tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-179416322024-02-20T23:06:01.804-08:00The Jester's Bookrook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-8609583522941562332021-04-12T12:44:00.001-07:002021-04-12T12:44:11.162-07:00Trials VI: Via ProphecyA death's head raven flys over the walls of Gothex's defenses crossing the fields where soldiers train, it banks left and heads toward the tallest building located centrally in side the enormous wall. It knows to fly to the top window and land on the table.<br />
<br />
A dozen men turn when the raven touched down on the edge of the table they were convened around.<br />
<br />
Saing moves towards the bird, "Ah my pet and what news do you bring me?". Lifting the small scroll from the leg of the bird the Baron reads his dispatch. "Damn you Fool! How has this been true the whole time?"<div><br /></div><div>The group turns toward the man seated in a chair near the edge of the room.</div><div><br /></div><div>He clears his throat and says, "I'm sure that the Baron is about to explain how the Cartage Enclave has been able to stay hidden this long."<br />
<br />"It would appear that you, my whimsical friend, have known the entire time what these Cartage mongrels want, and you've done nothing about it." the Baron snapped in retort.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Baron, I understand your misgivings. As you and your General," the Jester nods to Di'Rand "have been securing Gothex's borders, the Children's Revolution gained a great deal of traction. Many defectors flocked to their standard. The Troll of Kend'hall took in many of the leaders and Draconni's money bought the silence of the surrounding towns. After that is was merely a combination of time and pressure. Azon, Augustus, Gregor took whole swathes of troops with them into concealment. If I, myself hadn't been nearly slain in an assassination attempt, we would know even less."</div><div><br /></div><div>Saing closes on the Jester, a mere handsbreath away and says in a growl, "I should kill you for letting this rot fester in my kingdom. Now I must root it out and burn it to ash." Returning to the table Saing signals for a runner. "Girl, find me Burl Hatchling."</div><div><br /></div><div>The aid bowed, "Of course my lord" and left with chamber at almost a run.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Di'Rand, take three Wraith-class air sloops and return to the Riverlands. Finish the Western Campaign and place Commander Cristos in charge as governor. His loyalty and ingenuity should at long last be rewarded. In the mean time, Hatchlings creatures shall roam the valleys of Kend'hall and ensnare my quarry."</div><div><br /></div><div>The General salutes, "My liege, it shall be done.", turns and takes most of his general staff with him.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Goettch, and what do you have to report on my zealot thorn?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"I spoke with the Celetial Monks and they have no quarrel with you. It was told that they would be moving on in a few weeks in accordance with their traditions."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Good" the Baron replied, "You are dismissed".</div><div><br /></div><div>As Goettch was about to leave, the Jester asked, "Any word of Benedict? His escape was widely reported?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"No. But you may want to speak with Captain Iskriger, she may know more than I."</div><div><br /></div><div> "That name isn't familiar to me, where would I find her?" the Jester asked.</div><div><br /></div><div>Goettch ignored the question as he left the room.</div><div><br /></div><div>"The rest of you are dismissed." Saing commanded and the room emptied. "Not you, Fool."</div><div><br /></div><div>"But of course, old friend. How can I be of service?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"This Children's Revolution cannot persist. It will kill this empire with its rot and weakness. It must be dealt with before the year is out."</div><div><br /></div><div>"You over estimate your enemies. The Troll is far older and weaker then most think. And that wastrel of a wife, the pressures upon her must be overwhelming. She'll crack and soon. The traitorous knights, will be caught and quartered. I've even heard there is a prophecy, the 'Wind and the Crone'. I believe the wind in this case is a man named Dur Direj."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Your stories do not interest me. These traitors shall be undone." Saing gathers up some maps and leaves the war room.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Jester sits in the corner and gazes out the windows. Dark clouds gather on the horizon as he muses aloud "I hope I've done enough."</div><div><br />
<br /></div>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-14615384254163678592012-01-04T13:40:00.000-08:002012-01-04T13:40:38.774-08:00Trials V: Through Subterfuge.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he airship settled down in the courtyard of Skull
Tower. The General and his retinue
disembark and make their way up the stairs.
A runner delivers the most recent dispatches to the General, dozens of
them on troop movements, threats, assets, and war preparations. “Goettch” the General says, handing him a
piece of parchment, “It seems some friends of yours have take up residence here
in the city. Go speak with them. The brothers may be most helpful in the
coming days.”</div>
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Goettch read the dispatch and turned on heel to find the men
known only as the Celestial Monks. The Monks
are a roving band of brothers, who fight for noble causes. No one knows quite how many there are. Some reports have said there were forty
members of the order, but those closest know that there are only four brothers
and a few followers. Avi Goettch was
raised from a boy, as a guard in their monastery. His education was as diverse and complex as
any could be. He was taught the martial
arts of hand to hand combat, the songs of bards, and the diplomacy of
statesmen. The Monks have never been concurred;
their monastery is as they have wanted it, free and unmolested. There have been several attempts for press
the Monks into service, but through guile, force, or negotiation they were able
to repel the invaders. Goettch learned
well their lessons and much of their teachings are responsible for his quick
rise to Commander in Di’Rand’s army. He
was a little leery to learn that the Monks were in Gothex. They are a powerful ally, and a fearsome
enemy.</div>
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As he stepped into the practice hall where the Monks were
said to be staying, he intuitively snapped his right arm up into a hammer
block, catching his attacker’s kick across his armored forearm. The foot retracted as quickly as it flashed
into existence. From across the room, in
a shadowy alcove, sat a man in heavy robes.
“Brother Goettch, welcome back to the fold. You have been missed, my friend.”</div>
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“Your pupil is slow and as loud as a horse, Brother
Saul. It is good to see you. How are your brothers?”</div>
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“They are well. These
are busy times. Why have you come?” the
monk said as he rose from his prayer rug.</div>
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“To ask what your intentions here are. The Celestial Monks are valuable allies, but
feared enemies. Are you here to assist
us or are you here for battle? I think
the General suspects my association with the monastery. Else he would have sent a corps of troops. ”
the knight asked stepping into the hall.</div>
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“I am here to fulfill an honor debt to the one known as the
Fool. As such his agenda is mine. My brothers are here because I am. Are you at cross ways with the Fool? If so, it is a pity.” The Monk steps closer
to Goettch as if to embrace him.</div>
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“No, I was just informed the he was here. I am not aware of any misgiving the Jester
may have with me.”</div>
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With that, the monk clasped the knight’s forearm firmly in
his grip and said, “Good my friend, let us enjoy some fine honeyed nectar and
toast to our good fortune to not be set upon each other. You were always a fierce opponent. And not someone I would wish to kill.” The monk and knight made their way to the
hall’s common room to find some mugs and mead.</div>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-84473827331500707512011-12-30T04:39:00.000-08:002017-01-26T07:49:08.438-08:00Trials IV: With Integrity.<div class="MsoNormal">
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"<span style="font-size: x-large;">G</span>et up, you arrogant bastard!" the jailer said to the
resident of the dungeon. The man in the
cell, slowly pulls himself to his feet, being careful to dust off some of the
dirt and filth common to his current locality.<o:p></o:p></div>
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"And good morning to you, fair Innkeep. Does the Queen require my services
today?" the redheaded man said with more
grace that one would think possible in the dank bowels of the castle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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"You swine's son, dontcha dare be speaking foully of my
queen. A good and right honororable
queen she be." The jailer responded.<o:p></o:p></div>
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"Oh, my good man, the tales I could tell you about your dear
Queen would curl your toes, of that I am quite certain. But you did not rouse me from my
rest to share, with you, tales of the past. How may
I be of service to you?" The brash nobleman replied, a small twinkle of
mischief in his eye.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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"Shackles for you, your grace.
Seems the Queen be wanting your audience today." Pulling out a pair of
arm irons, the guard reaches through the bars and secures the prisoner's
wrists. Once done, the jailer opens the
cell door and the scruffy nobleman steps out and heads up the stairs to where
he used to freely roam.<o:p></o:p></div>
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"My good man, one of these days you will learn to offer your
guests a clean tub of water and a decent meal.
Oh the food is dreadful." The
redhead begins his list of observations about the facility and the way it is
run. There are four hundred and forty
two steps to the top of the floor that the Queen is on. There two hundred and twenty one "observations". This is not the first time
in the last six years these two men have had this conversation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Arriving at the throne room, "And dearest Innkeeper, the
other denizens, and by that I do mean the rats you keep, really must be kept on
another level. Their raucous frivolity
is more than one can stand, as one must get one's beauty rest. Ah, I see we've arrived. You must take down my suggestions, I think". </div>
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"Shut it. You'll have
the same story on the morrow, no need for fancy writings, 'bout got the list memorized
now. Come to collect you 'bout an hour, your Grace." the Jailer turned to leave the anteroom and was taken aback by the
change in the normal ending to their almost daily conversation.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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"I'm afraid not, my good man. I fear our time has grown short and this
shall be our last conversation." With
that, the disgraced Ambassador strode confidently into the Queen's throne room.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Placed squarely high atop a dais, the Queen held court as the Ambassador glanced over to where his former seat stood, still unoccupied.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On his chair sat a scroll.
A scroll sealed three times. A
blue wax seal, a black wax seal, and a red wax seal. The Ambassador did not even have to see the
Book, the Skull, nor the Dragon pressed into those seals to know who had sent
the scroll. With a deft and practiced
movement, the shackles unlocked and slipped from his arms. At the sound of the shackles hitting the
stone floor, all hell broke loose. The
members of the court began to scream at the site of a newly freed prisoner. The
guards standing around the perimeter began to move in to apprehend the very
dangerous man now standing a few dozen feet from their Queen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The fugitive, more sensing then seeing the threats, breaks
into a run towards the west wall of the room.
Ducking and weaving between pole-arms and pikemen, the nimble young man
gracefully slips between the sergeant's legs and is up and running again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Queen sees her men surround the former noble, but
impossibly he slips through her forces and throws himself through a window.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A moment later, a loud splash is heard from the river below
and the guards begin shouting out the newly formed hole in the glass, to arrest
that man.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Under her breath, Queen duClarque says "Goodbye Dar
Benedict, I hope this works."</div>
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<br /></div>
rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-81825273630391710072011-12-14T06:20:00.000-08:002011-12-24T12:30:10.928-08:00Trials III: These Men<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span>he loud clamor of gears grinding, soldiers marching, and
the land burning was like music to the General’s ears. As he sat astride a mammoth war machine in
his command tent, Di’Rand looked over the maps of the lands he had
concurred. His mandate had been
simple. Increase the borders by four
hundred fold. He had almost doubled
that. The Empire of Gothex now stretched
from the mountains in the East to the mighty river in the west and as far north
and south as was inhabitable. He had
been at war for almost a decade, when the most curious thing happened.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A black pigeon alighted on the corner of his table. Di’Rand studied the creature and soon saw a
death’s head pattern had been painted onto the wing of the pigeon. “Saing.
No one else would be so arrogant.
Ten years at war for him and he sends me a bird.” The warmonger notices the note
tied to the bird's leg.</div>
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Unrolling the tiny manuscript, Di’Rand reads Saing’s tight
script. </div>
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“Return. Generals
Counsel. The Fool Lives.”</div>
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The army’s general calls out to his aide-de-camp to get his
horse. The army proceeds south as its
leadership mounts fierce looking horses bred for speed. Di’Rand and his top three commanders head for
home. “Lord General…why the haste? Has Gothex fallen?” Commander Goettch inquires.</div>
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The burly general responds with “That damned Fool will get
us all killed.” But the message is lost
in the din of horses galloping toward their home fields.</div>
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After a day’s hard ride the four men, stop their horses at
the top of a hill overlooking a valley.
In the center of the devastation, is a large blasted and broken stone
edifice.</div>
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“The power well. So
many good men lost to that contraption.
So much blood split to defeat those wizards.” reminisces Goettch.</div>
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“True commander, but a hard fought victory brought us many
spoils of war.”</div>
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“Yes, Lord General.” Geottch responds shifting in his saddle
“Sir, how do you plan to arrive in time?
We are still some eight days ride away and we left the war machines to
continue the campaign.”</div>
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“Ah…Goettch, your loyalty and your skill in battle are your greatest gifts. But Cristos was made provisions
for our timely arrival the will give the horses time to rest.” the tactical genius replied.</div>
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A huge shadow moved across the men and their horses, as
though a cloud was blocking the sun. A
growling hum burned the air. The four
men turned at once to see a huge air ship slip down from the clouds. It bristled with guns and cannon decks. Like a giant dragon floating down to earth,
the monstrous contraption settled into a hover just off the hillside.</div>
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“General, your chariot awaits!” Sir Cristos calls from the gun
rail. A boarding ramp extends from the
main deck to come to rest on the hill top.
The General’s contingent wheel their horses and ride up the ramp onto
the main deck of the war ship. “Make
best speed for Gothex, captain! The
General’s aboard.” The air ship slowly turns and disappears into the clouds.</div>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-16781687405778200352011-12-07T09:09:00.001-08:002012-05-19T09:35:02.823-07:00Trials II: To Serve.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">C</span>aptain Valis, see to the man. Your fate and his are now intertwined. I do not know if that is a blessing or curse.”
Saing snarled.</div>
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“Yes, my lord and thank you.” Valis turned on heel and
almost ran from the room.</div>
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Saing turned his attention to the scroll. Breaking the seals in a specified order, his
own last, he begins to read.</div>
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<i>“Lords,</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<i>Things are not as they seem.
My flight from Gothex has not been in vain. P’ jai’ us is no more. Their powers failed and their wizards were
smashed by Commander Tintar’s forces.
Just as the sun was rising, word came of a more ominous threat. Dar Benedict is missing in the south. His agents report that there are traitors in
the Court. Gregor, Azon, Augustus seek
to move against the King. Lady de’ Gruse
hired an assassin to kill the King and Saing.
They are all in league together.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<i>I expect war within the coming months. I will work to secure Benedict’s safety and
root out any other traitors in our midst.
I do not know when I shall return to my beloved Gothex, but I intend to
send word.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<i>Your faithful servant,</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<i>The Jester”</i></div>
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“Nine years ago, he knew?
Nine years!” Saing’s rage boiled
over. “That bastard, nine years. The loss, the betrayals…so much gone now.” Gripping the edge of the table, Saing flips
the massive oak war table onto its face, maps fly everywhere. </div>
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Almost yelling, the baron says, “Commander Kreal, take your
Gloomwalkers and flank the SouthGate barracks.
No one is to know this man is alive.
As soon as he can travel, bring him to me!”</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Kreal, a hulk of a man, steps from the recess that he had
been standing in. The timbers of the
room shuttered as he responds “As you wish my lord.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Kreal passes through the doorway into the hall, eight massive
warriors materialize out of the mists and shadows. As the nine men march to the SouthGate,
denizens go into buildings and pull closed their shutters. The Gloomwalkers’ reputation precedes them
like a faint whiff of death or the fleeting moment of a nightmare. As they approach the SouthGate barracks, the
troopers fan out in a protective barrier. Assuming their posts, the nine soldiers
disappear, in the blink of an eye.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inside the barracks, Valis paces back and forth while looking
at the man lying on the stretcher. <i>So
near to death</i>, Valis thinks <i>Whatever did he do to earn the, what’s the word…admiration,
is the Baron capable of admiring someone?
Respect? Clearly, this man is
important to Saing. What did he mean 'our
fates were now tied?'</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cleric interrupts
Valis’ thoughts, “Sergeant, what troubles you?
This traveler has come a very long way and is not yet dead. He may still be revived.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well the Baron very
much wants to speak to him, so it’s in his best interest to live.” </div>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-20620585508797620402011-12-05T07:39:00.001-08:002011-12-24T12:30:10.924-08:00Trials I: From Hell.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVPqsBu2AR8qDekbYM_LTfyx42ZWrYmMNxC8MgvUUh-qGIH5Hq7Pg12lwpM9FNtLJ6t-zO_eIG_A3uSHba4wsYRF-7lQqIQ8cWWbE2_eTDqbSzwSnMdnWNT6AvvEMm6ciwJf4UA/s1600/Jester.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVPqsBu2AR8qDekbYM_LTfyx42ZWrYmMNxC8MgvUUh-qGIH5Hq7Pg12lwpM9FNtLJ6t-zO_eIG_A3uSHba4wsYRF-7lQqIQ8cWWbE2_eTDqbSzwSnMdnWNT6AvvEMm6ciwJf4UA/s400/Jester.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">B</span></b>attle worn sentries stand atop of the blackened wall of the
besieged city. Squinting into the distance,
looking for the glimmer of the next attack.
The field spread out before them, is broken with blood, bodies, and
machines of war. A gaunt sergeant cranes
to see farther out on to the field where so many of his friends sacrificed
themselves. Movement catches his eye. <br />
<br />
A slow shuffling, robed creature makes its way
along the trade road. The call goes up “To
arms!”. The next hour passes tensely as
the shambling figure finally draws near enough to the South Gate. The guardsmen at the gate have their spears
ready, but the man, they can see that clearly enough, never makes it to the
gate, collapsing a dozen feet from the portcullis.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
“Make way, make way…” Sergeant Valis says shoving his way
past a dozen battle hardened men. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Valis approaches the traveler wearily. A man for sure, but an armed man can still be
dangerous. He is carrying a dagger in
his left hand and a scroll is clenched in his right hand. He looks as though he has walked to hell and
back. Valis kneels and removes the
weapon from the man who is barely breathing.
He begins to open the hand with the scroll when a hand clenches the back
of his neck and begins pulling him closer to the traveler’s face. A hoarse whisper, strains to make it to Valis’
ears.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
“…too late….too late. Trap.
Saing must know. Scroll, Saing...” With that last, the weary man collapses under the
burden of finally delivering the message so badly needed. The scroll comes free and Valis sees for the
first time that the scroll is sealed not once but three times. All old seals, but Valis has been in this man’s
army for long enough to recognize the Seal of Baron Saing, War-Lord of the
Blackened Standard and Ar’ D. Jazan, High Wizard of the Eldar Counsel. Two extremely powerful men have sealed this
scroll and therefore it must be important.
Valis calls for a cleric to get this man some water and move him to the
barracks until his return.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Valis sets off at best speed to Skull Tower, where Baron
Saing keeps his war counsel. At every
challenge Valis is waved through when he presents the scroll. It acts as a magical key moving him closer
and closer to Baron Saing’s viewing room.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Valis is admitted to the viewing room and is immediately
overwhelmed by the sight of Saing in his charred skeletal armour. “Speak boy, I have not the time to be wasted.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
“My lord, a messenger collapsed at South Gate bearing this…” Valis almost threw the scroll out of fear at
the lord of terror. Saing flickes the
scroll out of the soldier’s hand a begins to view the seals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
A fierce hiss, like violent death, forms words “Does this
messenger carry with him a dagger?:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
“Yes my lord, a funny dagger with a curious pommel.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
“Does he live?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
“Yes my lord, he was to be given water and moved to the
South Gate barracks.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
“You are either wise or fated. For your choices today, you are now a captain
in my personal guard.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
“My lord, who can this man be?” Valis asked trembling at his
fortune.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
“Ten years I’ve waited for this man to return. Captain, this man, before your time, this man…<i>is
the Royal Jester and he has returned</i>.” </div>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-74572456013874591402005-11-22T12:43:00.000-08:002012-01-06T06:37:16.521-08:00Lost Trials: The Man Who Would Be King.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">**Author's Note.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I found this draft recently. I had forgotten that I had even written it, but if the continuity was to remain, this is the style that the Trials would take. Technically this is a rough draft of Trials I from a few years ago. I've pulled the title, it's more of a bridge piece as it does imply a timeline, but never fully reveals when exactly this moment should take place.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“<span style="font-size: x-large;">L</span>et me tell you a tale, of the man who would be King.” the
bard sang out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The last of the patrons settled down into their seats. Tankards of ale found their homes on potbellies,
tables, and bar tops; their owners’ attention shifting to the man who seemed to
have appeared out of nowhere.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I know my friends that these are frightening times. The last of the dead have still to be
collected from the streets, the word has not reached many as to whether their
loved ones are alive. I assure you that
we, you good folks and I, need nothing less then tales of heroes and
magic. I am here to regale you with one
such tale. Many of you know of whom I
speak. A few, may know this person by
name and most should know him by reputation.
But my tale begins two decades and ten years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He was born to a commoner’s family. His father, an honest merchant was once a
feared man-at-arms. Hired by the best
and richest, to protect their interests and goods, his father’s only dream was
to have a son to pass on his legacy.
Soon after a harsh winter, his dream was fulfilled. The babe soon grew into a strong young
man. Schooled from an early age in the
martial arts, he became a gifted wrestler, besting men much greater in
size. To balance his physical training,
he spent many summers with his elder cousin, a young mage’s apprentice. These two were, at times, closer then
bothers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Their fellows, a small group of six were destined by fate to
become great. These six young men,
played as kings, knights, rogues, and wizards.
They also adventured into the woods, onto the lakes, and deep into caves;
living life to the fullest. Four summers
passed and the eldest, the mage’s apprentice left to study and compile his
wizard’s book. His younger cousin, our
hero, left he next summer for the war college taking the noble’s son with him
to study with him at the Weapons School.
Two more of the group left that winter to make their way in the world,
one as a member of the town watch, the other to study the ways of civil
service. The youngest member of the
group left years later...and just wandered.”
The storyteller paused, took a sip of ale, adjusted his traveling cloak
and began again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Our young fighter became skilled in many things. He studied the long sword, the great bow,
chivalry, horsemanship, combat tactics, and logistics. He excelled in his studies and was prepared
to be an excellent lieutenant in the army.
On the Day of Blessing, he sat in chapel preparing his weapons to
receive words of faith. The Bishop
approached, placed his hand upon the sword hilt and whispered ‘A great and
noble king you will make, but faith is needed to fill the emptiness within
you.’ These words, they could have been
a mighty warhammer, with all the power they struck him with. He left the college the next day and began a
pilgrimage home. He took nothing with
him except a long sword, his field pack, and a holy symbol. Months later, when he made it home, he was a
changed man. Anyone who might have known
him would not have recognized him. Not
knowing what to do for money, he petitioned to become a minor librarian, under
an assumed name, at the Unseen Library, a safe harbor in the Black Baron’s
realm.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ohs and ahs emanated from the crowd at the mention of the mythical
stronghold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Thar ain’t no such place, just fairy tales for young folk.”
barked a drunken roadwarden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pulling a whisper thin key from an inner fold the bard
responded, “While I for one love a good fairy tale. Especially, when I am the one being paid to
spin the yarn; this key does in fact open the door of which I speak. I have, many times, read at the foot of a
stack of ancient texts. And I assure you
that the Library does exist and is very well hidden from casual
observation.” Without moving, the key
vanished from his hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “The Keeper of the
Unseen Library was the youngest ever to be appointed to that post. You’ll remember him from earlier in my tale,
it was none other then the young mage’s apprentice, now entitled as the Ar’ D.
Jazan. The Ars, as practice, would make
rounds among the new librarians. He
found it useful to meet them in person; so he could get a sense of them and
their ambitions. He was very protective
of his charge, the Library, and felt it was his duty to weed out those librarians
who were selfish in their designs. It
was Midweek, when the Ars brushed past a new librarian. Energy arced, like raw power unleashed. The Ars stepped back and asked the librarian
to remove his hood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">‘I’m sorry, mi ‘lord, that’s not possible’ was the
reply. Not used to having his requests
rebuked the Ars put words of command to use.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">‘Remove your hood and show me your face.’ </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">boomed
in the corridor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As the hood fell, the librarian ‘I’m sorry cousin, I’ve
taken refuge here, please do not be upset.’
Shocked, D. Jazan took stock of the young man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">‘Dear cousin, I have missed you these past years, stay as
long as you need. My house is yours; my
discretion is at your disposal. But
James what do you plan to do?’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The cosseted warrior replied, ‘Study. One thing I took to heart was to study. My strengths are known to me, but I do not
know my own flaws. Nor do I understand
all of the consequences of my designs. I
must ask that our relationship remain concealed. In my travels I have assume the name of an
outrider who was slain saving my life. I
carry his name to honor him.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Ars paused for a moment pondering then asked, ‘Well
then, as I see that you are new here, my name is Ar’ D. Jazan, I am the Keeper
here. By what shall I address you?’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">‘Tintar the cloistered, mi ‘lord. Pleased to make your acquaintance.’ He said as he raised his hood and took leave
of the Ars.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mule piss!” spat a guardsman from the back of the
room. “The Supreme Commander twas never
a dust rat in a make believe library. He
twas born fully grown, dressed for battle, swinging a horseman’s pike at the
bitch midwife’s head. I served with him
in twenty campaigns and I heresay he never did women’s work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“And ten thousand women he has bedded, or so you’ve
heard. There is much about the Commander
that has been misled. You, my good
fellow, before you stumble home tonight, I want you to think on these
words. ‘No fight is worthy without
honor, no honor is worthy without faith.’”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You bloody bastard!
Anyone who’s done served on the front knows that rally cry. Twas but two winters ago, Sir Augustus done
screamed it in me bloody ear. Bitch
charge that battle was. Lost me my two
elder brothers. Would have lost more
twas not for them Cristos’ Machines.
Never seen a blooming thing like the fire they spit. Like nasty iron dragons they was. All pissin’ oils and farting smoke, enough to
make you sick it was.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Setting down his pint, the story weaver leaned forward on
his stool. “Well fought you are, my good
sir. I did not speak to insult you, ney,
only to remind to keep the faith. You
say you served with the Scorched Iron Brigade?
I will get to them later in my tale.”
Putting his feet back up on the lowest rung of the stool, the bard
continued. “Where was I? But of course. A year or so after his return to Gothex. Tintar, as he was now calling himself, was
tasked to discover a rare coronation ceremony.
A noble had returned to claim a title.
He had a family duchy in Gothex and could trace his lineage back several
generations. The duke felt that a public
spectacle would not only secure his title as king, but would rebuff Baron
Saing’s attempts to assassinate him. During
the ceremony, Tintar secreted himself in an alcove and cheered on his long time
friend, now King Decker.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sorry sir,” piped up a serving wench from the bar, “do you
mean to say that Commander Tintar once knew the King?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I do indeed. They
were good friends in their youth. King
Decker once kept the company of five good friends. As a young Duke, he traveled with Tintar to
College. They fenced, jousted, and
hunted together. The two of them were a
fearsome pair in mock combat, but as time passed their paths diverged. Tintar continued his studies in Martial Law
and Decker went on to study some of the fairer arts, such as policy and
diplomacy. It was only years later,
during his ascension here in Gothex, that the King knew he needed someone that
he could trust with his security. How
else is it that a “librarian” could be appointed by Royal Decree that post of
Royal Guardsman?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Amazing. Please go
on with your tale.” the wench said understandingly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I will, but could you please bring for me a small piece of
mutton and a sweet roll?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Of course.” was the reply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Now, where was I before the history diversion? Oh yes.
It was almost a year later, after not one but two assassination
attempts, that the King, I did mention that he was a slow learner, commissioned
the Royal Guard. This group of warriors
was to become the most battle hardened and powerful phalanx of troopers. It is the members of this group that would
lead Gothex to Victory in the War between Empires.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The room erupts in a raucous mixture of roars, battle cries,
and cheers. Almost every person in the
tavern had fought, bled, or lost someone in the three years of the war. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">**I cannot find my notes, so I am not sure where I was planning on taking this story. I will try to fold some of these plot points into the Trials chapters to bring closure to the Bard's story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you recognize who is who? I recall that I was going to formalize the story a bit and codify the relationships. But...as this is a few years later...sadly some of these things have changed for me.**</span></div>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-1650097808667600472005-10-25T14:31:00.000-07:002011-12-24T11:58:09.272-08:00The lost Chronicles XXI: Here There Be Dragons.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUxsG2LHnYIbKv1mXl8CxQ_IydymL8coQ04nvHu5t1RZQXvncRGZpvDhxxieM3NTSkigt8PUQDORzQdoZfTSFe9JkYI7yJ7kcN6he_w8CZIhW0ruYOFdZ-c4B9Vk1MoGAw8J0Ow/s1600/baby_dragon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUxsG2LHnYIbKv1mXl8CxQ_IydymL8coQ04nvHu5t1RZQXvncRGZpvDhxxieM3NTSkigt8PUQDORzQdoZfTSFe9JkYI7yJ7kcN6he_w8CZIhW0ruYOFdZ-c4B9Vk1MoGAw8J0Ow/s320/baby_dragon.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>t was late on midsummer’s eve, when the Jester and Tintar
were stopped on the road.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Mi' Lord, a dispatch." Tintar took the letter and read. When he
finished he turned to the Jester and said, "Well my friend, it seems that
the Minstrel Kahz is playing at the Harlot's Bosom. Shall we get a pint and hear what he is
playing?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Jester replied, "Lead on good sir, to good drink,
fine music, and excellent women."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Several hours later, the travelers arrived at the infamous tavern. They found Kahz playing to the best of his
ability and the women were swooning.
They made their way to an open table and were soon enjoying pint of
stout when an incident occurred.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Midway through an epic ballad, a young woman strode out of
the kitchen with a ladle in hand and began to beat Eepir Kahz about the head
and shoulders. The flock of women at his
feet scattered into the corners of the bar.
She kept screaming "Get the bloody song right!" until he fell
back onto the ground mildly bloodied. At
that point, she turned on a heel and marched right back into the kitchen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Jester and Tintar just stared at each other for a
moment, until Tintar said "I knew a woman like that once, I had her locked
up in the sanitarium. She kicked like a
mule." With that he shuttered, and
the two men got up to see if the minstrel was alright. As the approached, a young woman was already
attending to him. She had laid his head
comfortably upon her chest and was wiping away the blood with the hem of her
dress.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After realizing that their care could not compete with the
young woman's ample compassion the two men retreated back to their table.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finishing their pints, the Jester queried his friend. "Now I have seen you in battle,
bloodied, bruised, and beaten down. I
wonder, do you think you would have gotten up more quickly after being healed
on the battleground if you were promised a night of 'minstrel care?'"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I would have gotten up, but not in the way that was
meant for fighting" Tintar joked back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before too long the minstrel was sitting on a stool singing
a love ballad to his endowed caregiver.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Let us depart before I forsake warfare for a dress and
women's work." Tintar said pulling
the Jester out of his seat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the tavern’s door closed, the wailing tune drifted out
with them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Several weeks later, a personal note was delivered to
Tintar's apartment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Dear Comrade,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My precocious cousin has alighted from the family lands and
my agents have reported seeing throughout your great city. She has taken up with a classless man who
entertained in my court a number of months ago.
He now performs at a tavern call's the 'Whore's Bossum' or something
like that. Please find her and make sure
she is in safe keeping.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your brother in arms,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arvais Draconni"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tintar sent several of his elite trackers to Eepir Kahz
boarding house to keep an eye out for her.
Their orders were clear, follow, protect, and do not intrude until
ordered to do so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For months reports came in.
Kahz had definitely taken up with the young woman. She was a foreigner. She went by Allyssa. She had expensive tastes. She talked about mythical monsters. She was, by all accounts, not a lady after <st1:time hour="0" minute="0" w:st="on">midnight</st1:time>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tintar decided to use some more aggressive tact in getting
information. He sent the Jester to visit
the couple and report back his findings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That evening with a gift in hand the Jester rapped on their
door. Kahz opened the door, his clothes
were all asunder. "Well good
evening my wandering friend. What brings
you to my humble abode at this early hour?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"May I come in?" the Jester asked as he stepped
through the doorway. "As the sun is now setting, it seems only unsavory
characters are getting on with their days.
Did I wake you?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Wake me, by all good heavens no! Rouse me from my bed then yes! But what's done is done. Come in!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As if on cue, a lovely young lady in a gossamer gown floated
down the stairs. "My love! Soon to be my bride! This is the Illustrious Royal Jester! Are you still royal with it being an empire
and all now? It's all mad rubbish
anyhow. Jester this is Allyssa! We are to wed next summer!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Well then, this may be more appropriately a nuptials
gift." He said as he set the
covered gift on the nearest table.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Allyssa rushed forward to open the gift. As she pulled off the blanket there sat a
small iron cage. In the corner of the
cage, no more than a hands breath wide was a small fire dragon. With its world suddenly brighten the dragon
reared back spit out the tiniest fireball, no larger than a candle's
flame. Allyssa squealed with glee and
said "How did you know? It looks
just like the one I had as a young child!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"It thought it was fitting. I found him last year. He needed someone to care for him. If my memory serves me right he is a cave
dragon. It will be another year or two
before he is strong enough to use his wings.
I think he would make an excellent addition to your home for a few years
at least."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I name thee Prince Pyrite." said Allyssa as she
coaxed him out of the cage and onto her hand.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Well thank you old friend, a handsome little devil if
I don't say so myself. Let's drink and
talk there is much to catch up on."
Eepir took the Jester's arm and led him to a back room.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<<Author's note: I did write this for a huge fan and his soon to be wife. As it turned out...I never actually published it anywhere. So I just emailed it to the fan (not sure if it will get read as time has dramatically changed the nature of our relationship) and now I feel comfortable posting it here online. As with all "Lost" episodes, this does not conform to any particular point in the timeline.>></div>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-34703390204242406852005-05-26T11:04:00.000-07:002011-12-24T11:58:09.297-08:00Chronicles XX: The End of a Barony.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWXToBSNAM_7GvqkUk8ZRe-ZReYjXGwHgjSlV_RcDuKENjyYNYVDEuIM7QRZnSqvghM-_kXFvcEOrpFjXHqr_kYGcQ_VzCFlN7mwiBwPlNxepwTOuIBC8Lsz4mhXZSBFKi0CR5A/s1600/OdariusSeal.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWXToBSNAM_7GvqkUk8ZRe-ZReYjXGwHgjSlV_RcDuKENjyYNYVDEuIM7QRZnSqvghM-_kXFvcEOrpFjXHqr_kYGcQ_VzCFlN7mwiBwPlNxepwTOuIBC8Lsz4mhXZSBFKi0CR5A/s200/OdariusSeal.png" width="190" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> </span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<<<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>uthor's note: I'm really sorry this has been almost
three years and alot has changed, but I
have some more of the story to tell. This was just sitting out there in cyber space having moved
with me a few times. This is the end of "Book 2: Chonicles". I have
started writing "Book 3: Trials" while editing "Books 1 & 2" adding artwork and tightening
up the plot and some of the names. In a
perfect world I would love to get it published one day...oh well. If
you keep in touch with anyone who used
to read it please forward this along, I
had to scour through 2 years of emails to dig up more current addresses
for most people. I hope that this finds
you safe and well and please write me
and let me know how you are doing. Mike <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
PS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
I am actually starting real story arcs, not just parodies of
real events, so it should be more
interesting to read.>><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“<b><i>We stand ready.</i></b>” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">T</span>he Jester set down the scroll and moved to finish packing
his things. It was going to be a long
time before he’d see these walls again. Before
leaving for the Castle, he penned a quick note to his bride explaining
that he’d write soon. Setting outside
with everything he’d need for the coming
year, he spots a carriage and piles the bags inside. “To the castle.” He
says the driver. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpf0xyUE9iIKXrG2XMEJC_M_AXUDRZceZ_cwXd89TCm_1b5T9Ma-_tMoFYfuC5yY2UYjUKTDVFfQFXPDfWbHXZLtF-vyTgNMsPKQw4cEJCnxy3hLzE5LL4cNVYEtv4LP4-O2_pw/s1600/Purpledragonknight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpf0xyUE9iIKXrG2XMEJC_M_AXUDRZceZ_cwXd89TCm_1b5T9Ma-_tMoFYfuC5yY2UYjUKTDVFfQFXPDfWbHXZLtF-vyTgNMsPKQw4cEJCnxy3hLzE5LL4cNVYEtv4LP4-O2_pw/s320/Purpledragonknight.jpg" width="254" /></a>General Tintar finished putting on his polished silver
armor. Attaching his purple cloak and
sheathing his sword, he pauses “It is time.” Upon entering the hall just
outside his chambers, the Commander of the Royal Guard takes note of a hundred of his finest
men standing guard outside of his door.
As he steps into the hallway, one hundred heels strike the ground as the guardsmen wheel about into marching
formation. As the procession advances
through the halls, a resounding noise is heard as though a large thunder cloud crashed along side of them.
Rounding a corner, the mass of steel and muscle is joined by five men, the Jester, Prefect Brand, Ambassador Benedict,
Captain Pahj’lix, and the minstrel Eepir
Kahz. The group comes to a halt just outside of Saing’s chamber. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
“Captain.” The General says. The guardsmen rush around the
small group of men and into Saing’s sanctum,
moving to cover all available exits. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
“Commander?” Saing hisses, as he looks up from his notes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
“The time for apparent weakness is past, my Lord.” Tintar
says through the open door. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
“It is time to act, our pawns are already in place.” Added
Benedict. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
“Come in then.” Saing said as he turned and withdrew some
maps. “Here is what to do.” Laying out
the maps of Gothex and its borders. “Here is what I want.” He moves a map to the top of the
pile. It reveals Gothex as major force
in between the Western Empire and the Kingdom to the East. “We must expand our borders four hundred fold. And do
it before winter.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The seven men looked at the map, taking it all in. This
meant war and on three fronts. To do
this before winter would mean blood soaked earth is all the snows would have to kiss. There were some
concerns, of course. Tintar started, “Baron, how are we to succeed against the
southern holdings? Perhaps Commander
Gregor could use some of his ancestral lands to stage the armies needed.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
“Ask the fool…he knows the adversary there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
“It must be Di’Rand’s
armies then. I know him. Brand and I will see to it that he understands our position.” The Jester
offered. “And the girl?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Benedict addressed that question, “The court is weak, but
strong enough for our purposes. She
trusts me and believes that her family will stay empowered by this treaty.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
“And P’ jai’us?” the Jester rubbed his neck remembering that
late night attack. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
“We have a surprise for them. One of their three power wells
is just outside of a town called San
Lieu, the Jester leaves tonight to ‘redirect’ the energy from the well. It seemed only fitting.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
“With them weakened, our eastern push should be made with
ease.” assessed Tintar. As the men rose
together, Saing spat “Today we carve out the Empire of Gothex, to stand for Ten Thousand Years!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
As a cold wind whipped through them and into the hallway, it
howled. Somewhere in the distance, something howled back... <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The Royal Jester <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
-Chelle de’ Gruse, Wife of The Jester, Protector of Children
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
-Baron Saing, War-Lord, Army of the Blackened Standard <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
-Tintar, The Cloistered, Supreme Commander <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
--Sir Gregor, The Paladin, Commander of the Eastern Brigade <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
---Hee A’tor, Lady of the Ol’cohall Lake, Court Noble <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
--Sir Azon, The Unbreakable, Commander of the Northern
Wastes <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
---Lady Yute, Champion of the Simple, Court Noble <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
--Sir Augustus, The Pious, Commander of the Central Armies <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
---Lady Tehtare, Scholar, Lady-in-waiting <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
--Sir Cristos, The Quiet, Commander of the Western Brigade <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
---Lady Katz, The Benevolent <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
--Sir Geottch, The Elder, Diplomat of Arms <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
-Dar Benedict, Consul-General of Intelligence <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
--Dane Benedict, Scholar, Lady-in-waiting <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
--Brand, Prefect of Military Intelligence <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
-Ramierez, War Wizard of the Northern Wastes <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
---Annult, Consul to the Wizards <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
---Murrin the Mad, Senior Siege Engineer <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
-Kindle, A witch, seer, magician, and prophet <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
-Irie, Magistrate General <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
-Eepir Kahz, The Minstrel <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
--Lady Draconni, Lady of the Draconni Court <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Ar’ D. Jazan, Ancient hermit wizard, Keeper of the Unseen
Library <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
-Gef’Rey the Pious, Insane monk and scholar <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
-Strah ‘her the Mercurial, Captain of the Guard/Library
Brigade <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
-Smitty, Tsar of the Slah-kar <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
-K’Abe, Retired toy maker and purveyor of fine herbal
remedies <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Lord Niah Decker <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
-The Magpie Party <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
-The Slah-Cars <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Di’Rand the Bold, Commander of the Southern Guard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-7853518315641610302002-08-28T13:55:00.000-07:002011-12-24T12:25:40.761-08:00Chronicles XIX: Pieces in Motion.<div class="MsoNormal">
“Send for the fool, now!” The order ripped through the air
like a bolt. Saing’s minions scurried to
find the Jester. Saing continued to read
through reports that a party had left the city by way of the Eastern Gates,
among those in the party were the Royal Jester, Commander Goettch, and the
Minstrel, Eepir Kahz. Other reports
indicated that the Jester had recently met with a gypsy, Sir Gregor, and Dar
Benedict. There was no information about
what any of them had discussed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On horseback, racing along highways that stretched into the
Kingdom of Twisting Rain, the three men slowly disappeared into the budding
sunrise. They arrived at the Village
Hall of Middletowne, and growing city on the crossroads that led into eastern
Gothex. There they saw a great festival
already in progress. Many people had
come to the hall, some dressed as their favorite characters, to celebrate the
great story told by the famous minstrel Lucuase. Kahz, Goettch, and the Jester made their way
into the hall and mingled with the locals.
The festival was the perfect place to discuss matters of state. There were concerns about Saing’s rule and
the role of Gothex as a border country between Twisting Rains and the Western
Empire. They lacked the military forces
to prevent an all out war between the two giants. If they ever went to war, Gothex would be
crushed in the tidal wave of blood from their armies. Between Goettch’s military expertise, Kahz’s
street gossip, and what the Jester knew about the Royal family and the civil
government, they could paint a fairly accurate picture of Gothex’s strengths
and weaknesses. Gothex had more than
their share of weakness they all saw.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So they formed a new plan.
The three men took less than a day to develop and map out how to secure
Gothex’s holdings. The only thing
missing, a few key players would have to make some unlikely decisions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in Gothex, Lady de’ Gruse made arrangements for her
father to be buried. Sir Gregor and Lady
Hee A’tor traveled far to the south to aid and comfort the noblewoman. The ceremony was a somber one, the court was
stunned to learn that de ‘Gruse’s father had actually been in Gothex when he
passed. Many well-wishers spoke quietly
in the mourning daughter’s ear as the paid their respects.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Springville, a letter is dispatched to the Jester in
Gothex, it is signed by three men whom the Jester has known for years. The messenger is instructed to ride until he
finds the Jester and to personally hand deliver it. He is reminded that his family will be well
taken care of, should he perish. Should
he fail though….his family may never be seen again. So much trouble for three words, the rider
thought as he set off on his mission.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the Jester’s carriage passed under the Eastern Gates, it
was stopped by the roadwarden.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yer wanted. Follow
me to the Baron’s.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But of course.” The Jester replied. He didn’t think it would have taken long for
Saing to want to talk to him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Passing through Saing’s guards, the Jester noticed Tintar
leaving the Baron’s chamber. The General
was looking very tired and distressed.
He carried with him a stack of dispatches and maps.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the Jester entered the Inner Sanctum, a violent looking
dagger embedded itself in the edge of the door nearest the Jester’s head. He stopped for a moment to collect himself
when Saing spat “Explain yourself.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My Lord, I was verifying rumors of weaknesses in our
Ministry of Intelligence.” The Jester eked out. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Myself and the others who traveled with me went to celebrate the Minstrel
of Middletowne and quietly tell some unreliables a few small tales. It was our intent to see if the information
was picked up by Benedict’s agents.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Get out then.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not having to be told twice, the Jester turned and left, but
not before noticing a map, drawn to show Gothex, not as a border country but as
a small empire nestled between two giants.
The Jester caught his breath.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fool, do you have something to say?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No mi’lord.” And with that, he slipped out into the
antechamber.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To a guard standing post the Jester queried, “Where is the
General?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Always in the war room.” Came the reply. As soon as the Jester turned the corner,
another door opened and a man known only as the son of Lambare entered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Was that he?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who? The Fool? Yes, that’s him. He and the General are old friends.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then you have done well.
Here is your reward.” The man
tossed a bag of coins to the guard who missed them. As he bent over to pick up his earnings, he
felt the hot point of a dagger penetrate his back to the left of his spine,
burying its point in the rear of his heart.
“Not<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that you’ll have the time to spend it.” The assassin said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moving quickly, the wandering clown made it through the maze
to the war room. “My friend? Is it
time?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The time is now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I will pass along the word.
Go safely my friend.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That night, as the Jester slept, he had terrible
dreams. He awoke with a fever and needed
fresh air. Crossing over to open the
drapes of a window in his bedroom, he noticed wet footprints at the foot of his
bed. Instantly alert, the Jester
squinted his eyes to better see into the shadows of his room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He did not hear the assailant behind him. It was too late; he felt the garrote go tight
around his neck. Reacting without
thinking he slipped his fingers into the strangle hold to try and catch a
breath. At the same time he bent over
forward, throwing the attacker off balance and crashing into a low table. Before he was able to recover, the Fool was
knocked to the ground, pinned on his back, under the weight of the killer. Through the window, moonlight glinted off the
killing device, a long thin handled dagger meant for the heart. Holding the dagger above his head the assassin
hissed, “You cannot stop P’jai’us!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then everything went wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lady de ‘Gruse, awakened by the struggle, saw her husband
about to be murdered, threw the candlestick holder with inhuman force striking
the knife wielder in the back of the head and hands. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the blade went skating into a darkened corner, the now
unarmed attacker fled out the open window, escaping into the damp night.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Twenty-three days later, the messenger fell from his horse
in front of a small shop where the Jester was still buying gifts for his bride.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Half dead, he handed a scroll to a man he had never met, but
would knew on sight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Jester took the parchment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The three words had arrived.</div>
<br />
<pre>
</pre>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-53649688075874662052002-05-02T11:51:00.000-07:002011-12-24T12:15:34.432-08:00Chronicles XVIII: Arisen, from Ash and Dust.“<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>t is nice to see that the Jester has returned...” as the words faded the Jester woke with a start.<br />
<so able="" addresses="" be="" been="" far="" find="" for="" have="" not="" of="" one="" own="" public="" suitable="" that="" their="" they="" to="" would=""><this a="" be="" borrow="" could="" d="" for="" have="" it="" kindle="" or="" spell="" to="" useful="" very="" while=""><author's 2="" about="" addresses="" ado="" all="" and="" anyone="" as="" ask="" ate="" be="" belive="" chronicles="" continuation="" current="" delay="" do="" dog="" e="" from="" further="" have="" homework="" i="" if="" in="" is="" jester="" list="" mails="" may="" missed="" more="" my="" not="" note="" of="" please="" production="" recieve="" removed="" reply="" s="" series="" sorry="" still="" than="" the="" this="" to="" update="" wish="" without="" would="" years="" you=""><br />It was going to be a bad day.<br /><br />Shortly before dawn, a messenger arrived with dispatches form the front. The Jester lit some candles and leafed through them. Among them, one written in the tight military script of his brother-in-law, Sir Augustus, it read:<br /><br />Jester:<br /><br />I feel I must write this letter and address it to you, because I fear that Forces of this land might confiscate a letter addressed directly to the Commander.<br /><br />It has been near a month since my dispatch to protect the Western Border. My forces have held strong, with no real activity as of yet. I have recently given Sir Cristos his own command, in charge of Siege and Heavy Weapons, due to his extensive knowledge on the subject. With that in his hands, I have more time to concentrate on our strategy. I have also given him a battalion, in order to build and man his weapons.<br /><br />I think it important to give you all of the information I have received in the short month I have been in command. In the first few days of my Occupation here, Sir Cristos and I have discovered two of the local militiamen, Richard of Seka, and Jean Michael the Dominant. Richard is a well-respected man with the locals, and is our spokesman to the townspeople. They call him "King", as he commands the respect of the locals. I have many times sought advice from him, as well as help with matters of the local villages. Jean Michael is a close advisor to Richard, and is more known for his short stature, and his great strength. Many a times he was broken a man's arm for mistaking him for a dwarf. He is the man I think could lead these people to war, if needed.<br /><br />Because of my dealings with these men, I have learned much about this land. I have learned of a vile Cult that dwells in the province of Chevans. They are commanded by Collen of Letics, a fierce warlord; who suffers from severe vainity. His second in command is a woman, if you can call her that, Sha' Tuk. Rumor has it that she is not completely human, but part ogre, and that she easily stands eight feet in height.<br /><br />I have never seen this half beast, but pray that these are just legends.<br /><br />Of course, not everyone in this land is corrupted by their proximity to the Cult. I have met an old man by the name of Gilbor. He is a wise man who lives in the Cave of Life, upon Mount Normal. Sir Cristos goes to him often for his advice. Some say he is a wizard, and his appearance does nothing to dispel it. Cristos has also found Gilbor's young apprentice, Geitra, to be his enchantress. Of course, he tells nothing of this to Gilbor or Geitra, for fear of the repercussions.<br /><br />Reports have just come in; a skirmish has just begun, I must return to the front, but I will send word soon, as I have more to tell you about the Western Front.<br /><br />Until we speak again,<br /><br />Sir Augustus<br /><br />The Jester set down the correspondence. Interesting, he thought. Perhaps security was not as tight as once thought. Saing should be made aware of this. Or perhaps there are too many loose ends. The Jester put on his traveling cloak and headed for the seedier sections of Gothex.<br /><br /><br />Baron Saing sat in his wardroom with maps strewn about the table. There sat Gothex, surrounded by greedy nations looking to conquer the Port-City. As he moved some markers around on the map, a heavy rapping came from the anteroom.<br /><br />“Commander?”<br /><br />“You summoned, my Liege?” came the reply from the door.<br /><br />“Yes.” Saing rasped. “I see that young Augustus is doing well on the Western Border and that the Scorched Iron Brigade has smashed opposition north of our Border holdings. Tell Cristos to proceed and secure out to three days ride from our Border. If he needs more Outriders, send them. His heavy machines may be slow, but they demonstrate our power. As soon as he has erected fortifications, he shall return here, to begin making more war machines for Goettch and Gregor. He’ll have the summer, then I want Augustus and him to push further in to the Northern Wastes.”<br /><br />“As you command, Mi’Lord.” Tintar continued, “As you know, the Eastern incursions are accelerating and Gregor’s time is more consumed with his Lady’s well-being then the tactics at hand. There are reports that an army may be moving close to the Lake in an attempt to overwhelm our defenses. Perhaps we should move another four divisions to the front to repel the attack?”<br /><br />“Of course. What has Benedict to say for himself?”<br /><br />Tintar moved opposite of Saing. Tapping the map, he said “He spends his time trying to determine a way to destroy the P’jai’us. Also, I have heard that he is renewing old ties.”<br /><br />Saing’s gaze darkened, “I thought that nuisance girl had been destroyed? The fool told me as much himself.”<br /><br />Tintar shifted uneasily, he too had heard the rumors of Princess Thumper Head’s fiery demise. Maybe they were a bit too optimistic. “I will look into it Mi’Lord. I am sure the fool will have some insight. He was quite good at such things. Before his parlor tricks, he once held the respect of many. Now he just makes the Nobles laugh.”<br /><br />Tintar barely heard the words. They were not much louder than a hiss. He caught himself leaning in to better hear Saing. “Things are not all that they seem. Things may be changing, with the news of Count de’Gruse’s death.”<br /><br />“When did the Count pass?”<br /><br />“Some days ago. Lady de’Gruse is just finding out. The Jester left shortly after the clergy arrived to console the noble-lady.”<br /><br />The Commander was intrigued and asked, “Where do you think he went?”<br /><br />“Old ties are stronger than new bonds, sometimes. He may have gone to seek help. He may be a fool, but he rarely fails to notice things.”<br /><br /><br />On the Eastern Front.<br /><br />“Captain, dispatch a runner! Tell the General the attack has begun! They are 20 fold stronger. Tell the Thunder Brigade to charge! Get those ballistas in place! Archers! Stand to! Prepare to fire.” Gregor steadied his warhorse and prepared for the worst.<br /><br />He didn’t have to wait long. The horde of beasts ripped through the front lines, rending arms and legs off of soldiers. The archers fired into the ranks, felling dozens if not hundreds of creatures. And yet they surged forward. There seemed no end to the river of half beasts that streamed towards the highways that lead to Gothex.<br /><br />The ranks looked as though they were about to collapse when a horn rang out above the din of battle. Everyone, man and beast, were stunned to a halt.<br /><br />Gregor searched the field of battle for the source of the horn. The ground began to tremble, trees toppled, and the battlefield seemed to rise up. Monstrous sized creatures began to appear in the secondary ranks of the attacking horde, they also approched from the Lake. It took Gregor a full minute to recognize the shapes of giants as seaweed, roots and earth chunks of fell from their bodies. There were hundreds. They had buried themselves under the battlefield and hid in the shallows of the water.<br /><br />It looked hopeless to Gregor.<br /><br />They began their attack. They marched through the ranks of the horde, destroying whole companies of beasts with each footstep. Then they did a surprising thing. They wheeled about in a coordinated fashion and began to sweep lines of attackers aside as though they were insects. The horde saw this and began to break formations, afraid that they would be next to be destroyed. Gregor’s men stood in stunned silence, watching as their enemies were crushed, trampled, and swatted to death. They rallied around this and rushed forward to press the attack. Man and giant marched shoulder to kneecap to punish the invading army.<br /><br />Gregor saw one giant head towards his command tent atop the ridge. Gregor urged his mount forward to meet the enormous man. “I am Sir Gregor, Knight of the War Torne Tower. To whom do I owe a great deed of thanks?”<br /><br />The giant replied, “You know of the wandering Fool? Tell him that Tah’Pal of Xplihor repays his kindness. My tribe will take care of these things for your men. You will send word to the Fool before nightfall, I wish not to be late on our wager.”<br /><br />With that, Tah’Pal turned and headed off after the retreating battle scene.<br /><br />Sir Gregor did not wait a second. A dispatch left his hands for Gothex immediately.<br /><br />In the slums of Gothex.<br /><br />An urchin bumped into a wandering pilgrim. No one noticed the exchange nor would anyone have cared if they had seen it.<br /><br />Seated in the back of a dark tavern, the Jester pulled out the scrolls from his pilgrim’s robe and by candlelight read the three messages.<br /><br />The first from Gregor, described the battle that had taken place 3 days ago with the sudden appearance of the Wolk tribe of Giants and the route that ensued. It was careful to include the exact message from the Chieftain.<br /><br />The Jester almost laughed.<br /><br />The next was two pages long and chronicled the reported death and resurrection of two people from the Jester’s past. The first was of a girl named Lynn de’Hor who seemed to be the missing Princess from Edwardoland. The report includes details of her new husband who out of the kindness of his heart married a commoner and recently made her Queen. This did in fact make the Jester chuckle. So, she became a Queen anyway! Life’s little irony. The second page listed the rumors of a Gypsy, who could come and go with the wind. There were more than two dozen sightings listed on the page. This is not a good sign, thought the Jester.<br /><br />The third scroll was another dispatch from Augustus:<br /><br />Jester:<br /><br />I once again write of news of this land.<br />Before the hot sun of summer rises in this land, Richard of Seka will be leaving. He must return to his land of Seka, far to the South of here, in order to tend to his aging family. He will be a great loss, as he has guided me much in my dealings with the townspeople. While he is still here, I will be sure to learn everything I can from him.<br /><br />Another blow will be dealt to my forces when Jean Michael the Dominant<br />leaves town to join the village protection faction, which calls itself the Elite Troopers. I will still keep in contact with him, but I will not have his services to myself.<br /><br />As you may or may not know, we have been living in tents and other temporary shelters whilst staying on the front. I have just commissioned for a more permanent barracks to be built by summers end, which I will name The Spear House. I have also decided that Sir Cristos and myself must return for the summer months in order to build support and raise funds. I know from my experiences here that the Forces here will be nearly dormant during the hot months, and will cause no major problems for the men I will leave to remain on the border. I will leave many high-ranking officers to do my bidding, as well as give partial control to the Elite Troopers, and Jean Michael the Dominant. I have charged Jean Michael to write me letters, when time comes, in order to keep up on what is going on. However, that is many weeks away, and I will keep you updated on the developments.<br /><br />With Sir Cristos closer to the border of Chevans, he has started to write me letters telling me the events on the border. Even more surprising is that he decided to write them himself, rather than a muse. I have informed him not to write directly to you, but to write to me, and I would relay anything important. While on the border, he has discovered a new town, with a peoples who call themselves the Cabinos. I have included this letter with mine, so that I will not have to reproduce it.<br /><br />I do not know when the next letter I write will be, but hopefully soon.<br /><br />Until we speak again,<br /><br />Sir Augustus<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sir Augustus:<br /><br />I must first apologize. I am not accustomed to writing correspondences and this letter may not be of my best. With the newly appointed position I find myself in need of writing you.<br />I am writing you to give you an update of our present position here. We are camped just outside of Chevans with many new weapons at our disposal. The trebuchet was proven affective against the forces in Chevans and it seems that they have retreated for the spring. We have taken heavy casualties on our main wagon. Earlier some of the horses used to pull it were ill. Luckily they have since healed. Also it seems that one of our axels has taken heavy damage and I fear it will not be able to support the wagon for much longer. I am working closely with locals to help rebuild the axel.<br /><br />Gilbor has heard wind though of possible movement of the Chevans into their partner province of Statotios sometime soon. I fear that with the mammoth stature of the worriers of this province, my forces may take great casualties. Gilbor is currently working on a spell to make my forces appear invisible to the forces of Statotios thus eliminating any involvement of my forces.<br />For our successful defense against Collen of Letics, the local people here have decided to have festivals in our honor. They have not given us many details but do assure us that there will be live music by the local townsmen all day with plenty to eat and drink all day. These events are scheduled to last for the next few weeks. The locals, known as the Cabinos, have expressed their concern that the dark forces will make another uprising. I have assured them that myself and my men, while we will be enjoying the festivals, will be ready to fight at a moments notice.<br />I must warn you though, my forces are anxious to fight. My men have grown restless without the immediate threat of Chevans. While I hope to enjoy the feast, I, as well as my men, are hoping for a small skirmish.<br />The Cabinos have also expressed their thanks to you for allowing us to stay in our present position. They have said that any of your forces and yourself will be their honored guests. I am anxious for our meeting again in the next few days and will be looking forward to the festival in Ottoin.<br />Until then I must return to the duties of repairing the siege weapons.<br /><br />Until we see each other in this world or in the next,<br />Sir Cristos<br /><br /><br />The Jester was almost finished reading the letter from Cristos when his candle failed. As he reached to relight it, he caught sight of someone sitting across from him at the table.<br /><br />“I was wondering when you would appear.” The Jester said.<br /><br />“I’ve been around, times are changing. Things are not as they once were.” the visitor replied.<br /><br />“I know. Saing is looking for me, and I fear the war will not go well with spies within our ranks.” the Jester whispered.<br /><br />“You know what needs to happen. It has always been your destiny” the shadowy figured said.<br /><br />“I see that you are in good health. Anything else I should be aware of?” the Jester queried.<br /><br />“The news of my death is greatly exaggerated. You may want your nefarious Dar Benedict take on an Ambassadorial role. I recall the he knows the Queen of De kat-hor. She goes by, Queen duClarque now, but I think you’d recognize her as Princess Thumper Head. Her realm may become important soon.”<br /><br />The fool, not taken aback by any of this simply stated, “I will advise Saing of that. Thank you Mistress.”<br /><br />The Mistress of Shadows said as she rose, “My return is not by accident. Loyalties and friendships will weather the coming war. I must return to my work. You know how to reach me or Kindle if we are needed. Be warned though, the good witch is more then busy these days. But she may spare a moment or two to impart wisdom to you and yours. Take care, wandering fool.” And in an instant she was gone.<br /><br />The Jester rose from his table extinguished his candle, pulled up his hood and headed for the door. There is much to do he thought, oh so much to do.</author's></this></so>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-90242992508694833472002-03-04T11:49:00.000-08:002011-12-24T12:15:19.919-08:00Chronicles XVII: Darkness Creeping from the East…<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>here was a hint, just a taste, of something foul on the air. The kind of air, that rises out of the sewers. The kind you find lurking near cemeteries. There was an underlying nervousness in Gothex. Nothing overt, but something slipping just under the skin. The markets were full, but eyes searched left and right. Feet shifted uneasily as peasants bought breads, meats, and fruits.<br />
A half of a year had passed since Gothex had been happy. The wedding of Lady de’Gruse to the Royal Jester had seen the streets lined with pretty colors and rejoicing faces. The air had been fresh, the sun warm, and the spirits had flown freely at every pub and tavern. But those days were now just a fond memory. A growing darkness was approaching and the people did not want to spend too much time out of doors.<br />
<br />
The first reports began to come in, even before the Jester has left on his honeymoon. Dark things were lingering too long on the Eastern Front. Outriders skirmished with creatures that were beyond the intelligence of normal beasts. Dar Benedict and Brand sat in counsel for many hours, debating when to bring this to Saing’s attention. They agreed that shortly after the festivities to report to the War-Lord.<br />
The fireworks had scarcely stopped and eight men entered into private chambers to confer. The man at the head of the table wore blackened ceremonial armor, with a helmet that was both horrifying and beautiful at the same time. He has a black goatee and looked to be so gaunt that he could not possibly wear so heavy a protective layer. To his right sat a much larger man, also goateed, but his armor was well polished, more functional and the silver and purple seemed to be woven in intricate patterns across the breastplate. Embossed in the center, just above the Sword and Shied of the State, was the Royal Crest, awarded to the most loyal of warriors.<br />
<br />
“Commander, where are we on this Eastern incursion?” Saing asked.<br />
<br />
“My Lord, as you know the Ministry of Intelligence has interrogated some of the beasts captured. Their reports are a bit startling. More information is necessary before action can be taken. As you know the Eastern Brigade stands ready to march at your command.” Tintar replied.<br />
<br />
“Excellent. General, do you have anything to add?”<br />
Dar Benedict stopped writing as soon as the question had started and looked around the table. ‘Were these men, these hard fighting men, ready for what he was about to tell them?’ He looked around the table, what he saw told him that they were ready to die if need be. Four men sat in hardened armor, trained soldiers dedicated to the sword. The eldest was from the Southern Plains, a former monk named Sir Goettch who sat across from Tintar, with whom he had done battle against the Eastern Empire. To his left sat Sir Azon, the Unbreakable, who, it was said, had the lives of a cat. Across from him sat his contemporary, Sir Gregor, a Paladin who currently commanded the Western Brigade. To his right, sat one of his captains, Sir Augustus, a young man who seemed to be, by all accounts, a brilliant strategist. Brand slid the most recent reports in front of him.<br />
<br />
“Leige, the most troubling is that these beasts appear to have a collective intelligence. If we interrogate one, the others seem to know what was asked. As though their minds are linked.” the Dar responded.<br />
<br />
“Their minds are linked?”<br />
<br />
“Mi’Lord, as you are versed in some magics, you are aware of the power of P’jai’us? We believe that these things are from It.”<br />
<br />
Saing crushed his goblet and hissed, “This does not bode well for Gothex.”<br />
<br />
“Baron,” Gregor spoke up. “We must reinforce the Eastern Front, as you know Lord Decker never paid much attention there.”<br />
<br />
“Well put. Then do it, you have a fortnight. You leave in two days.” Saing adjusted his gaze, “Augustus you will survey the Western Border and dispatch troops four days hence. I do not want our borders weakened. Welcome to command. Try not to die.”<br />
Gregor, Azon, Goettch lept to their feet and left for their respective commands. Their aides-de-camp were immediately at their sides, taking orders and readying mounts. Augustus, recently promoted, sent word for Sir Cristos, his soon to be aide-de-camp.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, south of the Kingdom of Twisting Rain, the Jester received a scroll, delivered by messenger. It had the seal of Boones on it. It read:<br />
<br />
“Jester,<br />
<br />
I have always enjoyed the tales of your travels, again congratulations on your wedding. I wish I could have been in better spirits for the event, alas, a malady hid my joy for the happy couple. I fear that this has once again weakened our alliance. I would sacrifice many a head of heard, if it would once again strengthen our bond. Forever we are sacred. As soon as I rebuild my estates and regain power in my lands, I will begin to repay my debts to you. It is to be soon, my aide, JerRand, tells me.I have heard that you are celebrating the Feast of the All Saints; it is my hope that you send well wishes to all that attend. It is also my hope to once again return to favor with the Court of Gothex.<br />
<br />
Peace to you my brother and hope for more good word soon,<br />
Errien”<br />
<br />
The Jester took quill and ink and penned a quick note to Errien. He left it to set and dry, while he returned to his new bride and the lovely lake by which she sunbathed.<br />
Upon the Jester’s return, he was summoned to meet at Eeipr Kahz’s abode. When he arrived; drink, games of chance, and good friends set him upon. Kahz had organized a game of chance and many were there to partake. Tintar and Brand made toasts of good fortune to the Jester’s return. They played cards till all hours and discussed, many things, including the affairs of state, personal lives, and the comraderie of men. It was agreed, that such meetings should occur every fortnight; as much was accomplished and the politics of court could be left aside. Even Saing made an appearance, once. Thoughts of war were distanced by thoughts of friends and cards.<br />
These to only be soured, when news arrived, Brand was to be dispatched, to Springville, south of Gothex, to maintain a vigilant eye on southern movements.<br />
And then there was the errant comment, one night, made by a man-at-arms.<br />
<br />
“Those damnable gypsies, every time me mates and me go for a pint, we trip over one. Thieving scoundrels. Met one, week back or so, claimed to be a ‘Lady’. ‘A lady in bed’ I said. She thought she’d tell me ‘I know many a lady-in-waiting, I once held the favor of Kings and Fools alike.’ Would’ve showed her my kings and fools, but she disappeared, just like that! Right before my bleedin’ eyes.”<br />
<br />
“That’s de’Guile for you. Just when you think she’s gone, she reappears, as if from the Mists.” the Jester murmured.rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-21219365226235567072001-10-26T11:47:00.000-07:002011-12-24T12:14:19.212-08:00Chronicles XVI: Whispers of a Return...<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>nd then there was one less.<br />
<so able="" addresses="" be="" been="" far="" find="" for="" have="" not="" of="" one="" own="" public="" suitable="" that="" their="" they="" to="" would=""><this a="" be="" borrow="" could="" d="" for="" have="" it="" kindle="" or="" spell="" to="" useful="" very="" while=""><author's 2="" about="" addresses="" ado="" all="" and="" anyone="" as="" ask="" ate="" be="" belive="" chronicles="" continuation="" current="" delay="" do="" dog="" e="" from="" further="" have="" homework="" i="" if="" in="" is="" jester="" list="" mails="" may="" missed="" more="" my="" not="" note="" of="" please="" production="" recieve="" removed="" reply="" s="" series="" sorry="" still="" than="" the="" this="" to="" update="" wish="" without="" would="" years="" you=""><br />The days ran hot in the summer. No one there knew of a hotter day. Among those<br />to comment, the Baron, Tintar, Dar Benedict, and Brand, but it was a special<br />day, all had turned out to see that which was not foreseen, but occurring none<br />the less. It was the wedding of the Royal Jester to Lady de’Gruse. None of the<br />seers could have predicted the return of the Jester with the announcement that<br />he was engaged. It had been weeks since the announcement, and now the day was<br />here. So many of the Barony’s finest tailors and entertainers had been<br />contracted for the celebration.<br /><br />Among the first to arrive, the Baron, arriving a full day early to make sure all<br />was in accordance with his edicts. He traveled far and wide with the Jester and<br />Eepir Kahz, to inspect the frontlines and Gothex’s decorations. Eepir kept them<br />both entertained as the long day progressed. The Jester made sure that his Lady<br />would be in good company as she prepared for the coming day as well. Mistress<br />Kindle, traveled out from the heart of Gothex to protect Lady de’Gruse. The two<br />made friends easily and became quite close in their short time together.<br /><br />That evening, a grand feast was prepared and all the major players were there to<br />partake. From the lowliest lady-in-waiting, Lady Ja Cee-ay all the way up to<br />Saing’s War council of Tintar and Dar Benedict. Of those unable to attend, Sir<br />Azon and Lady Yute had just given birth to their daughter and feared to travel,<br />as it was too much for the beleaguered Lady Yute. So Lady Tehtare, filled in as<br />an attendant to Lady de’Gruse. The Ladies–in-waiting, spent the evening with<br />de’Gruse at her country estate in Lower Gothex. While the various soldiers,<br />guards, and government officials spent the evening with the Jester planning<br />war-games and partaking of the fine spirits. The day of the ceremony came a bit<br />too early for some, but all were none-the-less for wear. The beautiful day<br />passed, despite the heat and the town of Gothex enjoyed a peace, little known in<br />the recent years. There were but two small disturbances that day. The first<br />being, when Kindle’s muse sent word that he would be unable to attend the<br />festivities. This act brought about great concern for the prophet. Her heart<br />was in great turmoil, but she was soon swept up in the music, atmosphere, and<br />spirits that flowed forth from the barkeeps. The second incident occurred as a<br />harlot, flew up from the audience and began to perform what sounded to be the<br />strangulation of several cats. No one was harmed by the performance, but the<br />Baron had her sent to the pits of his dungeon for her audacity.<br /><br />The next morning, the Jester and de’Gruse took flight on a winged chariot and<br />were not to be seen for several weeks.</author's></this></so>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-26401668509537518222000-09-30T11:56:00.000-07:002011-12-24T12:29:13.722-08:00Chronicles XV: The Year of Quiet*This Chapter is Lost to Time.*rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-84679482003816435872000-09-04T11:56:00.000-07:002011-12-24T12:29:22.486-08:00Chronicles XIV: Violence and Corruption.*This Chapter is Lost to Time.*rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-1210831979546984131999-02-11T11:45:00.000-08:002011-12-24T12:13:56.707-08:00Chronicles XIII: Questions of Faith, Trust, and Travel.<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he Festival of First Snow was a success and fun was to be had by all.<br />
<so able="" addresses="" be="" been="" far="" find="" for="" have="" not="" of="" one="" own="" public="" suitable="" that="" their="" they="" to="" would=""><this a="" be="" borrow="" could="" d="" for="" have="" it="" kindle="" or="" spell="" to="" useful="" very="" while="">After the serious work of reinforcing the Citadel's magicks, music and<br />spirits were consumed in great quantities.<br /></this></so><br />
<so able="" addresses="" be="" been="" far="" find="" for="" have="" not="" of="" one="" own="" public="" suitable="" that="" their="" they="" to="" would=""><this a="" be="" borrow="" could="" d="" for="" have="" it="" kindle="" or="" spell="" to="" useful="" very="" while="">The Wizards, never ones to be far from their own domain in the Far Nort,<br />decided that it was wise to return before the sun set. Unfortunately,<br />Queen Growley Bear had other plans for them and the Wizards spent many<br />hours in a Maze of the Mind before they combined their strengths to over<br />come the Maze. Although exhausted from the excursion, they were able to<br />send a message by carrier inviting the Jester and Ars up to discuss the<br />future of the realms.<br /></this></so><br />
<so able="" addresses="" be="" been="" far="" find="" for="" have="" not="" of="" one="" own="" public="" suitable="" that="" their="" they="" to="" would=""><this a="" be="" borrow="" could="" d="" for="" have="" it="" kindle="" or="" spell="" to="" useful="" very="" while="">A few days later the Ars began preparing the Citadel on the Cove for the<br />Festival of Bygone Eras, where a great number of foreign dignitaries<br />were to arrive and discuss the return of Baron Saing. Among those to<br />make an appearance were: Marshals Duhnk, Di'Rand, and Brand, Lady<br />'deGuile, Ars D. Wiles, Terra 'deNarc, Jannas the Martyr, King and<br />Queen Decker. It was a shock, by way of page, to hear that Lord and<br />Lady Decker had taken Holiday to the Eastern Border and were under heavy<br />military guard as they were close to Queen Growley Bear's realm. It was<br />also sad to hear that Lady 'deGuile, while traveling north to the<br />Festival, was ambushed and slaughtered by a pack of half humans of<br />Saing's creation. The scroll was delivered to the Citadel's doors<br />plunged into her skull. Also sending his regrets, Ars D. Wiles, via<br />magical means informed Jazan that he was battling a blizzard of<br />unnatural beginnings, which precluded his arrival at the Festival.<br />Of those who did arrive, it was a grand time to be had by all. Dar<br />Benedict, under direct questioning by Jannas, was cleared of all charges<br />in Boones, and was able to renew ties with Errien, Brand, and Di'Rand.<br />Errien stated that he may consider moving to Gothex, insiders wonder if<br />he'll attempt to gain control of the city while it's in its fragile<br />state. Some consider him to be the best qualified for the job. The<br />Marshals were treated to a show by Cyndra, an exotic dancer who has been<br />seen in few weeks the company of the Jester these last. The night ended<br />with quite a few of the servants having to make accommodations for<br />several of the partygoers, the Jester was nowhere to be seen and the Ars<br />was in the grips of the spirits. As morning broke, Dar Benedict had<br />made good his escape, leaving some to wonder where and why he had fled<br />in such a hurry. As guests made their way back to their abodes, Errien,<br />Di'Rand, Duhnk, and the Jester [it was known that K'Abe was still about<br />the Library, but nowhere to be seen] discussed the past Festivals and<br />speculated about the future. The Boones delegates left to escort<br />Brand's lady to her abode on their way back to Boones proper.<br /><br />Rumors abound that JJ the Red has taken up with a Gypsy and has moved to<br />Tem'pe in the hopes of winning her affections. No one has been able to<br />confirm or deny these rumors.<br /><br />Also Gef'Rey the Pious has been recalled to the Temple of Rains to<br />rededicate his spirit, some say it is bad for business to have a<br />doom saying monk proclaiming that all things lead to sin and death, and<br />that the Temple finally received word and is trying to do some damage<br />control in the City. Jannas the Martyr has been dispatched to be the<br />Spiritual Leader of Gothex in its time of need. There are some rumors<br />that Archbishop Jannas and Marshall Brand have had some differences of<br />opinion about the role of religion in State politicks and that while<br />they are civil in person, that there maybe more to this than meets the<br />eye.<br /><br />There was talk among the peasants that the Jester had been entranced by<br />a dancer of skill and grace. It was true that he had been seen in the<br />company of Cyndra and quietly, in the taverns and walking about the<br />Cove, the talk spread that the Jester may have found a new patron. The<br />Jester had also spent time in seedy alleys and wharf side taverns<br />speaking at length with villains and smugglers. There was concern that<br />the Jester may be involved in some devious plot, but as usual few people<br />cared to speculate openly about what that may be.<br /><br />Many weeks passed and the Jester returned to what appeared to be a usual<br />routine, all the while maintaining a hidden correspondence with Ramierez<br />about things morbid and occult. The Ars noticed a rise in the amount of<br />occult energy in the Citadel. He began to research it and found, much<br />to his shock and horror, that the Jester was responsible. The Ars was<br />unsure why or how the Jester had raised these energies nor did he know<br />how the Jester was controlling it. The Jester realized that some of<br />these powers were dangerously close to being out of control and needed<br />to confer with Kindle. She consoled him and whispered the magicks<br />needed to prevent the Citadel from being destroyed. She also told him,<br />that her return would coincide with the Summer equinox. The Jester<br />asked her for protection during a future adventure, with Errien, to the<br />mythical Isle of the Water Wall. Errien had spoken at length about his<br />desire to return to the Isle and the Jester having given in to a whim,<br />suggested that they take time in the coming summer to go on a Holiday.<br />The Jester had also asked Cyndra to join them, but she had vanished,<br />having taken a small Amulet of Power with her. Most displeased, the<br />Jester requested of Jannas that the wench be found and condemned a<br />heretic (preferably burned publicly), and the Amulet, when found be<br />locked in the Holy Treasury.<br />Terra 'deNarc also had returned to Gothex. Her promotion to Minister of<br />Propaganda, elevated her to a level where she and the Jester had rare<br />times to talk. As the Magpie party quickly was running Gothex Trade<br />Commission into the ground, Terra was left with quite a bit to do. Her<br />elevation was apparently do to her kinship with the King's sister, who<br />was studying abroad, and practically running the country in her<br />brother's absence. Although there are some who say the it was magick...<br /><br />A few of the Slah Kars had been seen of late, but their stuporous state<br />left them as but entertainment for the masses.<br /><br />Tintar the Cloistered, having been in a near fatal chariot collision has<br />been attended by the best healers in Gothex, although he does babble at<br />length about healers having to be women and that certain parts of his<br />body that were undamaged needed their immediate attention.<br /><br />In the Kingdom of Twisting Rain, Queen Growley Bear gives praise and<br />thanks to her Goddess before having a thousand first born sons<br />flayed....</this></so>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-89578594340440132751998-12-07T11:43:00.000-08:002011-12-24T12:13:16.230-08:00Chronicles XII: Poisoned Relationships and Change of Nations.<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>n the darkest of days, things never seemed this bleak. To the north,<br />
<so able="" addresses="" be="" been="" far="" find="" for="" have="" not="" of="" one="" own="" public="" suitable="" that="" their="" they="" to="" would=""><this a="" be="" borrow="" could="" d="" for="" have="" it="" kindle="" or="" spell="" to="" useful="" very="" while="">wizards gallivanting about as though they were human, to the south,<br />barbaric rituals of blood and mutilation, to the west, the Great Queen<br />was exterminating thousands of men who could challenge her infant<br />child’s Royal claim, and to the east, mobs of starving urchins rule the<br />streets. King Decker has retired to his den of sin and intrigue,<br />leaving the most unprepared of stewards to manage his kingdom. All the<br />while he dwells, in the bed of his wife, brooding over the welfare of<br />his infant daughter. These days she moves and scoots and has the<br />appearance of a healthy child, except for that dull listless stare of<br />the haunted. Drifting in like a thief into the chamber the King hears,<br />no feels, the primal corruption of the air. It pulsates like an<br />infected wound. It reeks of tainted coppery blood and puss, and<br />illness. The perimeter guards are found all be inverted, their skin<br />peeled back like an onion. The carnage that litters the streets of<br />children and peasants permeates the senses. The damage to the buildings<br />and to the gates denotes only one thing, the Baron has returned, and the<br />toll will be paid in pain. The King crumples to the street, coagulated<br />blood and entrails soiling his robes. The perfumed haze that hangs<br />about his head is sped away by a breeze and replaced by the foul<br />combination urine, feces, and rancid meat. None who saw the advancing<br />army, had the time to raise a call to arms, nor the time to flee.<br />Under the cover of darkness, the warm winds and new moon prevented all<br />from seeing, the greatest feat of magic in recent memory. There was the<br />day that Smitty the Slah Kar rapped upon the doors of the Unseen<br />Library, and it was hallow. Hundreds of thousands of years of<br />history…gone, in but a few scant hours.<br />It was coming upon one of the Jester’s favorite times of the year. The<br />Feast of the Hallowed and he wanted to return to Boones, where the<br />festival was known to be the most blissful three days that anyone could<br />endure. Upon his arrival though…he was stunned to find that Errien had<br />retired to his summer cottage, as the office had become too much for him<br />(though there is local gossip that he had taken up with an enchantress<br />and that he was “indisposed” more often than not.) To replace him,<br />Duhnk, Brand and Di’Rand had developed a ruling triumvirate and had<br />divided Boones into three districts, each with a Governing Marshall.<br />All was going well, the Jester and company was feasting, with wine,<br />women, and song, when they were visited with a vision of a witch and<br />poisonous monkeys. They took it quite well, all things considered.<br />The Jester returned to his humble abode and promptly moved, this time<br />having found a quiet grove on the north side of the Port City. He and<br />the Ars had agreed that if there were ever a threat to the Library that<br />this place would be the new haven. As it was to the Jester’s way of<br />thinking…if you couldn’t find the Library, who could threaten it? As he<br />was returning from Boones he was horrified to find that his hideaway had<br />been invaded by thousands of books, stacked as high as the walls and as<br />far as the eye could see. The Ars returned to find his neatly stacked<br />books having been pushed up against one wall and the Jester’s rucksack<br />on the floor. The Ars having been tipped off by the prophetic ratings<br />of Gef’Rey the Pious, the Ars saw the need to uproot the Library with<br />the aid of K’Abe, who single-handedly hefted two great bookcases upon his<br />back and carried them into the new Library.<br />The Ars and the Jester thought it wise to invest in future protection<br />for the Library. They concealed this location far more adequately then<br />the first one and the Ars did not allow so many people to gain access to<br />the stacks. Although with Gef’Rey committed, it has become necessary<br />for the Ars to find a new attendant to care for the Library in his<br />absence, until that time, he is never far from it.<br />Ramierez and Murrin, it is rumored, are to be making an appearance at<br />the Library soon, to pay homage and weave wards of protection against<br />Baron Saing.<br />News that Dar Benedict has been seen once again in Gothex fled north to<br />the Jester's ears only to be compounded with the fact that apparently<br />he had slipped a hallucinogenic herb into Marshall Duhnk's drink and<br />that the Marshall is not well. If there is any news of the Dar's<br />whereabouts he is to be "interviewed" in Boones.<br /><br />In happier news:<br />The Jester and the Ars are to put on the Festival of First Snow in the<br />coming week’s end.<br /><br />All are welcome, if they agree to put aside their differences, weapons,<br />magicks, and intrigues for a night of entertainment, which includes a<br />Minstrel of some renown who may play for the merriment for the crowds,<br />a feast for Kings (no disrespect intended), and a show of shows. Feel<br />free to correspond if the fancy strikes you to be entertained for a few<br />hours. There will also be a juggler, card games, and infant tossing,<br />so….come one come all!</this></so>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-22283153360133907331998-09-11T11:41:00.000-07:002011-12-24T12:13:04.928-08:00Chronicles XI: The Shifting Sands of Power.<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>s the fall season slowly made itself felt across the realms, the Jester<br />
<so able="" addresses="" be="" been="" far="" find="" for="" have="" not="" of="" one="" own="" public="" suitable="" that="" their="" they="" to="" would=""><this a="" be="" borrow="" could="" d="" for="" have="" it="" kindle="" or="" spell="" to="" useful="" very="" while="">and Ar' D. Jazan made their way north to the edge of Gothex. After many<br />hours, they arrived at the abode of Murrin, recently released as Baron<br />Saing's retainer as had his consort Ramierez. Murrin had tried to<br />develop the ability to breathe as a fish does, but had not perfected<br />the spell. Ramierez had turned over his research in the pursuits of<br />things more horrid. Murrin sent for the local Ars and the Jester to aid<br />in his research. It took almost a week for the spell to be truly<br />successful, but in the end all four swam to great depths and as though<br />they were fish. All of them rejoiced and drank until the sun was low in<br />the sky, then the Ars and the Jester chose to return to Gothex proper.<br />Upon their return, the Jester was served with a notice that message had<br />arrived for him from an unknown source in the Kingdom of Twisting<br />Rains. Queen Growley Bear, Slayer of the Dragon of York, Vanquisher of<br />the Western Empire, Queen of all that she surveys had sent him a warning<br />that Baron Saing had encroached upon her lands and that Gothex had a<br />week to remedy the situation or that her eye would turn to the Port City<br />and things would become unpleasant. The Jester, having once known her<br />as a young noble, was well aware of her reputation and passion for<br />getting things done. The Jester forwarded on the warning to the King.<br />Privately, the Jester wondered: if the Queen were to come to Gothex,<br />would these squabbling political bodies would her siege, probably not he<br />mused.<br />The Jester sought out Kindle and spent hours in her counsel, after which<br />his mind was cleared and his soul lightened. He was concerned that with<br />Kindle's departure that she might not return. He had learned that many<br />beings as powerful as Kindle became less and less involved in the<br />affairs of mere mortals. Although it was unknown who had mastered the<br />most power, Kindle, the Plague Wizards, the Ars, Terra or the Baron, it<br />was certain that if these powers were ever to turn on their tentative<br />truce most of the realms would be obliterated. Well that was if you<br />believed in magic...<br />Meanwhile, on the border of Gothex, a fatigued army of unholy creations<br />ransacked local villages and towns, slaying inhabitants and mutilating<br />animals in the foul rituals. The Baron sat back in his throne of human<br />carcasses and smiled, that thin leer that unsettled his closest advisors<br />who secretly wondered if their head would make the next foot rest for<br />his throne. Late in the night, still a week's march from Gothex's<br />palace, reports came that some whelp had denounced and replaced him.<br />Well this pathetic tenderfoot would feel the extent of his wrath, all he<br />had to do was continue along without drawing the gaze of<br />Queen-what's-her-name and that little brat of hers. All things will be<br />as he deems that they should be, right now he needed patience. There<br />would be blood enough to bathe his army for a year. All things to<br />come...</this></so>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-61336530830728585651998-09-02T11:38:00.000-07:002011-12-24T12:12:54.235-08:00Chronicles X: Time Flies When You're a Fish.<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>n Gothex:<br />
<br />
And so the day came, as though to preempt the return of Baron Saing, a<br />
freak show rolled into Gothex on a bleak and rainy day. Gef’Rey the<br />
Pious and the Jester make their way down to the Square to see the show<br />
and are horrified to find that people are dying in foul and unholy ways.<br />
It took weeks to clear the Square of the putrid smell of death and decay<br />
the freak show had brought upon their fine city, but it was soon<br />
discovered that the owner, a whale of a man by the name of Herr'ing the<br />
Foul, who had entered into a pact with Saing for a few "unholy perks" in<br />
the afterlife, had brought with him a noxious cloud that had killed more<br />
than a hundred poor souls. Fortunately, the freak show did not appeal<br />
to a large portion of the populace. Still it had left its mark upon<br />
Gef’Rey and the Jester, both of whom are probably scarred for life.<br />
Meanwhile, hidden away safely on the outskirts of town, Dar Benedict<br />
having seen the effects of his dealings with Herr'ing finds that he has<br />
new resources in the Black Baron tends to promote himself to a valued<br />
position for his new Lord. If only to aid in his plans for Boones, he<br />
will serve like any good pawn, because pawns too can kill Kings if<br />
they're used right.<br />
For the King Dekker, ruler ship is not as easy as he thought it might be.<br />
Guilds squabbling, parties vying for a minute of his time, family<br />
concerns, and assassination attempts are not things that make running a<br />
country a joy. But for the most part he stumbles through it. There was<br />
that mass poisoning on the square, reports of 13 foot giants building<br />
pyramids on the roads, the drunken riots in celebration of his<br />
coronation and reports that an undead army was returning to his city,<br />
not bad for his first 3 months as King.<br />
While the Jester was wandering off to the Lake of the Damned, Ar' D.<br />
Jazan noticed that Gef’Rey the Pious was neglecting his studies. D.<br />
Jazan sent forth runners to find his pupil only to find that he was<br />
nowhere to be found. It was not until a Smitty had fallen asleep on the<br />
road outside the Unseen Library did the location of Gef’Rey become<br />
known. Apparently, the Pious one, seeking solitude had headed off into<br />
the mountains to consider the horrors of what had occurred on the<br />
Square. It was on said mountain that Gef’Rey was found, rain pouring,<br />
lightning threatening, he tore open his robes and bared his chest,<br />
screaming into the wind. It was then that lightning chose to flash and<br />
the Pious one tumbled like a rag doll, down the mountain.<br />
In a small hut with stakes holding it down, a single red star adorning<br />
its roof, Kindle prepared to make a voyage across the Great Sea. Her<br />
reverie was interrupted by a messenger sent from the Jester. It was odd<br />
because the Jester had been traveling so much that the two had not<br />
spoken much. Hopefully he had learned the spell to breathe as a fish<br />
does and that he was prepared to give her the components. But no, the<br />
scroll was in regards to Lady 'deGuile, the Jester had not heard from<br />
her and had grown concerned. As Kindle consulted her scrying pool, she<br />
saw the vague images of 'deGuile in a drunken orgy of sorts with all<br />
manner of vices in use. It was not clear if this was the present, past<br />
or the future, but it was cause for concern. Kindle would have to<br />
dispatch a messenger to look into it, but she more important things to<br />
do in the mean time. That damned Saing was returning soon and that was<br />
a whole other mess to worry about.<br />
<br />
In the Lake of the Damned:<br />
Ramierez and the Jester took long forays into the briny deep to uncover<br />
lost artifacts from shipwrecks. It was odd, swimming as a fish might,<br />
at length and in the murk of the Lake. More than once the Jester felt<br />
as though Ramierez had tricked him into leaving the safe confines of<br />
land on these expedition, but without fail they had found a relic, a<br />
scroll, or some other manner of magic which the Jester could take back to<br />
Gothex. But the Jester, not accustomed to magic being at work on him at<br />
length could not endure as much as Ramierez could. The Jester found<br />
himself sleeping for long periods to recover from the effects. <this a="" be="" borrow="" could="" d="" for="" have="" it="" kindle="" or="" spell="" to="" useful="" very="" while="">, and so he did.<br /><br />In Boones:<br />Boones had it bi-annual election and with few changes continued on it<br />merry way. The black cloud that hung near their city had left with<br />Saing's army, but the Governor insisted that the stacks of dogs remain<br />as a warning to others. And so they did, until they started to<br />decompose, then they were set on fire, no comment on the smell then.<br />The only significant news was when Queen Growley Bear wiped out the<br />Western Empire. JJ was dispatched to York to learn what they could<br />about the Queen of Twisting Rain.</this>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-47080499009439990471998-06-13T11:37:00.000-07:002011-12-24T12:12:38.968-08:00Chronicles IX: The Spoils of War....<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he Jester seeing a need to confer with D. Jazan, commandeered a chariot<br />
and brought the both of them to the edges of Boones. The long ride had<br />
taken its toll on the two men and sat down at the Governor's palace to<br />
part take in some wine, women, and song. Many a wench did make her way<br />
to the private chambers, their wiles such that Gef’Rey the Pious would<br />
most certainly have died of embarrassment, if only he too had journeyed<br />
forth with them. As the evening winded down for the night, the Jester<br />
wandered off with a sprite of a girl as the two older men discussed<br />
tactics and strategy. The spoke long into the night, and only broke to<br />
make sure that the Jester was playing "nicely" with others.<br />
As the wee hours crept over the city, the Jester dreamed of red headed<br />
nymphs and wily bar wenches, D. Jazan slept uneasily. He awoke with a<br />
start, and sought some fresh air to calm himself. As he stepped out<br />
onto a balcony, had stumbled upon a pair or trio of assassins, about to<br />
enter the Governor's chambers. Speaking ancient and power filled words<br />
the Ars quickly dispatched the would be murderers, and having found the<br />
calm he so richly craved fell into a deep slumber.<br />
The next morning, the Jester rose and walked about the streets as he<br />
often did when he was a citizen of Edwardoland. He came upon a healer's<br />
tent, and wandered in out of curiosity. He saw lying there, amid<br />
scratches and blood, a lady of the Edwardoland court, Lady Prim. She<br />
would have been all but unrecognizable to any but the most closely<br />
related to the court. The Jester paid for her care and had her moved to<br />
the Governor's palace to be taken care of by the staff physician. She<br />
could not speak, but in a whisper she rambled on about the flame, the<br />
rocks, and the pain. With time, it was said that she may be cured.<br />
In the mean time, Duke Decker sees his opportunity to seize the vacant<br />
throne. He installs himself as King and moves to have the Parliament<br />
reinstated. He moves rapidly, renovating the army and allying himself<br />
with the local merchants and guild leaders. In less than 3 months he<br />
has all but grid locked his position. Unfortunately, his supporters, the<br />
Magpie Party, have their own agendas and have chosen to tell the King<br />
the truth so that it best reflects their interests. The Magpies have<br />
insinuated themselves very closely to the King, and it doesn't seem<br />
likely that he'll rule against them on anything soon.<br />
<br />
When the Jester and Ar' D. Jazan return from the journey south, they<br />
find themselves, rather on the outs with the new political system. Even<br />
the Slah-Kars have made efforts to run an opponent to the new system.<br />
<so able="" addresses="" be="" been="" far="" find="" for="" have="" not="" of="" one="" own="" public="" suitable="" that="" their="" they="" to="" would=""><br /><br />Also, there is a rumor that the Plague Wizard, Ramierez has found a way<br />to create life from death, and although his first one is a horror to<br />behold, it is said that he fancies the she-thing.<br /><br /><br /><br />Coming soon:<br /><br />**Ar' D. Jazan celebrates the King's installment.<br /><br />**The Jester loses his mind.<br /><br />**Gef’Rey part takes in a freak show.<br /><br />**And the Jester travels to a new kingdom of Tem'pe, in the Land of<br />Ar'Hizonah?</so>rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-78234407263984335671998-04-26T11:34:00.000-07:002011-12-24T12:12:27.702-08:00Chronicles VIII: The World Through Rose Colored Glasses<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>n short order, the Jester was dispatched to Boones to look over Saing's<br />
army. In the middle of a horrid dream, he awoke with a start, the last<br />
tendrils of images escaping back into the dark recesses of sleep. A<br />
soft, seductive voice whispered sweet nothings in his ear, and as the<br />
Jester is not one to stray from prettied words, he stumbled after them<br />
as though he were in a daze. As he awoke from what seemed an endless<br />
sleep, he beheld a stunning nymph, who sat upon the foot of his straw<br />
bed. Before the Jester could spout a reasonable defense for what must<br />
have occurred the nymph slowly rose and vanished into mists. The Jester<br />
seemed confused and muddled but did seem to remember that he had indeed<br />
been summoned by the Witch Kindle and that she had spoken to him of<br />
prophesy that had come to pass and that which he could not yet see. She<br />
had told him of mistakes that she too had made in her youth, when she<br />
played the fool (as he so often does) and that it was the fool who would<br />
place the King upon the throne. She spoke to him of matters so far<br />
ranging that his simple mind could not take it all in and that some was<br />
left to run into nothingness. Her words on the betrayal of a benevolent<br />
monarch spurred the Jester on to Boones where the thoughts of Saing<br />
undermining the Governor's control disturbed him. As he arrived in<br />
Boones, but the town was not at all the peaceful town he had known it to<br />
be. Refugees lined the streets. Food lines on every other corner. The<br />
Jester gave all that his meager savings would allow him to the starving<br />
wretches of Boones.<br />
It also seemed that there was trouble from without as well as within.<br />
Duhnk, Brand, and to a lesser extent Di'Rand were swayed by a charlatan,<br />
that Gov. Errien was not fit to stand as the ruler of the town. It<br />
seemed that they were so thoroughly convinced that they were prepared to<br />
throw him into the stockades, but the Jester was able, through much<br />
politicking, to diplomatically advice the Governor of his situation. It<br />
was decided that Errien would indeed finish out his term, and possibly<br />
rule for another term, but he may not have the backing of the Ruling<br />
Council. With this slight horror, already smoldering out, there came<br />
one last flame up, as a young rake tried to air out Errien's ribs with a<br />
dagger. Although the assassination attempt failed, it did make the<br />
governor more aware that he had enemies in quarters that he was still<br />
unaware of.<br />
Meanwhile, in another part of Boones, Dar Benedict plots for the moment<br />
when his usefulness will be at it greatest. When he can intercede on<br />
the Damned Queen's behalf and prevent the prophesy for fulfilling<br />
itself. He sits idly by, watching the stars and counting the months<br />
that he has left. He will have his moment, even if it does mean a<br />
little blood is spilled.<br />
In still another district of Boones, Lynn makes her way to the altar to<br />
prayer for forgiveness and for her memory to return. After all that<br />
rubble had fallen on her she had clawed her way free. The muffled cries<br />
from the debris that had imprisoned her, still rang loudly in her ears.<br />
Her only thought was that she had not known those people. They would<br />
have dies very slowly indeed. Who were those people, were they my<br />
family? Or just some unlucky passersby when the building had collapsed.<br />
<br />
Coming soon:<br />
<br />
**Ar' D. Jazan spoils another assassination attempt.<br />
<br />
**The Jester rescues Lady Prim from Baron Saing.<br />
<br />
**Duke Decker claims his lands and Baron Saing returns to Gothex.rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-83006409321463507111998-04-23T11:33:00.000-07:002011-12-24T12:09:48.528-08:00Chronicles VII: The Evil the Moves to Destroy Us...<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>s he rode forth, returning to a land he once knew quite well, Duke<br />
Decker marveled at how it had changed so much, as he had. Many years<br />
had passed, since had had last lived here. He had spent most of them<br />
doing what it is that young men should do before settling down and<br />
raising a family. His return was marked by his new marriage and first<br />
child on its way, some rumors say that the former was a result of the<br />
latter... Duke Decker had returned to reclaim the throne that was his<br />
birthright. All that stood in his way was a score of years of decay,<br />
and of course the Baron. Decker thought it best to speak with the<br />
townspeople of Gothex before he staked his claim, as it is wise to<br />
evaluate a situation before leaping into it. He stabled his horses and<br />
family at the Happy Harlot Inn.<br />
<br />
He soon discovered that the Baron was away on a campaign to the south<br />
and would not be returning until later in the year. He also learned<br />
that the mage who could, in his youth, summon a magical chariot on a<br />
whim. The Duke had spent many a whimsical day in the company of the man<br />
whom he knew to be D'Jazan. Apparently, D'Jazan had taken more<br />
seriously to his studies and had become something of a recluse. He had<br />
attained the ranking of "Ars" when his mentor Ars MicHurdy, Master of<br />
the Fire, had passed into ashes and took over the Damien’s Library<br />
which had been concealed when Saing moved to Gothex.<br />
The Duke first sought out D. Jazan for advice and guidance. Upon<br />
arriving at the Unseen Library he was escorted to D'Jazan's ante room by a<br />
former childhood friend, Tintar the Virile. Tintar who was once a lady's<br />
man of some renown, went into hiding when several brothers appeared at<br />
his door and demanded he atone for his violations of their sisters'<br />
honor. As Tintar back peddled at the accusations, wildly waving his arms<br />
in a defensive manner, he fell backwards out of his bedroom window.<br />
Landing unhurt, and slightly muffed, he thought "Maybe it would be best<br />
to move, now..." and petitioned to study with Ar' D. Jazan. He has been<br />
here ever since.<br />
<br />
As the door to his study swung open to receive him, the Duke saw that D.<br />
Jazan was in a light hearted conversation, with what appeared to be a<br />
fool. A fool that he recognized as another childhood friend, the son of<br />
his father's court Jester. After a moment, the three realized that a<br />
prophecy was beginning to be full filled. Duke Decker suggested private<br />
counsel outside of the walls of Gothex, and in short order the<br />
arrangements had been made. A sacred grove of tree stood not the far to<br />
the east of Gothex and it would take them but less than a day to arrive<br />
there and set up a comfortable camp.<br />
As the sun lay down to sleep and the three men were deep in conversation<br />
over how to defeat Saing, they realized that they were not alone. Dog<br />
sized rodents with men's hands began to probe the camp 's edges. Early<br />
on the men had taken no notice of this fact, but as guards failed to<br />
report in, the concern grew. It was when a skull of one of the guards<br />
was thrown down into the camp as a challenge (or a warning) did the men<br />
react visibly. D. Jazan summoned an enchanted shelter and provided<br />
refuge for the men. As they slept, there were other forces at work on<br />
them.<br />
<br />
Far off, standing around a bubbling pool of blood and entrails, Saing<br />
and Ramierez stood watching the shelter.<br />
<br />
-"But Lord Saing, they are but three against my hordes of raccoons."<br />
-"I do not care, slay Jazan and the others will fall like twigs"<br />
-"Yes, my lord."<br />
<br />
Jazan awoke from a pain filled sleep as though his gullet were ablaze<br />
with embers. He awoke the Jester and informed the Duke to stay inside<br />
of the shelter. The Jester, had in a dream, proceeded to take Jazan to<br />
druid who lived not far from the grove. The chariot was ensnared by<br />
swallowing sand and they had to flee in a summoned cart drained the last<br />
of Jazan strength. Many hours later, as the sun rose, Jazan awoke from<br />
a short but painless sleep and informed the Duke and Jester that must<br />
return to the Library at once, for he was vulnerable that far from his<br />
sanctuary. With a flourish and some regret he left. The Duke and<br />
Jester spent the day studying the weaknesses of Saing and drawing up<br />
tactics to defeat him. After this day, it was decided to return to<br />
Gothex and study maps to be sure of their plans. As they departed the<br />
grove a gentle snow began to fall over the area, it would end four days<br />
later. It covered a man's height in white powder and would have buried<br />
the camp whole.<br />
<br />
Upon his return, the Jester left again to Boones to see what of Saing's<br />
army was still intact.<br />
<br />
COMING SOON:<br />
<br />
Jazan and Duke Decker continued their plans to assault Saing's<br />
stronghold.<br />
And in Boones, and assassination attempt is in the works, the Jester is<br />
summoned to Kindle's haven, and a plague wizard creates an undead<br />
companion?rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-655913929936263531998-03-12T11:32:00.000-08:002011-12-24T12:08:53.771-08:00Chronicles VI: The Horror of Smitty the Slah-Kar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Author's Note:<br />
The following was written by Gef’Rey under the close eye of Ar' D.<br />
Jazan. Further edited by the Jester.<br />
<br />
<br />
"From the Journals of<br />
Gef’Rey the Pious, student of Ar' D’Jazan,<br />
Keeper of the Unseen Library.<br />
<br />
The twenty-second day of Baron Saing's thirteenth year of rule,<br />
<br />
It is unseasonable today, and the taint of foul chaos seems to hang in the air. In the interest of history and my studies, it will be revealed to all what caused this taint....<br />
<br />
The tale begins some months back, whilst the Jester still dwelt in Edwardoland. It had been quiet in Gothex and the citizens were preparing for the harvest festival, giving thanks to the gods. As acolytes of the Unseen Library, we were heavily involved in the preparations.<br />
<br />
Unbeknownst to all, strange events were brewing in a mighty stand of trees to the Northeast of Gothex. There, in a small clearing, lived Smitty, a exiled acolyte from the library, lately having shown a marked degradation in his mental faculties and energy level. Now given to sloth, he spent the majority of his time asleep, and what few waking hours he had were spent in the company of equally slovenly companions at the local free hostel known quaintly as 'Slah-kar's Shoppe/Inn'.<br />
<br />
Now it came to pass that 'staying' at the hostel was a young child-beast known as Sykoshia. Smitty was filled with lust for the young one, and after stabbing the barkeep, he proceeded to slake his unnatural lust.<br />
<br />
K'Abe, a toy maker and rare patron also fell victim to Sykoshia's unnatural wiles. Much like Smitty, he was filled with an unnatural lust for Sykoshia, and would have acted on it, but for the arrival of Gef’Rey the Pious.<br />
<br />
Despite Smitty's state, passed out on the floor and as a failed student, Gef’Rey had maintained contact with him in his exile, and that fateful day had journeyed in search of some relaxation in the form of Smitty's tales of fantasy and myth. Upon meeting Sykoshia, Gef’Rey was filled with interest about the strange childlike creature. Above all else, Gef’Rey is a man of piety and scholarship and his vow to observe and report to Ar' D. Jazan overrode the lust he had felt. However his curiosity won out in the end and he took Smitty and Sykoshia to the Happy Harlot for dinner.<br />
<br />
Throughout dinner, Gef’Rey began to realize the true horror of the thing known as Sykoshia. The undead creation had the hallmarks of the Ramierez, a dealer in all things vile. The creature evoked pity and lust in all around it, while leaching the vital energy it required to cling to life. As Gef’Rey recoiled in horror, K'Abe and Smitty fell further into her clutches.<br />
<br />
Fleeing the inn for the sanctity of the Library, Gef’Rey related the tale to Ars D'Jazen and a new pupil, Tintar, but received little advice or comfort. Jazan for his part seemed fascinated, but not prone to running off on a whim, for every foul creature that walks the realms. Those days were long past for him.<br />
<br />
Some weeks later, Smitty sent a frantic summons to Gef’Rey to come to the hostel. Possessed by the unholy lust that emanated from the creature, K'Abe assaulted Sykoshia and Smitty was seeking assistance in confronting K'Abe. Concerned for the former student, Ar' D. Jazan accompanied the monk to the hostel. Upon arriving, Gef’Rey and Ar' D. Jazan found a buzzing den of chaos. Smitty and K'Abe fought over the creature. Bolstered by the dark power of Sykoshia, Smitty mortally wounded K'Abe while the beast greedily drank the dying man's life force. Seeing the evils being committed, Gef’Rey and Ar' D. Jazan returned to the Unseen Library. Carrying with them the dying body of K'Abe. As they left, Smitty took Sykoshia to the floor and time and again cooled the fire of lust that burned in his tainted soul.<br />
<br />
In the safety of the library, Gef’Rey began to plot the destruction of the beast while healers attended to K'Abe. With the aid of Ar' D. Jazan, a potion containing frog blood, snail tears, and an eagle semen was created. When imbibed, the mixture would prevent Sykoshia from feeding. The potion was given to Tintar, who used his glib tongue to convince Smitty to imbibe the mixture. Unable to feed on Smitty, Sykoshia fled.<br />
<br />
As peace is ever fleeting, Smitty was ever changed by his experiences at the hands of the undead child beast. Unable to contain his lusts, Smitty joined the Slah-kar, a group of child slavers who operate in the back alleys of Gothex. Choosing a child whom most reminds him of the long lost Sykoshia, Smitty continues to satisfy his unnatural desires."<br />
<br />
Upon closing the book, Lady de'Guile reflected upon how much she did not know about the powers, known and cloaked in shadows that ran Gothex. With a new noble claiming a hereditary title, Gothex should become a hotbed of political intrigues. “A fine time to turn a coin or two for rumors. It is best to know who may win a war before you deal to both sides. Saing's rule has been, well...not harsh, but with unholy creatures becoming more commonplace everyday....who wants that kind of a place to live? Maybe a well placed rumor or two will affect the coming war....<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-21092894180521055461998-02-25T11:30:00.000-08:002011-12-24T12:10:06.427-08:00Chronicles V: The Lost Gothex Chapter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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***Editor's note<br />
This issue of the Jester's Chronicles was provided by Ar' D. Jazan, for your entertainment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>hile the Jester was in the witnessing the horrors occurring in Edwardoland, strange things were occurring in the city-state of Gothex. Rumors began of a strange beast roaming the countryside and mutilating cattle. Upon hearing these tales, most of the residents of Gothex merely crossed themselves and muttered that with rumors of plague wizards to the south, monsters were only to be expected.<br />
<br />
However for Gef’Rey the Pious, these vague rumors only strengthened his desire to find the truth of the matter. Traveling from tavern to tavern, Gef’Rey gathered all of the information about the beast that he could. It seemed to come out only at night. Though it walked like a man, it had a strange loping gate. It’s face was similar to an ape, but with strange bone-like protrusions on its chin, eyebrows, nose, and tongue.<br />
<br />
Most disturbingly of all, Gef’Rey learned the creature had abducted a serving wench from the Happy Harlot tavern mere minutes before he arrived. Horrified that the creature had apparently acquired a taste for human flesh, Gef’Rey at once departed for the unseen library.<br />
<br />
After relating his tale to Tintar and Ar’ D. Jazan, the three decided to go on a quest to free the fair maid from the foul beast. For Gef’Rey it was a matter of curiosity, for Ar’ D. Jazan it was his youthful oath to always help a maiden in trouble, and of course for Tintar it was a belief that this tale of bravery would aid him in the bedding of other serving wenches.<br />
<br />
Tintar insisted that before the quest they visit the unseen armory, deep beneath the library. Once there, Tintar armed himself with a Japanese katana, a curved short sword from Tibet, a dagger suitable for throwing, and a Gurka Kuri. As was their custom, Gef’Rey and Ar’ D. Jazan went unarmed.<br />
<br />
The three scoured the countryside looking for the beast. Upon sighting the creature, it immediately fled. The three gave chase, and after many long hours Tintar cornered it. Using each of his weapons in turn, he injured the beast, while Gef’Rey and Ar’ D. Jazan stood back (as would any wise man while Tintar was brandishing a weapon).<br />
<br />
As Tintar prepared to deal the killing blow, suddenly a wood nymph leapt forth begging for mercy. Gef'Rey and Ar’ D. Jazan restrained Tintar to allow the Nymph to tell her tale. Apparently this saurid creature was her mate. Normally, they stayed far away from the Gothex, but she had been curious and assumed the guise of a human serving wench to avoid detection. However, she had been gone too long and her mate had been impatient. He began to search for her, but unable to converse as a normal man he terrified whoever he encountered.<br />
Feeling pity on the beast, Gef’Rey and Ar’ D. Jazan left. Tintar decided to let the beast live. But not before hamstringing it to prevent it from nearing the city again. The wood nymph howled a curse at Tintar for his actions, but the librarian merely laughed, for what power would the magic of a woman have over one as manly as he?<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17941632.post-20523354199872077841998-02-19T11:28:00.000-08:002011-12-24T12:04:01.888-08:00Chronicle IV: Court Intrigue and a Little Carnage<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he rains beat down on Governor Errien as he stood on a balcony surveying the reports that his spies brought in. It was true that Saing's troops stood on his borders, but he had just won this State and he wasn't about to lose it to some Undead General. Packs of dogs occasionally ravaged his villages, but they were not organized attacks. Today one of the packs were rampaging through one of the small villas that surrounded his wall. Summoning his long bow, Errien put arrow after arrow into the pack leader until it was dead. He was unsatisfied though, he had put two arrows in the dogs hind legs, then one in it lower back, crippling it, and then one through its left eye. He ordered for any dogs found in his domain to be exterminated, a reward for every dog's skull brought before him.<br />
<br />
Duhnk, in the mean time, was trying to understand a visiting noble woman's cultural rites of self-gratification. It was a difficult concept of purification, prayer, and guilt. Whereas in Boones...when in Boones do as the Nobles do...<br />
<br />
Vague rumors of Nobles naked and running amuck in the corridors coursed among the servants.<br />
<br />
Dar Benedict played with his daughter, as any good father should, reminding himself that this mat be the last few months for him in Boones. His deal would most likely leave him dead or on the run, but he'd have his daughter...<br />
<br />
JJ the Red, has kept up affairs on his end. He was proposed to by a charming court entertainer, rumors have it that she was a favorite of the governor's, before her engagement. JJ had no comment on the matter.<br />
<br />
While concealed away in Boones, a trusted runner brought a message to the hands of the Jester. As he turned it over in his hands, he saw the seal of Edwardoland and realized that it was the late Princess. As he read over it, he wept. There, in flowing script and dried tears the Princess rescinded her exile notice and pleaded for the Jester to return to her court. Distraught, the Jester fled Boones and headed for council with Lady/Queen 'deGuile. Upon arrival, the Lady summoned the Jester to her and queried him on the condition of Boones and Saing's army. After a few hours of dry discussion, it turned to the tragic days of Edwardoland. She said that she wished that Gef’Rey the Pious had only arrived sooner, she may have prevented some of the nightmares that occurred. The Jester asked what Kindle had sent and if he could see it. Handed the appropriate scroll from seemingly nowhere, the Jester expected to look at it and see the scribbles from before. Much to his surprise, he was able to read, plain as day, with the enchantments<br />
removed, the following:<br />
<br />
<br />
"Lady of Shadows,<br />
<br />
Beware the wandering fool,<br />
His loyalties are not as they seem,<br />
His truths are the torch to the pyre of chaos.<br />
He does not with malice do,<br />
The acts of pain are not directed.<br />
His hand married to a ghost do haunt,<br />
The living will burn and run.<br />
The undoing will begin with the birth of one,<br />
True of heart, and clear of mind.<br />
Only then will the locusts fly from our lands.<br />
<br />
Move your agents and bring shadow forth to shroud and cloak our pawns,<br />
only then are we assured.<br />
<br />
Kindle"<br />
<br />
<br />
This was all still a riddle to the Jester, but he felt lighter of heart and returned to Gothex, and the chaos that had occurred in his absence.<br />
<br />
**Meanwhile in Boones, a young woman by the name of Lynn de 'Hor began a quest of her own...<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />rook103http://www.blogger.com/profile/04505724611694693904noreply@blogger.com0