Plergoth Press/Issue Eight
| http://wiki.battlemaster.org/images/Plergoth.png The Plergoth Press | ||
| Bring in Valhalla's head, get a lifetime subscription! | Editor: Mendrugo | Issue Eight, October |
Contents
We're Back!
October 18, 1007 | By: Mendrugo
After several months of silence (daimonfyre's quite literally hell on wooden printing presses), the Plergoth Press is back in publication. We'll be keeping you up to date on all the events affecting Plergoth and Beluaterra.
A Summary of the Daimon Wars
October 18, 1007 | By: Mendrugo
Months ago, agents of the Monster Swarm and the Necromancer's Servants began to appear in Beluaterra on cryptic quests to acquire mystical items related in some way to daimonic powers. We now know that these armies appeared in Beluaterra from the Monster Island and the Necromancer's Island via mystical portals.
These ever increasing numbers of Undead and Monster battle leaders made threats and promises to realms across Beluaterra, demanding the delivery of these mystical items and forcing governments into "join or die" alliances. Over the course of a month, most of the Beluaterran realms allied with the Necromancer's Servants, while Sint, Heen and Vlaanderen allied with the Monster Swarm. A precious few nations, such as Khthon, steered a neutral course.
The alliance-building phase was followed by large-scale warfare, as the Necromancer's Servants battled the Monster Swarm, and each side attacked the allies of their enemy. Avalon (an early ally of the Undead) was ravaged by Monster attacks, while Heen (a Monster Swarm ally) was devastated by an Undead invasion. Throughout the fighting, the Monsters and Undead exhorted their human allies to join the fighting against their human and inhuman enemies.
Then, at the peak of the fighting, a mysterious adventurer named Alfredo appeared from nowhere in Eg Tutnu, asking to speak to a priest. He was brought to the central Daishi temple in Creasur, and there was ministered to by priests of Daishi. He possessed a dagger imbued with Daimonic powers, and said he felt something evil growing within him. As the priests of Daishi were unable to do anything to help him, they released him. It appears that the evil growing within him was a portal to the Netherworld, and it is likely that he made it as far as Zisswii before being transformed into a gateway to Hell. Fortunately, the Daishi priests did not attempt to slay him in Creasur, as the portal would likely have formed there, instead.
We presume that several other adventurers had similar experiences across Beluaterra. Shortly after the disappearance of Alfredo, portals to the Netherworld opened in Zisswii and Jobo's Mouth, and hundreds of powerful daimons emerged and began to war upon the peoples of Beluaterra. Each of the inhuman factions told their allies a different story about the Daimons. The Undead stated that the daimons were the spawn of an ancient Dragon that had been defeated by the heroic Necromancer in the ancient past, and that the Undead were prepared to battle them again. The Monsters stated that the undead were escaped slaves of the daimons, and that the hellspawn had emerged to recapture their wayward servants.
Regardless of their reasons, the daimons began to cut swathes of destructon across the island, smashing all opposition. Even when strong human armies managed to defeat a Daimon horde, their leaders would be instantly resurrected and fresh hordes would emerge from the underworld. With more and more regions falling under the sway of the Netherworld, the Undead abruptly abandoned all their alliances and began attacking human settlements at the behest of their daimonic masters. The Monster Swarm had been telling the truth!
With the gates of the Netherworld now wide open, more oddities came to pass. A large group of so-called "lost souls" appeared briefly in Creasur and marched eastward, not having been seen since. Though clearly daimonic in nature, they appeared to be unaligned with the Netherworld forces ravaging Beluaterra.
Seemingly not content with having reclaimed their undead slaves, the daimons began carving out strongholds on the surface of Beluaterra. By force of arms, they wrested many lands from Sint, and then entered into an alliance with that dragon-worshipping land. Likewise, daimonlords were inducted into the government of the rebel-realm of Vlaanderen. (Throughout the early invasion, rebel leader Valhalla had attempted to beguile the Undead and Monsters into attacking Plergoth - but trying to co-opt the strength of the Daimons was a grave mistake...)
In a stunning development, the daimonlord Arcane has overthrown the human government of Valhalla, and created a theocracy with himself at its head. The former Plergothian people living in the breakaway land are now ruled by the daimons and dominated by the grip of evil. Human armies are weak and scattered, and even now a vast horde of daimons is advancing on Creasur.
Is this the end?
A New Hope
October 18, 1007 | By: Mendrugo
Fear not, loyal readers. For there is a ray of hope! In the past month, freemen and outlaws across Beluaterra have been finding curious objects called "portal stones". It was initially rumored that a collection of eight such stones, when used together, could open gateways to other worlds. However, their true function was recently demonstrated when eight such stones were combined to permanently seal a portal to the Necromancer's Island over the inland sea.
If more such stones could be found, and quickly, the portals to the Necromancer's Island, the Netherworld and Monster Island could be closed, and the people of Beluaterra could once more live without the omnipresent threat of inhuman armies. A guild dedicated to finding and using the stones - The Beluaterran Alliance - has formed in Creasur and counts both nobles and adventurers among its ranks. There are also rumors that a secret society with similar goals is near to collecting eight stones of its own, though for what purpose none can say...
Daimons Attack Creasur!
October 19, 1007 | By: Mendrugo
As evening fell in Creasur, a vast army of daimons approached Plergoth's capital. Knowing from previous experience that the towering walls, stake-filled ditches and thick ramparts were little defense against these winged hellbeasts, most of the city's residents had already fled, choking the roads leading from the city with carts, wagons, and refugees carrying their worldly possessions on their backs, all trying to escape the coming conflagration.
A skeleton force of devout militia remained at their posts, having sworn to the Armored Gods of Daishi that they'd die before abandoning the defense of the temple. Forming a double-ring around the sacred grounds, they waited in grim anticipation as the ground began to shake underneath the cloven hooves of the Netherworld armies.
With a flash of flame and a shower of splinters, the great timber gates of Creasur were rent asunder, and the Pitlord Devastating stepped through into the streets of our great city. The towering creature stood easily 20 feet high from hoof to horn (not counting his 15-foot wingspan). It was clad in spiked black armor plate - the Daimon Armor of Devastation. The creaking of the armor's joints resembled the screams of damned souls, and the blackness of the armor seemed to drink in the very light of the setting sun. In his claws, the Pitlord clutched a massive two-headed battle axe, inscribed with horrific runes the color of dried blood - the Daimon Axe of Devastation.
Devastating brandished his axe and bellowed a command in the harsh languge of the Netherworld. At once, his armies began to spread out through the city, seeking food (and any commoners who'd unwisely remained in the city) to devour. They avoided the Temple of Daishi, however - leaving it for Devastating's personal attentions.
With a cruel laugh and a leering smile that displayed far too many sharp teeth, Devastating advanced on the militia positions. Arrows hissed through the air. Most richocheted harmlessly off the Pitlord's mystical armor, but a few shafts found their mark, burying themselves in the daimon's scaly hide. Devastating was hardly even slowed. As he reached the infantry lines, he swung his axe, shattering swords and shields and tossing dismembered corpses hundreds of feet through the air.
A fresh volley of lethal broadheads erupted from the bellfry of the Daishi temple, where the last archers made their stand. Devastating laughed, then belched forth balls of daimonfyre from his distended maw. Within seconds, the bellfry was ablaze, and the burning forms of the archers toppled to the ground.
The battle was over. Creasur belonged to the Daimons.
Netherworld Demands Fealty From Realms of Man
October 19, 1007 | By: Mendrugo
The final resistance to Netherworld rule in the rebel realm of Vlaanderen collapsed yesterday, following the abrupt capitulation of Nymatal. We have this report from an observer on the scene:
Arcane was in the royal palace with all the rebellious troops. Just as they were about to storm the last stronghold of Nymatal, Arcane barked orders, "Stop! I will deal with him myself." With that, he went into the room and closed the door. 5 minutes later, Nymatal himself marched through the door, turned around to the door and yelled loudly, "All hail the new Pontifex, Arcane! May we follow his strength and character forever!"
And with that, Arcane walked out and was hailed as the new Pontifex.
Now that the Pitlord Arcane has been declared Pontifex of the corrupted realm of Vlaanderen, he has declared himself a living god (much as the daimons of Sint have declared themselves avatars of Hemaglobe). Midday yesterday, Pontifex Arcane issued the following demand to the realms on his border:
Neighbour!
You are lucky to live so close to the realm of glory, and you should be almost able to see the radiance of my presence from your city.
Speaking of which. Want to keep it?
You have noticed my brothers in your regions. One word from me and they will move away.
All I ask is that you bow and say "please".
Given what happened to the rebel government of Vlaanderen when they joined up with the Netherworld, I suspect that neighboring realms will think twice before bowing to Pontifex Arcane.
Victory for Humanity! Zisswii Portal Sealed!
October 22, 1007 | By: Mendrugo
The Beluaterran Alliance made a bold counterstrike against the Daimons, successfully organizing an effort to bring eight Portal Stones to the hellgate in Zisswii (the primary reinforcement point for their stronghold in Vlaanderen) and seal the portal. This dangerous undertaking was undertaken in secret with the aid of numerous brave adventurers.
The Beluaterran Alliance initially tasked Freeman Uriel with gathering and carrying eight portal stones to the gate. With the help of several other adventurers, he soon amassed the necessary stones in Creasur and set out on the journey to the infernal mountains of Zisswii. As he progressed, his reports (sent by courier) became increasingly erratic:
Three days ago:
Um ... my memories of the last few days seem somewhat clouded, events seem to blur. It is the glory of holding the stones. They are the beacon that guides my steps, the light that dispells the shadows, the warmth of my heart and the locus of my being .........
*something that could be drool has stained the paper*
I must ... I must prote... destroy the gate. Yes ... destroy - gotta remember that. That - that was important. Once.
The quest nears completion. Soon, I shall fuse with the stones, and United in a Higher Being we shall enter ... no, wait. Um ...
Where was I? I will meet with Samwise here in Gaxano, and we shall ... we shall close the portal. Yes.
Two days ago:
My fellow adventurers,
The quest to close the undead portal in Zisswii is at but complete. Soon, I shall merge with the stones, and in my new enlightened form I shall enter the Portal and ascend the Throne of Despair.
When I have closed the portal, the lands will again be free of the undead scourge. My armies shall crush all resistance without mercy, but to you I offer the chance to become captains and lords.
Wish me luck - if I survive this last stretch of the quest, drinks are on me tomorrow. Soon, all shall bow before me, and I offer you this single chance to rule at my side!
After this final communication, Uriel disappeared with the Portal Stones. The mission seemed doomed to failure. Fortunately, through the heroic efforts of Lady Phoebe, the mission continued:
As Uriel has been arrested — I know not by whom — I must now carry on in his place. - Phoebe
Working with other adventurers who had converged on the region, Phoebe was able to gather eight more stones and carry them to the Netherworld hellgate.
One day ago:
"At last!" Phoebe murmurs as she begins placing the stones in a circle on a shoulder of the highest peak of Zisswii. "I was afraid we'd be eaten before we got a chance to do this..."
She glances down the slope at the other adventurers watching. Some look suspicious, others hopeful, others clearly don't know what to expect. Well, they'll see soon enough...
Phoebe places the last stone in its place in the ring, and the stones begin to glow. Then she takes out a dagger from a hidden sheath, and slashes her right palm. She squeezes three drops of blood onto the last stone in the circle, and the glow changes suddenly.
Placing her hands on the stone, smearing more fresh blood onto it, Phoebe begins to attempt to exert her will over the stones. Grant me the power, O mighty ones, she calls silently. Give me dominion...
At length, the glow from the stones reaches a crescendo, and light erupts from the center of them into the night sky, blinding Phoebe and throwing her backwards. Blinking the spots from her eyes, she stands shakily, and laughs. "It works!" she cries. She turns to the other adventurers, who stand looking on in wonder, and she smiles fiercely. Hah! Fools...they think only of using the stones to serve the arrogant nobles on this continent. Well, they've all got another think coming...
"I've got to make sure it really closes the portal!" she calls out to them, then turns back to the stones, and places her hands on the blood-smeared stone again, chanting an ancient litany from her homeland under her breath—a litany that calls for power, power to bend others to one's will. The light still flowing up from the stones burns her hands, but she barely feels it, so intent is she on gaining the power she seeks...
The portal stones glow brightly, then they slowly drift up into the sky.
Not far from the ground, they begin to rotate, and pulse. Energy waves lighten up the evening sky. Then, suddenly, a portal becomes visible, a hundred feet above the mountains.
The stones start to fly towards the portal, growing and forming one massive stone-gate. They slam into the portal opening, sealing it shut.
Then, gate and portal fade from view, and an unearthly silence falls over the land...
The Pitlord Arcane was quick to react to the closure of his portal, his disembodied voice booming like thunder across the mountains:
Fools!!
I want any and all adventurers in Zisswii and any surrounding regions arrested immediately.
Judge, torture them all. Then check if they have seen the glory and are willing to serve without question. Kill everyone who doesn't.
Except for that Phoebe. Don't touch her, she belongs to me.
As of last report, most members of the Beluaterran Alliance were able to successfully evade capture and escape the Daimon-controlled regions. Adventurers - those affiliated with the Alliance as well as those working on their own or with other societies and guilds - will continue to gather Portal Stones, and very soon the inhumans will be cut off from their sources of power and defeated!
Netherworld-Corrupted Vlaanderen Regime Widens Aggression
October 22, 1007 | By: Mendrugo
The Theocracy of Vlaanderen, headed by the daimonic Pontifex Arcane, has begun to expand their territory through more than just threats.
The Vlaanderen saboteur Ivadd struck at the Khthonian holdings in Weghie two days ago, creating severe disruption among the Khthonian occupation government. Shortly thereafter, both Weghie and the Khthonian mountain realm of Pel Mark split off from Khthon and pledged allegiance to Vlaanderen.
Continuing their aggression, Arcane today officially declared war against the Republic of Fwuvoghor. Reports coming from inside Vlaanderen indicate that most of the rebels in that realm have willingly joined the new regime, at the cost of their very souls.
