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Post by Zyraen on Oct 31, 2019 0:29:29 GMT 8
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Post by Zyraen on Oct 31, 2019 0:32:03 GMT 8
HISTORY OF TIEFLINGS
History Check by Rohi (Chee Yong)
Tieflings in the empire originate from those within the Kal Terath kingdom, and tieflings breed true, meaning a union between a tiefling and a human would always bring forth tiefling offspring, and there was no such thing as a half-tiefling.
The Kal Terath kingdom ruled by tieflings once spanned the area south of Zeychand, from west not too far from the West Garrison, up to the west bank of the Azure River, and was conquered during the reign of Emperor Reldon Shianis, the 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 east side of the Azure River, and when the outpost of Zeychand would be established.
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. Most tieflings could only survive by banding up as bandits, pirates and other outlaws. Towards the end of his reign, Emperor Reldon Shianis passed a law acknowledging tieflings to be valid citizens of Empire, unless they were criminals in nature.
Unfortunately, the mould was already set and more often than not, with discrimination and mistrust from humans, tieflings would often give up an honest life and move to more unsavoury activities, which in turn strengthened the stereotype of them as untrustworthy devils. Meantime, the outlaw faction the Red Scorn, which seeks to one day re-establish the Tiefling Empire, continues to swell in membership.
( History 25 below
Made known in Feb 2020 )
There were 4 major tiefling families of Kal Terath, including the Telrath royal family, which was destroyed by Reldon Shianis after the conquest of the kingdom (details below). The remaining 3 families survive until today and their scions are effectively leaders of the Red Scorn outlaws and 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.
You recognise the seal on the envelope and that on the letter as that of the Blackharts.
During the post-conquest period when tieflings were hunted as foul beasts, the leaders of the once-ruling Telrath clan came out of hiding to have "talks" with Emperor Reldon Shianis about accepting tieflings as citizens, and while having extended negotiations their leader also summoned the rest of the family out of hiding to themselves. 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. The loss of the Telraths affected the organisation which would today be known as a Red Scorn, as the three remaining "noble" families constantly vie for leadership rather than being wholehearted in their agenda of organising a proper uprising.
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 son 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.
You also know that Emperor Reldon in later years had a tiefling slave turned concubine named Valytha, whose exotic beauty and willingness to please got her into his good books. It was also during her time that the law was passed by Reldon acknowledging Tieflings as citizens. However, she eventually betrayed the Empire by stealing a precious item from the Emperor, and the ship she was on with her co-conspirators was sunk in the Bay of Mists, a fitting fate for a traitor. Emperor Reldon abdicated shortly after.
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Post by Zyraen on Dec 12, 2019 0:53:37 GMT 8
History check by Mao while reading some local legend in the Owl's Supplies book store.
() indicates Mao's own knowledge, all else is what is written in the tale that jogs his memory
The Truth about Empress Valytha
( Emperor Reldon Shianis was the third son of heaven, who destroyed the tiefling kingdom of Kal Terath. )
In his 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. This is fitting, for it was said that Valytha was the last of the Telrath family that was destroyed in the fall of Kal Terath.
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 abdicating in favor of his heir.
Shortly after, it came to be known that she had been gifted with the Hereditary Seal of the First by Emperor Reldon to show his favour, and she intended to bestow it upon her infant child, to make him a contender to the crown. But when this became known, treacherous court officials accused her of trying to assassinate the crown prince Theldon, and she fled the Shian City with her child and their loyal tiefling servants. They managed to escape down the Azure River to the Bay of Mists, where the navy based in Berklin caught up with her ship the Trueblood.
The Empress steadfastly refused to surrender the Seal the Emperor had given her despite repeated demands from the host. Rather than lose them in the Bay of Mists and having the Seal fall into hands of rebel tieflings, the military with murderous intent sank the Trueblood, 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. Before he did so though, he secretly secured the aid of powerful allies who located the wreck of the Trueblood and the body of the Empress, and entombed her in a secret place of honor and remembrance, but of the Hereditary Seal and their son, there was no trace. Perhaps one day, the Hereditary Seal will resurface along with the true heir of not just the Shian Empire, but also the rightful ruler of the Kal Terath.
( You think there is probably little truth in the last paragraph about Emperor Reldon, and it only proves the writer is a tiefling sympathiser, if not a tiefling himself.
As far as imperial records go, Valytha was not bestowed the Seal, but stole it from a vault in the Emperor's study. For her role in the loss of the Hereditary Seal, the historians of the Shian Empire do not officially recognise Valytha as Empress, hence the relatively derogatory title in records as "Consort" or "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. )
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Post by Zyraen on Feb 17, 2020 17:28:28 GMT 8
Q&A with the Ever Inquisitive Avalon
After 05 Feb 2020 Session
Avalon retells her conversation with Lord Blackhart to the party:
Q "The Ocean Sun has been recruiting and delivering soldiers and mercenaries to Kal Terath territory. What do you know of their plans?"
A "There are always ships that gather more people for the Red Scorn cause. That's one way we grow our operations. The Ocean Sun isn't under my family care."
Q "What do you know about the Red Scorn raids along the King's Highway and beyond, such as the ones under the direction of Blackhand Dave who attacked Marlon Merenthis's caravan whom we were guarding en route from Zeychand to the West Garrison?"
A "No idea. That area is under another family purview."
Q "What do you know about the rumours of Mayor Alburn of Zeychand possibly consorting with tieflings, or of any possible connection to the tiefling raid that killed the late Magistrate Starfall a decade ago?"
A He recalls there was a deal one of his representatives in Berklin secured for him, part of which involved sealing a letter on behalf of a noble family, in return for payment and favours. Hearing your story, he guesses it's a smear letter intended for use by the Kystadas to topple Mayor Alburn so Blaise Starfall can control Zeychand.
Q "What might House Kystada or Lady Blaise Starfall have to do with all this?"
A "The Kystadas, like most noble houses, are backstabbing wheeling and dealing houses. They only want what is best for them, marrying either politically weak but wealthy houses to absorb them, or marrying the powerful to ride on the coattails of their influence. You know, they aren't so different from you, just that they filter their customers and work long term contracts. I wouldn't be surprised if they tipped the tiefling bandits off so they could dispose of the Magistrate Starfall, in order that one of their number could take over. Besides, how often do you see a lady step up to take a position? None but Kystadas do this."_
Q "Speaking of which, would you happen to know what happened to the mate of Magistrate Mirian Kystada of Berklin, or of the the other Kystada mates who have disappeared or met an untimely death over the years?"
A He has no idea. But he knows the head of the Kystada family has a consort. She does not take his name, and he becomes part of the Kystada household.
Q "What might the Violet Eye, Dalanar, or Telchannar have to do with all this?"
A Question is too general. He generally disparages the Violet Eye and Dalanar. He does however mention Dalanar has been around a long time. Just like the founder of house Kystada set up a foundation for peace and prosperity with the elves by establishing Zeychand under her care generations ago, but her descendants walk differently, Dalanar himself is similar though he has no lineage. Although Dalanar came to Berklin about a century or so ago, since he started advising the Alfelios family the city has only prospered and grown. The elevation of the Alfelios family, the city itself, the 4quarter splits, the dual-magistrates, the trade, the many other guilds, likely all have something or another to do with him. Still, people change over time, and since he knows Dalanar is involved with the vicious Violet Eye, he likely has gone dark.
Q "Word on the streets suggests you serve as a voice of reason to keep the other two Red Scorn leaders in check. I want to help restore freedom and equality for the tiefling people, but I don't want a war with the Shian Empire either. Can you tell me more about recent developments that myself or my party could assist you with?"
A "Really, you heard that from somewhere? The profitable thing to tell you is that this expedition would be the key. The sad truth is unfortunately, it is not that relevant. They would be better under my control however… I expect once I have a strong mandate to lead, I will live out the rest of my days in peace as we consolidate what we have for an opportune time, cut back on needless raids and banditry to build up internally.
The other tiefling families want confrontation with the Empire, or at least to break away and re-create the Kal Terath of old. We all know also it would be suicide if we invite open war with the military after such a long time of relative peace. The official way is if the Kaldreds (a tiefling family) somehow manage to find the last Telrath, who they say is alive somewhere and a descendant of Emperor Reldon and Empress Valytha (huge eye roll), and use him to stake for the throne, which I think is BS because everyone knows he would be a tiefling, although the legend the Kaldreds promote is that our Deliverer is a human with tiefling blood and radiant eyes, who wields radiant energy in place of where we tieflings use fire."
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After 12 Feb 2020 Session
From Avalon's conversation with Karanar:
Q "So, if Emperor Reldon bound you to his service to keep this tomb safe... then there must be more to the tale of Empress Valytha than the Imperial records would have us believe? Do you know if the Empress really did steal the Hereditary Seal, or did the Emperor bequeath it to her? Could the rumours be true - did the Emperor retrieve the Empress's body from the Trueblood and entomb it here, with the aid of powerful allies such as yourself or others, perhaps? Was the Empress the last of the Telraths, and does her son yet live? Did the Emperor really slaughter the rest of her kin, and if so why?"
A "I haven't read the Imperial Histories on the matter. I never thought of asking if he gave it to her, but simple deduction leads me to conclude he must have. I suppose he did retrieve her body with someone else's aid, certainly not mine. I was not actively in his service for the last two questions so no comment."
Q "Would you tell us a little more about Enethrin, if you please? After all, knowledge is power, and we do know a little of her current whereabouts - if she indeed got the better of you in that deal as you say, we might be persuaded to help you even the odds. As you may or may not know, she resides within Athas, and can be reached via a soul-draining gem that until quite recently remained secured within the Kystada vault. When we spoke, she attempted to get me to stay with her, as it would seem you might be doing now with our friend Trent. How would you describe your relationship with her, now? What has she become, and what does she want? If she is now on the move, what could she be up to?"
A "Well, thank you for informing me of her whereabouts. As I said earlier, we should all be pleased she is no longer in this plane, and I have no overweening ego that fuels an inclination to even the odds. I can tell you though, she's always had a vicious streak *in* her, and that her knowledge of how to create the soul-draining gem is undoubtedly thanks to me. And if she's in Athas, what she wants is more likely to be there than here."
(Avalon knows Enethrin is an elf, like Karanar. While she could be a lich, she need not be one, as not enough time has elapsed that she would need to resort to lichdom to extend her life.)
Q "Have you had any contact with Dalanar or Telchannar? How would you describe your relationship with them? Do you know what they might be up to, and would you like us to deliver a message on your behalf?"
A "No, not really. Telchannar was not even a child when I left Amareld. (Avalon knows the elven definition of a child varies.) Last I noticed, Dalanar was doing well. I would prefer they think of me as long deceased."
Q "If you allow us to leave with the Seal, we will touch nothing else, and breathe not a word of the tomb's secrets to anyone not already privy to that knowledge. If you have any further terms, you are of course welcome to state them. What say you?"
A "The Seal is not available to visitors, I'm afraid. If you wish for one of the treasures as a recompense for your effort, and Trent's life, I've a list."
Q "You said that the Seal is not available to visitors. Who might it be available to, then?"
A "It belongs with the owner of the Seal, the persons that Emperor Reldon had intended to bestow it upon."
Q "What if we could locate and return with the true owner of the Seal, then?"
A "Then I see no reason why the Seal should not be returned to the world of the living. Know this, however - the Seal was never intended for Theldon Shianis and his descendants, but if it returns to the world with one of royal blood, there will be unrest. If the time has come for the Emperor's lineage to be replaced, then that would be for the best. After all, I can afford to wait."
Q "We desire no treasures but to have our friend back - and the Seal, of course - which I'm sure must not be beyond the reach of one as powerful as yourself. You know that Trent does not want to be your friend, but we might be persuaded to find you someone who would, or perform some other suitable task in exchange. What would you desire?"
A "Hmph, I have no intention of keeping anyone here as long as they keep what they know of this place quiet. That said, you bring up an interesting point. What would you exchange in return for your noble friend's soul? I certainly can arrange for Trent's return in exchange for you remaining in his stead, and all the rest of you returning with but a small handful of gold for your troubles."
Q "You ask a heavy price, and one that I do not know if I can give. I still have many bonds I must honour on the surface. What would you do with me if you were to keep me here? Could I not be more useful to you walking among the living, perhaps?"
A "I have stated my stand. It is up to you and your friends to decide."
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Post by Zyraen on Feb 21, 2020 23:20:55 GMT 8
After PCs find themselves facing Karanar in the Tomb and with Trents soul in his custody, plus soul shards.
Between sessions on 12 and 19 Feb 2020
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Analysis of the situation currently surrounding the seal, the lich and the countries. - By Mao
Subjects of Interest: The hereditary seal, the Lich, Trent's soul.
The seal as we know it is a relic passed to Queen Valytha by Emperor Reldon Shianis. This seal is meant to mark the legitimate line of the Shianis family, and can be used to contest the line of succession.
As the seal can be used to contest the line of succession, it is essentially a ticking time bomb. The moment that seal is brought back to the world of the living, there will be wars fought over it if it ever becomes public knowledge that the seal in fact exists. The Lich Karanar himself has said that should the seal return to the world in the hands of one with Royal Blood, there will be war.
The safest way to guarantee peace is if the seal is returned to the Royal Family of Shian and sealed within the Imperial Vaults. By doing so, one will permanently ensure that it will never again be used to challenge the current family, thereby ensuring peace across the world.
The other short term solution is to seal the seal within this tomb, under the continued guardianship of the Lich Karanar. It is highly unlikely that any would be thieves would be able to survive the Lich's gauntlet. However, this is not a long term solution as eventually someone with Royal Blood may make it into the tomb, especially since we killed the guardian of the tomb to enter. This means we are just delaying the start of the war to a few centuries later.
The Lich is bound under oath to be the eternal guardian of the seal till the day a successor should be found. This also means that it is very likely that the Lich is authorised to hunt down anyone who gives the seal to one not of Royal Blood. As we have part of our souls being held hostage by the Lich, him hunting us down will be absurdly easy. This means giving the seal to Blackhart is actually a really bad idea.
Analysis of the wording Blackhart used suggests that Blackhart doesn't actually believe that there is a Tiefling deliverer. Even if there was such a person, it is highly unlikely that he / she would be part of the Red Scorn. Blackhart is likely trying to obtain the seal in a sincere attempt to curb the murderhoboism of the Red Scorn.
Reading between the lines of what Blackhart answered in regards to Dalanar, it is clear that Dalanar wants the hereditary seal. Additionally, Mao has it on good authority that Dalanar is a former Watcher. Watchers are in charge of ensuring smooth and legitimate succession of the crown while trying to not appear too obvious. However, in the case of Dalanar, he has been expelled / dismissed from the organisation and has effectively "gone rogue".
Dalanar proceeded to found the Violet Eye after disassociating himself from the Watchers, and is now acting as an advisor to House Alfelios. Under his guidance, House Alfelios has expanded and set up the "four quarters" system of Berklin, as well as the guild system. This means nearly everything within Berklin is likely under Dalanar's control, directly or indirectly.
This leads back to the problem of the seal, and what to do with it. This is likely the party's only real chance at obtaining the seal, but it is likely to come at the cost of Trent being bound into a Pact / Geas with Emperor Reldon. Additionally, the Lich is trying to avoid too much bloodshed which will happen if the seal was to be given to Blackhart or Dalanar. (In addition to us being hunted down). The Lich is unlikely to go against the orders of his lord, which means Trent is the party's only real chance at obtaining said seal. If Trent refuses to make a deal, the party will have to leave empty handed.
Recommendation:
In the name of peace and avoidance of bloodshed between Shian and the surrounding nations, it is best to have this seal permanently hidden away, either in the vaults of the Imperial Family, or left here with the Lich.
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Post by Zyraen on Feb 21, 2020 23:31:42 GMT 8
While the rest of the party parlays with Karanar, Trent finds his disembodied spirit within the pyramid in the tomb's inner sanctum, with a sarcophagus in the centre flanked on one side by an unmoving draconic figure and on the other by a pile of treasure atop which rests a half-buried sword with a ghostly aura. As he approaches the sword, a spectre materialises and identifies himself as the late Emperor Reldon Shianis, the third Son of Heaven. He confirms that he did indeed bequeath the Seal to Valytha, and expresses a deep regret for the subsequent events leading to her death. Trent asks about the fate of the child he sired with Valytha, and Reldon remarks that his descendant and rightful heir to the Seal might yet live. However, without the last Telrath in their company and having no information on their current whereabouts, the party eventually decides to leave the tomb empty-handed - but not before Mao destroys Blackhart's letter - although Karanar grants that Trent may return in future with the rightful heir in tow.
Not wanting to return to Blackhart without the Seal, the party swims away from his rendezvous point, but shortly receives a telepathic message from Dalanar via the Orb of Kradgar borne by Maeve. Dalanar offers to pick them up on his ship and ferry them back to Berklin, while apologising for his brother Telchannar's recent actions. After discerning that Dalanar seems to have no overt hostile intentions towards them, the party accepts.
Onboard the ship, the party converses with Dalanar, who seems eager to dissociate himself from the actions of his brother as well as the legacy of his father. He wields a staff with the Kystada gem affixed atop, and reveals that he had learned of the tomb's - and his father's - whereabouts with Enethrin's assistance. The party learns that while he served the Empire as a Watcher during the reign of the sixth Son of Heaven, he left the organisation in disillusionment and founded the Violet Eye as an independent organisation after a succession crisis arose during which elements within the Imperial court sought to dispose of the intended heir in favour of Beldon Shianis, the seventh and current Son of Heaven. He explains that the heir (whom he does not name) had found himself on the losing end of an engagement with the lizardfolk and yuan-ti of Darkmoor, and the extraction attempt he oversaw - led by one General Aventis - failed when promised reinforcements did not arrive. Alone and surrounded by enemy ships, the General's ship sank with all hands, but Dalanar knows that the the heir survived and yet lives, thus he intends to help restore to the throne with the help of the Seal. He is disappointed and troubled to learn that Karanar would not give the Seal to a descendant of Theldon Shianis, and considers the prospect of having to fight his father for it. However, he gives the party a standing offer to aid him in his quest in exchange for his Orb of Kradgar, and adds that he would also be willing to consider another more worthy successor to the throne than the one he has in mind - should the party find one.
Back in Berklin, the party considers their options. Mao remembers that General Aventis was unprecedented in his time for having ascended to such a high rank within the Shian military despite his family's traditional purview over the Justice faction instead, which might have given elements within House Merenthis motive to dispose of him to maintain their grip on the military. Avalon wonders if Marlon Merenthis might know more, to which Mao recalls that Marlon did indeed leave the Shian military at around the same time as the events of the crisis. With Marlon back in Berklin, the party decides to pay him a visit in search of answers.
The party finds Marlon at his residence dressed in plain robes, who readily invites them in. He reveals that he indeed resigned from the military in protest when his cousin withheld the reinforcements to General Aventis, leading to the loss of the General and the heir. Trent shows Marlon his father's pendant, which the latter recognises, vaguely recalling that it belonged to a captain who served under the General. Trent identifies himself as the captain's son, and asks for the name of the cousin responsible for his father's death. After Trent assures Marlon that he would not kill said cousin, Marlon reveals that it is none other than Galion Merenthis - presently Commander-General of the Shian military.
Avalon asks Marlon about the outcome of his Zeychand investigation, to which he replies that Mayor Alburn has decided to step down for his own safety, with Blaise Starfall replacing him as Mayor and the erstwhile Amareld ambassador Lysander replacing her in turn as Magistrate. She informs him about her conversation with Lord Blackhart, explaining that she has reason to believe the Kystadas may have orchestrated it all in order to install Blaise Starfall as Mayor. She additionally mentions that the Kystadas may also have likewise orchestrated the attack on the late Magistrate Starfall ten years ago in order to install his wife Blaise as Magistrate, and asks him if all these would align with what he knows of their House. Marlon asserts that he has always known Mirian Kystada to be a woman of upstanding character, and could not understand how or why she would do anything like that. Avalon suggests the possibility that the events may be due to the machinations of another Kystada - Enethrin. Confused, Marlon asks what the presumed long-dead founder of Zeychand would have to do with all this. Avalon reveals that not only is Enethrin not dead, but with the aid of Karanar has also grown far more powerful than one might imagine. Marlon asks for more explanation, to which Mao impresses upon him what the party discovered deep within the Kystada vault - a gem granting access to Enethrin Kystada in Athas, powered by the souls of countless Kystada mates.
At this, Marlon seems to come to a horrifying realisation, and promptly leaves for the kitchen. He returns shortly after with a tray bearing drinks, one of which he seems to have already helped himself to. Thoroughly shaken, Marlon replies that that would explain a lot, but proceeds to ask the party what they did with the gem after. Avalon explains that at the behest of Mirian, they had been placed under a geas and sent on a mission to retrieve the gem for the Violet Eye, and that the gem is now in Dalanar's hands. Quickly putting the situation together, Marlon reveals that he has reason to believe one of the heirs to Beldon Shianis might be in imminent danger, and asks the party if they would want to intervene to protect him. The party promptly agrees, and he reveals the identity of said heir - "Ardon Shinar", Captain of the West Garrison and all-around Stick-in-the-Mud.
The party leaves posthaste for the West Garrison, travelling via the Bay of Mists aboard Trent's ship. In her parting words with Marlon, Avalon asks about Nerinia, and learns that Marlon's son Joyoun believes Nerinia to be attempting to reform the slave trade by offering the girls employment at the Maid in Heaven and more opportunities to learn and advance their skills. Marlon also lets on that Nerinia had up until recently been engaged to Ardon Shinar, but that Mirian had inexplicably called off the engagement shortly after the party removed the gem from the vault, leading the party to conclude that she may have arranged the engagement unwillingly in the first place under the influence of Enethrin.
The party finds the West Garrison on the cusp of open battle, with the orc encampments having advanced far up the Axefold Pass to within sight of the Garrison itself. Reaching Ardon Shinar in the Situation Room, the party urgently requests a private audience with him. Ardon dismisses his officers from the room, and Mao communicates telepathically to him that they have learned of his true identity, and have arrived to protect him from a possible assassination attempt during the upcoming battle. Ardon appears taken aback but quickly regains his composure, asking the party for their plans and explaining that he cannot abandon his troops at this time. Mao advises him to stay indoors and away from lookout points to avoid a potential sniper attack, but Ardon insists on leading from the battlements. Curious, Avalon asks how he intends to do battle from that position, and he responds by evoking each of the elements in turn in the palm of his hand. After some discussion, the party agrees to join in the Garrison's defence, but Mao hands Ardon a glyph that the latter can break in the event of an assassination attempt to alert the party and call them back to him. Mao spends the evening helping to set up ambushes and fortify the keep's defences.
Convinced that the assassination could just as likely come from within and with the memory of Merelda still weighing on her mind, Avalon spends the evening mingling among the troops to discover any suspicious elements. She learns about four units in particular that have recently been transferred over from Zeychand or Berklin. She passes the information over to Ardon, who decides to send them out to the frontlines and also instructs his officers to alert him immediately if any among them fail to report for duty in the morning. With the preparations complete and the battle at their doorstep, Avalon retires to bed and collects her thoughts on the events of the day and what lies ahead…
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Post by Zyraen on Mar 30, 2020 17:53:46 GMT 8
MEETING WITH MIRIAN KYSTADA
Resolved post-session of 25 Mar 2020, via Whatsapp
The heroes arrive in Berklin after a harrowing run-in with some lightning elementals, still keeping Captain Ardon safe. They confer with Lord Marlon, but before going to visit Vinarres Skamos for access to tiefling territory, Avalon wanders off on her own to find Magistrate Mirian Kystada, head of the Kystada family, to try and put some old threads together
Persuasion 13 + 8 = 21. Spent 2 WP to hit req DC 25.
After waiting half an hour, Avalon is denied a meeting and ushered out of the hall, but a servant passes her a folded piece of paper. Mirian only agrees to meet her on an unofficial basis (in a side room in the estate and not received in the Hall), for the sake of Hoshi.
Avalon : "Lady Mirian! Thank you for agreeing to grant me an audience, and my apologies for this unexpected visit. I assure you that I come in good faith to seek answers I believe you can provide on issues that may have far-reaching implications for the state of the Empire and beyond. I seek your counsel because Marlon Merenthis has vouched for your character, and I am inclined to trust his judgement on the matter. I give my word, with Avandra as my witness, that I shall not disclose any information you do not want me to disclose to any parties you do not want me to disclose them to. Before I continue, I trust that we have adequate protection here against unwanted surveillance?"
Mirian nods.
Avalon: "When we last met you encouraged us to investigate the Violet Eye by undertaking missions for them, yet on our very first mission they sent us to steal a mysterious gem from deep within your own vault. You do not seem surprised. Curiously, the archivist Keranis was also strangely confident that the mission would benefit all parties involved, including yourself, as if he had some insight into your goals that we lacked. More curiously, when we arrived at the vault we found the arcane ward on the door already disabled, as if someone expected us somehow. Yet more curiously, the seemingly all-knowing Dalanar revealed that he had had no prior knowledge of the gem before Keranis informed him about it quite recently, suggesting that the information must have come from an outside source directly to Keranis. Even more curiously, after we removed the gem from the vault we learned in very short order that you have called off Nerinia's arranged marriage to Captain Ardon - who travels with us now, by the way. Even the gods themselves could not have dreamed up such an extraordinary concatenation of coincidences, and it leads me to the obvious conclusion that Keranis must have received the information from you - for who else would have known - who then disabled the arcane ward on the vault door to clear the path for our approach, and then called off Nerinia's engagement once rid of Enethrin's influence. I make these statements without prejudice, but please correct me if I am in error."
Mirian: "You are welcome to your own conclusions. Those were events in the past, I see no need to comment."
(Avalon notes that Mirian neither confirms nor denies what she said.)
Avalon: "Given what we have since learned about Enethrin, I reckon we must have done you a great favour by freeing you from her machinations. Yet when we spoke to Enethrin, she seemed to have little desire to leave, not even at the mention of the Violet Eye or Dalanar - whom she described as the spawn of an idiot - and grew intrigued only after I spoke of our mission to assemble the Orbs of Kradgar for the shadow dragon Urishtar. Furthermore, when I later spoke with Karanar - yes, I'll tell you more in a bit - he suggested that Enethrin's true goals ought to lie in Athas where she resides, rather than on this plane. This leads me to believe that she had no hand in all this and even no knowledge of our coming, and it follows that you must have arranged to deliver Enethrin into the hands of the Violet Eye of your own free will - but again, do correct me if I am in error. If I may, then: what did you intend by doing so, given their reputation, apart from merely ridding yourself of an unwelcome influence? Did you not have concerns that they might use her power for ulterior ends?"
Mirian: "You are assuming my complicity in the schemes. Assuming it is a member of my family, I am sure whoever it was had acted in what was deemed the best interests of the family. Lady Kystada was demanding and exacting in many ways, and perhaps it was felt by those involved that we would all be better off freed from her malignant influence. Whether or not it might affect others, the thought might have been secondary to the person(s) involved, with the primary concern being what was best for the members of our family. The Violet Eye might be unscrupulous, but it has been some time since an organisation came along that might interest the Lady, in order that she would not simply seek to return here. Perhaps that might explain this unknown person(s) motivations, and this is merely best effort speculation, but it is all I can say."
Avalon: "I should tell you that since getting a hold of that gem, Dalanar has launched an assault on the West Garrison with orcish forces from the Axefold Pass, and it was only due to Marlon's insight that we intervened in time to warn the Garrison and protect the Captain. Furthermore, we have reason to believe that Enethrin herself may have launched her own attack on the village of Shanro east of Zeychand via a portal from Athas, although for what purpose we do not know. Many soldiers and villagers - and orcs, not to forget - have suffered and died, and it troubles me deeply that we have unknowingly enabled all this to happen simply from following your suggestions. So I would very much like to know how much knowledge you had, or have, about Enethrin's or Dalanar's designs - so that I may obtain some closure for myself, and perhaps better act to safeguard the people of the realms."
Mirian: "I would be surprised if the Lady Kystada had anything to do with the orc attack. It seems like the machination of someone more... grounded... in this plane than she. Perhaps Dalanar is more likely. I have met him a few times before, and he is a crisp, aloof and calculating person. (She probes for more details and descriptions about Shanro, then sighs.) Yes, I am certain the Lady Kystada was behind that. Continue first, however."
Avalon: "Lastly, on a more personal note - I should say that the reason I alone have come to see you today is that perhaps my companions do not feel the threat of Enethrin so clearly and closely as I do. Ten years ago a tiefling raid killed the late Magistrate Starfall, and allowed his wife Blaise of House Kystada to take his place. My father led the security detail for his entourage, and gave his life defending his men and his town. More recently, a letter bearing the Blackhart seal found its way inside the residence of the former Mayor Alburn, with insinuations of treachery that led to his removal from office and Blaise Starfall, once again, taking his place. We have since gathered that Enethrin must have orchestrated all these, although her methods remain a mystery to me. How does she manage to wield so much influence over so many people from beyond a vault, a gem, and a plane? What part did you, or Blaise, or the Lady Alburn have to play in her schemes? And how can we possibly stand against such power, for I suspect it is only a matter of time before we too find ourselves entangled in her web?"
Mirian: "I see. I am sorry for your loss. Many of the events that involve Lady Kystada were performed through mortal proxies she had a hold over, and until recently, our family regrettably fell into that category, though I am certain we - all members of my family - had no direct involvement in those events. She is however, utterly unassailable from here, the only way to inconvenience her is to deny her access to her mortal proxies. But she often exacts a price, a price she deems fitting and dear, ever so dear."
(Avalon notes her use of the term "direct involvement".)
Mirian thinks a bit, sipping her tea quietly, pensively. Then she takes out a letter from her robes and offers it, on condition its contents are kept in confidence and it must be returned to her.
Avalon: "This… clarifies much, my Lady. I understand that your family must have been put in some difficult positions through no fault of your own, and may have had to make some difficult decisions for the sake of your future. And so I thank you for trusting me with this information."
Mirian does not reply. She folds the letter back the way it was, looks at it a little longer, and returns it to her robes. Avalon notices she keeps it in a pocket, so to speak, sewn near her left breast.
Avalon: "Yet it does also raise more questions. Would you say that the lady bedecked in purple and gold, bearing the appearance of a middle-aged half elf, that the villagers of Shanro spoke of may have been your sister Marian, serving as a vessel for Enethrin's will? If so, what do you think she intended by attacking such a village in such a manner? I do not know what she could possibly stand to gain… although, when my companion Mao deactivated the portal to Athas, he did retrieve a magical gem from the arcane circle beneath it. I am no expert on the arcane, but do you think that has anything to do with Enethrin's plans?"
Mirian: "The description appears to fit, but you understand that my sister is not herself. I cannot speak for what the Lady intended, but I suppose she is still targeting either your party or the good Captain. As for the gem, she seems to favour them as arcane foci, if they are bereft of magical energy they should be safe to handle."
Avalon: "Speaking of your sister… I cannot describe or even imagine what a sacrifice she must have made. Not long ago I was prepared to offer my soul to a lich in exchange for my companion's, but that surely cannot compare to giving up my free will altogether to one who could use my body and my name to cause such harm. What could be worth more to her than that? What does she seek to protect or regain by doing so? Of course, you have every right to guard your sister's secrets, but I would be grateful for any insight you can spare. It may allow us to assist her in her plans - or at least, to not unknowingly interfere in them - and to better prepare ourselves for when we encounter Enethrin, in your sister's guise or otherwise."
Mirian: (looks annoyed and rolls her eyes) "Family, of course. As for regaining, when she was married she had little to look forward to except a considerable gain in status, to help our family advance. But even that was denied to her. Her plans I do not know in detail, but if she did that to Shanro, she is assuredly not herself, none of her own personal plans would involve harm to many, I'm sure."
Avalon: "And when we do encounter her - for our paths are sure to cross again - what would you have us do? How would we know how much of your sister still exists, or how much control she has? You spoke of denying Enethrin access to her mortal proxies - what would happen then, should we somehow defeat her, or render her unconscious or incapacitated, or exorcise her from your sister? Left to our devices this would be what we would likely do - or attempt to, at any rate - but if it should cause more harm than good, I would appreciate any suggestions for alternative courses of action."
Mirian: "I would appreciate if you dealt with her and neutralised her without killing her, as much as you are able, although if she possesses some measure of the Lady's powers, fleeing is also an option worth considering. Even if you somehow render her unconscious, only a comparably powerful arcanist as the one who performed the ritual can hope to separate my sister Marian from the Lady's influence, so do keep her incapacitated and incarcerated, both physically and with strong wards."
OOC: Pretty obvious - you know if you kill Marian, Mirian will be outraged and aggrieved.
Avalon: "Finally, your sister spoke of "those of your children that remain"... does that mean that others have been lost along the way, met untimely ends such as those of your mates we discovered in the vault, or made sacrifices in a similar vein to what your sister did? Once again I understand how deeply personal this might be for you, and will not begrudge you in the slightest for any secrets you may keep. How fares Nerinia, by the way? When I left Berklin last, you had called off her engagement and left her free to deal with the slaver gangs in her own fashion. How have matters progressed on that front? I'm afraid I will be departing Berklin shortly with my companions once again, but I do still have my connections on the streets. If I could lend my assistance to a worthy struggle in any way I can, I would be happy to do so."
Mirian: "I have other daughters who have been wedded to other families. The Lady took my first son for safekeeping two decades ago, as is her custom, but I have accepted he is gone and will never return. My duty is to the living. Nerinia is engaged to the person she wishes to be with, and pursuing her... calling (still some distaste in her tone with the last word). Those not cooperating with her have had their operations cut out from under them, and can cause the city no notable further damage.
Some additional information that might be of use to you:
If you intend to oppose Dalanar, which you currently do not, he is powerful, but he has his weaknesses. Although it is underhanded to do so, I know he seems to genuinely care about his brother, who is a veritable rascal. I also hear that Dalanar seems to have developed some weakness to the sun in recent years, and constantly shrouds himself in an illusion so they cannot see the effects on his skin.
Some contacts told me they thought they saw me back in the West district, looking younger and near the docks area, eventually boarding a small ship. I checked the details and learnt they are due for a short journey towards (certain coordinates), and then due to return.
Lastly, I have heard the Lady Kystada mention the name of Kradgar in passing a handful of times. Apparently he was once her mentor in the world of Athas she now inhabits, but left for elsewhere. I am not sure what it is about his Orbs, but she certainly loathes the idea of his return."
Avalon: "My Lady, from what you've told me so far about your sister's history and her recent movements, I feel I might have some idea - or at least a guess - as to her plans. Did her betrothed by any chance meet an unfortunate end during the reign of the sixth Emperor in the swamps of Darkmoor to the east of Berklin, where it seems she might now be headed? I trust you to keep this in confidence, but I have heard from Dalanar himself that a certain someone who seemingly perished there many years ago yet lives, and if Enethrin assists him now… well I suppose that leads us to an obvious, yet difficult conclusion. I do not wish to aid Enethrin or Dalanar, yet neither do I wish to deprive your sister of what she rightfully deserves. What would you do should she return with the one she seeks, and mount a challenge to claim back what was lost, knowing that she may no longer be herself? Would you be willing to allow Enethrin so much direct control over the fate of the Empire you serve?"
Mirian: "Irrelevant. The matter is out of my hands now. If I had known this would happen though..." She shrugs.
Avalon: "Thank you for your invaluable counsel, my Lady. You have been most forthcoming with me, and it would be amiss for me not to do likewise. On Kradgar, I have learned a few things…" (Avalon tells her everything she knows about Kradgar and the Orbs.)
Mirian: "Well, it seems he is dead and gone then... but I doubt it is that simple."
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Post by Zyraen on Aug 12, 2020 15:08:08 GMT 8
TIEFLING PROPHECY
Authorised for OOC sharing on 12 Aug 2020
As made sense of by Hu Jiao Bing (with quite a few high checks and Willpower)
PREAMBLE
You alone try to make sense of the esoteric text relating to Asmodeus, and filter out the relevant details. Although you are out of your depth, the motivation to try and find the thread to end the conflict drives you, and you glean more than what you normally could - hell, you paid for this with your soul, you think!
You manage to discern that there is in fact not one but two deliverers, and they are both betrayers. One came before, and one came after, yet both are of the same origin and the same nature. One was king first, but gave it all up and more, and is also labelled as the great betrayer, while the other was nothing first, yet will return to the throne one day.
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PART I
The origins of the (first) deliverer (betrayer) come from war and blood. His life was as usual before he took up his place upon the altar. As repentance, he gave a great blood sacrifice, not just of himself, but also of all of his blood, and betrayed all. In his weakness, he sold out all that should be, and all that will be, that war should end in peace, and that unity come from division. One gave his life, and that of his entire line freely, that there would be hope beyond all hope. His schemes came to fruition even after his death, for the Enemy conspired with him to rob us all of the burning will to fight on.
You note with consternation that in context of the passages, it seems clear that the conspiracy was to eliminate the flames of Nessus, ie the flames of Hell, from the tieflings. In this regard, he is a traitor to Asmodeus, but perhaps he is yet the deliverer you are seeking. However, it is pretty clear, he is dead and gone after his sacrifice.
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PART II
From his line, the (this is unclear, but you gather it means the Enemy, yet not the same as the earlier) eventually brought forth the traitor. Yet greed (the text says Mammon) came through and laid waste to his schemes, and the Enemy's efforts were for naught. After his baptism in fire and water (which you conclude refers to sinking of Queen Valytha's ship), he was utterly rejected. Though he was as one who would bring both peoples together, there were none that would accept him. His own people had sought to kill him, and he would not find a place among those who looked unlike him.
Into the wilderness he went, and returned to the rock that was the wellspring of the kingdom, and sought refuge from the light. In the searing shadow he waited for the hot afternoon to pass, and the (again, you think, it means the Enemy, or the Great Enemy) sustained and renewed him. In the light of the setting sun, the sunken kingship will rise and he will be at its crown, and their glory will be restored as with the sign he shall conquer without bloodshed. Then will the fires burn in the blood of the faithful, and there will be a great cleansing, in the realm of the spirit and of the mortals, and not even the traitor will escape his fate.
This is followed by some paragraphs prophesying the time by which he will come to power. You realise as you read this that it is not so much an exact prophesy, but a timeframe. If a certain number of years has passed, the window of opportunity would have closed, and this event - this betrayal and uprising - shall not come to pass.
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CONCLUSION
The setting sun clearly refers to the decline of the Shian Empire, whose symbol is the setting sun. The sunken kingship could either refer to the already destroyed tiefling kingdom of Kal Terath or the Hereditary Seal, as the Sign might refer to the Seal. The ascension seems smooth, but the last part of the prophesy most alarms you, the idea that there might be a massive cleansing after he takes the throne, and the possibility of worse to come.
As you reflect, you realise that the deliverer is not the deliverer based on the text of Asmodeus, but rather the completion of "betrayal". Much of text is written to stymie and mislead the reader, but there is also great truth in it. The text assumes a certain reader, typically that of the devotees of Asmodeus, but you are not that reader. This means some of its efforts to mislead you might not have worked, yet some also might have been planted into the text to forestall those who would facilitate the "betrayal".
It also seems clear that if the Kaldreds were to ever get their hands upon the tiefling deliverer, which the text refers to as the betrayer, there would likely be some plan to keep him in check. Perhaps use him for political gain before removing him, certainly parts of the text seems to support that their efforts would succeed.
Separate Religion check
You think the Great Enemy is another deity. Given what you know of Shian, Reldon, and the legend of the deliverer, you conclude the Great Enemy is Pelor
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Freebie
Since you signed the agreement that the details will not be used to harm (long list including Blackharts and Kaldreds), you realise the Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is intended to tie the reader to inaction. By simply being bound to not pursue the prophecy, the person could hope to not breach the agreement. But given the possibilities likely result to harm of either Kaldreds or Blackharts or even Tieflings, the only way to avoid *someone* being harmed (and keep to the contract) is to simply do nothing
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Post by Zyraen on Aug 12, 2020 17:49:44 GMT 8
OF ELDAMAR TELRATH
As related by the ghost of Reldon to the abbot Dawnstar
Eldamar Telrath was the last king of the Kal Terath kingdom, and did battle against Reldon Shianis the Third Son of Heaven on numerous occasions. He was aged 50 or so, doing battle against Reldon who was aged 32 or so, and both leaders utilised martial prowess and magic on the field, though Eldamar leaned more towards the arcane and Reldon more to martial. They grew to respect each other greatly during the extended conflict, recognising in each other both leaders who would give up their own lives for their men. Reldon captured Eldamar's son on a few occasions, but let them go each time.
The armies of Kal Terath were eventually beaten and the Tieflings went into hiding. Recognising how dangerous they were, Reldon outlawed them as beasts, a tactic intended to bait Eldamar out of hiding for them to discuss. He came, and finally no longer under threat of killing each other, they could talk as "equals", and Eldamar made it plain that he had been beaten and had no desire to spill more blood in warfare. They shared similar values, both seeking the long term well being of the people, but in Eldamar's veins was the blood of devils, while Reldon worshipped Pelor, the God of the Sun. Reldon sought Eldamar's counsel, asking what he should do with him since the Telraths were certainly too dangerous to keep around.
Eldamar pointed out that even if he should accept a lordship under Reldon, most of the Tieflings would not hear of it, and Eldamar's own children would likely become rebellious and try to break the kingdom apart again, and if the humans could identify with their Tiefling overlords at the time, it would be impossible to prevent an uprising. If he were in Reldon's position, he would do what he had to do, in order preserve the peace. When Reldon asked what that would be, they both agreed to write what would be the best for the Empire and the Tieflings, on paper, before exchanging when ready.
Both their notes stipulated the same situation, that the Tiefling loyalty to the Telrath family was too deeprooted for the the Telraths to remain around. Only then could Tieflings have a chance to integrate into the Shian Empire, and those many humans under the tiefling Empire could also integrate in seamlessly, as the noble Tieflings went into hiding. However, Eldamar, with his deeper understanding of his people, proposed that since the 3 Tiefling noble houses (Blackharts, etc) would not submit, they would surely organise resistance, but vie for their own dominance in the absence of Telrath leadership. Given a few generations, they would wear themselves out and they might even be won over to be peaceable citizens of the Empire.
Surprised at Eldamar's calmness to propose his own clan's extinction, Reldon was moved by his desire to benefit the people. He suggested that he find a way to carry on the Telrath lineage, even to combine it with his own, for surely such noble sacrifice could only arise from those fittest to be crowned king. Eldamar's reply was that blood of the devils ran true and that could not be changed, to which Reldon said he believed that Pelor would surely redeem his bloodline for his sacrifice for both their people. He also hoped that in time to come, after the Tieflings grew tired of infighting, they would submit to the arrival of any true descendant of the great Eldamar Telrath. Be he the new Emperor or a vassal of the Emperor then, the purpose would be to end the conflict between the Humans and Tieflings in the empire.
Eldamar was pleased with his sincerity, though he questioned how the blood of devils would be purged. Nonetheless, he had already summoned his family from hiding in anticipation for this move. Together they chose a young girl from the Telrath family that Eldamar felt was suitable, and put her in the care of his queen, to be brought up secretly, and sheltered from the truth of her family's demise. When Reldon wavered after writing the decree to exterminate the Telraths, Eldamar seized his seal and affixed it himself.
After Eldamar's demise, Reldon lost his stomach for war and strove towards making peace with the Elves and Dwarves. Meantime, he monitored the rebel activity and sure enough, saw that they continued to remain fractious, with each of 3 families pursuing their own agenda. He could not however, depose his own eldest crown prince, nor could he bring himself to, such that he often wondered and admired how Eldamar could order the execution of his family.
To the end of his days, Reldon would constantly reference "the man he admired most", though he never brought up Eldamar's name. When he could, he travelled to the place where there was once a mass grave for the burial of the Telraths, and also paid his respects to where he had carved out a gravestone with his own hands for Eldamar. It was written in the sacred language readable only to those who worshipped Pelor, and few could understand it.
When the girl Valytha was of a suitable age, as promised to Eldamar, Reldon brought forth an heir that shared both the Shianis and Telrath lineages. By the grace of Pelor, the heir did not have any Tiefling traits, apart from a solid eyes of gold and much later on, a radiant blast of wrath. The heir survived the attempt on his life, though his mother did not.
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