Episode 1.06 - Character Journal - Corrie

Caro Diario,

What a knave, I cannot imagine having such malice between brother and
sister. The merchant woman deserves much better than this. With
cunning, we can turn this to our advantage, though it is tricky work
to learn what we need and stay hidden, especially in these unwelcoming
lands. We could use this duplicitous meeting to lead us to our hidden
enemies. Might this be more work of those Border zealots or some new
cabal? If the former, I'll relish their comeuppance.

And yet, the urgency of this chase makes it easy for me to put aside
the horrors of the slums and the refugees. O, the miseries of this sad
lot. O, city of woe city of sorrows. All for the march of armies and
borders did this happen, all for the W. ambition. And his evil grows
even now and he makes capital on the deaths of sorcerous men. Are
hopes of peace shattered thus, by an unholy weapon of terrible might.
How can such rabble -- dare I hope a true rebellion comes of these
little mobs and riots -- stand against this power?

If the Heavens listen to us poor souls -- hear us now, or we will see
the earth truly made ash as the lands fall under the W. shadowy reign.
Leviathan is here in these lands and we must summon all our wits and
our bravery or it will drag us down.

-C

Teaser Episode Seven: Swords and Secrets

Season One, Episode 7: Swords and Secrets

Wherein our heroes attempt to get the drop on Kaden Shaw, formerly Kaden Lawrence, ne'er-do-well brother of Norah, the spy for the Ashen Kingdom in the midst of the Everburning Cinder.  But Kaden is not alone, he's currently in conference with one Barker, and a number of goons, negotiating yet another betrayal of the Everburning Cinder in exchange for treasure and protection from his past misdeeds.  Will our heroes capture Kaden, will they defeat Barker?  Will they continue south on their goal to find the information lost by the vanquished Everburning Cinder cell that had been operating in the Ashen Kingdom town of Manc before the riotous Zwaardgeesten allegedly caused their death?  Will Thane Hinrik have a chance to make good on any of his promises to the capricious Elf Lord Bearach?

Opening Credits: Seven That Spells "Aum" from The Death and Resurrection of Krautock: Aum

Summary - Episode Six: Tough Times in Tribute

Season One, Episode 6: Tough Times in Tribute

Wherein our heroes took their leave of the Elf Lord, Bearach, and his Wyld Desert and journeyed to the Ashen Kingdom metropolis of Tribute...

Episode 1.06 - Character Journal - Trent

    I just wanted to be rid of the broken ribs and what I assume was a fracture of the bone around my eye. I did not particularly care how it happened. If I had to sit in a monastery for a month, tending a garden, so be it. Broken ribs do not generally promote good moods. I will admit that the transference process, while more painful, was considerably less time consuming. Either way, I am rid of injuries that may have cost me my life had I needed to fight with them. And that is a good thing.

     Our meeting with the Steel Lady was enlightening. Knowing that the Witch Lord is now gathering sorcerers implies that the plans for the room are not only in motion, but are at such an advanced stage is very troubling. To pervert the abilities of my people, and to a more egregious degree, for the benefit of someone who is not Dinda is something that I must make every effort to stop. No one should have that much power.

     Regardless of my indiscretions with drinking, the results were, I would have to say coincidentally fortuitous. There are times though that even when I may be a bit too far in my cups and not make the best of decisions, I'd still like to remember what I did. For good or ill. The girl I woke up to was quite pleasant to behold, and I would have liked to have at least had some recollection of the time I spent with her either way. I will say that the blowhard Thane is beginning to grow on me.

     Now we have a mission. On one hand I regret that I am asking my cohorts, who are basically only co-workers in a company, to undergo what is essentially a shadow operation deep within enemy territory. Many of them are barely capable and most likely even less willing to undergo such a dangerous task. But if the Witch Lord is able to complete this room, and gains this power... well, there is nothing that anyone will be able to do to stop him for doing anything he wants.

     I must cut this short, it seems Norah needs me for a task...

Episode 1.05 - Character Journal - Hinrik

A contract between Hinrik and Bearach

I, Thane Hinrik Fullspring, also known as Sir Henry Fullspring, enter into the following agreements with the Elf Bearach, master of the Wyld Desert, each swearing to uphold the agreements below upon the Threads the Fates measure out our lives on.

1. Article 1
   1. Bearach will ensure Earl Oswald Locklight publicly murders his father, Duke Lennart Locklight, and then men loyal to the duke will murder Earl Oswald Locklight in response. This must be completed within 9 months.
   2. In exchange I promise to deliver my first born son as well as a girl in the slums of Tribute by the name Agostina within one year. Bearach will keep the children until they have seen 18 summers, at which point they will be free to follow their own path as an adult. Bearach agrees to ensure the safety of the children while they are in his care. Bearach agrees to allow me and my son’s mother to visit my son 3 months out of a year. Bearach will inform me of whom my first born son is if I have one already or he will tell me with whom I must sire my son if I do not have one.

2. Article 2
   1. Bearach will supply information and aid in recovery of the hero Gerard’s artifacts as well as identification of whether the sword I now carry is Gerard’s sword. Additionally Bearach will aid in the acquisition of treasures suitable for selling at a high price.
   2. In exchange I promise to bring Bearach the Ruby Of Elagablus, a jewel in possession by an Ashen Kingdom revolutionary in the northernmost province of the Ashen Kingdom

3. Article 3
   1. Bearach will supply information about the Jarl Tryggvi Stangbern and his people, the Ashen Kingdom, and the Nevilles. The information should be not be common knowledge and have the potential to provide me with monetary or political gains.
   2. In exchange I promise to protect a certain individual named after the deal is struck. I will be obligated to intervene to ensure the individual is not killed at a certain time when our paths cross.

It is agreed that once the deal has been struck neither party can alter the terms. If either party fails to attempt, in good faith, to uphold their obligations then the Fates will exact a suitable punishment.

Thane Hinrik Fullspring

Bearach

Teaser Episode Six: Tough Times in Tribute

Season One, Episode 6: Tough Times in Tribute

Wherein our heroes arrive in the Ashen Kingdom stronghold of Tribute, city of intrigue with sprawling slums and shining mansions.  What enemies, new and old, await them in manors and alleys of Tribute, will any new allies reveal themselves?  What plots will they find themselves entangled in?  Will they find time to rest to allow their injuries to heal or will they seek out a healer to bind and tend to their wounds.  

Opening Credits: Legendary Pink Dots "Demolition 13" from Farewell Milky Way