Endor Posts 25 - 46

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12a8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <B> </B></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#336666" FACE="Arial" ><B>Missiledine's Archives</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Missiledines Archives"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id44.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Endor Haskil"><U>Endor Haskil</U></A>   |   <B>Endor Posts 25 - 46</B>   |   <A HREF="id183.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Endor Posts 47 70"><U>Endor Posts 47 - 70</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Missiledines Archives"><U><B>Archive Directory</B></U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>Endor Posts 25 - 46</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#25</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Arriving at the Count’s tower, (It is more then a house but less then a true castle) </div> <div> you are surprised at the thong that is present. Any thought of a private dinner with you, the Abbot, the Count, his Lady and the Baron is right out the window.  This is more in the nature of a state dinner.  All the nobles, merchants and otherwise important people of the town are present. Everyone is decked out in their finest clothes and seem to be on their best behavior.</div> <div> There are many outside waiting admittence, the Count’s guards are handling crowd control. The Abbot, and you, are immediately admitted with a bow and welcome by one of the Count’s stewards.  </div> <div> Making your way into the Great Hall you see that it is jammed with tables and benches and crowded with people standing and talking, sitting and talking or just milling about.  The Abbot will lead the way across the room. Progress is slow mostly because everyone wants to greet him or speak to him or in someway be recognized by him.  The Abbot is very patient about it all and never seems to be at a loss for a name. You are introduced to so many people your head is spinning!</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#25 </div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Endor will be using all his Savoire Faire skills to the max!</div> <div> He will also endevour to try and keep names and faces straight, especially those with any rank or title attached, or those that the Abbot seems particularly interested in.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#26 </div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> At last you reach the front of the room. There is a raised dias with a long table for the most senior guests.  Another steward comes forward to greet the Abbot and show him to his seat at the high table.  The Abbot lays a hand on the man’s arm and stops him.  “Erbil, this is Father Endor. He is here as my guest and is to meet with the Count and Baron Luden later. Please find a good seat for him that will be nearby  lest I need him.”</div> <div> Erbil bows slighty to you, “It is a pleasure Father. If you will wait here I will seat you after I attend to the good Abbot.”</div> <div> He leads the Abbot up onto the platform and seats him quite close to the center. He then returns for you. “If you will follow me, please.”</div> <div> Erbil will lead you to the second row of tables and a small bench. He waves down a servant and tells him to get you what ever you wish and “see that the Father lacks for nothing.”  </div> <div> After the servant departs with your order (drink) Erbil says, gesturing to the now empty seats, “You will be seated , to your left, next to Balin Gornel, one of the Count’s most senior Rangers. To your right is Lucan Nai,  one of the Count’s administrative officers.” He smiles, “I will try to return to make formal introductions, but as you can see,” He waves his hand about. “All is chaos!”</div> <div> Once you are seated he will depart to tend to his duties.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#26 </div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Endor will go where lead, politely acknoweledging the Steward’s introduction. When the servant arrives Endor will ask for wine.</div> <div> “Thank you Erbil,” Endor says after being told about his neighbors. “Don’t worry about coming back, I will manage.”</div> <div> When he leaves Endor will take some time to study the people present and the room, while keeping an eye on the Abbot.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#27 </div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Your wine arrives and you have a few moments to look around.  </div> <div> The hall is two stories high and their are second floor balconies overlooking the room. Some of these are occupied with people either watching the crowd below or calling down to people they see.  The walls and ceilings are whitewashed and adorned with tapestries and murals of scenes from history and myth. There are a number of skylights in the ceiling which allow you to see the still light sky.  There are four big chandeliers hanging in the hall, you realise that they are enchanted with light spells so the room will be well lit without and flickering or smoke.</div> <div> The crowd is made up of both men and women, dressed in their best tunics, doublets and gowns.  Everyone seems pleased with themselves and there are no discordant notes to be seen.</div> <div> After several minutes there comes a loud ‘Thump’  ‘Thump’ ‘Thump’ from up front. The chatter dies down and everyone looks. There stands Erbil with an ornate staff that he is thumping on the platform to garner attention.  When everyone is looking he says, “My Lords and Ladies, one and all, please be seated.”</div> <div> There is a general movement as everyone seeks out their places.  To your right a fat, balding man in his forties sits down. He is well dressed in rich robes and tooled leather. He looks pleased to see you. He rises again and bows slightly, “Good evening Father, I don’t believe that I have had the pleasure. I am Lucan Nai, An officer of the Count.”</div> <div> From behind you, before you can reply, there is a derisive snort. “Lucan Nai, Tax Collector.”  The speaker is a big burly man in his late thirties.  He wears a plain leather jerkin, and common, though well kept, clothing.</div> <div> Lucan frowns, “I AM an officer of the Count, Balin. It would do you well to remember that.”</div> <div> “Pah! You are the Tax Collector. The most hated man in the County!  You couldn’t walk from one end to the other without collecting a dozen bolts in your back if it weren’t for me and my boys. It would do YOU well to remember THAT!” The big man sits down. To you he says, “I’m Balin Gornel, one of the Count’s Rangers.”</div> <div> Lucan is bristling at Balin’s remark but says nothing.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#27 </div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Endor will carefully supress any humorous response to Balin’s remarks. Instead he will respond politely to both men.  “I am Father Endor Haskill, but newly arrived in town.  It is a pleasure to meet you both.”</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#28</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> A few minutes later, during which the three of you will have a rather awkward conversation in which Lucan studiously ignore Balin, the steward again thumps the boards for silence and attention.  “Lords and Ladies, one and all... The Right Honorable, Count of Lendale, Knight of Velitrium,  Sir Cador Dumain. And Countess, Lady Norleen.”</div> <div> The Count, with Lady Norleen on his arm, enters to applause and bows. They return a slight bow and then are seated..</div> <div> Erbil thumps again, “The Right Honorable Count of Auratus, Knight of Velitrium, Sir Bruban Lysander and his Lady Donica.”  These were seated to Count Dumain’s right. Then another thump, “The Right Honorable Count of Neuss, Knight of Velitrium, Sir Wendal Varrius and his Lady Siglun.” These were seated to Lady Norleen’s left. To their left is the Abbot.  Another thump... “The Right Honorable, Baron of Ebon, Baron Gareth Luden and Lady.....” It goes on for some time in this way, until all the Barons and their Ladies, from Lendal, Neus and Auratus are seated.  After each introduction there is a round of applause and bows.. Finally it is over and the High Table is full.</div> <div> Count Dumain rises and gives another short speech, along the same vein as earlier today. Welcoming one and all, its been a great year, next year will be even better... blah blah....  Eventually he calls on the Abbot for a blessing.  As the Priest rises you hear Balin sigh to himself, “I hope the food doesn’t get too cold.”</div> <div> As you saw today, the Abbot is a bit long winded in his prayers and sermons and this is no exception, but eventually it is over and the food is served.</div> <div> The servants parade out with heaping platters of roast boar, venison, beef, goose and a variety of lesser meats. Each one artisticly prepared for maximum visual impact as well as palatability.  Each course is held aloft for all to see and ooh and ahh over before it is cut down or served up.</div> <div> Naturally the High Table is served first, but being near the front means you do not have long to wait and soon your plate and that of your companions is heaped with a wide variety of meats, vegetables, breads and sweets.  Flagons of beer, ale, mead and wine are set out, along with heaping platters for seconds, thirds etc.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#28</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Endor will listen attentively through all the introductions. Again making mental notes of names and faces, reconfirming those that he saw earlier today.</div> <div> (He will pretend to have not heard Balin’s remark)</div> <div> Endor will enjoy his meal as thoroughly as practicable, but he will be careful not to over indulge in drink. He will take time to try and learn a bit about his dining companions.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#29</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> The meal will go on for quite awhile.  It is easy to draw information out of Lucan. In fact, once he starts you wish he’d shut up!  He has a wife, four children, he likes his work tho everyone naturally resents him. But he is sadly misunderstood, he hates being a bad guy, but collecting taxes is what he does and if he accepted every promise to pay at face value the County would be broke! Blah, blah, blah...</div> <div> Balin is harder to draw out.  You can learn that he is not married. He does what he does because he’s good at it and he thinks the Count a fair man.</div> <div> Lucan will add, in a whisper, that Balin is “a violent, ne’r do well that should be hanged not given a badge!”</div> <bR> <div> Eventualy the platters are removed and deserts are served, cakes, tarts, pies, candied fruits and other goodies.  As you are putting away the last of these, you see that Baron Luden and the Abbot have gotten up and are making their way to a side door on the other side of the hall. Erbil is headed your way with the obvious intent of fetching you.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#29</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Seeing what is happening, Endor will stand up and bid his companions ‘good night’ and thank them for a pleasant meal. He will then follow Erbil to where ever he is expected.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#30</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Balin waves you off with a slight smile, he seems distracted by something. Lucan however is distressed to see you go. “So soon Father? I do hope that Master Balin hasn’t said or done anything to disturb you!”</div> <bR> <div> Erbil leads you across the Hall, a process impeded by the bustling servants, so that by the time you pass through the door there is no sign of the Abbot or Baron.  Erbil seems to know where he’s going though and leads you to an ornately carved door, knocks and opens it, stepping back to allow you to enter first.</div> <div> The room is some type of library or office. The shelves are filled with books, rolled parchments and stacks of loose papers.  There is a round table of a dark, rich looking wood with five chairs set around it. One chair is occupied by the Abbot.   The Baron is over at one of the shelves thumbing through papers, obviously looking for something.</div> <div> Erbil follows you in and pulls out a chair for you to be seated. From a side board he brings a tray with crystal decanters and goblets. Starting with the Baron, then the Abbot, then you, he offers either brandy or whiskey.  Once everyone has what they want, he bows and leaves.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#30</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Endor will sit and accept a brandy which he will sip slowly. After the steward leaves he will wait in silence for one of .his superiors to speak</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#31</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> The Abbot sips his brandy, leans back and sighs contentedly.  “That was a very good meal!” He murmurs. “It is not often that a humble old cleric like myself...”  He is interrupted by a derisive snort from the Baron who is still searching through the rolled up parchments. “..is able to enjoy such a feast.” The Abbot appears unperturbed by the Baron’s interruption. “I particularly liked the roast goose. Always a favorite of mine.”</div> <div> “Gives me gas.” Mutters the Baron as he tucks one roll under his arm and studies another.</div> <div> “Always the soul of decorum aren’t you my dear Gareth.” The Abbot chuckles. “Haven’t you found it yet? That serves you right for neglecting your education all those years ago in favor of hunting and hawking.”</div> <div> “I have it.” The Baron growls, “Keep your hair shirt on.”  </div> <div> Coming to the table he unrolls two large parchment maps. The top one is a map of Lendale County.</div> <div> Taking a sip of his brandy, the Abbot says. “Well Endor, I’m sure your curious as to why you are hear with two stuffy old men, rather than out there with the music and dancing. Such is the lot of...”</div> <div> The Baron cuts him off, putting a thick finger on a town in western Lendale. “That is the village of Ebon, my feif. Though it doesn’t look like much on the map it is of strategic importance in that the Crown maintains a small but productive goldmine a few miles north of it. That is a fact that is not for general disscussion.  Ebon provides logistic support for the mine and garrison.” The Baron peels the first map away revealing a larger scale map of western Lendale County.</div> <div> The Abbot smiles slightly and listens in silence.</div> <div> “Here,” Again the Baron stabs at a spot on the map about a third of the way between Ebon and the town of Lendale, was the village of Harlet.”</div> <div> The Abbot interrupts, “You are too young to remember the Rebellion, you weren’t even born at the time.  But this area was heavily overrun by Duke Mulgrave’s forces and the Khun Hordes.  Even Lendale,” He gestures around him. “Was sacked.  Many small towns and villages simply vanished, never to be reappear. Harlet was one such place.”</div> <div> The Baron nods, “Aye it was a bad time. I was but a child but I well remember seeing Ebon burn.” He sips his whiskey and the Abbot continues.</div> <div> “Harlet was a well established village of about eight hundred souls. There was a small temple and it had it’s own Priest.  The issue that concerns us at the moment is the graveyard.” He frowns. “You may well wonder what took us so long to think of it, all I can say is that in the years after the Rebellion, during the Purges and mop ups and then during the rebuilding, places got attention based on the noise their survivors made.  From Herlat there came no survivors. It was simply forgotten.”</div> <div> “Until now.” The Baron adds. “We were conducting a census and survey of the Barony a few weeks back and I came upon the old census records from seventy years ago and saw the reference to Harlet.  I mentioned it in conversation with the Abbot and the Count over dinner...”</div> <div> “And it occured to me,” The Abbot interrupted. “That no one has maintained the Sanctity of the Graves at Harlet in decades.  I’m sure you can see the problem.”</div> <bR> <div> Indeed you can... Mitraen Graveyards are on Consecrated Ground which serves to impede the depredations of undead ghouls, which feed on fresh corpses, and prevents a Necromancer from animating a corpse in its grave.  Even if the body is later dug up and removed, if it came from Consecrated soil, with the proper funery rites, it is extremely difficult to animate.  Unfortuneately the Consecration or Sanctity of the graveyard must be maintained. Time and events cause it to fade until it is weakened to the point where the undead ar no longer inhibited and Necromancers find the corpses available for animation.  Most large graveyards have Re-Consecration Ceremonies every year, smaller temples and villages every three to five years.  How long has it been since the last ceremony? Forty years? Forty five? Maybe a bit more...  There are wards and Guardians that are used to protect the graveyards, but they are expensive and are not found in every graveyard.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#31</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Endor listens attentively, hiding his amusement at the banter.</div> <bR> <div> “You want me to attend to the Sanctity?” He asks.  “Were there any Guardians located in Harlet?”</div> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#32</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> “Unhappily, the records are incomplete as to whether Harlet was given Guardians.” The Abbot sighs. “We just don’t know.  In answer to your question, yes.  You are to go to Harlet, inspect the Graves and whats left of the Temple. Re Consecrate the Ground and recover any artifacts of the Temple that seem worth having.  I will send a Sacarium Guard with you and the Baron will provide one of his men.”</div> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#32</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Endor steples his fingers in concentration and frowns, “There is a problem with this plan... I am unable to perform the Consecration Ritual to the degree needed to re sanctify the graveyard.” He will smile slightly. “I am only newly ordained.”</div> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#33</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> The Abbot nods, “I am aware of that. You will be provided with certain tools and devices to aid your work.  I know this is a heavy responsibility for one so recently ordained, but Abbot Beal speaks very highly of your overall abilities and your Arcane training makes you a most potent tool for the Church, as I’m sure you are aware.”</div> <div> The Baron says, “You will leave at dawn.  My man will meet you at the Abbey gate. His name is Aeron. Any other questions?” He tosses off the last of his whiskey and stands up.</div> <div> The Abbot smiles encouragingly, “Don’t worry, you will do fine.  We can discuss it in detail in my chambers later.”</div> <div> “Not too late old man,” Growls the Baron. “The boy needs sleep, not to have his ear bent with your prattle about the good old days and the labors and sacrifices of duty.”</div> <div> At this point the door opens and Count Dumain enters unannounced.  The Baron and the Abbot seem unconcerned, you of course rise and bow. The Count waves you back to your seat. “Well?” He asks. “Have you briefed him?”</div> <div> The Abbot nods, “Yes Cador, we were just wrapping up.”</div> <div> The Count looks at you. “Any questions</div> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#33</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> “No, My Lord. I think it is clear. Except, what shall I do if I discover a problem in Harlet?”</div> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#34</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> The Count smiles grimly.  “You wear the Red Sash, (Meaning you have taken the Vow of the Champion.)  If it is within your power, then deal with it. Otherwise go get help.”</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#34</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Endor will bow deeply. “As you command.”</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#35</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> “Good luck Father.”  He offers you his hand, then bids the others good night as well and returns to his guests.</div> <div> The Abbot pulls himself to his feet and says, “Come along Endor, let us toddle on home.” He will lead the way out.</div> <div> Baron Luden also offers you his hand. “Good luck.”</div> <bR> <div> Exiting the hall, you find the two Sacarium Guards waiting.  The trip back through the darkened streets is much faster, no one for the Abbot to talk to, and soon you are seated in the Abbot’s chambers.</div> <div> The Abbot opens a rosewood box and removes a leather wrapped scroll and a crystal bottle holding at least a gallon of water. He passes them to you. “You of course have witnessed or participated in Consecration ceremonies.” He says. It’s a statement not a question. In the course of your training you have stood through many hours of these services. In the early days of your training you were there to chant and sing on command, later you actually aided, by lighting incense, echoing prayers etc.  This is all a standard part of any Priest, Friar or monk’s training, as the Abbot well knows.  “You will of course need your altar box, Missal and a Shabbat, (censor) and incense as well as the appropriate candles, Jahl etc.  The Guard I have chosen has been trained and will be able to assist you. His name is Pelles, he’s a good man.  Start the ritual as dictated in the Missal, when you reach the invocation of Mitra, open the scroll and read aloud from there. Be sure to walk the complete circuit with Pelles carrying the incense and you springling the Holy Waters.  Be absolutely certain that you close the circuit. Any gap and it is ineffective. Then crisscross the yard repeating the chants and sprinkling EACH grave that you can find.  You will need another Shabbat to sprinkle the waters. And remember, this is very important. The graves on the east side of the wall are not Mitraen. Inspect them to see if they have been disturbed.  The scroll wil only work once, so you MUST complete the ritual.  And be sure that it is finished before sunset!  It should take you about three hours. Any questions?”</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#35</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Endor listens very carefully so as to be sure to remeber it all (Are there any notes I can use?) and handling the scroll and waters with great care.  (Where can I get a Shabbat?)</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#36</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> (Your Missal, a book every Cleric of Mitra has, is an outline of the rituals.  You can get a Shabbat from the monestaries’ stores.)</div> <bR> <div> Just to make sure you are clear on things the Abbot will go over it all again. Then he says, “While you are there I would like you to inspect the Temple, or what is left of it.  The town was sacked but if the old priest had time he would certainly have concealed the Altar Service.  If you can find it that would be wonderful.  But to be honest I have no idea where to look.  The priest’s name was Merin Rhyss.  Perhaps he left some clue.  If that is everything then I will bid you good night.”</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#36</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> (What does an Altar Service consist of?)</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#37</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Typically a Shabbat or two,  a set of multipronged candle sticks,  a chalice, a goblet, a bell and a holy symbol, usually a sunburst, on a stand.  In a chapelk these are of silver, in a temple they are of gold. In a major temple or cathederal they will be bejewelled..</div> <bR> <div> Taking your leave of the Abbot you return to your chambers, with the scroll and Holy Waters.  On your bed is an oblong object wrapped in cloth, opening it reveals a silver Shabbat.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#37</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> I spend a few minutes getting packed and arranging my equipment for the morning (making a list, checking it twice...)  Then go to bed and try to get some rest.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#38</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Early the next morning, well before first light, you are up and getting ready.  After a quick breakfast in the kitchens, where the monks have already begun to prepare the days meals, you go to the gate to await your escorts.</div> <div> By the gate a monk is waiting with a leather pack. Bowing slightly he says, “Father Endor, the Abbot bid me bring this to you. There is a week’s worth of travel rations.  Similar packs have been prepared for your companions. May Mitra go with you.”</div> <bR> <div> Taking the pack and thanking the monk you procede outside. Waiting are two men and four horses.  One man you have seen before. He is a Sacarium Guard here at the Temple, you presume he is Pelles.  The other you have never seen before, presumably he is Aeron.  They were engaged in some conversation when you came out, but they stop and bow respectfully.  “Good morning Reverence.”</div> <bR> <div> The horse that is clearly for you seems suitable and is saddled and waiting.  Pelles will take the food pack from you and strap it in place on the pack horse.</div> <div> It seems like it will be a pleasant fall day, a good one for a ride.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#38</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> “Good morning Pelles. And you are Aeron?”  Endor waits for conformation.</div> <div> “Looks like it will be a good day to travel. Before we start, a short prayer is in order.”  Endor will bow his head and recite some short benediction appropriate to either traveling or the start of some undertaking.</div> <bR> <div> (Questions   How far are we going, how long should this take?  What is my relationship with these two? Am I the leader?)</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#39</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <bR> <div> (It is a little over thirty miles to Ebon.  Herlat is, or was, off the main road about twenty or twenty two miles between Lendale and Ebon.  From the map last night you guess it lies three or four miles north of the road.  If you don’t make any stops, you should reach the turn off to Herlat by dark, arriving in the village early in the morning tomorrow.</div> <div> The Priests of the church, especially those who wear the Red Sash like you, are considered the officers while the Sacarium Guard are the foot soldiers, so you are Pelles’ officer.  Now the Guard does have non-priest officers, but being a priest automaticly gives you the rank equivilant of a Lieutenant.  Pelles is a corporal.</div> <div> Aeron is not technicly under your command, but you out rank him socially, which means he will usually defer to you.  He seems to be Mitraen, but you can’t be a hundred percent sure, though it is unlikely that a follower of the Old Faith would have been chosen for this task.)</div> <bR> <div> They both bow their heads in prayer with you, then, when you seem ready, mount up.</div> <div> You leave town by the eastern gate, following the road.  There is still a lot of fair traffic as the farmers are bringing in produce to market and some people are already starting home, so the road will be busy.</div> <bR> <div> Though you meet people regularly, who call greetings or wave, and even meet a few who call to Aeron and Pelles by name, the ride is pretty uneventful.  </div> <div> Chatting with your companions, you learn that Pelles, who is in his mid twenties, has been in the Guard since he was fourteen. He is originally from South Bay, a town of Lake Aldin.  Pelles wears chain, spagenhelm, small round shield, broad sword and a crossbow.</div> <div> Aeron is a local man. He is probably in his thirties, but rather grizzled looking.</div> <div> He has on lamellar, round shield, cassis helm, axe and a shortbow.</div> <div> You will break around noon to eat and rest the horses, stopping along a small brook.</div> <div> Pelles looks wistfully into the water, “Some fine, fat trout in there.” He sighs.  “Maybe I’ll come by this way again and hook a few.”</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#39</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Endor will greet and wave to any who seem responsive during the trip. </div> <bR> <div>  He is willing to tell them(Aeron and Pelles) about his own background if asked.</div> <bR> <div> “Maybe we’ll have time on the return trip to stop a few hours and wet a line.” Endor says, looking at the trout.  “Right now we need to have all the daylight we can get tomorrow.”</div> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#40</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Pelles brightens at that thought.  Soon though you are on the way again.  In the afternoon it starts getting pretty warm, as early fall often does, but other than that it is a pleasent ride.  </div> <bR> <div> As the shadows lengthen the traffic drops off. Soon you are alone on the road. As it moves to twilight the air starts cooling off and a breeze picks up, sending the newly fallen leaves scurrying.</div> <div> Aeron is now watching the north side of the road as you ride. Suddenly he pulls up.</div> <div> “There it is.” He points.</div> <div> ‘It’ is a slight thinning of the thickets that border the roadway. THere is a large maple growing a bit back at the corner of where you would guess the two roads intersected.</div> <div> Pelles looks doubtful, “Are you sure? Ain’t much of a road”</div> <div> “Well, it hasn’t been used for forty years.” Aeron replies.  “This is it.”  He forces his horse through the thinnest part of the thicket. Disappearing on the other side.</div> <div> With a shrug, Pelles follows, pulling the reluctant pack horse along.</div> <div> You hear Aeron call, “There’s a bit of a clearing ahead where we can camp.”</div> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#40</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Figuring Aeron knows what he’s talking about, Endor will follow the pack horse through.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#41</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> A couple hundred feet beyond the road you find Aeron sitting his horse in a clearing.  He is reaching up and plucking apples from a tree, filling his helmet.</div> <div> Pelles says, “Lucky finding that. You don’t see many apple trees growing by themselves in the countryside.”</div> <div> “Nah,” Answers Aeron. “Used to be a farm here. See,” He points “That’s what’s left of the farm house.”</div> <bR> <div> There is a half collapsed pile of rubble and timber, heavily overgrown with weeds, saplings and vines.</div> <bR> <div> “There’s a well over there.” Aeron points. ‘we can lower a bucket and water the horses.”  He dismounts, giving an apple to each horse and passing some to you and Pelles.</div> <bR> <div> Pelles fetches a rope and Aeron pulls  a bucket out from under a small lean to of rock and slate.  “Everyone who travels this road regular knows about this well.” He explains.  “Anyone can use it, just be sure to put the bucket back for the next person.”</div> <div> It is the work of a few minutes to draw water and make camp.  Pelles will light a small fire, carefully sheltering it with stones from the rubble pile, so that it is not visible at any distance.</div> <bR> <div> Soon you are enjoying a meal of hot bacon, cheese, bread, apples and beer</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#41</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Endor will relax a bit, but at the same time remain watchful, more so after it starts to get dark.  "How much further to Herlat?"</div> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#42</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Aeron says, "The village is just a bit further that way." He points north. "Maybe three miles. It will take a good hour though to get there since the countryside is heavily overgrown. </div> <div> As it gets dark, Pelles takes out a hooded lantern, lights it and closes the cover.  The fire is allowed to die out. Aeron takes firtst watch, you will have second and Pelles third.</div> <div> The horses are tethered on a picket line between two trees.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#42</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Endor will try and get some sleep until it is his turn. Once Aeron wakes him, he will find somewhere that he can put his back against a solid object, lie a tree trunk, and he is able to watch over the camp and animals. He will keep the lantern handy and his mace as well.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#43</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Your sleep is undisturbed until it is time for your watch.... The well is actually a pretty good watch post. You can sit with your back against it and see pretty much everything...</div> <bR> <div> It is probably a little after midnight.. The air has cooled and there is a trace of mist in the air and in the low spots....  You are facing roughly north, watching over your sleeping companions. Ahead and slightly to the left is the overgrown bed of the old road.  It is distinguishable from the surrounding countryside because the undergrowth is homogenous in size, all dating from the same time period, and is slightly less dense then the areas around it.</div> <div> As you yawn a bit and look around, you see, coming along the old road, at a pretty good clip, a light.  It is a strange light, not like that from a lantern, torch or flame... More like a magical light, but not as steady or intense. It is moving smoothly and quickly, as though over a clear, level roadbed. Not through a jumble of brambles, saplings and weeds such as actually occupy the space.  Your occult training as a Priest leads you to believe that this is the visible manifestation of a ghost or spirit.  The question is, what is the spirits disposition?</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#43</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Endow will not make any sudden moves, but he will slowly reach up and grasp the Holy Symbol that hangs around his neck and tense himself to be ready to leap up and interpose himself between it and his sleeping companions.</div> <bR> <div> (Question    Can I turn this?)</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#44</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <GM: Yes, you can... Maybe.></div> <bR> <div> The horses are getting restless but no one else is awake. There is an almost overpowering sense of terror and sadness that crashes over you like a wave... the light passes by only a few yards from you and continues on towards the main road.  As it passes you can dimly hear the sound of sobbing, weeping and what sounds like shrieks of agony... Turning your head to follow the light, you see that it continues on through the underbrush until just before the main road, where it simply vanishes. With the light goes the sensation of terror.  Considering the history of tragedy that is associated with the village a few miles in the direction that the light has come from, it is little wonder that there are restless spirits here about.  Perhaps what you witnessed was a replay of some poor souls failed attempt to escape the horror that befell Herlat.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#44</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Endor will say a prayer for these departed souls in the hope that they will soon have the peace they deserve.  (Is ther anything that can be done to aid that?)</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#45</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> ( GM: Potentially an Exorcism might lay the spirits to rest.)</div> <bR> <div> The rest of your watch will pass quietly. Soon it is time to wake Pelles.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#45</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Since Pelles is of the Sacarium Guard and presumably accustomed to such things, Endor will relate what he saw and felt.</div> <div> "There are restless spirits on the old roadway.  I have seen them, and felt their terror and sorrow. Undoubtably victims of the sack of Herlat, cut down as they sought to flee."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> GM POST#46</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> Pelles will listen solemnly. "I shall pray for their souls." He says. Then, as an afterthought, "And ours."</div> <bR> <div> The rest of the night passes quietly and Pelles wakes you in the grey hours of pre-dawn.  Breakfast is cold and eaten quickly.  Soon you are pushing your way down the old road bed, which though overgrown, is still easier travel then the countryside.</div> <div> It is slow going and almost two hours pass before you see the overgrown earthen embankments that once formed Herlat's defensive pallisades.  The wooden fence that would have topped the earth rampart is long gone, and the thorn thickets that would have covered only the outer slope of the rampart have spread all over the place.  It takes some time to work your way around the village to find a thin spot where the thorns can be cut back enough to make a passage for men and horses.  At last though, you are in the village.</div> <div> The interior area of the village seemed to have encompassed about two and a half, maybe three acres.  You were told that about eight hundred people lived in Herlat, of course not everyone had homes inside the pallisade.</div> <div> Most of the buildings of the village appear to have been built of fieldstone and many are still standing to some degree or another.  Substantial trees have grown up throughout the village, in the streets, yards, even in the buildings themselves.  The trees have had forty years mostly undisturbed, to reclaim the land.  As you ride down what was the main street of Herlat, you must frequently duck your head to avoid branches big enough to knock you from the saddle.</div> <div> Though the walls of most of the buildings are still present or at least visible as lines of rubble, very few buildings still retain their roofs.  As is common even today, most cottages have thtached roofs, and though such a roof can indeed last decades, it requires regular and frequent maintance.  These roofs are long since gone.  There are a few buildings that appear to have had slate roofs, and most of these are still intact.  Even through the leaves and foliage you recognize the shape and form of the temple.</div> <div> You ride across the remains of the village to reach it.  The stone work of the Temple is cut and worked, and the outer walls are adorned with carvings and reliefs. Many of these have been damaged and defaced.  The large double doors into the main temple are shattered bits of rotting timber and rusting iron laying about the top of the steps and inside the doorway.  The entire structure is surrounded by a stone wall, perhaps six feet high, which encloses the temple, the grave yard and the grounds around the rectory house.  The main gate through this wall into the courtyard in front of the temple, is long gone.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> PBEM Series 1 </div> <div> PC POST#46</div> <div> Endor Haskill </div> <bR> <div> We will be VERY, VERY careful working our way through the village, keeping our eyes peeled for ANY sign that all is not right.  Arriving at the Temple, we will dismount and enter the Courtyard very warily. Any sign of life here? (Other then wildlife.)</div> <div> (GM Question = Tell me about the Guardians?)</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>