The Truth of Death

You have all been lied to: The veil of lies is so thick over your eyes no one can see through it.
The Gatekeeper is not here to destroy or conquer. He is not here for those possessions that you believe to be so important. Coin means nothing to him; land means nothing to him; title means nothing to him.

No, those are the things you have been told your whole life to consider important. He is the truth. Those who wish to hold you down see the facts of what he is and hold those ideals and truths in contempt.

What is life without a true fear of death? A hollow and flawed life, that’s all it is. A life without the fear of true death breeds the most horrible kind of people: People who have no fear of any kind of retribution.

When the common train of thought is that no one will be truly judged, the demons of men come to life and realize they can be free to rule and free to slaughter. Free to do whatever they wish, hiding it under the guise of the greater cause.

The Gatekeeper offers something so different: The chance at a true and unsullied life. A life where all are held accountable- the way it truly should be! No deals with Fate, no backdoor ways out of your sins. Just true death. True accountability.

Those around you have said that the old way is how they have been brought up, so that’s the way it should be. This rationalization is meaningless. Their own ideas have been warped by countless years of lies that have been fed to them. They lap it up like soup given to the poor at a Ghaatmic Guild Hall.

GatekeeperUnderstand that the Gatekeeper is not the wave of the future. He is what the future should have always been. He is here for benefit of all those souls that have not bought into the lies of the deluded masses that refuse to realize that his way is the real way. The Gatekeeper is the hated future, the long hated truth that so many are scared of. He is the way it will be, the way it always should have been, the real way of the cycle of life. He is the truth and he will set all of the known worlds free, whether they accept it or not.

The truth is ready for you. Whether you are ready for it or not remains to be seen.

Brodus Masterson

Morticent of the Gatekeeper

When Darkness Walks

I have made a wonderful thing; A terribly powerful, wonderful creature. The Ashynnied, a cultish group of madmen who worship and are controlled by (from what I gleaned from them while I was imprisoned) what they call “the Darkness*,” kidnapped me and forced me to build for them. They sent their ideas and thoughts straight into my head and then controlled me to force me to build, create, and move. I had no idea what I was creating until it was finished. It took  many months, though I am unsure of exactly how time passed while I was under their control, but now it has been released into the world and provides the Ashynnied, as well as those beings they worship, access to the Shadow Realm. I have created the Dark Walker- a golem-like being simultaneously controlled from afar by three or more of the most powerful cultists known as Dreamers. It has little to no sentience of its own, and its awareness of the world around it is directly linked to that of those Dreamers. It has no free will, however, if not actively controlled, its actions and wanderings my vary according to the subconscious thoughts of any of the Dreamers attached to it, which makes it seem as though the golem is acting on its own.

This golem is a conduit between the Evernight Forest and the Shadow Realm- an enticing Dark Walkerand powerful passageway, to be sure. However, at the moment, it can only be used one-way: From the Evernight Forest into the Shadow Realm, and then again, it can only be used by marked members of the Ashynnied. This unique characteristic will not, I am sure, deter most interested parties from wanting to have the golem in their control, and already I have heard rumours and rumblings from powerful sources that want to have the Dark Walker as their own. I can only imagine what will happen should this golem end up in the wrong hands.

Though I was controlled while I built this creature, I managed to build in a failsafe that provided a means to ensure that neither the Ashynnied, nor any other single group or person, could have complete control over the Dark Walker. At this time, I am taking the names of parties interested in this information, however I will need protection from the Ashynnied who will, undoubtedly, go to many lengths to make sure that my knowledge dies with me. Contact me if you wish to know more. I wish you the best of luck,

Sardkern Scurath

-The Shadow Smith

*I was able to discern that there are three distinct forms of this Darkness, and I am convinced that they are three separate beings.

Strange Hounds Commandeered by Soldiers

If anything positive can be said about Amphelise, and I am not sure it is possible, it would be about her desire for scientific discovery.  As a fellow scholar, I would appreciate her devotion to invention, had it not been for the needlessly cruel way she went about it.   Still, her defeat left various abandoned laboratories and collections that need to be cataloged, if for no other reason than they could prove incredibly dangerous.

Whimpering first drew me to the creatures on the other side of the door.  Upon opening it, I found 3 emaciated things I can only describe as dog-like creatures.  Further exploration found that they had been kept in small cages but were released from confinement only to remain trapped in a larger facility without anyone to care for them.

The beasts were collared and tame.  While I cataloged the contents of the facility, which mostly turned out to be non-magical equipment best described as broken useless junk, the creatures stayed close responding to my every command.  I began to grow enamored with the strange creatures though I am hardly an animal lover.   They seemed unhappy despite my best attempts at proper care.  I thought maybe these pitiful creatures might be happier outdoors and I told them to go outside for a bit. I hadn’t expected them to understand but sure enough each of them vanished.  I thought I might have been going mad but each returned within the hour.

Imagine my surprise.  Not only did these creatures understand me but they were capable of instant travel.   I begin to give them more explicit orders and they were always followed to the letter.  In time I realized if there was a discovery in this facility, it was these creatures.  That is when I began to pay closer attention to the collars.

Each collar was a blend of mechanical pieces and magic.  I am by no means a master mage but I believe their main purpose was control.  Beyond that however, and much to my unease, there was a second component.  Each collar was armed with a very strong magical explosive.  It appeared that my care with the collars had paid off as the explosive was set to detonate upon tampering.  The explosive would likely obliterate the poor creatures and perhaps those nearby as well.  Worse still, the collars are unstable enough to perhaps go off if magic is cast upon or even very near them.

I packed my things.  These creatures were to be taken to those more capable than I.  I was about to leave when 12 men wearing a strange symbol (a shepherd’s crook crossed with a spear) burst into the room.  They had a strict military attitude about them though they were neither the Crown’s men nor those upstart DoD.  They proceeded to rob me of my materials, albeit in a very polite manner.  They took most of the junk.  One of the soldiers grabbed the creatures and looked them over.  He ordered them sent to the Houndsman.  A braver man would have told the creatures to flee.   With a few swords pointed at me, and the hope that my life may not yet be forfeit, I held my tongue.

If you come across those poor creatures, please do what I could not.  But please MIND THE COLLARS.

Battle Standard Dedicated to Hyurog in Elmerton

This Fortuneday brought strange tidings as Devoter Garraunt Warsson of the Allegiant in Irvanshire brought a token of the Incarnation of War to Elmerton – A battle standard depicting an altered version of the Allegiant symbol for the Incarnation of War, magically rooted in the ground and displayed prominently near the local tavern, to shed light on the new dual nature of Armego and Hyurog.  As the standard was unfurled and presented to the platoon of armed soldiers and common men and women he had brought with him, Devoter Warsson led a brief service in dedication for the standard and then began an impassioned speech that sent his men into a war-fueled rage. 

“It’s only natural to bring Hyurog into focus in this struggle – the very nature of war itself is to participate!  We cannot sit idly by and watch this conflict transpire. Why, that would make us mere scribes, maintaining distance from the action! This battle standard represents a rallying point – a powerful reminder of the stakes of this battle. War chooses us!  We are the instruments of decision – the vanguard of progress – let us welcome the new day as we witness history – it is not every day that we are privileged to observe the changing of the guard amongst the Incarnations! May Hyurog, the Blood Fire! the Soul Forge! bring about the Dawn of Victory, as has been foretold in prophecy!”

The last of his words were passionately shouted as his frenzied troops fought and spilled blood beneath the standard. As the last wearied man fell to his knees in the bloody mud before the standard, the Devoter praised Hyurog once more, healed his devotees, and, after filling them with Great Morale, led them marching and limping out of town- the echoes of their War Songs lingering in the pines.

A Brief Fae Memorandum

I love the fae. For years, I have studied these complex and wondrous creatures. My observations have lead me to believe that everything about them is perfect. Their delicate wings, jaunty clothing, and general mystique draw me in each and every time I have had good fortune of meeting one. I have observed their antics for many years. I have reveled in their celebrations each spring, delicately crafting my own fae baby, and participated in their ridiculous war with the Tzigane, shaking my fist vigorously in the direction of any Tzigane I see, just to get closer to my favorite people.

Recently I’ve been noticing a quirky behavioral shift. I wouldn’t think much of it since theBarmDwellersy are such spirited creatures but the more I learn, the more I am concerned for their well being. Small groups are breaking away and devoting themselves to a cause I have yet to fully understand. One group refers to themselves as the Barm Dwellers and its members bear a symbol that appears to be an eye with spider legs. The other group calls themselves the Fae Harkeners and bear a pair of strange, sloping symbols. Though clearly opposed to one another, they seem to be carrying out many of the same tasks. Mostly, they have been handing out fliers and getting into petty arguments with one another. Occasionally, both groups will partake in dangerous and reckless activities. I have observed two fae diving right off of a cliff! I could not bear to watch what happened afterwards and will maintain my ignorance in that respect. Another small band of fae surrounded and confronted very angry, very drunk orcs late one Wakingday evening, taunting and insulting them until the orcs became violent.

I could continue writing to you about these gruesome and unusual stories but I won’t. I do not wish to taint their revered reputations any longer. I do ask that if you see a fae partaking in any reckless behavior, do your best to stop them and preserve their precious race. Also, if anyone has any information about the strange fae behavior, please contact me right away. Thank you in advance for your important contribution.

Lolli P. Honeycutt
Experta de Fae Deliciae

An Open Letter to the Citizens of Irvanshire

To the Citizens of Irvanshire,

Over the past several months it has been my primary job to clean up a mess caused by the dangerous reversal of powerful Elemental locations. Normally I would not provide a report such as this but something very strange is happening and I think it is in your best interest to be informed.

I have been working with a very competent group of people, casters and warriors alike, to Blood Moonrestore the balance of Nature. Though we have made much progress, completing half of the work, there are still weak spots in Magesta to shore up. Until this morning, I was absolutely sure that the Blood Moon would enhance the aggressive and unusual weather patterns that have been occurring. The Moon is a powerful source of energy and when it is combined with the power of the Blood, terrible and wonderful things can happen.

I was very surprised when my Irvanshirian contacts communicated to me that  active areas have gone quiet and in some cases have even begun to mend themselves. For example, the large hole that opened up, taking an entire town with it, was almost completely gone by the arrival of the Magestream. The only trace of its presence is a long, jagged crack in the ground. I am happy to hear this is the case but I am also unsettled since this sort of behavior should not have happened until all of the weak spots had been addressed.

It is my personal belief that whatever unknown force was behind the enhancement of the Elemental imbalance has redirected its attention and energy somewhere else. Even though I know very little about this force, I imagine that it has garnered the attention of something much more powerful and focused and has been encouraged to cause trouble somewhere else. The Blood Moon can be devastating and the redirection of this force should be very concerning. I fear that the time for child’s play is over.

Regards,
A. Demeter
Assistant to the Honorable First Father

Listen Up, Elmerton!

Alright kids: hear me out.

By now, you have all probably heard of The Gatekeepers and what Listeners are. Well, I’ve been doing some research (as though my life depended on it) and thought I’d share with my good old friends in Elmerton.

First things first: the Gatekeeper. He’s kind of a turd. Wants his own death dimension or something stupid like that. He actually is pretty bad news. He has “normal” followers like any baddie. But, he can also somehow take control of people (like yours truly) to temporary enlist troops. You know those people as Listeners.

Listeners always go deaf and lose control of their bodies. It’s hazy, but it’s like you’re riding on the cart but someone else is steering the horse. In every instance I’ve come across, Listening is temporary and a one time ordeal. Once it’s over, it’s over. That’s the good news. The bad news is that “temporary” is relative. For some people it only lasts a few minutes, for others well….let’s just say it could be weeks before they hear the new Farthings Four song.

More bad news: I have no idea what makes a person vulnerable to becoming a Listener. I’ve seen it happen in the Portal Authority (ahem), in guilds, on caravans, among merchants…I can’t find what connects them. Maybe nothing connects them?

Anyway, that’s all I’ve got for information for now. If any of YOU have any information, I’d love to hear it. Keep me in the loop!

– Runcibal Delancey

Widespread Famine Countered by Elmerton

The last weeks of Reapingdusk saw the start of a wave of famine and pestilence started by a Vampire Lord named Zaria from House Amphelise. Thankfully, Zaria was destroyed at the beginning of Boneharvest, so the famine was not as widespread as it could have been. Unfortunately, that still means that many of the storehouses in the cities in the South Farthings and the Fiddlehead Hills have been affected. The winter has seen families suffering from starvation and entire communities have been abandoned as their inhabitants seek places that can offer them solace. However, a small township located in the South Farthings has provided a glimmer of hope for the starving people of this area. The farmers of the town of Elmerton have reported a record harvest for this year and have gladly opened their own storehouses and homes to help those in need.

 

This relatively obscure farm town has proven to be a blessing for the kingdom, as well as breadan unexpected diamond-in-the-rough. Those who have taken grains, baked goods, and fruits from Elmerton’s farms have described them as the juiciest, most flavorful, and most filling foods they have ever had! And though Elmerton’s farmers are seeing more business than they have in years, most of them do not seem to be overly worried about the prospect of running out of food. They are, for the most part, happy to be able to help- something their harsh winters and “unique” situations don’t usually allow them to do.

Elmerton, the South Farthings are grateful and wish you the best in the upcoming planting season!

The Time of War Is Now

My name is Eiliki Meienkanakinshi and I, as well as many other people in my order, have received a powerful and disturbing vision. I felt it was my duty to share it with as many people as possible, since the repercussions have already begun to make themselves felt. This vision is as accurate as I can remember and, though it seemed directed to me, personally, those in my order who also received it said they felt the same way. It seems as though this was received by many, particularly by those who have had a connection to the Incarnation of War. This vision has caused strife amongst my order and among many of the Faithful to war. Even in the Allegiant, this has become a topic for heated debate. Some members believe that we should be loyal to Hyurog, while others feel as though that is a bad idea and we should try to help Armego regain his position. Still others wonder whether or not it is our place to take sides at all. In any case, it is my hope that word about this vision spreads.

Magesta,

I want you to be ready for the grand opportunity I am creating. It has become apparent that the creatures of this Age are soft and complacent. The need for action has brought me forth, as prophesied, to rectify the lack of character that is all too commonplace.

In the Age of War, true battles were fought, evil was vanquished, foes were crushed, and the brave and worthy were raised to a fuller existence. These were the times when people lived, really lived, to their full potential. And this is the gift I bring to you.

I, Hyurog, the Incarnation of War, am bringing War back to the forefront of existence so that you can realize your truest selves. The weak will perish quickly and the worthy will flourish. Your cold, dead days of mediocrity are past.

Prepare! The days of Struggle and Glory- the Dawn of Victory!- will soon be upon us!

My Spirit Soars

Over the last year, those loyal to the Incarnation of War have been thrown into a Chaos the likes of which has not been seen in Ages. The Vampire Queen Amphelise, acting as a de-facto Incarnation of Nightmare, was able to put Armego, the Incarnation of War, into a deep, crippling slumber. Many of his agents no longer felt their connection to him; they became the Lost, and many of us were in danger of succumbing to the emptiness of Spirit that resulted. However, Amphelise has been defeated and Armego has woken once more. Though his awakening brought joy, it also brought confusion- both his and ours. He has claimed to be Hyurog, Magesta’s first Incarnation of War, and has mentioned alliance with someone called the Gatekeeper (to what end, we are unsure), though he also recognizes his role as Armego.

This duality has caused a great deal of excitement throughout the Allegiant because it seems we are nearing the fulfillment of a prophecy written long ago:

When the spirits duel in War, the Dawn of Victory is at hand.

In the original prophecy, the word “duel” was difficult to distinguish; it looked as if it might have, instead, read “dual.” Interpreters at the time agreed that the intended word must have been “duel,” but they made a marginal note about their hesitance. In light of this recent event, we now understand that the intended word was, in fact, “dual,” so, as officially noted by the historians in Battlekeep, the prophecy now reads:

When the spirits, dual, in War, the Dawn of Victory is at hand.

Magical verification has been undertaken, and our Spiritual Theorists have confirmed that there are, indeed, two spirits residing within the Incarnation of War. It is my fervent belief that the Dawn of Victory is upon us and we are fortunate enough to be alive to witness it!

Oh, Faithful ones! The Spirit of War has come into his rights once more on Magesta. My being is alive and aflame with the passion of battle and I hunger for the glory and brilliance that it brings. I long to see men rise from the bleakness of the battlefield and take on the vividly colored mantle of bravery and courage. I yearn to see the depth of character of warriors the world over, and to see all peoples reach their true potential. Hyurog has reclaimed his title and is bringing about an Age in which War is revered and glorified! He has come to us as prophesied, and the effects are being felt the world over as the bloodfire is ignited once more in the hearts of Magesta.

This recent change has inspired me to relate, briefly, the story of the beginning of the Age of War in order that we can use the past to help us interpret and accept the present and to look forward to the future.

The end of the Age of Repose saw fundamental shift in the positive and negative energies of Magesta. The very components of Magesta’s eight Realms were being altered by some force in ways that impacted nearly every person, plant, and animal on Magesta. For a reason never determined, the Incarnation of War was especially affected by what was happening- many of his Warlords had their Agreement somehow inverted, still receiving their power, though from someone or something other than Hyurog. The hearts of many of his remaining agents became timid and their spirits lost the spark that gave them courage and the will to live fully. Hyurog was losing his family to this force, and it is said that his wrath grew exponentially even as his feelings of helplessness and loss increased. Finally, as a father will do when his family is attacked, Hyurog struck back with all the power granted him by his Incarnationhood. Though his actions were born from an attempt to shift the balance of energies back to normal, his vision was filled with bloodlust, the glory of war, and the inexorable and valiant spirit of, as-of-yet unrealized, Potential. His will poured over the land, and the Age of War shaped the next thousand years.

Now Hyruog is returned to us, and though we are charged to figure out why, we are also charged with Duty and Obedience to our Incarnation, even as we would give to a visiting commanding officer. Perhaps the energies have been tampered with once again and he has returned to us in our time of need- a time when we need War to bring about change. A time when the beings of Magesta need to be tempered with blood and battle and come through the Forges of War stronger and more resilient. The strength of War has given rise to a strength of character that has been lacking and is sorely needed. We may not be able to understand fully the nature of this merger of Incarnations, but it is my hope that we will embrace it and use it to better and strengthen ourselves. Nowhere is the glory of a person’s character as well-defined as on the battlefield.

Hyurog's war

The Dawn of Victory is upon us! Make yourselves ready. And Praise Hyurog!

~Garraunt Warsson

Agent of War

Devoter of the South Farthings