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Downtime Journal #1

After the last forum ended, I found myself in a unique position to connect with many different people and organizations. But the first thing I did was talk through my suspicions with Saoirse. That’s when I realized that perhaps what I had witnessed regarding Marius the Masseuse was a malefica poisoning. If the Shariqyn’s are developing such a tool, they would need to be stopped. I took my concerns first to Father Renatus, then to the Mother Superior. They told me that it was more likely a drug or a poison of some kind, and not the malefica I was concerned it might be. Unfortunately, Mother Superior asked about my fiance, and asked why I hadn’t been baptized yet. Although I deflected the questions as best as I could, I’m sure she’ll have her eyes on me in the future. But my fears of malefic were allayed somewhat, though I was disappointed that nothing came of it, so I stepped back and got to work with my other projects.

Lady Gale had asked if I could be of assistance with the newsletter and I thought it might be a chance to become better connected with the woman whose cousin I worked for in the past. I was given the assignment to seek out each of the newcomers to Stragosa and learn what I could about them for the newsletter. I also managed to summarize the events of the forum for her. I found Saoirse again and asked her to decide how much of her background to share. When we had that figured out, I found Daciana and asked her as well. Hekte, unfortunately, was harder to find. Though I managed to write several letters back and forth between us. Khala and Father Gideon were definitely more complicated. I couldn’t speak to Khala, but I had overheard that she was fleeing an arranged marriage in Sha’ra. I figured they didn’t need to ultimately know that, so I wrote instead that she was seeking personal freedom, which is just as true, if less accurate. Father Gideon was hard to catch. I eventually managed to do so, but it was a long time coming.

After I had completed my task, I sent a letter to Leandro Nicostratus, a friend of mine from home. Of any of my friends, he would know Marius the Masseuse. I wish I had some contacts within the Mage Circles, that would’ve been useful in this circumstance. I hope he can uncover what Alonzo is looking for. Speaking of Alonzo, I heard that he was going to try and get involved with the new monster school that Korvath is trying to start. I asked a bit into his motivations and found out that he might have malefic parts to sell. Saoirse might be interested, so I let slip that I knew an apothecary that could probably use the business, though I didn’t give him any names. Besides that, I thought it might be of interest of him to keep extra copies of the malefic lore books. The Magi and the Shariqyn’s may be interested in getting their hands on copies. And although I hope I can help the Magi, possibly earn their trust, I am concerned about what might happen if the Shariqyn’s do.

Conversation with Alonzo finished, at least for the moment, I turned my thoughts back to making connections here. I reached out to Alegra and, after trading a bit of information to earn her trust, arranged something with her regarding Vieve and herself. Luckily, Saoirse’s got my back already. Alegra promised to get me the rumors I was looking for in exchange for mutual sharing. I promised to share relevant rumors with them and I intend to secure some protection for the tavern as well.

A very productive time for me.

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A letter to Mother Elizabeth Daunce of the Lurihim

Dearest Cousin,

I pray that this letter finds you well. I have now been in Stragosa for nearly a year and a half, and I must admit that though I am getting settled there are still things which constantly surprise me. I have been made a District Magistrate, which is an exciting new responsibility, and have been responsible for hosting a number of important city events, so it seems that uses for my skills do exist here. Stragosa is a place unlike any other that I have ever experienced, or even heard of. There is great potential here, great possibilities for the combined skills and strengthens of mankind’s nations to create something unique, something that truly befits the Throne of God on Earth. But there is also much to do to make that possible, for, while Stragosa may hold a diversity of people and possibilities, it also holds a mind-boggling array of difficulties. There seems to be a dearth of peasants willing to work the land, likely in part due to the sheer number of malefic in and around the city, not to mention the mass of Kuarlites that remain in the valley. There are efforts to mount a great campaign to eliminate the heretics, but as every Rogalian knows, armies do not march on empty stomachs-and of course, much of the potential farmland in the valley goes unworked for a lack of knowledgeable farmers. And so it goes. It seems that, like a tangled ball of yarn, pulling one string to free it only tightens other knots. I can only pray that being here in my youth shall make me a stronger ruler in my own right someday-at the very least, I suppose, I will have experience facing some rather challenging issues.

It’s not as though things are terrible here, though. I have made friends among the representatives of a handful of Rogalian houses, and am working to form alliances, or at least individual friendships, with members of houses from elsewhere in the Throne. Naturally, much of the rulership here is Gothic. I sometimes wonder if they don’t quite know what to make of me-it seems that even in my most serious and somber moments I am far more emotive than they. At the very least, I feel I am developing a good working relationship with them, and am hopefully proving my worth through my efforts. Alas, the one thing this valley seems to lack is men of high birth looking for a marriage match, so I suppose I shall continue waiting for father to find the correct match for me. I will confess to a bit of jealousy watching the various little romances and courtships blossom around me, but perhaps that simply isn’t within what God has planned for me.

Pray for me, cousin, that I may find wisdom to make good and godly decisions in this endlessly complicated place, and pray for the whole of the Stragosa valley, that we may weather the upcoming challenges of the winter. As always, you are in my prayers.

May God watch over us all,

Alexandra

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Laborers and gatherers wanted

Lady Alexandria Vosslyn is looking for able bodied citizens with or without skill in gathering to assist her on her lands this end of the fall season and likely into winter. Compensation will be discussed based on skills or labor being contributed. For more information, please contact Lady Vosslyn at the Willowbrook estate.

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The Curtain Drops

The Black Pistol Inn, Maestro’s Quarters, Midnight.

Maestro Bastione sits at an elaborately carved roll top desk. He drops his quill into the near empty ink well and peers over the gold and black ink of the handwritten song before him.

With tired arms he reaches for his best guitar and sets it gingerly in his lap. He tunes the instrument to perfection and strums a chord that rings throughout the room, beautiful and clear. He repeats it again, sips a dark drink and ponders his creation.

His thoughts are interrupted by a knock at the door.

“Comme dans.”

A shabbily dressed Capacionne man enters the room holding a book and quill.

“Are you ready to make your decision, Maestro?”

“I am, Theodore. My thanks for making the trip so late.”

“It’s unusual, but your affairs sounded important.”

“They are indeed. Are you ready to begin?”

“At your word, Monsieur.”

“I would like you to write up the papers for my new Taverness, Daciana. I have discussed a hiring bonus for her which will be included with your fees. She is to be given full control of the day to day of the Black Pistol Inn. I shall remain it’s owner, but in all other ways I want her wishes made writ.”

“Very good, monsieur.”

“I want you to arrange travel for me for the dates in this letter.”

Bastione hands the man an itinerary.

“I will go by my own horse but will need lodging at those stops.”

Theodore looks over the dates and times. “Good, several months to sort your affairs in Stragosa. Will you be scheduling a return before leaving?”

“I will. My affairs have been in limbo long enough and I must set a few wrongs right. Then I can return, and things can return to normal.”

“My word it will be done as you say.”

“In case anything should happen to me on the road, I want you to arrange for my small fortunes to be paid upon my death, but I worry very little.”

“Better safe than sorry, I always say.”

“Truer words. I have written my will and testament here. I charge you to keep it in good safety.” Lastly, you must send word to my wife that she may not find me in Stragosa should she come. I will send word on my return that things are safe here.”

“Tis a personal concern but you two are separated. Why should she come?”

“Just take my orders, monsieur. I will attend the next forum unless something comes up but I ask you let my friends know I will return in a handful of forums.”

“Very good. And your apprentice?”

“Lev is to remain here and train, both he and Daciana are given free room and board. That completes my wishes as of now.”

Theodore makes a quick set of notes before collecting the various papers.

“I’ve a room setup ready for your, Theodore. No need to ride out tonight.”

“My thanks. The air as a shrill chill that cuts to my old bones.”

“The next forum shall be worse I have no doubt.”

“Likely. Good night, Maestro Bastione.”

“Good night.”

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Harvests

“Lift up your hearts Benalus’ friends…”

Alonzo is humming. Putting on clothes he thinks would be good for gathering in food. He’s seen it done, he supposes. He is pulling on a muslin shirt.

“Sarah, where is my hat?” he shouts in Hestron. “Which one?” she yells back in Shariq’a. “The one that looks like a farmer hat.”

Baruk laughs at his desk while Mel and Jin practice a song in the kitchen. “…to taste the joy, the joy the White Lion sends…”

“Father,” remarks Baruk, still snickering. “You look so dashing. What if there’s not enough dirt to go around?”

“Well, boy, I’ll just have to go harvest some songs, I suppose. Are you coming with me? Might do you some good to get your hands in the ground.”

“Wait? Really?” Baruk raises his hands covered in ink splotches. “Instead of… sums? I’ll get my cloak!”

And so they go, laughing into the morning. A moment of light in a world so often dark.

Sarah gathers Mel and Jin and locks the residence behind her, making sure that everything is in order before boarding the carriage to the fields of Stragosa.

“…when I was a little girl, I asked my mother what will I be…”

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The Soul and Its Burdens

Blessings Unto Our Lord Benalus Who Protects Us All,

Brethren, it has been commanded to me by the Seventeenth Preceptor of The Tower to write down these words. May Durna strike at the hands of any who would steal this book. May Manach’s doors be ever closed.

It is said that the soul has many parts and that those parts can be seen in every part of life, from the smallest of vermin unto the greatest of Kings. Gratus of Merlanda said it thus: “The animal knows its own life – vir, it knows its needs – apetite, it knows its options – instinct.”

From Gratus we can see that the next step is the Common Man – The common man has all of the attributes of an animal, but those attributes have grown into the Human Qualities.

Vir remains although some amongst the benighted call it Corpus or Flesh. We contend that that is an insufficient category to describe the entirety of the lifeforce that is the physical body and so we will continue to use the ancient Vir to describe what we are attempting to explain.

Appetite grows to the Human Quality of – Meaning. The Human has more than just the essential appetites required for survival. Meaning encompasses all of the things that make a Human live in an appropriate way. While everyone must eat food and drink water, Meaning is unique for each Human. Thus we see the vast multitude of ways to live in our Blessed Kingdom.

From Instinct grows the Human Quality of – Act. Knowing one’s options and strategies to survive grows into the ability to plan and think into the future. The Holy Towers of Menach, may his Name rise up forever, cannot be built on instinct alone, no matter what that fool Ablatius thinks. To Act is to secure one’s Meaning. When these two Human Qualities interact all things can be accomplished.

Now we turn to the Difficulties of the Burdened.

Those amongst us who are born to Rule and to Teach can at times find themselves Burdened by a surfeit of these Human Qualities that can, if not dealt with carefully, become Consuming.

The Hero’s Vir can become Wyrd if they sacrifice the Vir to accomplish the tasks set before them. The Meaning can become sacrificed to the Purpose of the task set before them. The Act can become Judgement when the needs of all must be placated over the needs of the Hero. Hark well, those who would take upon them the Burdens of State – the sacrifices are Great and the suffering is Deep.

This is why we must Honor but also Watch those who would take on the Burden for the benefit of us all. Do not take on the Burden unless you are called to it, for it will burn you to Nothing in time.

Glory and Honor to Our Protector King Benalus on this First Year of His Reign
Glory and Honor to Dread Manach, May His Name Conquer Every Sky
Glory and Honor to Tower 5, May We Grow Forever

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Organizing the Harvest

Sent by crier into the fields:

“Sir Emeric Sanguine requests the brief attention of all farmers intent on harvesting over the next six weeks.

As the Lord of Reaping festival and it’s great success was unknown to me, we have not sown as much as we might have throughout the year

However, there is still a great deal of work to be done to feed Stragosa. The construction of Farming Villages and staffing of our food-producing buildings is of great importance.

If you would like me to help direct you, please reach out. I would love to be of service.”

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Declaration of Triumph

A notice is posted at major notice boards and criers are set out to spread the declaration:

Upon my word, I, Sir Renatus of the Most Vigilant Order of Templars, do swear to journey to the front lines, to Blood Field province (Province 83) and bury the soldiers slain by the forces of the Triumvirate, to give them peace, and so prevent their souls from rising as maelific. This deed shall be completed by the conclusion of the season of Autumn and the onset of Winter.

Deus Vult!

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Monsters: Hunters, Educators & Researchers Wanted

With the recent deaths during Hexxennacht, many citizens of Stragosa have become aware of the need to locate, research, fight, and resolve the various “monsters” in our city. Citizens have come to me with proposals to start libraries of knowledge on these topics, to assist with the Nuranihim maintainance of bestiaries, to become Nuranihim, or to start public classes on how to handle oneself in the face of the inhuman. Together, we will implement all of these ideas and policies to make Stragosa safer, and save the souls that are currently lost. If you have interest in these matters, but have not yet reached out to me, please contact me in person or by letter.

Sir Ansel Silvanus Rundelhaus
Knight Protector of the Ever Vigilant Order of Templars
Nightwarden of Stragosa

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Letter to Lady Alexandria Vosslyn

Dear Lady Alexandria,

It is with a sorrowful heart that I write to you.  No doubt your brother and other members of the Frateris Sanguine have told you of your father’s orders to shun you.  I do not fully understand the implications of you forging your own house, but rather than pride at your success it seems your father has been deeply wounded and feels betrayed.

I have vowed to honor your father’s wishes, and, as you know, I am a man of my word.  This does not mean I have given up on our connection as sworn companions, merely that we have been called upon to lay it aside for a time.  I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive your father his anger, and seek reconciliation with him.  Likewise, for my part, I will offer him council toward forgiveness and reconciliation when he is ready to hear it.

Graf Trakt has made an exception to his request to cease all collaboration for me to fulfill my spiritual duties.  That means should you wish to discuss matters of faith, the burdens you carry as a noblewoman, or the disposition of your soul, I remain at your service.  Likewise, when it comes to all things pertaining to the Malefic, I am free to seek you out.  We can continue to discuss your dreams, and so forth.

Sincerely,

Sir Ansel Rundelhaus, Knight Protector, Ever Vigilant Order of Templars