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RoE Archive => RoE2 Archives => Legends of the Hero-Kings => : X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:20:26 AM

: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:20:26 AM
The following is from Kaven's meeting with RW. It is a mail-thread copied unto the board, so bear that in mind as you read it. I keep each mail in a seperate post (in order to keep RW and Kaven separated and help avoid confusion), other than that I have altered nothing.



Kaven splashed water on his face and looked into the polished steel mirror. Dressed as he where in ragged peasants clothes he felt rather certain that few who did not know him personally would be able to point him out on the streets. Gone was the long golden locks that had been the envy of many a lady in the courts of Anuire, and stubble now shadowing his cheeks and giving him a rather gaunt expression, it was a somewhat different man that looked back at him.

He had been in Ilien for a bit more than a week now, experiencing first hand the mixed sensations of the populace under siege and under oppression. Most where desolate in one way or another. Resigned to whatever fate would befall them. Outside their walls was a foe who plundered and raided freely. Kaven tried to put it out of his mind that his men where amongst those that had been know to raid. But inside the city, the very soldiers that should be protecting the populace from that outside threat where busying themselves with keeping their own special brand of peace. Rape, Kaven had heard, had happened on more than one occasion as troopers, drunk on power and alcohol both, had asserted their rights over some tavern maid or helpless girl in the streets. Those few who had attempted to oppose the brutal methods of the military had more often than not found themselves accused of various crimes, most of them false Kaven imagined but that mattered little when a man holding a sword and thus ultimately the law in the city at present, decided you where opposing the the will of the Countess or, even worse, aiding the enemy.

The baron-in-hiding ran a hand through his close-cropped hair, as much to comb it into some semblance of order as to remove the dust and sweat from his last trip outside his little sanctuary. The sun had been baking down on the city with little remorse after that day of wild rain, which did little to ease the minds of the population. He had been planning to ask a peddler on the street about the Speaker and this temple of the one true god earlier that day, but had come to other thoughts as a patrol of soldiers rounded the corner, and marched down the street. Instead he had bought a poorly mended pot, at an overprice as well and he had no real use for it, but at least the armsmen hadn't glanced twice in his direction, seeing the peasant instead of the High Priest of the RCS. Hardly surprising, Kaven thought to himself. It had been days since he had last bathed or scrubbed at the grime and dust that was settling on him as surely as on every other commoner in Ilien. It wasn't a disguise in the sense you heard of in the tales of rogues and assassins who could don another persona as a set of spare clothes, he simply stank as them, sweated as them and toiled as them.

He let a finger trace one of the many scars he carried. He wasn't comely in the sense he one had been - a pretty youth with fair skin from the courts of Diemed. The wars and struggles had dragged that out of him. He knew many still considered him handsome, but it was a more rugged handsomeness now. His skin had been weathered by constant exposure to the elements, his hands callused by extensive use of sword and axe. Without the clothes and perfumes of nobility he was not all that different from the common man. His body was perhaps more toned, he was slightly higher as well - the results of a good breed with proper meals, but if he hunkered a bit and kept the baggy clothes that would not be all that noticeable. And in any case his stink would keep people from getting close enough to notice.
His eyes, however. Kaven found himself staring at his own eyes till they began to water. There was no hiding those blue eyes, sparking with defiance. The same eyes his uncle had, he knew. A rare enough trait on the south coast in itself, where most men had dark eyes, but he knew that when he looked at folk, more often than not it was them who glanced away first. He'd have to work to keep that in check.
Well, a lowly poor stinking peasant would more likely than not stare at the ground more than at the faces of people. Keep his gaze lowered, and he should be able to get by. As long as people did not suspect his presence, he would be able to manage.

Taking a deep breath he managed to tear himself away from his reflection and stood up straight to glance outside. The sun was setting he could see. The shadows growing longer by the minute. That meant that Janosh would be home soon, bringing what dinner he managed to scrape together. Kaven guessed that some kind of broth with stale bread on the side would be on the menu. He sighed. He missed the meals at court, that much he would readily admit. He had given what coin he had to the priest, knowing full well that someone would question the man he was trying to masquerade as, if he ran around with that much coin on him.
He snorted with amusement. "Much"... it was nothing really, but it could get a man far on second-hand bread and basic meals for some time at least. The siege had meant an increase in the price of even the most basic materials, and even though Janosh the meek RCS priest had given all he had freely when Kaven had shown up at his door, hiding from the Ilienese military. Since the temples had been closed and congregations forbidden, the priest had had more than enough to do, walking from house to house, ministering to the ruornites in their family. It made Kaven strangely proud. A silent act of defiance. If the priest could not speak to the masses, they would speak to the individual. It was arduous work, and Janosh showed obvious signs of weariness when he came back to the cottage each evening.

He had held his promise to the High Priest, and told no one of his presence in the city, nor how Kaven had hammered him up in the early hours of the morning, drenched in blood and sweat. Kaven had resorted to help the man as best he could, to repay this man for his kindness, and help him even as he helped the oppressed populace. He had cooked for the man, something that had almost horrified Janosh - to be waited on by the High Priest of his faith was unthinkable - but Kaven had pressed his will and gotten his way and had served food such as he had been used to on his campaigns. Stews mostly. And broth, hard cheese and bread to sop up the remains so as little as possible was left in the bowl.

Perhaps tomorrow he would go to the small chapel dedicated to Saint Egris, or venture a bit closer to the castle. He was still concerned about the fate of those that had not followed him out. Ser Estevan, a drunken braggart as he may be Kaven still idolized the man for his skill and dedication to his own agenda and cause. Orthien Tane, the Guildmaster, whom he had come to respect if nothing else, in spite of his questionable methods. The man was a patriot if nothing else. And Duke Hierele... where had he gone? Had he escaped the city?
Hearing the latch on the door click, as Janosh slid in his key and turned, Kaven gave up his brooding and turned to prepare the meals and engage in one of their many whispered conversations about the conditions of the faithful in Ilien, and their future...
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:20:42 AM
Janosh returns, but he is not alone. He addresses you by whatever name you have assumed for the occasion:

"I have found a preacher that was willing to come with me home when he heard of your interest in the One God. I will prepare the evening meal while you talk."

With that he carries his bundle to the smallish kitchen.

The preacher wears the hooded robe of an RCS priest. You have heard that they had found converts, but not that any of the priests had fallen to heresy. Maybe it shouldn't have come as a surprise; these are difficult times. The state faith against the mage-countess. That was bound to cause confusion in the ranks.

"It is good that we finally meet. There is much to speak of. But let us begin by easing your fears. The One God is not Azrai reborn with a new name. The One God is a benevolent God. He can be stern when warranted, but he is just and wise. The One God has not come supplant your gods.

Whether or not you want to believe this or not - it is true. The One speaks no falsehood. But whether or not you want to believe is still important, not because it will affect the truthfulness of the fact, but because it will matter for the fate of so many souls in the years to come.

So I ask that you listen. Be prejudice f you like, but let nor zeal get the better of reason. Because if you do, you will be condemning many that could have been saved to a fate worse than death."

He removes his hood - to reveal a deeply tanned face, darkly intense eyes, and a shaven head covered by tattoos. I could have been any southern sorcerer of course, but the man has a presence that cannot be refuted - it is the Red Wind.

"And I am not the wicked man that I once was. I no longer walk in the darkness, but in the light. The One God has spoken to me, has saved my hollow soul, and now I am his Speaker. The task was given to me when He chose to reveal himself to the world - it is up to me to spread His word, so that Man can be saved from the soulless fate that awaits in the shadows."

He hastens to add, In case you have a fit or something:

"And I have come now, at this place and at this time, because here and now is where the future is decided. I am not here for the petty wars, the greed, or the stupidity of those who should be noble. I am here to set aright what is to come."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:21:00 AM
Kaven sits with a stern set to his face, as he listens. After the Red Wind/Speaker has spoken his piece, he continues to sit for a good time in silence, eyes never leaving the man.
"Speaker... you know there can be little love lost between us. Your God may have deemed to absolve you of the crimes of your past, but my Gods, I believe, have not."

He takes a deep breath.
"I will not lift a hand against you in this place. I am a guest in a humble mans home as much as you, but you must by now know what my intentions for coming here was and who I am. I see you do.
If you believe yourself free of any taint, I ask that you let me see you through the powers granted me by the Lawmaker. If you truly are unsullied by the evil that seems to permeate this place and Haelyn sees it so, then we can talk. If not, we have nothing further to debate."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:21:17 AM
"There you are wrong. Because your gods are also my gods. If the One God has saved me, surely they recognize it? It is the clergy you are not so sure about...there you will find many doubters and naysayers, I am sure.

Go ahead, I have nothing to hide. My hands are clean of any evil and my soul and my blood are pure..."

He does not register as evil. Nor can you, with your powers, see if he's up to any trickery. But he is, quite clearly, a very dangerous many to listen to for very long...and you don't think it is magic.
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:21:30 AM
"I'm pretty sure about the clergy. But then much is not as it has been as of late." He pauses, then nods to himself.
"You do not exude evil, Speaker, and my prayers to Ruornil has left me with the distinct impression that the Red Wind is dead to the world - even with you sitting here before me. That is good enough for me.
I will hear you and speak with you... starting with how my gods can be your gods as well. Do you serve One of Many, for it seems to me that the mere notion of this One God of yours seems to diminish their status as a pantheon."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:21:43 AM
He smiles

"How it can be? It can be because men do not know everything, but steadily seek to learn. It can be because the parts continue to be parts, even if you put them together. It can be because the one has always been, but we have been too blind too see the whole, we ignorant little men.

I will tell you a simple parable, one more suited for the common folk, but descriptive nonetheless: If a craftsman takes all the parts that make up a wagon - the wheels, the axles, the boogie, and so on...and makes a wagon. It is now a wagon, but the wheels remain wheels...only now they have a greater purpose. Now, imagine you had never even seen a wagon before and could not understand what use to put it to; then you would perhaps still recognize the parts and make use for them. But it would still be a wagon, and when you realized what it could do for you you would be angry with yourself for making firewood of the wood and carrying home the iron loops on your back!

That is how it is with man, 'your' Gods, and 'my' God."

Janosh serves you some wine and surprisingly good bread.

"But you are right of course...you are too educated and too wise not to understand that the parable also tells of the downfall of the old and the advent of the new. So yes, in time, when more people have recognized the One, then his various aspects will fade in prominence. But it will not be this year, or even in our lifetime...

...and even when it comes, will it be a bad thing? Fade does not equal disappear...there will still be room for nobility and warfare, moon and magic...only now they will be united in purpose, rather than fractures and in opposition.

So we both know that there will be opposition...some from the small-folk...out of tradition and fear of the unknown, but mostly from those who stand to loose temporal power and wealth."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:23:55 AM
Kaven seems to have issues grasping some of this, his brow furrowing. "If I understand you correctly, you would claim that all the gods are One? That he is the gathering of the Celestial Nine and Infernal Two, in unity? And Azrai?

We know our gods and love them. They fought besides us at Deismaar, their blood flows in our veins still. We fought fiercely on either side, hating and loathing the other. Do you tell me now that this One God was all the deities in that battle? That he choose to battle himself and shatter the world and all but destroy part of himself? That is asking me to believe a lot, Speaker. Why would the wagon work against itself?"

He pauses.
"Is this why you bring chaos to Ilien? Because you believe us to have chopped up this proverbial wagon for it's lesser parts and fail to see the whole of it?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:24:08 AM
"In a sense I am. But that is only part of it. The One God is much bigger than that. The One has always been and always be, and in the final sense he IS everything, not just a God to be worshiped, but literally everything. You, me, every grain of sand. We are all part of the One. It was always thus...but we never did see, because we were not ready..."

He pauses for a while.

"Not everything about the One is easy to understand. Not everything appeals to the common mind...he is not good or evil. It is as you say...he is both. How could it be any other way when you look at man and recognize that we were made in His image? Men are not evil or good. We are both. But not necessarily in equal measure...most people would live in contentment and peace, if given the chance...and so it is with the One.

He is benevolent, but he is not perfect. He is omnipotent and omnipresent, but not without flaws. If he were the world would not exist, we would not exists...it would be stagnation and stasis...we are what we are because we are only nearly perfect...just barely flawed."

You sense there is more, but he stops before it gets too esoteric.

"No-one will demanding that you stop loving your gods or honoring your ancestors. Why would the One want that? We've know him in other forms and names, but we have still known. The first men knew him as shapes in the dirt or as the power behind the life-giving waters of the desert. Later they called him Titan and ascribed to him power over the physical world. Yet later, in my day, then named him God and fought each other over which aspect was 'true' and which was not. Then came Deismaar and the true gods were replaced by their mortal heir...creating a strain of quasi-gods we call scions...but I digress...we've know Him by many names, but he has always been the same...

So by all means, continue to honor your gods...but know that you've been given the greatest gift - if you dare open your soul you will know the One for what he truly is."

The food arrives.

"And honestly truly, I did not make this - Ilien - come to pass. There are other, more sinister, forces at work here. A darkness that reaches across time to undo the future that must come. That is why I am here, prematurely, to stop this from happening."

He laughs a little.

"I certainly did not make Gerladine rebel. I did bring no army here. I did not send assassins. I'm not the ghost stalking the halls, dreaming of old glories. And I am not the one who is tearing the law of space and time to shreds.

All I did was seize the opportunity. Extend a hand in friendship...to secure my passage here.

Kaven...this is where the end begins."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:24:20 AM
"The plagues? The perverse attempts to control the minds of men and turn them against those they love? The fleet in the harbor? That was not you?"
Kaven's eyes linger on the lips of the Speaker. "I sought to end all that, and had you pegged as the culprit, which is why I left, blade in hand, to seek you out. I desire nothing but peace for the region, would that I could turn my swords to plowshares but there are transgression that cannot be overlooked.

You speak fine words of contentment and peace for all. Of a god who flows through everything - and it almost sounds to me more like you describe the flow of the mebhaighl, Speaker - but you must realize that this is not for the foreseeable future. We..." he spreads his arm to suggest that he means all the people of Ilien, even Anuire "... cannot accept that so readily. I, myself, am only hearing you out as it is, because I know there is the vaguest possibility of truth in your words, however insane they sound."

He shakes his head slightly, still looking at the man in front of him.
"I am a paladin dedicated to Haelyn, Speaker, as you will know... yet I serve the people of Ruornil as their High Priest, in spite what scriptures may think and say of that.
I have come to learn through this special bond, that to the Silver Prince it does not matter that I call another god my patron, I am still blessed with his love and allowed to serve him, just as I am embraced by the Lawmaker. It is this knowledge and love that cross boundaries the holy men suggest should not be able to be crossed, that make me hear you out..."

He exhales slowly, uneasy.
"What end?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:24:30 AM
”The fleet is entirely my doing, as well you know. It belongs to the Satrap of Eustan, a city-state to the far south. And yes, before you ask, the One God has a following there. It was my way of gaining entry here…you helped foil my last try remember? The one where I tried sneaking into the city to learn more…
 
Now I’ve heard that Ilien – and Medoere – has been plagued by disease in the past…that may well be related to the closeness of the Shadow World…although in Ilien’s case I think it has rather more to do with too many people and too little sanitation. But I assure you; I have nothing to do with that, and there have been no plagues here while I’ve been here. Even during the siege we have been lucky enough to avoid it within the walls.
 
And you forget that Countess Geraldine is a sorceress. It was she that turned the loyalty of the Ghiestan commander…after she read from his mind the treachery he had planned. I warned her about that her though, for I could not understand what Duke Hiriele, so friendly to Diem, had to gain by helping her out. It made no sense at all. So it was one man, and that man was planning to turn on her. He had it coming. So quit whining about that please.”
 
Long pause
 
“The end of all things of course! That is the reason why the One has revealed himself now, at this time. The eye of the Unmaker is upon Ilien…and much hangs in the balance.”
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:24:59 AM
Kaven shakes his head gravely. "Those are not the events I speak of, Speaker. The RCS have twarted attempts at plageuing the besiegers through magic, and countered at the last instance a spell cast by a fullblown archmage... Which attempted to brainwash the mind of hundreds of Diemeans and force them to kill the Archduke in his sleep..."

He pauses.
"I am aware of el-Mesirs actions, and she will answer for them in time, but this was not her, and I came here to confront the culprit!"

Calming slightly he adds.
"I know nothing of this 'unmaker', Speaker. And I would be wary of hearing things regarding unknown entities from one who used the shadowworld and Black Galley raiders as his tools..." 
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:25:09 AM
He looks at you for a while
 
“I know of no magical plague during my stay here…and if Dieman warriors where charmed and nearly killed their liege…I must applaud the Countess. She is much more resourceful than I had expected…her skills are quite astounding for one as young as her.”
 
When he sees your expressions he smiles a little
 
“Come come Kaven, though you might not like magic, the Archduke attacked a well-know mage. What did he expect? For her to meet him in chivalrous single combat? Now you are being daft. Of course she uses the resource at her disposal. I’m not sure it’s even illegal? Certainly not under Ilienese law…in the defense of the realm and all that. Perhaps it is I who should be wary of listening to you…you wear the veneer of a paladin and a noble, let you would cover your colours and murder a woman?”
 
He makes ready to leave.
 
“You do not need to believe or even listen. That is your prerogative. But you live in interesting times and you will be given the opportunity to make real choices, something few men real have. I do not think small-mindedness will serve you here.”
 
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:25:17 AM
"Though it was probably part in my recent defeat, I have never once hiden my colours, Speaker. I take pride in them, and will not stab anyone from behind..." he seems disgusted at the idea.
"And she was not the caster of such spells. My communions with Rournil has cleared that. It was the *other* wizard I was seeking... I believed him or her the reason for much of Iliens issues. First I thought it the ghost of the old count, whom Geraldine aparently takes advice from... And then I thought it was you, Speaker. Now I am not so sure..."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:25:28 AM
”And yet you, a paragon of the noble and the holy, was willing to walk with men of dubious honour – Duke Diem who has turned out to be a thieving git, Ghorien Hiriele the treacherous, Ortien Tane the murdered – to do deeds that no good man should contemplate. Even I knew that the ends did not justify the means…I just didn’t care…you should be better than that.
 
Anyhow, seeing as you know of the Ghost…yes, there is a very potent – and at times very malign spirit – here in Ilien. Actually there may be more than one, or several ones combined into one gestalt…could be one or more of the dead counts, bound by blood and magic to this place, but no matter. I had also believed this ghost to be source of Ilien’s evils…but now I am not so sure. I think that it watches over Gerladine, guides her hands and her magic, guards Ilien. That sort of thing. But now I am not so sure. I’ve seen it ward and repair the weave…now why would it do that? I tried talking to it, but then it flew into an insane rage and I had to leave it be…
 
…but no, I do not think it’s responsible. Someone else is. Someone present when last I was here. Perhaps the Sword Mage – she’s allied to Gerladine, and I know that the Ghost attacked her when last she visited the city…near killed her I heard. Or maybe it was the Iron Rider…I’ve heard dark rumours about him. Or one of the priests…you had one with you that knew too much of shadow-craft…might even be the Pontiff. I do not know.”
 
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:25:38 AM
Kaven gives a half-pained look. "The ends must justify the means, Speaker. We need peace, before everything resolves into a maelstrom.

Patriarch Baerelen was my friend, just as Archduke Diem is my liege. I will speake no ill of either, and hear none as well."

He pauses.
"It is by Geraldine's own hand that I have heard that this... or these Ghosts meddle with the veil.  And if it guides her hand, they do a poor job."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:25:57 AM
”You have clearly made up you mind about many things. Good and evil. Right and wrong. Them and us. What has transpired and what has not. I feat that your closed mind will serve you poorly in the days to come. Pitty.
 
I must go attend other matters, so I bid you good night.”
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:26:41 AM
Kaven seems almost desperate. Penned in a prison of his own choosing between enemy lines as he believes himself.
"Speaker! Wait! How do I reach you?"



Resolving to asking Janosh if he can arrange for another meeting, one that will adress the matter of the One God, and not the current events in Ilien, Kaven spends his days in deep thought.
Where once he had considered scouting the defenses of the city, he now just sits brooding and contemplating, considering the Speakers words.

Eventually he asks for pen and paper, in order to write it down, lest he forget it, and so that he may consider it more fully.

---

In the following days, waiting on someone who may, or may not show, the baron switches between feeling shameful for even considering the words of one he deemed his enemy not a month ago, and a strange feeling of elation at the notion that there might actually be something in the Speakers words. How easier it would be for everyone, if there was only one deity. The prospect that religious strife alone might grind to a halt would be... fantastic. The recent events in Alamier had left him with a foul taste in his mouth. That people - any people - would kill and rape priests, burn temples and harass the populace, all in the name of their god was galling. He had no stomach for that... better far to know that your foe where abominations on nature - the undead - than other Anuireans.

Kaven had killed men in the name of Haelyn before. He had even found himself shouting Ruornil's name at the height of battle, although more often than not his foes had been the foe of all humanity then, be it shadowspawn or those who followed them.
Still, when he thought about it, it rankled him that it was so common a practice, that it was considered perfectly normal to do so.

Returning to the present from his silent brooding, he looked down on the papers, focusing on the one point that had struck home truest in the words of the Speaker, that the gods may be aspects of only one God. Knowing full well that many would be ardent believers of the concept that the gods are distinct, separate divine beings, instead of aspects, Kaven couldn't honestly say he had ever had that belief. If that had been the case the Lawmaker and the Silver Prince would never have allowed one as himself to be in the position he was in.
But then again, why would the aspects of the gods fight each other? Not just at Deismaar, but at every turn - like in Alamier, where the followers of the RCS and the Orthodoxy had risen against each other. Why would the gods ask for that?

Almost laughing out loud, Kaven suddenly realized they hadn't. Not in all his years as the voice of the Silver Prince, had Ruornil ever given him commands in that regard. Spread the truth - of course. But never had it been said that it should happen at the expense of others. That was mans doings. Not once had Kaven ever received the impression that His truth is better than Their truth. And when other men refused, weapons where raised. He shook his head with a sad smile.
If all gods where One, then that would go against their wishes. No truth where better than the other, he decided. The gods all *where*, so why should Haelynite faith trumph out Nesierean, or Ruornite? They where all truths, just seen from different perspectives.

The baron of Medoere chuckled as he wrote that down. Then, hesitantly added "there is only one truth" at the end. Because there where. All truths where one. Would it truly matter what aspect you chose to believe in if they where but branches of the same tree? Most people would live in contentment and peace, if given the chance, the Speaker had said. Only mankind did not give itself that opportunity... it fought to make it's own branch bigger, at the expense of others.



Putting down his pen, Kaven blew softly on the fine vellum paper Janosh had somehow procured. Satisfied that the ink would not smear, he read it through again.
At least some manner of record would exist as a result of his meeting with the Speaker. He still wanted to learn more, but what he had learned so far intrigued him and sparked something within him. It just felt... right.


: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:28:59 AM
Janosh arranges another meeting - this one deep in the catacombs...in the very chamber where the wraiths were destroyed and the Iron Rider killed. Someone has cleared out rocks and debris and erected supports to prevent further collapses.

The Red Wind...the Speaker...does he have a real name? He is there, wearing only loose-fitting white breeches and slippers. Every inch of sun-tanned skin is covered in intricate tattoos, some clearly arcane in origin. He wipes dirt from his hands with an already filthy cloth.

"You wanted to see me again? Well, here I am. The same as last time. Now please get on with it, I have much to do and time is not on my side."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:29:11 AM
Kaven, having discarded the peasants clothes for the more comfortable robe of a priest, enters slowly as he looks around.
"Curious place to have chosen, Speaker."

He finds a place on the earth and sits himself down, legs crossed.
"I feel I must apologize for our last meeting. You touched on some sore spots, and I snapped in return. I considered your words from last and came to the conclusion that man, not the gods, decides to push their beliefs down on each other by violence or trickery. I believe it has always been our assumption that we did what we did in the best interest of the one we served, but if the truth is, that all gods are merely aspects of one, we are simply stifling spiritual growth.

Speaker, I would hear more of the One and this... Unmaker if you would talk of them. I am curious about one and the other, and have some questions of my own."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:29:24 AM
"Well, before you let emotion get the better of you...contemplate this:

Those that serve the One are also but men. They can err and go wrong. So belief in the One does not offer Utopia without effort. The pious and the true must ever be vigilant, ever be willing to work hard and make sacrifices. The flaws in all men will not go away.

Nor can we hope that those who deny the One will not use violence...not is it the way of the One not to defend the faithful. It is not a faith of war and violence, but it is by no means pacifist. If you raise you hand in anger against us, we will smite you down. But we will not then condemn you family and fiends to the same fate based on your actions.

Because it is out belief that all men are endowed by a free will. It is our blessing and our curse. If we were not flawed, then there would be no free will. So in a sense it is our capacity to be selfish and evil and cruel that give us the opportunity to be what we are...aspects, fragments if you will, of the One True God.

Yes, the One is not an easy god. It is not the god of your ancestors. He is not a god of wind and weather, war or peace. He is all those things, but he is so much more. He offers few answers regarding good harvests and fair winds, but rather more regarding the nature of man, morality, and our place in the grand scope of things.

But more of that later...you asked about the Unmaker. What can I say? I am not sure there even IS an Unmaker. It is just a term I have coined. The reason why the One spoke to me. The elusive enemy I try to find, to stop. Great as the One is, he is not all...there are things...places...ideas and ideals that are not part of Him, but apart. Not here on Aebrynis, but beyond that. He does not give meaning to cause and effect. He does not define good or evil. He fills existence, but he does not define it. Do you understand what I am saying?

No matter. The Unmaker seeks to unmake the world. That is why I have given him this name. Not destroy, not ravage, but unmake. If he has his way we will not fall into mere oblivion, no, we will never have existed at all. Nor will the One be there to fill existence...perhaps the unmake seeks to fill it with something else...perhaps he seeks the void...I do not know."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:29:33 AM
Kaven sits and contemplates this in silence for some time.
"I had considered the notion of free will. It is after all man who decides to wage wars, not the gods. That we do so on their behalf does not always make a cause all the more righteous.
That you are not pacifists I can most certainly see - I just have to look at the harbor to see a fleet with those, I must presume, who follow the One God."

He smiles meekly.
"So it is our own free will that allows us to fail or succeed. Do more fail than not? Does the One God have a place reserved in the afterlife, for those who strive to be all the best they can? Or a place for those who do not? Are they condemned to limbo?

 And how does the Shadow world fall into this? I have fought it's denizens on more than one occasion... Is it in any way tied to this Unmaker?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:29:47 AM
Taking some time to glance around in the chamber, the baron remarks as an afterthought.
"What are you trying to accomplish down here, Speaker? It seems a rather grim place to consider for anything.

He gets to his feet, brushing the dirt from the back of his robe.
"This is where the Iron Rider met his end, alongside various members of the clergy of both RCS and IHH. Over there I received a deep wound myself, and here is where the Pontiff attempted a mad charge."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:29:59 AM
"The One does not change anything. He does not invalidate the afterlives of the souls. But if you believe in Him and serve Him you will stand before His judgment the day you die. Some souls will serve him, others will be reborn, but the pure ones will join him again - for he is the wellspring of all souls, from which we all come and must eventually return to."

He moves over a bit

"It is here that the end begins. This is the source of the tears in the Veil, this is where the Unmaker seek to gain purchase...if you were one of the faithful you would understand...once the One has spoken to you His presence is with you always...but here, in this place, it is undone...I can hear him only as a faint whisper...and I find myself questioning - is the One even real, have I dreamed it all up in my deranged mind, if he can be undone here how can he be the One?

This is why I came to Ilien. To see this...to test my faith and to see if I could understand it. Which I must say I cannot...a troubling realization for who who believed himself to be the greatest archmage that ever lived! If you could only sense it...it is most insidious...it is like even the most basic of laws break down in its presence...time and space...cause and effect...perhaps even good and evil.

It did not begin with the battle between yourself and the undead...it may always have been...hard to tell when time has no meaning, would you not say?"

He steps back.

"So, what do you think? Am I only mad and paranoid, or is there something to it? Does the world end here?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:30:09 AM
Tilting his head at the Speakers words, Kaven purses his lips in thought.
Instead of answering the man right away, instead he moves slowly to one side of the room, placing a tentative hand on the wall and closing his eyes.

"There was problems with the veil here even before I arrived first, I know that. If this ghost you talk of, the spirit of several counts combined has been protecting the veil in Ilien, perhaps even before the time of Aglondier, that may well explain why we have not seen it before now. The ghost has remained a secret, and so has any damage to the veil, as it has been repaired as soon as it started to unravel."

He moves to one side of the room, sensing with his hands and spirit rather than seeing with his eyes.
"The conflict and hate the spirit feels towards Diemed could alter it's focus sufficiently to allow anything from the Otherside purchase in our realms..." he pauses, then sets his jaw. "... which would explain why it wasn't discovered until around the point where Ilien rebelled. Their focus shifted."

OOC: I think Kaven will attempt some kind of detect evil. Not directed at the Speaker, but more the surroundings. Hopefully the touch will help focus his search, or at least keep the Paladin focused on the task at hand :P.
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:30:20 AM
There is a certain taint of the Shadow here, but that should be because of the tears in the Veil...but suddenly Kaven can sense it too...the gods, his gods, suddenly seem far-away and unimportant...do they even exist?

"This has nothing to do with any ghost. Many ghosts are malicious or malevolent, some are not. But they pass THROUGH the Veil, they don't damage it. And at any rate it does not explain the rest. Grasp at straws if you like, but the ghosts of counts of the past did not do this."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:30:30 AM
Kaven shakes his head sadly.
"I was referring to your words that the ghosts where repairing the veil. I am not saying they tore holes... not anymore."

He gasps as he feels the link to his gods slip.
"By all that is holy... I ... I sense what you do... or rather the lack of it. There is a bleakness that exudes from somewhere close by. What cruelty would deprive a man from the joy of knowing the gods?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:31:07 AM
"The Unmaker perhaps?"

You think that was some sort of joke.

"Now you see why I have coined the term...and how elusive this enemy is."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:31:14 AM
Removing his hands from the damp walls, Kaven nods to himself, seeming to come to some conclusion.
"How may I help in ending this threat, Speaker?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:31:23 AM
"I have no idea. This...baffles me. I must have time to study it..."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:31:35 AM
The baron purses his lips once more.
"I am sure there is a reason, though I still feel I must ask - why not just bury this? Pull down the support and make certain that nothing enters of leaves this place in the time to come? Can anything good really come from studying this? Do you not fear that close proximity will sever your connection completely?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:31:58 AM
"But it spreads...its spreads from this point...both in time and space. In a few months it will have expanded beyond this chamber in space...and two months back in time as well.

Does that make sense to you? That something which happens now can effect what has gone before? I try to understand what the result might be for the present...but I cannot get to grips with it...is the future altered or is it not?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:32:11 AM
Kaven does indeed seem to have some difficulty grasping it.
"Are you saying..." he begins, whetting lips that suddenly seem dry. "That... the populace will stop believing... with reverse effect? They will have lost faith days and months prior to this... thing even reaching them." He shudders. "No one in Ilien would know what had happened. And no one would care."

"I cannot even begin to understand the scope of it... and in this place? It would effect thousands...tens of thousands... hundreds of thousands. The followers of Ruornil alone in Ilien number around eighty thousand souls if not more."
He seems about to go on, but simply stops with a wide-eyed expression on his face, then draws a deep breath.

"Speaker - if you truly believe you can prevent this, I will pledge body and soul to assisting. That must not happen."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:32:19 AM
"I'm not saying with great pathos...I'm theorizing...very vaguely...based upon the words of the One and my own arcane lore. I could be wrong, but I do think so. I could be mad...by again I think not...but other men would name me so and burn me if they heard of this. I hope you understand that - and that you too are mad and a heretic by association...

I was wondering what would happen in the past, when you entered this chamber to battle the undead. How would that go had you lost faith? Would you have died - or rather, would the future be altered? Yet here you are...and nothing has changed...or has it? Impossible to say. But know we must!

And... what if this is not the only place and time? There could be others..."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:32:32 AM
"Stop. Please Speaker, you are causing my head to hurt." Kaven offers a wan smile.
"Theorizing like that will only surely drive us to madness. Yes, I have accepted that even by association with you would most men consider me heretic. I cannot but wonder if that says more of them, than of me.

If this is not the only place, then we will find the others and quell this... thing there as well. But that we cannot do, without knowing how. So here will be the first step taken to prevent this, and if you will accept it, I will toil beside you till my hands a bloody and raw to unearth the truth and safeguard the souls of us all."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:32:43 AM
"Very well, then let us join forces by you Supporting my Research action through your Adventure action :-D"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:34:55 AM
... and that concludes # 66. More to follow in #67
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:35:35 AM
Dispatch #67 - Speaker to KE



Your little priest friend comes running back to the house one night in early autumn; he is very agitated:

He said to come at once to you-know-where. The Unmaker is here he said to say.
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:35:46 AM
Kaven's brow furrow as he dons his priestly robes, making sure his sword is concealed and at the same time positioned so that the scabbard won't get entangled between his legs when he walks.

Mumbling a quick prayer he dons the symbols of his twin deities, tugging them under his cloak, and sets of at a brisk pace, following the lead of Janosh towards the catacombs.
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:35:57 AM
You arrive in the catacombs.

The Speaker is there.

"He was here. The Unmaker. This very night. Not 'here' in the physical sense, but here, in this time. It spoke...I could not make out the words, but it spoke to SOMEONE, in Anuirean...and I could almost feel the future shifting!

It is damnable. I cannot make anything more out of it. I almost with that the Sighted was here to give it meaning!"

He calms down.

"No. I don't really want that. I just wish I could understand..."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:36:06 AM
"Here? And talking to someone?" Kaven's hand clenches around the pummel of his sword.
"So we know that he has at least one agent in Ilien, an Anuirean. Gods that sickens me... to willingly work with something like that."

He looks around.
"And this thing you where looking for? Can you still sense it? Is it gone?"

He shakes his head. "If my uncle where here, we could have tried to divine what had occurred here, or been said. Speaker, is that within your power? To dredge a conversation of a recent past to the surface? Or these Sighted you talk of?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:36:14 AM
"The Sighted? Ah, I beg your apology. That would be the one you know as the Eyeless One. We called him that because he was blind...but prophetic. Just like they called me the Red Wind.

I did not mean Ilien. Not here. Somewhere in Anuire perhpas. I could not tell. If lasted only briefly, and now it is gone. As is the anomaly...it is gone, like it was never even here. Can't you feel it? The light of the One shines here again. I do not understand. Not at all."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:36:22 AM
"You have a better afinity for this anomaly than I, Speaker." Kaven smiles wanly.
"After all, you found it from afar, and we have not known if its existence in spite of having men in the city.

But if this threat is ended - or at least gone for know, then I can only be pleased. Do you surmise that it... Or the Unmaker somehow sensed that we searched for the anomaly, and had it removed?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:36:33 AM
"The anomaly might still be 'here', but it sis not here 'now'. It's presence in the now is elsewhere. It felt almost...it was like the feeling where you access the memories of your ancestors...that feeling when you reach back in time to look at event that took place a long time ago. Only the Unmaker didn't just look - he acted! Kaven - he reached back in time to alter something. Made it happen in a manner it would otherwise not have. How can such a thing be!?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:36:46 AM
"It's what the Unmaker does, no? Unmakes things.

 It makes it harder for us to react to... His?... His movements. I take solace in the fact that here and now the threat is diminished, but we need to find out if this anomaly has simply moved time and place, and now rests somewhere else - or if there are any else.

Personally I would very much like to get my hands on whoever degrades him or herself to helping this foe... Perhaps this person is the key now?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:36:54 AM
"Yes. We must find this person. And quickly. And ideas where to begin?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:37:02 AM
   "Ilien would seem to be the linking point." Kaven says tapping his lower lip thoughtfully with a finger.
"I assume that this agent of the Unmaker knew of the anomaly here, and thus have had an interest in the Siege of Ilien ever since the start, either to prevent entry by those that might foul it, or actively seek access in order to safekeep the secret."

He looks around the room, then shrugs.
   "It would be interesting to know who in Anuire intends to change his or her position on Ilien within the next coming days. Either by backing out where previously the person was very engaged - or helping to increase attention on the Siege where previously the person was somewhat apprehensive.

Otherwise - do you know if the presence of this Unmaker in our world - even for a short while - would leave behind any marks? Either spiritual scars on the surrounding lands or more tangible like frightened animals, unnatural occurrences and the likes? That would narrow any search down to those that have access and influence in the area."

He pauses.
   "Do you believe that whomever it is, it is someone with a divine regency to the land? A regent of some realm? Or could we be looking for someone in the guise of a common peasant?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:37:22 AM
"There is no reason for it to be a commoner. It will be a scion. Possibly a ruler. Most likely that person will also be a sorcerer of some skill. Should narrow down the search a bit...although we must not be too quick to point fingers. Our prey is elusive.

I am no longer sure that Ilien will play such an important role. It may, but the focus is not here, now. It lies elsewhere. I must search for it and find it - but it will not be easy. It's not like the corrupt and unhallowed aura left by the darkest of shadowspawn. This is much more subtle and insidious."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:37:30 AM
"It is as I feared then" Kaven comments. "It will be something that will be hard to track, until it is nearly too late and people are already starting to fall prey to the effects of the anomalies. But we must count our blessings at least, that the threat to Ilien is presently diminished."

He takes a deep breath and purses his lips.
"Will you be leaving Ilien then to seek this anomaly - or anomalies - elsewhere? I'd like to help, but beyond the immediate sphere of my influence any help I could offer would be limited to a more personal level. I also have this mess going on above our heads to worry about... However if you need anything that is within my power to give, then you have but to say it, and I will try to accommodate the needs of the gods, and the One God."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:37:39 AM
"I fear I shall have to leave Ilien. It doesn't feel right to do so, however...a new feeling for me. I have promised aid to Ilien and there are a number of faithful here. I fear what will become of them.

Is there anything you can do? Clearly you cannot be known to associate with me; then you'd loose all credibility. But can you somehow help Ilien? And the faithful?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:38:06 AM
Kavens brow crease as he considers the possibility.
"I can do nothing for el-Mesir. Even if she is innocent of what the temples might wish to condemn her for, she still has to answer to her liege lord - and considering the troubles he has gone to so far, that does not bode well for her continued vitality. At least then we will now that her soul is saved and that she does not go into the Void but rather to the side of her god.

But el-Mesir is not Ilien, and the RCS is still state-faith here. I believe I can use that influence - and my sway with the Archduke - to speak on behalf of those that now follow the One God. Halt aggression towards them on the grounds that many of them come from Ruornite stock, and that we wish to sort this out with them peacefully... monitor them. Alternately we can take them in - if they will abide to our codes and doctrines, which does not seem to differ much from your own. I do not ask that they discard their belief, just that they respect our view on it and recognize that where they believe on One, we focus on one of his aspects."

He sighs.
"Of course nothing is sure in war and strife. As long as the war goes on, I can make no guarantees. My temples are held in an iron grip - I understand some priests tried to arm the populace - and my flock is forbidden from gathering. I need peace to be able to do anything in that regard. Otherwise I'm just another man with a stick in the crowd."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:38:15 AM
"Your temples suffer because your brought them into the conflict. You can make excuses all day long, but it doesn't change the facts - you brought them in and the Countess responded with, in my view, a very mild course of action. Most rulers would have reacted far more harshly. Some even murder merchants and steal their wares because the come from a city that has rebelled. Who would have thought.

I think it is time both of us leave here. I must be elsewhere and I don't think it will be safe for you here without me. I bid thee farewell for now."
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:38:24 AM
Somewhat tightlipped, Kaven gives a curt bow.
"Where will you begin your search? And how will you leave the city? I have to get out myself, if - as you say - it in unsafe to stay. Perhaps we could leave together?"
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:38:34 AM
”You would do well not to underestimate the One. He knows no borders or bounds. And I am still the most powerful sorcerer that ever lived. There are few things that can bar MY way.”
 
Suddenly you are standing outside Ilien.
 
“See. The Unmaker might have his tricks, but the servants of the One are not powerless. Goodbye.”
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten) June 04, 2013, 10:39:20 AM
"Gods be with you..." Kaven begins, bit finds himself speaking to the empty air.

Standing in idle thought for the better part of a minute, he finally turns and moves towards the siege-camp.



- The end
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Bellam & BC/TB (Bobby) June 07, 2013, 05:37:42 PM
Is it wrong to feel a certain pride at learning that my character would eventually have become the obliteration of all of space and time?   :o    ;)
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: DM B June 07, 2013, 09:42:04 PM
Is it wrong to feel a certain pride at learning that my character would eventually have become the obliteration of all of space and time?   :o    ;)

Except you chickened out, dropping the eye and going back to being a minor nobleman...good for everyone else though :D
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Haelyn's Aegis/RK (Andy) June 07, 2013, 09:53:51 PM
Is it wrong to feel a certain pride at learning that my character would eventually have become the obliteration of all of space and time?   :o    ;)

Except you chickened out, dropping the eye and going back to being a minor nobleman...good for everyone else though :D

I keep wondering who found it - or perhaps who it found

There were plenty of corrupt souls around - and plenty blind enough to corrupt.
: Re: Adventure #66 The Wrath of Red Wind (extended edition) - Medoere
: X-Bellam & BC/TB (Bobby) June 07, 2013, 10:26:30 PM
Tough to say.  When I found it, it had been sitting in the Bellamie family vault long enough to go comatose - it looked like a chunk of rock, and took a fair amount of effort to wake up, although even then it held a mysterious aura of power (which is why I spent the time to wake it up, of course).  When I set it aside, I basically put it back where I found it and locked all the doors.  It's POSSIBLE, though not necessarily likely, that Tristan severing his ties to it would relatively quickly send it back into slumber, and it could have sat there undisturbed for centuries again.  Or it could have corrupted/controlled one of my retainers into coming and getting it before I finished putting away my keys.  Up to Bjorn!