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The Kingdom of the Emerald HillsDiscussion board for Amtgard, The Kingdom of the Emerald Hills |
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[ 11 posts ] |
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Forest Evergreen
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Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 11:40 am |
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Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2006 10:56 pm Posts: 1928
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Forest sat on the throne long after his Coronation had ended. What should have be a joyful occasion was tainted with the evil that still lingered in the Hills. King Axident had fallen prey to the demons that roamed the Hills and was only freed from their grasp after a battle that raged for hours. Members of the Kingdom turned on each other and blood was shed all because of the evil that had overtaken him.
Forest shifted on the throne, they were nice, but not comfortable. That was good. It reminded whoever sat on it that being Monarch was not always comfortable. Hard choices had to be made. Forest thought back to the first time he had sat on the throne. He had been much younger then. Naive to the politics of the Emerald Hills, but full of enthusiasm and hope. Now, he was old and tired, but wizened in the ways of politics and the ways of the evils that infiltrated these lands.
And those evils had started anew. Even as Forest's army, lead by the Hellblazer, hand earned victory and freed King Axident from the demons, new evils were already taking hold. Dakota, wife of Kel, Duke of King's Point, who had been assigned to guard the Battle Crown, had instead snuck off in the night and taken it as a "prize" for her own desires.
Alphonse "the Winkler" now leader of Bright Forge was amassing his people to invade Eagleshire and "cleanse it of evil" by burning it, and its people, to the ground via an "Inquisition". As expected, the people of Eagleshire did not send an ambassador to discuss the issue, but a note, eloquently written by Tuk! himself that simply read "Come get some!" (Forest had been told it was written in blood, but no one wanted to discover where the blood had come from)
The northern parks unified under the banner of Dreadmoor and the southern parks closest to Tanglewood had begun infighting and rumors of secession had begun. Those who tried to keep the peace and mend the wounds were shouted down by those who had succumbed to the darkness.
The Portal was thought to have been shut, but Forest knew that it was not "The Portal" but simply "a portal". It was one of many that existed, hidden but always spilling evil into the world. Closing them did no good. No, there was only one way to stop it. The Kingdom had to be unified and trained to withstand the influence of evil.
The evil would have to be purged. Not in the style of Alphonse via righteous fire, but by driving it out of each park with care. Bringing down the force of the Kingdom only on those who stood to stop the unification and maintain the darkness.
Forest stood up from the throne, the weariness leaving him and the light returning to his eyes. He was a Paladin and Knight of the Emerald Hills, but the Hills had never been a source of light. It was not that the evil should be erased, but that evil from the outside should not corrupt those who already followed the darkness. Unlike the rash Alphonse you sought to use a hammer to crush out that which he saw as evil, Forest would use the knife, and cut away the parts of the Kingdom decayed with the evil from without, and preserve the Darkness that came from within.
Paladins, you see, can serve a Dark God.
It was time to prepare, and Forest had a Saint to talk to.
_________________ Forest Evergreen
Puppet Master of the EH
"Of course you are Forest. You're like the Mr. Burns of EH." - Finn
(insert titles and awards here)
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TheOneTrueFinn
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Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 3:08 pm |
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Joined: Wed May 06, 2009 4:27 pm Posts: 297 Location: Eagle Shire/King's Point
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Fionnigan sat in the parlor of his brothel smoking his pipe, and listening to the sounds of the oldest trade known to man taking place in the rooms all around him. Fionnigan had bought the place shortly after the death of his first wife, and had in recent years begun to split his time between it and the magic shop he also owned. It was the most powerful political tool he had ever paid for, worth more than a hundred dozen spies in the royal court. Every person in the great imperial city sought some sort of comfort at his establishment, and sometimes they shared their secrets. The occurrence was actually more frequent than Fionnigan would have ever guessed if he didn't know better.
As much knowledge as he did gain from the brothel nothing was quite as good as spies. They infested the royal court and the Emerald Senate like a plague. He had many that he consulted, and he consulted them all regularly to confirm rumors and gain a tactically sound view of the political landscape. He was waiting for his apprentice Siv to come back with the whispers and rumors his own nest of spies so graciously shared with him. He had been hearing whispers of his own to the effect that his own company was about to move forward with putting one of their own on the throne. If that were true it would be the first time in many seasons.
As he sat comtemplating this, one of the many beautiful young women in his employ stepped through the beaded curtain seperating his office from the rest of the front atrium. The young woman was from the Burning Lands and had the look of the Brunt men about her. She was swarthy with raven hair, and big brown eyes. She also spoke with a slight touch of the accent of the first men.
“Master Hellblazer, there is a young witch here to see you. She says her name is Siv, and you are expecting her.” Said the young bronze skinned girl.
“I am expecting her Chani. Please send her in, and would you bring us a decanter of wine?” Fionnigan replied.
“As you wish.” responded Chani.
Siv pierced the beaded curtain, and made her way into the room. Fionnigan came from behind his ornate mahogany desk and embraced the young, pale woman. The young witch kept the hood of her black robes up at all times, and her stern but soft voice emitted from the folds like a siren's song.
“I bring you grave tidings, my master.” Siv said.
“Well sit, my young apprentice, and let's discuss what it is you have heard.” replied Fionnigan.
Siv sat down in the high back chair seated directly across from the desk that Fionnigan took his place behind. She took a moment too study her master's face for any sign of concern, and as usual found none.
“It is being said that Grand Duke Evergreen the Dragon Born is planning some sort of coup to sieze the throne before Duke Sutra can claim it. It would seem that the reign of the dragon born is not finished if the rumors are to be believed.” said Siv.
“So the dragon wishes to take the crown from the lion. It would seem the age old struggle between our two great families is to flare up once again.” Fionnigan chuckled to himself.
“I even sought out a trusted ally, the druid Andsvarr. He confirmed what I had heard, and said that one of your brothers Sir Avatar is trying to muster forces loyal to your family to fight the dragon born.” Siv said.
“Well this should prove to be interesting. I need you to deliver a message to Andsvarr. Have him meet me in the satyr's grove in the woods of King's Point. I will need to see my brother Tuk in Eagleshire, and inform him and the rest of my family of what is happening as well.” responded Fionnigan.
“Oh and master before I forget, speaking of Eagleshire, I have been hearing rumors that a man known as the Pantsless Pirate has formed some sort of posse and is intent on raiding the Shire in the hopes of purging it of evil.”
“Oh really? Well since Tuk has control of the baronial throne in the Shire I am sure he will have something to say about that.” replied Fionnigan with a grin.
_________________ "A mind needs books as a sword needs a wetstone, if it is to keep it's edge.” Tyrion Lannister
I do not suffer fools gladly, and fools with white belts never.
Mortem proditoribus.
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TheOneTrueFinn
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Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 3:49 pm |
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Joined: Wed May 06, 2009 4:27 pm Posts: 297 Location: Eagle Shire/King's Point
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“KILL THE FIONNIGAN! KILL THE FIONNIGAN! KILL THE FIONNIGAN! KILL HIM DEAD!” the possessed mob half sung half chanted.
Fionnigan Hellblazer stood on the wooden deck overlooking the gate of the fortress of Boggy Station. Sir Forest Evergreen along with Sir Sutra Bauhaus, Sir Ice, and Dakota Crownstealer had put together a force to journey north into the provinces for a grimoir of considerable age and power. It was a copy of the Scrolls Shuma Gorath that was supposed to be an original copy. It contained a rite that would free King Axidant from the control of Cthulhu he had been under during his reign.
The group headed out with a few hundred in tow to find the grimoir and bring it back to the Emerald City so that the king could be freed. The war party had no way of knowing that the king was already privy to the knowledge of their plan, and was riding at the head of a considerably larger force that was determined to cut off the rebel force. The two armies met at the small imperial outpost of Boggy Station with the rebel force arriving barely a half a day ahead of the royal army. They took control of the fortress keep in the village, and readied themselves for a siege.
In the process Sir Sutra had grown ill and feverish in the journey, and was unable now to seek the throne. The duty by order of succession fell to Sir Forest to fulfill, and he did as he had many times before. Now the political maneuvering of the two great families had to be put on hold for the sake of the realm. And it was with that thought that Sir Forest sent a missive to Fionnigan to request his aid.
Fionnigan had been at his magic shop when the missive came by raven. He read the scrolled paper, and immediately gathered himself to make the journey to the northern provinces. The note was short and simple, but to those that knew it had a greater meaning.
“Master Hellblazer, Run to the Hills. Arch-Duke Sir Forest Evergreen.” Was all the note said, but that was enough.
It was an ancient battle cry of the realm that simply meant that your aid was needed by the realm. Not by the king because kings came and went, but by the realm itself. No matter who was seated on the throne and not matter what grudges or political battles might be raging in the capital every Emerald man and woman came together when they heard or read those few words.
Fionnigan had contacted Sir Forest through the usual channels and was informed that Sir Brennon was leading a secondary force to assist the entrenched army at Boggy Station. He informed Fionnigan that since he had the most knowledge of Cthulhu and the great old ones he would be needed to defeat the force that had gathered to destroy the rebel host. Fionnigan packed his gear onto Felarof and took flight that same night. He met up with Sir Brennon's host shortly before dawn, and they marched together toward the royal army and the entrenched rebels.
_________________ "A mind needs books as a sword needs a wetstone, if it is to keep it's edge.” Tyrion Lannister
I do not suffer fools gladly, and fools with white belts never.
Mortem proditoribus.
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Marceline
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Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 9:16 am |
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Joined: Wed Dec 17, 2014 4:21 am Posts: 26
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A somber bell tolled out the sixth hour, several brethren began their morning chants of worship, the kitchens came to life with shouted commands from cook to dish-wench, and the many sleepy sounds of morning invaded a small stone chamber, entering a young woman's ears and giving her cause to pull her lambskin cover back over her head in tired resignation.
Her recent travels to help her fellow countrymen free Squire Axident from the Old One and place Sir Forest on the Emerald throne had left her exhausted, and in the days since her troupe's return to the barony, she had been kept busy with errands and tasks for the brethren, and this was the first morning that she had been allowed to once again keep her own self-made schedule instead of bending to the will of the cathedral. After allowing herself one last moment to relish the warmth of her bed, the woman folded back the covers to stand and make herself ready for the day ahead of her.
Walking to her rickety desk, her mind was occupied with restless thoughts of blood and violence, shouting and discord. The newly crowned Czar Forest had at first been a point of rejoicing in her heart, no more would the Dark Lord twist and dement the minds of the people in his tentacled grip. But now she was unsure, and from her conversations with the Winkler Alphonse it seemed that many thought the Knight Evergreen to be even darker than his predecessor...her loyalties would, in the end, lie with her liege-lords. She knew Sir Forest Evergreen to be a man who upheld his beliefs with great passion and perseverance, so she was not worried that her allegiances might be placed wrongfully. But how could she, a young novice majicker of no title or power, help soothe the unrest and shut the mouths of the inquisitors?
The healer already knew the common people sneered at her back when she walked past in public places...her devotion to the divine powers were uncommon and not taken as seriously as she sometimes wished. The people would not follow her if she made public her pleas for them to support the Czar's campaign. She also knew it would be best if she stayed out of violence and fighting as much as possible, for she had only just passed into her third trials as a majicker of the healing arts. As for the subtle political intricacies of the noblemen and courtesans, she had already made the acquaintance, and hopefully allegiance, of several knights and titled men, but she still considered herself too low in position to sue for peace and end the unrest during an allthing gathering. The young woman saw that her options were limited indeed.
A dark thought entered her already troubled mind...it was wholly against her morals as a student of the white light to wish death upon any living mortal being, but given the recent turn of events, she could not foresee any alternative. The laughing, self-absorbed face of the pirate inquisitor filled her mind, and her disgust at the man's unbridled and rash actions churned into rage. How dare he incite violence agaisnt the crown! She nodded decidedly to herself. Even though she had little power to affect the turnings of the earth, she could still influence the people who did have great power.
A whispered name escaped her lips before she could control it, and the dark thought became an idea and grew roots in her heart. The way to solve her current problems suddenly lay before her, tempting her with the seductive force that only the lure of death and poison can bring. Whispering again, she spoke with a settled heart and a calm mind. "It is high time I called upon the Shade..." Quickly grabbing for her parchments and inks, the healer began to write in the language of Old Valyria: "Greetings to the Shade of the darkened grove in Shadow Bane, I am Marceline Linnea Fangmeier of Red Storm... ...valar morghulis..."
_________________ Marceline Aidan Fangmeier
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Kel
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Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 3:55 pm |
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Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2007 4:00 pm Posts: 22
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*a thud is heard as one of Forest's retainers hits the ground, an arrow with a note attached in his chest* "A message for you, Sir," he cries.
The note reads: "King Forest, I will gladly assist you in your crusade to rid the parks of the evil from without. However, I require a test of strength before I will follow you. I am in possession of your royal crown. I hereby challenge you to a dual for it's return. To first blood should suffice.
Truly, Lord Kel Duke of King's Point"
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Alphonse de Oso
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Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:14 pm |
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Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2014 11:44 am Posts: 17
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Alphonse thought about today’s events. The Inquisitor, after discussing with his regent, had offered Lord TuK! a seat at his table for Bright Forge’s holiday event. He offered hospitality and amnesty for the day. It was the civilized way to go about sorting issues. This was the way the Greeks handled business, the Romans as well. Even amongst Pirates there are guidelines for engagement. Had TuK! followed those? No, of course not. He was one not guided by tradition nor rules. Alphonse could respect that, to a point.
The Winkler decided that it was time for a change. He had approached the inquisition in a manner befitting someone who wished only to prop up the Kingdom, to burn away the infection that raged in the land. He had done so with openness, allowing his advisories to consider the options and respond appropriately. Yet this was not the way things were done in the Emerald Hills. Goodness does not last in a land of shadow. Alphonse began to think about the cross roads he was at. There was no consideration to turn back, he had far to much work to do. He imagined two paths, one illuminated by a bright light, another ringed in fire.
There is more power in fire than pretty lights.
His Inquisition would advance, but the path would be different, darker. He stood for a moment at his desk, and sipped a small glass of black rum. There was much more planning to do, and so he stepped forth from his hold. He had a former Grand Inquisitor to speak with.
All are Equal under the light of the Radiant Skull, Hail to the Inquisition.
-Alphonse the Winkler
_________________ Mortuorum non custodiat Aurum The Dead Keep no Gold
Glory to the Pirate's Inquisition By the Light of the Radiant Skull
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Forest Evergreen
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 1:04 am |
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Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2006 10:56 pm Posts: 1928
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Forest slumped into the chair and poured himself a drink. It had been an interesting two days. His journey to Bright Forge had been uneventful, but upon arriving, that changed quickly. He had brought food from the Kingdom's kitchens to feed the people. He had gone to oversee the negotiation of peace between Baron Alphonse of Bright Forge, and Baron Tuk! of Eagleshire. It was a strange meeting as it was a smaller version of the greater problem.
Tuk! represented the older eveil of The Hills. The Darkness that had given it strength over the years. Alphonse was a product of the corruption of outside evil. While he sought to "purge" Eaglehire, and the Kingdom of evil, his method was to destroy all that he saw as evil, even if it meant sacking other lands within the Kingdom. And so he quickly learned the ways of The Hills when, as he smugly laid out his plan to cleanse Eagleshire in holy fire, Tuk! simply pulled a dagger from his belt and stabbed Alphonse seven times in the chest. He walked away from the table, looked at Forest and said "There is his answer. I'll see him on the fields at Eagleshire." And with that he and his retainers left.
Forest stood still, watching it all unfold. He knew that healers of Bright Forge would resurrect the fallen. Tuk!'s actions were not the end of the issue, but a statement that he would not listen to someone set terms about what was acceptable. Forest had expected as much, and had foreseen that the march on Eagleshire would not be stayed. And then, Forest travelled to King's Point.
The irony was not lost on him that the park named as the King's land, would be also the place that had absconded with the crown and now sought to make forest prove himself worthy before they would swear fealty. Forest arrived with a lone guardsman. He intended to meet Duke Kel on the field and meet the terms set forth. As the day came to a close, they each selected swords. "To first blood" kel said, staring at the Czar without blinking. Forest nodded in return and stood ready.
Kel was a seasoned warrior, but Forest had come with a single purpose of mind. he would have King's Point rally to his banner. As the two men studied each other, Forest's blade darted forward and Kel parried and smiled "Not as fast as you once were your Majesty." Forest stepped back and grinned. "To first blood, correct?" Kel wondered why he was smiling, and then felt the trickle on his forearm. The old bastard had tricked him into blocking so that he could nick his arm. The shot would have been useless in battle, but for the terms set, it had been enough.
Kel realized that Forest had no desire to spill blood without need, and had adhered to the rules without attempting to use his position, or his guards, to force the matter. Kel smiled and turned to Dakota, "It seems the Czar has come to get the crown we were holding for him." Dakota grimaced. She had really enjoyed wearing the crown. With a flick of the wrist she tossed it to Forest, who quickly placed it upon his head. "Time for court?" he asked.
As the court of KP came to a close, Czar Forest stood from his chair and addressed the populace. "Kel and Dakota have served King's Point well. They have helped those in need, and brought justice to those who sought to cross them. For their service, they are hereby granted the landed titles of Baron and Baroness."
It was then that Baron Tuk! stepped forward from the crowd. "A word your Grace." he said to Kel, stepping into the center of the hall. "People of King's Point, hear me. The false Inquisitor of Bright Forge seeks to purge Eagleshire. He means to invade our lands and burn it to the ground. Will you not come to our aid?" The crowd seemed unsure of what to do when the Regent of King's Point spoke "Was it not the people of Eagleshire who once hunted the elves? Were you not part of that purge so many years ago? We will not help you after what you have done." Many of the crowd shouted cries of support. There were many elves in KP.
"Eagleshire does not need tunics or pies, so your help is not needed at this time." Kel interrupted "So shut up! I will stand with Eagleshire." Others in the crowd cheered for the Duke. It was obvious the people were divided. Soon, Alphonse and his INquisition would be stepping onto the fields of Eagleshire. Forest was uncertain if Tuk!'s request for help would result in more allies or supporters of the Inquisition. Only time would tell.
Forest finished his drink and stood. He was weary and needed sleep. Soon, he would set out for Mourningwood Glen and Midnight Sun. He would see for himself how divided the Kingdom was before Alphonse started this holy war.
_________________ Forest Evergreen
Puppet Master of the EH
"Of course you are Forest. You're like the Mr. Burns of EH." - Finn
(insert titles and awards here)
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Atheris
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 4:35 am |
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Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2014 6:52 pm Posts: 9
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Atheris reclined in her study, pen idle in hand, gaze distant. The day had been an... "interesting" one. She knew that visitors were bound to always cause slight or thorough disruption of day-to-day activities, but these had been invited and the day had been a long one. The... well... Alphonse had dealt with his ambitions as she saw to guests and the hosting of those who had come to call at their barony. As regent it had been her duty, and one she'd chosen when deciding to host this gathering. While she had been seeing to visitors, food, and entertainment, however, there had apparently been an altercation with Baron Tuk! of Eagleshire.
"What is ambition when not tempered with thought and knowledge but the motivation of rash fools?" She mumbled to herself. Slowly her gaze settled at the flames of of the fireplace so near her seat. An altercation with the Eagleshire baron had not been ideal, no matter the supposedly righteous plans that Alphonse prepared to enact. She would need to summon her regent's defender... they had much to discuss.
Much though she appreciated the kingdom that she had taken residence in, her loyalty and concern had since been to the specific barony that had become her home. Allies had been acquired in a variety of other territories, but Bright Forge had been her primary loyalty. Alphonse, in his youth and ambition... perhaps he truly had well meaning behind this as well... was potentially putting this home in danger. Within the first weeks of his time overseeing the baronial seat he was already throwing them into civil war with a known ally. Eagleshire had been ally and friend to Bright Forge before this, though as things stood she doubted that such could still be said... and they hosted several whom she called friend. This battle, inquisition, war, whatever Alphonse chose to call it, was pitting her and their people against those people. There had been whispers of unrest among the people of Bright Forge for this, which only caused her more concern. What had this infant steward-baron started?
_________________ It is not our blood or our appearance which makes us good or evil... it is by our deeds, our minds, and our hearts. Create not the path to disaster with your rose-colored ideals. - Squire Atheris Coinin Labrys
Lepores! Lepores! Non est hic aluid Lepores!
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qintahr
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Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 10:24 am |
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Joined: Wed Dec 05, 2012 11:17 am Posts: 95
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With an exhausted sigh, Baron Qintahr slumped loudly into his chair. Made of a polished oak, with padded seating, it was a comfortable chair to be sure, but not the luxurious, extravagent chair that his doppleganger had used. Qintahr had had all of that monster's personal effects gathered and burned in a great bonfire at Town Square. Everyone in town had attended the event.
Several reports of differing nature lay strewn about the desk in front of him. Statuses of the outlying villages and farms, monthly expenses from Rorek... and here, a report from the search party he had sent out three days ago, after his meeting with that pirate, Alphonse.
This "Pirate's Inquisition" that Alphonse had started, it did not sit well with Baron. As a paladin, he was no stranger to the concept of routing evil, but in a place like the Emerald Hills, temperance must be applied, or one's fate was sealed before one ever began. A dead Inquisitor is of use to no one.
The Pirate had presented a good argument, to be sure. In his younger days, Baron Qintahr might even have jumped at the chance to join him. But he was older now, and had people to look after. The Midnight Sun had recovered well from her near demise, and the people now prospered, but the infrastructure was tenuous, at best. Qintahr knew the barony could not withstand a direct blow yet, and Alphonse was poised to bring down the wrath of an even greater evil than he could ever understand.
Yes... Cthulhu was a serious issue, as was the Empire of Twelve Worlds. But they were an EXTERNAL threat, and they could be contained, countered, barred. Qintahr was afraid that Alphonse would learn the hard way that the INTERNAL darkness was more... permanent in nature.
He had been disappointed, yes, when Qintahr refused to give the Barony's official signoff to the pirate's cause. Alphonse had thought that of all people, a paladin would never even question the Inquisition. But even paladins are no good to anyone when dead, and as a Paladin of Qel'Darmon, the Elven God of the Hunt and personification of Death, the Baron understood all too well how useless the Dead can be.
To make his intent clearly understood, he had dismissed the pirate from his lands, and warned him that while he himself was welcome to visit anytime, his ships were not! Qintahr had then taken steps that very day to make sure the harbormaster knew what flags to watch for, and that the canons were primed and ready.
The Radiant Skull would not shed its "light" on the Midnight Sun.
That being said, the rumors that Alphonse had brought to him were disturbing, and could not be ignored out of hand. If there WERE remnants of the Great Old Ones here, in his barony, it was necessary that Qintahr find them and deal with them. That WAS the purpose of the Eldritch Eye, after all.
Clearing his mind of these events, he set to reading the report of his search party...
_________________ Count Qintahr, Knight of the Serpent
--------------------------------------- "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." -George Bernard Shaw
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Marceline
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Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2014 2:05 am |
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Joined: Wed Dec 17, 2014 4:21 am Posts: 26
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*Crack...Snap...*
Marceline's footsteps crunched through dead leaves and over dried twigs as she made her way across the lonely, dreary cemetery. The woman had been quite busy with travels and personal errands, so her visit to the grey field was rather overdue. Ending her walk at a lonely line of 3 stumpy granite slabs, Marcy pulled several jars of incense from her bag, set a jar on each slab and then lit them all with a flintsteel. Smoke curled in somber spirals around the morbid stones, filling the air with essence of cedar and eucalyptus.
The healer knelt on the ground, setting out before her two simple parchments inscribed with carefully written, but vastly different, words of power. She wrestled her thoughts for a few minutes before deciding on which parchment to recite. Gathering the power of her inner Gramarye, Marceline focused on the grave to her left, seeking out the deathly aura that surrounded the long-dead corpse that lay beneath the earth. When she felt most confident that she had located the correct aura, she spoke these words aloud:
"Flesh rots, bones break, skulls sigh, spirits take; Let the power of my will descend on thee, Let the power of my will restore thy spirit, Let the power of my will knit your corpse, Let the power of my will give you direction, Let the power of my will cheat your death, By the power of my will, Arise my minion!!"
Marceline surged to her feet and hastily retreated several steps as the earth before the gravestone she had addressed began to shudder and shift.
"Aauughhh...unnghh!"
A hand, which had once been rotted and maggot eaten, but now appeared to be healing and restoring, thrust itself from the writhing dirt and thrashed about. Marceline gingerly stepped towards the grave and took a deep breath of courage, then grasped the hand firmly and began to pull steadily. The earth continued to shift, and gave way to an emaciated arm and then a thin shoulder. Marceline tugged a bit harder in excitement...finally the wrinkling face of a dead man rose from the ground, and the corpse stood looking at Marceline with clouded eyes and a pained expression.
"Euurghh!"
Marceline gazed at the undead man as a great anger welled up within her heart...standing before her, quite literally, was a ghost from her past. "You should have listened to my warnings, old 'friend'...but now it is your time to serve my purpose."
The corpse seemed to be unresponsive to her pain-filled words. Marceline wrinkled her nose in deep thought and stared at the churned-up earth from whence her minion had appeared. She needed a corpse for her task, but having this particular corpse might prove to be a challenge, given her bitter memories of the man that used to be. Looking sidelong at the undead creature, she huffed in derision, then pointed towards the suns-path spoke in a sarcastic voice.
"Good sir! It is I, your EVER faithful, ALWAYS loyal girl, Marceline the urchin! 'Tis I, Marceline, the sniveling brat from the north, the foster child that no one wanted, not even you who was my own kin. Ah yes, Lord Alsfirth, it is time for YOU to serve ME after all these years of nothing but crumbs and insults from your petulant lips! Now, you destitute, scurrilous thing, go forth and do my bidding! Go south, go to the place where the great birds make their nests and the sun shines hot, and where the people are at arms against one another over old wrongs...go south and do my bidding, my DEAR kin, may the winds buffet your every step!"
"Ruarghhh....Neugghhhh!"
Marceline watched, quite bemused and pleased with herself as the corpse began to stagger in the direction she had indicated, then the healer started to gather her things and make ready for the walk back to her chambers. Turning once more to stare at the retreating figure, Marceline felt the tinest twinge of guilt....
"Goodbye, uncle...I'm so very sorry."
_________________ Marceline Aidan Fangmeier
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Lucian Thorir
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Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2014 6:59 am |
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Joined: Tue Jul 09, 2013 5:52 pm Posts: 9
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Lucian with a sigh finished writing his letter, every word in it hard to write. It pained him to think that this was his letter of farewell and not one of return. Putting the quill down he leaned back in his chair and brought his hand up to his brow. "Elijah, you are a priest. Would you please use your right of sanctuary to go to the prestige, and ask Sutra if he will deliver this letter to the Eldari? They will know who I send this to." Lucian said while sealing the tiny scroll and placing a single red rose beside it. Elijah nodded solemnly, took the scroll, and rose; He then made his way out of the tent and followed the road.
Lucian stabbed his knife into the table and shook in anger. The winkler had bitten off more then he could chew and it seemed that all of his allies had abandoned him. Lucian by no means was an ally but a contract was a contract. Honor bound him to this task. The stress of this situation was easily seen by the bags under his eyes. "Damn this Inquisition."
Lucian had nothing against the people of Eagleshire, in fact it was these very people who had come to Midnight Suns aid when the Yellow King had sent his cultists to the Barony. Lucian had deep respect for them all. Still he would draw his sword when the time came.
A breeze came through the tent flap licking his face. "Chieftain, the men have assembled. We await your orders." Rorek Silverlight said with a lump in his throat. Lucian could hear the fear and the low morale. Standing up slowly Lucian made his way around the table and towards the opening, Rorek standing at his side. 'Another foggy day, not a fine omen.' Lucian thought as we walked to the front of his Company.
Every single one of his men had fear in their eyes and yet they stood. They knew what would be awaiting for them at Eagleshire and they still came to the rendezvous point. Lucian drew a deep breath and drew his sword. Drawing a line in the ground he spoke.
"We are all that will be standing alongside Alphonse. All intelligence points towards few coming to our aid. We will be heavily outnumbered and it is very likely that all of us will meet our demise at Eagleshire. I am honor bound to stay however I will not hold it against any man or woman that wishes to leave now. If you do so you will not stain your honor. However those that will stay and fight with me... I promise that we will make them pay dearly for our lives. So who is with me?"
In a single body they all marched forward... "So be it."
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