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You are moving through a bustling marketplace somewhere in Duchy Velazquez
Hey my friend!!
It is good to see a familiar face so far from home. I see you are journeying along with our small contingent from Meadowmere. The Red Eye always says, “When it comes to travel, the more, the merrier!”. It is his first commandment. Also, more hands make lighter work when it comes to spreading music, creative truths, and divine guidance to the masses. So, how have things been so far on your personal journey? Really?! Well, that is unfortunate.
I hope that you find favor and better fortune as we go to Ancuram. Why there? Of course, Of course you haven’t’ heard the tale yet.
We arrived at a local Bazaar and oasis thanks to a guide in the desert. Beforehand, we were ambushed by some bandits. It seems they were looking for our head town guard in charge and my new snake-kind beastfolk friend, Mu’Kan. They grabbed Mu’Kan and ran. Sergent Raine, ran off after them, only to be captured himself. Oh where was I? I was valiantly guarding the rear and making sure my friend Johnny wasn’t getting into too much trouble.
The Meadowmere people stood their ground during what seemed to be a negotiation for the lives of our friends. Unfortunately for the bandits, wits weren’t an asset they possessed, and they somehow let the Sergent and Mu’Kan escape. They then made a hasty retreat. After that skirmish, we seemed to be wandering a bit when we met our guide. It was a woman who walked with and undead elephant! I wasn’t really paying attention to what the woman was saying myself. I was in awe of the Necromancy that must have been used to reanimate such a creature. It was then that thoughts of the old Fountain Dell and the Church of the Rotting Red Eye came back. This was the necropolis that I missioned to years ago and brought the undead masses the word and guidance of Rehn. Even as you wave him off, Imend shakes his head and says, “I’ll be happy to tell you about that another time.
So, we arrive at the Bazaar, and I find Corporal Gladius struggling mightily with his cart. I happily offered my help and myself and Zeravica assist with watching the Community Chest. We took a slight detour with the card and chest, because we had heard in taverns around Meadowmere of the wonderful drink that is Cactus juice. We got some insight on how to spot ripe cacti and then found a suitable specimen. We poked a hole and then drank until our heart’s content.
Just one large serving was enough to get me buzzed so we then went back down to the bazaar. It was here that I somehow found the Community Chest unlocked. So being the good, and protective shepherd of the people that I am, I locked it back up. He lowers his voice After getting a small fee for helping out. Oh, that reminds me! I owe you some copper from when we left earlier. Here! He hands you 5 copper pieces Oh that’s right, I only owe you two. Would you mind giving me 3 back and we’ll call it even. Thank you, sir!
So anyway, it was then while at the Bazaar that during an auction, my friend, Hermes and I bid and won a magic rock! It helped us find out the next step in our journey was to go to Ancuram. An elephant-kind was there, and he seemed very interested in what we had to say and was very friendly with our party. He and some beastfolk that were from the Sanctuary group, guided us to a temple. They were led by Taka, a close friend of Mu’Kan’s.
We began to plan our next trip, when we heard that more beastfolk from the Sanctuary group held my friend Mu’Kan hostage along with the elephant, who we discovered was possibly a sage. Our valiant team fought to get them back, however, Mu’Kan’s friend, Taka was killed in the battle. The Sanctuary group had escaped with a Beastfolk relic and were headed to the same place we were. Our elephant friend then charged us to recover the relic and help his friend who was a Spider-kind and possibly another Sage. I suppose we will need to make sure that we get to the Spider-kind first to help them.
So that catches you up. I am now getting supplies for my little party as we make our way over the next month or so to Ancuram. Feel free to tag along if you’d like! Have a great day, and may the Rehn’s Great Red Eye look upon you with blessings and creativity! Goodbye!
Imend rushes off through the crowd. You notice the copper in your pocket that Imend gave you is marked, “Property of Town of Meadowmere”
Gris 25th
Captain of the Guard’s Log
Over the past two moons, we have rounded up and forced a surrender of the remaining De Jardin rebel forces. During this time, I have also returned to my home, Meadowmere. Everything is still intact, just as the Champion promised. His forces not only kept everything safe and whole, but also did repairs to some buildings and structures as well. In fact, a small contingent was still guarding the town, awaiting our arrival to relieve them of their post.
The Champion’s sacrifice and honor will always be remembered in our community.
There have been, and still currently are, many political machinations moving as the recent war has been resolved. Most of these changes and negotiations are involving the territories governed under Baroness Elena Royce, Count Norman Royce, and Countess Isabeau De Jardin and her subordinate territories. I expect to hear some news regarding these negotiations soon.
I know there is a lot riding on these meetings and arrangements. Who knows how the new power structure will shake out after truce and new alliances have been made? I hope to see further expansion of the principles of our leader, Earl Reynard Royce, begin to expand to the rest of the Duchy.
Meanwhile, I await the others that have not yet arrived at Meadowmere. I sent the “All Clear” message last month. I know moving through the winter can be tricky, but I expect the others to arrive here shortly. It is almost too quiet around here without the rest of the townsfolk around. I caught one of my guards, Gladius, napping at the gate the other day. When I asked what was going on, he just shrugged and said that there aren’t very many people here and it can be boring. I told him I agree, but to make sure the rest of the town doesn’t find that out. Have to maintain the aura of authority around here.
Finally, I have been working on details for better fortification of our town and its defenses. I have requisitioned an artillery piece to be manned by the town guard and additional troops to be sent until recruitment numbers are up again.
I expect as the winter concludes we will have everyone back home and ready to resume whatever normality exists for our peculiar little community.
Capt. Simon Veras
Captain of the Guard
House Royce – Earl Reynard RoyceKelora,
I appreciate the efforts you put into reuniting my wife and I. That said, you still blabbed. I’ll offer forgiveness though (at the cost of 2 copper).
May the Great Red Eye keep you on your journey. I have received a message I believe from Rehn that you are about to face a great fork in the road you are currently on. Make sure to rely on the Red Eye and his wisdom as you progress. You have many cousins, as you call them, to help as well.
Finally, we have to look at this union for healers quickly. Being on the precipice of war means there will be a great demand for healing, and spiritual guidance. We are in a prime position to profit from the……..ehh……warm feelings of helping those in need. (Wink)
Your fellow believer,
Imend BeaudelaireHeilagr, 2nd
Captain of the Guard’s Log
I’ve been busy cleaning up the first scars of warfare in and around Haven. De Jardin forces left the area a mess before retreating back across the border to their side of the Duchy. I’m still reeling from the events during and immediately after the Summit at Haven. Lords Reynard and Norman have returned to the respective manors to supply and prepare for the upcoming battles that now await us from our De Jardin adversaries.
We finished repairs to the Town Hall and Tavern at Haven after Rennaux skirmishers set fire to them. After cleaning up the hoarde that had made it into Haven, we began the task of cleanup outside the town in the woods.
The rotting bodies of horde were laying all over the forest floor. The smell brings me back to that night…
I had spoken with Lord Royce and just sent an update on our situation. Lady Gillette De Jardin’s carriage had just departed moving at an incredible speed from the town. I realized talks must have broken down, so I told the contingent that they could relax a bit now that the Daisies had run back home. I was very wrong….
De Jardin and Rennaux patrols were moving quickly through the wood all heading towards an area hidden among the rocks and trees. They seemed to be in a rush and disappeared behind a hill. Commanders along with myself told our contingent of 100 men to hold firm until we could see what was going on. We readied weapons and armor as one of the scouts quietly and stealthily made their way over to see what was going on.
He no more than peeked over the top of the hill when hands grabbed him and began pulling him away. He began screaming in panic as I saw a child stand over him, while the other hands held him down, and bite down on his throat. Blood gushed out and the child was feeding. Others gathered around the body as our blood ran cold at the sight.
Our troop along the flanks screamed that they were seeing horde charging our line and everyone prepared the shield wall. “Shields lock together, and Pikes in place!” was the command from Sir Grenwalde, Lord Reynard’s Master at Arms. I put my shield before me watching as a couple hundred Horde began charging our line of defense. Beyond them De Jardin troops just laughed and mocked and then departed to the east.
There was no way this wasn’t a planned ambush. Horde are not a common occurring thing even among the numerous portal folk that come to our world. So, to see so many in one place means that they had been gathering or capturing them for some time now. It was then that I realized that our force was all that was separating them from Haven, the Summit, and the people gathered there. De Jardin had no intention of leaving here peacefully. They wanted to attack as many potential threats in one place as possible.
I did my best to keep my comrades next to me steady and focused. We braced for the initial impact of bodies as the poor souls charged our line…..
With a slam, the horde smashed into shields, pikes, and spears. Screams erupted from horde and soldier alike. A few horde would gather around a soldier and grab his shield, sword, or spear. Meanwhile, other horde would grab their feet and drag them away to be devoured behind the initial barrage of horde bodies. I had one poor woman beg for just a bite and then jump on my back, only to be cut down by one of the corporals next to me.
Throughout the next hour or so, battle raged heavy along the edges of our defense line. I brought down several poor, hungry souls whose only thought was to try and end their debilitating hunger by devouring whatever or whomever was in front of them. Slowly we whittled the mob down. A small number did happen to make their way through our defense, but I found out later my friends were able to dispatch them with minimal damage being taken.
When we finally finished the last of them off, I stopped and surveyed the area. 40-50 men injured to various degrees. 5 men dead or unaccounted for. We took a huge loss to our standing forces for House Royce.
I look now on the mass grave being dug for the Horde remains and wonder what our next steps are? What are Lord Reynard’s plans and where will De Jardin begin their next assault? Lots of questions to be answered, but for now, we clean up and bury our dead.
Capt. Simon Veras
Captain of the Guard
House Royce – Earl Reynard RoyceAnduary, 10th
Captain of the Guard’s Log
The Summit is fast approaching. I and other respective citizens begin to gather up and pack for the caravan to Haven. I expect a relatively safe, but tense travel to the lakeside town. New recruit, Raine has been diligently keeping watch and patrolling over the last week as Sulian and myself complete preparations for the trip. Earl Reynard has already instructed me that I will be busy along the borders of Haven for most of the Summit keeping watch.
Several dignitaries, nobles, and support will be present at the Summit. I expect some tense negotiations, especially between Lord Royce and the De Jardin representative. Refugees have been coming into assigned Royce lands by the day. A family or two here and there has now turned into caravans of individuals fleeing from the tyranny and unrestrained ambition of House De Jardin.
Word has arrived of naval blockades along the river and sea by De Jardin, Renaux, and hired Vertigron forces. These blockades prevent any food or supplies from coming upriver to assist with feeding and providing for the more inland baronies. Additionally, the De Jardin forces have cut off their grain supplies from their fields. Some of which were supplying other parts of the Duchy.
These events along with the dismissal of all Order representation, will be the primary discussions for the Summit. I’m hopeful that the citizens will also be given audience to address their concerns as well. Several new faces from the Outpost should be present and vocal during this meeting. They are given few chances to voice their thoughts, so I hope they take advantage of having the collective ear of the Duchy noble houses.
I have been continuing to receive intelligence on Kalen’s imprisonment as we get closer to the Summit itself. I expect the Order and Lord Reynard to make a push to negotiate Kalen’s release. As a defensive measure, the De Jardin have been moving him from location to location in hope of staving off any rescue attempt. My prayers to Ione the Mighty are that he is able to hold off any attempts at interrogation and torture. Those De Jardin daisies aren’t known for their hospitality.
That is all there is to report at this time. Personally, I am hopeful that this Summit will reap a peaceful resolution of the circumstances plaguing our realm. However, I will be watchful and prepared for whatever may come from this meeting.
Capt. Simon Veras
Captain of the Guard
House Royce – Earl Reynard RoyceRuadh 22
Captain of the Guard’s Log
The last three moons have been pretty eventful. Over the course of the winter, the Outpost continued to grow. Buildings were erected and the locals continue to grow the community here. We received an invitation from our Ancúram friend, whose family we rescued from the Feywilde last Spring. The invitation was for us to participate and join him in the Ancúram celebration of Growth. Finally, a more regular town guard event that will hopefully be a laid back and positive event for the community.
I expect we will have an enjoyable time spending with our friends here at the Northern Outpost. I also have noticed more individuals settling into the area. Newcomers who seem to be attracted to Earl Royce’s approach to governance. I hope this event will allow me to get to know and evaluate these newcomers for the safety of the community.
On top of all of this, I have received orders from Earl Royce to escort Kalen, and the town representative Burzog, into Earldom DeJardin to meet with the locals there. We set this meeting up at the town hall a few months ago, and the time to go hear the plight of the refugees there is now. With hostile DeJardin forces wandering the lands and patrolling, we will have to be undercover. There have been dark rumors coming across the land regarding the ill treatment of the people of the DeJardin lands. We plan to leave after the Growth celebration.
After that, I plan to head back to Earl Royce’s manor to make my report and prepare for the Summit coming up in two moons. We expect a large contingent of representatives from across Astrel. Hopefully, we can reach understanding and resolutions on a number of issues that are expected to be brought up.
I pray to Ione the Mighty for fortune these next few weeks.
Capt. Simon Veras
Captain of the Guard
House Royce – Earl Reynard RoyceDaire 21st
Captain of the Guard’s Log
After the events of the last several weeks I am ready to begin the wintering process at the Outpost. We’ve been through a variety of events, troubles, and victories so I’ll keep my reporting brief.
After tracking Tully to a small village, we had them cornered and surrounded. He did his usual tactics of distraction and sowing discord among the members of our group. Several times, Tully would take one of our forms, or create tension by manipulating someone’s mind. I did my best to rely on my training to remind the group to be ever watchful, and not be swayed by their fears, or emotions. While this was happening, there was a creature that would appear in our midst, grab an individual, and teleport them away somewhere. Fortunately, they were able to escape and come back with insight on how to deal with the monster.
We then found out after dispatching the creature, that there was a spawn nearby. We tracked it down and I made sure to deal the final blow to the youngling. I felt some remorse killing a young creature, but the safety of the community will always come first. I could not allow something so dangerous to survive to later attack citizens.
As the second evening approached, I heard a call by Arianna to assist with something that was attacking her. I ran around a building only to be knocked out. When I came to, I was strapped to a chair. This feeling was the same I remember the last time Tully appeared to me. “It is so nice to see my experiment has been so successful.” The cold emotionless voice sent shivers down my back. Tully then began to explain how they had discovered, through the Fey rings, the ability to sap power from the realm of the Fey. He had found Morpheus and had drawn power from them for several months now.
Tully’s increased mental power felt like a pressure against the temples of my head. I saw visions and memories of the most traumatic events of my life. However, my mind had not completely failed me as I had been using the chair edge to slowly saw my hand restraint. I broke free and swung at Tully, but they vanished in front of me. It was then that I felt a hand from behind turn me around to face them. Tully eyes were the only thing I saw from the shadow as my own blade came from the darkness across my abdomen. I remember somehow walking/crawling/falling, and then the eyes of the citizens around me as they had healed me.
I never got the exact tale of what occurred that allowed the citizens to band together, but they were able to defeat and destroy Tully. The next day we had visitors appear from all around the continent. This was at the request of small group of freedom fighters in Earldom De Jardin. We got reports which confirmed Earl Royce’s suspicions. The De Jardin were enslaving and mistreating the citizens of their land. We offered aid and land for refugees to come over. I will speak with Lord Reynard about what we need to accommodate such a large contingent. Kalen and I are looking at sneaking into the De Jardin territory to begin the process of assisting the citizens there.
Finally, there was an agreement to host a Summit this Spring to address how the continent could work together to face the existential threats that seem to now be coming to our world with more regularity. I spoke for House Royce and offered to host the Summit. There will be lots of security issues to address.
We made our way back home to the outpost. I expected to begin the process of getting ready for the cold season, but something else would happen to delay the preparations.
Several of us, and some newcomers, were somehow transported to another realm. The Earl King appeared and as a thank you to us for helping stop Tully; gave us the opportunity to hunt or be hunted on their manor. It was a labyrinth made from crops and plants. There were incredible rewards being offered and so we willingly competed. Since no one would be mortally wounded, I did my best to make sure that the peace was maintained. Also, that sportsmanship was maintained fairly. There were battles that erupted throughout the maze, and I myself had a few skirmishes. In the end several of us contributed our winnings to Z, our blacksmith, to get them an artifact that would be of great benefit to the community.
Finally, we were returned to our home. It has been busy the last few days, getting the Outpost ready for the cold. Gathering supplies, food, and storing up the equipment for the winter. With the population slowly increasing here at the Outpost, as more travelers and villagers make this there home; I aim to begin further recruitment for more soldiers. I will now get my own supplies ready as Kalen and I begin our journey to De Jardin to speak with the citizens there. Mighty Ione, please be with me and my friends as we journey and potentially battle.
Capt. Simon Veras
Captain of the Guard
House Royce – Baroness Elena Royce