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The Liberation of Tenh (updated April 24)
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<blockquote data-quote="(contact)" data-source="post: 480428" data-attributes="member: 41"><p>Coldeven 1, CY 593</p><p></p><p><strong>10: The postman always rings twice: Elijah takes note of an Vile Mystery, and a visitor brings news from home.</strong></p><p></p><p>After her bloody run in with the sporting Stonefisters, Elijah returns to her vigil over the tent-city and is rewarded by witnessing a most strange phenomenon. </p><p></p><p>Hoping to spot some reaction amongst the Stonefist ranks from her 'hunt', she instead returns to camp with disturbing news. Toward nightfall she watched several priests of Iuz directing a large group of slaves. The slaves were pulling a massive slab of stone, that was itself balanced on a series of trees, stripped into the shape of rollers. On the slab was some sort of colossal object, approximately tewnty five feet long, and ten feet wide, by ten feet tall. The object is covered by a greasy-looking thin shroud-like cloth. The object is rolled to just outside of the fortress gates, where the slab is removed from its rollers. A pair of black-robed humanoids exit the fortress and take up positions watching over the object. The stonefisters themselves seem quite frightened of it, and begin a series of drunken dares, apparently proving their courage to one another by venturing near the thing. </p><p></p><p>After Elijah's report, the party is mulling this development when Heydricus gets the haunting sensation that he is being watched. Afraid that he is being scryed, he slips into a dark recess of the cave and draws his sword. Sure enough, the sensation is swiftly followed by the slight pop and hiss that is the sonic signature of a teleport spell. A small figure appears within a few feet of Heydricus' position, and whispers "hello?".</p><p></p><p>No Iuzian lackey this, but an outrageously expensive messenger sent by Halrond (the Fourth, his Inimical Magnificence, Prolocutor of Tritherion, etc.) with a command to contact him with an update on the party's activities. The messenger (<em>"Horatio the Halfling's Friend-Finder Service -- no fee too large, no Plane too small. If they at least partially exist, we can find them"</em>) went first to Hommlet, and while there, brought with her the party's mail, which had been accumulating at Kelanen's Rest. </p><p></p><p>Here are the letters, with all spelling and punctuation faithfully translated from the original, arranged by date with the undated messages listed last: </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>(on plain parchment, hastily folded and unsealed) </p><p>Fireseek, the Third, CY 593 </p><p>heydricus -- construction ahead of schedule on project designated homlet I -- kelanen's rest to proceed now with construction of project designated hommlet II -- orphanage please advise -- dumrick deepen master builder -- see attached cost revision approve or deny </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p> </p><p>(Plain parchment, rolled and bound) </p><p>Fireseek 13 </p><p>Sir Heydricus, </p><p>Word of your fame has reached my ears here in Veluna, and I salute your success. </p><p>I cast the gauntlet. I am the greatest fighter in the land, and intend to prove it. </p><p>I do not hide behind a title. </p><p>I am, </p><p>Vestifal Margrove, Scourge of the Sheildlands, </p><p>Charterhouse Royale, </p><p>Veluna </p><p>p.s.: I will take any silence as a sign of cowardice. </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>(plain parchment, neatly folded, and stamped with the Seal of the Magical Services Guild, Furyondy) </p><p>Fireseek 28 </p><p>Heydricus, etc. </p><p>To Wit: An invoice of alchemical and magikal supplies was drawn against your account by Anton Flamehair to the sum of four thousand sixty-two gold inclusive. </p><p>As you are aware, it is our most stringent policy that all ledgers in excess of twenty pieces of silver be paid within one month of reciept. </p><p>In light of your high position in the halls of government I have personally authorized an extension through the month of Readye'en, but I must request payment in full at your earliest convinience. I am sure that neither of us wish to see this matter brought to public mediation. </p><p>May I apologize in advance for any inconvinience this might cause. </p><p>Your Humble Servant, </p><p>Mardello Etun, </p><p>Proprietor, </p><p>Living Alchemy and Transubstantiation, </p><p>Chendl </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>(Scratched into the back of a broad leaf) </p><p>Readye'en 6 </p><p>Gnomer! Where are you? </p><p>Gnomio has stolen my clothes, and the oak tree supporting the central shrine is a Treant! Worse yet, he wants to move to the other end of the forest! </p><p>What should I do? </p><p>Need help desperately, love, </p><p>Gnomishic </p><p>p.s.: Goblins set the storehouse on fire and killed Nurin and Hobble. </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>(Written in sloppy, small writing onto a piece of thin rose-scented vellum) </p><p>Readye'en 9 </p><p>It is difficult for me to draw ink into a pen, so please forgive my brevity and accept my fondest wishes for all further success against wickedness. </p><p>I keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. </p><p>Sending you Boundless Love In the name of the Seven Holies, </p><p>Fräs </p><p>(a cat's paw print follows) </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>(written in a sloppy, hurried handwriting on thin, rose-scented vellum) </p><p>Readye'en 9 </p><p>Dearest Pris, </p><p>Is it possible, my dear, that you might supply me with a letter of introduction to your master &/or the Sages of Spellcraft in Chendl that I migh be permitted to research a spell of non-detection?? </p><p>This would please me greatly. </p><p>Please send your letter by first post -- promise the messenger any reasonable sum and I shall double the amount! A matter of most urgent priorities, you understand </p><p>My regards, </p><p>Jespo Crim </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>(A carefully folded parchment, stamped with the Royal Seal of Furyondy) </p><p>Readye'en 15 </p><p>It is our wish that we be kept abreast of your endeavors against our foe. Thrommel sends his best wishes. </p><p>Signed, this day in the court of Furyondy, Chendl, </p><p>His Pious Majesty, The King of Furyondy, etc., </p><p>Belvor IV </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>(A plain parchment sealed with the Holy Cudgel of St. Cuthbert) </p><p>Readye'en 22 </p><p>In the Name of St. Cuthbert of the Cudgel Temis Veil Commands you to Zeal. </p><p>To the Cudgel of the Temple: </p><p>I am the Abbot of the Cuthbertian Nunnery at Verbobonc. Keriann Croller is my Disciple and Charge. She may have Spoken of me. </p><p>I put pen to parchment in the Hope that you my lift a veil of Confusion blinding my sight. Three days ago, Sister Keriann failed to appear for her duly appointed duties. She often spoke Fondly of you, and it is my Hope that this missive finds the Good Sister safely in your Company. </p><p>Please ask her to reply by messenger at once. This is a Request and a Command. </p><p>In the spirit of our faith, I have the pleasure to be, etc., </p><p>The Right and Firm Abbot Veil </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>Not Dated </p><p>(Written in a clumsy, childlike hand) </p><p>To Heydricus the swordfiter (sic) </p><p>Will you teach me to fite evel Evel? I am six. My name is bandor Bullfinch </p><p>Esril says you are the greatest sword-fiter she has ever seen </p><p>I want to be the greatest fiter in Chendl, and dad says I have to beet Esril to be the bes grandest fiter. </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>Not Dated </p><p>(Written in a mincing, careful script.) </p><p>Dearest Ethel, </p><p>How are you? The weather here is fine. My arthritis is acting up, and Gall is fine as well. </p><p>Can you come home soon? Leilah is very sick, and there is some ne'er-do-well who says he is your son, but he is drunk at all hours, and is frightening the children. </p><p>Also, may I have some gold? The landlord says he will throw us out on our ears if we don't pay him soon. </p><p>Love, </p><p>Your Faithful Sister, </p><p>Maude </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>Not Dated </p><p>(Rolled and sealed, stamped with the Great Seal of Chendl, the Seal of the Office of Provost-Marshall Commerce, and the Seal of the Guild of Cartographers and Scribes, Chendl) </p><p>My darling Heydricus, </p><p>I have the honor to request your presence Fireseek the First at the ball celbrating our daughter Marguerite's Coming Out. </p><p>Please R.S.V.P. </p><p>I have the Honor to be your Faithful Servant and Sword Marshall of the Realm of Chendl, Jewel of Furyondy, </p><p>The Provost-Marshall Commerce, </p><p>Reine </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>Not Dated </p><p>(A thin, heavily perfumed note of hand-woven paper) </p><p>Heydricus, </p><p>Will you make availiability for a social appearance at my annual Rite of Spring Bacchanalia? </p><p>Provide nothing save your charm, and wear little. </p><p>Your darling, </p><p>Maleen </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>Not Dated </p><p>(A carefully folded parchment with vellum overlays cut into the shapes of dragons rampant. Written in an elegant and formal script) </p><p>Sir Heydricus, </p><p>It is my fondest hope that you will do me the Honor of appearing before court Readye'en the Twentieth for the Knighting of my son, Alumain the Second. </p><p>As you know, he dotes on your memory, and still has the whetstone you so gallantly lent him at last summer's tilt. </p><p>In brotherhood, </p><p>Sir Fellon IV, Knight of Furyondy </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>Not Dated </p><p>(A small, folded note, perfumed with a lilac scent) </p><p>Heydricus, </p><p>I cannot put you out of my mind. Tell me you feel the same. </p><p>Yours eternally, </p><p>Maia </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>Not Dated </p><p>(Written in a shaky script) </p><p>Dearest Pris, </p><p>I hope you are well, and keeping warm up north. Are you wearing the cloak I gave you for festival? Your grandfather and I love the new horses you bought. The bay is taking to the plow despite all of her high-stepping military training. </p><p>Goblin died. He was getting to old to hunt, and grandpa put him down with your old crossbow. </p><p>You may remember the Spinners from next farm over? Well, they passed away this winter. Grandpa and I were hoping to buy their farm, but we are a few Royals short. Could you send more money? I don't want to sell my mother's jewelry, but I will if I have to. </p><p>Tell that handsome friend of yours (the tall one) hello for me, and don't forget to go to church. </p><p>Love, </p><p>Grandma </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p></p><p>The characters spread out around their hide-out while they read their post. A frail, diffused silver light slips in from the outside, a cold rainy day. Torches gutter and smoke in crude hand-made sconces, and the place smells like burning wood and too many unbathed men in a confined space. The lads are quiet, not at all in their usual bantering mood. </p><p></p><p>The party is reading and re-reading thier letters from home, accumulated these past two months in Hommlet. As Curst is about to re-seal the bag containing the post, a small, wrinkled piece of unidentifiable parchment falls to the cave floor. The scrap is tan in color, creased and crisp, not pliable at all. The material is familiar, somehow. There is a one sentence message scratched into it's surface, and stained dark brown: "We have not forgotten you". </p><p></p><p>-----</p><p></p><p>Next: Prisasntha and Elijah fight for their lives in a Swamp Not of their own Making! Heydricus Unravels a Sinister Plot! The Return of Jespo Crim -- or "Why is Fras Eating out of Garbage Cans?"</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="(contact), post: 480428, member: 41"] Coldeven 1, CY 593 [b]10: The postman always rings twice: Elijah takes note of an Vile Mystery, and a visitor brings news from home.[/b] After her bloody run in with the sporting Stonefisters, Elijah returns to her vigil over the tent-city and is rewarded by witnessing a most strange phenomenon. Hoping to spot some reaction amongst the Stonefist ranks from her 'hunt', she instead returns to camp with disturbing news. Toward nightfall she watched several priests of Iuz directing a large group of slaves. The slaves were pulling a massive slab of stone, that was itself balanced on a series of trees, stripped into the shape of rollers. On the slab was some sort of colossal object, approximately tewnty five feet long, and ten feet wide, by ten feet tall. The object is covered by a greasy-looking thin shroud-like cloth. The object is rolled to just outside of the fortress gates, where the slab is removed from its rollers. A pair of black-robed humanoids exit the fortress and take up positions watching over the object. The stonefisters themselves seem quite frightened of it, and begin a series of drunken dares, apparently proving their courage to one another by venturing near the thing. After Elijah's report, the party is mulling this development when Heydricus gets the haunting sensation that he is being watched. Afraid that he is being scryed, he slips into a dark recess of the cave and draws his sword. Sure enough, the sensation is swiftly followed by the slight pop and hiss that is the sonic signature of a teleport spell. A small figure appears within a few feet of Heydricus' position, and whispers "hello?". No Iuzian lackey this, but an outrageously expensive messenger sent by Halrond (the Fourth, his Inimical Magnificence, Prolocutor of Tritherion, etc.) with a command to contact him with an update on the party's activities. The messenger ([i]"Horatio the Halfling's Friend-Finder Service -- no fee too large, no Plane too small. If they at least partially exist, we can find them"[/i]) went first to Hommlet, and while there, brought with her the party's mail, which had been accumulating at Kelanen's Rest. Here are the letters, with all spelling and punctuation faithfully translated from the original, arranged by date with the undated messages listed last: ----- (on plain parchment, hastily folded and unsealed) Fireseek, the Third, CY 593 heydricus -- construction ahead of schedule on project designated homlet I -- kelanen's rest to proceed now with construction of project designated hommlet II -- orphanage please advise -- dumrick deepen master builder -- see attached cost revision approve or deny ----- (Plain parchment, rolled and bound) Fireseek 13 Sir Heydricus, Word of your fame has reached my ears here in Veluna, and I salute your success. I cast the gauntlet. I am the greatest fighter in the land, and intend to prove it. I do not hide behind a title. I am, Vestifal Margrove, Scourge of the Sheildlands, Charterhouse Royale, Veluna p.s.: I will take any silence as a sign of cowardice. ----- (plain parchment, neatly folded, and stamped with the Seal of the Magical Services Guild, Furyondy) Fireseek 28 Heydricus, etc. To Wit: An invoice of alchemical and magikal supplies was drawn against your account by Anton Flamehair to the sum of four thousand sixty-two gold inclusive. As you are aware, it is our most stringent policy that all ledgers in excess of twenty pieces of silver be paid within one month of reciept. In light of your high position in the halls of government I have personally authorized an extension through the month of Readye'en, but I must request payment in full at your earliest convinience. I am sure that neither of us wish to see this matter brought to public mediation. May I apologize in advance for any inconvinience this might cause. Your Humble Servant, Mardello Etun, Proprietor, Living Alchemy and Transubstantiation, Chendl ----- (Scratched into the back of a broad leaf) Readye'en 6 Gnomer! Where are you? Gnomio has stolen my clothes, and the oak tree supporting the central shrine is a Treant! Worse yet, he wants to move to the other end of the forest! What should I do? Need help desperately, love, Gnomishic p.s.: Goblins set the storehouse on fire and killed Nurin and Hobble. ----- (Written in sloppy, small writing onto a piece of thin rose-scented vellum) Readye'en 9 It is difficult for me to draw ink into a pen, so please forgive my brevity and accept my fondest wishes for all further success against wickedness. I keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you Boundless Love In the name of the Seven Holies, Fräs (a cat's paw print follows) ----- (written in a sloppy, hurried handwriting on thin, rose-scented vellum) Readye'en 9 Dearest Pris, Is it possible, my dear, that you might supply me with a letter of introduction to your master &/or the Sages of Spellcraft in Chendl that I migh be permitted to research a spell of non-detection?? This would please me greatly. Please send your letter by first post -- promise the messenger any reasonable sum and I shall double the amount! A matter of most urgent priorities, you understand My regards, Jespo Crim ----- (A carefully folded parchment, stamped with the Royal Seal of Furyondy) Readye'en 15 It is our wish that we be kept abreast of your endeavors against our foe. Thrommel sends his best wishes. Signed, this day in the court of Furyondy, Chendl, His Pious Majesty, The King of Furyondy, etc., Belvor IV ----- (A plain parchment sealed with the Holy Cudgel of St. Cuthbert) Readye'en 22 In the Name of St. Cuthbert of the Cudgel Temis Veil Commands you to Zeal. To the Cudgel of the Temple: I am the Abbot of the Cuthbertian Nunnery at Verbobonc. Keriann Croller is my Disciple and Charge. She may have Spoken of me. I put pen to parchment in the Hope that you my lift a veil of Confusion blinding my sight. Three days ago, Sister Keriann failed to appear for her duly appointed duties. She often spoke Fondly of you, and it is my Hope that this missive finds the Good Sister safely in your Company. Please ask her to reply by messenger at once. This is a Request and a Command. In the spirit of our faith, I have the pleasure to be, etc., The Right and Firm Abbot Veil ----- Not Dated (Written in a clumsy, childlike hand) To Heydricus the swordfiter (sic) Will you teach me to fite evel Evel? I am six. My name is bandor Bullfinch Esril says you are the greatest sword-fiter she has ever seen I want to be the greatest fiter in Chendl, and dad says I have to beet Esril to be the bes grandest fiter. ----- Not Dated (Written in a mincing, careful script.) Dearest Ethel, How are you? The weather here is fine. My arthritis is acting up, and Gall is fine as well. Can you come home soon? Leilah is very sick, and there is some ne'er-do-well who says he is your son, but he is drunk at all hours, and is frightening the children. Also, may I have some gold? The landlord says he will throw us out on our ears if we don't pay him soon. Love, Your Faithful Sister, Maude ----- Not Dated (Rolled and sealed, stamped with the Great Seal of Chendl, the Seal of the Office of Provost-Marshall Commerce, and the Seal of the Guild of Cartographers and Scribes, Chendl) My darling Heydricus, I have the honor to request your presence Fireseek the First at the ball celbrating our daughter Marguerite's Coming Out. Please R.S.V.P. I have the Honor to be your Faithful Servant and Sword Marshall of the Realm of Chendl, Jewel of Furyondy, The Provost-Marshall Commerce, Reine ----- Not Dated (A thin, heavily perfumed note of hand-woven paper) Heydricus, Will you make availiability for a social appearance at my annual Rite of Spring Bacchanalia? Provide nothing save your charm, and wear little. Your darling, Maleen ----- Not Dated (A carefully folded parchment with vellum overlays cut into the shapes of dragons rampant. Written in an elegant and formal script) Sir Heydricus, It is my fondest hope that you will do me the Honor of appearing before court Readye'en the Twentieth for the Knighting of my son, Alumain the Second. As you know, he dotes on your memory, and still has the whetstone you so gallantly lent him at last summer's tilt. In brotherhood, Sir Fellon IV, Knight of Furyondy ----- Not Dated (A small, folded note, perfumed with a lilac scent) Heydricus, I cannot put you out of my mind. Tell me you feel the same. Yours eternally, Maia ----- Not Dated (Written in a shaky script) Dearest Pris, I hope you are well, and keeping warm up north. Are you wearing the cloak I gave you for festival? Your grandfather and I love the new horses you bought. The bay is taking to the plow despite all of her high-stepping military training. Goblin died. He was getting to old to hunt, and grandpa put him down with your old crossbow. You may remember the Spinners from next farm over? Well, they passed away this winter. Grandpa and I were hoping to buy their farm, but we are a few Royals short. Could you send more money? I don't want to sell my mother's jewelry, but I will if I have to. Tell that handsome friend of yours (the tall one) hello for me, and don't forget to go to church. Love, Grandma ----- The characters spread out around their hide-out while they read their post. A frail, diffused silver light slips in from the outside, a cold rainy day. Torches gutter and smoke in crude hand-made sconces, and the place smells like burning wood and too many unbathed men in a confined space. The lads are quiet, not at all in their usual bantering mood. The party is reading and re-reading thier letters from home, accumulated these past two months in Hommlet. As Curst is about to re-seal the bag containing the post, a small, wrinkled piece of unidentifiable parchment falls to the cave floor. The scrap is tan in color, creased and crisp, not pliable at all. The material is familiar, somehow. There is a one sentence message scratched into it's surface, and stained dark brown: "We have not forgotten you". ----- Next: Prisasntha and Elijah fight for their lives in a Swamp Not of their own Making! Heydricus Unravels a Sinister Plot! The Return of Jespo Crim -- or "Why is Fras Eating out of Garbage Cans?" [/QUOTE]
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