A New Publication Sweeps the Keep!
Moderators: DM_eaze, Luceran, DM_Jaydaan, ST_DM_Myle, dm_xeen1, DM Nexus, DM_TrainWrek, Carpe_DM1, DM_Unicorn, DM_Griphon, DM_Shadowlands, dm_zane, DM_Centaur, DM_Mystic, DM Rendyll, DM_Avalon
A New Publication Sweeps the Keep!
A new publication, “Political Powers and their Influences in the Keepâ€
ZOMFGOMBIES!
Chapter 2: Blackstone Hunters – The Few, the Proud
“… having a long history of bloody conflict and ruthless violence, these warriors have seen decades of battle. Their longtime leader, Lady Raven, though aged and somewhat sunken back from her years of warfare, has demonstrated all sorts of diplomatic and tactical strategies during her reign of righteous slaughter.
Among one of these strategies is the open-door policy the Hunters have adopted over the years. In their ranks they have several vampires and demon-kin. Rumors have spread that even Lady Raven has had varying relationships with many of them, some of them being in her extended family.
Their ruthless approach to dealing with their enemies is unmatched. What they may have in questionable comrades in arms, they make up in raw strength. During War and Strife, the Hunters have always been there to crush the opposition with the help from some unspoken alliances with guild neighbors. During peace time, some of the Hunters become understandably belligerent, seeking out trouble where none really exists. General Goodman is said to have been killed in such a manner, picking a fight with demon-kin from another plane when he should have been working with the Keep’s guards to upgrade local security.
What does this say to the commoners of the Keep? Can the Hunters, whom have lashed out at shadows and shades in the Dark Forest, really keep them safe when demons and undead have been known to populate their ranks? What happens to battle-hardened soldiers once they’ve defeated their enemies? Could they possibly turn on the people they once swore to protect? Perhaps the Dark Forest’s old magics have finally corrupted the Hunters…â€
“… having a long history of bloody conflict and ruthless violence, these warriors have seen decades of battle. Their longtime leader, Lady Raven, though aged and somewhat sunken back from her years of warfare, has demonstrated all sorts of diplomatic and tactical strategies during her reign of righteous slaughter.
Among one of these strategies is the open-door policy the Hunters have adopted over the years. In their ranks they have several vampires and demon-kin. Rumors have spread that even Lady Raven has had varying relationships with many of them, some of them being in her extended family.
Their ruthless approach to dealing with their enemies is unmatched. What they may have in questionable comrades in arms, they make up in raw strength. During War and Strife, the Hunters have always been there to crush the opposition with the help from some unspoken alliances with guild neighbors. During peace time, some of the Hunters become understandably belligerent, seeking out trouble where none really exists. General Goodman is said to have been killed in such a manner, picking a fight with demon-kin from another plane when he should have been working with the Keep’s guards to upgrade local security.
What does this say to the commoners of the Keep? Can the Hunters, whom have lashed out at shadows and shades in the Dark Forest, really keep them safe when demons and undead have been known to populate their ranks? What happens to battle-hardened soldiers once they’ve defeated their enemies? Could they possibly turn on the people they once swore to protect? Perhaps the Dark Forest’s old magics have finally corrupted the Hunters…â€
ZOMFGOMBIES!
Chapter 3: The Starkson – War Mongers to Isolationists
“The noble Starkson, a place of rich culture and epic legends, used to be a militia dedicated to the protection of those not able to defend themselves. Local history books may not say much on the happenings of the past, as it seems that the once written text books do not exist anymore. The best way to secure knowledge of the past concerning this colossal political power is to question people with first hand knowledge of the Starkson itself.
The ways of the past have been shed for a brighter tomorrow. The newest administration of the Starkson has made promises that things will be different from the gilded policies of the old administration. Lady Starkson herself, Chi’fawn, made a comment on the general policies of the old administration:
‘[They often made] convenient alliances that result in inconvenient wars!’
It is too true, that the old Starkson often found itself in conflicts outside and inside its walls. The warring with petty criminals on the streets to the senseless slaughtering of extra-planar beings are just examples of happenings in the past. Often the old Starksonites would rise up in arms against even the gods themselves over petty differences in policies.
How will the new administration break from this dark pattern? They have completely shed the past, using what little history text they actually possess, and look to making a reincarnated Starkson nation.
Lady Chi’fawn, whom was interesting enough first brought to the Starkson by a performing bear, has promised that there will be schools and family centers developed for the many citizens of the island. The nobles of the Isle appear to live in luxurious towers and benefit from the high walls and locked doors of their private keep. The Lady was notably vague on how the new Starkson will continue to provide the basic necessities to the overwhelming numbers of citizens they hope to acquire.
In addition to her plans to make the Starkson into a family center, Lady Chi’fawn strongly stated that she will use all her diplomatic prowess to avoid open conflict with any organization that does not pose a threat to her interests and the advancement of Starksonite development. Truly the prying war mongers have been transmuted into isolationists over the last few decades.
How do the common people respond to the new administration of the Starkson, and their change in policies? It appears that public eye does not view the Starkson in as high regard as Lady Chi’fawn regards her own nation-state.
In recent events, a strange Jackal creature has been terrorizing the local population in the Keep. Several eye witnesses spotted Lady Chi’fawn herself at the scene of the slaughter; however she was quickly leaving the scene after assessing the situation. Several people were injured in the attack, and it is said that even a selfless Vorite Paladin was mortally wounded trying to protect several defenseless citizens. One concerned eye witness said these strong words:
‘Sovereign is a coward, to say the least.’
The Merchants’ Consortium is especially concerned with the Starksonite moves. Those in membership are some of the most experienced professional merchants known to exist, and are convinced that the irrational move to close their doors to political realms will cripple businesses around the Keep. In times of War, it was the Starksonites who would buy from merchants in bulk, and in times of peace they would continuously make purchases to ensure peace was upheld. With the new Starksonite policies, purchases and business transactions will be at an all time low.
One member of the Consortium commented on the new policies:
‘It is a waste of valuable tax coin to maintain an entire castle that does not benefit the mainland public, much less waste time and coin on building an entirely new castle. There needs to be a regime change, so to speak.’…â€
“The noble Starkson, a place of rich culture and epic legends, used to be a militia dedicated to the protection of those not able to defend themselves. Local history books may not say much on the happenings of the past, as it seems that the once written text books do not exist anymore. The best way to secure knowledge of the past concerning this colossal political power is to question people with first hand knowledge of the Starkson itself.
The ways of the past have been shed for a brighter tomorrow. The newest administration of the Starkson has made promises that things will be different from the gilded policies of the old administration. Lady Starkson herself, Chi’fawn, made a comment on the general policies of the old administration:
‘[They often made] convenient alliances that result in inconvenient wars!’
It is too true, that the old Starkson often found itself in conflicts outside and inside its walls. The warring with petty criminals on the streets to the senseless slaughtering of extra-planar beings are just examples of happenings in the past. Often the old Starksonites would rise up in arms against even the gods themselves over petty differences in policies.
How will the new administration break from this dark pattern? They have completely shed the past, using what little history text they actually possess, and look to making a reincarnated Starkson nation.
Lady Chi’fawn, whom was interesting enough first brought to the Starkson by a performing bear, has promised that there will be schools and family centers developed for the many citizens of the island. The nobles of the Isle appear to live in luxurious towers and benefit from the high walls and locked doors of their private keep. The Lady was notably vague on how the new Starkson will continue to provide the basic necessities to the overwhelming numbers of citizens they hope to acquire.
In addition to her plans to make the Starkson into a family center, Lady Chi’fawn strongly stated that she will use all her diplomatic prowess to avoid open conflict with any organization that does not pose a threat to her interests and the advancement of Starksonite development. Truly the prying war mongers have been transmuted into isolationists over the last few decades.
How do the common people respond to the new administration of the Starkson, and their change in policies? It appears that public eye does not view the Starkson in as high regard as Lady Chi’fawn regards her own nation-state.
In recent events, a strange Jackal creature has been terrorizing the local population in the Keep. Several eye witnesses spotted Lady Chi’fawn herself at the scene of the slaughter; however she was quickly leaving the scene after assessing the situation. Several people were injured in the attack, and it is said that even a selfless Vorite Paladin was mortally wounded trying to protect several defenseless citizens. One concerned eye witness said these strong words:
‘Sovereign is a coward, to say the least.’
The Merchants’ Consortium is especially concerned with the Starksonite moves. Those in membership are some of the most experienced professional merchants known to exist, and are convinced that the irrational move to close their doors to political realms will cripple businesses around the Keep. In times of War, it was the Starksonites who would buy from merchants in bulk, and in times of peace they would continuously make purchases to ensure peace was upheld. With the new Starksonite policies, purchases and business transactions will be at an all time low.
One member of the Consortium commented on the new policies:
‘It is a waste of valuable tax coin to maintain an entire castle that does not benefit the mainland public, much less waste time and coin on building an entirely new castle. There needs to be a regime change, so to speak.’…â€
ZOMFGOMBIES!
Chapter 4: Religious Super-Powers turned to Petty Cults
“…Over centuries it has become evident that the struggle between Good and Evil shall never fade. However, the struggle between the fleshy mortal representatives of these Universal powers does fade away, and has been steadily declining for several decades. Gods wage war with one another through the mortal plane, but of late, there have been very few who have taken up the divine calling.
Vorites have hung up their shields to live fat happy lives off their righteous crusades. The deaths of hundreds rest on their healthy and clear conscious as they retire from a life of civic duty to a life of self-serving. Kazrites have become all but extinct because of the constant civil war and inner strife. With many of the mighty Kazrite warlords brooding in their own life-long failures, no one is even around to boast of their few victories. Lians proclaim Balance has finally been reached, however the stagnant and unchanging stench of hypocrites chokes the very essence of the Keep away. Eonites seem to be the most devoted religious sect, having become as indifferent and uncaring as their patron god.
In the past, several organizations have tried to rally together in order to create guilds with political influence that serve to group people of common Faith. Whether it was the Army of Darkness, the Eonite Order of Old, the Shining Hand, the Starksons, or the Hunters, all of the religious organizations have waned in power. Once sacred Dogma of the Gods has been forgotten, and even the most humble of divine servants have been transformed by corruption and selfishness. Worse yet even when these organizations fall to corruption and selfishness, characteristics of the Dark One, they are far from devout Kazrites. To think that once upon a time the Keep’s people fought the Ancients themselves to save their most sacred gods.
Now the Faithless Masses try to live out the rest of their small existences, either too ignorant or too lazy to follow one of the divine Gods. What does this mean for the Keep? Have religious views fallen so far to the wayside that the only religious figures include rich nobles who desire a favorable public appearance? When did the price of so much spilled blood mean nothing to the guilds of the Keep? The real question remains: where are your gods now? ...â€
“…Over centuries it has become evident that the struggle between Good and Evil shall never fade. However, the struggle between the fleshy mortal representatives of these Universal powers does fade away, and has been steadily declining for several decades. Gods wage war with one another through the mortal plane, but of late, there have been very few who have taken up the divine calling.
Vorites have hung up their shields to live fat happy lives off their righteous crusades. The deaths of hundreds rest on their healthy and clear conscious as they retire from a life of civic duty to a life of self-serving. Kazrites have become all but extinct because of the constant civil war and inner strife. With many of the mighty Kazrite warlords brooding in their own life-long failures, no one is even around to boast of their few victories. Lians proclaim Balance has finally been reached, however the stagnant and unchanging stench of hypocrites chokes the very essence of the Keep away. Eonites seem to be the most devoted religious sect, having become as indifferent and uncaring as their patron god.
In the past, several organizations have tried to rally together in order to create guilds with political influence that serve to group people of common Faith. Whether it was the Army of Darkness, the Eonite Order of Old, the Shining Hand, the Starksons, or the Hunters, all of the religious organizations have waned in power. Once sacred Dogma of the Gods has been forgotten, and even the most humble of divine servants have been transformed by corruption and selfishness. Worse yet even when these organizations fall to corruption and selfishness, characteristics of the Dark One, they are far from devout Kazrites. To think that once upon a time the Keep’s people fought the Ancients themselves to save their most sacred gods.
Now the Faithless Masses try to live out the rest of their small existences, either too ignorant or too lazy to follow one of the divine Gods. What does this mean for the Keep? Have religious views fallen so far to the wayside that the only religious figures include rich nobles who desire a favorable public appearance? When did the price of so much spilled blood mean nothing to the guilds of the Keep? The real question remains: where are your gods now? ...â€
ZOMFGOMBIES!
Chapter 5: Magic - The Rise and Fall of Arcane & Divine Studies
“… Knowledge is Power.
Faith can move mountains.
Both are coin phrases used to enrich shallow conversation between devoted clerics and sagely wizards. The development of Magic has steadily declined over the last several decades, both in the Arcane and Divine schools.
For example, the Order of the White Rose and Order of the Platinum Rose were once dedicated orders which had members devoted to spreading Faith and Prayer among all its influenced participants. All the time and effort spent training young clerics and priests the ways of the gods have been in vain, for those two organizations are now in the afterlife, by natural causes.
The Arcane Order, a loosely bound group of sorcerers and wizards, sought to collect and horde all the knowledge of Magic that they could possibly obtain. Volumes and volumes of ancient lore and forgotten culture have been collected and archived by this group; however now those mages have grown old, feeble, and have mostly completely vanished. Knowledge is Power, but that power is now lost with the fallen group. Their Archmagi, seemingly immortal, have not been seen for what seems to be eons.
All the organizations involved with the ‘professional’ training of priests or mages have been accused of very dark crimes. The White Rose often has been slandered in public for its dealings with assassins, crooks, and hoodlums. The Arcane Order has been reported to commune with demons, devils, and dark gods. Both have often been reported to cause more trouble than help.
Will the public tolerate uncontrolled, unmonitored ego-maniacs like this in the future? One can hope not, however these elusive cults of witches, warlocks, and shady priests have been able to slip through the grasp of the law time and time again. The possibility of political scandal is rising, however many fear to confront the Mayor about such accusations..."
“… Knowledge is Power.
Faith can move mountains.
Both are coin phrases used to enrich shallow conversation between devoted clerics and sagely wizards. The development of Magic has steadily declined over the last several decades, both in the Arcane and Divine schools.
For example, the Order of the White Rose and Order of the Platinum Rose were once dedicated orders which had members devoted to spreading Faith and Prayer among all its influenced participants. All the time and effort spent training young clerics and priests the ways of the gods have been in vain, for those two organizations are now in the afterlife, by natural causes.
The Arcane Order, a loosely bound group of sorcerers and wizards, sought to collect and horde all the knowledge of Magic that they could possibly obtain. Volumes and volumes of ancient lore and forgotten culture have been collected and archived by this group; however now those mages have grown old, feeble, and have mostly completely vanished. Knowledge is Power, but that power is now lost with the fallen group. Their Archmagi, seemingly immortal, have not been seen for what seems to be eons.
All the organizations involved with the ‘professional’ training of priests or mages have been accused of very dark crimes. The White Rose often has been slandered in public for its dealings with assassins, crooks, and hoodlums. The Arcane Order has been reported to commune with demons, devils, and dark gods. Both have often been reported to cause more trouble than help.
Will the public tolerate uncontrolled, unmonitored ego-maniacs like this in the future? One can hope not, however these elusive cults of witches, warlocks, and shady priests have been able to slip through the grasp of the law time and time again. The possibility of political scandal is rising, however many fear to confront the Mayor about such accusations..."
ZOMFGOMBIES!
-
ValentianNizzle
- Duke
- Posts: 1333
- Joined: Tue Jul 04, 2006 6:55 pm
Sitting in his home, enjoying a rather large glass of cognac, Ahmad Cairn sits by the warm fire, counting the days earnings as well as the total of forge stones gathered for the day. Without notice, a Drow messenger appears beside him with a book, entitled “Political Powers and their Influences in the Keepâ€