Difference between revisions of "Unti Family/Nerta/A5S2"

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|Type=Roleplay
 
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
|Recipients=Everyone in Ar Agyr
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=Cold.
+
|Content=Entering the city with Balin, Nerta bristles in the crowd as they head to the Azure Plaza.
Already the blanket of snow was thick leaving Nerta to rest in her small camp and reflect on how things had changed in a year. Last winter she had fled from Mhed wearing only a rough wool tunic and now she had a letter requesting coin from some Patrician. A request she could now fulfill.
 
  
Ignoring the Old Man as he reads off a litany of titles from the bottom of the letter, Nerta glances around the small camp.  
+
"A lot more soldiers than last time I was here."
  
A stew bubbles away, her tent pitched near by, both a marked improvement from last year. Though some things were the same: she was still helping Plebeians with their monster problems; still alone. Despite all the adventures of the last few weeks she'd not seen Wren or Jacinda for some time. Hopefully they were all right.
+
A jostling teamster sends Nerta into the red head earning one of them a muttered apology and the other a hiss.
  
"You have the money to fulfill the request, though you'll need to get to the bank... You're a league away Nerta."
+
"I doubt we'll have to fight a horde of zombies, but we should check the temple. Someone's going to need our help."
 
+
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
"I know Old Man, I know." Scrubbing her face with a sigh, Nerta collects some stew. "How did you... How did you do it back in the day? How did you handle," she waves a hand about, "everything."
 
 
 
Her ghostly companion smiles, "A solstice miracle, you ask for my advise." A hand rising to forestall the retort, the scholar sighs, "Yet I don't really have an answer to your question. I tried things; sometimes they worked and sometimes they didn't. All you can do is try and hope that others will as well."
 
 
 
"Others are trying I'll give them that..."
 
 
 
The shade chuckles, "Yes, they can be that as well. But overall things are going well."
 
 
 
"Well? Every day we get reports of doom and the undead marching around."
 
 
 
The Old Man laughs, "Yes, it is winter after all, but spring will come and some will have survived."
 
 
 
Rubbing her temple Nerta sighs, "Cold Old Man. Cold."
 
|Title= [[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
  
 
|-
 
|-
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
+
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Width=100%
|Type=Letter
+
|Type=Roleplay
|Sender=Grante Le Monte
+
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=Fellow Faithful,
+
|Content=Happy to be away from the crowd, Nerta taps at the quest board outside the Temple to the Old Gods.
 +
 
 +
"Usual stuff for a city. Couple hauntings. Missing kid. Merchant needs needs someone to collect his lost cargo."
  
While I have not written to this chamber much, or spent much time in one of our temples (I have yet to explore the one in Firbalt as I wait for a time when Hierophant Ryosuke might give a tour of it), I nonetheless have spent much time reading any old tomes or scriptures I could find since my first discovery of the Old Gods. And you can find quite a lot of forgotten ones when in the south.
+
She rubs at her injured arm. It feels hot. What she gets for catching a death knight blade.
  
With my new appointment as duke and lord of Fianik, I will be opening a temple here in short time once I have the time and gold to do so. If possible, it would be great for a priest to visit here as it seems an old Daishi temple is still standing, and we do not need the peasantry getting confused.
+
"Compared to Bessimir this stuff should be easy. Especially if the temple has any elixirs. You could probably handle it all on your own while I heal up..."
  
For the Old Gods,
+
The thought is cut short as a young woman clutching a parchment intent for the board steps into view. Her flaxen hair is pulled in a tight bun, and she wore a washerwoman's skirt. But most telling her eyes shimmer with tears.
|Title=Duke of Land’s End, Margrave of Fianik
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
"S-Sir, Miss... p-please..."
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Recipients=Everyone in The Old Gods
 
|Content=There's no doubt a lot to read given just how many books there are. The Old Man suggests digging out the vellum and stone tablets if you want the real crazy stuff, but wants me to add that if you have any trouble with translations he can handle it with the Stone Table in the Agyrian Academy.
 
<br>
 
As for some old temple: That's the third time it's come up in Irondale, maybe we should hold a conclave and get to the bottom of all these strange ruins?
 
|Title= [[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
Nerta slumps and closes her eyes. Her voice warm for the first time since Balin met her.
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Quincy Stormreaver
 
|Recipients= Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=May I suggest asking the Dashi to close their temple in the city and move on?  While it is up to each regions Lady/Lord what to do, I'd rather not have the influence of the Dashi in any region I controlled and asking them nicely to depart gives them the chance to do so gracefully.
 
|Title=Keeper of Law of Irondale, Viscount of Aesh
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
"Brother or son?"
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Anyte Luitolf
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=Good luck getting Daishi to agree to anything. So much as speak about their temples and they start throwing fits about religious oppression.
 
|Title=Duchess of the Bathory
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
The washerwoman swallows hard and points toward the slopes of the mountain.
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Quincy Stormreaver
 
|Recipients= Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=If there was a temple in Aesh when I took over they would have already been asked and, failing to be pleasant about it, I would have converted it into something more useful already and kicked out the clergy.  Aesh needs more brothels...
 
|Title=Keeper of Law of Irondale, Viscount of Aesh
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
"My F-Father...the quarry. A..A landslide."
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Tristan De La Fere
 
|Recipients= Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=I shall be there Dear Duke!
 
  
Yes closing the temples is a good idea, but its worthwhile to wait until most of the population believes in right things. We do not want the brainwashed cattle to murder each other.
+
"Heh... that one's new. Let's hope the Dark Mistress hasn't welcomed him to her court just yet."
  
With Respect,
+
Squeezing the woman's arm, Nerta waves Balin to follow. No monsters this time, but someone still needed help, and that’s why they were here.
|Title=Earl of Baqua
+
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
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|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Width=100%
|Type=Letter
+
|Type=Roleplay
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
+
|Sender=Vidkunn Thrane
|Recipients=Everyone in Ar Agyr
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=With the way you guys were talking I thought you meant some old ruin. But it sounds like they're active temples.
+
|Content=Vidkunn snarled as he finished reading the missive bearing the seal of House Luitolf. His fist became pale as he crumbled the parchment tightly before casting it to the ground. He turned his gaze upon the Temple of the Old Gods and gave a heavy grunt. He drew his dagger and began to pray.
  
Why do you want to close them down?
+
​​​​​​…Forgive me, Emperor…I shall endure as you have commanded…I am ashamed to have sought false redemption in these Old Gods. Take of my flesh this sacrifice and have mercy on my soul…
|Title= [[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
His grasped the blade of the dagger with his left hand and slowly pulled with his right. He closed his eyes and felt the pain pulse through his body.  
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
+
|Title=Knight of Yipinalke
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Alice Schwarzherzig
 
|Recipients= Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=Why would we tolerate temples of other false faiths? Constantly leading the faithful astray with their non-religion. Daishi exists purely as a glorified message group. The only messages ever sent there are complaints about temples being torn down, and Nothoi's war coordination.
 
|Title=Viscountess of Porl
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
 
 
|-
 
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Recipients=Everyone in The Old Gods
 
|Content=Why would we not tolerate such a thing? After all, does not the mountain tolerate some grass upon it's face? We, the greater, need not fear the lesser.  
 
 
 
​​​​​​If this faith unites a great many people and allows them to speak and share, then it serves a small part in the quest to win the land for humanity. Those who are receptive to the truth can join us in winning the love of the Gods, while the others can continue to serve their small part in ignorance.  
 
|Title= [[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
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|Type=Roleplay
 
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
|Recipients=Everyone in The Old Gods
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=Letters.
+
|Content=Running hands through her hair, stone dust scatters and Nerta takes another sip of water.  
  
Sitting in a familiar Fronepu tavern with a bowl of stew, Nerta notes how quiet it is this time. The chill of winter and the armies of the Sunken Kingdom on the march gave a far more oppressive atmosphere than a tournament rioting in the streets.
+
She needed it.  
  
She'd come out of the sewer with the head of a bogwraith to the tavernkeeper's insistence on a meal. It was an added reward to the posted bounty, but a welcome one.  
+
The digging had been sweaty work, and her injured arm throbbed. But either the Life Taker or the Weaver of Fate had spared these people.  
  
The letters less so.
+
Moments like this are fleeting. Usually families aren’t reunited, they’re mourning. So Nerta enjoys the relative calm and leans back till her hood falls away so the sun can play across her face.  
  
The Old Man had frowned and tisked, muttering about the Valentic Order throughout reading her the exchanges. Finally she'd interjected with the stab of a spoon.
+
But even the sun sets eventually.  
  
"What does it matter what some Patrician on the other side of the world thinks about temples?"
+
“This is the ''thing''?
  
"Nerta, I'm going to assume your tired after hunting beasts in the dark." Pretending to sit next to her the shade sighs and gestures to another scroll, "This faith they speak of is expansive and by these very accounts, militant. Nevermind that conflict between humanity is one of our greatest weakness, to anger this faith is to invite some crusade or another."
+
The sneer guard captain blocks the light as an underlying prods Nerta’s shoulder with a spear.
  
With a sigh the woman leans back and scrubs her face with one hand, trying to wake herself, "Okay, so why then? Why are we even talking about this?"
+
“Yes sir, one of those mountain folk.”
  
"Well..." The specter scratches at his beard, ethereal grave dust drifting, "Though many adopt the the old ways and seek to win the love of the Gods, they retain newer ways of thinking. Valentic ways, we called it back in the day."
+
“Folk? You give these beasts too much credit Cedric.
  
"Yes you muttered about them, with the same tone you use for 'barbarians'," her tired voice dry, the woman shifts in her seat and tries to stretch her back against the corner.
+
Nerta scans the small contingent. Forty… she could take them, but only if she was willing to kill some….
  
The Old Man smirks, "Good catch. The Valentic Order was alwasy more militant, more concerned with orthodoxy, truth," he pauses, "and power."
+
“I said stand up beast! I know you speak language.
  
"Mmmm," she winces and adjusts the digging pressure, "So you figure these guys are just, what? Itching to prove they're right and Daishi is wrong or something?"
+
… most.
  
"A man who will lead a rebellion is a man of conviction, and those who will follow him are comfortable with risk." He raises a finger, "And power."
+
“It has been a good day Captain and I would rather it continue, for both of us. I am indeed from the Roof of the World, but I mean your people no har….
  
Signing the woman turns back to her stew, back still tight, "And you weren't?"
+
The prod of a second spear cuts her off as the captain with the curly moustache scowls.
  
The shade's smile is almost boyish, "I had other avenues of power. Besides, the quest is too important to play dice for the fate of Beluaterra."
+
“No harm? There was a Crystal-Cursed landslide. Everyone knows your kind cause disasters and ill luck.
  
"Your piety still surprised me at times, so at odds with your cynicism."
+
“I just '''saved''' those people.
  
"Piety is not as impressive when it comes from knowledge rather than faith. Before my death I walked the halls of the Gods and after," he frowns, "they made it clear the price of our failure."
+
The woman’s tone flat, her eyes glitter with malice but the array of spears hold her back.  
  
"Ya... Humanity under the talon of a dragon, forever."
+
“I will not debate with the likes of you. Cedric! Take this thing to the dungeons, this will be a matter for the duke.
  
They sit in silence for a time, the stew growing cold as appetite fades. Finally Nerta sighs and pushes it away, "Fine, I'll get some scribe to write your reply."
+
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
 
"It would be easier if you learned how to write you know..."
 
 
 
"Don't start with me Old Man," rising to her feet she smiles faintly, "Besides if I do, what will you have to do all day?"
 
 
 
​"​​​​​​Relax?"
 
 
 
Nerta snorts and pushes out into the cold, "You don't know how."
 
 
 
"No," he smiles, "I guess I don't."
 
|Title= [[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
  
 
|-
 
|-
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
+
|Captured!
|Width=100%
+
You have been spotted and captured by enemy patrols.
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Ryosuke Guile
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=For me, I wish to see the common folk of Firbalt enlightened as I have been. The temple of Daishi that exists in my city is increasingly derelict and abandoned by both noble and commoner alike. I do not like having such an eyesore within the city limits, nor do I personally agree with the Daishist hold over my peasants.
 
 
 
When I manage to return to Firbalt from my rounds, I will reach out to the elders of their faith and notify them that they can come and close their temple down, or leave it for my Dawnguard to do. It will depend on how long it would take them to come and dismantle the remains of the structure...
 
 
 
But to put it as plainly as possible, for me it is a matter of desiring my peasants being of a like mind, at least in faith. Nothing against Daishi, as I have heard next to nothing about/from them.
 
 
 
That being said, Irondale still remains open to all faiths, and Lords are entitled to build or destroy temples on their own lands as they wish, according to the ancient rights of nobility. Provided it is not a Mordokian temple being built. I’ll have the hands, tongue, and teeth of any of those cannibals that I find in my domain.
 
 
 
Under the Masked One’s Sight,
 
Vox Noctis,
 
|Title=Hierophant, Defence Minister of Irondale, Margrave of Firbalt
 
}}</center>
 
 
|-
 
|-
  
|-
 
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Alice Schwarzherzig
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=Grass does not turn the mountain into more grass. If we allow this "grass" to turn more of the mountain into grass, how much of the mountain will be eaten by goats and the like?
 
 
One nibble is too much.
 
|Title=Viscountess of Porl
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
 
|-
 
|-
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
+
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Width=100%
|Type=Letter
+
|Type=Roleplay
|Sender=Ryosuke Guile
+
|Sender=Soren Navaar
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=I thought we liked goats, though? Duke Remus is quite a goat-minded man, after all! There is Honour, and Beauty, in the goat!
+
|Content="Prison?" Soren sighed, shaking his head. Probably Thalmarkin. Probably for something stupid. That was where he had last seen her, and he didn't doubt she was still out there. He pondered over if he could even help her or not.
  
Perhaps I’m just not understanding the mountain/grass/goat metaphor.
+
Katria, the first daughter of one of the river lords, stepped forward with a smug look on her face. "If I may, sir? That woman doesn't deserve your time anyway. She's uncouth, a drifter hardly better than an adventurer, and I can't see why you would spend your time with her."
  
Regardless, I like goats. They are delicious.
+
Soren shook his head again, this time at his assistant. "Then you haven't been paying attention," Soren told her, ignoring the offense she took at that statement. Setting aside the latest harvest reports Katria had originally come to deliver, he took a blank piece of parchment and picked up his pen. "There's more to her than just what you see on the surface, Katria."
  
Vox Noctis,
+
"She seems to hate you."
|Title=Hierophant, Defence Minister of Irondale, Margrave of Firbalt
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
Soren laughed, but didn't give her a response.
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
+
|Title=Count of Seven Rivers
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Quincy Stormreaver
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=Fellow Followers,
 
 
 
When I came to Irondale I joined the Dashi because that's what the people of my region worshiped, as did many others in the realm; I saw nothing wrong with it at the time.  As the days and weeks past, I noticed how stagnant and self-serving many of the followers were and prayed that there was a better alternative, like the gods of my father: The Old Gods.  My prayers have been answered and I see no reason not to share this faith with others as well as remove the temptation of corruption and sloth from those who don't know better.  The common folk need to be shown and told what is right, they can't be trusted to make such decisions on their own, that's why they have us. 
 
 
 
A decision to remove the Dashi taint is a decision to empower the Old Gods and the people.  I will always do as much as possible within my power (reasonably, of course) to keep my people on the right path.
 
 
 
Iron Within and Sexy Velvet Without,
 
|Title=Keeper of Law of Irondale, Viscount of Aesh
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
 
 
|-
 
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Tristan De La Fere
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=Whats next? Somebody tells us to live peacefully with the Children also? Share bread with the undead? No. We must prove our worth.
 
|Title=Earl of Baqua
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
 
 
|-
 
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Alice Schwarzherzig
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=I joined the Daishi once too. I was told to join by old man Willy, and I quote, "because Daishi is the tool which Nothoi uses to coordinate its wars." I for one cannot tolerate such a vile lie. A message group masquerading as a religion is disgusting.
 
|Title=Viscountess of Porl
 
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
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|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Width=100%
|Type=Letter
+
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
|Recipients=Everyone in The Old Gods
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=It is good that everyone is passionate.  
+
|Content=It's hard to tell time in a dungeon. But the pale woman is able to count heartbeats by the throb of her injured arm. Five hundred beats after the Old Man had decided to look around the citadel, the door to her cell opens with a screech.  
  
Alice; the noble defender, worried for the sake of the common folk and disgusted at hypocrisy.<br>
+
Expecting a guard, the appearance of a nervous young man dressed as a page is curious. As is the medical kit thrust toward her.  
Quincy; the champion against corruption, seeking to shepherd others as a father would a child.<br>
 
Tristan; reminding us that conflict between humanity is fruitless when there are monsters to slay.<br>
 
  
And of course Ryosuke; the bringer of enlightenment.
+
“Uh… miss Nerta, y-you need some medicine and bandages right?”
  
All of these are noble goals from noble men and women. Righteous fury at the injustice of the world is the only reasonable response. But we must ask ourselves: Do we seek justice? For if we do we must be prepared to surrender ourselves as well.  
+
Her breath steaming in the cool air, she swallows hard to clear her throat.
  
Alice, a woman who despises the hypocrite and the faithless, will not shy from the truth. Humanity invaded these lands with the intent to win them. When force of arms was not enough some of our ancestors lost hope and fled. Others chose to learn; to win the love of the Gods. Quincy's grandfather might say that such was a corruption of the ways of our ancestors: To leave our powerless faiths at the sea and adopt a new one tied to this land; but it is not so. Like Ryosuke, Quincy's father sought enlightenment and in finding it, realized the gravity of our injustice to the Children of the Old Gods, and of our forebears to the Dragons. But as Tristan reminds, we did this for a noble end: For a bright future for our people. So while we have done these terrible things and shall continue to do them, we must do so with full acceptance of who and what we are.  
+
"Thank you, lad. I hope the Old Man wasn’t too big of a scare.
  
The Daishi are hollow. Tragic.<br>
+
The boy fidgets with his tunic while Nerta opens the pack to pull out salve and alcohol.  
The Daishi are corrupt. Inexcusable. <br>
 
The Daishi are militant. Ignoble. <br>
 
The Daishi lead the people astray. Horrible.<br>
 
  
But we are '''not''' the Daishi. We are the Followers of the Old Gods. <br>
+
“It’s alright miss. I heard about what you did down at the quarry…”
We know the truth, of this land and of ourselves. <br>
 
Through that knowledge we will bring about the golden age of humanity on this continent. <br>
 
Do not let righteous fury seduce you into what you despise. <br>
 
  
We are not hypocrites because we do not hide what we are. <br>
+
A faint smile turns to a wince as she cleans the wound, and the page fills the silence.  
We are not corrupt because we allow our youth to reach enlightenment by merit of it's own worth, as a father would to a cherished son.<br>
 
We are not prone to the squabbling of others because we keep vigilant watch on the real enemy. <br>
 
  
We are a passionate people, but that passion is tempered by '''wisdom'''.  
+
“The Captain is just worried about the war, the army was routed in Qual and there’s been looting.
|Title= [[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
 +
The splash of alcohol has Nerta hiss and tense, leading the page to nearly jump out of his skin. As the pain subsides, Nerta shrugs.
  
|-
+
“The captain arrested me for the same reason you’re staring.”
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
+
|Width=100%
+
The boy had the decency to flush and look away, leaving Nerta to fill the silence.
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Quincy Stormreaver
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=Followers,  
 
  
I appreciate Lady Nerta's urging of caution and tempered wisdom. As a matter of fact, my reaction is quite tempered from my initial urgings when I left the Dashi to literally burn all their temples to the ground.  Now my desire is simply to convert these houses of ill-repute to places more wholesome like brothels and strip clubs.  Win-win.
+
“It’s alright. I’m used to it.
  
All this is hypothetical, for the moment, anyways since there is no Dashi temple in my region.  Should I acquire a different region in the future, the untitled 'Dashi to brothel' project will be enacted for the betterment of all.
+
Working the salve into the cut, she continues.
  
Iron Within and Sexy Tempered Velvet Without,
+
“I heard others being released but I’m still here. Why?”
|Title=Keeeper of Law, Viscount of Aesh
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
 +
The boy rubs his head and glances over his shoulder.
  
|-
+
“The Duke’s busy with the war and the Captain wants you transferred out of the city and to the judge.”
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Grante Le Monte
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=Fellow Followers,
 
  
I am glad this has stirred up discussion. I do not intend to tear it down immediately as I am still getting to know the peasantry here and believe that would start that relationship off on the wrong foot. Thus why I requested that a priest come and help begin the process to opening their eyes to the Old Gods and how we must prove ourselves to them so that we gain their favor over their children. I do not believe that is possible if too much of humanity believes in false gods.
+
Nerta snorts as she winds the bandages around her arm.  
|Title=Duke of Land's End, Margrave of Fianik
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
“The Royal Judge for little old me? I guess the Ice Queen was in a hurry to balance her scales of fate.
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Gadwin Ardent
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=What is this 'strip club' Lord Quincy spoke of? Is this a wood working facility or some religious site of the Old Gods? I am wholly unfamiliar with this term.
 
|Title=Viscount of Daisha
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
Tying off the bandage, Nerta folds back up the pack and pushes it toward him with her foot.
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Quincy Stormreaver
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=Lord Gadwin,
 
  
It is most certainly a 'wood working facility' and should be a religious site for everyone, especially the Followers.
+
“Thank you lad, now get going before you get in trouble. I have to clean up my cell for company after all.
|Title=Keeeper of Law, Viscount of Aesh
+
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
  
 
|-
 
|-
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
+
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Width=100%
|Type=Letter
+
|Type=Report
|Sender=Gadwin Ardent
+
|Sender=Elios Everlight
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=I am slowly becoming more familiar with the lore of the Old Gods. Enough that I may gave a few questions worth asking.
+
|Content=Most Honoured Duchess Anyte, Senex Nerta:
  
Who is this 'Old Man' I have heard referenced so often?
+
The Temple in my city has never looked so impressive. How has Vore come to be bestowed with such an honour?
  
Where have the Augurs gone?
+
Senex, I do not believe that we have met. I wonder that his Majesty has not noted your presence, what with the war and all. Would it be wise to trust that your intentions here are all above board? Not to throw bald suspicion upon you, Lady; I ask openly of a peer.
  
Have there been no Augurs of gods aside from the Ice Queen? Those touched by other gods or goddesses?
+
For the North,
  
Where did our knowledge of the Old Gods first come from? Was it the Elemental Scroll of Time?
+
|Title=Duke of Vore
 
 
Who first brought knowledge of the Old Gods to the people of Beluaterra? Was this Aldo Unti?
 
 
 
What happened to the man or woman who brought these truths to us all?
 
 
 
I am sure I will have many more questions but I feel these are a good start. I thank any who may respond in advance - your guidance is most appreciated.
 
|Title=Viscount of Daisha
 
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
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|Type=Roleplay
 
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
|Recipients=Everyone in The Old Gods
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=Heavy
+
|Content=Nerta squints in the morning light as she steps from the citadel as a free woman once more.
 
 
With a grunt Nerta loads another sack of flour into the cart, "How do you want to respond?"
 
 
 
The confused plebian miller holding open the letter furrows his brow, "Pardon?"
 
 
 
Shifting another sack, the woman waves a hand, "Sorry, not you. My ghost."
 
 
 
Bemused the bearded specter glances back, inclining his head to the shade of the miller's wife, "Self-effacingly of course."
 
 
 
"Careful dear, they're talking politics," the flickering shade with a flower in her hair wrings her hands and ushers the poor man along. "Let's go get them that ichor ale we promised for all the help with the attic mite and let them talk."
 
 
 
The miller turned letter stand, rolls up the paper and sighs, "My dear, we've not had any ichor ale since the old Lord Kedri passed."
 
 
 
"Oh right," turning to the extra hands of the day the shade curtsies, "So sorry, my memory isn't what it used to be."
 
  
Nerta lets out a grunt and pauses to wipe her brow with one sleeve, "It's alright, I have to put up with him after all."
+
“Here,” the captain sniffs and extends her cloak, “if you must be released among honest folk, have the decency to cover yourself.
  
The miller nods and moves to pick up another sack, but Nerta waves the bent man off leaving him to harrumph and sigh, "So you say m'lady. Still don't know why I can't see your's. Ghost's a plenty in the north by your 'Old Man' won't make an appearance? Not that I'm calling you a liar, you understand, just mighty strange. "
+
The woman says nothing to the guard’s sneer, but as she adjusts the hood another figure trots up atop a splendid charger. The resplendent man is bearded with hazel-green eyes and sandy hair.  
 
 
"It's alright miller. He doesn't... know, either." Tossing the last flour onto the cart back Nerta stretches and sighs, "You're taking all of these to the lord's manor, right? Might I hitch a ride? I need a scribe and I'll guess your hand isn't as steady as it once was."
 
 
 
The miller lets out a chuckle and holds up a hand, "Steady as the Kadara but no, I can't read. If you want a ride I'll take you into town, least I can do. Just let me get the horses and we can go."
 
|Title= [[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
“Senex, I do not believe that we have met. The Temple in my city has never looked so impressive”
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Recipients=Everyone in The Old Gods
 
|Content=Let me see what I can do to answer your questions Gadwin.
 
  
''Who is this 'Old Man' I have heard referenced so often?''
+
The horse stamps and he pulls at the reins.
  
The Old Man is exactly that, a man of years who provides answers, and the occasional unwelcome song. He happily invites you to come by the [[Melhed/Agyrian_Academy|Agyrian Academy]] for a drink so you two can get to know each other. 
+
“Still, I wonder that his Majesty has not noted your presence, what with the war and all. Would it be wise to trust that your intentions here are all above board?”
  
''Where have the [[Old Gods/Mysticism|Augurs]] gone?''
+
His smile earns a grumble from the guard captain.
  
The Blooded are still around, but since the temple was closed for so long, most don't know what they are. But for a while there we had more than a few in our circle yet strangely they have left ever since Keffa.
+
“Not to throw bald suspicion upon you, Lady; I ask openly of a peer.
  
''Have there been no Augurs of gods aside from the Ice Queen? Those touched by other gods or goddesses?''
+
Checking her gear, Nerta cranes her neck to eye the looming man for several heartbeats. Based on his comfort in the saddle and claim to the city, this must be the Duke of Vore.
  
Beyond the [[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]] and the Blooded the other Gods have not seen fit to bless or curse any other humans. For good or ill. 
+
“You’re a peer, are you?
  
''Where did our knowldge of the Old Gods first come from? ''
+
The very same Duke who’s dungeons she’d spent a week in.
  
The [[Old Gods/Chronicles|Chronicles of the Age]] tell the story of how humanity came to know of the Old Gods. The Dark Mistress in human guise visited the cities of man and taught them the power of Incindia and Fertilis along with the secrets of the land. Eventually the first colonists grew suspicious of the woman and uncovered her divinity, after which she vanished. 
+
“Well, why didn’t you say so...
  
''Was it the [[Elemental Scroll of Time|Elemental Scroll of Time?]]''
+
Alarm bells ring for the captain at the tone of the ‘thing’, but he’s not fast enough to stop Nerta snatching her spear and launching herself in a run. Crossing the distance as a scuttling blur, the woman springs from the ground toward the cavalier.
  
The Elemental Scroll of Time was the first legendary artifact to be discovered, and though it contained many secrets it did came years after the Old Gods were known. 
+
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
 
''Who first brought knowldge of the Old Gods to the people of Beluaterra? Was this Aldo Unti?''
 
 
 
[[Unti Family/Aldo|Aldo Unti]] was not the first to know of the Old Gods, but he was the first to bring it to the attention of the Patricians. It was part of the [[Melhed/History/Age_of_Reason/Reformation|"Reformation"]] in the north more than 16 years ago.
 
 
 
As for what happened to him, he died of course. It was a long time ago after all.
 
|Title= [[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
 
 
|-
 
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Gadwin Ardent
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=Thank you for your time Priestess Nerta, you have answered many questions and sparked more - should you or others be so willing as to continue my education.
 
 
 
I have read the Chronicles but could not find much information about the Chronicles themselves. Where were the Chronicles of the Age discovered? When and by who?
 
 
 
Who leads the faithful now? The structure of the faith I read about in the libraries does not seem to line up with what I could gather at the temples.
 
 
 
Are their programs for guiding those who would aspire to the priesthood or is this more of a personal path for each individual?
 
 
 
Again, I look forward to learning more and thank you all for your patience and efforts. I do not always know what questions to ask so if it seems clear to any of you that I am missing something obvious, do feel free to bring it up. I am more interested in learning than looking smart at this time and in these matters.
 
|Title=Viscount of Daisha
 
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
 
  
 
|-
 
|-
|colspan=1 |<center>{{Message2
+
|Training Match
|Width=100%
+
Elios Everlight, Duke of Valour, Margrave of Vore meets his challenger Nerta Unti, Dame of Agyr, Priestess of The Old Gods for the agreed training match.
|Type=Letter
+
Both participants are using the 'overrun' strategy, so that neither has an advantage.
|Sender=Gadwin Ardent
+
After a series of blows, Nerta wins the training match.
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=Also, while I sent a similar missive to the nobles of Irondale, I feel it would be prudent to repeat the message here for those who do not call the Republic home.
 
 
 
I have recently been honored with the Lordship of Daisha. As the new Viscount, I would welcome and encourage any and all priests or priestesses of the Old Gods to come to Daisha and share the faith with the locals here - myself included.
 
 
 
My only restriction is that the conversion of Daisha to the Old Gods be handled in a manner that is not damaging to the region, Duchy or Realm. Some discomfort is expected but a smooth transition is desired.
 
|Title=Viscount of Daisha
 
}}</center>
 
 
|-
 
|-
  
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|Width=100%
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Type=Roleplay
|Sender=Soren Navaar
+
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
|Recipients=Everyone in The Old Gods
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=Soren had spent the last couple of days within the depths of his estate, the Udara Manor in Seven Rivers. Since the incident with the boar creature, a number of the minor lords had begun coming to him to provide additional services that he did not request. Two had offered to get him goods at a lower rate than the other could provide. Another offered him better horses than he had ever seen. When asked why he hadn't provided them the first time the lord managed to slink away unnoticed, but only because the Shieldborn representative came asking for five hundred militia to go and retake Black Jaw's Conquest. Of all the visitors, only Katria of the Kadara family had been allowed to stay on hand as she had shown a sense of duty to the people before her family's coin purse. The other family, the Llorn, had only come by to offer support in reigning in the chaos the rogue Children had created.
+
|Content=Nerta crashes into the Duke before he draws his sword, but Elios holds his seat through training and reflex. Adapting quickly, the woman plucks a knife from her belt to lunge. It forces Elios to release the saddle and parry with his bracer.  
  
With Katria turning most of the proper noble guests away Soren had made himself comfortable in the back, playing a number of tunes on a lute. Most people payed the lord little mind as he scribbled a word here, a note there, playing with a smile. He scribbled a small note, something to bring up to Wren the next time he saw her if he remembered the song bird adventurer's music correctly. He looked like he was doing something silly, but he was studying as much as writing, not that it was clear to the naked eye. He was trying to capture the right note and it was just out of his grasp when he heard the cart pull up. The note was gone, and he sighed as he set his lute down and wandered over to the back of the courtyard.
+
Legs alone control the dancing horse as the blade switches hands for a second swing. But the Duke grabs her arm and ripostes with a heavy crack to her ribs.  
  
The dark haired noble made it to the gate as the guard at the back opened it up. Soren gave the miller a smile. "Back already?" he asked politely, stepping aside for the man to bring the cart in. Getting an affirmative answer, Soren was about to walk away until a shiver ran through him. He stopped and looked around. A sound, just beyond what he would call a normal range, rang in his ear. The flipping of a coin.
+
Thrown back against the neck of the panicking charger, Nerta grabs his arm and pulls Elios forward into a right hook.  
  
He looked back at the cart, spotting the priestess on board, and nodded. "Got yourself a new assistant?" He stepped closer to try to take a better look at her, not noticing the light thud as something small fell out of his pocket. Closer inspection would reveal the old Consul's Seal of Melhed he had taken to carrying as a good luck charm. "Pleasure to meet you. Soren Navaar, at your service, Miss..."
+
Dazed and unable to pull free, Elios hammers with his left. The flailing metal crunches Nerta’s injured arm to a hiss of pain.  
|Title=Count of Seven Rivers
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
From there everything about the woman is a blur of fabric and hands. When things settle, the Duke finds his left arm pinned as well and Nerta peering up at him close enough to taste the sweat on her brow.  
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Recipients=Everyone in The Old Gods
 
|Content=As the cart rolls to a stop, the hooded Nerta grips the side and glances around the small courtyard. The estate was hardly the most prosperous, but at least it seemed in good repair. The melodic voice cuts her inspection short. A senechal perhaps? Hmm given his bearing and mode of dress, not to mention the icon affixed his cloak, he must be the lord.
 
  
Raising a hand in greeting, the woman slips from the cart, “I am called Nerta, and unless I miss my guess you’re the one with old songs even though you don’t look as ancient as Bob.
+
Eyes wide she clicks something in the back of her throat before swallowing hard.
  
Soren nodded. “That would be me, aye. I have some old books from the Academy in my library. Actually, that battle one required some translation to make sense, so I’m glad my work is so popular.His plain dress lacked any coat showing his comfort in the biting winter chill and expectation of a quiet night without visitors.
+
“Peer?
  
As he reached past Nerta, Soren paused just before he grabbed a sack of flour. “So you must be the Priestess answering questions.” He quickly gave a bow and flashed a smile. “A pleasure to meet you at last.
+
Her breath washes across his beard and, despite the tremble from adrenaline, her hand remains steady as the knife presses to his throat.
  
He reached into the cart and threw a sack of flour on his shoulder. Despite his musical nature, Soren had trained for a long time and it showed.
+
“Maybe I should put '''you''' in a little box for a week...
  
“And you must be the man of old books as well. Aren’t you full of surprises.” Slipping out of Soren’s way, the woman notes his willingness to help even as she shrugs, “I just help folks same as always, though only sometimes it works. I do need to send a few more responses though, perhaps I can borrow your scribe?”  
+
“THE DUKE! TO ARMS!
  
Soren nodded again. “Of course,” he said as he started about unloading the cart. He didn’t seem to have many words for someone that liked to perform. “Ah… They may be about today. Jakken ri Shieldborn has been… persistent in requesting a small army to take back Black Jaw’s Conquest. It’s just a swamp,” he said with a laugh. “I have all the supplies you may need.
+
Sweat drips from Elios’ nose to splash on her own, but Nerta’s gaze never stops boring into those hazel-green eyes.
  
Nerta remains aloof of Soren’s toil, tugging her cloak tight about herself, “Trouble of some form that needs a scribe? Or do you mean every able body is heading off to this ‘Black Jaw’s Conquest’?
+
“Now Duke, tell them to stand down. This is between ''peers'' after all.
 
+
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
|Title= [[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
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|Width=100%
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Type=Roleplay
|Sender=Soren Navaar
+
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
|Recipients=Everyone in The Old Gods
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=“Knowing Jakken? Both.
+
|Content=Nerta knew that a man like the captain is a coward. He will do nothing while a knife sits at the Duke's throat.
  
He signaled his guard and called him over. “Can you check with Katria if any of the scribes are around? Lady Nerta has need of their services.
+
But the captain is not alone. There are soldiers, torn between duty and their petty tyrant. There are peasants, cooks, and groundskeepers- all transfixed at the sight.  
  
As the guard hurries off the woman makes quite the face, “Hardly a lady Soren, but if I must pretend to get things done I’ll do so.
+
But there is also a young boy who wants so much to honour his grandfather. A young boy who bravely ventured alone into the dungeons with medicine. A young boy who does what's right.
  
“Not a lady? If you say so, Priestess.” He grabbed another flour sack and set it on the ground, working out a good rhythm with the miller.
+
So while the crowd stands frozen, the young page picks up Nerta's spear and places the tip against her side.
  
“You know, now that I see you up close you’re a lot younger than I expected. That sermon of yours the other day had a lot of old virtues in it. Old as the Old Gods themselves, some might say.”
+
"Lady…"
  
Adding another sack to the pile he looked her over, “Old songs. Old knowledge…” He looked at Nerta like she was a puzzle to figure out. There was no malice or ill intent in his words or stance, but much of the calm and quiet had slipped away to the steady tone of someone in command.
+
Nerta's grip tightens on the knife, her knuckles turning white.  
  
Nerta’s eyes narrow, “You’re not the only one with access to the Academy. I’ve done a lot of reading.
+
"...please."
  
“Miller, your payment is at the gates,” he said, gently ushering the man away as the last sack hit the ground. His eyes never left the priestess.
+
The blade falls from her hand and she finally closes her eyes.  
 
+
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
“And yet you want to borrow a scribe while wearing a heavy cloak for early winter,” he commented quietly, once the miller was out of earshot.
 
 
 
Fishing in his belt pouch, Soren’s curiosity shifts to concern as he looks to the ground. Spotting something out of the corner of his eye, he bends down and holds up an old item and laughs at his own behavior, but is still clearly relieved. “I inherited quite a few things from old Melhed,” he said as he offered her the seal to look at. “I don’t know if this means anything to you, but I keep it as a sign of aspirations to come.”
 
 
 
Nerta considers the offered seal for a long moment but slowly reaches out to accept the odd trinket. Turning it in her hand she nods, “I’m foederati and if you’re okay with that, I’ll help you put away the flour.
 
 
 
|Title=Count of Seven Rivers
 
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
  
 
|-
 
|-
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
+
|Captured!
|Width=100%
+
You have been spotted and captured by enemy patrols.
|Type=Letter
+
|-
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Recipients=Message to the Old Gods
 
|Content=The only trouble Gadwin is finding time to scribe out the letter.
 
  
To my understanding the Chronicles of the Age were first translated from the monster tongue by Aldo Unti. I think he got them from the Tribes of the Foederati.
+
|-
 
+
| Huge Battle Fought
As for the structure of the faith, it has been reestablished but not yet organized. Miebla has been pretty busy I hear, so once she has some time she'll no doubt set up the same basic structure as there was before. That said... the Old Gods has always been a fairly decentralized faith, personal in its expression and unique in its character. There remains one goal but each person finds their own path to reach it.
+
Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Vore:<br>
 
+
Ar Agyr vs. Thalmarkin<br>
Some sought to serve as administrators, like the Council of the previous temple. They focused on maintain the buildings that all the Patricians always wanted littered around the place. While Guardians just moved on circuits helping people with local problems and providing answers. Celebrants studied and distributed alchemy to those in need. All while the Vanquishers took to the direct approach and slew monsters. All of these positions and more were created by folks carving out their own niche, so who knows what might arise in the current age?
+
Estimated strengths: 830 men vs. 290 men<br>
|Title= [[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
+
The Angry Agyrian Army (Ar Agyr), sponsored by Queen Aibhlidhn Dubhaine, were led into battle by Marshal Rowan Hawk.<br>
}}</center>
+
Duke Aeravon Velaryon is spotted wearing the Cruel Ring of Sartania, the Shield of Battle & the Scythe of Vlaanderen<br>
 +
Count Bergelmir Crownguard is spotted wielding the Grisly Mace of Angmar.<br>
 +
Countess Lady Nostalgia Fate is spotted wearing the Blessed Chain of Piety.<br>
 +
Attacker Victory!<br>
 
|-
 
|-
  
Line 620: Line 339:
 
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
|Recipients=Everyone in Old Gods
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=The trend of unstated wealth, minimal decorations and rugged functionality continues inside Soren’s estate.  Among the ornaments of the lord’s travels hung the frayed remains of his first regimental standards along with the flags of Nothoi, Obia'Syela, and more recently Ar Agyr. Indeed it seemed the man was well traveled, yet Nerta’s pensive gaze is drawn to a battered shield, bearing the faded remains of a familiar wolf paw. The symbol of Melhed.  
+
|Content=Deep in the Vore Citadel sits a spider. It makes a home for itself in one corner of their cell, catching careless flies as they buzz about.
  
With a gesture at the shield, the hunched Nerta calls to her host, “You have quite the collection of the strange.
+
“Shouldn’t you be somewhere else Captain? It sounds like a war outside.” 
  
“Some inheritance. Some travel. I served two other realms that…” A slight pause as he tries several words on his tongue while casting a glance at the old standards he had on the wall. “They didn’t feel right,” he decided with a shake of his head. “I had to come back to the lands of my fathers before finally settling down,” he commented with a soft smile mocking the shadow that seemed to loom over him as he spoke of his ancestors. Soren gently took the shield down and presented it to Nerta, offering her a closer look. “It survived three battles with the Children before the owner fell in battle. Or so the story goes.
+
The man’s moustache twitches in the dark.
  
Accepting the old bulwark with a distracted furrow of her brow, Nerta seems to only half listen to Soren’s description. Eventually she turns the shield over and purses her lips, “So either a restless Romantic, a man out of time,” her gaze meets his at this, “Or perhaps a man keen to add to his collection?
+
“A war you brought, ''creature''.”
  
Uncertainty passed over his face as she studied the variety of objects in his home. He never had a need to decorate. An old item here or there. A mirror when something had to go up. He kept up just enough that the servants stopped complaining about a Lord’s home being so bare. Nerta’s words pull him back to the moment, and he laughed. “Would I know if it was the first two?”
+
Nerta smiles and shifts against the cold stone. 
  
Continuing to meet her intense gaze, Soren pensively tilted his head, just slightly to the left. “And what collection requires such a steady gaze, Miss Not-a-Lady Nerta?”
+
“First I caused a landslide, then I tried to assassinate the Duke, and now I brought a war. Despite all appearances, you must think highly of my abilities.” 
  
Silence stretches as Nerta seems to try and dig into the man with that gaze, but after a few more heartbeats she shakes her head and turns away to drop the shield atop a table, “I’ve only met a few people in the lowlands who are as, calm, about foederati as you. None of them were what they seemed.
+
Sour breath curls around the bars to the cell.
  
 +
“I think, it would be a shame if you escaped justice.”
  
Soren’s eyes light with humour, “Then perhaps it’s a good thing I spent half of my life in the mountains of Ren Madragas” Though proud of his joke, the light fades to be replaced with something heavier. “I learned to kill Daimons and Children there, but I also learned that ‘different’ is not necessarily your enemy.
+
The jingle of shackles cuts the deepening silence.
  
Arms crossed, Nerta pivots to Soren with a snort, “Learning to kill monsters hardly sounds like an education in tolerance. Especially not for those of us wrongly considered so close to monsters.
+
“If you open that door, I will kill you.” 
  
Her words caught him off guard. "A monster?" After seeing  beneath her cloak he could draw the parallels. "I could never see someone with your spirit as a monster," he said with a genuine smile.
+
A crossbow rises along with a sneer.
  
Her expression wry Nerta lets out a chuckle, “Touching on a bit of the Old Gods as well? How charming.”  
+
“And what will you do if I just shoot you from here?”
  
“Beyond the old gods, I bet you have some interesting stories,” he pondered aloud, with a hint of inspiration in his voice. This time, when he looked at her, he started to observe her cloak, and what lay under it. He mentally sketched her figure, as if she were the hero of a song. A fine match. "You would make a beautiful heroine in any tale,” he added.
+
Bowing her head, Nerta’s hands clench behind her back.
  
Her tone cool, the woman turns and stalks into the study, “Yes, so the Gods have informed me.”
+
“Still a coward even with all that wine…”
  
From his vantage beyond the veil the Old Man winces. Heroics were always a sore spot with his stubborn charge. This Soren was curious though, the name wasn’t familiar but then again it had been a literal Age. If only he had the records. Drifting along with the pair as they pass into the study, the shade takes his time to inspect the room even if Nerta spares only a glance for it’s strategic viability. The man certainly had austire tastes, Melite tastes. The garden was a nice touch, added some warmth to the room, and of course the weapons were always handy. Indeed he had quite the collection with the bows, spears and swords.  
+
Nerta flinches as the door rattles, and the flush face of the captain presses against the bars.  
  
Yet of all the items it was the old map that drew Nerta’s gaze.  
+
“You think you’re so clever. Tricking everyone. Pretending to be a noble. You’re not better than me. You’re nothing.”
  
|Title= [[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
+
Eyes glitter in the dark as the man spits the words.
}}</center>
 
|-
 
 
 
|-
 
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Sender=Soren Navaar
 
|Recipients=Everyone in The Old Gods
 
|Content=As she draws a hand along the frame she muses aloud, “I’ve never seen a map of Beluaterra. It is certainly, strange…”
 
  
Soren stepped easily beside her and started pointing to a number of regions with sweeping motions. "All these areas lost to the blight. I can't imagine what other damage was done that we could not see." He swept a finger from Reeds around to Obia'Syela over to Seven Rivers where they stood now, a note to his own travels.
+
“The Duke punished you, so now it’s my turn. But despite being chained naked in a cell, I’m terrifying. So you’ve been drinking and brought a crossbow. I have to say, I’m not impressed.” 
  
“It’s… done a lot more damage than it shows, a lot more. But still this is more physical than I thought.” Her lips compressing in a thin line she casts a glance to Soren from the corner of her eye, “Oh wonderful, we need even more ‘heroics’.
+
The man purples with rage and drink, his voice echoing in the tiny cell.
  
"What are heroes, but a few stubborn souls willing to give crazy a try?" he asked with a laugh.
+
“Shut up you bitch! I’ll kill you.
  
“Foolish playthings of the Gods destined for an early grave. Don’t let your Romantic ideals see you killed.” Snapping out her retort she turns to the desk, “Now. Where is this scribe? I’ve a great many letters to send.
+
The door rattles again as the bow swings into view, but this time Nerta doesn’t flinch and instead rises to her feet.
  
Soren chuckled. "I don't see any around, so I guess you are still stuck with me, Miss Nerta." He pulled his chair back and moved it for her to take a seat as he gathered one of the guest chairs for himself, wanting to show some respect for the priestess' position. He brings the chair around and takes a seat beside her. "I'll write your letters for you."
+
“I know you will. But that’s not what you really want. No. You want me… crying. Because if I’m just some little girl sobbing at your feet, you don’t need to be afraid anymore.
  
At his offer Nerta shifts her weight with an awkward stiffness only matched by her tone, “Surely you’ve got better things to do than sit around copying missives….
+
The screams of the vanquished are muffled by the citadel’s thick walls.
  
"Surely you had better things to do than lug sacks of flour into a warehouse," he countered, reaching over to the ink bottle and taking out the stopper.
+
“But the army’s coming, Captain, so what’ll it be? Shoot me from there or come and take what you really want?”
  
A dry chuckle echoes from the window, “He’s got you there. Shall we cease the dance and get to business?”
+
The drunk’s laboured breathing is cut by the screech of the door. Lurching toward the prisoner, the stock of the bow cracks Nerta in the head as the man screams.
  
Soren would turn to find his view of the garden obscured by the old specter shimmering in the window. His heavily salted beard, straying hair and dusty attire speaks of genteel decay, yet his incindia lit eyes dance with mirth, “Though the lady has many fine thoughts, Nerta is not whom you will be transcribing. As for who I am,” the shade makes a show of bowing, “Aldo of House Unti,  there are some titles but they’re not terribly important any more.”
+
“Shut up you half-breed! I’m not afraid of monsters like you! You ''are'' just a little girl and I will make you cry, and beg and and…” 
  
Soren paused and looked over at the vision of the spirit in the window. His surprise was almost palpable, but the young lord simply closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. Stories of ghosts were one thing. He’d heard them many times. He knew many by heart. However, reality was something far more nerve wracking.
+
Nerta chitters as blood runs down her chin. 
  
From some reservoir of willpower came the deep breath that would ease his nerves, if only on the outside. Running the name around in his mind he sighed as he came upon Aldo Unti in the history he knew. He releases his nose and opens his eyes before turning his attention back to Nerta. “See? That is far more terrifying than you,” he said with a nervous laugh.
+
“I was wrong about you, you’re not a coward. Just a fool. I said I’d kill you if you opened that door, and I ''am'' a monster.” 
  
Rolling her eyes, Nerta stalks off to study the map once more, “Only because you lack imagination.
+
Fury’s scream changes to fear at the sight of her ''grotesque'' grin. He tries to pull away and level the bow. But she strikes and the fly dies in agony.
  
Cautiously, he looked back at the spectre, not letting his gaze linger long on the man’s eyes. “Consul Aldo Unti,” he said as he removed the Consul’s seal from his pocket once more before setting it on the desk, as if it might act as a ward. “The Old Man, I presume, and the man my great grandfather Soren Calanar served under before taking the same office.” Soren shakes his head and rubs his eyes once more to be sure he’s not seeing things. When he’s certain he isn’t, a sigh escapes his lungs. “Well, let’s get to writing letters then.”
+
Vae Victis
|Title=Count of Seven Rivers
+
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
  
 
|-
 
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|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
+
! Sack of Vore [[File:fire-silhouette.png|200px|center]]
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Aibhlidhn Dubhaine
 
|Recipients=Nerta
 
|Content=Priestess Nerta,
 
 
 
How do the Priests of the Old Gods regard the Daishi faith?
 
|Title=Queen of Ar Agyr
 
}}</center>
 
 
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|-
  
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+
|Type=Roleplay
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
+
|Sender=Ioulas Hwitt
|Recipients=Aibhlidhn Dubhaine
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=Your majesty,
+
|Content=Ioulas' heart beat in his chest louder than the war drums that resounded over the battlefield.  Strangely, this battle worried him more than the first one a day previous.  Scaling the walls and overrunning the relatively meagre defenders had been child's play.  His sister Calypso back on Dwilight had told horror stories of the attack on Libidizedd, of the thousands that had died upon the walls.  Compared to those stories, it had seemed a training exercise.  Not a single one of his soldiers had fallen in the battle, and Ioulas had drunk wine and broken bread with his soldiers in honor of their victory.
 +
 
 +
Now he saw what seemed to be over a thousand thousand men and women arrayed against their army, and Ioulas had to work to hide the fear that threaten to tear his breast apart.  He could not let his soldiers see his fear, and so he sat atop his mighty horse, Bucephalus, and tried his best to look imposing.  He wore the armor of his family back on Dwilight, with stylized muscled cuirass and silvered greaves.  He wore a classical helmet, a deliberate homage to antiquity,  plated in gold and bearing a motif of a mighty lion.  On either side of the helmet were two pink and white peacock feathers and adorning the top was a bright plume of royal blue.  Ioulas certainly thought he cast a dashing figure.
 +
 
 +
The horns suddenly blared their order to attack and the army moved as one, Ioulas and his Pezhetairoi locked their shields and extended their long pikes, called sarissae among his people on Dwilight.  The force moved forward deliberately with Ioulas wanting dismounting his horse and joining the first row of soldiers as they neared the enemy army.  His captain, a Beluaterran man named Madred, warned him against this, but Ioulas waved the concerns away saying, "The Gods will punish a coward that hides in the back behind his men!  Glory is on the front lines!  I will show this continent how brave the Hwitt's can be!"  Ioulas hoped that the men did not hear the shaking in his voice.
 +
 
 +
Before too long the tide of battle reached them.  Ioulas was surprised to see that what he had thought to be a huge army was in fact a rabble of countless peasants, throwing themselves at the ordered line of soldiers like swarm of angry insects.  They died like insects too.  The unarmored and undisciplined mob threw themselves onto the awaiting spears of the Pezhetairoi, and any that made it past the wall were cut down by Ioulas or some of the others easily.  Ioulas himself slew five men in the span of a few minutes, not a real soldier among the lot. 
  
That is a, complex question. As far as I can tell there is no hostility between the two faiths as they have similar goals: the destruction of the monsters and ascendency of humanity on Beluaterra.
+
Ioulas swung his sword, dispatching another unlucky soul who had attempted to hit him with a rusted and worn woodaxe and just like that it seemed, the battle was over. What remaining forces there were among the enemy were fleeing.  Ioulas took a moment to look over his soldiers and was elated to note that there was not a single fatality among them, only minor injuries. His earlier trepidation was replaced with excitement as Ioulas knew that the defenders would take time to reorganize themselves, now it was time take glory and reward among the enemy city.
  
However the Old Gods is a fairly decentralized faith, personal in its expression and unique in its character. There remains one goal but each person finds their own path to reach it. In the extreme case this has actually resulted in the creation of numerous separate faiths over the decades. Actually at least one scholar has mused that Daishi may be one such splinter though no one has dug into the Daishi records enough to verify it.  
+
"Men!  To the city streets, we will find where they hide their coffers and take our due!  Let us sleep on gold this night!"  Ioulas shouted to a general cheer among his soldiers, who looked forward to a chance to loot the enemy city. The soldiers moved into the city in orderly fashion and before too long found a building bearing the city seal. "There!  There men!  Let us go!"  Ioulas shouted, and before he could do anything more, his men surged forward.
  
Anyway, all I can say is that I personally have no issue around the Daishi faith and from my conversations with others it seems most within Ar Agyr are in similar opinion, or are indifferent.  
+
A few brave soldiers tried to stoped the two score soldiers from entering the tax office, but they were cut down easily as the Pezhetairoi were met with a stacks of gold coins that covered the small vault room from floor to waist height.  The soldiers swarmed it, filling their pockets, the sleeves, anything they could, while Madred ensured that Ioulas received the lion's share.  A noise suddenly arose from outside as the few sentries that had been posted outside the building raised the alarm.  Ioulas went to the window and was horrified to see that a mob of nearly 300 people had come out to try and kill his soldiers while they looted.  "Defend!  Into lines men!  Into lines!  Make rank!"  Ioulas shouted, and his men, feeling the danger, stopped their looting and obeyed.
  
I hope this answers your question but if you would like to know anything further I can direct you toward some of old records, or explain things myself.
+
What followed was a second slaughter, as nearly all of the 300 people were killed.  Ioulas could only watch as they impaled themselves one after the other on the spears.  Soon that too was over, and the streets were quiet once more.  In this chaotic fracas, Ioulas had nearly been surrounded, trying again to lead from the front, but the peasants had come from every side, and he had to kill even more people.  The soldiers held no mercy though, already high on battle, blood, and gold, and set about the task of putting down the peasants as efficiently as a farmer threshes grain.
  
Yours,
+
Soon the cobblestones of Vore were nearly ankle deep in crimson blood, as a pile nearly three feet high of dead became an impediment to their unordered attackers.  But through the din of the fight, Ioulas could see that the back numbers were beginning to run, as the peasants could see that their unruly attack had failed.  "Stop!  Stop men!  Let them go!  There is no more glory to be had in pointless slaughter here!  Let us take our prize and let our spears pierce the heart of soldiers!" 
|Title= [[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
Ioulas hoped it was his words that had stopped his men, rather than the lack of available targets, but stop they did as the peasants broke, running back into side streets and alleyways.  Screaming could be heard from the dying all around as Ioulas and Madred quickly took stock of the battle.  Not a single of his men had fallen, but hundreds lay dead before them. This was not what Ioulas had intended. Madred shook his young master, nearly shouting to him, "Ser Ioulas we must go before another waved tries their luck, or we will never make it out!"
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Aibhlidhn Dubhaine
 
|Recipients=Nerta
 
|Content=Thank you for your candour Priestess Nerta. I mainly ask because the great Daishi temple in Firbalt is to be closed by the Hierophant of Irondale - who wishes his peasants to become followers of the Old Gods - and I wished to know if this were a matter of faith or a matter of political hubris. I gather from your explanation that is most likely the latter.
 
  
Personally I follow the Daishi way but have no intention of making Ar Agyr a theocracy or restricting any other faith so long as it opposes the Daimons, nor do I want to see Ar Agyr drawn into any sectarian disputes.
+
Ioulas nodded and the soldiers quickly began an ordered withdrawl, pockets and sacks laden with the riches of the city.  Within half an hour, they reached the safety of the Agyran camp and the soldiers collectively breathed a sigh of relief.  Over 400 gold coins were counted among Ioulas' share of the haul, an amount he had never seen in one place.  Out of combat, the soldiers began to finally cheer their good fortune, and soon lifted Ioulas upon their shoulders, cheering his name and calling out, "Ioulas the golden lad!  Ioulas the golden lad!"
  
To encourage dialogue might I suggest you contact the Elders of Daishi via one of the temples across Ar Agyr? I believe High Shugenja Yao Ling would very much appreciate the chance to talk.
+
Any guilt Ioulas felt evaporated at the praise, and soon all were enjoying wine and food freely, and they celebrated the night away, waiting to see if the next day would bring repeated fortune.
|Title=Queen of Ar Agyr
+
|Title=Knight of Ieara
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
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|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
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|Width=100%
|Type=Letter
+
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
|Recipients=Yao Ling
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=Greetings High Shugenja Yao Ling of Daishi,
+
|Content=Soldiers pillage. The city burns. People scream.
  
We spoke once long ago but now I write to you as Senex of the Old Gods. My hope is to open contact and dialogue between the faiths for the betterment of humanity.
+
All under the Banners of Four Duchies.  
  
We can thank her majesty, Queen Aibhlidhn Dubhaine for this opportunity as she has made the contact possible.  
+
Arfordir rampages by the Azure Plaza, Havilmark holds the gatehouse, Avalon ransanks tax offices, while Jylmark is down by the quarry turned charnel pit.  
  
I can start by repeating much of what I told her majesty; as far as I can tell there is no hostility between the two faiths as they have similar goals: the destruction of the monsters and ascendency of humanity on Beluaterra.
+
"Looks like only Agyr is missing, but then Bob is too old to enjoy conquest, Rahger is nowhere in sight and I’ve been a ''guest'' of the Duke.
  
However the Old Gods is a fairly decentralized faith, personal in its expression and unique in its character. There remains one goal but each person finds their own path to reach it. Over the decades this has created numerous interpretations and variants, and in the extreme case has resulted in the creation of numerous separate faiths.
+
Nerta leans back from the window as Page Gavin returns, his arms piled with her clothes.
  
In that light, I have heard that the Hierophant of Irondale has taken a personal stance of religious unity within his lands. This is not a stance shared by the wider faith but I understand if you, or the Daishi faithful, have questions. I will do all in my utmost to answer.
+
“Nerta, I-I know you must hate me…”
 
 
Yours,
 
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
The woman snags pants and laughs.  
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Yao Ling
 
|Recipients=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Content=It is good to hear from you.
 
  
I was unaware of your faith until the Herophant messaged me about his intention to tear down the Daishi temple in his region.  Due to his faith in the Old Gods.  I asked for clarification, since I'm rather well aware that three quarters of his people follow Daishi, and he became most insulting towards me.
+
“Hate you? Given what I just did downstairs, I’d be a Crystal Cursed hypocrite if I hated you for winning a fight by trickery. You had no idea what the Captain was going to try.
  
I have been trying to get in contact with the leaders of the Old Gods faith ever since.  I messaged the Old Gods priest in Irondale but have received no response from him.  I was told about you by your queen and asked to be brought in contact with you.
+
Averting his eyes, Gavin remains a coat rack while Nerta dresses.
  
The short version is that I'm attempting to find a mutually acceptable solution for both our faiths to the situation he has initiated.
+
“I… I still need to ask for your help and I don’t deserve it.
  
Is that something you could help with, or is there another higher ranked than you I should speak with?
+
The woman squeezes into her shirt and adjusts it with a tug.
|Title=High Shugenja
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
 +
“No one ever does, but that’s never stopped me before. So let me guess, you’ve got a family you want to keep safe and you don’t think the Citadel will for long.”
  
|-
+
Boots roll toward the lady as Gavin nods.
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Recipients=Yao Ling
 
|Content=My thanks for the timely response Yao Ling,
 
  
I agree that the Hierophant is a man of surprises. To hear that he has not only designs upon your temple but also has taken a harsh tone is disappointing. I myself have only recently learned of these intentions, after you it seems. Needless to say the matter has sparked debate but the newer converts of Irondale are a passionate lot and like most youths, misguided. Alas I have limited tools at my disposal to force a king to kneel. But perhaps you can help me.
+
“It’s not just my family. People are dying out there, and… I dug into the reports after they locked you up again. You really do help people.
  
You see I have been penning sermons calling for the Dalesmen to shun conflict within humanity and focus their effort on the inhumans. For we all must unite against the Sunken Kingdom. Yet for their passion, revolutionaries are not one for tradition. Thus I hope to learn more of your faith so I might show how the Daishi also stand as champions of humanity against the tide. Through such unity of purpose we can find common ground and build a strong foundation.  
+
Cloak settling around her shoulders, Nerta pulls up the hood.  
  
I look forward to your reply,
+
“Someone has to. Come on, we’ll round up your family and anyone we can and hide them in the temple. Damn thing has to be good for something more than just books and statues.”
 
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
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|Width=100%
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+
|Type=Roleplay
|Sender=Yao Ling
 
|Recipients=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Content=I would be happy to learn more about your faith as well.
 
 
 
The short version of our faith is that follow gods who fight great enemies who want to destroy all the worlds and keep them from coming into our world.  They are great, powerful, armored gods whose weapons can flatten mountains and sink cities.  Daishi is one of the greatest of those gods, and so we name our faith after him.  Some of the minor foot soldiers sneak through the great battle lines out there at times.  We know them as the undead, the monsters, and sometimes the Daimons.
 
 
 
It is our to fight these enemies wherever and whenever they appear.  To keep them from getting a foothold in our world.  To keep them from taking it over.  Our temples are infused with anti-daimon magics, which is one of the reasons they tend to target and destroy them when they can.  Or send their followers to attack and destroy them.  There was a time, long ago, when the Daimons did manage to take over much of this world.  They covered the land in Blight, and even united humanity could not drive them out.  The gods did so in the end, but their weapons not only destroyed the Daimons, but also the very lands they held at the time.  Hence the many sunken cities around our lands.
 
 
 
We maintain the watch and stand ready to face them when they return.  It is our single and most abiding mission, and the reason we do not involve ourselves in the minor conflict of nations.
 
|Title=High Shugenja
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
 
 
 
 
|-
 
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
|Recipients=Yao Ling
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=A fascinating mythology Yao Ling. So if I understand, your armoured gods employ terrible weapons to do battle with the eldritch beings of the shadowland. My curiosity does raise questions: What do they seek in their conflict? Is there some goal that they strive toward?
+
|Content=Driving off a pair of Pezhetairoi soldiers from Arfordir with light wounds, Nerta rejoins the mob of peasants moving through the inferno. She had collected quite the congregation marching from the Citadel. Apparently religion is more appealing when death is close…
 
It also sounds as though these gods have given your people a mandate to confront the dragon-spawn. This is complementary to our own efforts to vanquish the monsters, which is quite encouraging. On that point…
 
 
The Followers strive to display the excellence of the human spirit in all they do. We call for unity among humanity in the face of the monsters, and encourage each Follower to find their own path to enlightenment. This personal character has created a wealth of myths, lore and practices which I invite you to consider at your leisure, but I could certainly explain one or two that catch your eye.
 
  
The Old Gods themselves are tied intimately to the land of Beluaterra and each Follower tends to be drawn to the one that fits their personal situation. Those inclined to strength of arm will call to the Wolf Lord. While the quick of wit turn to the Ephemeral Emperor. The clandestine look to the Masked One. The thoughtful and the dreamers are touched by the Ice Queen. Though it must be said that the Dark Mistress is by far the most popular as she consistently offers solace and aid to humanity.  
+
As both the temple and a familiar red mohawk come into view, Nerta raises her spear to shout.
  
If you would care to know more I would be happy to expand on any points but I must say it pleases me that, though our faiths do not share myths, we are united in purpose.
+
"Balin! I got tired of waiting for you to break me out. Care to help my new friends find a place to stay?”
 
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
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+
|Type=Roleplay
|Sender=Yao Ling
+
|Sender=Balin de Chaol Ghleann
|Recipients=Nerta the Weaver
+
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
|Content=The short version is that the enemies of the gods would destroy creation as we know it if they win.  Or perhaps recreate it in their own image.  Not everything is cut and dry you understand.  What the Daimons did to the land, bringing The Blight to our lands and making them poisonous to all life as we know it, is I assume a small measure of what the great enemies would do if they defeated the gods.
+
|Content=Balin, a hero in his own eyes, had just finished telling of his heroic deeds in the north, where scores of zombies fell to the might of the Old Gods who personally intervened to save their worthy followers. He spoke in hope to inspire those that watched him speak. The city was still burning, but a story of hope was good for folk to cling to while the going was bad. He nodded to himself pleased as he felt he managed to not only raise their spirits (morale rises by 5 % to 16 %), but also cause the watching citizens to become more patriotic.
 
 
And our mandate to fight the servants that make is soul deep for us.  Even our deaths do not bring it to an end.  Those of us who die gain the honor of fighting at the god's sides in the war eternal. There we will fight and die and arise again to fight once more in the eternal struggle to save creation from the great enemy.
 
 
 
The gods are supremely foreign to our world, and rarely manifest here in anything but word or blessing.  Everyone chooses the god they follow, and there are a great many to choose from.
 
 
 
(OOC - Daishi is a healthy dose of Norse religion with names pulled from the BattleTech game)
 
 
 
And as noted before, we inscribe runes of protection against the Daimons in all of our temples, which is why the Daimons have targeted them for destruction in previous Invasions.  They are constantly maintained by lower priests that keep them working and ready for the time the Daimons return, and they remain bastions of strength against both them and the undead and monsters.
 
  
I in fact used the temple in Keffa to reinforce all of the spells I burned during the recent portal event there. I'm very much afraid that things would have gone far worse for all of us had I not been there, and had the temple not been there.  And that is one reason that I protect our temples very closely.
+
He was about to leave when he heard a familiar voice calling his name. He turned to see Nerta, leading quite a congregation of war torn peasants, all trying to find refuge.
  
So when any noble demands to have a temple closed, or threatens to tear one down, I do not take it lightly. That is why I am seeking to speak with the elders of your faith to see what we can do.
+
"I didn't know you were here, but it makes a lot of sense. You would be where the need is strongest, even if the place is in enemy lands."
  
I have contacted the priest in Irondale but received no response. You are all who has responded.
+
"Perhaps we should head to the temple and see if it still has room for a few more. I hear it was recently rebuilt and enlarged."
|Title=High Shugenja
+
|Title=Count of Bessimir, Priest of the Old Gods
 
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|Width=100%
 
|Width=100%
|Type=Letter
+
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
|Recipients=Yao Ling
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=It is always heartening to find others who are working toward the preservation of humanity and the news of these anti-daimon runes have caused some interest among both the Guardians of the Flame and the Agyrian Academy.  
+
|Content=Nerta snorts waves the people forward.
  
In between battles with the Sunken Kingdom I have been reflecting on how to connect your people with the Dalesmen and these anti-daimon runes might be the way. The men of the Dales are passionate scholars with a keen interest in the arcane and I would propose a collaboration to study and transcribe these sigils. No doubt this vital bulwark you describe will provide a wealth of insight into anti-daimon techniques which we could then reinforce throughout Beluaterra.  
+
"The temple better have room or else I'm throwing the books out in the street no matter what the Old Man says. Gavin you see to that."
  
If you speak with your runesmiths I attempt to convince the Dalesmen to send some of their people along on such an exchange.
+
She didn't want to think about Balin's calm assurance that Fate had brought her here. She had enough trouble being tethered to the Dark Mistress let alone adding the machinations of Ice Queen.
 +
 
 +
"Come on Balin. I managed to chase off a couple bronzed phalanx, but we need to set up a barricade before they come back with friends or else this will be Bessimir all over again."
 
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
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+
! Mourning After [[File:smoke-silhouette.png|200px|center]]
|Width=100%
+
|-
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Yao Ling
 
|Recipients=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Content=I would love to share our techniques with those of similar inclination against the Daimons.
 
  
But I also would like to save the existing edifices where such are used.
 
 
How can we go about securing both of our wishes?
 
|Title=High Shugenja
 
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|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
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|Type=Roleplay
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
+
|Sender=Dancer Rea
|Recipients=Yao Ling
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=This is promising news. I shall contact the Dalesmen and see about getting them on expedition. Thus when your runesmiths and their scholars are conversing, the matter of the temples can arise naturally and in an environment of mutual cooperation. I can only hope that under such circumstances both parties can reach a satisfactory conclusion.
+
|Content=The 'royal' trio made their way though the broken streets of Vore. Bodies were piled at every corner; fully half of the population had been slaughtered by the Agyrains. As the group approached the temple, they found themselves stopped by a large crowd......
 
+
|Title=King of Thalmarkin
Already some of the Agyrians have agreed to take part so when the Dalesmen volunteers are added to the list we can arrange the time for the visit.
 
 
 
I must say High Shugenja, I am grateful for the opportunity to facilitate communication between your two realms, and learn about the Daishi. I can only hope that this will be the beginning of many wonderful things.
 
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
 
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|Width=100%
|Type=Request
+
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
|Recipients=Everyone in Old Gods
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=I have spoken with the High Shugenja of Daishi about temple closures in Irondale. I have assured them that this is a matter of Irondale Law rather than piety and have offered to facilitate a dialogue between the two groups. In the spirit of cooperation they have extended an offer for Dalesmen scholars to learn more of the Daishi anti-daimon runes. Are there any volunteers from Irondale, and other lands, interested in some scholarly work?
+
|Content=The temple grounds held most of the survivors from the sack of Vore, thanks to the ad hoc defenses made from carts and desperation. When the King arrived the next day the refugees turned militia still manned the ramparts, but they allowed him to pass.
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
The space beyond is crowded but orderly, and centred on a makeshift tent. The surrounding tables are swimming with scrolls where a few scribes work to sort the mess of reports. Occasionally the page Gavin glances up to a hand mirror propped against a sack of beets.  
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Anyte Luitolf
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=Senex,  
 
 
 
This is the first time I have heard of a "Grand Shugenja". Usually I just hear them called "Hey those metal worshipers". That aside I am not sure what any of the rest of us could do. It is Irondale that offends them, what could the rest of us say that could prevent that?
 
|Title=Princeps Umbrarum
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
 
 
|-
 
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Grante Le Monte
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=While I cannot speak for all of Irondale, we are quite busy right now with the necromancers' forces so I am not sure how many of our nobles will be able to travel south.
 
  
For myself, I do not forsee any discussion that would change my mind in terms of the temple in Fianik. Once deemed appropriate, its doors will be shuttered. If they would like to try and change my mind, they can reach out to me personally.
+
Despite the activity, Nerta dozes in the shadow of the tent. She’d had a long night, but the morning might be just as busy.  
 
 
But as stated, this is Irondale law that allows for this.
 
|Title=Defence Minister of Irondale, Margrave of Fianik
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
At the sight of the King the trio of scribes rise to bow.
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Quincy Stormreaver
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=I am in the vicinity of Nothoi at the moment doing some tax collecting from the rogue regions and could (possibly) find my way to their lands if the timetable worked out.  
 
  
That said, I've made my opinion on this matter quire clear already.  I'm unsure what they want to discuss in regards to the temples, however, as each Lady/Lord can do what they wish within their own lands and I fully support the dismantling of the Dashi infrastructure anywhere close to my home.  Learning about their runes is an excellent opportunity, but I won't trade it sparing their infrastructure as I still believe this is a load of rubbish; I've never heard of these runes until we started taking down their temples; I would wager it is a tactic to preserve themselves rather than a genuine thing.
+
“Your majesty.
  
If, with that in mind, you'd still like a volunteer, I'd consider it.
+
A soft and speculating fourth voice echoes the other three.
  
Iron Within and Sexy Velvet Without,
+
“Your majesty, curious…”
|Title=Viscount of Aesh
+
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
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|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Width=100%
|Type=Letter
+
|Type=Roleplay
|Sender=Soren Navaar
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=My family home is in Reeds, and perhaps the names Felix Calanar and Ameria Coldwater still hold some weight in Nothoi (More than my week of service at least). If Agyr allows it, I would be happy to assist on this matter as a neutral party.
 
|Title=Count of Seven Rivers
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
 
 
|-
 
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
 
|Sender=Anyte Luitolf
 
|Sender=Anyte Luitolf
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=Senex Nerta,  
+
|Content=Groggily, Anyte peered around the room she was in. The last thing she remember was seeing the armies of Ar Agyr marching to the city in the distance, and getting what meager defense for the city she could muster, then hobbling to pray to which ever of the gods were listening that the city might be saved. Ar Agyr marched to force Thalmarkin to suffer the presence of a man that caused so much turmoil he was actually accused with hiring one of her many would be assassins.  
 
 
As a former accomplished Ambassador, I would be interested. Unfortunately, I don't know if Thalmarkin can afford to lose me right now. We have taken heavy damage from all the rogues marching around recently, which forced me to come out of combat retirement. Until we repair the damage that was done, I think I am stuck here assisting. However, you you ever need assistance with letters and correspondence I can easily help with that.
 
|Title=Princeps Umbrarum
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
 
 
|-
 
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Mielba Cordenata
 
|Recipients=Everyone in the Old Gods
 
|Content=Senex,
 
 
 
I will go.
 
 
 
Please keep me appraised of our realm in my absence. Feel free to delegate.  
 
  
May the Gods smile upon your works.
+
Slowly, she sate up from the soft bed in which she had been placed. Bandages had been placed over the wounds of her most recent assassination attempt, and it was clear she was being tended to by someone. Soon, the door opened and a lesser Guardian walked through.  
  
That said, Senex, I vaguely recall discussion regarding converting the Daishi shrines into brothels.
+
"Your Grace, it is good to see you-"
  
From both a practical and a spiritual standpoint, I favour the idea- should the shrines be dismantled. However, I fear that this may cause insult to the Daishi worshippers.  
+
"Where is my cane?" She cut him off with a grunt.  
  
Worse, I suspect that the noble who made the suggestion also sees brothels as “dirty”. ... You’re originally a Northerner yourself, correct? (If not, you certainly have a thorough understanding of its culture.) Was that your interpretation as well? Is sexuality yet repressed here?
+
He stared in disbelief at the duchess as she breathed heavily, still recovering from the wound she had received in the church.  
  
I find it difficult to discern this for myself, given the population here demonstrates a greater tendency for personal discretion in the matter.  
+
"Duchess, you should rest more. You were severely injured, we were not even sure if you would make it. Besides, the King has arrived in the city once he heard of your injury. I am sure he would like to see you."
  
Please pass on my regards.
+
The confusion gone, replaced with anger, Anyte seethed. The King that had claimed to love her but in the end had betrayed her. Fury muddled her still exhausted brain. "Bring me my cane, and take me to the King," She barked with a low snarl, "If you know what's good for him you will ensure we are not alone."
|Title=Founder of the Old Gods
+
|Title=Duchess of The Bathory
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
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|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Width=100%
|Type=Letter
+
|Type=Roleplay
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
+
|Sender=Dancer Rea
|Recipients=Everyone in Old Gods
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=Followers,
+
|Content=Three people, four voices. Dancer lightly squeezed Jax's sides, and the 'horse' came to a stop near the trio. Bearthomew stopped as well, and sat down with a light thump. Milky eyes swept the area, but there was no indication of where the fourth voice had come from. Curious. Dancer let his eyelids half close, and began to focus very carefully, casting his senses out to the tent and it's inhabitants. Simultaneously, he growled at the group.
  
I hear and understand your concerns.
+
"Don't waste my time with pleasantries. Is the Princess in the temple?"
My reading of the Daishi holy texts revealed no mention of runic magic thus it is possible that these runes are a ploy by the Daishi.
 
And yes, it is certainly true that this matter relates to Irondale more than the faith at large.
 
But that doesn't mean there aren't things we can learn from an exchange.
 
  
If only in what not to do.  
+
As he spoke, his sense reached the tent, and within. Four souls. Two, relatively normal, although Balin's form was very bright in comparison to most humans. The child on the cot felt strange, although he was not sure why. It was....almost like she'd managed to drench her very soul in the stench of a monster. However, it was the fourth soul that caught his attention.....namely because he could not see a physical form standing in that location with his half open eyes. Interesting. Perhaps some sort of invisibility magic?
 
+
|Title=King of Thalmarkin
Either way we are looking for diplomats and scholars, any besides Soren & Quincy interested?
 
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
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|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Width=100%
|Type=Letter
+
|Type=Roleplay
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
+
|Sender=Anyte Luitolf
|Recipients=Yao Ling
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=Anything is possible with hope.
+
|Content=Through the temple the couple slowly hobbled, Anyte still healing from the attack and therefore even slower than before. Several times she had to stop and catch her breath, leaning heavily upon her cane, treating it more of a crutch than ever before. They eventually made their way to the courtyard, where she saw him sitting up that dreadful beast he called a horse. The duchess straightened her self up with all her might and approached the king.  
 +
 
 +
THWACK
  
Quincy Stormreaver of Irondale and Soren Navaar of Ar Agyr have expressed interest in meeting your runesmith. Even the Hierophant Ryosuke has expressed tentative interest.
+
Her cane had found the meaty part of his leg. "How dare you? How can you show your face after declaring that man, the man that has had me stabbed and treated your people as if they were mere play things, not a traitor? How can you come to see me after that?" She creamed, voice dripping with the vitriol that comes from years of having people hunt one down for reasons beyond your comprehension, "You of all people, I thought would understand.
  
Might I know the name of your runesmith? It would be most convenient if I could speak with them to organize the meeting.
+
Quickly the cane found the ground again as her head spun from the sudden burst of action, she needed it as a crutch once more, breathing heavily again, "Of course you don't understand, how could you. I came here two decades ago seeking refuge, and have spent that time building a life for people. Providing, defending, improving, and even smoothing over the transgressions of others. What have I gotten in return? More assassination attempts than I can count. The cannibals of Mordok ran free, not one person targeting them, but the woman who has done nothing but toil for this realm is almost a prize to those that skulk in the dark. And you declared one of the men that hires them not a traitor?"
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
+
|Title=Duchess of The Bathory
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
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|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Width=100%
|Type=Letter
+
|Type=Roleplay
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
|Recipients=Yao Ling
+
|Recipients=Everyone in Vore
|Content=It may surprise you, but you are currently speaking with the chief designer of the runes and the temples.  I have been a member of this faith since it was young, and I have led the faith through multiple invasions and every standing temple has been built under my direction and plans.  Infused with anti-daemon magics that were revealed to me or that I designed through my own experience.
+
|Content=Nerta of the twisted soul jumps in her bed as the ebony cane of the Duchess connects with the leg of the inquisitive King.  
  
I have trained some others in the theory that makes them work if your colleagues would prefer to speak to another...
+
Scrubbing sleep away as the lovers quarrel, the foederati woman groans in the light of day.
  
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
+
“You two need to stop. It’s the army that’s to blame, not any of you. Now give Gavin there your names and by all the Gods, ''quietly'', go and get some food. Some of us were up all night protecting your asses.”
}}</center>
 
|-
 
  
|-
+
Nerta’s glittering eyes finally focus on the pair. Taking in their appearance, she frowns and tugs her cloak closed.
|colspan=1 | <center> {{Message2
 
|Width=100%
 
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender=Nerta the Weaver
 
|Recipients=Aibhlidhn Dubhaine
 
|Content=Your majesty,
 
  
I just wish to report that I've done what I can to bridge the Dalesmen and the Daishi. There are limits to what a knight of Agyr can accomplish but... I am trying to organize a cultural exchange with the hope that cooperating on one matter will encourage cooperation on others. Only time will tell if it succeeds.
+
“Oh. You’re not plebeians. Crystal Cursed…”
 
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
|Title=[[Melhed/Foederati|Foederati]]
 
}}</center>
 
}}</center>
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 

Latest revision as of 07:47, 2 September 2021

Vore.jpg
Trouble in Vore
DuelingVankocuf.png
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Entering the city with Balin, Nerta bristles in the crowd as they head to the Azure Plaza.

"A lot more soldiers than last time I was here."

A jostling teamster sends Nerta into the red head earning one of them a muttered apology and the other a hiss.

"I doubt we'll have to fight a horde of zombies, but we should check the temple. Someone's going to need our help."
Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Happy to be away from the crowd, Nerta taps at the quest board outside the Temple to the Old Gods.

"Usual stuff for a city. Couple hauntings. Missing kid. Merchant needs needs someone to collect his lost cargo."

She rubs at her injured arm. It feels hot. What she gets for catching a death knight blade.

"Compared to Bessimir this stuff should be easy. Especially if the temple has any elixirs. You could probably handle it all on your own while I heal up..."

The thought is cut short as a young woman clutching a parchment intent for the board steps into view. Her flaxen hair is pulled in a tight bun, and she wore a washerwoman's skirt. But most telling her eyes shimmer with tears.

"S-Sir, Miss... p-please..."

Nerta slumps and closes her eyes. Her voice warm for the first time since Balin met her.

"Brother or son?"

The washerwoman swallows hard and points toward the slopes of the mountain.

"My F-Father...the quarry. A..A landslide."

"Heh... that one's new. Let's hope the Dark Mistress hasn't welcomed him to her court just yet."

Squeezing the woman's arm, Nerta waves Balin to follow. No monsters this time, but someone still needed help, and that’s why they were here.
Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Roleplay from Vidkunn Thrane
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Vidkunn snarled as he finished reading the missive bearing the seal of House Luitolf. His fist became pale as he crumbled the parchment tightly before casting it to the ground. He turned his gaze upon the Temple of the Old Gods and gave a heavy grunt. He drew his dagger and began to pray.

​​​​​​…Forgive me, Emperor…I shall endure as you have commanded…I am ashamed to have sought false redemption in these Old Gods. Take of my flesh this sacrifice and have mercy on my soul…

His grasped the blade of the dagger with his left hand and slowly pulled with his right. He closed his eyes and felt the pain pulse through his body.
Vidkunn Thrane (Knight of Yipinalke)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Running hands through her hair, stone dust scatters and Nerta takes another sip of water.

She needed it.

The digging had been sweaty work, and her injured arm throbbed. But either the Life Taker or the Weaver of Fate had spared these people.

Moments like this are fleeting. Usually families aren’t reunited, they’re mourning. So Nerta enjoys the relative calm and leans back till her hood falls away so the sun can play across her face.

But even the sun sets eventually.

“This is the thing?”

The sneer guard captain blocks the light as an underlying prods Nerta’s shoulder with a spear.

“Yes sir, one of those mountain folk.”

“Folk? You give these beasts too much credit Cedric.”

Nerta scans the small contingent. Forty… she could take them, but only if she was willing to kill some….

“I said stand up beast! I know you speak language.”

… most.

“It has been a good day Captain and I would rather it continue, for both of us. I am indeed from the Roof of the World, but I mean your people no har….”

The prod of a second spear cuts her off as the captain with the curly moustache scowls.

“No harm? There was a Crystal-Cursed landslide. Everyone knows your kind cause disasters and ill luck.”

“I just saved those people.”

The woman’s tone flat, her eyes glitter with malice but the array of spears hold her back.

“I will not debate with the likes of you. Cedric! Take this thing to the dungeons, this will be a matter for the duke.”
Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Captured!

You have been spotted and captured by enemy patrols.

Roleplay from Soren Navaar
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
"Prison?" Soren sighed, shaking his head. Probably Thalmarkin. Probably for something stupid. That was where he had last seen her, and he didn't doubt she was still out there. He pondered over if he could even help her or not.

Katria, the first daughter of one of the river lords, stepped forward with a smug look on her face. "If I may, sir? That woman doesn't deserve your time anyway. She's uncouth, a drifter hardly better than an adventurer, and I can't see why you would spend your time with her."

Soren shook his head again, this time at his assistant. "Then you haven't been paying attention," Soren told her, ignoring the offense she took at that statement. Setting aside the latest harvest reports Katria had originally come to deliver, he took a blank piece of parchment and picked up his pen. "There's more to her than just what you see on the surface, Katria."

"She seems to hate you."

Soren laughed, but didn't give her a response.
Soren Navaar (Count of Seven Rivers)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
It's hard to tell time in a dungeon. But the pale woman is able to count heartbeats by the throb of her injured arm. Five hundred beats after the Old Man had decided to look around the citadel, the door to her cell opens with a screech.

Expecting a guard, the appearance of a nervous young man dressed as a page is curious. As is the medical kit thrust toward her.

“Uh… miss Nerta, y-you need some medicine and bandages right?”

Her breath steaming in the cool air, she swallows hard to clear her throat.

"Thank you, lad. I hope the Old Man wasn’t too big of a scare.”

The boy fidgets with his tunic while Nerta opens the pack to pull out salve and alcohol.

“It’s alright miss. I heard about what you did down at the quarry…”

A faint smile turns to a wince as she cleans the wound, and the page fills the silence.

“The Captain is just worried about the war, the army was routed in Qual and there’s been looting.”

The splash of alcohol has Nerta hiss and tense, leading the page to nearly jump out of his skin. As the pain subsides, Nerta shrugs.

“The captain arrested me for the same reason you’re staring.”

The boy had the decency to flush and look away, leaving Nerta to fill the silence.

“It’s alright. I’m used to it.”

Working the salve into the cut, she continues.

“I heard others being released but I’m still here. Why?”

The boy rubs his head and glances over his shoulder.

“The Duke’s busy with the war and the Captain wants you transferred out of the city and to the judge.”

Nerta snorts as she winds the bandages around her arm.

“The Royal Judge for little old me? I guess the Ice Queen was in a hurry to balance her scales of fate.”

Tying off the bandage, Nerta folds back up the pack and pushes it toward him with her foot.

“Thank you lad, now get going before you get in trouble. I have to clean up my cell for company after all.”
Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Report from Elios Everlight
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Most Honoured Duchess Anyte, Senex Nerta:

The Temple in my city has never looked so impressive. How has Vore come to be bestowed with such an honour?

Senex, I do not believe that we have met. I wonder that his Majesty has not noted your presence, what with the war and all. Would it be wise to trust that your intentions here are all above board? Not to throw bald suspicion upon you, Lady; I ask openly of a peer.

For the North,
Elios Everlight (Duke of Vore)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Nerta squints in the morning light as she steps from the citadel as a free woman once more.

“Here,” the captain sniffs and extends her cloak, “if you must be released among honest folk, have the decency to cover yourself.”

The woman says nothing to the guard’s sneer, but as she adjusts the hood another figure trots up atop a splendid charger. The resplendent man is bearded with hazel-green eyes and sandy hair.

“Senex, I do not believe that we have met. The Temple in my city has never looked so impressive”

The horse stamps and he pulls at the reins.

“Still, I wonder that his Majesty has not noted your presence, what with the war and all. Would it be wise to trust that your intentions here are all above board?”

His smile earns a grumble from the guard captain.

“Not to throw bald suspicion upon you, Lady; I ask openly of a peer.”

Checking her gear, Nerta cranes her neck to eye the looming man for several heartbeats. Based on his comfort in the saddle and claim to the city, this must be the Duke of Vore.

“You’re a peer, are you?

The very same Duke who’s dungeons she’d spent a week in.

“Well, why didn’t you say so...”

Alarm bells ring for the captain at the tone of the ‘thing’, but he’s not fast enough to stop Nerta snatching her spear and launching herself in a run. Crossing the distance as a scuttling blur, the woman springs from the ground toward the cavalier.
Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Training Match

Elios Everlight, Duke of Valour, Margrave of Vore meets his challenger Nerta Unti, Dame of Agyr, Priestess of The Old Gods for the agreed training match. Both participants are using the 'overrun' strategy, so that neither has an advantage. After a series of blows, Nerta wins the training match.

Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Nerta crashes into the Duke before he draws his sword, but Elios holds his seat through training and reflex. Adapting quickly, the woman plucks a knife from her belt to lunge. It forces Elios to release the saddle and parry with his bracer.

Legs alone control the dancing horse as the blade switches hands for a second swing. But the Duke grabs her arm and ripostes with a heavy crack to her ribs.

Thrown back against the neck of the panicking charger, Nerta grabs his arm and pulls Elios forward into a right hook.

Dazed and unable to pull free, Elios hammers with his left. The flailing metal crunches Nerta’s injured arm to a hiss of pain.

From there everything about the woman is a blur of fabric and hands. When things settle, the Duke finds his left arm pinned as well and Nerta peering up at him close enough to taste the sweat on her brow.

Eyes wide she clicks something in the back of her throat before swallowing hard.

“Peer?”

Her breath washes across his beard and, despite the tremble from adrenaline, her hand remains steady as the knife presses to his throat.

“Maybe I should put you in a little box for a week...”

“THE DUKE! TO ARMS!”

Sweat drips from Elios’ nose to splash on her own, but Nerta’s gaze never stops boring into those hazel-green eyes.

“Now Duke, tell them to stand down. This is between peers after all.”
Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Nerta knew that a man like the captain is a coward. He will do nothing while a knife sits at the Duke's throat.

But the captain is not alone. There are soldiers, torn between duty and their petty tyrant. There are peasants, cooks, and groundskeepers- all transfixed at the sight.

But there is also a young boy who wants so much to honour his grandfather. A young boy who bravely ventured alone into the dungeons with medicine. A young boy who does what's right.

So while the crowd stands frozen, the young page picks up Nerta's spear and places the tip against her side.

"Lady…"

Nerta's grip tightens on the knife, her knuckles turning white.

"...please."

The blade falls from her hand and she finally closes her eyes.
Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Captured!

You have been spotted and captured by enemy patrols.

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Vore:
Ar Agyr vs. Thalmarkin
Estimated strengths: 830 men vs. 290 men
The Angry Agyrian Army (Ar Agyr), sponsored by Queen Aibhlidhn Dubhaine, were led into battle by Marshal Rowan Hawk.
Duke Aeravon Velaryon is spotted wearing the Cruel Ring of Sartania, the Shield of Battle & the Scythe of Vlaanderen
Count Bergelmir Crownguard is spotted wielding the Grisly Mace of Angmar.
Countess Lady Nostalgia Fate is spotted wearing the Blessed Chain of Piety.
Attacker Victory!

Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Deep in the Vore Citadel sits a spider. It makes a home for itself in one corner of their cell, catching careless flies as they buzz about.

“Shouldn’t you be somewhere else Captain? It sounds like a war outside.” 

The man’s moustache twitches in the dark.

“A war you brought, creature.”

Nerta smiles and shifts against the cold stone. 

“First I caused a landslide, then I tried to assassinate the Duke, and now I brought a war. Despite all appearances, you must think highly of my abilities.” 

Sour breath curls around the bars to the cell.

“I think, it would be a shame if you escaped justice.”

The jingle of shackles cuts the deepening silence.

“If you open that door, I will kill you.” 

A crossbow rises along with a sneer.

“And what will you do if I just shoot you from here?”

Bowing her head, Nerta’s hands clench behind her back.

“Still a coward even with all that wine…”

Nerta flinches as the door rattles, and the flush face of the captain presses against the bars.  

“You think you’re so clever. Tricking everyone. Pretending to be a noble. You’re not better than me. You’re nothing.”

Eyes glitter in the dark as the man spits the words.

“The Duke punished you, so now it’s my turn. But despite being chained naked in a cell, I’m terrifying. So you’ve been drinking and brought a crossbow. I have to say, I’m not impressed.” 

The man purples with rage and drink, his voice echoing in the tiny cell.

“Shut up you bitch! I’ll kill you.”

The door rattles again as the bow swings into view, but this time Nerta doesn’t flinch and instead rises to her feet.

“I know you will. But that’s not what you really want. No. You want me… crying. Because if I’m just some little girl sobbing at your feet, you don’t need to be afraid anymore.”

The screams of the vanquished are muffled by the citadel’s thick walls.

“But the army’s coming, Captain, so what’ll it be? Shoot me from there or come and take what you really want?”

The drunk’s laboured breathing is cut by the screech of the door. Lurching toward the prisoner, the stock of the bow cracks Nerta in the head as the man screams.

“Shut up you half-breed! I’m not afraid of monsters like you! You are just a little girl and I will make you cry, and beg and and…” 

Nerta chitters as blood runs down her chin. 

“I was wrong about you, you’re not a coward. Just a fool. I said I’d kill you if you opened that door, and I am a monster.” 

Fury’s scream changes to fear at the sight of her grotesque grin. He tries to pull away and level the bow. But she strikes and the fly dies in agony.

Vae Victis
Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Sack of Vore
Fire-silhouette.png
Roleplay from Ioulas Hwitt
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Ioulas' heart beat in his chest louder than the war drums that resounded over the battlefield. Strangely, this battle worried him more than the first one a day previous. Scaling the walls and overrunning the relatively meagre defenders had been child's play. His sister Calypso back on Dwilight had told horror stories of the attack on Libidizedd, of the thousands that had died upon the walls. Compared to those stories, it had seemed a training exercise. Not a single one of his soldiers had fallen in the battle, and Ioulas had drunk wine and broken bread with his soldiers in honor of their victory.

Now he saw what seemed to be over a thousand thousand men and women arrayed against their army, and Ioulas had to work to hide the fear that threaten to tear his breast apart. He could not let his soldiers see his fear, and so he sat atop his mighty horse, Bucephalus, and tried his best to look imposing. He wore the armor of his family back on Dwilight, with stylized muscled cuirass and silvered greaves. He wore a classical helmet, a deliberate homage to antiquity, plated in gold and bearing a motif of a mighty lion. On either side of the helmet were two pink and white peacock feathers and adorning the top was a bright plume of royal blue. Ioulas certainly thought he cast a dashing figure.

The horns suddenly blared their order to attack and the army moved as one, Ioulas and his Pezhetairoi locked their shields and extended their long pikes, called sarissae among his people on Dwilight. The force moved forward deliberately with Ioulas wanting dismounting his horse and joining the first row of soldiers as they neared the enemy army. His captain, a Beluaterran man named Madred, warned him against this, but Ioulas waved the concerns away saying, "The Gods will punish a coward that hides in the back behind his men! Glory is on the front lines! I will show this continent how brave the Hwitt's can be!" Ioulas hoped that the men did not hear the shaking in his voice.

Before too long the tide of battle reached them. Ioulas was surprised to see that what he had thought to be a huge army was in fact a rabble of countless peasants, throwing themselves at the ordered line of soldiers like swarm of angry insects. They died like insects too. The unarmored and undisciplined mob threw themselves onto the awaiting spears of the Pezhetairoi, and any that made it past the wall were cut down by Ioulas or some of the others easily. Ioulas himself slew five men in the span of a few minutes, not a real soldier among the lot.

Ioulas swung his sword, dispatching another unlucky soul who had attempted to hit him with a rusted and worn woodaxe and just like that it seemed, the battle was over. What remaining forces there were among the enemy were fleeing. Ioulas took a moment to look over his soldiers and was elated to note that there was not a single fatality among them, only minor injuries. His earlier trepidation was replaced with excitement as Ioulas knew that the defenders would take time to reorganize themselves, now it was time take glory and reward among the enemy city.

"Men! To the city streets, we will find where they hide their coffers and take our due! Let us sleep on gold this night!" Ioulas shouted to a general cheer among his soldiers, who looked forward to a chance to loot the enemy city. The soldiers moved into the city in orderly fashion and before too long found a building bearing the city seal. "There! There men! Let us go!" Ioulas shouted, and before he could do anything more, his men surged forward.

A few brave soldiers tried to stoped the two score soldiers from entering the tax office, but they were cut down easily as the Pezhetairoi were met with a stacks of gold coins that covered the small vault room from floor to waist height. The soldiers swarmed it, filling their pockets, the sleeves, anything they could, while Madred ensured that Ioulas received the lion's share. A noise suddenly arose from outside as the few sentries that had been posted outside the building raised the alarm. Ioulas went to the window and was horrified to see that a mob of nearly 300 people had come out to try and kill his soldiers while they looted. "Defend! Into lines men! Into lines! Make rank!" Ioulas shouted, and his men, feeling the danger, stopped their looting and obeyed.

What followed was a second slaughter, as nearly all of the 300 people were killed. Ioulas could only watch as they impaled themselves one after the other on the spears. Soon that too was over, and the streets were quiet once more. In this chaotic fracas, Ioulas had nearly been surrounded, trying again to lead from the front, but the peasants had come from every side, and he had to kill even more people. The soldiers held no mercy though, already high on battle, blood, and gold, and set about the task of putting down the peasants as efficiently as a farmer threshes grain.

Soon the cobblestones of Vore were nearly ankle deep in crimson blood, as a pile nearly three feet high of dead became an impediment to their unordered attackers. But through the din of the fight, Ioulas could see that the back numbers were beginning to run, as the peasants could see that their unruly attack had failed. "Stop! Stop men! Let them go! There is no more glory to be had in pointless slaughter here! Let us take our prize and let our spears pierce the heart of soldiers!"

Ioulas hoped it was his words that had stopped his men, rather than the lack of available targets, but stop they did as the peasants broke, running back into side streets and alleyways. Screaming could be heard from the dying all around as Ioulas and Madred quickly took stock of the battle. Not a single of his men had fallen, but hundreds lay dead before them. This was not what Ioulas had intended. Madred shook his young master, nearly shouting to him, "Ser Ioulas we must go before another waved tries their luck, or we will never make it out!"

Ioulas nodded and the soldiers quickly began an ordered withdrawl, pockets and sacks laden with the riches of the city. Within half an hour, they reached the safety of the Agyran camp and the soldiers collectively breathed a sigh of relief. Over 400 gold coins were counted among Ioulas' share of the haul, an amount he had never seen in one place. Out of combat, the soldiers began to finally cheer their good fortune, and soon lifted Ioulas upon their shoulders, cheering his name and calling out, "Ioulas the golden lad! Ioulas the golden lad!"

Any guilt Ioulas felt evaporated at the praise, and soon all were enjoying wine and food freely, and they celebrated the night away, waiting to see if the next day would bring repeated fortune.
Ioulas Hwitt (Knight of Ieara)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Soldiers pillage. The city burns. People scream.

All under the Banners of Four Duchies.

Arfordir rampages by the Azure Plaza, Havilmark holds the gatehouse, Avalon ransanks tax offices, while Jylmark is down by the quarry turned charnel pit.

"Looks like only Agyr is missing, but then Bob is too old to enjoy conquest, Rahger is nowhere in sight and I’ve been a guest of the Duke.”

Nerta leans back from the window as Page Gavin returns, his arms piled with her clothes.

“Nerta, I-I know you must hate me…”

The woman snags pants and laughs.

“Hate you? Given what I just did downstairs, I’d be a Crystal Cursed hypocrite if I hated you for winning a fight by trickery. You had no idea what the Captain was going to try.”

Averting his eyes, Gavin remains a coat rack while Nerta dresses.

“I… I still need to ask for your help and I don’t deserve it.”

The woman squeezes into her shirt and adjusts it with a tug.

“No one ever does, but that’s never stopped me before. So let me guess, you’ve got a family you want to keep safe and you don’t think the Citadel will for long.”

Boots roll toward the lady as Gavin nods.

“It’s not just my family. People are dying out there, and… I dug into the reports after they locked you up again. You really do help people.”

Cloak settling around her shoulders, Nerta pulls up the hood.

“Someone has to. Come on, we’ll round up your family and anyone we can and hide them in the temple. Damn thing has to be good for something more than just books and statues.”
Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Driving off a pair of Pezhetairoi soldiers from Arfordir with light wounds, Nerta rejoins the mob of peasants moving through the inferno. She had collected quite the congregation marching from the Citadel. Apparently religion is more appealing when death is close…

As both the temple and a familiar red mohawk come into view, Nerta raises her spear to shout.

"Balin! I got tired of waiting for you to break me out. Care to help my new friends find a place to stay?”
Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Roleplay from Balin de Chaol Ghleann
Message sent to Everyone in the Old Gods
Balin, a hero in his own eyes, had just finished telling of his heroic deeds in the north, where scores of zombies fell to the might of the Old Gods who personally intervened to save their worthy followers. He spoke in hope to inspire those that watched him speak. The city was still burning, but a story of hope was good for folk to cling to while the going was bad. He nodded to himself pleased as he felt he managed to not only raise their spirits (morale rises by 5 % to 16 %), but also cause the watching citizens to become more patriotic.

He was about to leave when he heard a familiar voice calling his name. He turned to see Nerta, leading quite a congregation of war torn peasants, all trying to find refuge.

"I didn't know you were here, but it makes a lot of sense. You would be where the need is strongest, even if the place is in enemy lands."

"Perhaps we should head to the temple and see if it still has room for a few more. I hear it was recently rebuilt and enlarged."
Balin de Chaol Ghleann (Count of Bessimir, Priest of the Old Gods)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Nerta snorts waves the people forward.

"The temple better have room or else I'm throwing the books out in the street no matter what the Old Man says. Gavin you see to that."

She didn't want to think about Balin's calm assurance that Fate had brought her here. She had enough trouble being tethered to the Dark Mistress let alone adding the machinations of Ice Queen.

"Come on Balin. I managed to chase off a couple bronzed phalanx, but we need to set up a barricade before they come back with friends or else this will be Bessimir all over again."
Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Mourning After
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Roleplay from Dancer Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
The 'royal' trio made their way though the broken streets of Vore. Bodies were piled at every corner; fully half of the population had been slaughtered by the Agyrains. As the group approached the temple, they found themselves stopped by a large crowd......
Dancer Rea (King of Thalmarkin)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
The temple grounds held most of the survivors from the sack of Vore, thanks to the ad hoc defenses made from carts and desperation. When the King arrived the next day the refugees turned militia still manned the ramparts, but they allowed him to pass.

The space beyond is crowded but orderly, and centred on a makeshift tent. The surrounding tables are swimming with scrolls where a few scribes work to sort the mess of reports. Occasionally the page Gavin glances up to a hand mirror propped against a sack of beets.

Despite the activity, Nerta dozes in the shadow of the tent. She’d had a long night, but the morning might be just as busy.

At the sight of the King the trio of scribes rise to bow.

“Your majesty.”

A soft and speculating fourth voice echoes the other three.

“Your majesty, curious…”
Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Roleplay from Anyte Luitolf
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Groggily, Anyte peered around the room she was in. The last thing she remember was seeing the armies of Ar Agyr marching to the city in the distance, and getting what meager defense for the city she could muster, then hobbling to pray to which ever of the gods were listening that the city might be saved. Ar Agyr marched to force Thalmarkin to suffer the presence of a man that caused so much turmoil he was actually accused with hiring one of her many would be assassins.

Slowly, she sate up from the soft bed in which she had been placed. Bandages had been placed over the wounds of her most recent assassination attempt, and it was clear she was being tended to by someone. Soon, the door opened and a lesser Guardian walked through.

"Your Grace, it is good to see you-"

"Where is my cane?" She cut him off with a grunt.

He stared in disbelief at the duchess as she breathed heavily, still recovering from the wound she had received in the church.

"Duchess, you should rest more. You were severely injured, we were not even sure if you would make it. Besides, the King has arrived in the city once he heard of your injury. I am sure he would like to see you."

The confusion gone, replaced with anger, Anyte seethed. The King that had claimed to love her but in the end had betrayed her. Fury muddled her still exhausted brain. "Bring me my cane, and take me to the King," She barked with a low snarl, "If you know what's good for him you will ensure we are not alone."
Anyte Luitolf (Duchess of The Bathory)
Roleplay from Dancer Rea
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Three people, four voices. Dancer lightly squeezed Jax's sides, and the 'horse' came to a stop near the trio. Bearthomew stopped as well, and sat down with a light thump. Milky eyes swept the area, but there was no indication of where the fourth voice had come from. Curious. Dancer let his eyelids half close, and began to focus very carefully, casting his senses out to the tent and it's inhabitants. Simultaneously, he growled at the group.

"Don't waste my time with pleasantries. Is the Princess in the temple?"

As he spoke, his sense reached the tent, and within. Four souls. Two, relatively normal, although Balin's form was very bright in comparison to most humans. The child on the cot felt strange, although he was not sure why. It was....almost like she'd managed to drench her very soul in the stench of a monster. However, it was the fourth soul that caught his attention.....namely because he could not see a physical form standing in that location with his half open eyes. Interesting. Perhaps some sort of invisibility magic?
Dancer Rea (King of Thalmarkin)
Roleplay from Anyte Luitolf
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Through the temple the couple slowly hobbled, Anyte still healing from the attack and therefore even slower than before. Several times she had to stop and catch her breath, leaning heavily upon her cane, treating it more of a crutch than ever before. They eventually made their way to the courtyard, where she saw him sitting up that dreadful beast he called a horse. The duchess straightened her self up with all her might and approached the king.

THWACK

Her cane had found the meaty part of his leg. "How dare you? How can you show your face after declaring that man, the man that has had me stabbed and treated your people as if they were mere play things, not a traitor? How can you come to see me after that?" She creamed, voice dripping with the vitriol that comes from years of having people hunt one down for reasons beyond your comprehension, "You of all people, I thought would understand.

Quickly the cane found the ground again as her head spun from the sudden burst of action, she needed it as a crutch once more, breathing heavily again, "Of course you don't understand, how could you. I came here two decades ago seeking refuge, and have spent that time building a life for people. Providing, defending, improving, and even smoothing over the transgressions of others. What have I gotten in return? More assassination attempts than I can count. The cannibals of Mordok ran free, not one person targeting them, but the woman who has done nothing but toil for this realm is almost a prize to those that skulk in the dark. And you declared one of the men that hires them not a traitor?"
Anyte Luitolf (Duchess of The Bathory)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver
Message sent to Everyone in Vore
Nerta of the twisted soul jumps in her bed as the ebony cane of the Duchess connects with the leg of the inquisitive King.

Scrubbing sleep away as the lovers quarrel, the foederati woman groans in the light of day.

“You two need to stop. It’s the army that’s to blame, not any of you. Now give Gavin there your names and by all the Gods, quietly, go and get some food. Some of us were up all night protecting your asses.”

Nerta’s glittering eyes finally focus on the pair. Taking in their appearance, she frowns and tugs her cloak closed.

“Oh. You’re not plebeians. Crystal Cursed…”
Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)