What I Saw that Day

First letter of Hadrianus to the Thalassans

Yesterday I witnessed something I cannot truly explain to myself, but for you, the followers of Sidonius and the believers in a new Empire, I will try.

The Aderan army’s vanguard had landed and taken much of the town – only at the citadel did the resistance continue. As I learned today, nearly half of the librarians fought and died, body over body, to defend Sidonius’ legacy. From my vantage point on one of the former barrier islands, all seemed lost. The greater enemy fleet was closing and over a hundred small landing boats were on their way.

Out of the corner of my eye, I espyed a titanic battle. Aria Sidonia was fighting, and losing a battle with an Aderan sorcerer. She who had refused her ancestry’s call, now years later fought for its legacy. It was a wonder to behold her fight, her magic, her will. But alas, she could not hold. She was thrown down by the evil mage and tortured by his magical energy. We rushed to her aid, but were driven back by the walls of force emanating from the sorcerer and his kin.

When half of us died in the onslaught, Aria rose up once more and threw the magician down upon the rocks. She looked younger, resilient, radiant. Seeing the imminent destruction of everything she now realized was dear to her, she wept. She raised up her arms and the land rose. The barrier islands became a shield wall or aegis and the sea retreated back miles into the Azure taking the ships and boats with them. She then called for the ocean and a wave a hundred feet high came crashing back upon the aegis crushing all the enemy fleet and drowning the enemy. All of them. I am both thankful and humbled at her sacrifice. When all was done, Aria was spent. She was aged beyond reason and disappeared into dust. Aarith gave her the power to save us. We must remember.

Lucas Hadrianus, son of Dio Hadrianus of the First Hundred.

 

Why Aarith Matters

Second letter of Aetherius to the Aderans,

May the light of Aarith guide you! I bring good news. Your days of persecution are almost at an end. The death of our leader, the scion of Sidonius, at the hands of the king’s fleet and the wicked sorcerer Erabulus, was not in vain. Together we grieve at the deaths of so many of Adera’s sons at the Aegis, but those who survived witnessed a miracle not seen since the eldest of days. While Aria is gone, her sacrifice, like that of Johanna of the Nail or others who have gone before in the cause of good, has inspired others. You surviving sons will tell the tale, and together we will grieve at the loss of so many and celebrate the greater knowledge that your people will gain. The wisdom of Aarith is without equal, and it is free for all. Continue reading “Why Aarith Matters”

The Slave Situation

Elemix wanted the Dwarf to pay for what he had done to those slaves. He didn’t know how exactly, but he knew the Dwarf had to pay. 

When the rescued slave had fallen asleep, Elemix looked at each of his comrades in turn and said in a soft but serious voice, “Look, I am not saying we can rid this realm of slavery, but we can do something to help these particular slaves. We can also do something to ensure that evil sack of skin Dwarf out there pays for his brutality.”  Continue reading “The Slave Situation”

Sessions 17 & 18

Overview

(Nov 19th – Dec 28th, 447)

The party finished up their last days in Portreaux where Giselle had delivered Elemix to join them. After attending several social events, the party left for an inn “The Squirrel” where they took up their aliases. From there they took ship without incident aboard the Dawnstar and arrived a week later at Adera.

In Adera they went to the mercenaries guild and hired Ricimer, a half-Carian shieldman. Sister Typhon consulted with the Temple of Aarith in the city about her vision from St. Aria. River and Em got into their roles with enthusiasm, while Elemix kept things subdued as ‘Bob’. They heard rumor of refugees coming from the south east, possibly from Malith. Continue reading “Sessions 17 & 18”

Emmeline’s Log: Session 17

Written in her massive, magical Tome, Emmeline has kept a travel log for some time. The following is an excerpt from recent experiences.

I had an excellent conversation with Ma Mare, Contessa Adela, in which she informed me a great deal of my Baron’s personal history and situation.

I also found out that I am too lowborn to marry him. However, once the Contessa marries Count Robert, she intends to ask him to recognize me as Adela’s daughter. This would elevate me to Lady and make me a viable option for wife. Continue reading “Emmeline’s Log: Session 17”

The Derrien Conclave of 447 (Part 5 – Conclusion)

Magus Elemix approached Magus Skona when an opportunity presented itself. “Magus Skona, would you be free to chat for a few minutes?”

“A few,” the gruff dwarf said. “What do you need?”

“Magus Titus recommended I speak to you about the possibility of transcribing a spell. I was hoping you might have the spell known as disguise self? It should hopefully help to mask my appearance and make it somewhat more difficult for people to track me on my upcoming expedition.” Continue reading “The Derrien Conclave of 447 (Part 5 – Conclusion)”

Family Matters

Emmeline finished applying a faint dusting of makeup with a fine hair brush to her cheeks and sat back to study her reflection in the small, polished mirror. The room in which she sat seemed very plush to her. The Baron’s castle was a much more matter-of-fact residence, since it was built first for defense and secondarily as the Baron’s home, yet she thought it quite comfortable in comparison to the cheap, rough inn rooms she had far more often stayed because she could get one for free in exchange for a performance. In comparison, the room here, with it’s wall hangings, thick rugs and very soft bed, was luxurious. Continue reading “Family Matters”