Sky Mountain
Der Himmelsberg
Plot Summary
Thor, a young member of the Riglan Clan on Lagund, hears a telepathic cry for help from Jelina, a Clan Sister presumed dead for a year. Despite skepticism from his Clan Brother Garss, Thor is convinced Jelina is alive and in danger. Meanwhile, aboard the spaceship STORTIS, Laacon Merlander, a Lodge Master, struggles to maintain control of his Driver Lodge as they navigate Space II. One of the Drivers, Kirju Haapala, suffers a psycho-epileptic attack, creating dangerous materializations from his subconscious, including a younger version of himself who attacks Oona Karf. Laacon Merlander is forced to use a Strahler to stop the materialization and paralyze Kirju Haapala.
The incident destabilizes the STORTIS's journey through Space II, causing it to veer off course. The ship emerges near the Heinlein system, a forbidden planet. Laacon Merlander proposes landing on Heinlein IV to find replacement Drivers or a doctor for Kirju Haapala. The ship's captain, Artuur Morgh, initially resists but eventually agrees. Back on Lagund, Thor is punished for playing Synth instead of working and is confined to the Punishment House. He experiences a vision of Jelina held captive by Sky Watchers in the Sky City atop Krakata, prepared for sacrifice.
Determined to rescue Jelina, Thor escapes the Punishment House with the help of his Clan Brother Falk von Riglan. They set out for the Sky City. On the STORTIS, Edison Tontor, the dead soul of a former General Manager, has taken over Kirju Haapala's body. He attempts to convince Laacon Merlander to resume the journey through Space II, but is rebuffed. He then confronts Artuur Morgh and Jeng-Jeng, accusing the latter of being Max von Valdec. Edison Tontor attacks Jeng-Jeng, but is subdued and confined to the ship's quarantine sector.
Thor and Falk von Riglan face numerous dangers on their journey to Krakata, including a wagon accident and an attack by Pruuts. During the Pruut attack, Thor is injured, and they are forced to abandon their wagon. They continue on foot, but a volcanic eruption forces them to flee. Thor collapses, but Falk von Riglan revives him. Thor initially refuses to continue, but then has a new vision of Jelina about to be sacrificed. Meanwhile, the STORTIS arrives at Heinlein IV and detects a city.
Key Events
- 01 Thor hears Jelina's telepathic cry for help.
- 02 Kirju Haapala suffers a psycho-epileptic attack on the STORTIS.
- 03 Laacon Merlander uses a Strahler to stop Kirju Haapala's materialization.
- 04 The STORTIS veers off course and emerges near the Heinlein system.
- 05 Thor is punished and confined to the Punishment House.
- 06 Thor has a vision of Jelina held captive in the Sky City.
- 07 Thor escapes the Punishment House with Falk von Riglan's help.
- 08 Edison Tontor takes over Kirju Haapala's body.
- 09 Edison Tontor attacks Jeng-Jeng and is confined.
- 10 Thor and Falk von Riglan face a wagon accident and Pruut attack.
- 11 A volcanic eruption forces Thor and Falk von Riglan to flee.
- 12 The STORTIS arrives at Heinlein IV and detects a city.
- 13 Thor has a new vision of Jelina about to be sacrificed.
Characters
Thor — A young member of the Riglan Clan who hears Jelina's cry for help and sets out to rescue her. He is determined and has visions.
Falk von Riglan — Thor's Clan Brother who helps him escape the Punishment House and accompanies him on his journey to the Sky City. He is resourceful and determined.
Jelina — A Clan Sister who is presumed dead but is actually held captive in the Sky City. She has the same gift as Thor.
Laacon Merlander — The Lodge Master of the STORTIS's Driver Lodge. He struggles to maintain control and navigate Space II.
Kirju Haapala — A psycho-epileptic Driver whose attack destabilizes the STORTIS's journey. He is later possessed by Edison Tontor.
Edison Tontor — The dead soul of a former General Manager who takes over Kirju Haapala's body and seeks to regain power.
Artuur Morgh — The ship's captain of the STORTIS. He is initially reluctant to land on Heinlein IV.
Jeng-Jeng — The First Officer of the STORTIS. He is later revealed to be Max von Valdec.
Oona Karf — A Driver in the STORTIS's Driver Lodge. She is attacked by Kirju Haapala's materialization.
Ain Lavalle — A Driver in the STORTIS's Driver Lodge.
Siri Lankard — A Driver in the STORTIS's Driver Lodge.
Zeus Alpha — A Driver in the STORTIS's Driver Lodge.
Locations
Lagund — The planet where the Riglan Clan lives. It is a desolate world with a dense cloud cover.
Sky City — A city on the summit of Krakata where the Sky Watchers live and where Jelina is held captive.
Space II — An alternate dimension used for faster-than-light travel.
Heinlein IV — A forbidden planet with a ghost city.
Punishment House — A prison in the Riglan Clan village.
Technology & Concepts
Light of Realization — A psychic ability that allows certain individuals to see visions of the past or future.
Driver Lodge — A group of PSI-gifted individuals who navigate ships through Space II.
Space II — An alternate dimension used for faster-than-light travel.
Strahler — A weapon that emits laser or paralysis radiation.
Synth — A game played by the Riglan Clan.
Sky Watchers — Madmen who live in the Sky City and await the return of their ancestors.
Themes & Notes
This booklet explores themes of faith, determination, and the struggle against overwhelming odds. The narrative style alternates between Thor's journey on Lagund and the STORTIS's voyage through space, creating a sense of parallel narratives converging towards a common destiny. The tone is a mix of adventure, suspense, and dark fantasy.
Connections
Continues from: Unknown
Leads into: The rescue of Jelina and the exploration of Heinlein IV.
Related booklets: Booklets featuring the STORTIS or the Sky Watchers.