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Post by cerdigon on Nov 28, 2015 3:32:13 GMT
Northern Frontier:
Smoke drifted over the treetops and with it came the stench of death, burnt flesh, and the caw of carrion birds as they circled overheard. Baron Iorweth of Dinas battled the wave of nausea that threatened to make him sick as he and his men approached the farmstead. He had seen violence like this before during the Sefti War of Succession twenty six years prior. There was only one monster that could be responsible for such heinous crimes.
Cadafel Tanglemane.
'' This is the third bloody farmstead this month. '' Captain Meurig spat, climbing down from his horse to survey the destruction. Each raid was getting progressively closer. Dinas, the furthermost town in the North. Dinas was well fortified and garrisoned but the Baron had his suspicouns. Iorweth couldn't help but think that Tanglemane's men were probing, testing their response as to what they might do.
'' Cut them down. '' Iorweth said, averting his eyes as he waved towards the dangling corpses or what was left of their charred bodies. From what he could see, there was over fifteen or twenty dead, many of the victims had been horribly mutilated or burned. Even the animals had been put to the sword. Some had been hanged in a macabre display from the trees and fire gutted buildings.
Meurig's men swiftly went to work, blades flashing as they cut through the knotted cords.
'' What will you do m'lord? The smallfolk on the outskirts will start panicking soon. We can only keep these raids quiet for so long. '' Meurig said, stepping closer so that only his lord could hear.
'' Ride to Morgraig and plead for the King to send troops. Fortify Dinas and pray to Aed for mercy. '' Iorweth said, raising a kerchief to his nose.
'' If there still is a King... '' Meurig said glumly, the first body striking the ground with a solid thud.
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Morgraig; Captial of the Commonwealth:
'' Order! I will have order at this Council! '' Duke Rodrick Llewyln growled. The clamoring grew still until there was only the restless shuffle of feet.
Crown Prince Rhys leaned forward on his fathers throne. In the eyes of Lord Carvin, the chair seemed much to large for the King's eldest son. It was strange to see someone else sitting in the King's place. King Aeron Sefti had ruled the Commonwealth for three decades, uniting a land torn apart by blood and ethnic strife into one of the North's most powerful empires.
Yet it was an empire that was under threat.
'' Tanglemane is a mere brigand! A man content with a few trinkets. Dispatching a major force to deal with this time is inadvisable. Not with giants in the west! All our troops must be concentrated at home. '' Count Siorus shouted from the end of the table.
Lord Carvin seemed to remember that Siorus had valuable estates in the western mountains. Was it copper mines? He made a mental note to consult his ledgers later.
'' So my people are supposed to die while waiting for Royal aid? Tanglemane has already taken territory in the North. It's only a matter of time before he and his pack of mercenary dogs comes down south! '' Ah, so this was Baron Iorweth. He was a thin reedy man who perspired entirely too much and looked as if a strong breeze might knock him to the ground.
If Carvin was sentimental, he might've admired him for the dedication he showed his people. The Baron had trudged many miles and called a Council of Lords to hear his plea. Yet Carvin feared he knew the answer...
A resounding no.
There was little appetite in the capital for another war, especially with Rodrick Llewyn, the King's Brother in Law clearly in charge.
'' Where is the King? '' Iorweth snarled. '' I demand to see him! ''
'' My father is ill and is not to be disturbed. '' Prince Rhys said standing, the Council was abruptly at an end.
'' We shall take all that has been said here under consideration. I shall consult with my Generals and the Queen as to what can be done to reinforce the frontier. '' The Prince said, giving Iorweth a brief flicker of hope.
'' Yet we cannot forget that the heartland above all us else must be fortified. '' Duke Rodrick interjected. Carvin knew where this was headed. The former Chancellor stood and began to file for the exit before he felt a hand tugging at his robes.
'' Lord Carvin? '' Iorweth said in a low whisper. '' I hear you are a close confident of the king. '' Carvin blanched, backing out into the adjacent corridor and into a nearby alcove.
'' I have not seen the King in more than a year Baron. He is most unwell. '' Carvin said neutrally.
'' I must see him and I won't take no for an answer. '' The Baron said through gritted teeth. Carvin was silent for a long moment...
'' Be ready at dawn to ride. I will come for you... We shall go to Hakin. Whether the King will open the gates or not to us is another matter... Do not thank me yet Iorweth, I've done nothing. '' He said when the first words of gratitude began to form on the man's lips. The elven nobleman was already walking away hurriedly to make his preparations.
SUMMARY:
-- Raids in the North by Tanglemane stir trouble at court.
-- Lord Carvin plots a reunion with King Aeron whom has been living in semi retirement for the last two years at Hakin.
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Post by cerdigon on Dec 5, 2015 0:32:11 GMT
Hakin.
The ancient citadel sat upon a hill, glowering down on the peasants that still clung beneath its walls for protection. One of the few Sefti-Cerdigonian fortifications that had been left untouched by the war, it was an imposing sight. The King's banner, a silver hawk, flew here next to the colors of the Commonwealth.
The eastern halls of Hakin were silent except for the shuffle of armored feet. The Royal Wing had been closed -- except for the King's personal bodyguards and a handful of trusted servants that floated silently like ghosts to carry out their tasks.
'' Who goes? '' The challenge came. Two Elve's in silver plate stepping forward, halberds crashing together to stop him from advancing. Of course both men knew who he was.
'' Captain Gwenydd Tedwyr, First Sword of House Sefti. '' Gwenydd Tedwyr the Younger answered solemnly, removing his helmet so that both men could see his face.
'' You may pass, my lord. '' The soldiers said, removing the obstruction of metal that blocked his path. Dawn was slowly rising but the King was already up. He could hear the shuffle of papers and low muttered whispers of Aeron. That wasn't what concerned the King's bodyguard however, it was when something answered the King back from the shadows that filled Tedwyr with fear.
He had never see the demon that haunted his liege, only the occasional shifting black shadow that lurked at the corner of the chamber. He could hear the occasional whisper or mad cackle from the darkness, a lurking figure in the in the back of his mind.
But he had seen the aftermath from when the King lost control.
He had lost count over the years of how many bodies he had quietly cleaned up, how many nobles he had bribed, threatened, and assassinated to keep the King's secret. The King's increasingly bizarre behavior had driven him to a life of semi retirement at Hakin, where he battled to keep the creature that inhabited at him at bay.
The King's chamber was scattered with ancient texts pertaining to rites of purification and exorcism. In the interim, he had taken to barring his door at night and shackling his hands. Two manacles lay unlocked from the bed post.
'' Captain Tedwyr. '' Aeron said, glancing up from a ledger. His hand was ink stained from writing letters.
'' Do you have news? ''
'' Lord Carvin and a baron from the frontier have arrived. They are requesting an audience. '' The Captain reported dutifully, keeping his eyes cast low at the King's feet.
'' And what do they want from me that Crown Prince Rhys and my wife cannot give them? '' Aeron said standing, his steps slow and movements ginger.
'' Duke Rodrick has been ignoring reports of Tanglemane's attacks on the frontier. It appears the Baron thinks that the Wild Hunt will soon mount an attack. ''
'' Bloody fool. '' Aeron growled, pounding his metal fist on the table. It shuddered and groaned in protest under the stress.
'' Bring them to me after morning prayers. '' King Aeron said finally after a long moment of contemplation. The Captain gave a nod, bowing and retreated from the King's chamber.
It wasn't long before he stepped out of the room that he heard King Aeron from behind the door talking to someone or something....
SUMMARY:
-- King Aeron reluctantly agrees to an audience with Lord Carvin and Baron Iorweth over attacks in the North.
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Post by cerdigon on Dec 12, 2015 1:44:57 GMT
Hakin:
'' You may enter. '' Captain Tedwyr said, emerging from the King's audience chamber. A hand firmly played on the hilt of his bronze blade.
Baron Iorweth and Lord Carvin had been kept waiting for the past hour while the King finished his prayers. The two entered and immediately dropped to one knee before their liege lord, eyes downcast at the floor.
'' Rise. '' The King seemed to be cloaked in shadow, they conspired to keep his visage hidden behind a veil of darkness. Somehow the King's piercing blue eyes seemed imbued power. Something seemed to lurk there... Carvin nudged him and Iorweth hastily looked away.
'' Your Grace, normally, I would not have troubled you. But I fear that the Realm is in great danger and Duke Rodrick is..misleading the Prince. '' The former Chancellor said tentatively.
'' Bold claims Carvin. Do not think because you served me so ably in the past that I will look on slights to my families character kindly. '' Aeron said leaning closer.
'' It's true Your Grace... there have been raids and attacks by Tanglemane in the North that have only been increasing in their ferocity and savagery. '' Baron Iorweth interjected. '' I fear that it will only be a matter of time that an army strikes across the border. The Duke refuses to hear talk of dispatching Royal troops to the North. ''
'' Lies. '' Aeron snarled, rising from the throne. He descended from the dais and began pacing, like a caged animal. A hand came to slap against his forehead, his vision swimming.
'' All I have built squandered by fools and traitors. '' Gnarled hands closed into fists.
'' There is only one answer then, my King. '' Carvin interjected, wary of his master as the thin veil of control seemed to be giving way to paranoia and rage.
'' You must go to the capital and set things right. '' The elven lord urged.
'' If only for a time... ''
'' I cannot. '' Aeron snarled but it almost sounded like a plea. The King had done things in the capital. Terrible things that he did not wish to repeat. Here at Hakin, he was in a safe and controlled environment, surrounded by his most trusted guards. At the capital, things were beyond control, and the schemes of his courtiers...
Exasperated, Aeron signaled for his guards. The clink of metal as the royal troops moved forward meant that the audience was over. The pair were ushered out of the audience chamber under the glare of Captain Tedwyr. Long hours would pass, the King had forbid them from leaving which left Baron Iorweth with a knot of dread in his stomach. Was this how it was to end? A victim of King Aeron's madness?
The two were shown to rooms within the palace and each was roughly awakened the next morning before the morning dawn had even a chance to light the hills. A commotion was going on outside. Squires and pages were scrambling to ready horses, Tedwyr was barking orders as he organized the King's baggage train. Within the hour, the party of close to a hundred had struck out from the King's keep with the Commonwealth's long lost King at its head alongside Carvin and Iorweth.
The banners of the Commonwealth and House Sefti flapped in the wind as they struck towards the capital.
The King had returned but what would he find in Morgraig when he arrived?
SUMMARY:
-- King Aeron re-emerges from his self imposed exile and returns to Morgraig.
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Post by cerdigon on Jan 12, 2016 14:11:04 GMT
The pitter patter of feet and the light flutter of wings was enough to raise his hackles.
One milky eye hunted for his quarry in the dark, but the cataracts that were forming made seeing anything but shadows difficult. But what the old orc lacked in sight, he more than made up for terms of smell and sound. Where oh where could they be?
He paused for a moment. What was that? A faint giggle? The quick intake of breath?
Quick as an eel, his hand darted towards the closet door to rip it open. The squeal of children told him at last that he found the elusive Prince and Princess.
'' You win again. '' Prince Cadoc said with a frown before turning his wrath on his younger sister. '' I told you to shut up! ''
'' It was your fault for picking this stupid hiding spot. '' Princess Siobhan said with a certainty that hardly matched her age. At just eight summers old, she looked almost like a carbon copy of her mother but had her fathers temperament. Kharag Aedsword feared for any who tried to win her hand within the next few decades, they were in for a battle that would ensure that they did not emerge unscathed.
'' Do not blame your sister young Prince. Many a man and elf thing has tried to flee from Kharag Aedsword, none have succeeded. '' The Orc had lost none of his boastfulness, even in his old age.
'' Princess Siobhan, your mother sent for you some time ago, and your governess will no doubt begin throwing things at me if I keep sheltering you. '' That took the bite out of the retort that was forming on her lips. While the girl was keen to rebel against her mothers authority, she would not dare attempt such folly under the iron rule of Nan. The old governess had weaned two generations of Sefti royalty and was not to be trifled with, even from a future Queen.
'' Run along. '' With the threat of retribution at hand, the Princess wisely chose the path of retreat and fled out to the corridor where the Governess was laying in wait to spring her trap. The commotion carried on down the hall until at last all was quiet.
'' Are you not becoming too old for games, my Prince? '' Kharag said, as the Prince pushed his way from the imprisonment of the closet.
'' I am a third born Kharag, I am never too old for games. '' The twelve year old replied cheekily only to draw a glare from the Firetooth that made him take a step back.
'' How will you be prepared to rule when the time comes? Keep neglecting your studies child. Fate is a cruel mistress, while I wish no ill will on your brothers, you must be prepared to fulfil your duty. ''
'' Maybe I'll become like you, strike out on my own, in search of my own land and coin! '' Cadoc said, infatuated with the dream.
'' Foolish. '' Kharag growled. '' We are not the same. I am not a Prince and you are not an Orc, Do you want to really be like me? Away from kin and home as an old man? ''
'' Why don't you go home then? '' It was a question that had always fascinated the young Prince though he couldn't scarcely imagine what he would do if one of his closest friends and bodyguards returned to the West.
'' I... '' The tolling of a bell saved the Firetooth from having to answer. Both Sylph and Orc hurried to the window to peer outside into the courtyard below, a rider bearing the House Sefti banner had arrived and was shouting for all to hear.
'' KING AERON HAS RETURNED! Make ready a reception to greet His Majesty! '' Cadoc climbed onto the left with a grunt and just a little bit of a boost from his undeveloped wings. In the distance of the city, he could see a great procession forming, along with crowds....
'' Come boy, we'd best get you to your quarters. I imagine your mother will be calling on your shortly. '' Kharag rumbled, though worry had begun to gnaw at his gut.
If King Aeron had returned after such a long absence, what did it mean?
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Post by cerdigon on Feb 2, 2016 2:15:18 GMT
The raised voices grew from a low rumble to shouts in the King's council chambers.
First, Siercian raids had disrupted Northern trade. Then the King had conscripted fresh troops for his offensive in the North, depriving the merchant guilds of fine furs to trade with and the manpower to hunt the forests. The final straw it seemed was Elonese taxes on merchant vessels traveling through the mouth of the Ryn river.
'' How are we supposed to make a profit between that heathen witch taxing our shipping and the threat of Tanglemane coming south? '' Boris Silvertongue growled.
Crown Prince Rhys tapped the arms of his chair, a flush creeping up his neck as he felt all eyes in the chamber turn towards him. Since Duke Llewlyn had been dispatched to foreign lands and the resurrection of Lord Carvin's political career, the Prince had been taking a more active role in the court under the direction of the Queen. But his political inexperience was beginning to show and like sharks, the merchants could smell the blood in the water.
Queen Kaelei Sefti made a disapproving 'tsk' with her tongue. The Queen Mother was still as beautiful and aloof as she had always been and not one to cross. She had been quiet up until now but moved with a decisive hand to quell the unrest, it was only a matter of time until the merchants grew bold enough to begin asking for relief from Royal taxes. With the war, even jien would be needed to keep the Royal coffers well stocked.
'' Boris, this is the price of doing business. Factors drive up the prices, factors drive down the prices, and the profits you make from such business. I do not see you going hungry nor asking for relief when the times make your profits swell. '' The Queen said pointedly, her eyes focusing on the humans massive gut that was only held back by a sturdy belt. He chuckled nervously and fiddled with the laces of his gaudy tunic.
'' No one could've predicted that the Elonese would've rebuilt their bridge so fast nor that the campaign in the North would have lasted this long. Tanglemane is a crafty enemy that refuses a direct battle. I am assured by my husband and by Chancellor Carvin that the situation is under control. ''
Now her gaze shifted to Chancellor Carvin whom sat at the opposite end of the small council table The resurrection of Carvin's political career had not come without opposition from Queen Llewlyn, the pair had gone head to head more than once and the Queen (rightly so) blamed the Chancellor for the 'exile' of her dear brother.
Carvin for his part remained stone faced, unwilling to provoke another argument with the Queen.
'' In the interim, I will dispatch an ambassador to Thundercrown for an explanation and a representative to Elon. '' Rhys now interjected, attempting to regain some semblance of control over the meeting. '' We should all be preparing for the summit to found the Holy League. I will remind you all that this is part of my fathers grand vision for the North and I expect all of you to support it. '' The room echoed with solemn vows of support before the Prince ordered the room cleared.
It wasn't until that the Crown Prince was at last alone that a sigh of relief escaped his chest and he finally relaxed the claw like grip he had on the arms of his fathers chair. Self-doubt gnawed at him, hungrier than any rat, while outside his fortress the carrion birds circled. When the Prince emerged, he had re-arranged the mask that he allowed to so briefly slip.
'' Send for Sir Carawyn. '' He snarled at his steward, the air of command and weight of authority returning to his voice.
SUMMARY:
-- Prince Rhys cuts his teeth in the political arena and looks to deal with new challenges in the West.
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Post by cerdigon on Apr 15, 2016 3:47:28 GMT
Bells tolled in every corner of Morgraig, Thesus, and across the populated towns of the Commonwealth. It was a rain soaked day that Crown Prince Rhys Sefti took his vows of marriage to Infanta Sofia Maria Rodrigo. The procession through the city was a spectacle to behold. Sylph, Elf, and Dwarf had emptied out on the streets, the throngs threatening to overwhelm the city guard that were in charge of guarding the procession.
Duke Llewyln watched as a steely eyed Captain Tedwyr barked orders to the Royal Guardsman. The church where the two were to be married was suddenly a fortress of bronze and iron keeping out the curious and cheering peasent masses. An honor guard of Berrandan Knights trampled down the road, splashing a nearby nobleman with mud. The Duke suppressed a chuckle as he stepped free from his carriage.
It had been almost two years since he had steped back into the capital. The King had dispatched the Duke on a series of missions to far flung lands but more importantly it had separated him from his nephew Crown Prince Rhys. No doubt Aeron was growing increasingly paranoid as he grew older and relied ever more on the Royal Chancellor, Lord Carvin
The old elf smiled at the Duke as he entered the church, prompting the Duke to give him the briefest of nods. He was left to wonder whom was the architect of this marriage... Carvin? Or the King himself? Ambition was one thing that neither man lacked. Aeron's dream of building an empire... there was no doubt to Llewlyn that it was to be sealed by blood here. The seasons were changing in Morgraig. There were new vows of marriage, new alliances being sewn between the Northern Powers, and Llewyln could only wonder where it would all lead?
'' Your Majesty, Crown Prince Rhys... '' The voice of Chief Priest Fahuan echoed throughout the chamber, the shuffling at last came to cease as all eyes came to focus on Prince and Princess at the altar.
'' Do you accept Infanta Sofia Maria Rodrigo, in the eyes of Aed, your blood, and the law as your wife? ''
'' I do. '' The Prince answered solemnly.
The vows went on, the new Princess of Ontare was beautiful and the poor boy did seem quite enamored.
It ended with a cheer, a roar of adulation as the couple finished their vows, the Prince lifted the Princesses vel and laid a kiss upon her lips. Standing at the foot of the dais, King Aeron lead the applause....the Duke looked up to find the Chancellor staring at him. Oh, how the wheels spun...
SUMMARY:
-- Prince Rhys marries Infanta Sofia Maria Rodrigo.
-- Duke Llewyln returns to the capital after almost two years of 'exile'.
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Post by cerdigon on Apr 16, 2016 18:36:18 GMT
The pounding on the door seemed to shake the house to its foundations.
Cursing, fumbling with a lantern, the dwarf climbed his way out of bed. He ignored the complaints of his wife, the barking of his dog, and the Aed cursed pounding on the door. The dwarf ever wary snatched a hot poker from the fireplace and wrenched the door open, the white hot tip thrust inches from the face of perhaps the most imposing Sylph he had ever seen.
Yet even that didn't stop the dwarfs fury.
'' Who in the seven hell goes there!? 'rgrim Ashthane snarled.
'' Doctor Ashthane... '' The Sylph answered, his voice seemingly emptied of emotion. With one smooth motion, the winged one shoved open Norgrim's door wider, exposing 'his guests'. Norgrim swore loudly, there wasn't just one of the bastards, there were a dozen of them. Each was heavily armored in bronze or silver plate and each bore the double headed eagle of House Sefti. Gauntleted fingers snatched the poker out of his hand and tossed it to the ground with a clang.
'' I'll need you to gather your kit and some clean clothes, His Majesty has need of your services. ''
Captain Tedwyr escorted the dwarf down a long corridor within the Royal Palace, only the steady thump of his hobnailed boots breaking the silence before he at last spoke.
'' The King's condition...it requires discretion. I will trust you not to break His Majesty's confidence or the consequences will be severe. '' The bodyguard said flatly. Not even Asthane could summon his usual biting response before the door to the King's chamber swung open.
It was with that the most prestigious doctor in the Commonwealth, the head of the Academy of Medicine in Thesus, found himself standing over King Aeron Sefti, King Aeron the Liberator, King Aeron the Great, King Aeron the Mad, King Aeron the Treacherous. So many names but now the Great Sylph King tossed and turned, mumbling in his sleep. He was sweating profusely, burning with fever.
The King was surrounded by two of his personal physicians, a High Priest of the Faith...and... the Queen herself. She said nothing as the doctor cleared his throat and like a General on the battlefield rallying retreating troops took charge of the situation.
'' Out of the way! Out of the way! '' The Dwarf snarled, waving his counterparts aside as he climbed a small stool that had been set out for him.
'' How long has he been like this? '' Ashthane growled through his gray beard, moving to rip off one of the leeches that had been applied, much to the protests of the King's attendants.
'' Three days. '' Queen Kalei finally answered. '' We thought that it was another one his episodes but the fever, the chills, these are not usual symptoms. ''
'' No more bleeding. '' The doctor snarled, hopping down from his stool and tossing his bag nonchalantly onto the King's desk, knocking over
'' The first thing I must do is break this damned fever and I can't do that with all of you gawking. Her Majesty may stay, but everyone else out! ''
'' I will need a water basin, clean sheets, and the herbs and potions I request. ''
'' You will have it. '' The Queen said, her mask slipping for a moment to show her concern as she reclaimed her seat at the King's bedside.
'' Just bring him back. '' Norgrim heard the weight of command in her voice.
He did not want to discover the price of failure.
SUMMARY:
-- King Aeron takes a crippling fever, Queen Kaleli attempts to keep his condition quiet while attempting to restore him to health.
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Post by cerdigon on Apr 22, 2016 1:14:03 GMT
The crack of cannon and musketry boomed across the fields of Beg Gurheim.
Thousands of Ashigaru and samurai warriors met Commonwealth knights clad in bronze and silver plate. Clarions boomed as General Modron Halfwing lead a desperate rear guard action, longbowman nocked bows unleashing volley after volley into the oncoming swarm of Ikagami troops.
King Aeron could only watch as his men fought and died.
He tried to call out to them, to give them orders. But the soldiers fought as if their King wasn't there. When he tried to touch them, they would fade and melt away into nothingness. Yet the crash of sword on sword, the screams of these dying men never ceased. It was from here that Aeron watched his men and many of his friends fight and die.
On the left flank, there was Sir Drystan. The huge knight was resplendent in his bronze armor, a curved battleaxe used to carve a red swathe through the Ashigaru that surrounded him. But the fight was in vain, his horse was brought down, pinning the proud Sylph warrior underneath its weight. The Ikagami rammed there spears into his chest so hard that the peasant warrior that dealt him the death blow could not remove his spear.
Then there was General Modron Halfwing killed when an Ikagami cannon ball blast had blasted him with shrapnel, cutting through his armor as if it was mere paper. The General had bled to death slowly.
'' You killed them. '' The voice came from behind him and it was one that the King recognized all too well.
Aeron had never learned the shades name and part of him wondered if the vengeful and ancient Sylph King truly remembered who he was in his bloody quest to avenge his line.
'' You dressed your cause up in pretty words like 'independence' and 'liberty' but we both know it was for your vanity. '' The Sylph cackled with bubbly laughter, his mechanical wings flexing and one bronze arm outstretched to point an accusatory finger.
'' Where are we? '' Aeron snarled, his face peppered with sweat, his heart hammering in his chest.
Had Aed forsaken him?
'' Somewhere in the Twilight, between life and death, where the restless shades linger and play out the scenes of their death over and over. The Plains of Beg Gurheim are quite restless as you can imagine. '' It had been Aeron's greatest defeat during the war and had paved the way for the invasion of the Commonwealth by Imperial Forces.
'' Some might call it purgatory. ''
'' Am I dead? '' Aeron asked, reaching for the sword that wasn't there.
'' No, where would the fun be in that? '' The Sylph King cackled.
'' You hang on the edge. '' He said, his smile widening on his mechanically altered face.
'' No doubt some are hoping that you die, an end to King Aeron to Mad. You say I am the reason for your madness but I think it is your guilt. It is a rotten seed that has finally bore fruit. '' Aeron stumbled, the words biting to the very core of his being.
'' These men died for me yes....but if I stopped now it would dishonor there memory. '' Aeron growled, rising tall again.
'' Those words are hollow, even you don't believe that.''
'' I WILL BE EMPEROR! '' Aeron screamed, his words cutting through the din of battle.
'' I will leave behind the greatest power in the North as my legacy! My Kingdom will not forgotten as yours was. '' The Seftian monarch sneered. '' My legacy will live on. ''
'' Perhaps. '' The Shade replied, stepping closer, seemingly taller. '' If you accept my offer once more...think on what we could do together, with your power joined to mine. ''
'' You would have me slaughter women and children in their beds... '' Aeron spat.
'' You would kill thousands of men with your ambition and then weep at the thought of cutting down mere saplings. Look around you... the hungrier your ambitions go, the more fuel the furnace needs. It is flesh, it is blood that is that furnish. '' The ghost said with a chuckle.
The world spun and spun again. Soon, the battle was disappearing, there was no more screaming shades or dying men. The King woke in his bed with a burly dwarf physician standing over him.
'' He's awake! '' Someone shouted.
'' Summon the Queen! '' The Dwarf barked.
'' Your Majesty... '' The doctor said dabbing his brow with a wet cloth.
'' How long? '' Aeron croaked.
'' A week, we feared you would not wake. ''
'' I know what I must do. '' Aeron said flatly, trying to rise.
'' Your Grace? '' Doctor Asthane said pushing him down.
'' I know what I must do. '' The King repeated through parked and weak lips before crashing back into the bed. He was alive for now...but for how much longer would the Shade let him rest?
SUMMARY:
-- King Aeron awakens from a series of fevered dreams.
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Post by aspenivan on May 18, 2016 20:34:27 GMT
No Rest for the Wicked: Haunts and Holy Men
To his Highness King Aeron Sefti, Uniter of Sylphs and Elves,
I write to inform you that in my capacity as Chief Priest, I have written to Messara on the subject of the alchemical machinery sustaining your arm and wing. I have requested that the Conclave discuss the standing of such machinery as heathen artifacts infused with Old Magic. Please understand I do so in full respect of your justice and piety as the Good King of the Commonwealth, for your benefit and purity. I would most dearly that you join me in sailing to the South to attend this Conclave, so the Council may behold you and hear your perspective. Furthermore, should the materials be deemed unclean, only in Messara are there Tovenaar of the wisdom and authority necessary to sanctify them and thereby cleanse you of any heathen magics.
Your Brother in Aed,
Chief Priest Leolin of the Northern Elves
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It had been almost a full year of peace for King Aeron. Those around him could almost say he had returned to his old self, aside from the occasional oddity in speech or demeanor. The King was even starting to feel like himself, letting the memories of fever dreams, isolation, and murder leave his mind. He even began to believe the Shade might be gone forever. But he would have no such luck.
You're certainly taking your sweet time paying your debts. The voice startled Aeron at the worst possible moment, as he sat upon his throne hearing and responding to his subjects' petitions; he was currently trying to mediate a dispute between a resplendently dressed guild-master and a minor lord in rough hides.
"...so you see, the wine-makers have taken to greed and envy, encroaching upon my rightful barony, planting their vineyards wherever they please with not even a small toll in recompense!"
"Outrageous! If I had even a single copper coin for every time the crafty baron moves his border-posts and expands his 'rightful domain,' I would have no need to ply my trade at all! The land in question is ours by right, and I have the contracts to prove it!"
"Contracts written by unscrupulous yeomen-peasants who had no more respect for my domain than you! Your contract means nothing: I have the writ of my family's fealty pact with me now!"
Both parties rushed to shove their respective parchments before the King's eyes. But he could only partly perceive it, as not only his hearing but his vision became clouded by the ghost. I could just make you do it, and I'd have every right to considering your sloth and irrespect for our terms. But I will offer you one last chance, as the generous lendor I am.
"Do you not see, my liege?! From the hills to the river-banks! Written clear as day! But these damn upstart guildsmen would have such sacred pacts between lord and vassal twisted beyond recognition!"
I will set you an easy task this time. A mutual enemy of ours.
"That's Old Script, 'river-banks' means the streams, not the main river, and only the side facing his manor! The baron knows that, but his ilk feel they can twist the arms of poor craftsmen and farmers every which way to line their pockets!"
Your Southern neighbors seem cursed with a whole host of my sworn enemies, family relations still in the Fae Realm when I was felled. But with the main branch dead, I'll have to settle for the newcomer cadets. The so-called King and his family, and more besides!
"My King, do not suffer the devious words of mere tradesman, where you have the honesty of noble blood before you! Tell the damn guild to either pay their dues or get off my land!"
As before, I assure you I have rewards to offer. Rewards useful enough to you that you won't regret the price.
"MY KING?!" By now both petitioners were exasperated, and King Aeron's courtiers were beginning to eye him with concern.
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-- Chief Priest Leolin petitions the VAEKIRATE CONCLAVE to rule on the status of King Aeron's artificial limbs. He invites King Aeron to join him on the journey to Messara (retinue would be inactive until the beginning of Turn 13). This will greatly improve the demeanor of the Conclave towards Aeron, and offer him the chance to remove the curse via Tovenaar magic. On the other hand, this will surely preclude any possibility of further augmentations.
-- The Shade demands that King Aeron kill off the entire Navarenese royal family and high nobility. In return, the Shade offers an unspecified useful addition to Aeron's abilities. Of course, this could have unpredictable social consequences in the region, and harm Aeron's credibility as a just and pious ruler.
-- King Aeron must judge on the dispute between the Baron and the Guild-Master. Who has the rightful claim to the land in question? What must the other party do as a result?
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Post by cerdigon on May 24, 2016 2:50:40 GMT
The room spun and Aeron’s senses were on fire. The petty argument of the men before him fell away as the King gripped his throne, the mad gibbering of the Shade in his ear sending a chill down his spine. Visions of the crimes he had committed for the creature flashed before his eyes. Men, women, and children cut down and butchered like so many cattle. The letter from Chief Priest Leolin fluttered to the ground at his feet. It was Sir Gwendydd the Younger that first noticed his lord’s plight. The Captain of the Royal Bodyguard nodding to a Guardsman near the dais whom slammed the butt of his halberd into the floor for silence.
‘’ ENOUGH! ‘’ Aeron snarled, standing. The shouted words were not to the two squabbling men below him however but to the parasite that had attached itself to him. Gradually, Aeron’s eyes refocused on the two men and their dispute, one that made the King scowl.
‘’ I have heard enough. ‘’ One bronzed hand rising. ‘’ The existing contracts will stand for one year’s time to allow Lord Dagetkin to examine the exact borders of the Baron’s lands. In the interim, as is his right, the Baron will have the authority to collect taxes from the profits generated as a result. If Dagetkin finds that the lands do not belong in the Baron’s purview, then the Guilds will be exempt from paying the good Baron any taxes going forward. In addition, I will order Queen Kaleli, an accomplished merchant in her own right, to re-examine these supposed unfair laws. Henceforth, contracts must be created with the approval of either the local Royal Magistrate or Shire Reeve to stand properly within the courts. Both sides must present all contracts and land deeds to Dagetkin at the end of the month. ‘’
Both men began spluttering again but the Guardsman were already pushing them away. The King turned to his fellow courters, dozens of thoughts swirling in his mind, his jaw clenched tight. Aeron knew what he had to do, he’d been searching for a cure for nearly two decades. But the thought of approaching the Church, of losing his arm (again)….the thought was nearly unbearable. But so was continuing on as the Shade’s pawn.
‘’ A Conclave in the South has been called by the Vaekir. My attendance has been requested, as a good and pious subject of the Faith, I will attend. ‘’ The King announced abruptly, drawing many a gasp from those gathered in the throne room. The Royal Army was gathering for an assault in the South, it was rare to find King Aeron not at its head. ‘’ Queen Kalei will serve as Regent in my absence, while Crown Prince Rhys will be tasked with bringing the rebellious province of Nevara to heel and ending the reign of its false King. ‘’ A twinge of agony shot through his arm and it was with iron will that the King did not cry out in agony. Captain Gwendydd moved to the King’s side, muttering words into the Heralds ear. With his booming voice, the Herald pushed the courtiers like a flock of sheep from the throne room…there would be no more petitions from this day.
‘’ Captain.. ‘’ The King’s voice was a low growl as he unbuckled his belt, the sword hanging limply as he pressed it into the faithful bodyguards hands. ‘’ I entrust this to you until our voyage in the South is complete and to keep me in isolation on the ship until we arrive in Messara.. ‘’ Aeron said through gritted teeth, confining himself would be the only way that he could ensure he would hurt no others.
SUMMARY:
-- King Aeron sides with the nobility in the land dispute (for now), appointing Lord Dagetkin (Administrator Retinue) to review the Baron’s land claim. Queen Kaleli (Merchant retinue) is tasked with reviewing existing trade laws on the books and submitting a report on ways to improve existing commerce laws. A system of Magistrates and Shire Reeves will be placed to witness new contracts and avoid accusations of impropriety.
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