A sealed letter is delivered to Duke Nightmare at his castle in the Underground Forest. The herald of the letter is reveled to be a demonic rutterkin; which Duke Nightmare had the demon promptly captured and snap-tong weapon seized. The rutterkin would suffer many fates: death in the gladiatorial arena, autopsy research, and finally components in dark rituals or foul concoctions.
A sealed letter is delivered to Duchess Alyza of Cariele: the rutterkin was disposed of by the golem guardians.
A sealed letter is delivered to Count Stiele Ghieste: word was that the messenger was allowed to depart unobstructed.
A sealed letter is delivered to Assan ibn Daouta, King of Elinie. The rutterkin messenger was dispatched by the scion of Elinie in one fell sword strike. The King would order paladins of the Life and Order of Avanalae to investigate the new Sword Mage and the region of Ghoere in general.
Oh dear reader was that all the letters that the Sword Mage would send out? Defiantly not less; probably maybe. What bitter fruits will the Second Sword Mage reap from sowing in fields populate by friends and foes alike? Some would say: only the Shadow knows.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tales of the Mystery Man
Otto the Rake travels back to Muden upon receiving the crown jewels of Cariele to claim the title of Master Thief. Otto, master of disguise, sneaks into the region and secures passage on a princely vessel. The yacht that Otto secures sails out of port waits a week, and then travels back carrying Otto the Gentleman.
Otto’s yacht sails gallantly into the noble section of the ports and is instantly seized upon by the Muden guard. Otto masterfully talks his way past the lowly patrol ship and avoids inspection under the assumption that Otto has documentation securing him diplomatic privilege under Raphael Saberstrike, the King of the Southlands. The yacht is greeted by a bit more dominating guard and Otto is lead under custody to meet the Captain of the Guard.
The documentation that Otto presents is hard to dispute because of the foreign Anuire script and seals. What the Captain of the Guard really wants to know is what a Brecht “diplomat” representing a new Anuirean kingdom thinks he is going to be able to pull off. Without missing a beat, Otto replies that as a third party negotiator he could conduct the release of the Pirate King. Oh dear reader, I wish you could have seen it, when Otto said that quip to the Captain; whomever was about burst into laughter.
The Captain asked why she would want to give up her favorite prisoner; her crown jewel? Otto responds that she knows, he knows, they all know that the Pirate King is in a most comfortable position. Because no matter how much you torture him, or supposedly keep him in isolated quarters: the pirate fleets still operate and at a very efficient element at that. Oh dear reader, I wish you could feel it: the gathering of people grows cold and silent: an eerie, truthful calm falls over the crowd.
The Captain embraces Otto and takes him, arm in arm, and thus an odd alliance was formed. Otto’s yacht was never inspected. Otto was extended privilege, access to quarters and the docks, and extended whatever guard he chose.
On the cusp of daybreak in the secret shrine of Ela, the Master of the Temple was performing the customary parting of the night ceremony when perchance the Mystery Man appeared but not in the guise of Otto the Gentleman, no dear reader that is not what the Mystery Man looked like. Did the Mystery Man come in the guise of his former mentor Kareem? No dear reader, he did not come dressed as the Shade. The Mystery Man appeared as King Raphael Saberstrike and declared that Otto the Gentleman would serve as his ambassador to conduct the release of the Pirate King. The Master of the Temple quickly got into a defensive position and cohorts where summoned.
The Mystery Man under the guise of Raphael laughed off the defensive moves and proceeded to spill the beans as it where: that he was Otto the Rake come to claim his reward. Otto took the crown off his head, the State Crown of Cariele, and tossed it over to one of the Master of the Temple’s pawns who then handed it over to the Master. Otto the Rake explained his plan: to release the Pirate King alive under the guise of Otto the Gentleman. The Master of the Temple had to be most impressed but what would the cost be she asked? The Mystery Man set his conditions very firm: 2 tuns of gold or equivalent to be determined before any other phase of the negotiations could move forward. The Master would have to speak to the Pirate King but nevertheless Otto the Rake was given the honorary promotion to Master Thief and all powers that go to that position.
Otto would spend his days in the court of Muden, wining and dining the politico algesio, while nights where spent in the thieves guilds of Ela building a powerbase. Otto would start to collect allies everywhere, start to find ones that could serve him as henchmen. Many odd plots would start to circulate about what Otto the Rake was really up to but until the 2 tuns of gold could be secured Otto was near untouchable.
Because of course dear reader the Pirate King would jump at the chance for any attempt at a release and with the upfront offer of gold from Otto, the Pirate King knew what kind of release it was going to be: the Pirate King was going to be used as bait to lure the pirate fleet out into the open where the Muden Royal Fleet would no doubt want to clash. And that dear reader was just fine with the Pirate King, payoff Otto to do the dirty work, use the Master of the Temple to communicate with his fleet, and prepare to set a trap for a trap.
But dear reader do you think that is the end of our story? That Otto the Rake gets 2 tuns of gold and heads back home? Sure, but a few more things happen before that. You might ask yourself: what of the henchman that Otto recruited. One foul bunch was the Goblin Flotilla but they did not start off their life like that, no dear reader it took a bit of scraping and skullduggery to take a band of rag-tag goblin highway men and convert them into a naval unit but that is what Otto did in part of the year long negotiations.
Oh dear reader, I wish you could have seen it: Otto convinced the Captain that the pirates would hand over treasure equal in weight to the Pirate King and that they should begin to feed him non-stop. It was cartoonist in its gluttony: plate after plate after bowl after bowl of food was brought to the Pirate King. And the Pirate King ate and oh how he ate dear reader; it was as if Otto was fatting him up to eat like Otto was a wicked witch or something.
When the 2 tuns of gold and treasure where presented to Otto, he took his time sorting through the jink and finding the real jewels, past the fool’s gold and gold plated items. The 2 tuns Otto would secure for himself would be that: 2 tuns worth. The money was shipped around a lot of interesting places to disguise its whereabouts from the thief’s guild. It was literally like Otto would sort through a new pile of loot, find what he wanted, document it’s value against the 2 tuns he was owed and then instantly take it put it back on the street or invest it in ways the thieves guild would not see directly. And that is how after one year in Muden Otto the Rake got 2 tuns richer.
But how did Otto the Rake manage to secure a battered fleet sailing through the straits of Aerele one year, and thousands of miles after setting out from Cariele? That dear reader is how the release of the Pirate King would play out; with our boy the Mystery Man one-upping all the competition: coming out with the gold, with the temple of Ela in ruins, and parts of the pirate fleet and Royal Muden Fleet combined with his princely yacht and goblin flotilla. What is that dear reader? You want to know how Otto the rake pulled such stunts? How one mortal man could spit in the eye of a god, trick not one but two warlords into a losing situation, and come out on top rich as all get-out? Well dear reader, we would not call him the Mystery Man if you knew everything about how he worked. But let us just say this dear reader: Otto the Rake’s return to Muden really did secure him the title of Master Thief.
Otto’s yacht sails gallantly into the noble section of the ports and is instantly seized upon by the Muden guard. Otto masterfully talks his way past the lowly patrol ship and avoids inspection under the assumption that Otto has documentation securing him diplomatic privilege under Raphael Saberstrike, the King of the Southlands. The yacht is greeted by a bit more dominating guard and Otto is lead under custody to meet the Captain of the Guard.
The documentation that Otto presents is hard to dispute because of the foreign Anuire script and seals. What the Captain of the Guard really wants to know is what a Brecht “diplomat” representing a new Anuirean kingdom thinks he is going to be able to pull off. Without missing a beat, Otto replies that as a third party negotiator he could conduct the release of the Pirate King. Oh dear reader, I wish you could have seen it, when Otto said that quip to the Captain; whomever was about burst into laughter.
The Captain asked why she would want to give up her favorite prisoner; her crown jewel? Otto responds that she knows, he knows, they all know that the Pirate King is in a most comfortable position. Because no matter how much you torture him, or supposedly keep him in isolated quarters: the pirate fleets still operate and at a very efficient element at that. Oh dear reader, I wish you could feel it: the gathering of people grows cold and silent: an eerie, truthful calm falls over the crowd.
The Captain embraces Otto and takes him, arm in arm, and thus an odd alliance was formed. Otto’s yacht was never inspected. Otto was extended privilege, access to quarters and the docks, and extended whatever guard he chose.
On the cusp of daybreak in the secret shrine of Ela, the Master of the Temple was performing the customary parting of the night ceremony when perchance the Mystery Man appeared but not in the guise of Otto the Gentleman, no dear reader that is not what the Mystery Man looked like. Did the Mystery Man come in the guise of his former mentor Kareem? No dear reader, he did not come dressed as the Shade. The Mystery Man appeared as King Raphael Saberstrike and declared that Otto the Gentleman would serve as his ambassador to conduct the release of the Pirate King. The Master of the Temple quickly got into a defensive position and cohorts where summoned.
The Mystery Man under the guise of Raphael laughed off the defensive moves and proceeded to spill the beans as it where: that he was Otto the Rake come to claim his reward. Otto took the crown off his head, the State Crown of Cariele, and tossed it over to one of the Master of the Temple’s pawns who then handed it over to the Master. Otto the Rake explained his plan: to release the Pirate King alive under the guise of Otto the Gentleman. The Master of the Temple had to be most impressed but what would the cost be she asked? The Mystery Man set his conditions very firm: 2 tuns of gold or equivalent to be determined before any other phase of the negotiations could move forward. The Master would have to speak to the Pirate King but nevertheless Otto the Rake was given the honorary promotion to Master Thief and all powers that go to that position.
Otto would spend his days in the court of Muden, wining and dining the politico algesio, while nights where spent in the thieves guilds of Ela building a powerbase. Otto would start to collect allies everywhere, start to find ones that could serve him as henchmen. Many odd plots would start to circulate about what Otto the Rake was really up to but until the 2 tuns of gold could be secured Otto was near untouchable.
Because of course dear reader the Pirate King would jump at the chance for any attempt at a release and with the upfront offer of gold from Otto, the Pirate King knew what kind of release it was going to be: the Pirate King was going to be used as bait to lure the pirate fleet out into the open where the Muden Royal Fleet would no doubt want to clash. And that dear reader was just fine with the Pirate King, payoff Otto to do the dirty work, use the Master of the Temple to communicate with his fleet, and prepare to set a trap for a trap.
But dear reader do you think that is the end of our story? That Otto the Rake gets 2 tuns of gold and heads back home? Sure, but a few more things happen before that. You might ask yourself: what of the henchman that Otto recruited. One foul bunch was the Goblin Flotilla but they did not start off their life like that, no dear reader it took a bit of scraping and skullduggery to take a band of rag-tag goblin highway men and convert them into a naval unit but that is what Otto did in part of the year long negotiations.
Oh dear reader, I wish you could have seen it: Otto convinced the Captain that the pirates would hand over treasure equal in weight to the Pirate King and that they should begin to feed him non-stop. It was cartoonist in its gluttony: plate after plate after bowl after bowl of food was brought to the Pirate King. And the Pirate King ate and oh how he ate dear reader; it was as if Otto was fatting him up to eat like Otto was a wicked witch or something.
When the 2 tuns of gold and treasure where presented to Otto, he took his time sorting through the jink and finding the real jewels, past the fool’s gold and gold plated items. The 2 tuns Otto would secure for himself would be that: 2 tuns worth. The money was shipped around a lot of interesting places to disguise its whereabouts from the thief’s guild. It was literally like Otto would sort through a new pile of loot, find what he wanted, document it’s value against the 2 tuns he was owed and then instantly take it put it back on the street or invest it in ways the thieves guild would not see directly. And that is how after one year in Muden Otto the Rake got 2 tuns richer.
But how did Otto the Rake manage to secure a battered fleet sailing through the straits of Aerele one year, and thousands of miles after setting out from Cariele? That dear reader is how the release of the Pirate King would play out; with our boy the Mystery Man one-upping all the competition: coming out with the gold, with the temple of Ela in ruins, and parts of the pirate fleet and Royal Muden Fleet combined with his princely yacht and goblin flotilla. What is that dear reader? You want to know how Otto the rake pulled such stunts? How one mortal man could spit in the eye of a god, trick not one but two warlords into a losing situation, and come out on top rich as all get-out? Well dear reader, we would not call him the Mystery Man if you knew everything about how he worked. But let us just say this dear reader: Otto the Rake’s return to Muden really did secure him the title of Master Thief.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
The State of Things
Place: The Hall of the Cloud Giant King
Actors:
CGK: The Cloud Giant King
CM: The Planeswalker known as the Cloud Mage
Scene 1
[CGK sits on a throne, when CM appears out of nowhere, standing motionless]
CGK: ah, my old friend has come! Why do you stand there as such? Come friend I have news for you! What is this? Why do you not respond, what has become of you? What queer apparition is this to appear before me? Slayer of Tran’ix, Master of the South Wind, Dominator of the Sky, who dares to stand speechless before me? Answer now or I will have your tongue!
CM: I responded to your call and I know what must be done, farewell old friend.
[CGK rises from his throne]
CGK: That is not what you are supposed to say! But could it be, that in your time spent journeying the outerworlds might you have the power to part the shadows? Could now be the time for man to get his revenge? Tell me old friend, what must I do, what can I do?
[CM moves his head to look around]
CM: Keep on living.
[CGK rises from his throne]
CGK: You dare to speak to me like that? I will summon my hammer and strike you down, letting you know the fury of the Thor!
[With that, CGK summons a powerful two-handed hammer and moves to strike CM but CGK is frozen mere feet from striking the human wizard]
[CM begins to hover, then moving to leave out of a window]
CGK: I must tell the Master of Magic what has happened.
Scene 2
We see the Could Mage leave the beautiful castle built upon clouds in the sky, heading ever upward, moving between layers of existence to arrive in the Shadow World. There the Cloud Mage makes haste, moving to the most dominate landmark on the horizon: that of the Cold Rider. The Cold Rider stands miles tall, pure white, with devil red eyes and it is those eyes that light up with the power of a thousand suns and burn the Cloud Mage as he approaches.
The question has been posed before in other places: in space, can you hear a person scream? Well dear reader, we are not here to answer that so how about we phrase the question more suited to our topic: in the Shadow World can anyone here you scream? And the answer dear reader is a simple yes: yes you can hear the Cloud Mage scream. The Cloud Mage screams because not only is his life being drained from him, but his very essence as well.
But who dear reader could hear the death knell of the Cloud Mage (considered to be the most powerful wizard ever known)? The answer can be found in the odd unnatural occurrence that happened when the Cloud Giant King’s message was received. The night sky lit up with the Moon in full effect, and then followed by the rising sun but that was not all: with the full Moon and the sun the stars began to shine bright. And that dear reader was the effect of the coming together of three of the most power deities, to late to intervene but able to bear witness to the death of perhaps their most powerful mortal champion. The Cloud Mage killed by the Cold Rider.
Actors:
CGK: The Cloud Giant King
CM: The Planeswalker known as the Cloud Mage
Scene 1
[CGK sits on a throne, when CM appears out of nowhere, standing motionless]
CGK: ah, my old friend has come! Why do you stand there as such? Come friend I have news for you! What is this? Why do you not respond, what has become of you? What queer apparition is this to appear before me? Slayer of Tran’ix, Master of the South Wind, Dominator of the Sky, who dares to stand speechless before me? Answer now or I will have your tongue!
CM: I responded to your call and I know what must be done, farewell old friend.
[CGK rises from his throne]
CGK: That is not what you are supposed to say! But could it be, that in your time spent journeying the outerworlds might you have the power to part the shadows? Could now be the time for man to get his revenge? Tell me old friend, what must I do, what can I do?
[CM moves his head to look around]
CM: Keep on living.
[CGK rises from his throne]
CGK: You dare to speak to me like that? I will summon my hammer and strike you down, letting you know the fury of the Thor!
[With that, CGK summons a powerful two-handed hammer and moves to strike CM but CGK is frozen mere feet from striking the human wizard]
[CM begins to hover, then moving to leave out of a window]
CGK: I must tell the Master of Magic what has happened.
Scene 2
We see the Could Mage leave the beautiful castle built upon clouds in the sky, heading ever upward, moving between layers of existence to arrive in the Shadow World. There the Cloud Mage makes haste, moving to the most dominate landmark on the horizon: that of the Cold Rider. The Cold Rider stands miles tall, pure white, with devil red eyes and it is those eyes that light up with the power of a thousand suns and burn the Cloud Mage as he approaches.
The question has been posed before in other places: in space, can you hear a person scream? Well dear reader, we are not here to answer that so how about we phrase the question more suited to our topic: in the Shadow World can anyone here you scream? And the answer dear reader is a simple yes: yes you can hear the Cloud Mage scream. The Cloud Mage screams because not only is his life being drained from him, but his very essence as well.
But who dear reader could hear the death knell of the Cloud Mage (considered to be the most powerful wizard ever known)? The answer can be found in the odd unnatural occurrence that happened when the Cloud Giant King’s message was received. The night sky lit up with the Moon in full effect, and then followed by the rising sun but that was not all: with the full Moon and the sun the stars began to shine bright. And that dear reader was the effect of the coming together of three of the most power deities, to late to intervene but able to bear witness to the death of perhaps their most powerful mortal champion. The Cloud Mage killed by the Cold Rider.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Strange Visitors
The Player Characters Alexander Roesone and Kareem Wali-jabbar had a chance encounter with Seoras of the Crystal Staff who directed them to travel to the Shadow World. Alexander and Kareem then encountered a very upset Moon God who demanded that they return his stolen sword immediately. And that dear reader was how the cat got out of the bag. Oh it had all been milk and marmalade for the Player Characters. Why didn’t the Stormlord do more against Alexander Roesone? What would you have done dear reader? Slain Alexander outright for the act of murder? Does not an eye for an eye leave us all blind?
Alexander Roesone was spared his life but stripped of his clerical power. The Player Characters wondered: why didn’t the god also take Alexander’s holdings or possessions? Those material things are kinda beneath a god’s notice so it is kind of insulting that you dear reader even had such questionable thoughts. For if Alexander would have been slain in retribution what lesson could he have been taught? None, so second chance was given and for that Duke Nightmare will make them pay.
But what was the real importance of the quest to retrieve the sword that Kareem had sold in the Infernal Bazaar: that Haelyn and Rournil got to lay their very own eyes upon Duke Nightmare and the Shade. And that dear reader is how the cat got out of the bag and dear reader if you could hear it now, Duke Nightmare would be screaming for Seoras’ head on a pike. You know; to put on the front lawn to look pretty.
If only dear reader, Seoras of the Crystal Staff had never directed the Player Characters to the Shadow World at the same time that two gods were meeting they might have had a few more years of obscurity. What could be the odds. On a related note for the Player Characters, Seoras Bhailie is Hermedhie’s father (so there is that to look forward too). I would figure Seoras of the Crystal Staff to be a planeswalker of some talent; obviously not level 30 but well over level 20.
Alexander Roesone was spared his life but stripped of his clerical power. The Player Characters wondered: why didn’t the god also take Alexander’s holdings or possessions? Those material things are kinda beneath a god’s notice so it is kind of insulting that you dear reader even had such questionable thoughts. For if Alexander would have been slain in retribution what lesson could he have been taught? None, so second chance was given and for that Duke Nightmare will make them pay.
But what was the real importance of the quest to retrieve the sword that Kareem had sold in the Infernal Bazaar: that Haelyn and Rournil got to lay their very own eyes upon Duke Nightmare and the Shade. And that dear reader is how the cat got out of the bag and dear reader if you could hear it now, Duke Nightmare would be screaming for Seoras’ head on a pike. You know; to put on the front lawn to look pretty.
If only dear reader, Seoras of the Crystal Staff had never directed the Player Characters to the Shadow World at the same time that two gods were meeting they might have had a few more years of obscurity. What could be the odds. On a related note for the Player Characters, Seoras Bhailie is Hermedhie’s father (so there is that to look forward too). I would figure Seoras of the Crystal Staff to be a planeswalker of some talent; obviously not level 30 but well over level 20.
the Brave & the Bold: Haelyn & Ruornil
the Shadow World,
Principle Actors:
Haelyn, Patron of Anuire
Rournil, the Moon God
Script:
H, “he watches us”
R, points out at the Cold Rider, “that thing there”
H, “indeed. Can you not feel it?”
R, “I can tell a lot of things are watching me, you, us…”
H, “Do not be cryptic in dealing with me Silver Prince”
R, “I do not try to waste your time but at least seven of your followers lay in wait close by keeping watch”
H, stands firm
R, “that thing is what the outsiders call the Cold Rider”
H, “Indeed. I have been fighting a new plague of demons coming in from this hole in the Shadow World”
R, “Indeed, you see this nexus for what it is, a rip in the Shadow World. A strike at the curse of Azari”
H, “so tell me Silver Prince where did this rip originate?”
R, “what you should be more concerned with is what effect it will take”
H, “Do not play games with me, speak tell me what I came to know”
R, “what does seem certain is that the Cold Rider is indeed the legacy of the curse of Azari. But what is cloudy is from where hence the rip did start and what damage it will cause”
H, “Silver Prince tell me what must be done and it will be so”
R, “oh Lord of Noble War when I do figure it all out you will be the first to know the name to bring swift justice to those that seek to do harm to your Empire”
H, “What is this? Am I to be run afoul?
R, “Strange things are afoot at the Circle K”
H, “Indeed”
R “Have you ever heard of a witch known as Yaga Baba?”
H, “No but if you tell me where pretence this hag can be found I will procure her for you”
R, “I have already dispatched agents to investigate”
H, “Hark! If the witch is the cause of this I will track her down personally and bring her to you!”
R, “It could be that simple but it never is”
H, “Indeed Silver Prince you are wise and I have always enjoyed your council. Tell me, about the danger the rip”
R, “the Queen of the Seelie think that they can tame the chaos over time. But the danger comes from what happens to the curse of Azari. There remains a possibility that the curse will not simply be erased and my hypothesis is that the negative energy is not being destroyed but being channeled into the creature known as the Cold Rider. The worst case scenario being that the Shadow World condenses and Azari is reborn’
H, “tell me it is not so…”
R, “Do not sound defeated. Anduiras and Vorynn defeated Azari once before”
H, “Indeed. Now tell me what news of my Empire?”
R, “What is easily gathered is that the witch Yaga Baba was some how able to manipulate nature itself down to the very seasons and time of day, even effect of the Moon. This wicked manipulation let the hag lay in wait guarding herself from notice but what reason the witch did this still remains a mystery to me. Fore years Yaga Baba remained in are world and besides the petty affairs of humans only one thing sticks out to me personally. A century ago I imbued a sword with mighty power to liberate my followers near the ancient sight of Deismaar (for our players that is the
H, “But what does this have to do with my Empire?’
R, “this petty regent, Raphael Saberstrike has rise to a king of your Empire”
H, “I know not of who you speak!”
R, “Yes, rather recent in time, a few years, barely a grain of sand in the infinite hourglass. But using the false sword the petty regent has rise to the title of king”
H, “Well then I will unleash the dogs of war and wipe his family from the map”
R, “my I request oh great Lawmaker, that I be allowed the honor of deliver the justice that goes with stealing from a god”
H, “Indeed Silver Prince if it is your wish to purge this evil from my Empire then the honor and glory is yours alone”
R, “Oh a million thanks to the Lord of Noble War. But what is this? Hark, a message from a well-wisher. Lawmaker conceal yourself I am about to receive strange visitors”
End Scene
the Brave & the Bold: Raphael Saberstrike and the demi-god known as Deth
Raphael Saberstrike came into contact with a new source of power and new allies. The New Dark God was very much interested making deals with everyone including the dragon Skiesbane. Raphael used the ally of the demi-god known as Deth to try and spring a simple trap on the dragon when it would come seeking tribute next. But things did not go as well as could be hoped for: the avatar of Deth was defeated and Raphael was captured by the dragon.
Now that dear reader could have been the end for Raphael and in some ways it was. Skiesbane took Raphael back to a lair where a magical mirror was kept. Skiesbane was enormously large in comparison to the man-sized mirror but cast no reflection into it when Skiesbane approached to release Raphael. But dear reader Raphael did cast a reflection and the mirror image came to life, stepping out of the mirror. Now here we had two identical copies but different in one key game mechanic way: the original of Chaotic Evil alignment and the copy now having the trait of Lawful Good. But dear reader that did not last long as the dragon Skiesbane squashed the evil Raphael under one might heel.
Now the dragon Skiesbane cut a deal with the new Raphael. Skiesbane could gather that Raphael would quickly fall back to chaotic ways and cause trouble for all those that would have sought Skiesbane harm, so Skiesbane spared the life of Raphael for the deal that upon the unification of the southlands under the good-aligned Raphael the dragon Skiesbane would receive annual tribute of one ton of precious metals (and that at least 1/3rd would be gold).
Raphael Saberstrike has much to do. Raphael is allowed to teleport back to his largest castle where he begins to coordinate his navy to intercept key officials of the Southland government and orders troops on Albiele Isle to raid the Royal Flush Gang’s casino. Raphael then teleports to his castle in Abbatour and issues yet more orders.
Raphael learns that a one Larry Diamond is returning from Mieres and instructs that new orders be dispatched to the navy to intercept Larry Diamond. Raphael issues a decree that would outlaw worship of Haelyn along with any god of the Vos or non-human deities. Axe-Man Bones is ordered to call a meeting of every member of the Crimson Guard (for the players information: Lil’ Boozie was never a member of the Crimson Guard).
When all the members of the Crimson Guard are assembled (excluding those on foreign espionage missions) Raphael instructs Axe-Man Bones along with the entire company of Crimson Guard to drink a special concoction that would vitalize them. With some hesitation they all drank and felt no ill effects, to the pallet the mixture tasted rather good. It would not be until Raphael unleashed a magical spell upon the company that the tonic would take effect: reducing the Crimson Guard’s ability to resist magic. And powerful magic was unleashed indeed; a veritable cloud of killing sent every last soul to the dead book including one of the original killers: Axe-Man Bones.
Raphael now had to deal with even more direct lieutenants; the Wizard’s Cabal must be summoned. Raphael could not directly kill or even confront the other members of the Wizard’s Cabal but Raphael could use magic to deceive them and issue odd orders to them. For titular Sedrie Bellamie a decree was handed down for Sedrie to deliver in person: Alexander Roesone must never reveal his true identity and must never travel to the surface even under the guise of Duke Nightmare or Sir Lancelot. Hermedhie was to be placed under house arrest: she is to remain in her wizard tower until such time that Raphael deems another audience with her (in effect removing Hermedhie as court wizard).
Raphael would later travel by drake to visit Trogdor the Duke of Diemed. But before departing his castle in Abbatour, Raphael issued orders to the priests of Rournil’s Celestial Spell to send two units of Knight Templar to the city of Aerele. Raphael plotted his flight to Aerele to arrive at the time the holy warriors were being greeted by Duke Trogdor. Raphael appeared in the sky above the assembled warriors and spectators, slowly descending upon the back of a battle-drake (maybe a slight insult to Trogdor?).
Raphael was greeted by Trogdor and the marshal of Rournil’s knights but the greeting was cut short when Raphael unsheathes his sword of office and ignites it aflame. Raphael informs Trogdor that the Duke must be placed under house arrest upon investigation into war crimes committed during the liberation of Diemed. Now dear reader what did Trogdor do or not do? Well that is not really Raphael’s real intent, sure Raphael is good-aligned but slowly Raphael is moving from lawful to chaotic and what serves Raphael best for the here and now would to be to put the screws to Trogdor so Raphael can solidify power. Trogdor will be investigated and the clerics will not find much evidence for war crimes but the time spent will allow Raphael to put new officials into the civic and military branches throughout Diemed.
Larry Diamond, just by mentioning his name the Player Characters get nervous; fore Larry Diamond was the trusted NPC placed in charge of the Brothers Investment Groupe (a bank for the Player Characters). Larry Diamond was sailing across the Straights of Aerele when his private yacht was intercepted by a naval vessel belong to the King of the Southlands. Larry Diamond was informed that King Saberstrike was in desperate urge for communication and that his presence was requested at the closest castle.
Under naval escort Larry Diamond proceeded to Albiele Isle and then on to the large castle of Raphael’s. Larry Diamond was told to wait until would Raphael teleported to the castle allowing two figures would meet face to face. Larry Diamond was informed that him and his family were going to be put under house arrest and that Larry Diamond would have to comply with a thorough audit of the Brother’s Investment Groupe. Raphael did let on though that if all looked good with the audit that Larry would be allowed to retake his post.
Now dear reader let us go over Raphael’s checklist of good deeds. Dispose of murders and spies under employ, suppress upstart religion, force allies to acquiesce to transition of power, and keep old secrets secret. Raphael has to be deceptive fore after all he is using a magical sword that is a fake allowing him to claim to be King of the Southlands. Raphael has to do some chaotic things to maintain his kingdom.
Now that dear reader could have been the end for Raphael and in some ways it was. Skiesbane took Raphael back to a lair where a magical mirror was kept. Skiesbane was enormously large in comparison to the man-sized mirror but cast no reflection into it when Skiesbane approached to release Raphael. But dear reader Raphael did cast a reflection and the mirror image came to life, stepping out of the mirror. Now here we had two identical copies but different in one key game mechanic way: the original of Chaotic Evil alignment and the copy now having the trait of Lawful Good. But dear reader that did not last long as the dragon Skiesbane squashed the evil Raphael under one might heel.
Now the dragon Skiesbane cut a deal with the new Raphael. Skiesbane could gather that Raphael would quickly fall back to chaotic ways and cause trouble for all those that would have sought Skiesbane harm, so Skiesbane spared the life of Raphael for the deal that upon the unification of the southlands under the good-aligned Raphael the dragon Skiesbane would receive annual tribute of one ton of precious metals (and that at least 1/3rd would be gold).
Raphael Saberstrike has much to do. Raphael is allowed to teleport back to his largest castle where he begins to coordinate his navy to intercept key officials of the Southland government and orders troops on Albiele Isle to raid the Royal Flush Gang’s casino. Raphael then teleports to his castle in Abbatour and issues yet more orders.
Raphael learns that a one Larry Diamond is returning from Mieres and instructs that new orders be dispatched to the navy to intercept Larry Diamond. Raphael issues a decree that would outlaw worship of Haelyn along with any god of the Vos or non-human deities. Axe-Man Bones is ordered to call a meeting of every member of the Crimson Guard (for the players information: Lil’ Boozie was never a member of the Crimson Guard).
When all the members of the Crimson Guard are assembled (excluding those on foreign espionage missions) Raphael instructs Axe-Man Bones along with the entire company of Crimson Guard to drink a special concoction that would vitalize them. With some hesitation they all drank and felt no ill effects, to the pallet the mixture tasted rather good. It would not be until Raphael unleashed a magical spell upon the company that the tonic would take effect: reducing the Crimson Guard’s ability to resist magic. And powerful magic was unleashed indeed; a veritable cloud of killing sent every last soul to the dead book including one of the original killers: Axe-Man Bones.
Raphael now had to deal with even more direct lieutenants; the Wizard’s Cabal must be summoned. Raphael could not directly kill or even confront the other members of the Wizard’s Cabal but Raphael could use magic to deceive them and issue odd orders to them. For titular Sedrie Bellamie a decree was handed down for Sedrie to deliver in person: Alexander Roesone must never reveal his true identity and must never travel to the surface even under the guise of Duke Nightmare or Sir Lancelot. Hermedhie was to be placed under house arrest: she is to remain in her wizard tower until such time that Raphael deems another audience with her (in effect removing Hermedhie as court wizard).
Raphael would later travel by drake to visit Trogdor the Duke of Diemed. But before departing his castle in Abbatour, Raphael issued orders to the priests of Rournil’s Celestial Spell to send two units of Knight Templar to the city of Aerele. Raphael plotted his flight to Aerele to arrive at the time the holy warriors were being greeted by Duke Trogdor. Raphael appeared in the sky above the assembled warriors and spectators, slowly descending upon the back of a battle-drake (maybe a slight insult to Trogdor?).
Raphael was greeted by Trogdor and the marshal of Rournil’s knights but the greeting was cut short when Raphael unsheathes his sword of office and ignites it aflame. Raphael informs Trogdor that the Duke must be placed under house arrest upon investigation into war crimes committed during the liberation of Diemed. Now dear reader what did Trogdor do or not do? Well that is not really Raphael’s real intent, sure Raphael is good-aligned but slowly Raphael is moving from lawful to chaotic and what serves Raphael best for the here and now would to be to put the screws to Trogdor so Raphael can solidify power. Trogdor will be investigated and the clerics will not find much evidence for war crimes but the time spent will allow Raphael to put new officials into the civic and military branches throughout Diemed.
Larry Diamond, just by mentioning his name the Player Characters get nervous; fore Larry Diamond was the trusted NPC placed in charge of the Brothers Investment Groupe (a bank for the Player Characters). Larry Diamond was sailing across the Straights of Aerele when his private yacht was intercepted by a naval vessel belong to the King of the Southlands. Larry Diamond was informed that King Saberstrike was in desperate urge for communication and that his presence was requested at the closest castle.
Under naval escort Larry Diamond proceeded to Albiele Isle and then on to the large castle of Raphael’s. Larry Diamond was told to wait until would Raphael teleported to the castle allowing two figures would meet face to face. Larry Diamond was informed that him and his family were going to be put under house arrest and that Larry Diamond would have to comply with a thorough audit of the Brother’s Investment Groupe. Raphael did let on though that if all looked good with the audit that Larry would be allowed to retake his post.
Now dear reader let us go over Raphael’s checklist of good deeds. Dispose of murders and spies under employ, suppress upstart religion, force allies to acquiesce to transition of power, and keep old secrets secret. Raphael has to be deceptive fore after all he is using a magical sword that is a fake allowing him to claim to be King of the Southlands. Raphael has to do some chaotic things to maintain his kingdom.
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