken before dawn by Sister Athena getting up to pray over her kibisis. She prays in Greek. To overhear what she’s saying requires a Listen (10) and knowledge of Greek.

Monday August 25th: Venice to Padua, 20 miles The company forms in the piazza outside the Winged Lion, several merchants gladly accepting Donna Visconti della Crema and her entourage for the extra security they will bring. A slender young man, little more than a boy, in fact, though very precocious, joins the company, obviously well-born from his dress, a teenager whose painfully beautiful face is framed by shoulder length gold locks. His name is Giovanni Pico della Mirandola but he likes to be called Pico; he’s studying Canon Law at Bologna but is touring various centres of philosophy: Venice, Padua, Verona, Milan and Florence, before beginning his studies [see picture]. Last of all another merchant, Marcello Donnola, joins the company with a couple of pack horses and a servant named Angelo. He asks if this company is going to Milan and seems relieved when told it is. Angelo is scrawny and Marcello is very fat, they make a slightly ludicrous couple. Marcello also has very bad breath. A German merchant, Heinrich Wolff, happily offers to carry the nobles’ trunks on his wagon for free. The other two merchants seem slightly put out, since they would charge a fee for this privilege. Company: Sister Athena: nun of the Order of St Eno – leads a mule with a large box furled in leather satchel Enzio Bertoli: an Italian merchant travelling with his apprentice, Tomaso – they have a covered wagon Heinrich Wolff: a burly red-head with a grizzled beard, he’s been conducting business affairs in Venice on behalf of the Fugger company; he also has a servant in the form of Rudi – he also has a covered wagon Marcello Donnola: a Venetian merchant and his bravo Angelo – he has a couple of pack horses and he rides a horse though Angelo goes on foot Giovanni Pico della Mirandola: a scholar, travelling to Milan on a mare Fr Sylvio: a priestly seller of indulgences on a mare Don Antonio di Cagliari: a knight told off to escort Donna Maria back to Crema from Venice Augusto Benvenuto: a physician returning to Milan with a precious book from Venice Domenego Tron: a duellist fleeing Venice after wounding a nephew of the Doge Grigori Corvi: a chamois hunter returning from selling skins to the Venetians Luan Nexhat: a stradiot seeking employment with the Duke of Milan Donna Maria Visconti della Crema: is being sent back to Crema in disgrace. Her entourage consists of Lucia (her maid), Don Antonio and an armed servant, Vito. The road, maintained by the Republic of Venice, is good and straight and the countryside is flat so the company make excellent time in the fine sunshine. Peasants work the fields of the Po Valley, gathering hay and making a start on the harvest. This stage is moderately long, about 20 miles. The PCs should take the time to get to know the company. Tomaso does all the driving for Enzio, who sits beside him the entire way. Rudi and Heinrich share the driving and both often choose to walk when not holding the reins. Heinrich is very chatty and companionable. Sister Athena refuses any offer of a ride and is very reticent, even taciturn. Her Italian is not good but if anyone tries to indulge her in conversation she purses her lips and frowns. Father Sylvio is thus repulsed and so is Heinrich’s offer of a ride. She seems very protective of her ‘kibisis’. Weather: excellent weather, bright and sunny, if a little hot – pale complexions may suffer from sunburn and Heinrich dons an outlandish, wide-brimmed hat. Encounters: mid-afternoon, two farmers driving a herd of cattle to pasture, they block the road for an hour and make the company later than had been hoped.

Padua: the company reach Padua in the early evening where Pico suddenly turns into an unofficial tour guide. The University is famous all over Italy, especially for the subjects of medicine, astronomy, philosophy and law. The city fancies itself the oldest city in north Italy, established 1300 years before Our Lord, but due to a fire 300 years ago most of the architecture is recent. The city has been under Venetian rule since 1405 but the people are happy to be part of the wealthy hegemony – it certainly beats the near constant warfare of the 14th Century under the Carraresi. The Palazzo della Ragione (town hall) has the largest unsupported roof in the World and was newly frescoed a few years ago but Padua’s real gem is the chapel devoted to the Virgin Mary, built by Enrico degli Scrovegni in penance for a life of usury. The frescoes illustrating the life of the Virgin are by Giotto – the Kiss of Judas is outstanding but is only one of more than three dozen beautiful images. The company rides down the Via Venezia, turning left down the Via Gattemelata to enter over the Bacchiglione river by the Ponte Corvo, a name meaning ‘Black Crow Bridge’, referring to the black habits of the Benedictine monks. The Abbey of Santa Giustina is on the Prato della Valle, just inside. As a Benedictine Abbey, the monks insist all weapons are left with the porter. Marcello makes a point of asking if there are any letters left for him but seems faintly relieved when told not. The women are given their own cells, everyone else is put in the dormitory devoted to pilgrims but all are welcome to the pilgrims’ refectory for the evening meal and socialising. The food on offer is an indifferent mutton stew, high on vegetables. Evening: That evening, as the company members gather round the fire in the inn, Father Sylvio engages Maria in conversation – it quickly becomes obvious to many that he’s attracted to her. He is urbane and not unhandsome so it is up to the characters how much familiarity they are willing to tolerate. Lucia is deeply ambivalent – on the one hand Fr Sylvio is giving off all the signals of a sexual predator but on the other he’s a man of the cloth. Then, perhaps to defuse tension, Heinrich suggests each person tells a story and offers to open with an old German folktale – the Giant and the Three Golden Hairs. Heinrich’s Tale: the Giant and the Three Golden Hairs – a poor widow gave birth to a son with a caul (a membrane that covers the face), which his grandmother, a most wise woman blessed with gifts of foresight, predicted to mean that he would marry the duke’s daughter. The duke, hearing of this prophecy, persuaded the woman to give him the child to raise. But instead he put the boy in a box and threw the box into the river, since he had no wish for his high-born daughter to marry a peasant. (“Like Moses!”, comments Fr Sylvio; “Like Perseus!”, says Pico.) The box drifted down to a mill, where the miller and his wife, a childless couple, thought that God had sent them this child, and raised him as their own. They named him Emil. One day the duke visited the mill and, hearing how they had gained their son, sent Emil with a letter to the duchess, which said that the bearer of the letter should be killed at once. Emil fell among robbers, who read the letter and took pity on him. They substituted the Duke’s letter for one that said Emil should be married to the duke’s daughter. The duchess received it and obeyed, much to the shock of the duke. Well you can imagine how he felt. Seeking to be rid of his new son-in-law, the duke dispatched Emil on a quest to get three golden hairs from an infamous giant who lived in a huge house three day’s ride away. The first night, Emil stayed at an inn in a town. Outside the inn, in the square, there was a fountain which Emil saw was dry as any bone. When Emil asked why it was dry, the innkeeper told him that it had once run

red with fine wine but had been dry this many a year and no one knew why. Emil swore he would find out why and make it flow again. The second night, Emil stayed at a farm. Outside the window of the room he was given, Emil saw there was an apple tree that stood withered and bereft of all but a single leaf to show it still lived. When Emil remarked on the tree, the farmer’s wife told him that it had once born beautiful golden apples of miraculous flavour but had in recent years withered and if it did not recover this year her husband would surely chop it down for firewood. Emil swore he would find out why and make the tree fruit again. Then the next day, Emil came to a lake where there was a ferryman plying his trade. The ferryman looked weary and sighed with such sorrow that Emil asked wherefore he was so distraught. The ferryman replied that he was under a curse and was tied to his task. Many times he had tried to leave his ferry but always evil fairies bore him back by night and he awoke at his oar again. Emil told the ferryman that he would find out how to relieve him of his curse. At last Emil got to the giant’s house, only to find his grandmother was there, working as a servant for the Giant. He told her of his quest and she changed him into an ant to hide him. When the Giant got home he was very hungry, he was also completely bald with a long golden beard. Emil’s grandmother had made a big stew in which she had put special herbs to make the eater sleepy and, sure enough, the Giant quickly started yawning and took to his bed. Once the Giant was fast asleep, Emil’s grandmother pulled out a golden hair from his beard. The Giant immediately woke up and asked why she had woken him. Emil’s grandmother told him that she had dreamed of the dry fountain. The Giant said that a toad in the well had caused it to go dry and went back to sleep. When the Giant was fast asleep again, Emil’s grandmother pulled out a second golden hair. The Giant woke up again and again asked why she had woken him. Emil’s grandmother told him that she had dreamed of the leafless tree. The Giant said that a mouse nibbling at the roots had stopped the apples and then he went back to sleep. The Giant had scarce fallen asleep once more when Emil’s grandmother pulled out a third golden hair. The Giant woke up yet again and bellowed, “Woman, why will you not let me sleep?” Emil’s grandmother told him that she had dreamed of the ferryman. The Giant said that if the ferryman thrust his oar into someone else’s hand, that man would be the new ferryman and he could go free. Then the Giant went back to sleep and soon was snoring loudly. His grandmother gave Emil the three golden hairs. As he went back, he answered the questions; the ferryman got his answer only after he had ferried Emil across. The farmer and his wife gifted him with a donkey laden with silver and the town with a donkey laden with gold. The duke was pleased with the silver and gold and asked where it came from. Emil, who was nobody’s fool, sent him to the ferryman and the ferryman stuck the oar in the duke’s hand, leaving the duke to row the ferry as a punishment for his wickedness. Emil made a much better Duke. This is a simple fairy story and everyone takes it in the spirit in which it is offered. Heinrich invites others to relate their own tales… Night: If Maria fails a Con-Int test (7) she is woken before dawn by the sound of Sister Athena praying in the cell next to hers. It is impossible to make out the words, though.

Tuesday August 26th: from Padua to Vicenza, 19 miles The company set out after breakfast. Weather: excellent weather, bright and sunny if a little hot – pale complexions suffer from sunburn Encounters: a cloud of dust heralds the appearance of a company of two dozen horsemen and a dozen servants, escorting an august prelate richly dressed in red. Domenego recognises him as Cardinal Barbo, Bishop of Vicenza, doubtless on his way to his native Venice. A servant rides alongside him, holding a large fan above him to keep off the sun. He gives the company hardly a glance but his escorts loudly call for the road to be cleared to make way for His Eminence. Vicenza: the company approaches Vicenza from the SE, entering the town by the Porto Gualdi to cross the Fiume Retrone by the Ponte San Paolo. Vicenza lacks the grandeur of Padua but is nonetheless a pleasant town. The company stops at the sign of the Turk’s Head in the Piazza dei Signori opposite the Loggia Capitano, the residence of the Venetian governor. Maria della Crema gets her own room, which Lucia shares (sleeping on a pallet at the foot of the bed – and Vito sleeps outside the door), everyone else uses the dorm. As before, all gather in the common room to eat their evening meal and socialise. The food is surprisingly good quality with a variety of local cheeses. Marcello makes a point of asking if there are any letters left for him but seems faintly relieved when told not. Evening: the PC who makes the best Listen test overhears Fr Sylvio offering to hear the confession of the innkeeper’s wife, Patrizia Gonzo, who is an attractive woman in her 30s married to a man twenty years her senior. They retreat to the linen store and shortly they can be overheard doing a rhythmical penance. Pepe Gonzo does not seem to notice – does anyone want to tell him? If someone tells Pepe outright that he is a cuckold, he will become very distraught and work himself in to a somewhat pathetic rage before barging in on the pair. Catching his wife in flagrante, they will have a flaming row that results in him throwing his wife into the street. Thereafter Pepe will be wretched and miserable. If someone subtly induces him to visit the linen store to discover their indiscretion for himself they will see him approach the door and make as if to knock. At this point, when he must surely hear them, he suddenly remembers something else and puts off entering. He will do this twice over several minutes, by which time Fr Sylvio and Patrizia emerge shortly looking very relaxed. Marcello relates a tale of greed and avarice… Marcello’s Tale: ‘Three young men: Guido, Franco and Paulo went to a tavern. Their behaviour outraged many of the good people there who were shocked to see such drinking and to hear such blaspheming. Several complained to the host but while he was also shocked he was making much money from them, and in any case he was too cowardly to face up to their riotousness. Then they fell to gambling. To start with they won roundly and one by one their victims fell away to return to their homes. But there was one old man who cleverly feigned to drink while staying sober and to him Guido, Franco and Paulo, in their cups, lost much money and soon were down to their last ducats. Loudly they called for the old man to roll the dice one last time but the old man wisely declined and left with his winnings. Unwilling to accept their losses, the three young men waylaid the old man outside in the dark. Holding their swords to his throat, they offered him his life in return for his purse. But the old man claimed he had given his purse to another ‘privee theef’, called Death, the old man having bought another year of life with his gold.

Guido, Franco and Paulo didn’t believe the old man, asking how he could have been parted from his money so soon after leaving the tavern. But the old man showed he no longer had the swollen purse of but a minute before and said… “Death has but taken his due and set off up the hill toward the gallows tree. If you run you can catch him.” The three young bravos set off up the hill to apprehend Death and reclaim their lost coin and more besides. Then at the top of the hill, under the town gibbet, they came upon Death and demanded his purse. Now Death was a canny fellow and quickly saw that the three louts would kill him whether he gave them his purse or not. Thinking quickly, he handed over his purse and told them he had much more gold buried in the ground beneath the gibbet and that if they would be pleased to wait he would gladly dig it up for them in return for his life. Guido, Franco and Paulo took but a moment to agree and Death set to work with his spade. After he had been digging for some time the three louts asked how long he would be and Death replied that the treasure was buried gravely deep, six feet down. Realising that the digging would take the rest of the night, Guido, Franco and Paulo draw straws to see who among them should fetch wine and food while the other two waited under the gallows. Paulo, who was the youngest, drew the shortest straw and departed but before he left Death called to him from the bottom of his pit and asked for refreshment also. As Paulo knelt to hear his order, Death made a show of asking for sausage, bread and small beer but also took the opportunity to observe that a treasure split three ways is no treasure at all. Paulo went back down the hill, thinking on Death’s words as he went. Meanwhile Guido and Franco stood either side of the pit, encouraging Death to dig faster, that they might be away before dawn, when others might see their new riches. Death made a great show of digging full deep while observing in passing that a treasure split two ways goes much further than one split between three. This thought set Guido and Franco to thinking and they quickly agreed to overpower Paulo and stab him upon his return. Paulo soon returned with a jug of wine, another of beer, bread, sausage, cheese and all manner of good things. Guido and Franco welcomed him and bid him pour them a cup of wine. As soon as his back was turned, Guido seized him by the arms and Franco stabbed him in the breast. The two murderers cast his body on the ground, took back the purse of gold and toasted Paolo’s death with the wine he had brought. But Paolo had contrived to put monkshood (that some call wolfsbane) in the wine and Guido and Franco soon felt the pangs of death upon them. For some while they rolled on the ground but soon enough they were still. As soon as their screams had ended, Death, with a grin, hopped out of his pit, which now was gravely six feet deep, retrieved his purse from the three drunken louts and kicked them in to the hole beneath the gallows. He then refilled his hole, which was now a grave. Smiling happily at a job well done, he strode off down the far side of a hill, eating sausage as the sun rose on a new day. Marcello says the story is from some Englishman called Chaucer (The Pardoner’s Tale) and invites others to relate their own tales… Night: anyone in the common room who fails a test of Con (9) is woken by Sister Athena rising to do her prayers before dawn.

Wednesday August 27th: from Vicenza to San Bonifacio, 15 miles Breakfast: Marcello loudly fumes that Sister Athena woke him up with her prayers – Pico says she did not wake him but Fr Sylvio admits that he too was woken by her nocturnal devotions. Sister Athena says she must pray. Fr Sylvio understands this but gently suggests she remove herself away from the others to do this, where they will not be woken. Sister Athena agrees with poor grace. Weather: weather turns cooler and blustery with occasional cold showers Encounters: a company of horsemen in the road ahead make the merchants a little nervous – they turn out to be half a dozen condottieri and a dozen crossbowmen, all in the livery of Venice – these horsemen are assigned to patrol the roads in Venetian terraferma to ward against bandits and footpads. Enzio asks about the road ahead. The captain assures them that the road is clear to Verona and beyond. The main road is well-policed, the party are numerous and several are well-armed, “You’ll have no trouble until you pass Brescia; but once in the territory of the Duke of Milan, Venice offers no guarantees”. San Bonifacio: despite its insignificance, not even walled, the town has a cathedral. The company turns aside and stops at the Abbey of St Peter where, as usual, weapons are surrendered at the porter’s lodge. St Peter’s is much smaller and poorer than St Giustina’s in Padua and the accommodation is poorer, so is the food, with the proffered meal being a vegetable porridge lacking in flavour. Again the company gathers after the meal. Marcello makes a point of asking if there are any letters left for him but seems faintly relieved when told not. Evening: When Enzio realises that Augusto is a physician he happens to mention that he’s recently been suffering these pains in his back and asks if Augusto might not take a look. Augusto should charge for this, probably a ducat for a one-off visit with examination but he might want to offer cheaper rates if he’s feeling generous. Enzio seems scandalised if told he needs to pay money for Augusto’s services, “But we’re travelling together – it’s not like you have to cross town to visit me at home!” Enzio will settle for a smaller fee. If Augusto examines him he must test his Medicine with an Int modifier: on a natural roll of 2, Augusto fumbles and misdiagnoses leprosy; upto 8 Augusto finds nothing wrong with him; on 9 he finds that Enzio is merely suffering from the usual infirmities of old age; on 11 he believes Enzio has hurt his back but it should cure itself as long as he gets plenty of rest; on 13 Augusto finds that Enzio is developing a degenerative spinal disorder that will eventually cripple him – the Panacea will cure the current symptoms but the condition will recur in time. Pico says Heinrich’s tale put him in mind of the ancient legend of Perseus slaying the Gorgon…

Pico’s tale: Danaë was the beautiful daughter of Acrisius, King of Argos. Acrisius heard a prophecy that he would be slain by his daughter’s son so he kept Danaë locked in a bronze tower open to the sky. But Zeus, who always had an eye for the ladies, visited Danaë as a shower of gold and she bore him the hero, Perseus. Fearing Perseus, but fearing more to kill a son of Zeus, Acrisius set mother and baby adrift in an open boat upon the sea, expecting them to die from the elements, but they were found by Dictys, washed up on the shore of the island Seriphos. Dictys took them both in and raised the boy as his own. It so happened that Dictys’ brother, Polydectes, was king of Seriphos. Polydectes in time came to fall in love with the beautiful Danaë. By now Perseus was grown and, fearing that Polydectes was less than honourable, protected his mother from the king.

Recognising that Perseus was a barrier to his lusts, Polydectes plotted to send Perseus away in disgrace. He held a great banquet where each guest was expected to bring a gift. Polydectes asked that the guests bring horses, under the pretence that he was collecting contributions for the hand of Hippodamia, ‘tamer of horses’. Perseus had no horse to give, so he asked Polydectes to name a gift which he would not refuse to give. Polydectes held Perseus to his rash promise and demanded the head of Medusa, the mortal member of the three Gorgons, women with snakes for hair whose gaze turns victims to stone. Ovid’s account of Medusa’s mortality tells that she had once been a woman, vain of her beautiful hair, who had lain with Poseidon in the Temple of Athena. In punishment for the desecration of her temple, Athena had changed Medusa’s hair into hideous snakes, “That she may alarm her surprised foes with terror”. Other heroes had tried to kill Medusa and all had died in vain. But Perseus, as the son of a god, had divine help: Athena instructed him to find the Hesperides, who had the weapons needed to defeat the Gorgon. Following Athena’s guidance, Perseus sought out the Graeae, sisters of the Gorgons, to demand the whereabouts of the Hesperides, the nymphs who tended Hera’s orchard. The Graeae were three old women who had to share a single eye. As the women passed the eye from one to another, Perseus snatched it from them, holding it for ransom in return for the location of the nymphs. When the sisters led him to the Hesperides, he returned their eye. From the Hesperides he received a knapsack, to safely contain Medusa’s head, an adamantine sword belonging to Zeus and Hades’ helm of darkness to hide him from the Medusa. Hermes lent Perseus his winged sandals to fly, while Athena gave him a polished shield. Perseus then proceeded to the Gorgons’ cave. In the cave he came upon the sleeping gorgons: Stheno, Euryale and Medusa. By watching Medusa’s reflection in his polished shield, he safely approached and cut off her head. From her neck sprang Pegasus the winged horse and the hero Chrysaor. The other two Gorgons pursued Perseus, but, wearing Hades’ helm of darkness, he escaped on Pegasus with Medusa’s living head in his knapsack. When Perseus arrived back at the court of Polydectes, he held up the knapsack and announced he had killed Medusa. Polydectes, of course, did not believe him and demanded to see the head. When Perseus opened the knapsack the Medusa’s head turned Polydectes to stone and thus was Danaë saved by her son. [If anyone bothers to look, it needs a Spot Hidden (10) to notice Sister Athena hidden in the shadows, gazing with shock and loathing towards young Pico.] Pico invites others to relate their own tales… Night: anyone in the common room who fails a test of Con (7) is woken by Sister Athena rising to do her prayers before dawn but she carries her kibisis out into the yard.

Thursday August 28th: from San Bonifacio to Verona, 16 miles Weather: cooler and blustery with occasional cold showers Encounters: the company meets a troop of provisionati infantry marching down the road toward them. Around 300 men: 200 pike, half of whom are in heavy armour, sweating in the sun, carrying their spears at the slope. They are preceded by fifty crossbowmen and followed by fifty arquebusiers. The guns attract some attention from the soldiers. Luan calls them ‘topdorë’ and says he’s seen Turks using them. Heinrich and Rudi don’t seem surprised as they’re common enough in Germany, where they are known as ‘hagbutte’. Verona: the travellers approach Verona, passing the fledgling suburb of Organo to the right, cross the Adige by the Ponte Navi and enter the town by the Via Pallone to reach their hostelry, the Scaligeri Arms, in the Piazza Bra, dominated by the huge Roman amphitheatre immediately to the north. Verona, like almost everywhere else, has been under Venetian control since 1405, but they submitted willingly and regard taxes as a reasonable price to pay for political stability. It is a beautiful town, with few buildings more than a few hundred years old, thanks to the earthquake of 1117. Many buildings are built of attractive red brick and virtually every house is roofed with red earthenware tiles. The travellers enter the Scaligeri Arms, where there is a room set aside for the women and another for the gentlemen and a communal dorm for the riff-raff (ie, everyone else). Marcello makes a point of asking if there are any letters left for him and seems apprehensive when given a sealed note. The best Spot Hidden sees him soon burn the letter in the blazing hearth – he looks worried. Evening: once again, the best Listen test overhears Fr Sylvio offering to hear the confession of a daughter of the household, Lucrezia, who seems rather innocent. If anyone tells the innkeeper, Federigo Masin, he has a blazing row with his wife, Elizabetta, as he’s ambivalent about interfering in a confessional, whereas Elizabetta screams at him for his stupidity, barges in and drives the priest out with a hail of blows. If someone tells Elizabetta she acts without shouting at her husband first. If no one informs the parents, Fr Sylvio has his wicked way again. If his designs are frustrated, he attempts to browbeat Elizabetta by blustering about the sanctity of the confessional but his words don’t fool the mother for an instant. Either way, that evening Fr Sylvio recounts a bawdy tale set in a nunnery… Evening: Fr Sylvio’s tale: You must know that there was once in Lombardy a convent, very famous for sanctity and religion, wherein, amongst the other nuns who were there, was a young lady of noble birth and gifted with marvellous beauty, who was called Isabetta and who, coming one day to the gate to speak with a kinsman of hers, fell in love with the handsome young man who accompanied him, named Ercole. The latter, seeing her very fair and divining her feelings with his eyes, was likewise enamoured of her, and this love they suffered a great while without fruit, to the no small unease of each. At last, each being solicited by a like desire, Ercole hit upon a means of coming at his nun in all secrecy and, she consenting thereto, he visited her many times, to the great contentment of both. But it chanced one night that he was, without the knowledge of himself or his mistress, seen by one of the nuns of the convent as he took his leave of Isabetta. This nun told of her discovery to divers others and they were minded at first to denounce Isabetta to the abbess, Madam Usimbalda, who to the nuns and whosoever

knew her, was known to be a good and pious lady. But, on consideration, they bethought themselves to contrive to have the abbess take Isabetta with her beau in flagrante, so there might be no room for denial. Accordingly, they held their peace and kept watch by turns in secret to surprise her. Now it chanced that Isabetta, suspecting nothing of this nor being on her guard, called Ercole hither one night, and he was observed by those who were watching. When it seemed to them enough time had passed to ensure they might be fully engaged in their sport, they sent one to rouse Abbess Usimbalda, whilst the others stood on guard at the door of Isabetta’s cell. The messenger ran to the abbess’s chamber and knocking at the door, cried… “Up, madam; arise quickly, for we have discovered that Isabetta hath a young man in her cell.” Now Abbess Usimbalda was evidently stirred from a deep sleep for it took the nun some small time of knocking but at last the abbess answered and asked through the door that the nun abide while she might dress. The good nun waited as Abbess Usimbalda did dress in the dark of her room, with much muttering and cries of “Now where is my psalter?” Which those of you familiar with nun’s attire will know to be a certain plaited veil, worn on the head. But after some minutes, Abbess Usimbalda emerged and locked her door after her, saying, “Why this passage in the night is scarce more lit than mine room. Now, where is this accursed one of God?” Then, the nun led Abbess Usimbalda to the others, who were waiting so ardently outside Isabetta’s cell, and they too were in the dark lest the light shine beneath the door and alert the lovers. And so Abbess Usimbalda and the nuns, intent upon having Isabetta taken in default, came to the cell-door and broke it open and found the two lovers abed in each other’s arms, who, all confounded at such a surprise, abode fast, not knowing what to do. The young lady was incontinent seized by the other nuns and hauled off, by command of the abbess, to the chapter-house, whilst Ercole dressed himself and waited to see what should be the issue of the adventure. He resolved if any hurt were offered to his mistress, to do a mischief to as many nuns as he could come at and carry her off. Meanwhile Abbess Usimbalda, entering the chapter-house (which is where all business concerning the convent at large is conducted), proceeded, in the presence of all the nuns, who had no eyes but for the culprit, to give Isabetta the foulest ranting that ever woman had… “Young lady, by your lewd and filthy practices (which must surely come to be known without our walls) you have sullied the sanctity, the honour and the fair fame of this convent. What have you to say for yourself, ere I pronounce judgement upon you and that defiler of virgins that even now waits in your room for our justice?” Isabetta, shamefast and fearful, as feeling herself guilty, knew not what to answer and kept silence, so that the other nuns felt some compassion for her. However, when called upon by Abbess Usimbalda to defend herself, she chanced to raise her eyes and espied that which, in all the furore and commotion in the darkness, had gone unnoticed by all until that moment. Upon the head of Abbess Usimbalda, instead of a psalter such as all the other nuns wore, were a pair of hose, such as might be worn by any man, with the hose-points hanging down therefrom on either side. Whereupon Isabetta, guessing how the matter stood, suddenly speaking with assurance, said, “Madam, God aid you, tie up your coif and after say what you will to me.”

Abbess Usimbalda, taking not her meaning, answered, “What coif? Vile woman that thou art; hast thou the face to bandy pleasantries at such a time? Thinkest thou this is a jesting matter?” “Prithee, madam,” answered Isabetta, “tie up your coif and after say what you will to me.” Thereupon all the nuns raised their eyes to the abbess’ head and she also, putting her hand up, perceived, as did the others, why Isabetta spoke thus. It was clear to all, at the nun’s knock, Abbess Usimbalda had herself been entertaining a priest in her own chambers and, dressing hurriedly in the dark, had mistook his breeches for her psalter. Wherefore Abbess Usimbalda, becoming aware of her own default and perceiving that it was seen of all, past hope of recovery, she changed her tone and, speaking in a fashion altogether different from her beginning, offered the conclusion… “Good sisters, it is impossible to withstand the pricks of the flesh, wherefore each should, whenas she might, privily give herself a good time, even as it has been done until this day, and let God find fault, if fault there art.” Accordingly, setting the young lady free, she went back to bed with her priest and Isabetta returned to her lover, whom many a time thereafter she let come thither, in despite of those who envied her, whilst those of the others who were loverless pushed their fortunes in secret, as best they knew.’ (From Giovanni Boccaccio, The Decameron IX – 2). Sister Athena objects to the story, insisting that life in a convent is nothing like he describes – Fr Sylvio insists it is a true story. Sister Athena glares at him, lips pursed, “Is not like that!” Father Sylvio replies that he knows the very convent in question and the Abbess’ priest is a good friend of his – he invites others to relate their own tales… Night: anyone in the women’s room who fails a test of Con (7) is woken by Sister Athena rising to do her prayers before dawn but she carries her kibisis out into the yard.

Friday August 29th: from Verona to Peschiera – south coast of Lake Garda – 15 miles (before detour) Weather: a return to hot weather and still air; everyone is glad to see Lake Garda in late afternoon and the last few miles, which are more or less along the shore of the Lake, are very pleasant indeed Encounters: as the company is leaving Crocioni, they find a herd of cattle in the road, moving very slowly westward. Individual horsemen might forge a way through but the wagons have no hope but to go at the speed of the cattle, which is awesomely slow, about half a mile per hour. Heinrich asks Enzio is they might not make better time by the side roads, to at least get ahead of the blockage. Enzio confers briefly with Marcello, who seems to know the area the best, and recommends turning right, following a track to Palazzolo, where another track turns SW, rejoining the main road the other side of Artigianato. Marcello says he wouldn’t recommend it if it were raining but it should be fine today. An hour later the company is approaching Palazzolo (according to Marcello) when they turn a corner to find the way blocked by a cart parked across the road. Behind the cart can be seen half-a-dozen armed men. As the company halts, three men emerge from the hedgerows to the rear; they look like peasant but one of them wields a wicked looking scythe that has been modified as a weapon by turning the blade through 90°. A voice hails the company. Although the visible men look like local peasants the voice sounds Venetian, but from the rougher parts of the city. “Stop and pay the toll!” If asked what the toll is, he replies “Nothing unreasonable, just give us the mule and everything on it and you can carry on to Palazzolo – no one need get hurt.” Heinrich is all for talking but neither he nor Enzio are inclined to give in. However Marcello snaps “Oh, just let them have it, what is it to us?” Heinrich gives him a measured look and says, “If we pay this today, next time – and there will be a next time – the price will be higher; anyway,” he says, turning his gaze forward again, “there’s a principle involved.” Four of the company have missile weapons but Grigori’s bow is unstrung and in its case; Luan, Rudi and Maria all have crossbows but it will take 5 combat rounds to prepare and load while the peasants behind throw stones – 1 or 2 per round (only 6 total available) from behind the cart, hit on 11-12 for d4 damage. Of the three men to the rear: Paulo, Guillermo and Stefano, the scythe looks fearsome and would be nasty if used against a horseman, but none of them look competent with their weapons. Domenego could probably take all three, with a little luck. In fact they will stand firm as long as they outnumber the opposition, if three opponents square up to them, at least one of whom looks competent, then they will run. They will also break if even one horseman charges them, or if any of them are even slightly wounded by missiles. The group behind the cart is a trickier proposition. Two of them (Dino and Marco) are local riff-raff hired for the day and no more competent or resolute than their friends at the rear of the company. Carlo, Matteo and Alessandro, however, are bold and brash, competent swordsmen and confident in the situation. All five men count as behind hard cover, so are difficult to shoot. There are two horsemen competent enough to contemplate jumping the cart: Antonio and Luan. All need to pass a test of Ride (13) with Phs mods but Maria gains +2 from the quality of her mount and Antonio +1. Luan also has his +2 virtue. Each of them who attempts the jump must have enough room to charge, so only one at a time can try. A success means their horse vaults the cart and lands fairly on the far side. A failure means the horse refuses the jump. In this case a natural 2-3 causes a fumble, roll d6: 1-3 = the horse balks and the rider must test Jump (10) to avoid falling; 4-5 = the horse makes the jump but stumbles at the far side, rider can recover with a test of Ride (13) or else must test Jump (7) or fall; 6 = the horse clips the cart

resulting in a fearful crash on the other side, the rider must make a Jump (10) to avoid falling – this last is the most dangerous of all and it is highly likely the horse will break a leg. If even one horse successfully jumps the cart the peasants will break and run, the moment the second makes it even Carlo, Matteo and Alessandro will break for it. The peasants all hare off across the fields, which are covered in broken stubble. The three bravos will run parallel to the road to their horses and gallop off. To the eyes of the company, it will look as if all eight simply scatter. Anyone with any Strategy & Tactics knows it’s not worth chasing them. However, we will be meeting Carlo, Matteo and Alessandro again. If any of the peasants are captured, all they reveal is that Carlo, Matteo and Alessandro paid them to waylay the company. If any of the company are seriously hurt, Augusto can cure them with a pill. There are actually 8 thugs, including three more capable: Carlo Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP Hd LA RA Ch Ab RL LL Bold 13 10 10 10 10 10 11 4 3 3 5 4 4 4 Brawl: 3 + unarmed 0 + Phs +1 = +4; damage is d3-1+1d2 Melee: 4 + shortsword & buckler +2 + Phs +1 = +7; damage is d6+1+d2 -2 vs cavalry Matteo Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP Hd LA RA Ch Ab RL LL Bold 11 12 10 10 11 10 12 4 3 3 5 4 4 4 Brawl: 3 + knife -1 + Phs 0 = +2; damage is d4+1 Melee: 4 + longsword 0 + Phs 0 = +4; damage is d8+1 -1 vs cavalry Alessandro Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP Hd LA RA Ch Ab RL LL Bold 12 11 12 12 10 11 12 4 3 3 5 4 4 4 Brawl: 2 + dagger -1 + Phs +1 = +2; damage is d4+2+1 Melee: 4 + rapier & dagger +2 + Phs +1 = +7; damage is d6+1+1 -1 vs cavalry Dino Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP Hd LA RA Ch Ab RL LL Uncertain 12 10 11 9 11 10 11 4 3 3 5 4 4 4 Brawl: 3 + dagger -1 + Phs 0 = +2; damage is d4+2+1 Melee: 1 + wood axe 0 + Phs +1 = +2; damage is d6+1+1 -2 vs cavalry Marco Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP Hd LA RA Ch Ab RL LL Uncertain 11 10 11 10 11 10 10 4 3 3 5 4 4 4 Brawl: 3 + dagger -1 + Phs 0 = +2; damage is d4+2 Melee: 1 + falchion 0 + Phs 0 = +1; damage is d6+1 -2 vs cavalry Paulo Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP Hd LA RA Ch Ab RL LL Uncertain 10 10 12 10 11 10 10 4 3 3 5 4 4 4 Brawl: 3 + shortsword -1 + Phs 0 = +2; damage is d4+1 Melee: 1 + shortsword & buckler +2 + Phs 0 = +3; damage is d6+1 -2 vs cavalry Stefano Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP Hd LA RA Ch Ab RL LL Uncertain 13 13 9 7 11 10 14 5 4 4 6 5 5 5 Brawl: 3 + unarmed 0 + Phs +1 = +4; damage is d3-1+d2 Melee: 1 + heavy club -1 + Phs +1 = +1; damage is d8+2+d2 -2 vs cavalry Guillermo Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP Hd LA RA Ch Ab RL LL Uncertain 14 10 10 9 10 10 12 4 3 3 5 4 4 4 Brawl: 3 + unarmed -1 + Phs +2 = +5; damage is d3-1+d3 Melee: 1 + scythe -1 + Phs +2 = +2; damage is 2d6+1+d3 +2 vs cavalry

Peschiera: the company cross the Mincio by bridge to the island fortress which has long been the bastion of Verona’s (and Venice’s since 1405) westward defences, and then over another bridge to the town proper built mainly on another island separated from the mainland to the west by a canal that doubles as a moat. Venice has invested quite a bit in the fortress, possibly because a resonance with the town being built partially over three islands in the river. Once on the main island, the company makes its way to an inn overlooking the canal/moat to the south called the Leone Viola (Purple Lion); run by Milo Germano with his wife, Camila, and their daughter, Bianca. Unusually, Marcello does not ask if there’s a letter waiting for him but the innkeeper asks if there’s anyone of the company by the name of Donnola. Marcello reads the letter, looking distinctly unsettled, and then orders a private room for himself and Angelo – if asked, Angelo blinks stupidly and says his master doesn’t give reasons for his decisions – Marcello blusters, “I’m fed up having my sleep broken by that thrice-damned nun”. Evening: this is Grigori’s last night with the company, since tomorrow he will depart northward up the west shore of Lake Garda. Unusually, perhaps because the company risked bloodshed on her behalf, Sister Athena offers to tell a story from her nunnery, about the death of Attila the Hun. Sister Athena’s Tale: “This is a true tale. Attila was a great warrior, King of the Huns and invincible. He ruled a vast empire, so large that today the German emperor weeps when he remembers the power of Attila. All the lands where now there are Germans and Poles and Hungarians and Bulgars and Russians and the Golden Horde were his. Even further was his name feared so his men rode unchallenged across Gaul to the ocean and even the Romans dared not face him. One emperor cowered in Rome, the other quivered in Constantinople. “Attila was a small man, but broad in the shoulders. His eyes, though small, were all-seeing. But the face in which they were set betrayed his nature, for he was a cruel and vicious man, having created his empire purely for the pleasure of inflicting cruelties on the defeated peoples. “I will tell you how cruel he was. He rode to the town of Aquileia and demanded they submit to his authority, that he might thereafter march on Rome. The town capitulated but Attila demanded they make sacrifice to the Gods of the Huns. The tribunes of Aquileia did not know what to do but the bishop spoke out and said for his part he must refuse, as a man of God. Attila, enraged at being thwarted by one old man razed Aquileia to the ground so that today no one even knows where once it was.” (Any Venetian or student of history knows this to be true.) “Even this did not assuage his thirst for blood. The winter that year was harsh but Attila rode across all of north Italy, ravaging wherever he went. Everywhere his rage was fuelled by the Christians for despite his atrocities still those with faith refused to submit to the gods of the Huns, preferring to die. “So when Attila came to Gorgonzola he ordered the rape of every nun in our convent while he looked on. But there was one young novice, named Ildiko, whom his men brought to him, claiming such beauty should only be his. Attila took one look at the perfection of her face, the whiteness of her skin, the redness of her lips, her brown eyes, and claimed her as his wife. “But Ildiko said ‘no’, she screamed and wept, but yet she was made ready and brought to him. But as he slaked his vile lusts, debauching her pure body and defiling her sanctity as a woman devoted to the lady, Ildiko called for vengeance and her deity answered through her mouth as she lay upon the bloodied bed. She cursed Attila, declaring he would drown in his own blood and his empire would pass within a year.

“He laughed and left her bleeding to go to his wedding feast, where he sat among his captains and called for roast pig and strong wine. His captains, eager to hear how he had found his new bride, pressed him for the bloody details… “Quaffing wine from his flagon, Attila waved them to silence as he drained his cup, but as he opened his mouth to speak, he coughed, and a trickle of red ran down his chin. His men laughed and a servant passed a napkin for Attila to wipe his chin, but then he coughed again and this time red ran from his nose and ears, and it was blood… “Great Attila fell to the floor, blood pouring from every orifice, even from his eyes. Those present swore his body seemed to shrivel as his life’s blood drained away. “His sons fought over their father’s empire and the next year the Huns fell to an alliance of the Gepids and Ostrogoths at the Battle of Nedao and Attila’s empire was no more. This is a true tale for Ildiko returned to our convent before she died and her story was written in the Prioress’ own hand and this I have read.” Pico (and any Venetian) confirms that Venice was indeed founded by refugees from Aquileia and other towns seeking a hiding place in the marshes, beyond the reach of Attila’s horsemen. Sister Athena does not invite others to relate their own tales… Night: anyone in the common room who fails a Con test (7) is woken by Sister Athena rising to do her prayers before dawn.

Saturday August 30th: Peschiera Weather: remains warm and dry A Mugging: Shortly after dawn (around 6am), Sister Athena is found in the stables with a severe head wound, still alive but delirious. There is no sign of her kibisis and once the dust has settled Marcello and Angelo are nowhere to be found. Sister Athena is unconcerned for her injuries but is distraught for her kibisis. “Where kibisis?” She exhorts those about her to retrieve the kibisis and ensure it reaches her monastery, which is in the town of Gorgonzola, “Where cheese come from”. She then relapses into delirium. Justice: The first thing is to alert the town authorities. The innkeeper, Milo Germano, will send word to the Bargello if the PCs don’t. The Bargello is found in the castle, Don Emilio Rosso. He comes out to the inn with a lacky to inspect the victim but strangely loses interest when he sees the victim is Greek – he sends word to close the gates and to watch for anyone fitting the descriptions of Marcello and Angelo, but when word comes back that the latter have already left he explains that he has no jurisdiction to pursue them outside the walls of Peschiera. All the PCs know that it is permitted to follow criminals in the heat of the crime so Don Emilio is simply seizing on an excuse to avoid having to take action – he seems prejudiced against Sister Athena. Nonetheless an immediate pursuit can take the criminals wherever they can be found provided it starts right away. However, it is not possible to leave immediately. The horses need to be fed and watered and frankly so do the PCs. Neither of the merchants are willing to go or spare their people: Enzio is too old and infirm and Heinrich is not willing to take risks in a foreign country with his family depending on his return before winter. That leaves the PCs: of these by far and away Augusto is the poorest combination of rider and mount. If he chooses to go he will only slow down the pursuit, but in any case he has a patient to look after. While unconscious she cannot take any medication and even with one of his miracle pills it will be at least a day before she recovers. Lucia tells Maria that this is no business of hers and Don Antonio will almost certainly insist Maria stays at the inn. However Maria has a thirst for adventure and she outranks Don Antonio. Furthermore she may choose to use her Fascination spell on him – this beguilement will make him take the most favourable view if she can come up with a good reason to let her go (the most cogent being – he needs to keep an eye on her). Hunting the Kibisis: Several people, including the gate guards, saw a fat man and a skinny companion riding out of Peschiera eastward over the Mincio with considerable haste but it takes time to find these witnesses. All in all, the fugitives will probably have a head start over their pursuers of 1½ - 2 hours. The guards remember the pair, one fat – one thin, and the fat one chivvying them to open the gates. Neither Marcello nor Angelo struck anyone as anything more than indifferent horsemen so there’s a good chance their pursuers can catch them. Don Antonio and Luan are both excellent riders on good horses, though the knight’s mount is better on the road. Grigori is almost as good though his horse, like Luan’s, is better for crossing bad terrain than galloping on the flat. Maria is quite as good a horsewoman as Grigori and she probably has the best mount of all. Domenego has a decent mount but is not so good a rider. Augusto is the poorest rider of all and his mount is only average. The pursuers can opt to leave indifferent riders behind (and Augusto should be encouraged to oversee the care of Sister Athena).

Marcello and Angelo are no better riders than Augusto and their mounts are also average. Furthermore Marcello’s Con causes him to suffer in endurance tests and, thanks to Sister Athena’s curse, things begin to go wrong for them towards the end of the day when Marcello’s horse goes lame. Everyone must test Ride with a Con modifier. All riders also get a bonus based on the type and quality of their mounts and the terrain they are riding over. Luan also has a +2 bonus due to a virtue. Name Mount Quality Bonus on road Bonus off-road Antonio Courser Good +2 0 Augusto Rounsey Ave +1 -1 Domenego Rounsey Good +1 -1 Grigori Hobby Ave 0 +1 Luan Hobby Good +1 +2 Maria Palfrey Excellent +2 0 Marcello Rounsey Ave 0 -2 Angelo Rounsey Ave 0 -2 Marcello and Angelo ride east, crossing the bridge over the Mincio as soon as the gate opens at dawn (6.45am), and then turning north just outside Castelnuovo. They start with a lead so they are turning north roughly as their pursuers leave Peschiera. As long as the pursuers make reasonable Ride tests (7), the lead is reduced by 1 mile for every hour of pursuit. They will almost certainly lose the trail at Castelnuovo and Marcello and Angelo will gain a lead of double the distance from Castelnuovo to wherever they realise they must turn back, at least 4 miles. The Pursuers: At each of Cavalcaselle (2m), Confine (2½m), Castelnuovo del Garda (4½m), Artigianato (6½m), Crocioni (8½m), Casa di Capri (10½m), the pursuers must make a test of Gossip (or similar) with Grc modifiers. On an 8 someone mentions seeing two men, one fat one thing, hurrying eastward; on a 10, they also mention a box on a mule. No roll is needed in Castelnuovo del Garda, where their quarry are definitely seen riding through the village with the box but no one observes them turning north. Obviously, from Artigianato onward, no one will have seen the two fugitives but have them test anyway. If anyone gets a 10 they are surprised no one has seen the fugitives, on a 13, they become certain that they must have turned off. At some point it will occur to the pursuers that they’ve lost their quarry. In extremis an Idea roll (7+) may remind them of side turns – perhaps their quarry are making for the Brenner Pass? Once they become aware that the fugitives may take sneaky turnings, they should take more precautions to avoid losing them again. Pursuit Chart: August 30th Time/hours Town Quarry roll Pursuers Lead 0 Peschiera (0m) n/a Peschiera n/a ¾ Cavalcaselle (2m) Peschiera 2m 1 Confine (2½m) 7 Peschiera 2½m 1½ Castelnuovo del Garda (4m) Peschiera 4m 2 Sandrà (6m) 11 Peschiera 6m 2½ Pastrengo (8½m) 2¾ Ronchi (9½m) 3 Sega (10½m) 12 Castelnuovo 6½m 3⅓ Domegliara (11½m) Artigianato 4 Sant Ambroggio (12½m) 9 Castelnuovo 8½m

4⅓ Bure (14½m) 5 San Pietro (15m) 7 Pastrengo 6½m 5½ San Floriano (16½m) Sega 6 Pedemonte (17½m) 9 Sant Ambroggio 5m 7 Arbizzano (19m) 3 San Floriano 2½m 8 Capanna (20m) 3 Arbizzano 1m That night Marcello and Angelo take refuge in a deserted capanna above Arbizzano. Marcello’s horse has fallen lame on the last stretch. Marcello spends the night worrying what to do. The pursuers may choose to press on but dusk finds them in Arbizzano where they learn that Marcello and Angelo bought foodstuffs at the inn (the Dancing Goat, innkeeper Gastone Abba) before continuing north-eastward, leaving the road for the southern slopes of the Tredici Communi. With the fugitives heading off-road they could go anywhere but Grigori is confident that a) they will not be travelling in the dark and b) he can track them in the morning, once it’s light. Caring for Sister Athena: Meanwhile, back at the inn in Peschiera, Sister Athena is unconscious with a bad head wound. (In game terms she has suffered a 6pt wound to her head, which normally has 4 HP.) She is therefore unconscious and counts as severely wounded. Everyone is happy for Augusto to oversee her care but it is the innkeeper’s wife and daughter, Camila and Bianca, respectively, who actually tend to her – a matter of propriety. Heinrich tells Milo Germano that he will pay for her accommodation until she recovers. He leaves five ducats and says he will pay the balance when he passes back through Peschiera on his return from Milan. Because she is unconscious she cannot be given one of Augusto’s miracle pills and must therefore receive more mundane treatment until she is able to swallow. The wound is not infected unless Augusto fumbles a test of Tend Wounds (10) with a modifier based on the average of Grc and Int. Sister Athena spends the day in a delirium, muttering in Greek so broken it’s impossible to follow, but if Augusto makes a Greek (10) test he makes out the words ‘kibisis’, ‘Order’, ‘vengeance’ and ‘poison’. If he achieves 13 he hears the phrases ‘dreadful lady’ and ‘prioress Stheno’. Fr Sylvio offers to give her the last rites, which is usual when a patient may be near death. Whether he’s allowed to or not, Augusto can tell he’s more interested in chatting up Bianca. If the Tend Wounds is successful, she comes round late afternoon. Augusto suddenly finds her dark eyes looking at him most unpleasantly. She does not say ‘Where am I?’ or ‘Who am I?’ or even ‘What are you doing in my bedroom?’ She immediately asks, “Where is kibisis?” When told Don Antonio and company rode off to pursue her would-be murderers but have yet to return. Her gaze turns bitter and she turns her face away. Sister Athena gives vent to a stream of fluent, vitriolic Greek. If Augusto makes another test of Greek (10) he realises that it’s a curse, she calls on Stheno and Euryale to call down misfortune on the thieves, asking the gorgoneion to turn on the blasphemers. Hearing her words makes Augusto shudder and on a Magic Sense (7) he understands that some mystic power has been invoked. Despite regaining consciousness, Sister Athena should be facing a fortnight of recuperation. Fortunately, she can now take one of his pills of the Universal Panacea. She is mistrustful and reluctant and must be persuaded – Fast Talk or Persuade (7) with a Grace modifier. Once the pill has gone down, immediately there’s an improvement in her pallor. Shortly after she falls into a deep restful sleep. She awakes the next morning, fully recovered – it’s a miracle!

Sunday August 31st: Tredici Communi Grigori must test Tracking (10) to pick up the trail from Arbizzano, he may test once every half hour. Once found, he must pass an hourly test of Tracking (7) to follow the trail. If Grigori achieves Tracking (10) he sees one horse is lame. Once found, it takes an hour to reach the stone-built capanna (capanna del pastore). Although Grigori’s home is on the far side of Lake Garda, he has hunted here and is pretty familiar with the terrain; he has even stayed in this capanna himself, once. It’s a single room with a hearth at the back for cooking and heating. There’s room for two to sleep with comfort but they would have to bring their own bedding. Four might stay a night though it would be cramped. Even from a hundred yards away a horse can be seen cropping the grass. A Spot Hidden (10) by Luan allows him to realise the horse is lame. There’s no sign of the mule or the other horse. There is no smoke and the shutters are closed on the window. It is silent and dark within the capanna, very hard to see anything with the bright sunshine outside. However they arrange it, if they enter the capanna they find Angelo face down in a corner of the room with the back of his head bashed in from Marcello’s club. He is still warm. Grigori can follow Marcello from the hut on a test of Tracking (7). The trail follows the contours of the mountain and it is clear that Marcello is avoiding the roads as it enters some woods. A couple of hours later, around midday, the pursuers emerge into a clearing to find Marcello sitting dead with his back to a tree and flies buzzing over his guts in his lap. It looks like he tried to push them back in, to no avail. He too is warm but his body shows signs of a frisking – his purse is missing. But Grigori finds tracks of three horsemen heading eastward with Marcello’s horse and Sister Athena’s mule. The trail is now easy to follow and Grigori doesn’t need to test his skill but these men are decent horsemen and make better time than Marcello so Grigori doubts they are catching them up. The pursuers arrive at a villa around dusk (6.30) to find a fallen man outside lying next to his sword. They recognise him from the ambush outside Palazzolo. He is in some agony; there’s vomit on the ground and he’s soiled himself. All he can do is hold his stomach and groan. Inside the villa are two dead bodies, also recognisable from the ambush. The first is lying by the hearth, having apparently fallen from a chair. He shows the same symptoms as his friend outside. The other man is in a bed but is also dead of the same thing. On the table is a pot of some sort of stew with four empty bowls and some slightly stale bread. The one living man gives his name as Matteo Fontana. He and his friends had been hired in Venice by Borso Crivelli to get hold of a valuable icon being carried by a Greek nun. Borso said he had an agent working for him in the company. The first plan was to create a diversion outside Crocioni and then to stage an ambush on a side road, but that all went to pot. Then Borso arranged for his agent to steal the icon and sent Matteo and his friends to make an exchange with the agent for fifty ducats. But he didn’t tell them how large the thing was and then the agent, Donnola, tried to haggle up the price, at which point they elected to kill him and split the fifty ducats between themselves. They returned to the villa to find Crivelli had prepared a hot meal. All four sat down to eat but toward the end Carlo fell ill so the others put him to bed and left Crivelli to watch over him while they finished their food. Then Alessandro also fell ill. Matteo carried him to the chair by the hearth but even as he did so Matteo started feeling cramps in his stomach. Alessandro guessed that they had been poisoned by Crivelli. Matteo turned to find Crivelli in the archway, looking shifty and scared. With his hand on his hilt, Matteo demanded to know if he’d poisoned them. Without answering Crivelli cut and run.

Even as he drew his sword, Matteo felt the cramps growing stronger. He made it out the door to find Crivelli mounting a ready-saddled horse. Matteo tried to reach him but fell to the ground where they found him. Crivelli rode off. This was an hour or so before dusk. Unless Augusto is present to administer one of his wonder pills, Matteo dies less than an hour later. Between the three of them are 76 ducats, including small change, split roughly equally. (Incidentally, the stew, while cold, is quite safe to eat as the poison was introduced to the bowls individually.) It is now dark outside. Grigori cannot follow the trail in the dark but then neither can Crivelli, so it seems best to bury the bodies in a shallow grave and spend the night in the villa. It’s a little run down but it has the necessities and there are four beds in two bedrooms – one of the beds is badly soiled, of course. Monday September 1st: sunny and warm but with a fresher breeze than yesterday In the morning Grigori has no trouble following the trail of Crivelli. It leads only a couple of miles to another capanna. Grigori has never hunted this far east of Lake Garda but the style of the building is identical to the all the others in the area. There’s no smoke rising from the chimney and the window is shuttered but a horse and a mule crop outside so presumably Crivelli is still abed, the sluggard. Eventually someone must brave the door. With the bright sunlight outside the room is very dark. A man, presumably Crivelli, sits at the table facing the door with something large in front of him. It is deathly quiet save for a very faint slithering, hissing noise coming from the thing on the table. The observer is immediately put in mind of a nest of snakes... As the intruder’s eyes adjust to the gloom, he (or she) sees that Crivelli’s hands cover his face. The bulky object on the table is the kibisis, panels opened and facing away from the door. That slithering, hissing noise comes again. Crivelli doesn’t move… Finally, close inspection reveals that Crivelli has been turned to stone and might be thought a statue save that he is fully clothed. Anyone who makes a Spot Hidden (13) or similar guesses his age at around fifty. If care is taken, the box can be closed from behind and put back in its leather kibisis, which lies on the floor – if care is not taken, then a PC may be turned to stone if they lose an opposed Psy test against a Psy of 15. Crivelli’s belongings are dumped on the bed. They include a letter in a truly beautiful copperplate hand that includes brief instructions to retrieve something stolen from Greece by a nun calling herself Sister Athena. It does not say what this is but accurately describes the kibisis and mentions 300 ducats. The letter is addressed to Borso Crivelli and signed JB. There is a purse containing 250 ducats and some small change – evidently the balance of the 300 – and strangely brushes, a pallet and some powdered paints – evidently Borso was an artist. Finally there’s a pouch of some powdered substance which Poison Lore will identify as aconite. The Aftermath: It is up to the PCs what happens now. They have the kibisis, which by now they must realise is the Gorgoneion. If they take it back to Peschiera they will probably find Sister Athena fighting fit and ready to complete her journey, which will see the Gorgoneion back in the hands of the Order of St Eno/the Medusa. The Order will then prepare to graft it onto a volunteer. Is this a good or bad thing? Only time will tell. If the PCs elect not to give the Gorgoneion to the Order, they will incur the Order’s enmity. They will also have to find some other way to dispose of it. Perhaps Fr Sylvio will ask Cardinal Arcimboldi to sequester it in the Vatican’s vaults? Or perhaps Augusto will claim it as a wonderfully powerful magical artefact?

Personalities: NPCs with player-character armbands Sister Athena: Greek nun Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Greek 8 12 12 12 14 14 10 -d2

Bonuses -2 +1 +1 +1 +2 +2 Virtues: Gorgon Magic 3 spells (2) Flaws: suffers prejudice for being Greek (2) Skills: Animal Care 2, Etiquette 2, Fast Talk 3, Herb Lore 4, Hide 3, History (of Order) 2, Language: Italian 2, Listen 4, Liturgy 2, Navigate 2, Occult Lore 4, Poison Lore 3, Read/Write 2, Ride (mule) 2, Sing 2, Sneak 3, Spot Hidden 3, Tend Wound 2, Treat Disease 2 Chattels: nun’s robes, warm woollen cloak, kibisis with Gorgoneion, wet weather gear, eating knife, mule, purse with 15 lire Spells: Curse, Evil Eye, Open the Way Story: Sister Athena’s order are the remnants of the ancient pagan cult of the Gorgon. Sister Athena has served that part of the Order of the Medusa in Greece. The tumult of the Ottoman invasions gave the Order the opportunity to reclaim the Aegis. Landing in Venice, she has to make her way overland to the home of her order in Gorgonzola. Sister Athena speaks but poor Italian and keeps to herself. She is overly suspicious of others, especially men. She is very protective of her kibisis, always keeping it to hand, even at mealtimes. Pico: Confrontational Philosopher (age 14) Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Italian 10 10 12 15 17 12 10 -

Bonuses - - +1 +2 +3 +1 Virtues: university education (3); +4 attributes (1); noble birth (4) Flaws: confrontational in disputes (3); impetuous and rash (1); driven by Truth (4) Skills: Brawl 1, Carouse 2, Charm 3, Dance 2, Dodge 2, Etiquette 3, Fast Talk 3, Heraldry 2, History 4, Language: Greek 3, Language: Latin 6, Listen 4, Melee 2, Oratory 2, Persuade 3, Philosophy 2, Quadrivium 2, Read/Write 6, Ride 3, Spot Hidden 2, Trivium 3 Chattels: rapier, dagger, good quality travelling clothes, wet weather gear, books, parchment and writing gear, eating knife, mule, purse with 10 ducats Story: Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola: born 1463 in to a noble family, lords of Mirandola and Counts of Concordia, Pico proves incredibly precocious and becomes a Papal protonotary at the age of just 10. In 1477 he goes to Bologna University to study canon law but before he commences his studies in October he is making his own tour of the great centres of culture in Northern Italy. Appearance: slender and well-built, as a 14-year old Pico possesses almost feminine good looks with long curly golden hair. He studies day and night and has a gift for learning languages: Latin and Greek for the moment but soon he will be studying French, German, Arabic, Chaldean, Hebrew and Aramaic. He has a passion for The Truth and his public protestations (and publication) of his conclusions will one day bring him in to direct confrontation with the Church. He asks everyone to call him ‘Pico’. Pico is very outgoing and friendly but any ‘discussion’ has a tendency to turn in to an argument and the phrase ‘No, you are wrong!’ comes too readily to his lips. Weapons Skill Attribute Weapon Total Damage Brawl: 1 Phs 0 unarmed 0 1 d3-1 Brawl: 1 Phs 0 dagger -1 0 d4+2 Melee 2 Grc/Int 3 rapier 1 6 d8+1

Non-Player Characters: Angelo Fontana: Marcello’s bravo Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Italian 13 10 14 14 8 11 11 +d2

Bonuses +1 - +2 +2 -2 - Virtues: +4 attributes (1); +10 skill points (3) Flaws: ? (1); Trusting: not exactly observant, Angelo tends not to look for hidden agendas (3) Skills: Animal Care 1, Brawl 4, Carouse 2, Cutpurse 4, Fast Talk 4, Hide 4, Listen 2, Melee 3, Ride 2, Sneak 4, Spot Hidden 2 Chattels: shortsword, buckler, dagger, doublet, rough clothes, cervelliere, quilted jack, boots, blanket roll (containing soft slippers), horse, 4 lire Story: Angelo is a rough from the streets of Venice employed by Marcello as a servant and bodyguard. Marcello is not a good master and Angelo has no loyalty beyond his wages. He’s also well aware of Marcello’s shadier dealings and he intends to take his opportunity to abscond with as much as he can filch from Marcello and go somewhere else – anywhere away from Venice and Marcello. Enzio Bertoli: elderly merchant Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Italian 12 12 8 12 14 8 13 +1

Bonuses +1 +1 -2 +1 +2 -2 Virtues: Gift of the Gab: +4 on Fast Talk and Persuade (2) Flaws: Elderly & Infirm – Enzio suffers shortness of breath that prevents him taking hard exercise (2) Skills: Accounting 2, Appraise 3, Bargain 4, Brawl 1, Carouse 2, Fast Talk 4, Gossip 1, Persuade 2, R/W 2, Ride 1 Chattels: dagger, blanket roll, riding horse, 40 ducats Story: Enzio has based his career on an ability to beguile the gullible rather than genuine mercantile ability and other merchants sometimes sneer at his name. Nonetheless he has a respectable business. However, he is getting on a bit and doubts he can make many more of these trips. He’s been training his nephew, Tomaso, and intends to take him on as a partner soon, with the intent of eventually selling him the Milanese business as a going concern in return for being maintained in relative luxury to the end of his days. Heinrich Wolff: German merchant Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: German 14 12 12 14 14 13 14 +d3

Bonuses +2 +1 +1 +2 +2 +1 Virtues: +13 attributes (3), +15 skill points (4) Flaws: Prejudice against Germans (3); Dependants – Heinrich has a wife and family who depend on him (4) Skills: Accounting 2, Animal Care 1, Appraise 4, Bargain 4, Brawl 3, Carouse 2, Charm 2, Drive Wagon 2, Fast Talk 2, Gossip 1, Language: Italian 3, Melee 2, Navigate 1, Persuade 3, R/W 2, Ride 3 Chattels: broadsword, dagger, travelling clothes, best clothes, blanket roll, 2-horse covered wagon, 50 ducats Story: Heinrich is a merchant plying the route between Munich and Venice. He’s spent the summer negotiating with the Venetians on behalf of the Fugger company. Now he’s looking to get back home before winter. Heinrich has a tremendous zest for life and loves company of all sorts. He’s always ready to crack a bottle with a stranger and discuss politics, philosophy, women…he will talk to anyone about anything and happily buys free drinks for all. Lucia Uccello: Maria’s maid Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Italian 9 12 12 10 10 10 11 -1

Bonuses -1 +1 +1 - - - Virtues: Gentle Birth (1) Flaws: Strait-laced – Lucia has no sense of humour and abhors behaviour outside the rules of etiquette (1) Skills: Appraise 2, Dance 1, Disguise 2, Embroidery 3, Etiquette 3, Listen 1, Play Spinette 1, R/W 2, Ride 2, Sing 1, Sneak 1, Spot Hidden 1, Tailor 2 Chattels: austere black travelling dress, needlepoint always close to hand

Story: A lowly, unaccomplished daughter of a poor noble family, Lucia became a maid to Maria Visconti della Crema. Lacking in talent or wit, Lucia does have an outstanding grasp of decorum and Lord Bernabo hopes she will instil these values in his daughter. Unfortunately, Maria despises everything Lucia stands for. For her part, Lucia would like to give Maria a good hiding but she daren’t raise her hand to Lord Bernabo’s daughter. Lucia is highly suspicious of all men showing an interest in her charge, and even more suspicious of how Maria reacts to unsolicited male attention. Marcello Donnola: Italian merchant Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Italian 12(10) 9 10 14 13 12 9 -

Bonuses - -1 - +2 +1 +1 Virtues: +4 attributes (1); +10 skill points (3) Flaws: Bad Breath – Marcello’s breath inflicts -1 on any social skills with people close enough to smell it (1); Obese: Marcello suffers +2 size and -1 on each of Con and Qck (3) Skills: Accounting 1, Appraise 3, Bargain 3, Brawl 1, Carouse 2, Cutpurse 2, Fast Talk 3, Hide 3, Listen 2, Melee 1, R/W 2, Ride 2, Sneak 3, Spot Hidden 4 Chattels: club, dagger, blanket roll, riding horse, 2 pack ponies with goods, 20 ducats Story: Marcello is officially a merchant, though not a particularly a good one, and is forced to supplement his income doing illicit jobs for commission. Usually such jobs involve smuggling or fencing of stolen goods. This time Marcello has been hired by Janus Bey to steal a wooden box containing an icon from a Greek nun. Rudolf (Rudi) Gloder: Heinrich’s servant Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: German 14 14 13 11 9 12 16 +d3

Bonuses +2 +2 +1 - -1 +1 Virtues: +4 attributes (1) Flaws: Taciturn: Rudi is the strong silent type (1) Skills: Animal Care 2, Appraise 1, Bargain 1, Brawl 4, Carouse 1, Dodge 3, Drive Wagon 2, Etiquette 1, Latch Crossbow 2, Listen 1, Melee 3, Physical Development 3, Ride 4, Spot Hidden 1 Chattels: Latch Crossbow, shortsword, buckler, brigandine jack, boots, warm clothes, Story: Rudi has served Heinrich since he was a small boy. His work involves heavy lifting, caring for the horses and driving the wagon but he is also a personal servant. Heinrich treats him well and Rudi has considerable personal loyalty to his master. The two of them have more than once seen off would-be thieves. Rudi doesn’t speak a word of Italian so is unlikely to indulge in repartee. Father Sylvio: dissolute friar Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Italian 11 10 8 14 12 8 10 -

Bonuses - - -2 +2 +1 -2 Virtues: Friend in a high place - Cardinal (4) Flaws: inveterate lecher (4) Skills: Charm 1, Etiquette 1, Fast Talk 3, Gossip 2, Language: Latin 3, Listen 1, Liturgy 3, Read/Write 4, Ride 1, Seduction 3 Chattels: clerical robes, warm woollen cloak, hat, licence to sell indulgences, small strongbox with 87 ducats Story: Father Sylvio was an idealist when he joined the Dominican order but time, the corrupt world about him and one terrible weakness, have taken their toll. Truth is, he’s inwardly ashamed of what he’s become and were the church stricter in its supervision of its officials he would find it easier to be a good priest. But for Sylvio the spirit may (occasionally) be willing but the flesh is always very, very weak indeed. Sylvio’s big weakness is women; he just cannot keep his hands off them. He needs to make a Psy test (10) to avoid just trying to charm them. Luckily he manages his seductions in a fairly discrete manner (the confessional is a wonderful way to discover which women are approachable) and so far he’s kept his hands off women of station. And he has an uncle who’s a cardinal (Giovanni Arcimboldi – Bishop of Novara and himself an inveterate letcher with innumerable illegitimate children) in the Papal curia who is willing to overlook his peccadilloes (after all, Sylvio’s depravities pale in comparison to the Pope’s own) and has also secured Sylvio a licence to sell indulgences, with which he earns money for himself and the church.

Tomaso Bertoli: Enzio’s nephew Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Italian 13 15 14 13 12 12 16 +d2

Bonuses +1 +2 +2 +1 +1 +1 Virtues: +13 attributes (3) Flaws: Compulsion: honesty – Tomaso may be too honest to be a merchant (3) Skills: Accounting 1, Animal Care 1, Appraise 3, Bargain 2, Brawl 2, Carouse 2, Drive Wagon 2, Etiquette 1, Gossip 1, Melee 2, Persuade 1, R/W 2, Ride 2 Chattels: shortsword, buckler, hard wearing travel clothes, wet weather gear Story: Tomaso is Enzio’s nephew and apprentice. He knows that Enzio intends to take him on as a partner as the old man feels age creeping up on him. He works Tomaso hard but offers genuine training in the mercantile arts. But Tomaso is uncomfortable with his uncle’s habit of frankly lying to customers and secretly intends to follow a more honest course once he runs the business. His uncle is aware of this and while he understands that not everyone has to be underhand, he worries that Tomaso may just be too honest for the profession. If anyone gets talking to him, he may mention that he worries that his uncle is a venal man – he descends to outright lies to make a sale, often when there’s no need. Tomaso fears for his uncle’s mortal soul and is determined that when the business passes to him that he will run it a very different way. Vito Petrone: servant to Maria Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Italian 13 12 11 11 10 10 13 +d2

Bonuses +1 +1 - - - - Virtues: +4 attributes (1) Flaws: Fealty to Lord Bernabo (1) Skills: Animal Care 1, Appraise 1, Bargain 1, Brawl 3, Carouse 1, Disguise 1, Etiquette 1, Fast Talk 1, Gossip 1, Listen 2, Melee 2, R/W 2, Ride 2, Sneak 1, Spot Hidden 2 Chattels: shortsword, buckler, dagger, hard wearing clothes, wet weather gear, Story: Vito is a young but capable servant, in this case valued for his loyalty and his facility with a sword. He is expected to guard Maria while Don Antonio deals with violence but he is quite capable of meeting out violence himself. He comes from a wealthy town family seeking to advance themselves in the World and hopes that his connections with the Visconti della Crema family will bear fruit in years to come. For his part, he’s a little smitten with Maria. He helped Don Antonio dispose of the body of the man she killed in Venice and knows to keep his mouth shut.

Player Characters: Antonio di Carrera: knight Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Italian 16 13 13 10 11 12 16 +d5

Bonuses +3 +1 +1 - - +1 Virtues: Gentle Birth (1) Flaws: Honourable (1) Skills: Animal Care 2, Brawl 4, Carouse 2, Dance 1, Etiquette 2, Heraldry 2, History 2, Jump 2, Melee 5, Military Engineering 2, Navigate 2, Persuade 2, Physical Development 3, Read/Write 2, Ride 5, Spot Hidden 1, Strategy & Tactics 3 Chattels: longsword, full armour, courser, dagger, good quality clothes for evening wear, purse with 10 ducats, 2 lire and 8 soldi Story: Don Antonio is a condottiere in the service of Lord Bernabo Visconti della Crema, one of his entourage in a visit to Venice to find a bride for his wild-child daughter. Unfortunately Maria has a talent for trouble and while in Venice managed to escape her servants and Don Antonio, who had been charged with her protection. Don Antonio immediately led the search for the girl but by the time he found her she had fallen foul of a local bravo who thought he’d press his suit. A Visconti to the core, Maria had stabbed the lad. Antonio and Vito disposed of the body in a canal and as penance has been ordered to escort Maria back to Crema, together with Vito and Maria’s maid, Lucia. Maria is a real handful but it is hard not to admire her passion and spirit – if only it were tempered by an ounce of common sense. d20 Location Protection Type HP 20 head 6 barbute 6 19 face as head on 2-8 on 2d6, otherwise none as head 18 right shoulder 1 jack as arm 17 left shoulder 1 jack as arm 16 right upper arm 0 shirt 5 15 left upper arm 0 shirt 5 14 right lower arm 1 gloves as arm 13 left lower arm 1 gloves as arm 12 chest 7 cuirass + jack 7 11 Abdomen 7 cuirass + jack as abdomen 10 Abdomen 7 placart + jack 6 9 Abdomen 7 placart + jack as abdomen 8 right hip 7 faulds + jack as leg 7 left hip 7 faulds + jack as leg 6 right thigh 0 hose 6 5 left thigh 0 hose 6 4 right shin 1 boot as leg 3 left shin 1 boot as leg 2 right foot 1 boot as leg 1 left foot 1 boot as leg Antonio also has plate armour for his limbs but he usually doesn’t wear such encumbrance in normal duty. If worn they give 6pts of protection on all limb locations at the expense of -2 on his combat roll. Of course the cuirass, placart and faulds come off in the evenings. The cuirass, placart and faulds are very noisy but Antonio is never likely to employ stealth as a tactic. Weapons Skill Attribute Weapon Total Damage Brawl: 4 Phs 3 unarmed 0 7 d3-1+d5 Brawl: 4 Phs 3 dagger -1 6 d4+2+d5 Melee 5 Phs 3 longsword 0 8 d8+1+d5

Augusto Benvenuto: alchemist and physician Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Italian 10 12 9 12 16 13 12 -

Bonuses - +1 -1 +1 +3 +1 Virtues: University Education (4); Alchemist – 6 spells (3); Wealthy (2) Flaws: Coward – fear of physical violence (4); Dark Secret – Alchemist (3); Unlucky – 1 bad roll/day (2) Skills: Alchemy 5, Arcane Lore 2, Bargain 1, Brawl 1, Carouse 1, Etiquette 1, Fast Talk 2, Gem Lore 2, Glassblowing 4, Greek 4, Gossip 1, Herb Lore 2, Latin 6, Magic Sense 1, Medicine 2, Persuade 1, Poison Lore 2, Quadrivium 3, Read/Write 6, Ride 2, Tend Wounds 4, Trivium 4 Spells: Congelation of the Panacea, Draft Horoscope, Enchantment of the Receptacle, Fixation of the Arcanum, Preparation of the Alkahest, Reduction of the Prima Materia Chattels: dagger, good quality cloak, shirt, doublet, hose and physician’s robes, horse, physician’s bag containing medical (not surgical) instruments and 12 6-grain pills of the Universal Panacea, 2 books on medicine (Canon on Medicine by Avicenna and Isagoge ad Tegni Galeni by Galen of Pergamon) and 1 precious work in Greek on Alchemy, I telikí exóflisi (The Final Quittance) by Zosimos of Panoplis; purse with 8 ducats, 5 lire and 10 soldi. Story: Augusto earned his doctorate in medicine from the University of Bologna but he was a frankly indifferent physician. Instead he turned his mind to Alchemy and read deeply of various arcane tomes. After many years of study and then several more of trial and error, he finally managed to perfect the Universal Panacea – he currently has a dozen pills left from his first batch, having expended half his supply on experiments to test the efficacy on animals and peasants and then losing a few more to a minor accident involving spilt wine. But he is now sure that just one of these plain white 6-grain pills causes wounds to close in hours that would otherwise take days. It mends bones in days that would take weeks (at the cost of 1 pill per day), and cures all illness in hours. The only things it cannot do are regrow lost body parts or restore life to the dead. d20 Location Protection Type HP 20 head 1 hat 4 19 face 0 none as head 18 right shoulder 2 doublet + robes as arm 17 left shoulder 2 doublet + robes as arm 16 right upper arm 1 doublet 3 15 left upper arm 1 doublet 3 14 right lower arm 1 doublet as arm 13 left lower arm 1 doublet as arm 12 chest 2 doublet + robes 5 11 Abdomen 2 doublet + robes as abdomen 10 Abdomen 1 hose + robes 4 9 Abdomen 1 hose + robes as abdomen 8 right hip 1 hose + robes as leg 7 left hip 1 hose + robes as leg 6 right thigh 1 hose + robes 4 5 left thigh 1 hose + robes 4 4 right shin 0 hose as leg 3 left shin 0 hose as leg 2 right foot 1 shoe as leg 1 left foot 1 shoe as leg Weapons Skill Attribute Weapon Total Damage Brawl: 1 Phs 0 unarmed 0 1 d3-1 Augusto’s magic: all his spells are alchemical rites requiring a laboratory of complex glassware. As such he will not be casting any spells during the game. However the 12 pills of the Universal Panacea represent the material output of these spells and these may readily be used in the game.

Domenego Tron: Venetian duellist Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Italian 12 12 15 15 8 10 13 +1

Bonuses +1 +1 +3 +3 -2 - Virtues: wealthy family (2) Flaws: fashion victim (2) Skills: Animal Care (horse) 1, Appraise 2, Bargain 2, Brawl 3, Carouse 3, Charm 2, Dance 2, Etiquette 3, Fast Talk 3, Gambling 1, Gossip 1, Hide 1, Melee 5, Oratory 2, Read/Write 3, Ride 3, Seduction 2, Sneak 1, Tend Wounds 2 Chattels: hat, doublet, shirt, hose, short cloak, foul weather gear, rapier, dagger, palfrey and riding tackle – all very good quality, purse with 5 ducats, 1 lire and 18 soldi, a letter of credit to be cashed in Milan. Story: Domenego is a junior member of the Venetian Tron family. His family’s wealth has meant he has been able to indulge himself and Domenego has made a name for himself as a duellist. This has proven unpopular with his family and with the state, as Venetian society expects young men to go to sea or perhaps follow a military career on land. Then Domenego duelled with Christoforo Vendramin over a perceived insult to his family. Domenego severely wounded young Christoforo, as he has many before him, but Christoforo is the grand-nephew of the Doge, Andrea Vendramin. Domenego’s family bluntly told Domenego to leave the city, go somewhere outside the Venetian sphere and don’t come back until they say so. So Domenego rides for Milan. His uncle Giovanni conveyed him to the ferry, giving him a letter of credit to be cashed in Milan. He says, “Not to worry, Domenego; the Doge is old and when he is dead, you and many others can return. In the meantime, make a name for yourself as a fencing instructor.” d20 Location Protection Type HP 20 head 1 hat 5 19 face 0 none as head 18 right shoulder 1 doublet as arm 17 left shoulder 1 doublet as arm 16 right upper arm 1 doublet 4 15 left upper arm 1 doublet 4 14 right lower arm 1 doublet as arm 13 left lower arm 1 doublet as arm 12 chest 1 doublet 6 11 Abdomen 1 doublet as abdomen 10 Abdomen 0 hose 5 9 Abdomen 0 hose as abdomen 8 right hip 0 hose as leg 7 left hip 0 hose as leg 6 right thigh 0 hose 5 5 left thigh 0 hose 5 4 right shin 1 boot as leg 3 left shin 1 boot as leg 2 right foot 1 boot as leg 1 left foot 1 boot as leg Weapons Skill Attribute Weapon Total Damage Brawl: 3 Phs 1 unarmed 0 4 d3-1+1 Brawl: 3 Phs 1 dagger -1 3 d4+2+1 Melee 5 Grc/Qck 3 rapier 1 9 d6+1+1 Remember to add +1 if using your parrying dagger against a suitable opponent.

Grigori Corvi: chamois hunter Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Italian 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 +1

Bonuses +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 Virtues: +10 skill points (3) Flaws: Sense of Justice – Grigori feels an urge to combat injustice wherever he finds it (3) Skills: Animal Care 3, Appraise 3, Bargain 3, Brawl 3, Carouse 3, Composite Bow 4, Gossip 3, Hide 3, Hunting 5, Leatherworking 1, Listen 1, Melee 2, Navigate 2, Persuade 1, Ride 4, Sneak 3, Spot Hidden 3, Tracking 5 Chattels: Composite Bow, 12 arrows in a quiver, shortsword, skinning knife, hat, shirt, doublet, fur coat (not normally worn in summer but available if needed), shoes, blanket roll, horse, purse with 14 ducats, 2 lire and 15 soldi Story: Grigori is a professional chamois hunter in the hills north and east of Lake Garda. He prefers to take his hides in to Venice since being swindled by a middle man some years ago. He’s just sold a load of hides and is off home with a pocket full of ducats. With a little luck, he can get in one more trip before the winter sets in. d20 Location Protection Type HP 20 head 1 hat 5 19 face 0 none as head 18 right shoulder 1 doublet as arm 17 left shoulder 1 doublet as arm 16 right upper arm 1 doublet 4 15 left upper arm 1 doublet 4 14 right lower arm 1 doublet as arm 13 left lower arm 1 doublet as arm 12 chest 1 doublet 6 11 Abdomen 1 doublet as abdomen 10 Abdomen 0 hose 5 9 Abdomen 0 hose as abdomen 8 right hip 0 hose as leg 7 left hip 0 hose as leg 6 right thigh 0 hose 5 5 left thigh 0 hose 5 4 right shin 0 hose as leg 3 left shin 0 hose as leg 2 right foot 1 shoe as leg 1 left foot 1 shoe as leg If Grigori dons his fur coat he gains 2 points of protection on locations 4-12 and 17-18 Weapons Skill Attribute Weapon Total Damage Brawl: 3 Phs 1 unarmed 0 4 d3-1+1 Brawl: 3 Phs 1 knife -1 3 d4+1+1 Melee 2 Phs 1 shortsword 1 4 d6+1+1 Composite Bow 4 Grc 1 - 5 d8

Luan Nexhat: stradiot Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Albanian 14 12 12 12 10 12 14 +d3

Bonuses +2 +1 +1 +1 +1 Virtues: Animal Magnetism: +2 on all interactions with animals (ie not shooting them) (2) Flaws: Code of Honour: Protector of Women – Luan saw his mother raped as a child and as an adult and a soldier he feels driven to protect women from the vicissitudes of war and general unpleasantness (2) Skills: Animal Care (horse) 3, Brawl 2, Carouse 2, Latch Crossbow 3*, Fast Talk 1, Hide 3, Jump 2, Language: Italian 2, Listen 2, Melee 4, Ride 4, Sneak 4, Spot Hidden 3, Strategy & Tactics 2, Tend Wounds 1, Tracking 2, Throw 2 Chattels: hardwearing clothes with a splash of gold, barbute helm, cuirass and placart, leather jack, boots, sabre, short spear, javelin, shield, dagger, latch crossbow, eating knife, tinderbox, blanket roll, a good quality warhorse suited to mountainous terrain, purse with 10 lire and 12 soldi Story: Luan is usually called ‘Louie’ by his Italian friends. He has served Venice with Georg Castriot’s stradiots, the finest light cavalry in Christendom. But his brother has told Luan that service for the Sforza is more lucrative so Luan rides for Milan… * = normally shooting from horseback incurs a penalty on the chance to hit the target but Luan is so accomplished a light cavalryman that provided he makes a test of Ride (9) with a Grc modifier, he suffers no penalty; if he fails this roll he may still shoot with the usual -2 penalty for shooting from horseback; if he fumbles he may have more serious problems. d20 Location Protection Type HP 20 head 6 barbute 5 19 face as head on 2-8 on 2d6, otherwise none as head 18 right shoulder 1 jack as arm 17 left shoulder 1 jack as arm 16 right upper arm 0 shirt 4 15 left upper arm 0 shirt 4 14 right lower arm 1 gloves as arm 13 left lower arm 1 gloves as arm 12 chest 7 cuirass + jack 6 11 Abdomen 7 cuirass + jack as abdomen 10 Abdomen 7 placart + jack 5 9 Abdomen 7 placart + jack as abdomen 8 right hip 1 jack as leg 7 left hip 1 jack as leg 6 right thigh 0 hose 5 5 left thigh 0 hose 5 4 right shin 1 boot as leg 3 left shin 1 boot as leg 2 right foot 1 boot as leg 1 left foot 1 boot as leg Weapons Skill Attribute Weapon Total Damage Brawl: 2 Phs 2 unarmed 0 4 d3-1+d3 Brawl: 2 Phs 2 dagger -1 3 d4+2+d3 Melee 4 Phs 2 Spear 1 7 d6+1+d3 Melee 4 Phs 2 Sabre 0 6 d8+1+d3 Latch Crossbow 3 Grc 1 - 4 d10 Remember to add +1 if using your shield against an appropriate opponent.

Maria Visconti della Crema: wild child Phs Con Qck Grc Int Psy HP DB Native Language: Italian 8 12 14 14 12 12 10 -d2

Bonuses -2 +1 +2 +2 +1 +1 Virtues: noble birth (2); Supernatural talent – Fascination (as spell – see below) (1) Flaws: Thirst for Adventure: she relishes excitement and is frankly an adrenalin junky (2); duty to family (1) Skills: Animal Care 1, Appraise 2, Assassination 1, Charm 3, Dance 2, Disguise 2, Embroidery 2, Etiquette 2, Fast Talk 4, Gossip 1, Heraldry 1, Hide 3, Latch Crossbow 2, Listen 1, Play Instrument 1, Read/Write 2, Ride 4, Seduction 2, Sing 1, Sneak 3, Spot Hidden 2 Chattels: latch crossbow, dagger, good quality travelling clothes, including a split riding skirt; wardrobe chest, excellent riding horse (a palfrey named ‘Star’), saddle and riding tackle, purse with 4 ducats, 3 lire Story: Maria is a problem. She has a wild streak inherited from her father – he was similarly wild in his youth. But what may be tolerated (within reason) in a man is unfortunately not tolerable in a woman. Maria’s father believes marriage will calm her down – after all, it worked for him. With two major powers in North Italy, he brought her to Venice to negotiate for a husband – Maria is very pretty and she’s filled with an irresistible energy that Lord Bernabo Visconti della Crema thought would appeal to a prospective husband. Unfortunately that restless energy led her to escape her servants in search of adventure in Venice. With this freedom she chose to flirt unguardedly with a young gallant but when he pressed his suit too ardently, Maria stabbed him with his own dagger. As he slumped to the ground, Don Antonio found her and helped slip the body into a handy canal before escorting her back to her father. Maria kept the dagger. Maria was unrepentant. Fearful that she might do the same again, or worse, Lord Bernabo had no choice but to send her home in disgrace together with Don Antonio and a couple of trusted servants with strict orders not to let her out of their sight until he returns himself, hopefully with a prospective husband. Maria’s love of the hunt has resulted in excellent riding skills and she keeps her hunting crossbow to hand. d20 Location Protection Type HP Weapon Skill Attribute Total Dmg 20 head 1 hat 4 Latch X-Bow 1 Grc 2 3 d10 19 face none as head 18 right shoulder 1 bodice as arm 17 left shoulder 1 bodice as arm 16 right upper arm 1 bodice 3 15 left upper arm 1 bodice 3 14 right lower arm 1 bodice as arm 13 left lower arm 1 bodice as arm 12 chest 1 bodice 5 9-11 Abdomen 1 dress 4 8 right hip 1 dress as leg 7 left hip 1 dress as leg 6 right thigh 1 dress 4 5 left thigh 1 dress 4 4 right shin 1 boot as leg 3 left shin 1 boot as leg 2 right foot 1 boot as leg 1 left foot 1 boot as leg Spell Fascination (W): Casting time: seconds; Cost: 8mps; Materials: a sparkling gem of any size A simple spell by which the witch makes herself fascinating to a member of the opposite sex. The effect is subtle and lasts only minutes. The gem may be reused. This is a trick Maria discovered for herself as a natural talent. However she’s canny enough to use it sparingly as the church might regard it as witchcraft. It causes men to become entranced by her, granting a certain suggestibility, especially if they think it will earn more time in her presence. It is how she persuaded her father to take her to Venice in the first place.