Of Burgundy Family/The Daemon Saga

Introduction

Below is set down the events that later were known collectively as "The Demon Saga". This was a particularly interesting period in the history of Caerwyn and Dwilight, and we are fortunate to have found so many sources. The story follows the events and actions that occurred around what may now be seen as the protagonist, Lord Brackern.

Exactly how these documents were produced is unknown, as they often reflect the thoughts of individuals and their actions done in private on occasion. Whether that means that those people were the authors (the style makes this doubtful?), or creative writing by a later bard, or someone or something else witnessing this, they do well reflect the known historical events of the time. Thus lacking any other records of weight, these will have to do.

Having said that, they are by no means complete, but focus on many of the main events of the time, and in the life of Brackern. In addition, research continues to try unearth further documentation regarding this time.

(OOC: This is the only out-of-character message that you will see in this text. In future, to view further information, I shall add it to a second page with a number here to show further information is available. Suffice to say for the moment, this is a currently unrolling tale presented as history so that it is IC and yet not available to current characters. The italics are the narration of a historian for the text. The second interlude refers to a bug which caused monsters not to engage in battle.)

Chapter One: The Beginning

Part 1: Dark Omens

The following is a recording of Brackern's reaction on hearing that the then ruler of Caerwyn, Archon Lucian, had been slain by monsters. Brackern was only one region over from the site of the incident, but it is thought that there were not enough hours left in the day for him to reach the region (before or together with Lucian), so he recommended holding at the current location. His letter must never have reached Lucian...

When the report came in, Brackern let it drop from his lifeless fingers, not even noticing that he was no longer holding it.

He numbly muttered, "To think that just this afternoon I received a letter from him, and dispatched one suggesting that he delay until tomorrow dawn when we could fight together..."

With that, the glorious future that he had envisaged crumbled into ash, the warmth of the room suddenly vanished, to be replaced with a coldness that no fire could break.

Just as soon, the sorrow and despair flashed into rage. There would be time for grief later. Right now the monsters in Knyazes must be made to pay, and he would stop at nothing until all of them lay dead, or he joined Archon Lucian in death.

Part 2: The Road to Revenge

An account of the first battle with the monsters that killed Archon Lucian.

[The prior evening, on the road for Knyazes] As Brackern as his men departed for Knyazes, numerous messengers intercepted them along the path with various scrolls. He took them and tossed them to his scribe, unopened. "I have no time for that," he said shortly.

The rage he still felt burning inside him had changed to a warm, slow sustaining glow. He would see that the Archon was avenged. "May the elements look kindly on my righteous mission," he prayed, in the hope that there would be some response - would take anything right now that would give him even one better chance at revenge.

[The next morning, at dawn]

The men were well deployed on the top of a ridge, and they but awaited the onset of the monsters. The dawn wind was calm - a good omen for the coming battle! Could the elements have blessed this battle, or was it good fortune?

Just then, movement was spotted in the trees below, and a mass of monsters broke from the concealment of the trees and charged toward the archers. Brackern turned, grim resolve in his eyes, and gave the order to fire.

In the clear dawn light, and the calm air, the archers' arrows found many a mark. As the monsters struggled up the steep incline, boulders, branches and scattered debris hindered their progress.

Brackern found an intense burning pleasure watching the monsters crumble under the rain of death falling upon them. Even so, several made it up to the front lines. This strangely pleased Brackern, for he was now able to take out some of his rage on something. Just as he jumped in, screaming like a maniac, the monsters rapidly retreated. The disappointment was as keen as a knife edge, and he even ran after them for a good score yards, whirling his longsword above his head and yelling in defiance of their cowardice.

"Was that all that they had?" he thought to himself once he had recovered from his bloodlust and returned to the ridgetop. "There must be another creature that I have yet to see, that was able to fell one so great as Archon Lucian."

Turning to his men, he said "Congratulations men! Today you have achieved a most legendary victory. See, even now our bard is composing a song in our honour and in remembrance of this day," he continued, indicating his traveling bard (who had been with him ever since the first great archer victory in Dunnbrook, several years ago). "When we face them again, we shall utterly exterminate this affront to life."

Once he had finished his speech, his thoughts had cooled somewhat, and they turned to Archon Lucian. His body must be found, and given the highest burial rites and honours. He would dive down the gullet of a monster to retrieve it if necessary.

Part 3: Sad returns

The thoughts of Brackern regarding the slaughtering of the monsters. The origin of this is doubtful, but is corroborated by other historical documents (what few there are).

As Brackern was once again on the move, he had time to think back to the events in Knyazes. In-between the two monster attacks, he had set out to meet the men carrying back Archon Lucian's body.

When he had finally reach them, he had been shocked to see the injuries that Lucian has sustained. Not one piece of armour was untorn, and many claw marks showed livid and long on his now death-pale skin. Brackern had vowed to himself then that he would avenge the monster that had done this, and all others of its kindred, until he no breath left in his body.

The sad procession had wound its way back to camp, where the body had been dressed and prepared for the journey.

Brackern's thoughts now turned on to the strange events later that evening. The monsters had come again, but were easily slaughtered. The feeling of revenge was bitter-sweet, for nothing could bring back his comrade Lucian.

Just then, a scout had come running into the camp reporting a sighting of what had looked like a massive monster that was approaching the camp. As soon as Brackern had heard the news, he had known that it must be the monster that had killed Lucian. With that he had his squire put on his armour, grabbed his longsword, dagger and battle axe, and headed to the side of the camp facing the direction of the monster sighting...

Interlude

Just then, a messenger came riding up with orders from Marshal Ibrahim, interrupting his [Brackern's] thoughts. Sighing, he realised that other needs of the realm and region would require attention, in addition to monster-slaying.

Although the horrific blow of Lucian's death was still fresh and painful, paperwork would at least take his mind off the event, and stop him from brooding on his failure to move to Knyazes and protect Lucian...

As historians would later note, the death of Archon Lucian and guilt that Brackern felt over it was be one of the turning points in his life, and contributed to the dark path that he would take...

Conclusion: A Greater Threat

A letter from Brackern describing the curious events that occurred in Knyazes. This letter outlines the event that gave indication that they were dealing with more than an unusually big monster.

Nobles of Caerwyn,

I have reason to believe that the threat facing us is more grave than one single monster. I defeated a monster in Knyazes that was much stronger than the usual scum that we need to fight. While it was not as you described your nemesis a while back Sir Jun Hinamoto, it was no doubt equal in adeptness. Archon Lucian had already injured it, and it still nearly killed me several times.

It was a humanoid, with red eyes that almost burned in their intensity. It was massively muscled, and seemed a cross between the mythical vampire that the peasants sometimes speak of, and a great Northern Blackbear.

It had runes inscribed on both of its arms, and a medium sized, curving and jewel-encrusted horn on its head. The strangest event occurred at the end of the battle, and I shall remember it to the day I die. Here follows a brief account, that cannot in any way do the event justice: The battle was going poorly, and I was losing, badly. The beast had just thrown me to the ground, and was about to gore me with its horn. I just managed to roll out of the way, and -elements be praised!- its horn was snagged in the ground for a second or two. I pulled my axe from my back, and aim a desperate blow at its neck. Just at that moment, it pulled free, and would have dodged my blow altogether, were it not for the horn...

My axe struck the horn, which shattered on impact. So did my axe, and there was a flash of fire. The desperate blow left me wide open and weaponless, and I as I dived for my sword that I had dropped on the ground, I was expecting the claws to shred me utterly.

The blow never came.

As I looked up from my knees, I witnessed the strangest thing I have ever seen in the whole of my twenty-four years: the beast was stunned where it had been struck, and as I watched it, the eyes turned to a pleasant light blue colour, and the runes faded. The outer (skin?garment?) flaked away, and...it started to look like a man!

At first its mouth moved, and curious sounds came out.Was it/he trying to talk?! "The curse...is ended..." it whispered. "My thanks..." and its voice faded. It was visibly battling to breathe now, and only managed to say one more thing, so faint that I cannot be sure I heard it aright:"The others...are coming..."

Then it collapsed and died.

Thus, I have reason to believe that there is now more than one of these...whatever they are...now prowling our lands. This fits with the fact that Sir Jun Hinamoto has spotted another powerful beast, and I believe that the daemons down south are indeed behind this, as Sir Jun Hinamoto theorizes.

These are indeed dark days, and both Archon Lucian and Lord Adalthas shall be sorely missed. Let us all prepare ourselves for any further calamity that may occur, and stand strong in the face of this new threat!

For Adalthas and Lucian, may we always honour their lives and deaths with our own swords, words and deeds! For Caerwyn!

Chapter 2: The Growing Taint

Part 1: The Winds are Changing

Yet another unsubstantiated report, however what is clear that around this time Brackern did indeed start to change. It is surmised that it was a combination of the death of Archon Lucian, together with the guilt that he felt for not trying to reach him, and his keen desire for revenge. In addition, the Book that he now wielded was said to have a corrupting influence...if the Brilliant Hat of Warding had not been lost, it is likely that he would have been able to resist the corruption of the Book.

Captain Ferdinand watched the men finish packing with a quiet satisfaction. Orders were to move out at sunset, and the men were eager to see some action. This lent the men's performance and extra boost of energy above their normal smooth efficiency. As the last horse was packed, his thoughts turned to Lord Brackern, and his smile disappeared.

Ever since the death of Lord Lucian, there had been a change in his Lord... something darker, more dangerous. The normal calm and and supreme aura of command that he radiated was still evident, but tinged by something...he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Come to think of it, even this estate, normally a place of happiness steeped in an atmosphere of peace and quiet, felt different. Almost like a sense of brooding. That was the other reason that the men were glad to leave...the atmosphere here tended to make one jumpy, and start to imagine things that were not, or see shapes out of the corner of the eye.

With reluctance Captain Ferdinand pulled out of his musings. He must go and inform Lord Brackern that the packing is done.

Part 2: A New Factor

Around this time a strange knight appeared from the dark forests of Mech Calen.

The pale winter sunlight coming in through the window did nothing to lighten his mood. The past week was wearying - civil work and holding court over peasants - as if a Lord didn't have more important things to do! Even now the monsters still roam just out of reach below our southern borders!

In addition, he was still no closer to a solution - the ancient copies of wall hieroglyphics that he had found in the Golden Farrow still defied all attempts at further deciphering. That they had to do with the ancients and the daemons was clearly marked by what the author had managed to decipher (before apparently meeting his untimely demise), but nothing else.

He glanced down at a note that had arrived earlier - news of a strange knight being seen in Mech Derris. Who is this "Dark Knight" fellow, he wondered, and does he perhaps have something to do with the daemons and man-beasts from the south? I must definitely find out more...by whatever means possible.

Perhaps the Book might be of some assistance in that matter he thought, glancing at it. Yes, there were some rather interesting things in there..

Just then a knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Enter", he called.

Part 3: Good News is a Good Guest?

It is unclear what the relation between the Knight and Brackern was, what is known was that there was a mutual interest in each other.

The journey to Farrowfield had gone without incident. Word had...come to him...regarding some of the doings of the Knight from Mech Calen. It appeared that there was a sort of incident there, and one man was left dead. Apparently he had also asked after the Lord of Mozyr. How curious.

A dangerous man it would seem, but what sort? From the description of his armour, he sounded like a noble. But how came he to the middle of the realm unmarked? Not all things are as they appear, it is true. He would have increase his informants even further (even though he had been steadily increasing the gold marked for such activities since the day following the fateful day).

Just then, a trusted messenger came in with a report from one of his informants watching the road from Knyazes to Mozyr: It would appear that the Knight was heading for his region.

This gave Brackern quite a bit to think about: It was unlikely that an agent of...the south... would travel so openly, and would have no hope of succeeding against a full unit of archers, or the special forces trained in Mozyr.

Then there was the hidden power of the Book...he rolled the full name around with pleasure in his mind: The Dazzling Book of Forbidden Knowledge, which had already revealed some of its power to him. It would be an unpleasant surprise to any who came uninformed upon him.

So, if this Knight is perhaps not hostile, he must be either neutral or friendly (or mad, the thought occurred to him).

Making up his mind, he decided that events had turned out well. The fact that he had departed from Mozyr and now the Knight was headed there played well into his hands. There were still too many unknowns, and unknowns provide threat. So, he would have the Knight escorted to the guest quarters at Mozyr if he wished, but it would not harm to have a few more 'servants' around the estate, nor to have a 'few' more than the usual guard of special forces stationed around the estate. Let him gather what he is able, what the peasants say will not reveal much, but my men shall indeed be most vigilant. It would no doubt be also wise to ensure that the man did not have access to the villa...it would not do to return and find the place looted...or trashed.

He sent off a messenger with these orders, and orders that a guard of special forces should be at the borderlands of the estate to greet the man and ascertain his intentions.

At least that matter could be put aside for now, he thought to himself. With that, his thoughts turned back to his research, which was still stalled, and the travel to the borders of Caerwyn. Perhaps they might encounter another of the beasts, and be able to gain more clues as to what sort of sorcery is being wielded...

Part 4a: The Fulcrum

Following the dramatic entry of the Dark Knight onto the scene of Caerwyn, it appears that he was content to fade into the background. Thus far there have been no more records of him recovered. That he made it to Mozyr is probable, but if he did, he either did not go to the main estate, or stayed there without incident.

The following, however, is an account of the accidental discovery by Brackern of the truer nature of the book - before he had apparently uncovered only very simple tricks of conjuring and confusion, as well as a lot of the history of Caerwyn.

The travel to Knyazes was both long and wearying. Mud from the recent rains bogged down the wagons and slowed the men down. Still, at long last they arrived in the area and started making preparations for battle.

Just as the men were setting up their positions, Brackern felt this strange urge to open the book (that he now carried around in a leather holder cross-wise from his shoulder). Strangely enough he felt an urge to open at the back, as though there was someone that he wanted to view there (but he couldn't quite remember what).

He opened the book, but it was upside-down, and he was about to turn it around when he realised that the lettering was the right way round. It also did not read what he remembered it reading...what it now said was:

Know ye that this be the book of the Great Rufus Castillo, and that if studied and used wisely, it shall grant great power. Used foolishly, it shall bring death and destruction to the fool and all those around them. Read on ye of courage and wisdom, or desist. Your path shall be set, from which there is no escape, on the turning of the page.

Interlude

The dating of this piece is not clear - that there should be continuing work after the above piece is clear, unfortunately it has not been found yet.

Regarding this piece, history speaks of a time when the monsters started using foul magics to conceal themselves so that they could not be found or attacked. This apparently also included the manual work of them digging tunnels, but magic apparently concealed the entrances to these (if anyone would have been brave enough to go down them in the first place!)

It would appear that this is an account of how the spells were broken, and seems to be an oral account from a commoner named Lexandro, which was later recorded for posterity.

The moon was just setting as the small, cold hours of the morning were wearing away slowly. In the forest only a few night creatures were stirring, and the occasional owl swooping down silently to bring sudden death on their unsuspecting prey.

It was in this hour that a man could be seen moving through the forests of Mech Derris. The forest creatures indeed thought this strange, but after some careful observation they saw that he had no interest in them, and they carried on with their business.

This man was searching for something...or someone perhaps? As it turns out, he had been searching long for a sage, wise man or wizard who would be able to explain or flush out the monsters that were in hiding around the realm.

This man, known generally as Lexandro, had received word that a powerful sage was in the region, one who went only by the name of "Danaris". Thus, after his long searching, he was unwilling to give up when he was so close.

Lost in his thoughts, he broke unexpectedly into a clearing. Just ahead of him was a small hut. Could this be one of the lodgings of the sage?! With caution (not wanting to be turned into a toad or some such thing) he approached the hut.

As he was about to knock, the door swung open. Inside was a man seated on a stool by a small fire. A copper cauldron was bubbling thereon.

Freeman Lexandro stammered, "Master Sage, I am hono..." before he was interrupted.

" I know why you have come, Lexandro," said the sage. "You want help with the monsters. Indeed, I shall give you this help. Come. Sit. Watch. You may learn something."

With that the sage started a slow chant, now soft and melodious, gradually growing stronger, more stringent. Then, changing again, to a more flowing chant, then to one sounding like as to the wind in the trees.

All of the chant was in a strange language, one of nature unknown to Lexandro, but as he watched he sensed a power building up in the sage. The green robe of the sage started to glow, and his eyes glinted with a green fire.

Just then, the chant finished and glowing green ambient light spread out from the sage, out into the forest.

What surprised Lexandro even more was that he recognised the last words of the chant: "quattuor quattuor zero tres", as the numbers 4403... how strange!

When Lexandro looked back at the sage, he looked normal again - the strange powers that he wielded now cloaked and dampened.

The sage said to him: I have now chanted the song of the earth - in it was woven the sun, the wind, the trees, the water and the very ground that we walk on. The monsters were using foul magic to pervert the natural balance in these things and to hide themselves. Their magic shall now soon be undone, and they can be removed.

Leaning over the cauldron, the sage gave it a stir, then looked up at Lexandro. "Would you care for some soup?" he asked,"it is almost done."

Part 4b: The decision

The piece relating to the continuation of the saga was finally excavated from the ruins of the old Mozyr mansion, in the top right corner of the building. It appears that quite some time passed between the writing of the initial piece and this one - we can but hope to find more documentation regarding the intervening period!

One can but speculate that while his outward manner appears to be calmer than it was (from what can be seen from the few small hints in this text), he was undergoing a more fundamental inward changes as shown in his affinity for the dark forest - of which several tales have been written, none good! "Ah, the first day of summer!" thought Brackern to himself, breathing in deeply and looking at the soldiers packing. The past few days had been very productive, and very much to his liking.

The dark fastness of the Mech Calen Wood might not have been to the liking of his men (nor the others with them), yet in them he had found peace and quiet - the darkness, age and brooding closeness of the forest spoke to something in him, and where other felt threat, he felt none. Perhaps it was the ancient power that the forest possessed speaking to the ancient lore and craft that he was now learning?

In some things he had come quite far since that day on the battlefield faced with the choice of turning the page or casting the book away. Indeed, even now he could picture the moment down to the finest detail in his mind:

---

The breeze had been gently wafting over the battlefield - almost perfect weather for archery. A thunderstorm would have been more appropriate to represent the turmoil that he felt upon reading the following words: Know ye that this be the book of the Great Rufus Castillo, and that if studied and used wisely, it shall grant great power. Used foolishly, it shall bring death and destruction to the fool and all those around them. Read on ye of courage and wisdom, or desist. Your path shall be set, from which there is no escape, on the turning of the page.

His instinct on reading them was to cast the book away, but his will firmed against this thought - and remembering the vow that he had made on hearing of Archon Lucian's death - he had turned the page.

Thereon he read: There remain but two paths now: the higher or lower. Which shall it be? Only the man can decide.

That thee be reading this means that ye are either brave or foolish. It also means that I be dead - whether by foolishness, betrayal, or divine vengeance, it matters not. For the book shall never leave the owner lest it be given or cast away (impossible), or the owner be dead or foolish enough to be overcome. Let this be fair warning to thee - even with unimaginable power, one is not immortal. Indeed, what price would one be willing to pay for such power? The soul? The love of one's life? A kingdom?

One must decide.

Once reading this, he had suddenly got the urge to try using one of the spells that he knew was in the book (thus we see that the book was already influencing him - for there was no way he could have know the spell was there). As he turned the pages the book opened to the exact page that he was looking for: A spell to make wind blow and thus make the arrows fly further and strike with greater force.

Once he intoned the words, there was a great gust of wind. Unfortunately the spell had gone horribly awry, and powerful crosswinds struck the field (this is not to be wondered at, for he had no experience whatsoever at manipulating spells - he was indeed fortunate not to have been destroyed!).

With a shock he had closed the book, astonished at his own stupidity. It was most uncharacteristic of him to act so rashly, and he wondered how he had given in to the urge so easily. Eyeing the book, he felt mixed measures of wonder at the power that he had felt, and the tinge of corruption that it had carried.

The battle had still been won, but with greater casualties than needed.

---

Just then a messenger came up, and startled him out of his remembrances. The letter was just a routine matter, of little importance, yet it shattered the sense of peace that he had felt. It reminded him that this evening they would be arriving at Knyazes, the place that Archon Lucian had fallen...