Ironsides Family/Bowie/Pilgrimage
The Pilgrimage of Nifel
Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides
(Personal message to Pierre von Genf)
Arriving at the Wandered Meadhall, Bowie approached the building with enthusiasm. Entering, without much expectation of the place, he searched for Priest Pierre. He wondered what happened for it to no longer be called by its title. He was not sure if they still served, or if it was just a rally point of rubble for travelers on this road.
Bowie Ironsides (Knight of Nifel)
Roleplay from Pierre von Genf
Pierre climbed down the staurs, hearing someone enter.
"There you are. This place used to see a lot more life in the old Springdale days, you know. Apparently it's closed now, but the room upstairs are still livable."
He took his bags, and adjusted them for an expedetion.
"Let's get get moving, shall we? We should arrive before nightfall", he said, pointing to a dark path leading into the woods from behind the house.
Pierre von Genf
Ambassador of Morek Empire
Letter from Bowie Ironsides
(Personal message to Pierre von Genf)
Observing the path ahead, Bowie became certain this would be a worthwhile trip. It was rare he took to hiking, or exploring on foot. His usual past times were, as well as the drink, reading and writing. That was the scholarly life he lived. On this expedition, he intended on taking notes of anything of interest.
He was intrigued about the knowledge Pierre knew about this route, and remembered how he said he took an annual pilgrimage. He decided to ask about that,
"So, you have been this way before? Have you ever traveled with a companion, or was it always a solitary experience? I find it amusing that I am participating in such a holy trek for you considering my position on your faith. Of course, I am here for academic, leisure, and social reasons, but I intend on gaining the same spiritual nourishment as you would. I will follow your lead on these paths unfamiliar to me."
He readied himself to enter the woods.
Bowie Ironsides (Knight of Nifel)
Roleplay from Pierre von Genf
Message sent to everyone in the region Nifel (1 recipients)
"It has not always been a solitary experience. The first time, of course, I was following Grandmaster Deverka when we were ambushed by monsters. Summerdale was not filled with people as today, I think Nifel only had 800 inhabitants.
I come back here regularly, although not really every year as I wish I would. It is sometimes solitary, sometimes not. I was not yet a Priest then, it is father Sygrum who consecrated the place."
The path is at first dark and narrow. However, as we get out of sight of the main road, other paths merge with it, and it grows wider and wider until it becomes a proper road, seemingly unconnected to the main one, but clearly well trodden. Other people can be seen along the way, peasants and artisans from Nifel, Nifelheim and Nifelhold. A great fire can be seen in the distance, and after about an hour long walk rumors of a large crowd can be heard.
Pierre von Genf
Ambassador of Morek Empire
Letter from Bowie Ironsides
Message sent to everyone in the region Nifel (1 recipients)
Nearing the sound of the crowd, Bowie could not help but wonder what was happening. Could the shrine be full of pilgrims and worshipers? Were they approaching a different establishment? If the Summerdale Inn remained, he could not imagine what else was left behind from the now abandoned era.
He strained his eyes to make out images of the fire, or around the area...
Bowie Ironsides (Knight of Nifel)
Roleplay from Pierre von Genf
Message sent to everyone in the region Nifel (1 recipients)
After a few kilometers, and after crossing an increasing number of people going in the same direction, we arrive at a clearing in the forest. About three thousands people are there already, with fires and food and makeshift tables, and many have put up tents on the periphery. At the end of the clearing, on slightly raised ground, stands a small chapel.
"This is where we were ambushed by the monsters. The mound is the resting place of our troops, who were interred all together. Deverka had his own tomb, but his body has since been brought to Unterstrom, where it lays under the temple. The headstones remains inside the chapel.
If you'll excuse me, this will only take a minute. The sun has set, and the Stars will appear soon."
I climb to the entrance of the chapel, where I face the crowd which turns to look at me.
"Tonight, Nifelians, we will be blessed by the appearance of all three Stars. The maddening appears first, and it was always most closely assciated with Deverka and his family."
The Maddening Star appears on the horizon.
"But it is tempered by the Austere and Auspicious that the Maddening shows all of its glory."
Seconds later, the next two Stars appear below the Maddening. Their light is strong, and in their position it reflects directly on the chapel. You notice three colored windows above the door, and in these windows the refection of the Stars appear at once. As this occurs, the doors of the chapel open, and the crowd starts chanting hymns you do not understand.
"The chapel is open, faithful. Tonight, you can say your prayers over the Holy Shrine. There are thousands of you, and only room for 15 people inside; be patient as the Austere, and your turn will come."
I step down as the first come in to enter the chapel, and I get back to you.
"Hopefully, I now have deacons to tend to the chapel itself. Shall we find something to eat?"
Pierre von Genf
Ambassador of Morek Empire
Roleplay from Pierre von Genf
Message sent to everyone in the region Nifel (1 recipients)
Pierre looks at Bowie's face, trying to figure out his sentiment. There will be curiosity, that is certain knowing the man, but maybe, just maybe, awe? That is probably asking too much.
Pierre von Genf
Ambassador of Morek Empire
Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides
Message sent to everyone in the region Nifel (1 recipients)
Observing the sites and the ritual, Bowie was fascinated. He especially wanted to take note of the reactions the pilgrims had to the appearance of the bloodstars. It had always been on his mind whether the stars had actual influence, or, whether it was a mental or emotional response.
"Please explain to me the chants I hear. Is it some sort of prayer for the Grandmaster, or to the bloodstars themselves? How about you inform me over a little meal?"
Gazing at the tomb, he took note of its shape and detail. Maybe one day he would lay in a place like this and people would stream in to see him? The last religious ritual he observed he witnessed the manifestation of a dragon who spoke to the priestess who summoned it. Of course, he had a conversation with another dragon after that, and he spoke to many divinities along his route from Sallowtown to Flowrestown, so none of this was new or surprising to him. It was just different, which wasn't a bad thing.
While they were setting up the table to eat, Bowie thought to ask,
"You were with the Grandmaster when he died? Tell me about it."
Bowie Ironsides (Knight of Nifel)
Roleplay from Pierre von Genf
Yes, I was with Grandmaster Deverka, five years ago now. He had come to Summerdale to sign an eternal peace treaty with Queen Charlotte. She was a good Queen, and she understood which way Summerdale needed to look for its expansion. I always pushed for more help to be sent here, and I came myself to fight the monsters, back when I commanded troops.
Unfortunately, the new King Joash is not so wise, and he decided to insult Morek as he fights against the Libero Empire. I wonder who will come to his help now? Averoth?
Look at these peasants. The song they sing goes like this:
Red Stars of Summer
Deverka fell under
He'll live for all time
Summer in Nifelheim
These people are loyal to Summerdale. It could be a great country and rule from the Torrent to Valkyrja, if its leadership accepted to join the theocracies to the South.
Will you let Summerdale go the way of Aquilegia?
Pierre von Genf
Ambassador of Morek Empire
Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides
(Personal message to Pierre von Genf)
"I can make no comment on the current leaders of Summerdale. I am not in their council nor am I privy to their decisions. I came here to try and build an economical infrastructure for them but they are not ready for me. Other than that I have nothing to do here.
I sincerely hope Summerdale does not oblige the Corsanctum Hegemony. I won't be able to stay here any longer if that was the case.
It is a pity that a ruler as grand as Deverka would die in such a remote and languishing realm. Perhaps there is glory for them yet, in some distant future? "
Bowie observed the worshipers crowding to enter the tomb. He never met the Grandmaster, but he knew that the man must have been something to attract such a crowd. Almost as if Deverka was slowly developing into a saint and the crowds were worshiping his cult.
Bowie Ironsides (Knight of Nifel)
Roleplay from Pierre von Genf
As Bowie said that, my eyes grow wide. As bad as I try to refrain from it, I cannot help but laugh, restrained at first, but freely and heartily as I saw that all the facade is gone.
"The... Corsanctum....Hegemony? That is the funniest thing I have heard in years, Bowie. Wow.
You know, of course, who rules these lands?
Did you even know the "ruler" of Corsanctum had to leave his position and swear an oath as knight of Aegir?
No, the hegemon is not Corsanctum. It is us. It has always been us, since the days of Neel's fall."
Pierre von Genf
Ambassador of Morek Empire
Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides
(Personal message to Pierre von Genf)
Bowie replied to Pierre's jest with a smile.
"That depends on what you are grading, o fair friend. I certainly understand the position Morek has in the north. You are for certain the leaders in military and population, but did not your religion found Corsanctum on the purpose of being the centre of the religion? If that is true, as I and probably others understand it, then on the surface you are second to them. Should you ever declare war on Corsanctum or openly defy them, would that not bring the rest of the theocracies into roil against you? That is the source of Corsanctum's power. Because they are held on the pedestal, at least I suspect they are, then your hand is always stayed. That is the essence of the Corsanctum Hegemony. All of you theocracies have to oblige them."
He paused to reposition himself,
"Then again, sources have told me that there is a faction within your Empire that is rallying to invade Corsanctum and depose its Regent. Should that scenario occur I believe two possibilities will result. One, the surrounding theocracies will have to declare war on you to protect their precious heartland, or two, they will have to bow down to your might and recognize you as the superior realm. In which case the purpose of Corsanctum deflates and the realm will whither."
Bowie Ironsides (Knight of Nifel)
Roleplay from Pierre von Genf
Corsanctum was founded as a realm to protect the Holy Prophet. With the Prophet gone in meditation and the Regent havong chosen to remain in Astrum, it is now just another realm. If they remain as they are, we will not oppose them, however should they try to expand we will.
That spat you were talking about is over now. We won.
Pierre von Genf
Ambassador of Morek Empire
Roleplay from Sextus Severus of the Scipii
Message sent to everyone in the region Nifel (14 recipients)
"So .. that is their attitude is it" Sextus folded the letter and left his tent, quickly addressing one of his guards.
"The last reports are that the Morekian Ambassador, Pierre von Genf, is in the vicinity, see to it you deliver my invitation to our camp for a discussion regarding the present diplomatic situation"
Sir Sextus Severus of the Scipii
Arkh-Kommandant of Averoth, Duke of Valkyrja, Marshal of the Redcloaks
Roleplay from Pierre von Genf
Message sent to everyone in the region Nifel (16 recipients)
A messenger came and interrupted the discussion Pierre and Bowie had.
"Sextus Severus of the Scipii, Arkh-Kommandant of Averoth, Duke of Valkyrja, Marshal of the Redcloaks, request a discussion with Ambassador von Genf."
I took a look at Bowie,
"The Torenists? Here? Let's see what they have to tell us."
Pierre von Genf
Ambassador of Morek Empire
Roleplay from Sextus Severus of the Scipii
Message sent to everyone in the region Nifel (22 recipients)
"Sir, the Morek Ambassador is open for discussion .."
Sextus nodded and gathered his gloves, helmet and sword as he made to leave the command tent, pausing as realised the messenger had more to add. "Yes ..?"
".. Sir .." the man looked confused "they seem to think we're Torenists"
The Arkh-Kommandant frowned "Torenists?" he echoed, displaying a similar look of incomprehension ".. we got rid of 'Torenism' two rebellions ago" he said rhetorically, before pushing outside muttering to himself.
Sir Sextus Severus of the Scipii
Arkh-Kommandant of Averoth, Duke of Valkyrja, Marshal of the Redcloaks
Roleplay from Pierre von Genf
Message sent to everyone in the region Nifel (17 recipients)
Getting out of the forest, I saw that the road, which was all but empty when I arrived, was now filled with soldiers and all kinds of equipments. I follow the trail, asking my way to the commanding officers.
Pierre von Genf
Ambassador of Morek Empire
Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides
Message sent to everyone in the region Nifel (12 recipients)
As the Ambassador left to find the Arkh Kommandant of Averoth, Bowie was approached by his own messenger and handed a letter.
"Excellent!" he expressed, and he stood up and collected his things.
Before he departed, he turned to the messenger and told him to bring the following message to Ambassador Pierre;
"My friend, I enjoyed our short trip very much and will happily repeat the pilgrimage with you any time. My visitors pass has been accepted and I must depart Summerdale on an historical fact finding mission to Thulsoma. I am sure you understand the peculiarities of that realm and why this is so important. Please write to me again when you have a chance. We can finish our venture another time. Sincerely,..."
And he found a new path that led to his estate, where he packed his things and began his journey further north.
Bowie Ironsides (Knight of Nifel)
