(4th IR) What does your character write?

[Creamsteak]

The tactics and fighting prowess of the Dark Crusaders suddenly takes a quantom leap, and they start winning battle after battle.
For yes, the Fiends have had countless millennia of battle experience, and once some of this is shared, the Dark Crusaders flourish.

Queen Amlaruil finally relents, and allows the five thousand gnomes to come to her country.
A large number of elves attempt an uprising against Amlaruil over this, but it is put down - mostly with diplomacy.
Most of these gnomes are indeed refugees.
Unfortunately, though, some of them are Lantanese spies. The elves and Dauntless catch some of them, but not all ...
Of course, Queen Amlaruil is smart enough to not reveal the nature of the defenses of Evermeet to any of the newcomers!

My battle plan is more or less to cut down the ability for the demons to increase numbers. Wherever the demons win battles, and wherever they destroy the traditional defenses of the people, Gustav and his allies will strike somewhere else, preferably from behind the lines or from above. The goal here is to simply cut the demons numbers down, and let them fight the way they fight. They can win battles, but it's still the intentions of the tactics I encourage in my sponsors with my mail and handouts that they abuse the demons weakness.

And another thing, where the demons play, the celestials should be summoned as well. While I've encouraged heroes and other great warriors to help and destabilize the enemies supplies, I'm also going to encourage every nation with good intentions to summon as many celestials as they can to aid their cause. The different good planar creatures will be of great use if the demons believe their advantage comes from their 'age' or immortality.

Celestials to counter demons,
Wiley and creative tactics to counter experience,
Bravery and battle cries to counter curses and fear,
and without a doubt, heroes to win the war...

A great deal of positive propaganda is also encouraged by me, but I severely discourage anyone from using censorship.

Anyway, that's Gustav's opinion on the matter.

 

[Sollir Furryfoot]

The Fiends take an important role in this matter, and they do something that would perhaps be unexpected by them.

They welcome all the rebellious gnomes with open arms...the fallen (devils), like them, are not truly evil after all-just misunderstood, like them. It's the divine edict of the gods that are in their way, they are used for evil by that edict and are not evil in and by themselves.

And thus, the fallen are the only ones who truly understand the gnomes, and they make it clear that it is their priority to protect them, to defend them, and to usher in a new gold era with the gnome's technology under the faith of Asmodeus. Several of the mighty pit fiends, their unholy auras extinguished, bow down the the leaders of the gnomes in the most humbling of fashions.

The lands under the True Faith of Asmodeus will accept the gnomes and will encourage their process of invention...if they choose to accept.


Meanwhile...

Mirriam works dilligently to pen her next work, "Ascension, the Divine Right of the True Faith" In of which, there will be details to an near-irreversable ritual to bond oneself with a fiend, slowly becoming more and more like a devil til one reaches the pinnacle of their ability. It would compel those to read it to follow this dangerous ritual, and would boost the ranks of the infernal hierarchy considerably once its effect would take place.

 

[Bugbear]

In response to Mirriam's "Ascension, the Divine Right of the True Faith", Hannover fist commisions a second printing of Religion in an age of reason, in order to remind people that worshiping a god who causes nothing but misery, only spreads misery. By refusing to give a power venneration, you weaken it. I a new foreword, I ask that people do nothing to empower Asmodius, who is the true incarnation of Tyrrany in the multiverse, and embodiment of all that is oppressive and evil.

 

[William Ronald]

In response to the recently release works supporting the fiends, Ardan Turval releases an expanded version of his work oEthics: Divinity, Magic, Mortality, and the Multiverse."

He writes pamphlets condemning the summoning of fiends.

Ardan also writes several letters to the leaders of the Dauntless and the Free Nations of Faerun, urging reconciliation and mutual cooperation. He offers his services as a mediator, praising the coruage and resourcefulness of both factions and writing of shared interests and history.

"Indeed, together we are stronger than when we stand separately. Let the wise counsel with the wise, and past enmities and misunderstands be replaced with friendship and cooperation. There are many in the Dauntless and the Free Nations of Faerun who have stood side by side in the past. We should stand together now, else the laughter of our enemies may be our reward.:"

 

[Creamsteak]

Hey, while I'm at all this planning, Gustav gets his latest books published...

The Warriors Path
This lovely 900 page tome is the complete photo-genic and easy to read guide to 'how to be a fighter'. This guide is meant to compel the reader to be able to understand and comprehend the entire knowledge and talents to being a controled and skilled martial individual. It includes an appendix of different fighting methods from the overwhelming 'power attack' to the well to do use of 'expertise'. This lovely tome comes bound in a heavy case, and is included with a longsword. This package comes together with an incredible number of soft-bound books for individuals that need more specialized training like, "Who would wear full plate mail?" and "Why you should understand and respect long weapons and creatures with long arms."

The Metalworkers Guide to Armor and Weapons
This fully detailed novel covers the entirety of being an armorer or weapons maker. This talent, appllicable in war and peace time, is extremely useful to anyone willing to take up the forge. This book also includes a large number of different metalworking guidelines for different types of common and rare metals, and instructions for tempering or folding steel to harden the metal. Tactics like 'creating fracture lines' and other faults are mentioned so that it can be taught to avoid these horrible mistakes. Advice on using gravity to hold chainmail down, and notes on the best types of items to enchant are included. This book comes with a 200 question written test, and a test-yourself method to see if you have truly become a smith capable of making what's known as a masterwork item.

In the appendix, it also covers weapon appraisal, and some notes on the difference between making real weapons and decorative armaments.

 

[William Ronald]

From Ardan Turval's "Light Beyond the Darkness: An Exploration of the Divine."


"It is to be observed that the being who claims leadership of the devils of the Nine Hells claims to be a truly ancient power. Howeve, we should remind ourselves that he lacks the true power of a god and can be considered somewhat of an underachiever in the divine order of things. Indeed, Xvim was more powerful and he did not even last a century."

"As for the true origins of the ArchFiend, it is shrouded in lies and mysteries. Perhaps he was a fallen celestial, or some creature who rose to the top of the hierarchy of the Hells."

"However, we know that there are also MYSTERIES concerning the powers of light. For example, no report has ever come to Toril about certain areas of the celestial realm, called by some the Seventh Heaven. All I have determined is that the Celestials speak reverently of such a place, but say little. The name of a celestial ruler named Jazirian is whispered, but little is known."

"So if there is great evil in the multiverse, there is also great good. We can choose between them. Gentle Reader, I urge you to reject the missives of tyrant. Stand together as one in these troubled times. Let old friends forgive each other and new alliances be forged against those who would deny us life, liberty, and even the freedome of thought."

 

[Mr. Draco]

Tanirth Daiwo begins work on a new book.

The Value of Freedom

In the print version, it's author appears to be whomever rules the region (either Mirriam [Sollir], Alarah Gomenei [serpenteye], or Janos)

It discusses the values of a peaceful and good society. Covering the benefits to be attained in such a society for the peasants and serfs who would have a newfound equality. Even slight embellishments are made to make such a society, free from evil, seem like a paradise.

The latter parts of the book discuss martial arts techniques, wilderness survival techniques, the why's and how's of alchemy. Also contained is information on methods to overthrow corrupt governments and societies. Basically everything a people would need to know in order to carry out a revolution. Even some spells are included, along with healing prayers.

The domination effect is thus: Read this book, then convince as many people as possible to read this book. Then seek to make a better life for yourself and your fellows. Act in concert and you will succeed.

---------------------

This book is widely distributed by undercover agents into the realms of Mirrian [Sollir], Alarah Gomenei [serpenteye], and Janos.

 

[William Ronald]

Justice and Freedom by Ardan Turval

"Now is the time when all Free Nations should stand as one against the fists of tyrants and their lackeys. Now is the time when we take a stand for Justice and Freedom, for Individual Rights and Collective Responsibility."

"The peoples of Faerun are unmatched in their diversity of form and thought. Yet there are those who seek to bring unity, not through a recognition of common interest, but by iron collars. There are those who only offer the peace of the slave, or the the peace of the mass grave."

"I ask that you petition your leaders to work together with those of like mind. True, there have been harsh words and misdeeds between different peoples. Yet we should see past them to build a better future, one worthy of the magnificence of all peoples of Faerun."

"We can forgive each other our past differences. As well as help those who have little in this world to build a better future."

"We can help those who have traditionally been on the margins of Faerun rise to new heights of civilization. We can aid them in building their nations, the practice of agriculture and the production of commercial goods. No people willing to live and trade peacefully with their neighbors should be left behind. Let us extend the hand of friendship to all our brothers and sisters."

"Together, I believe that there is little we cannot do. Together, we can build a future worthy of our aspirations for peace, progress, and prosperity while the tyrants of the present day will be but memories."

Copies of this pamphlet are destributed to all nations and peoples of the Dauntless, the Imaskari, the Free Nations of Faerun, and the humanoids, especially the orcs and goblins. King Obould Many Arrows and other humanoid leaders receive letters suggesting the benefits of allying with either the Dauntless or the Free Nations of Faerun. The possibility of training people in different skills, from agriculture to magic, is raised. The benefits of trade and alliance are discussed in great detail. The letters also recognize their sovereign right to shape their own destinies.

Similar letters are also sent to the churches of Ellistrae in Cormanthor and in Skullport, urging peace, trade, and alliance. Agricultural goods and other surface items can be trade for legal products of the deep earth. Diplomatic recognition can be negotiated, and an end to hostilities as well. Indeed, trade and alliance are possible. Perhaps the church of Ellistrae can have agents handle trade, and then trade with their fellow drow and other trade partners. (I don't thikk Waterdeep would accept illegal goods to the surface, but I think the drow would appreciate respect and trade. As well as a good steak and an apple pie for desert. )

 

[William Ronald]

Ardan Turval asks his patrons to work on improving relations between the Dauntless, the Free Nations of Faerun, and the Imaskari.

Ardan also contacts the dwarven and halfing peoples, urging them to stand with the Dauntless and the Free Nations against "fiend summoning tyrants and power-hungry fools who wish to enslave us all."

Additionally, Ardan makes several appearance before those leaders who will receive him urging peace, and cooperation among potential allies. He also asks the Churches of Ellistrae, Eldath, and allied dieties to pray for celestial intervention to oppose the fiends. Summoning of celestials is quite welcome.

 

[Bugbear]

Re: Justice and Freedom by Ardan Turval

King Obould Many Arrows and other humanoid leaders receive letters suggesting the benefits of allying with either the Dauntless or the Free Nations of Faerun. The possibility of training people in different skills, from agriculture to magic, is raised. The benefits of trade and alliance are discussed in great detail. The letters also recognize their sovereign right to shape their own destinies.

Hannover asks: Is it really neccesary to send these to the Orcs? I lived among them for some time, and found them to be an utterly reprehensible race. Their newborns regester as evil for Lathander's sake.

Similar letters are also sent to the churches of Ellistrae in Cormanthor and in Skullport...

Just so you know, the Drow of Cormanthor are followers of Vhaurian, a neutral Evil deity, and the precence of Ellistraeians in skull port accounts for less than 1% of it's poulation. The bulk of drow in Skullport are also followers of Vhaurian. I really think you are barking up the wrong tree here Ardan.

Of course, you are welcome to try and convince them with your books about universal love. I just don't think that they will respond to your preaching.