Doran’s Journal
One Hundred Thirty Seventh Day in the Seventh Kingdom
– Freehold
The time seems to have flown by since Bayani and Tala arrived here. There has been so much to do with improving my storefront and bringing in new wares to keep up with this town’s appetite for fine Riverfolk Craftsmanship. I’ve been told an acquaintance of Bayani’s from his days wandering Pendrakken should be arriving this evening. The wildlings have not roved their tavern far in recent months and it remains a prominent feature in our new business district.
Captain Aubrey and his recently expanded force of men at arms are to set out for the black market again. They seek to arrange a meeting with the Chainer Unferth, to finish what works the good Captian began a few months back. We head there among the Pendrakken contingent and some members of the newly forged alliance between Captain Aubrey’s forces and a strange collection of individuals from Ixia. Bayani’s friend is named Cecilia, she seems a person of some learning, and I soon learn is another priest honoring The Seven, especially devoted to the Seer. While I know little enough about this faith it’s always pleasant to have another friend that can heal the body.
Speaking of healing Tala has fallen ill of late, along with Rickard and some other members of the family I had hoped would make the journey to Freehold. Bayani insists on calling it a plague. I tell that boy so often to guard his words a bit yet they just flow as a torrent from the mountain. I am confident they will all recover soon and be up to all the wonderful things they had done before. I think I may need more to help with my growing business here.
There are corrupted spirits of fire walking the lands, undaunted by the rains that continue to fall. The rebirth of this land can be plainly seen, and little sign remains of the black wave that covered this land.
Despite the fire spirits we arrive safe and whole at the black market, passing Aubrey’s outpost along the way. Neither the fearsome creature nor Unferth seem to be there. I speak with Luther, who is currently the organizer of the market, he shares that the creature is away on some matter. Further he explains that two new varieties of herbs have begun to grow even in this cooling season. The one known as Frost Blight is even partly due to the lingering influence of the black wave that so recently plagued the lands. The market has changed little since last I took part. They have gambling here and even offered the opportunity to fight for coin prizes. I won a few gold pieces betting against my nephew; the smart boy knows when to take a fall apparently. Apparently they also offer training in a variety of areas as the strange character Zero took part and should be still more formidable in the future.
Aubrey plans to wait until Unferth arrives, content to believe the Chainer will agree to meet with him. I have my doubts the cripple can really be this stupid if he’s managed to thrive as a flesh peddler for as long as he has. After a good while I’ve watched all I care to so its time to head back for Freehold. We return to find the place in something of an uproar. There are two emissaries in town, from Fir Bolg and from Jotunbrud, I still have seen no sign of an ambassador from my people but I’m confidant I shall earn their attentions soon enough.
The daughter of this proud Fir Bolg has been kidnapped and is to become the stock of Unferth. A group is gathered after Unferth’s ledger is found and clues within are deciphered with the help of the Jotunbrud emissary. Naturally rescuing someone forced into slavery is a popular idea and there is no shortage of swords and souls eager to help. Off in the hinterlands we come across group after group of the Chainers, eventually forcing one to lead us to the camp where the girl is being held. At one point I’m given the task of handling our guide, he seemed pleasant enough for a dealer in misery. I count myself lucky I didn’t need to kill him myself when his usefulness wore out. As with the task in general there were many interested in doing this, but as was fair the father of the captured girl did the honors.
I later learn that the Chainer Unferth was found and dealt with by Captain Aubrey. Apart from this, which I didn’t see myself I think the night passed without major incident. A pleasant evening is spent among the more established settlers here and the latest crop of new arrivals. I may add there are so many new faces in this new group, I scarcely can believe it. Naturally there are so many things to tell the newcomers, of the town’s unique structure of order and law, of the multitude of strange and dangerous things that plague the hinterlands. And of course the settlers themselves are so mixed and strange a group as to require some elucidation.
One Hundred Thirty Eighth Day in the Seventh Kingdom
-Freehold
Morning comes to the sleepy enclave of Freehold and we start another day here. The forces of the Cult of Supremacy roam the lands despite the best efforts of the Brotherhood. The cultists of Primus are heard wailing out in the wilds, and we’re told to expect groups to slip through the Brotherhood’s stretched lines and attack Freehold. These small bands seem to trouble the woods near Freehold almost continually.
There is to be a tournament today in Freehold, and wandering swordsmen, mercenaries and young knights errant have come from all over. They trade blows in fellowship with the settlers here and all are enriched from the experience. Naturally I wasn’t concerned with the winner so much as the increased traffic by my shop. There was a curious band among them though, lead by something of a strutting peacock of a swordsman was a group all named Bruce. Later it was clarified that they all became Bruce after having drunk too much to recall their own name. I’m sure they even above the other men at arms kept Annie’s taps running freely. Pity none of them seemed to have the disposable income for anything else. Speaking of running, I hear my nephew has tried some concoction, made by the wildings he adopted, called The Gates of Hell. Well it seems this was a drink unlike any other and he scarcely survived. It did however inspire a wonderful testimonial for Annie’s fare. For only after he had eaten did the burning and discomfort the drink inspired subside. It could be claimed then that Annie’s food can even quench the Gates of Hell.
A stranger visits, a wielder of shadows from the dark lands of Kali Ishtar. He needs assistance and offers payment for those who lend him aid. He tells of his enclave, very far from Freehold, where malevolent fire elementals are set to destroy his home. He must take us there by the workings of his dark magics. Naturally this gives me more than a little pause. Deciding the costs of staying away higher than the costs of taking part I agree.
He never mentioned the blinding pain, or the cold darkness that set into one’s chest when he spoke of the spell that would carry us here. Relatively whole we arrive and immediately see the trouble he’s sought to eliminate. A number of the foul things are delighting in turning his sanctuary into glowing embers, the heat from them is a physical force that drives one away, I shudder to think of what that intensity of flame could do to flesh. The creatures, even wreathed in flame are far less intimidating and I find that trusty steel forged on the rivers can cool them quite serviceably. Soon they are falling before our blades, seeking to recover their strength and keep the flames consuming this dark soul’s property.
Another part of our effort has set about fighting the fire yet another way by drawing water from a nearby stream to douse the flames. Buckets upon buckets of water are tossed onto the roaring inferno, the steam hisses and clouds the air around even as the buckets are refilled and more waters sent into the fiery structure. In time, with the beasts slain, and the fires extinguished this dwelling is safe. The bravest among our party are rewarded, with the bulk of us content with the satisfaction of helping a fellow visitor to Freehold, and keeping our best and bravest alive.
Unbelievably the return is still more dark and painful than even was the journey there. I knew there was some trick to his ritual to bestow upon us all a ward against the shadows. I’m not sure if it still counts as reward when it only allows you to survive the journey home again. The man clearly has either a very good sense of humor or some very poor command of decency and politeness. Nonetheless the group returns safe and whole to Freehold.
A great feast is prepared this night, with fare the likes of which I have not seen since my travels lead me to the Seventh Kingdom. Vast tables of sweets and meats of all description await the palates of the townsfolk. I can scarcely imagine how someone would have gone to their beds hungry this night. Naturally I had no intention of going anywhere, hungry or no after so rich and filling a meal. There is much to do though; my shop has seen dramatic business these few days. I need time to go over my ledgers and assess my sales as well as prepare orders to send out for more goods. I guess this is the right sort of trouble to have, to be so successful one needs to devote more time to maintaining suitable stocks of goods.
There are some sounds of trouble while I toil away at my figures and draft correspondence. I later learn that the charming girl Genevieve that traveled on from Port Dawson with us, and just this day shared news of her impending nuptials and of the prodigious composition she’s been inspired to of late, has been captured by the fiends of the cult of Supremacy. It seems the zealots, which I scarcely believed capable of any sort of organization conceived a devious scheme to strike when she was most isolated. I wonder why their machinations where targeted to this charming girl.
I can only imagine that her capture is meant to provoke some ill conceived and dangerous rescue from the townsfolk. It remains to be seen if this is what will happen or if some among us will see the potential that rushing into his lair, even if we believe ourselves prepared, may be precisely what Primus wants. It could also be that this is something more, either she represents something to this town that I am unaware of. There also represents the potential that this was meant to rattle the town’s scholar Grafton, her betrothed. Perhaps he has some larger part to play, or that he may be able to find some clue to the defeat of Primus. There’s so very much we don’t understand, and it seems so little that we’re trying to learn.
I’m told the town gathered to set out into the mines far from town. There was some mention of the fire guardian Vanix, and that he would bestow some further aid to Freehold in the defeat of Primus. Judging by the bloodied and bedraggled warriors that returned I’d be tempted to believe the endeavor met with failure. The raucous laughter and celebration that rang through the town until the small hours of the morning however made clear that the task had succeeded. I can’t imagine the defeat of this ancient evil will be easy, but if the past is any guide for our course, I believe this town will see the job finished. I share the night with my longtime friends from Pendrakken and their comrades in arms from the mountains of Ixia. Truly these fellows know how to enjoy the rewards life grants us, if I didn’t know better I’d suspect I was back among my own people.
The following are Reported by Rasputin Truevein:
Reports came in Saturday evening of fires burning deep in the Freehold Mine, currently controlled by the Kenrei. The bold adventurers quickly mobilized to quell the fires burning deep in the mine. It was promptly revealed by other members of the town of the nature of the flames. They were the physical manifestation of the will of Vanyx. Vanyx has been known for his chaotic tendencies and penchant for collateral damage. He didn't disappoint us.
Intelligence reported that Vanyx wanted to meet with those that had previously sought counsel with his brothers; Aeol, and Charn. The mine was swarming with fire elementals and the agents of The Cult of Supremacy were slithering in the shadows cast by the fires pouring out of the mine.
The elemental furies of fire were brought into existence by Vanyx, but they were unable to determine friend from foe. Needless to say, it made us alittle late for our meeting with Vanyx. But, the Pendrixian Alliance hated the idea of making Vanyx wait. Therefore they plowed deeply into the mine down the left corridor, while The Torchbearer and a small guard crept up the right side.
Just as the Pendrixian rally cry was heard, Cultists from the Cult of Supremacy, devout followers of Primus, attacked The Torchbearer and his guard. Knowing that all of my work leading up to this point was on the line, our small group held the rear line. Our efforts coupled with the outstanding martial display by the Pendrixians allowed Vanyx to receive The Torchbearer.
The fight raged on while Vanyx put The Torchbearer's mettle to the test.
I prayed that Vanyx saw what I saw.
He did.
He tempered the magical boon upon the weapon that was previously gifted to us by Charn. It's power grows, as well as the need to eliminate the threat that is Primus. His followers get bolder as the nights grow longer.
To those that ventured into the mines, thank you.
The bride to be, Genevieve, left Annie's Inn with Nayesh en route to The Hinterlands. Not long after they crossed the bridge they were waylaid by a group of cultists. Sworn members of the Cult of Supremacy ambushed the two unsuspecting victims. Genevieve was then abducted. She was last seen wearing a red floral dress with long white sleeves, as well as, a grey wool cloak. She was also in possession of her book of songs and a red masterwork pouch purchased from the most notable merchant Duran.
Her ballads and bardic musings are missed.
If you, or anyone you know, has any information regarding the whereabouts of Genevieve please contact Will Grafton, or Rasputin Truevein.
Reports have been coming in from all over. They're all saying the same thing. Things are starting to get better. Survivalists of Freehold have begun to encounter more fruits of the Earth. There have even been instances of new, never before seen flowers. The flowers that were gifted to us this past moon seemed to have a hint of winter among them, and therefore displayed ice properties. Again, let us see this sign as one that shows that mana is once again strongly pulsing through the veins of our community and the wilds around it.
Let us be thankful.
The nights have been growing longer, and we have never been more aware of the darkness that surrounds Freehold. It is this impermeable darkness that will motivate us to search for the light. And we should liken the journey that nature takes to our own inner journey. Let the longer nights serve as motivation to find your own light. Cast away the whatever impedes the appearance of light.
The Freehold Coven would like to extend an invitation those friendly to The Coven to join us at midnight for a yearly tradition. We will embark on a short elemental processional that will begin at Annie's and conclude in The Bosk. Those without the aid of a Spiritus Illuminatus are recommended to bring a candle that is easy to extinguish and relight.
Once we've concluded our processional, there will be a short prayer, followed by a blessed harvesting of mistletoe.