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Post subject: The Death of Major Tesdor
 Posted: Feb 15, 2013 - 01:41 AM
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Honorable
Joined: Jun 06, 2011
Posts: 400
Status: Offline
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Commander,
Doubtless you will have already read many reports of the tragedy which befell Major Tesdor. Here I set down the events leading up to the murder, the discovery of the body, and the immediate aftermath of this horrible crime. I remain in Marali to honour the body of the fallen major, until I receive orders to the contrary.
As detailed in the reports of Armsman Nimuialwing, the Brigobaen Theologian Evaristos was able to restore in part the journal of Commander Kang. He provided a transcript, which has now been copied by both Armsman Nimuialwing and myself. My copy I present to you, enclosed with this letter. The last entry is written in a lighter hand as I recall.
The deciphering of the diary was performed with the assistance of Altaira Mei, who now resides in Brigobaen. The former healer of our city seems to fear that we hold her in no great esteem. It occurs to me that the mystery surrounding the diary must be connected to Major Tesdor's murder, and that regardless of any tensions that might exist between us and the former healer, her help would be of great utility in discovering the meaning of Commander Kang's words
Many entries puzzle me. Who, or what are the Creed? And who was it that so vilely slaughtered the former Commanders? It does not seem like the modus operandi of the late and unlamented Twins. I noted that your own exploits are commented on favourably by the erstwhile Commander, surely the least surprising aspect of the whole volume, but it gives me hope that you may be able to shed some light on some of the more surprising entries.
You will have heard how after Mother Rees and I recovered the diary from brigands near Aborek, we were further harassed by brigands with orders from 'JJ'. The Brigand mage at the Marali crypt looking for weapons was also issued orders by 'JJ'. In the last confrontation, in which Armsmen Nimuialwing, Gwyddeon and LLino prevailed with assistance from many valuable allies, a Brigand mage referenced one 'Jeremiah', surely the same entity. What this Jeremiah J is we cannot tell, but that he has been looking for Commander Kang's possessions seems beyond doubt.
On this front, I am pleased to be able to report that an old sword inscribed with the initials 'AK' has been recovered. I purchased the item from a trader in mirth by the name of Herik, who had - he told me - purchased it himself from two men near Marali bridge. One of the men was tall, bearded and blond, he had the appearance of a wizard dressed in black. The other man was stouter and stronger, and Herik thought him a fighter. I hope that the sword is none other than Blandula, Commander Kang's favourite weapon. Does this mean that the JJ brigands were themselves looted? Or did they simply sell some items they didn't want, retaining for themselves whatever special artefacts they were searching for. In any case, I have the sword safely with me in Marali, awaiting your inspection.
Finally, I cannot leave the last and most painful matter. It was late on the 23rd day of the Bleeding moon when I was approached by Advisor Estess Vorund, who asked me to bring the Diary for your inspection. Advisor Vorund was appointed in your absence, and we have always been on friendly terms. Something was amiss with him that day though, as if something was weighing on his mind. He was slovenly in his approach to protocol, brusque and disrespectful. I had to remind him that I was an officer, and also to salute properly before making sour remarks.
Estess insisted that the Armsmen should not read the contents of the journal they had given their lives to protect, and demanded that I entrust the journal to him. Given the previous attacks on our vanguardians by the JJ mob and his lackadaisical attitude, I could scarcely risk such a thing. I decided to bring it to Marali myself for your inspection, which I duly did with the minimum fuss. He had the temerity to demand the journal once again, claiming that this was on your direct orders. If so, he had with his insolence grossly exceeded his authority and I deemed him an unfit guardian for such an important treasure.
At this point I was very glad to see Major Tesdor, whose whole bearing and manner was in itself a reproach to the Advisor. In the presence of Estess Vorund, but nobody else, I entrusted the journal to Major Tesdor, who ordered Advisor Vorund out. Major Tesdor departed with the book, and Advisor Vorund sloped off
By this time, the wizard Karad and the cleric Drystan had made their way to Marali. seeing that I was with Advisor Vorund and the Major, they greeted us but then waited just outside the bank. Then as soon as the Major had departed, together, the three of us scoured the lands to the west of the citadel. We returned at about 8pm on the 24th day to a trail of blood, fresh as if someone was bald wounded. At the end of the docks, I was horrified to see the lifeless body of Major Tesdor. He had been stabbed in the back.
I ran to the temple to get help, hoping against hope that the spirit of Major Tesdor could be reclaimed by Mother Rees. Alas, it was not to be. Searching the body, we found his magical rings still on his fingers, and his gold still in its pouch - but the journal of Commander Kang was gone. The guards said that he had gone out fishing alone about six hours previously. We found no further clues, and so we bore his body to the castle, where it lies in state. Mother Rees and Captain Quin then asked some questions of those present. It seems that Vorund had conveniently decided he was needed urgently in Andris shortly after his altercation with me. Captain Quin sent Laricen on a mission to Andris to investigate.
No other person than myself and Estess Vorund knew that Major Tesdor had the journal, and the theft of the journal seems to me a likely motive for the murder. It is difficult to escape the conclusion that Advisor Vorund had something to do with the murder, and I suggest that he should be arrested and questioned if he sets foot within the city.
I await your orders with regard to the sword. Quite what Jeremiah J - if that is his name - wanted with it seems unclear. Is JJ connected to the Creed perhaps? The name Jeremiah is male, and would seem to argue against the involvement of Jirel in the matter.
I shall remind the Vanguard that in this time of trial, unwavering dedication to Marali is required more than ever.
Finally, on a personal note, I should like to pay my last respects to Major Tesdor at his cremation.
Marali Prevails,
Octar
Octar sends the letter, and spends many days around the city, watching and waiting. No news reaches him, until a chance meeting with Istra Falvo begins to shed light on a shadowy organisation. But that is a story for another day. |
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Post subject: A Letter to Commander Vaup
Posted: Feb 15, 2013 - 02:04 AM
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Honorable
Joined: Jun 06, 2011
Posts: 400
Status: Offline
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Day 205 of the Bleeding Moon, Year 439. Brigobaen.
Commander,
Whilst hunting with Siegal in the Marali woods, I came upon Istra Falvo. Intelligence from this most strange practitioner of magic concerning the 'Creed' has reached me, and since we were interrupted by brigands I have rushed with Siegal, Laricen and the late lamented General Falvo's niece to Brigobaen. We seek urgent advice from Mother Altaira Mei concerning the 'Creed' the shadowy organisation that I suspect might be involved in Commander Kang's death - and the death of Major Tesdor.
I shall return as swiftly as possible,
Octar |
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Post subject: RE: A Letter to Commander Vaup
Posted: Feb 15, 2013 - 09:10 AM
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Quest Character
Joined: Apr 03, 2007
Posts: 50
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Dear Commander,
I have received a letter from Estess Vorund, following the death of Major Tesdor. In the letter, Vorund exposes his point of view on the events, and begs me for a word of protection in my dealings with you. I am willing to assent to his request, for the sake of cohesion and internal peace in our beloved city, and I amwilling to do as much as I can to make these two men drop their mutual accusations.
Needless to say, Vorund's story does not match the story told by Captain Octar. According to him, not only did the exchange take place in very different terms, but also he only asked for the book when the Captain claimed that it belonged to the Vanguard and was not for the Majors to read. He also claims that a group of men was sent by our Captain in order to prevent him from returning from Andris safely, thus making him a suspect of murdering Major Tesdor. He says he does not feel that it is safe for him to return to Marali without a guarantee of protection from Captain Octar's hostility.
I will spare you from the details on the present missive. I have given the letter to Captain Quin, for him to add to the file on the inquiry. It is my conviction that accusing people amongst our ranks should be our last avenue of investigation. If we allow ourselves to follow the easy path of mutual accusation, then I am a suspect, for I was at the temple shortly after the events, Captain Quin is a suspect, for he was not far either, and who knows, even yourself, Commander, and Major Andon will be seen as suspects for not being around at all at the time. May Elara keep us away from mutual incrimination and internecine strife.
I am as always available to assist you in whichever way I can.
With the Goddess blessings,
Terwynn Rees |
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Post subject: RE: A Letter to Commander Vaup
Posted: Feb 17, 2013 - 06:15 PM
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Quest Character
Joined: Feb 17, 2013
Posts: 2
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Laricen-Boy, and Octar-Captain, and Siegal-Sorcerer,
Altaira ain't in Brigobaenie no more. All these priestie priests think I'm stupid and don't understand that when they can't find a woman in a temple it means that the woman is not in the temple. Proper silly of them.
I'm gonna mora a bit after her. I'll tell you or baby king when I've found something.
Take one for the road,
Istra
The note is left under a bottle of the strongest Marali whiskey. |
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Post subject: RE: A Letter to Commander Vaup
Posted: Feb 17, 2013 - 10:05 PM
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Honorable
Joined: Sep 26, 2009
Posts: 438
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The fighter paced back and forth. How was this possible? It couldn't be. One thing was for sure, he couldn't just remain silent. Then again, there might be unexpected consequences if this knowledge was released to the public domain. He sat down and pulled out his writing materials. He would leave a note with Siegal.
Today, on the 8th day of the Red Moon, 439, I came across Estess Vorund in the wilderness. All I knew of this man was that he serves as advisor to the Majors of Marali. Or, advisor to the one remaining Major. I have heard news of the murder of Major Sule Tesdor, but I was not aware of the circumstances.
Vorund was clearly on the run, and he initially thought I had been sent to kill him. He revealed that he was running from men sent by none other than Octar. According to Vorund, Tesdor was murdered by Octar, or one of his men. Vorund believes that Octar is motivated by a quest for power, and that the captain won't stop until he deposes Vaup and attains the position of Commander.
Now, I have known Octar since the days of his youth, and I find it hard to believe that he would go so far as to murder his superiors. Yet, from the first day I met Octar, I could sense his love of upward mobility. It doesn't surprise me that Octar aspires to rise to the ranks of Commander, but will he resort to murder to achieve this end?
Vorund told me that he was expecting Octar to file a deceitful report to Commander Vaup. He claimed that he was threatened by Octar at their last meeting, and that Octar refused to give him some sort of book that Vorund intended to give to the Majors. This book must be the same one mentioned by Nimuialwing in an earlier report - the diary of Commander Kang. It must contain some valuable information, if it caused such a crisis.
Vorund fears his life is in danger because he knows too much. In addition, the advisor fears for his sister, who resides sick in Andris. If Octar has committed the crime, then he could kidnap the girl to lure Vorund in.
Lastly, I was asked if I would be able to put Octar out of the map. I declined as politely as I could and we soon parted ways.
I would report my encounter to other Maralian authorities, but the already-tense situation might only be aggravated if I intervene. I know you hunt with Octar on occasion, so I thought it might help if you are aware of the situation. I am sure Octar his own side of the story, so I must refrain from making any serious judgements. |
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Post subject: RE: A Letter to Commander Vaup
Posted: Feb 17, 2013 - 10:25 PM
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Royalty
Joined: Mar 18, 2008
Posts: 2091
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Estess VorundÖ
The name still made her slightly sick. The little shady man that one day introduced himself as the advisor to the Majors, in a time when Marali and the other cities seemed to be hitting an all-time low. She could still remember his attempts to cause distress and intrigue between the Vanguards, a trap in which they all fell so blindly. A snake. It had been Mirith's fault rather than anything else, she could recognise it now. Octar had only recently arrived to the North, and Fang had been absent for far too long. She could have taken the fighter to the side and explained her doubts about the new representative of Marali. She could have told him about Zem Stormbrow, and why they were there seeking him. She could have explained why they could not be involved in the whole chase for Rivolus. But there was something in her that was adverse to dragging new people into vexing old affairs. Would he have believed her, though? Counterfactual history always made mistakes seem obvious, without accounting for the circumstances.
Now, according to the whispers at a recent hunt, Estess Vorund was seeding distress and intrigue inside Marali. She was not surprised. This time, however, her spells were Octar's, if he needed them. Her testimonial on the character of Vorund was too, if the Commander had to start an inquiry that extended beyond the walls of the fort. Where had Vorund came from, anyway, to appear like that, when Nyatha Vaup was busy fighting an ice dragon? No one had ever answered that little fundamental question.
"How is it that you draw your power?" Beleth had asked in a recent conversation on magic. From the need to protect others, she had no doubt. She grabbed a gift to take to the fighter in the north, as an excuse for a visit. The city of Marali and its inhabitants had, after all, always been one of her main concerns. |
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Post subject: Letter to Commander Vaup, her Officers and the Vanguard
Posted: Feb 18, 2013 - 12:37 AM
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Noble
Joined: Feb 19, 2008
Posts: 879
Location: London
Status: Offline
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| The following missive reaches Marali during the waning phase of the Bleeding Moon, Year 439: |
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_________________
Two men look out of the same window - one sees the stars, the other sees the mud.
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Post subject: RE: Letter to Commander Vaup, her Officers and the Vanguard
Posted: Feb 20, 2013 - 11:36 PM
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Honorable
Joined: Dec 25, 2008
Posts: 421
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Captains Charonia, Octar, and Quin:
I am in Andris to keep an eye on something. Please send chocolate.
Laricen |
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Post subject: RE: Letter to Commander Vaup, her Officers and the Vanguard
Posted: Feb 26, 2013 - 08:32 AM
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Honorable
Joined: Apr 06, 2008
Posts: 333
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* A Bat delivers a message scribbled on a little piece of paper. A piece of finest Gohoran chocolate is wrapped into it *
We received your message. If you would like one of us to travel there let us know. Keep us informed.
C.C. |
_________________
ὁμολογουμένος τῇ φύσει ζῆν - Druid Charonia
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Post subject: RE: Letter to Commander Vaup, her Officers and the Vanguard
Posted: Mar 02, 2013 - 08:35 PM
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Honorable
Joined: Dec 25, 2008
Posts: 421
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Captains Charonia, Octar, and Quin:
My business in Andris is complete. Vorund's sister was an actress.
Upon seeing a young vagrant while disguised as an Andrisian citizen, the young Janelee was nervous and fearful. Days later, seeing me in my black robes, she was more friendly. After some discussions of adventuring and bribes with chocolate, I was able to coerce the truth out of her.
Vorund had hired her to pose as his sister. He put her up in the inn for a few days and paid her 1000 gold pieces. It seems his ill sister was a ruse to throw us off. He is without doubt involved in treachery.
Laricen. |
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