Sorry I lost this thread. Thanks for the reminder.
Wihelm the Sage
Casper notes that the library is sizeable, given that it is in the Northlands, but still paltry compared to the true libraries of the southern kingdoms. Over two thirds of the books are written by Wilhelm himself, with some other noteable tomes from southern authors. The subject of the library appears to be purely on these Northern Lands - every rumor, wizard's prediction, or even books of children's rhymes about what was thought to lay beyond the edge of the world or before the great Cataclysm that ushered in the dark ages. That so little was known and acquireable before the Archduke brought this settlement beyond the world's limits speaks to the Sage's importance and position in the Archduke's court.
Wilhelm is poring over a tome when Foxy, Tocen, and Casper are ushered from the library into his private study. "Welcome, Miss Couthard, Reverend White," he says, laying down his quill and looking up at them. He takes care to place a parchment over a round handmirror on his desk which you thought swirled with an image of smoke when you entered. "How can I be of service to the woman who rode forth against Scatha the Wyrm when others dared not?" He is not friendly, per se, but his curiousity and interest is certain.
The Wooden Keep
Re: The Wooden Keep
Foxy O'Hare
"Thank you your sage-aciousness, you remember too kindly my tribute. An honour of course, one I would do again should duty demand."
"I sought your advice as a grandmaester of wisdom over delicate matters of state. Casper the White has a rich knowledge of artifacts recently recovered, a tome of the Dreadlord he himself has perused. Though not without some personal cost I suspect. Orbs, books, swords. Fiends arise to seek them out once more and they will prevail over the sun-shield of Baudh. What do you know of these Dreadlords and how can we defeat their rise?"
"Thank you your sage-aciousness, you remember too kindly my tribute. An honour of course, one I would do again should duty demand."
"I sought your advice as a grandmaester of wisdom over delicate matters of state. Casper the White has a rich knowledge of artifacts recently recovered, a tome of the Dreadlord he himself has perused. Though not without some personal cost I suspect. Orbs, books, swords. Fiends arise to seek them out once more and they will prevail over the sun-shield of Baudh. What do you know of these Dreadlords and how can we defeat their rise?"
Re: The Wooden Keep
Wilhelm looks to Casper. "Is this true? You have tomes to share?" He responds to Foxy, "You ask what is, of course, a primary question for the ArchDuke himself. Knowledge isn't free, but I am willing to exchange information on the topic for those compent enough to come able to contribute to the conversation."
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hedgeknight
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 8282
- Joined: Mon May 28, 2012 11:03 am
- Location: NC
Re: The Wooden Keep
"I do indeed have a tome, Sage Wilhelm...but it is not for sharing, but rather for your review. I wish to know details about it...and more precisely...how to destroy it."
Casper pulls forth the tome of chaos from his pack and sets it on a table, then steps back from it as he puts his hands behind his back. Only those watching carefully would notice that the cleric of Gwanwen winces and rubs his hands together, trying to get the feeling back in them.
Casper pulls forth the tome of chaos from his pack and sets it on a table, then steps back from it as he puts his hands behind his back. Only those watching carefully would notice that the cleric of Gwanwen winces and rubs his hands together, trying to get the feeling back in them.
Winter is coming...
Re: The Wooden Keep
Wilhelm touches the book only with the tip of a plain, willow-wood wand, careful not to handle it personally. He examines the cover, bindings, the initial pages, a sampling within.
"Well, I might have said that the Necromantic Dreadlords are dead and gone, never to return, but you present me with one of a small few loopholes," he replies blandly. "As you may have surmizeed, this is a soul-tome of Thanul, Dread Priest of the Dreadlord Zhynt. A soul tome contains a portion of a being's soul, sufficient to aid them in recoering themselves particularly if they fear contact with the negative material energies of potent undead.
It is not living in itself, per say, but an echo, a memory." He closes the book with the wand. "The book might be of a great boon to a holy servant of similar disposition, if not motives. It reeks of chaos, and likely would be handled easily by a Priest of Eruanna, supposing their goodness was sufficient to be untainted by memories of this evil practitioner. I have no doubt they would be."
"It is one book which I, myself, would not deign to possess, and a scant few such books hold that distinction.
At least, that is, until its magic is discharged. With such tomes, you'll often find that they are mundane journals of academic fancy once their purpose of restoring memory and strength to a living being is complete. I don't relish the destruction of any book, but should you wish to seek those who can accomplish your aim, I think the church of Eruanna would be inclined given its nature and also the church of Gwanwen, to whom its soul-keeping by Created magic is an affront. The elders of either church could muster the magic to do the deed if it was in their interest to do so. The challenge, of course is always in weighing their interests. Destruction of magic unleashes the magical energy in even moreso destructive ways to those around it and the churches are often reticent. You may try the deed yourself, if you truly do not wish it to be read, by taking it to a place of power or using an item of specific purpose - a volcanic cauldera, an orb of anihilation, something imbued with anti-magical properties - and then weathering the magic power released by your act. We do know, at least, of one volcanic caldera, if nothing else," he finishes, nodding to the imposing peak directly to the north outside the window.
Turning back to Foxy, "Though they are necromancers, the Dread Lords are largely not expected to 'rise again.' Even the tome you hold would imbue memories - the evil will to act on them would still belong to the reader.
I appreciate you showing me the book and, if it is returned to me disenchanted and still intact, I may have more to tell. We do know that the Dreadlord Zhint was slain by dwarves in his city northwest and the Dreadlord Nystoreath
came to an unknown end across the river eastward in the Yoldessi Plains. I suspect a lesser known Dreadlord inhabited the mountain peak to the North. I would appreciate any lore you can bring me on any of them and we could then have a more fruitful talk."
He smiles politely. "Is there anything else?"
"Well, I might have said that the Necromantic Dreadlords are dead and gone, never to return, but you present me with one of a small few loopholes," he replies blandly. "As you may have surmizeed, this is a soul-tome of Thanul, Dread Priest of the Dreadlord Zhynt. A soul tome contains a portion of a being's soul, sufficient to aid them in recoering themselves particularly if they fear contact with the negative material energies of potent undead.
It is not living in itself, per say, but an echo, a memory." He closes the book with the wand. "The book might be of a great boon to a holy servant of similar disposition, if not motives. It reeks of chaos, and likely would be handled easily by a Priest of Eruanna, supposing their goodness was sufficient to be untainted by memories of this evil practitioner. I have no doubt they would be."
"It is one book which I, myself, would not deign to possess, and a scant few such books hold that distinction.
At least, that is, until its magic is discharged. With such tomes, you'll often find that they are mundane journals of academic fancy once their purpose of restoring memory and strength to a living being is complete. I don't relish the destruction of any book, but should you wish to seek those who can accomplish your aim, I think the church of Eruanna would be inclined given its nature and also the church of Gwanwen, to whom its soul-keeping by Created magic is an affront. The elders of either church could muster the magic to do the deed if it was in their interest to do so. The challenge, of course is always in weighing their interests. Destruction of magic unleashes the magical energy in even moreso destructive ways to those around it and the churches are often reticent. You may try the deed yourself, if you truly do not wish it to be read, by taking it to a place of power or using an item of specific purpose - a volcanic cauldera, an orb of anihilation, something imbued with anti-magical properties - and then weathering the magic power released by your act. We do know, at least, of one volcanic caldera, if nothing else," he finishes, nodding to the imposing peak directly to the north outside the window.
Turning back to Foxy, "Though they are necromancers, the Dread Lords are largely not expected to 'rise again.' Even the tome you hold would imbue memories - the evil will to act on them would still belong to the reader.
I appreciate you showing me the book and, if it is returned to me disenchanted and still intact, I may have more to tell. We do know that the Dreadlord Zhint was slain by dwarves in his city northwest and the Dreadlord Nystoreath
came to an unknown end across the river eastward in the Yoldessi Plains. I suspect a lesser known Dreadlord inhabited the mountain peak to the North. I would appreciate any lore you can bring me on any of them and we could then have a more fruitful talk."
He smiles politely. "Is there anything else?"
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hedgeknight
- Rider of Rohan
- Posts: 8282
- Joined: Mon May 28, 2012 11:03 am
- Location: NC
Re: The Wooden Keep
Casper tries to keep his mouth closed while Wilhelm speaks of the evil tome. Once done, the priest of Gwanwen says,"I wish it destroyed. Perhaps I can ask the head of my church to do so, but since the means is close..." he nods toward the volcanic peak. Casper turns to the faces who accompanied him to see the sage.
"Which of you will help me destroy this evil tome?"
"Which of you will help me destroy this evil tome?"
Winter is coming...
Re: The Wooden Keep
Post in a tavern for recruitment/help. 
Re: The Wooden Keep
Foxy O'Hare
"Destroying the Tome is good. But as you know Casper, there are more than one recovered tomes. Didn't you say that the spell mage Baxtaw has one. It would make sense to destroy both together. Save doing two journeys to a hell pit and back. You must try and convince him. He goes hunting a wolf fiend for Bremen shortly."
Foxy tries to deflect 'commitment to the cause' away from her. She has seen the creature which hunts the Orb and knows of the existence of both tomes. She fidgets and looks around at the dusty leather backed volumes. One takes her eye,
"Oh Wilhelm, you have an illustrated Karma Sutra. Look it's just like a children's pop up book. This is mummy, that is daddy ... " as if struck by the feeblemind again she grips paper figures between her fingers moving them together before flipping a page over. She has to turn that page upside down ...
Suddenly going red she shuts the book, wiping her fingers on her scarf. "Sorry, that page was a bit sticky. "
"Destroying the Tome is good. But as you know Casper, there are more than one recovered tomes. Didn't you say that the spell mage Baxtaw has one. It would make sense to destroy both together. Save doing two journeys to a hell pit and back. You must try and convince him. He goes hunting a wolf fiend for Bremen shortly."
Foxy tries to deflect 'commitment to the cause' away from her. She has seen the creature which hunts the Orb and knows of the existence of both tomes. She fidgets and looks around at the dusty leather backed volumes. One takes her eye,
"Oh Wilhelm, you have an illustrated Karma Sutra. Look it's just like a children's pop up book. This is mummy, that is daddy ... " as if struck by the feeblemind again she grips paper figures between her fingers moving them together before flipping a page over. She has to turn that page upside down ...
Suddenly going red she shuts the book, wiping her fingers on her scarf. "Sorry, that page was a bit sticky. "
Re: The Wooden Keep
Markd dresses his cleanest and asks for an audience. His intention to discuss the city and the potential it has if re-established for the safety of Gaul as folks continue to spill over into the Yoldessi Plains.
Dandelion - female half-orc beautyqueen in training (The Lone City in the Wildlands) OSRIC
Halfpint - female halfling badgirl wannabe (Lab Lord- The North Marches) LL
Mark'd - charismatic human fighter (Lab Lord- The North Marches) LL
Halfpint - female halfling badgirl wannabe (Lab Lord- The North Marches) LL
Mark'd - charismatic human fighter (Lab Lord- The North Marches) LL
Re: The Wooden Keep
Foxy O'Hare
Discussions with Wilhelm the sage apparently over, the frown from his raised eyebrows is enough to signal he can discuss any strategy with Casper regarding taking the relics north to some volcano or fiery lake in private. Foxy bows in formal manner and then goes to seek an audience with the Duke. She gets as far as the outer courts and spots Sir Albrecht.
"Oh, Sir Albrecht, how fortunate and timely to meet with you as you go about your courtly duties. How is the garrison and command? You do look so dashing in that military uniform, the faux-gold braiding is so neatly embroidered and those epaulettes do square the shoulders in such a masculine way. Have you waxed you moustache, rather fetching I must say."
"I was rather hoping to gain an audience with his Dukeness regarding a matter of earnest thought. Though I can see a man of distinction such as yourself may be able to advise the Duke more thoughtfully than I ever could. It regards the current vogue for envoys and I understand that the Lord Captain of the White Tower has established some such position with the dwarves of the newly reclaimed hold. It makes sense for the Duke to follow suit and appoint one such noble guilds-person of Gaul to take on the role of ambassador also. Building bridges, establishing trade, being able to call upon the regiments of axe-bearers in times of need. Those are weighty subjects that need a delicate and trusted hand. Who could vouch for the Duke and be suitable respected for such a prominent position? Me ... oh, no, no, no. I have no such grandiose ideas but a certain Master Farrow has served the town well and is respected by all. A recognition of his service and devotion would not go amiss and it could be brought to the duke's notice as one of your notable afterthoughts, don't you think."
Charisma roll [2d6] = 3 Foxy waits as Sir Albrecht considers the proposal.
"My those stallions look nice in yonder stable, parading around the courtyards. The horses, Sir Albrecht. Our last expedition was fraught with dangers and beset by fiends. Still the Duke demands knowledge of what lies beyond the wilderness ranges. Seconding some of the academy cadets who need to stretch their legs and gain experience would be a great boon and could they accompany your chosen envoy to his seat in the dwarf hold."
She makes a pitch for some lancers in exchange for the idea.
Discussions with Wilhelm the sage apparently over, the frown from his raised eyebrows is enough to signal he can discuss any strategy with Casper regarding taking the relics north to some volcano or fiery lake in private. Foxy bows in formal manner and then goes to seek an audience with the Duke. She gets as far as the outer courts and spots Sir Albrecht.
"Oh, Sir Albrecht, how fortunate and timely to meet with you as you go about your courtly duties. How is the garrison and command? You do look so dashing in that military uniform, the faux-gold braiding is so neatly embroidered and those epaulettes do square the shoulders in such a masculine way. Have you waxed you moustache, rather fetching I must say."
"I was rather hoping to gain an audience with his Dukeness regarding a matter of earnest thought. Though I can see a man of distinction such as yourself may be able to advise the Duke more thoughtfully than I ever could. It regards the current vogue for envoys and I understand that the Lord Captain of the White Tower has established some such position with the dwarves of the newly reclaimed hold. It makes sense for the Duke to follow suit and appoint one such noble guilds-person of Gaul to take on the role of ambassador also. Building bridges, establishing trade, being able to call upon the regiments of axe-bearers in times of need. Those are weighty subjects that need a delicate and trusted hand. Who could vouch for the Duke and be suitable respected for such a prominent position? Me ... oh, no, no, no. I have no such grandiose ideas but a certain Master Farrow has served the town well and is respected by all. A recognition of his service and devotion would not go amiss and it could be brought to the duke's notice as one of your notable afterthoughts, don't you think."
Charisma roll [2d6] = 3 Foxy waits as Sir Albrecht considers the proposal.
"My those stallions look nice in yonder stable, parading around the courtyards. The horses, Sir Albrecht. Our last expedition was fraught with dangers and beset by fiends. Still the Duke demands knowledge of what lies beyond the wilderness ranges. Seconding some of the academy cadets who need to stretch their legs and gain experience would be a great boon and could they accompany your chosen envoy to his seat in the dwarf hold."
She makes a pitch for some lancers in exchange for the idea.
Re: The Wooden Keep
Sir Albrecht in the Ante Chamber
Foxy's double-edged speech again draws mixed emotions from her victim. Sir Albrecht takes it in stride. He does, in the end, find common ground. "I appreciate your offer to escort an emissary to the dwarves. Sir Ludwig has already received the post. Your accompanying him as far as the Dwarf Halls is appreciated."
"As for knights to journey with you... last time you brought back a corpse and my other two men brought back you on a stretcher. That said, few are brave enough to venture into the unknown. I will allow leave for those who are inspired to go with you."
Recruiting [2d6] = 3[2d6] = 7[2d6] = 10[2d6] = 7[2d6] = 5
Renvell already decided after your last trip not to trust you again. Tocen, however, is willing to come along again. He brings along Brielle, another mounted bowman.
Two mounted bowmen recruited. Go ahead and move on to the Dwarf Halls and plan from there.
The ArchDuke's Audience Hall
Markd cleans up well, his face still handsome enough, except for the glowing brand on his forehead which makes all who look upon him view him with utter repugnance. There are quiet utterences of disgust around the chamber as he crosses the floor, the room falling slowly to silence as he reaches the bottom of the dias.
"Tell me, Marked One... it is Stancell Green, is it not? Your work has been noteable - the city still owes you gratitude for undertaking the mission of Baudh's church, for it was the sigil you rescued that kept it safe from the recent demonic issues. What have you discovered that brings you back before me once more?"
Describe what you share IC of your expedition and what your asks are.
Foxy's double-edged speech again draws mixed emotions from her victim. Sir Albrecht takes it in stride. He does, in the end, find common ground. "I appreciate your offer to escort an emissary to the dwarves. Sir Ludwig has already received the post. Your accompanying him as far as the Dwarf Halls is appreciated."
"As for knights to journey with you... last time you brought back a corpse and my other two men brought back you on a stretcher. That said, few are brave enough to venture into the unknown. I will allow leave for those who are inspired to go with you."
Recruiting [2d6] = 3[2d6] = 7[2d6] = 10[2d6] = 7[2d6] = 5
Renvell already decided after your last trip not to trust you again. Tocen, however, is willing to come along again. He brings along Brielle, another mounted bowman.
Two mounted bowmen recruited. Go ahead and move on to the Dwarf Halls and plan from there.
The ArchDuke's Audience Hall
Markd cleans up well, his face still handsome enough, except for the glowing brand on his forehead which makes all who look upon him view him with utter repugnance. There are quiet utterences of disgust around the chamber as he crosses the floor, the room falling slowly to silence as he reaches the bottom of the dias.
"Tell me, Marked One... it is Stancell Green, is it not? Your work has been noteable - the city still owes you gratitude for undertaking the mission of Baudh's church, for it was the sigil you rescued that kept it safe from the recent demonic issues. What have you discovered that brings you back before me once more?"
Describe what you share IC of your expedition and what your asks are.
Re: The Wooden Keep
Foxy O'Hare
"Rejection by Renvell. why the boy is a knave. I took his life out of the demon's jaw and he repaid me with scandalous slander in the tavern. Carried on a stretcher, ah yes, well I do believe I rather over celebrated our return with a little too much mead from the Trombley's, a fine and crisp vintage, mellowing better with age. Much like yourself Sir Albrecht. Tocen is already committed as my Sgt-at-arms, Brielle will accompany us fine. I shall take her at the memorial we raise to Seraphine in Gaul. 'Inspired Braves' a good motto on our banners to ride under. Your health, Sir Albrecht."
Foxy corrects Sir Albrecht's assumptions but is pleased with the additional support. She accompanies the envoy Ludwig on his next commission to the dwarf hold of Verdun.
"Rejection by Renvell. why the boy is a knave. I took his life out of the demon's jaw and he repaid me with scandalous slander in the tavern. Carried on a stretcher, ah yes, well I do believe I rather over celebrated our return with a little too much mead from the Trombley's, a fine and crisp vintage, mellowing better with age. Much like yourself Sir Albrecht. Tocen is already committed as my Sgt-at-arms, Brielle will accompany us fine. I shall take her at the memorial we raise to Seraphine in Gaul. 'Inspired Braves' a good motto on our banners to ride under. Your health, Sir Albrecht."
Foxy corrects Sir Albrecht's assumptions but is pleased with the additional support. She accompanies the envoy Ludwig on his next commission to the dwarf hold of Verdun.
Re: The Wooden Keep
Markd reluctantly begins his story, telling of the adventures and the promising relationship with the hippographs and the destruction of the tomb before he gets to the city. He shows them a map he drew of it, hoping to show its potential more so than its current dilapidated condition.
We were able to commandeer the main tower and somehow the resident spirits have pledged support. We have lots to do to make the place suitable for townsfolks, I must admit. But, I think it could be a great growth opportunity for Gaul. It shores up the main conduit between the ford and that moron in the tower. it would allow for folks to expand east across all the Yoldessi Plains. If you don't object sir, I'd like the opportunity to clean the place up, work toward making it inhabitable to fine folks under the watch of Baudh. I have proven myself worthy, I'd like to think, during previous tasks. If you might entrust me over the city, I would do everything in my power to make it prosper.
If so, we actually plan to head back there as soon as able to start clearing out one of the remaining towers that has wizardry defending it.
He quietens down and awaits the response.
We were able to commandeer the main tower and somehow the resident spirits have pledged support. We have lots to do to make the place suitable for townsfolks, I must admit. But, I think it could be a great growth opportunity for Gaul. It shores up the main conduit between the ford and that moron in the tower. it would allow for folks to expand east across all the Yoldessi Plains. If you don't object sir, I'd like the opportunity to clean the place up, work toward making it inhabitable to fine folks under the watch of Baudh. I have proven myself worthy, I'd like to think, during previous tasks. If you might entrust me over the city, I would do everything in my power to make it prosper.
If so, we actually plan to head back there as soon as able to start clearing out one of the remaining towers that has wizardry defending it.
He quietens down and awaits the response.
Dandelion - female half-orc beautyqueen in training (The Lone City in the Wildlands) OSRIC
Halfpint - female halfling badgirl wannabe (Lab Lord- The North Marches) LL
Mark'd - charismatic human fighter (Lab Lord- The North Marches) LL
Halfpint - female halfling badgirl wannabe (Lab Lord- The North Marches) LL
Mark'd - charismatic human fighter (Lab Lord- The North Marches) LL
Re: The Wooden Keep
The Archduke purses his lips deep in thought. Bronn, a Provost of Baudh and representative of Archbishop Keelan the White, leans in and whispers in his ear.
"Your deeds remain monumental. I encourage you to spread order and civilize the ruins of this land," he says with measured tone. "Lordship over lands, where ere they may be, requires martialling a force, a living force, to provide the safety and security of the realm. Clearing ruins is a different accomplishment than ruling men." He pauses poignantly. "Bremen has claimed all the Yoldessi Plains, and has a military force, though not one that has allowed him to civilize the city ruins you now engage, or to provide security over all the Plains named. It would require some diplomacy and consideration based on what one has to offer. If you were to ensure a new cathedral to Baudh as patron there, I am led to believe that the Church's sanction would be with repopulating the city."
"Your deeds remain monumental. I encourage you to spread order and civilize the ruins of this land," he says with measured tone. "Lordship over lands, where ere they may be, requires martialling a force, a living force, to provide the safety and security of the realm. Clearing ruins is a different accomplishment than ruling men." He pauses poignantly. "Bremen has claimed all the Yoldessi Plains, and has a military force, though not one that has allowed him to civilize the city ruins you now engage, or to provide security over all the Plains named. It would require some diplomacy and consideration based on what one has to offer. If you were to ensure a new cathedral to Baudh as patron there, I am led to believe that the Church's sanction would be with repopulating the city."