History Recalled

[Zyraen]

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[Zyraen]

The Red Scorn and the kingdom of Kal Terath
History 35 (crit!) by Lunastar in 10.1

The Red Scorn is a rebel faction comprising of outlaws and pirates. While the organisation comprises outlaws of all races, most of them are human, and based on records, virtually all the upper echelons are tieflings. Their scope of influence extends over south west region of Shian, where there are more forests and hills and rivers that serve hide outs and places for ambush. Through a mix of popular support and force, the Red Scorn faction has support of various settlements of that area, that usually get by with a mix of agriculture and fishing. The Red Scorn also maintains a reasonable scope of operations in Berklin where there are inhabitants and traders of all races, but less in Zeychand where those who are neither human, elf or half-elf would stand out in the town.

The Red Scorn traces its origins and territories under the area once covered by the tiefling ruled kingdom of Kal Terath, that used to stretch from close to what is now the West Garrison, to the river mouth of the Azure River. The kingdom was conquered about 120 years ago during the reign of Reldon Shianis, the 3rd Emperor (aka 3rd Son of Heaven). It was also during this time when Berklin started to prosper as a defensible supply base for the campaign on the other side of the Azure River, and when the outpost of Zeychand would be established.

There were 4 major tiefling families of Kal Terath, including the Telrath royal family, which was later destroyed by Reldon Shianis later (see below). The remaining 3 families survive until today and their scions are effectively leaders of the Red Scorn rebels. These 3 families are the Blackharts, the Felraths, and the Kaldreds. Back in the days of Kal Terath, the Felraths were military commanders on the field ; the Kaldreds were advisers and religious leaders ; the Blackharts were governors and civil affairs.

When Kal Terath was eventually conquered, the ruling and noble families fled into hiding, and the expanding Shian Empire was issued an instruction to kill all tieflings on sight, similar to orcs, goblins, drow, etc. The leaders of the once-ruling Telrath clan came out of hiding to have "talks" with Emperor Reldon Shianis about this, and while having extended negotiations they also summoned the rest of the family out of hiding to themselves, women and children included. In return for their trust, the Telraths were suddenly slaughtered to the last, men, women and children, utterly exterminated by the soldiers of Emperor Reldon Shianis.

With your learning and knowledge over much of history and its usual manipulation by powers that be, you find it very strange that the massacre of the Telraths by the Emperor Reldon Shianis during negotiations with him would remain recorded by official historians of the Shian Empire. If the event truly happened and survived until today, it would imply either that both Reldon Shianis and his successor Theldon Shianis chose to keep it in historical records, or it was later altered to villify one of the most well-portrayed rulers of the Shian Empire. Both obvious reasons seem quite unlikely.

Queen Valytha
(Optional reading)

In later years, Emperor Reldon Shianis favored a young tiefling concubine named Valytha, whose exotic beauty and willingness to please him caused him favor her highly. During this period of time, he passed a law acknowledging tieflings to be valid citizens of Empire, unless they were criminals in nature. As his age grew on, he favored this wench more and more. When the Empress passed away, he installed Valytha as his new Empress, greatly displeasing his crown prince Theldon Shianis (who later became the 4th Emperor) and most of his court. In time to come, Emperor Reldon went on a pilgrimage and left his Empress on his throne, instead of properly abdicating in favor of his heir.

Shortly after, it came to be known that she had managed to steal the Hereditary Seal of the First from the 3rd Emperor, and had intention to bestow it upon her infant child, to make him a contender to the crown. This did not seem a plausible threat, until a plot by her to assassinate the crown prince Theldon Shianis was uncovered, and she fled the Shian City with her child and tiefling servitors. They managed to escape down the Azure River to the Bay of Mists, where the navy based in Berklin caught up with her ship.

On her refusal to surrender the Seal, plus the threat of losing them in the Bay of Mists and having the Seal fall into rebel hands, the valiant military were left with no choice but to sink the ship, and all hands were lost, including the Seal.

Some time after, Emperor Reldon returned from his pilgrimage and praised the crown prince Theldon, before following as per the traditions and officially abdicating in favor of his son, then spending the remainder of his life in the Temple of the Son of Heaven. 

For her role in the loss of the Hereditary Seal, the historians of the Shian Empire do not officially recognise her as Empress, hence the relatively derogatory title in records as "Queen".

You know that tieflings breed true, meaning if either parent were tiefling, the offspring would be tiefling as well, and there is no such thing as a half-tiefling. You find it quite unlikely, even ludicrous, that a tiefling child could ever possibly be considered as a candidate for the throne, much less within the same lifetime as the conquest of Kal Terath.

[Zyraen]

Origins of Zeychand with relation to the Elves
History 22 by Secana post 10.1

You are aware that Zeychand was the lynchpin of peace between elves and humans, during the time of the 3rd Emperor when he needed to secure a northern flank against Kal Terath. This was before the conquest of Kal Terath and the eventual westward expansion to where the West Garrison now is.

One of the key negotiators of the peace and also founder of the Zeychand was an elf called Enethrin Kistarra. She married into the Empire and established the Kystada family in Shian, which is also the most prominent half-elf family in the Shian Empire. There doesnt seem to be ongoing Kystada presence in Zeychand since the past 50-100 years or so.

Not related to History 22

You know the current mayor, Lady Blaise Starfall, is a half-elf.

[Zyraen]

ASKING LYSANDER ABOUT RELIGION & EMPEROR

You find Lysander relaxing at the tea house, dressed in simple brown and green furred hide, strumming his lute thoughtfully to himself, looking cheerful. Unlike previous occasions, there are no more watchful constables around him, and you can see with some potions and at least some weapons about him, making him look a bit like an adventurer. He seems to be looking forward to spending some time in the ghetto as a "commoner", but seems hopeful that the situation will improve.

( natural roll 17 )

Lysander is eager to share what he knows about the new religion, that he has taken time to learn about in the past, and he knows well what came before.

The previous god Pelor held the domains of Hope Life and Sun, and he was never that popular a deity in the Shian Empire, mainly worshipped in Berklin in the outsider districts (ie South and West), and also worshipped by the Shian Emperor.

He explains that in the early days of the Empire, the Emperor's stylized title, the Son of Heaven, was intended literally and he was revered as a God in flesh and mandated to rule, thus in Shian City was set up the Temple of the Son of Heaven, where he would literally be worshipped. The second Emperor abolished this practice and instated the worship of Pelor, the true God of Hope Life and Sun in the Temple of the Son of Heaven. Even though he was not widely worshipped elsewhere in the Empire, the Empire still gives honor to the god of the sun, for the flag of the Empire's armies is a quarter sun, shining down. Emperors who do not die of old age usually retire to a contemplative monastic existence in the Temple of the Son of Heaven, and there are other monks of normal lineage in the temple.

When the current 8th Emperor Celdon Shianis ascended, he instated Kadrigar as the true God of Hope, Life, Sun. However, he refused to displace the temple of Pelor, ie the temple of the Son of Heaven, and built a new altar and temple in the Shian City to honor Kadrigar. While Lysander hears he often gives thanks to Kadrigar, there was no "active" attempt to spread Kadrigar's worship elsewhere. Based on hearsay, he understands that even back then, Kadrigar was a deity that did grant his few devout domain powers accordingly.

This changed however, after Pelor disappeared or perished. While the Emperor himself never officially spread word of the faith, many from Shian City started fanning out and preaching of Kadrigar, setting up temples in his honor. Andros Aventis the cleric was one of those who helped set up the Zeychand temple of Kadrigar, but there were other worshippers not tied to any of the noble families.

Lysander himself was invited to inaugurate the new temple a few years ago, and after that decided to pay respects, speak to the clergy and survey the building on more than one occasion. He gathered that Kadrigar is more than just the god of Hope, Life and Sun. Six entrances represent his six polar concerns - Hope and Fate (or Despair), Life and Death, Summer and Winter - and above all on his temple ceiling is emblazoned the juxtaposition of the Sun and (6 pointed) Star, and a ring marking running from the bottom of the inside of the temple walls. His doctrine preaches that there is a time and place for everything, and going against this is a vanity, chasing after the wind. What seems as the end is no more than a cycle, all that is will be no more, and all that is no more will be again.
( if asked, Lysander insists empathically there is nothing genocidal about the faith itself )

Lysander himself finds this worrying, not as a dogma being disagreeable, but as the right of domains. He explains that each deity holds influence over one or many domains, as their portfolio, and this is normally their jurisdiction. Shared portfolios are at the very least, sources of tensions between deities. Kadrigar's portfolio as a minor or new deity has not changed since the beginning when Lysander first heard of it, back when it overlapped with 2 gods - the Raven Queen (death winter fate) and Pelor, who he understands was a greater God. Since then, both Pelor and the Raven Queen are no more, and new deities have taken over their portfolios, respectively The Lady and Nyx. Neither are widely worshipped in the Empire, but Lysander understands they are widespread replacements of the above two. In light of the recent turmoil in Zeychand, he reflected how would the Gods themselves feel about such upheaval within their pantheon in such a short span of time?

OPTIONAL READING

For Andros himself, even though Starfall has informed him he has some degree of immunity, Lysander cannot overlook his atrocities and at his insistence, Lady Starfall has agreed to send him to Shian City to face his own Aventis family. From his understanding, the noble families tend to deal harshly with those that besmirch the family name with their conduct, and he intends to find out how the family of Duke Aventis, Premier of the Shian Empire, will handle this.

As a separate bit of history that comes up, Lysander has heard rumors that the previous 7th Emperor Beldon Shianis was discovered as having obtained his throne through underhanded means, thus was replaced by Celdon Shianis, who was rightfully the 7th Emperor, and is today the 8th. That is why the 8th Emperor started to worship Kadrigar, for his God had shown his faithfulness in returning to him his stolen birthright.

Apparently the Merenthis family was involved somehow, and the Duke Galion Merenthis, also then the Commander-General of the entire Shian Military, passed away of an illness about the same time. He was succeeded by his son Darion Merenthis, who handed over his command of the West Garrison to its current commander, Major Ardon Shinar.

Lord Marlon Merenthis was also somehow involved, being arrested in Berklin before Emperor Beldon's demise and then reinstated as Magistrate after Emperor Celdon's ascension. Lysander understands recently he resigned his post in disgrace over his son's conduct, but was once more appointed as Councillor to handle the elven issue. Lysander notes that Lord Marlon is someone he admires - he seceded from his own family many decades ago (before the recent change of Emperor) and its related sphere the Military, choosing to strike out his own in Berklin. Without his family backing him and even abandoned by his own son, Lord Marlon is in truth little more than a well-connected commoner who is constantly exposed to the whims of those more influential than him. If not for his own merit, capability and willingness to serve, there is no way he would be made Magistrate and Councillor multiple times. Multiple times does also mean that he had been removed many times as well - the man should have long learnt there is no personal loyalty from the Empire towards himself, yet serves tirelessly when called upon.


OOC: I have checked, there are no name related typographical errors in the optional few paragraphs. Major Ardon of the West Garrison is not the same person as the ice blizzard ritualist Lt Andon of the East Garrison.
You all might also remember earlier in the campaign, you learnt the current Empress is a Kystada.

[Zyraen]

Placeholder
Summary of Cassandra's meeting with Lady Blaise after finding the construct bug

[Zyraen]

For easier reference
Bold and italicised are added info not mentioned at the table.

Temple of the Son of Heaven

Major Ardon mentioned his uncle Feldon Shianis, who resides in the temple of the Son of Heaven in Shian City.

The temple was originally built in the time of the first Emperor for the worship of the Emperor as God of the Sun. The second Emperor abolished the practice and turned it into a worship of Pelor, the (then-true) God of the Sun. Although Pelor's religion was never actively spread much in the Shian Empire, the members of the Shianis family (both abdicated Emperors and the more common Imperial Uncles) often found themselves there to contemplate their status in the Empire.

Since the disappearance or death of Pelor, the Temple of the Son of Heaven is no more than a remembrance of a time when the Emperor was revered as a God, and with faded symbols of a lost deity.

=========

Gods Restored after Death
Mavis Religion 31

You recall that some Gods are said to have been restored after their death. There aren't many cases known, and even so, the means differ considerably.

One means involves sealing part of the deity in some sort of receptacle or artifact of power. Another involves the God manifesting or embedding part of himself in a person. The last involves the body and/or spirit of the dead God being reunited with his divine spark.

You recall vague legends about good Bahamut and evil Tiamat, the deities worshipped respectively by the metallic and chromatic dragons. They were said to be two halves of the original Dragon God called Io, who was slain and split into the two. Even as Bahamut and Tiamat constantly battle for supremacy, it seems implied that one has slain the other for a time, yet the other has always returned. Perhaps this might also have to do with the dual nature of their shared origins.

=======

Known Members of the Shianis Family

Taldon Shianis, 6th Emperor (long deceased)
- eldest/crown : Celdon Shianis, 8th Emperor (current)
---> unknown
- second : Beldon Shianis, 7th Emperor (recently deceased)
---> eldest/crown: Major Ardon Shanis, West Garrison
---> second: Lt Andon Shianis, East Garrison
- third : Feldon Shianis

Religious Relations

- Feldon Shianis and Ardon Shianis are/were paladins of Pelor
- Celdon Shianis is the original worshipper of Kadrigar, introducing the faith to the Empire via a new temple
- his wife the Empress Marian Kystada, is stated by Lord Marlon to be the High Priestess of the temple of Kadrigar. However, you have never heard such reference to her in other places, including the clergy of Kadrigar in Zeychand and elsewhere

Balthus Aventis and the Ascension of the 7th Emperor

Lord Marlon Merenthis mentioned the one who killed Duke Galion Merenthis the Commander-General of the Shian Empire, was a wraith knight. This was rumored to be the vengeful spirit of General Balthus Aventis.

During the last year of Taldon Shianis (6th Emperor), General Balthus Aventis was sent behind enemy lines in the jungle swamps of the lizardmen and yuan-ti to rescue the then-crown-prince Celdon Shianis who had fallen into enemy hands. He succeeded, but while the ship was travelling back to towards the Empire, word was leaked to the enemy, which proceeded to waylay General Balthus' ship at the supposed rendezvous point, and all hands were presumed lost. Lord Marlon was somehow involved, acting on orders of Duke Galion Merenthis. He had no idea who was the prisoner to be rescued, but he was very upset to be involved in the betrayal of General Aventis, who was viewed by his family as a threat to their control of military affairs.

Taldon Shianis the 6th Emperor then passed away, resulting in his son Beldon Shianis claiming the throne as the 7th Emperor, and it was not known he was not in fact the eldest. The previous band of adventurers were somehow involved with an enemy (a vampire called Dalanar) who had brought General Balthus Aventis back in the form of a mighty wraith knight, that slew Duke Galion Merenthis and also the 7th Emperor Beldon Shianis.

The previous adventurers defeated the wraith knight and its vampire summoner, freed Lady Marian Kystada (the current empress) from their dark influence, and uncovered the tale behind Beldon's plot for the crown when his father the 6th Emperor passed away. Thereafter Celdon Shianis was installed as the 8th Emperor, instead of the natural successor to Beldon, who is his eldest son Ardon.

Major Ardon seems genuinely comfortable with the throne falling to its "rightful ruler" instead of to him, since his father Beldon obtained the throne through nefarious means. He also seems pleased to not have to hide his previous status from the adventurers (since it is now null and void), and eager to find out where traces of Pelor might be.

You remember Lysander mentioning about Marlon Merenthis seceding from his family and the military, to strike out on his own in Berklin. You realize his decision may have been the result of being ordered to betray General Balthus Aventis.

You also recall that Nerinia Kystada was once betrothed to Ardon Shianis, but they never got wedded nor consummated it. The coincidence of Ardon once being crown prince, makes it probable the marriage was arranged out of convenience for the Kystadas and discreetly dropped once it became clear he was no longer a candidate for the throne.

Upbringing of Royalty

Major Ardon Shianis does explain briefly that it is long standing tradition, since the time of the 2nd Emperor, for the sons of the Emperor to serve in the military and justice organisations, usually under false names. This allows them some opportunity to learn on the ground without (too much/direct) preferential treatment, and too much risk of assassination.

Their identities are kept close secrets, and Lord Marlon was previously arrested on grounds that he might have leaked out that Major Ardon Shianis was the crown prince, resulting in numerous attempts on his life that the earlier adventurers foiled.

Emperor Celdon is only very recently ascended and his sons would not have been accorded such care/exposure until recently. Ardon spends most of his time away from Shian City and does not know who they are.

=========

Missing Hereditary Seal

Lord Marlon mentions the names of the notable previous adventurers are Sylvannas Wildheart, Varius Darkrage, Argon Lightbringer. They were last heard of venturing into the Underdark via some way in the west, but were not heard of again.

The first most notable lead is a dragonborn called Xyphrenos. Lord Marlon heard the previous party met him in Shian City, but he knows the capital of the Empire is mostly human populated and has never heard of nor seen Xyphrenos from any other source.

The second lead could be more related to the first. The Empress, Lady Marian Kystada, was once freed from the dark influence of the vampire Dalanar, and the previous party mentioned she has met Xyphrenos before as well.

The third lead is Lord Amilio Blackhart, who Lord Marlon understands is a leader of the Red Scorn. The previous adventurers once fought him but then rescued him from Dalanar. He then told them of the Tomb of Queen Valytha where the Hereditary Seal was to be found, and also of rumours about a descendant of the Telrath family (former ruling family of the Tiefling kingdom) who is also heir to the throne of the Shian Empire.

As per your then-party-member Lunastar's earlier recollection of the matter, you recall that tieflings breed true. That means if Queen Valytha was indeed the last tiefling of the Telrath line, and indeed begot a son for the 3rd Emperor, her son should be a tiefling. It is unthinkable that a tiefling could be considered an heir for the throne, so much so that she had to flee for her life and eventually lost in the Bay of Mists. This turn of events makes no sense, unless by some miracle her child was human, or unless the Shian historians are indeed correct that she was simply a very reckless thief, giving up her comfortable existence to steal the Hereditary Seal then took things too far.

[Zyraen]

SUMMARY

You see that Arianne Eysmoor has taken instructions from Magistrate Mirian Kystada for some time, but after her younger sister Marian became Empress 5 years ago, Arianne is now taking instructions from her. It also seems that Mirian herself has some discomfort about the matter.

The phrase "May our ancestors watch over us" seem also to have some meaning.

For clarity/reminder
- Mirian Kystada is Magistrate of Berklin and the official head of the Kystada family.
- Marian Kystada is her younger sister, current Empress of Emperor Celdon Shianis, and according to one source, high priestess of the Temple of Kadrigar in Shian City.

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CORRESPONDENCES
(Optional reading)

8-9 YEARS AGO

Greetings Arianne,

I am glad to hear that your children are coming along well. Please send them my regards.

Meantime, about redistribution of resources. Dylan will be visiting Sunhigh for his vacation soon, please welcome him hospitably.

May our ancestors watch over us.

Best Regards,
Mirian

~~~~~~~~

Arianne,

What do you mean he is ill? What is he taken ill with!? There is no medicine we cannot afford, you know this!

Blaise

~~~~~~~~

Arianne,

Yes, Darius is in my care, but this is absurd. I will take it up with Mirian myself, wait and see.

Blaise

=======

5 YEARS AGO

Dear Arianne,

There was a break-in tonight. The thieves did the unthinkable - broke into my vault and took everything of value. I am still incredulous that they managed it.

Perhaps it is finally over. I pray this will be the last we hear of this, but it seems too much to hope for.

Yours Truly,
Mirian

~~~~~~~~

Dear Arianne,

I thank you for the congratulations on my sister's unexpected fortune. I wish I could be glad for her, or at least as glad as you are.

But I can't help but wonder, and I can't help but fear. You probably do not know, but the stolen gem is in her possession.

May it all be just good fortune and coincidence.

Yours Truly,
Mirian

~~~~~~~~

Dear Arianne,

Perhaps I was too optimistic to hope that things would change, and I apologize if I got your hopes up. The Gods make fools of us mortals.

Please send my regards to your family.

Yours Truly,
Mirian

( the above are the only 3 letters where she is addressed as "Dear Arianne" and where the sign off is "Yours Truly" )

~~~~~~~~

Greetings Arianne,

I have to affirm that my sister's decision is final in this case. Our ancestors watch over her now, so hers would be the final word on the matter.

May our ancestors watch over us.

Best Regards
Mirian

~~~~~~~~

Greetings Arianne,

Thank you for agreeing to this arrangement. My sister will be most appreciative.

Meantime, it is well that the bread to your liking. Our supplier Pavvis will liase with you for future shipments.

May our ancestors watch over us.

Best Regards,
Marian

( this is the first letter recovered that comes from Marian )

======

(Many letters on many dates, from then to present. The frequency is about once every 3 months)

Greetings Arianne,

Your bread has been delivered as usual. This is for payment received dd-mmm-yy.

Yours Sincerely
Pavvis

========

RECENT
( Correspondences alluding to helping Darius and Azara )

Greetings Arianne,

Congratulations on your successes. Apart from usual, do you have any special requests or aid for consideration? Perhaps I can check with my sister and get her support and clearance.

May our ancestors watch over us.

Best Regards,
Marian

~~~~~~~~

Greetings Arianne,

While it is a curious request, we are both supportive. Certainly, you may provide all the support necessary for Aislinn to do as she pleases, when she returns from her sightseeing trip. Beyond her religious venture, she is free to live life as she wishes, and we will be certain to keep her out of family affairs.

Just take care that she doesn't eventually undermine the temple of Kadrigar. While I have nothing against freedom for people to believe in what they wish, my husband might be of a different opinion.

May our ancestors watch over us.

Best Regards,
Marian

~~~~~~~~

Greetings Arianne,

I am afraid I have very little information regarding the Lady. My sources have access to worshippers from other lands but generally they know much about her teachings but little about her per se. Her ascension matches that of the time Pelor went missing, and in most areas elsewhere she, rather than Kadrigar, has replaced him.

There is certainty though that she was an elf at one point, hence I doubt she has anything to do with Kadrigar.

Perhaps this might set you more at ease.

Best Regards
Mirian

========

RECENT
( Correspondences alluding to Staff and Demon )

Greetings Arianne,

As per your suggestion, it would be prudent to manage his wild tendencies, and we have come to an agreement with him. We shall meet tonight in the usual place to craft the technicalities in detail.

May our ancestors watch over us.

Best Regards,
Marian

~~~~~~~~

Greetings Arianne,

Now that the manuals are in order, please safekeep the staff for now.

Major Ardon and Captain Andon are exceptional in placing the interests of the Empire first, and are prime candidates for using the power of staff. If situation calls for, it would be best to get Captain Andon to bring the augmented staff to Zeychand.

May our ancestors watch over us.

Best Regards,
Marian

[Zyraen]

Info from the Light of Dawn
The holy text of the Lady
( Wayman Zuichu Religion 17 + 12 = 29 )

The Lady's domains are Hope Life and Sun, which you already know are identical to the domains of the fallen Pelor.

References in the text speak of the domain where the Lady is to be found, a place known as the Brilliant City in the Astral Sea. You recall distant texts that the city where Pelor inhabited in the past was known as Hestavar, the Bright City, and from places mentioned its description matches the current official abode of the Lady. Other deities that supposedly inhabit Hestavar are Ioun and Erathis.

The text of the Lady speaks of a mortal time under tutelage of a powerful mage. Some of the names of her fellow students seem vaguely familiar stylized versions of elven names. When her tutelage was done, the first of her great deeds was to cement lasting peace between humans and elves, and to that end, she founded a city where humans and elves can co-exist in harmony, ending potential strife between the two races.

The next part mentions a desert world blighted by the sun, ruled by tyrannical God-Emperors that drained the life of the world for power. There she came upon the Lightbringer, and with its power, she mustered the finest people and waged war upon the vile God-Emperors. Thrice she was cast down, yet thrice she rose, and eventually she had put an end to their defilement of the world, but much remained to be done.

Finally she journeyed in search of the fountain of life, the source of all life in all of existence. Along the way, she met the First Man, and his spirit guided her to the source of life. With that life, the blighted desert world started to finally slowly flourish. For this, she achieved apotheosis.

You also realize that for a religion to be deposed, a new one must rise to take its place. People will always seek to worship a deity, especially one with such attractive portfolios like Hope, Life and Sun. The Lady seems a suitable deity to take over from the worship of Kadrigar, especially with the notes on elves and humans co-existing, but then there is also the curious timing of her ascension as well. Much like Kadrigar, she ascended about the time that Pelor was slain.

( History 17 + 11 = 28 )

You wonder if this Lady was a native of this plane. Certainly the vaguely familiar elven names and the mention of a harmonious city between elves and human that was the cornerstone of peace sounds much like Zeychand.