Beholder War

[Fizzgig]

The Wildwalkers have sworn war upon the Beholders of the Helmlands, I have as a member of the House of the Morning agreed to aid the Wildwalkers against their foe. So far I have worked together with Ursula, the leader of the war, with gathering lore and knowledge regarding the eye-kin.

@fizzgig said in Ursula:

Tass' summary of beholder lore, as requested by Ursula.

Bodyparts:
Mages of all backgrounds have over the years made bounties, and formal requests for parts of beholders. Eyes, eyestalks, and body fluids are among the most common parts requested. The most recent example of these bounties, come from Izereth who has made multiple posters offering rewards for the items. Oddly enough, she and the lower house hosted a sun themed fair for Lathander some moons ago, one of the main challenges was to deliver the eye of a beholder. It is also worth mentioning a prominent member of the Precept Arcanum by name 'Belinda', who frequently reward people for eyestalks, its unclear if they are used for experiments or.. if she eats them?

On a extreme case, someone was selling the body of a beholder tyrant. And, there were several posters warning people not to subdue beholders and bring them into the city alive. A little odd.

Previous attempts:
Besides Izereth's campaign for beholder bodyparts, which appears to be a common theme within the Precept. I also came across a disbanded group which once held a holding within the Helmlands, with the aid of House Mossmere. What is interesting, is that they referred to a specific beholder as 'God-Eater'. I am uncertain of why, but it is worth noting for future references.

There were more beholder activity at the beginning of the year, with the fight against them being lead by the Wildwalkers. In their publishing poster, they even mention an undead beholder and its minion being slain. The light of Lathander was also mentioned, allowing the party to defeat the powerful eye-kin. However, I am more concerned about their mention of a 'beholder mage' and 'beholder cultist', something which speaks volumes of what peopel are willing to do for power.

Beholder types:

• Eyeballs, the color of its iris decides its power. The black ones are the most powerful, but all eyeballs are weak in nature
• Gauth, a lesser eye-kin, alone it pose no threat and there appears to be no references of them having minions
• Beholders, powerful eye-kin capable of deadly magic. For example, their gaze can turn people to stone, and some are even rumored to kill people with a mere glare
• Elder Beholders, it is unclear if they are the same as Tyrant beholders, but they are more magically adept than normal beholders

@fizzgig said in Ursula:

Ursula,

The library research has bore more fruits, I have summarized the librarian's knowledge here.

Tass

@spiffymeister said in Tass' beholder research:

Beholder is less a definition and more of a 'class' of aberration, namely- characterized by levitation, a maw of sharp teeth, and a singular (with branching stalks tipped with eyes) orbulent eye in the eye where it channels various powers depending on the breed and species.

Beholders are known to largely dwell in dark, damp places- and are characterized by madness, often suffering from multiple personalities and extreme narcissism. They can only work together when an overpowering presence, often a Tyrant- a massive creature of its kind, forces them to work together.

It's unknown how Beholder's breed, as no one has survived in their haunts long enough to learn.

As with all aberrations, they are all poorly understood, and lesser 'eyekin' often serve greater ones. They can charm, set fire to, or the more powerful turn their targets to stone or disintegrate them- and alongside their ability to fly, make their hives extremely dangerous places to be.

Worship of beholders would likely fall under the 'worship of blasphemous powers' and is thusly outlawed- though, being a lesser crime, would only see light fines or slap on the wrist if publicly practiced.

As for the consumption of their flesh, it's alluded that the consumption of magical creatures, in more pagan and savage circles, might bestow their might upon the imbiber.

[Fizzgig]

Myself, Ma'crag, Amaire, and many others aided the Wildwalkers today in regaining grounds in the Helmlands. A war camp is now established, which will upon the wars completion be Ursula's grove. The losses were many, in supplies and strength. A new dawn is approaching the Helmlands, and I am glad to see House of the Morning being a part of it.

Tass

[Fizzgig]

Izereth left a corrupted white doe at the Tressym memorial, with yet another message claiming it to be a offering of peace. Junnen and I spent time cleansing the doe, and burning its remains so its spirits needed not suffer no more nor inflict anything upon the land. Izereth is upset over the alliance between Eveningstar and the Wildwalkers, trying to drive a wedge between us as we battle the beholders.

Dawnherald Tassulue

((
))

[Fizzgig]

I shall continue my quest to aid the Wildwalkers against the beholder hive, and bring the light of Lathander to the battlefield. Those who will join me, are welcome, as long as they do not compromise their own oaths and duties doing so.

Dawnherald Tassulue

[Paramour]

We had a meeting, these are the summary notes:

• Sir Myrkyr and the Bishop have spoken their opinions on the druids and their allies. In essence, the Church of Lathander and the Order of the Aster should not support them, if they refuse to accept our aid, and turn out the lycanthropes and giants within their ranks.
• The money we are no longer paying to Tilverton has been gathered in a war chest, and can be used several ways.
• Sir Myrkyr has informed Tass and I that he can raise a crusade of the Aster, and if the druids refuse to abandon their monsterous allies, his opinion is that we should raise this army, take their camp, kill these monsters, and pursue the crusade against the Orbulant ourselves.
• The Bishop has informed us that while he agrees with Sir Myrkyr in the idea that these monsters can not be tolerated, he instead wishes us to offer the war chest to the druids, to hire mercenaries, so that we ourselves can honorably assist the druids. We may be able to raise a certain number of Aster in crusade, in addition.

Having considered my opinion carefully, it is thus:

I am somewhere in the middle. I do not wish to betray our promises to our friends. However, Sir Myrkyr is absolutely correct in that if they work willingly with these creatures - which I do not think to be the case - when they are offered reasonable, powerful alternatives that they were not provided before, we can not tolerate them.

Therefore:

1. Tass. If you offer them this war chest, and in the same breath assure them that the unit of Aster stationed here - or you yourself - are going to assist them even if they refuse, I can not stand idly by, and will oppose you as I would oppose the druids. You've asked me to just sit this fight out, but you're a representative of our Church and my conscience will not let me sit idle. Make sure they understand that this is a serious decision that will decide their future relationship with our Church.
2. If they refuse the Bishop's very, very generous offer, which they would have no apparent reason to refuse unless they were perfectly comfortable with their alliances, I will throw my support behind Sir Myrkyr and his crusade and will begin efforts to either replace the Druid circle's leadership with goodly druids or wild walkers, of which there are several I know of or if they can not be redeemed, I will stand against them.

I do not make this decision lightly, and I am aware of what it means. But Tass - neither the Bishop, nor Sir Myrkyr, would agree with us completely ignoring this issue and carrying on, minus one paladin who is oathed against accepting this.

I cannot imagine myself standing elbow to elbow with a giant or a lycanthrope and I would not want you, my sister, brother - companions - or anyone doing so. It isn't even a question of what color our cloaks are, it's not something we should allow and will harm us in both the long and short term.

An alternative was proposed to me by Dominic of the Crown Guard stating that they were already sworn to kill the leader of the giants after this campaign - and if we could demand a similar oath from them about turning their might against the lycanthropes, it may serve as something of a stopgap we can return and offer the Bishop and Sir Myrkyr. If we can arrange it so not just the Orbulant, but the Giants and the Lycanthropes are destroyed by this campaign, it might serve - but only barely.

But while their deals with these creatures remain enshadowed, we should not allow ourselves to become enshadowed with them. If we confront this evil, offer reasonable and powerful alternatives out of the Church's own coffers, and they still choose to fight alongside monsters, we can't and shouldn't help them. I can understand necessity - as in with the ritual - but I cannot allow complacency.

~ Maire ~

[Fizzgig]

Dawnsquire,

The money is in Eveningstar, and will remain with Eveningstar. To be used when future threats looms over us, so that we can defend our people and faith against the dark forces. We do not have to meddle in everything, and I do not see the need for our men and women die in a war they are not sworn into. The money could be used, yes. But it won't be, for it is better to remain here and spent on our town when the need arises.

We have no obligation towards the Wildwalkers, I have only made a personal promise to aid my friends and I am free to do so as the Bishop said. For I am not a knight, I am not of oath, but I am a Dawnherald and I bring Lathander's voice to the battlefield.

Dawnherald Tassulue

[Paramour]

Whether or not the money remains in Eveningstar is not your decision, but the Bishop's and the Bishop made it available for use. While hitherto I have been content to accept your decisions on most things, in this, you are wrong.

It saddens me, but I will have to bring them the offer myself if you don't carry it.

~Dawnsquire Maire~

[Fizzgig]

Dawnsquire,

These were options, which we do not have take. It is not a requirement, or an expectation, there is no must or order by anyone to do these things. Don't jump into the fire for personal gain or glory, think and considering how we can best serve our people. We can safeguard Eveningstar, and this is the option we should take.

There is no oath or words binding Eveningstar to aid the Wildwalkers or go on a crusade, as of yet. So there is no need for a hostile take over.

Dawherald Tassulue

[Master_Sarevok]

Sister Maire, the Dawn Herald stands as our superior. If she deems the funds must be conserved for a future threat, unless the Bishop orders otherwise, we as ascent to her wisdom. Though true the bishop has made the funds available we should not do openly rush to use them without first considering all tactical priorities.

But not so should we not make some form of offer to the druids in return for the church’s armed might. It is clear that the guard does not seem the giants and lycans fitting allies as well.

Let us at least hint to the druids that if they put aside their monstrous Allies the church would be more willing to offer large aid as replacement. In return for favorable repayments as a means to regain our losses. Perhaps tracts of the wood for cutting and logging once the beholders have been driven out. We could always use more wood to expand new homes.

But not should we be so quick to use our resources given the many threats the church faces. Demons and devils and their infernalist minions. The beholders. And who knows what else may appear.

We must be wise in how we use the funds and we must not give into infighting. Our enemies will want that.

-Ma’Crag

A side note: as I did when I faced both demon and devil with the guard, another course would be to let the monsters strike and weaken each other and when the war is over descend on them and cast their blight out forever.

[Paramour]

I have informed Master Junnen of the Wildwalkers of the Bishops' willingness and have discussed with him the matter. Provided that information, if they should choose to ask for our complete assistance, I feel as though we are obliged to help them.

The Wildwalkers seem concerned about dismissing the lycanthropes, who do not precisely follow their orders. Junnen expressed to me during our conversation that, in part, they do not feel the lycanthropes would go quietly and might attack their circle. I've offered the Aster's assistance in protecting them from retaliation should they wish the Bishopric's assistance and will return to speak with him later.

~Maire

[Fizzgig]

I wish everyone to give their opinion on the matter, before anyone else rush ahead to do their own thing. We're meant to work together in the name of Lathander.

Dawnherald Tassulue

[Paramour]

I am not going to sit idly by and pretend that meeting never happened.

If the Bishop and Sir Myrkyr wish to offer their assistance I am not going to keep that from them. Do what you feel necessary.

~Maire

[Fizzgig]

There is sitting idle, and there is giving others a chance to influence things.

Dawnherald Tassulue

[SpiffyMeister]

Doing nothing is always an option- as I learned to my detriment.

There are indeed other threats of which we can focus, but all would rest easier if the Orbulent were eliminated.

It is my preference to see them gone.

Belon

P.S: it is not an order

[Master_Sarevok]

As the Bishop has told us, the Orbulent is an enemy to be destroyed! And this the goal of the task is clear then.

Still we have no assuredness that the druids will accept our aid in place of the giants and lycans. In this case I recommend an alternative. We use the war chest to launch a crusade and open a secondary front against the hive. This will force the beholders to divide their forces and allow us to draw in individuals who desire to fight against the Hive but are uncomfortable fighting beside giants and lycans.

If we can acquire information from the Druid’s of the hives territory this would give us a means of deciding where to make our own push. The beholders will be hard pressed if they must fight on two fronts. We will be able to aid in destroying the hive and achieve territorial control over any of the hives territory we deem worthy of taking to recoup our losses when the fighting is over. We could even use our own force and victories as a means to request the ownership of any territory we gain with the crusade and establish a crusader state in those lands.

-Ma’Crag

[Paramour]

I spoke with Ursula.

The result is - they refuse to give up either of their monstrous cohorts. Although I tried my best to sway them, they feel that an army cannot replace their ogres or lycanthropes on the field, and are absolutely not concerned about the evil disposition of their troops. Ursula the head druidess is completely unwilling to budge on them. They asked, instead, that they be able to keep their allies and suggested a path we could ourselves attack from. But this doesn't really resolve the core problem of their using these allies so comfortably in the first place.

During negotiations, she did show me where each of these units will be attacking from and she suggested a path through which we could attack, that would take us around and likely not put us into conflict with the others.

The giants will be attacking through the Forest of Eyes - the Lycanthropes, under a Khor'ressa, will be attacking from the Gnoll Peaks.

I will have to think about this for a little while. It's clear at this point that the druids cannot be trusted any further than we've trusted them - there are good druids and rangers, but Ursula is not one of those. She was not even willing to entertain the thought of dismissing either of those cohorts. She just wanted us to shut our mouths and join her.

Thoughts in light of this?

~Maire

p.s. - In regards to the giants, they have apparently taken an oath to the land, and if they betray the giants, they will lose their powers. Dominic of the Crown Guard has informed me that they intend to turn on the Smash Nose tribe of giants immediately following the campaign.

I am unsure of their ties to the lycanthropes.

[Master_Sarevok]

Thine merciful and righteous offer to the pagans was indeed well sister Maire, but the druids are not of a righteous faith and thus their minds and hearts are deceived by dark forces. It is a sign that we of the church then must take up the Crusade in full force and establish our own front against the beholders to ensure a righteous force is present to swoop in when the druids fall to the darkness that has crept into their minds. The Druidess Ursula is not evil, merely misguided and her pagan beliefs cloud her mind.

If the movement of troops is as you claim, then where the crusades forces open our front must be determined by this. Just because the druids deny our aid does not mean we need not act. We can instead as I have said open a new front and launch our own campaign to aid the Druid’s and position ourselves to purge the monsters they so readily accept; and any Druid or ranger who stands to defend these tainted beasts.

The Crown Guard will certainly be an ally in this. We should also demand the Precept devote more resources to the cause as a means of their penance and to further financially cripple them.

-Ma’Crag

[Paramour]

The Crownguard have provided us the following maps of the Helmlands and Beholder Hive:

~Maire

[Paramour]

Apparently, the above maps were created by a woman named 'Val'.

Dominic speculates that Izereth is either holed up in the 'Temple to Orbulant Masters', or the old building in the blasted lands.

~Maire

[Zolm]

More important question; are those resources copper?
Maps look fairly detailed, woman must've been at least twice as mad as Dominic to go in there and map it all out.

If we march and the druids march we'll clash in the Blasted Lands, there is no other way I see into the Maw.

The narrow causeways do not fill me with confidence that we'll be able to march knights through there especially efficiently, and we'll need something for that 10 foot gap, a bridge of sorts if we don't want to risk people simply falling to their deaths.

Oh and apparently blood-splatters are traps of negative energy - I suspect we'll have trouble manoeuvring there too.

-Alparin