Further conflict between the Astar and Ravens?

DracoS

https://nodebb.cityofarabel.com/topic/52616/the-knights-of-aster-postings/5

I am deeply concerned to see yet -another- sign of conflict between the Astar and Ravens, could both sides explain what has transpired and how they plan to resolve it before the spector of civil war becomes a reality?

Julien Toussaint

Orin1234

I fear the Dawnsquire was taken in by the Talonite witch. I am trying to ease the tension by not responding publicly in kind to the Dawnsquire's assertions. But it is well known by this council that they caused a bandit raid against our caravans, and that some of the bandits attacking us now, are their failed farmers. It is equally well known that I have on numerous occasions personally rushed to the defense of Eveningstar. This last time, loosing my life in it's defense. Were it not for the Mystrans that also came to aid, I likely would have been left to rot in their feilds. I was hoping to resolve this quietly to avoid more embarrassment for Eveningstar. But I can not let the Duchy suffer much more from their over zealous, public assaults on our good name.

Raven Arn Targon

DracoS

https://nodebb.cityofarabel.com/topic/55877/letter-to-the-council-of-12-peers

Shadowfax

We are not here for a political debate. If proof of this exists, then let it be presented in a court of law before Arabel.

Councilor Toussaint, I take it you are working on gathering this proof for the Council's review? Depending on the severity of the matter, it may well be this matter will need to be brought to the High Council.

Let your fellow councilors know if you require assistance in gathering the testimonies and proof.

I would suggest that the councilors of The Eveningstar and Tilverton remove themselves from the gathering of proof, as not to generate bias.

Bloodhound Ydira

O-louth

A magnificently beautiful half elf, dressed in the colors of the Aster, enters the Palace library. She looks over the information in the files, before she pens her own.

Counsellors,
Squire Blackwood has extended his patrols and has been unable to answer your questions. Until he returns, I shall take his seat, so that you are all informed of the transgressions of Tilverton and its Ravens.

For a while now, the servants of Duke Misrim have sought to destabilize the rule in Eveningstar, as we are the only ones opposed to the tyranny of Tilverton. We take pride in being the voice of light in the region, even when it is inconvenient for us.

Through good hearted citizens in Tilverton, we became aware of the Ravens plot against Eveningstar. They devised a plan to spread a plague in our lands, targeting the populace under our charge. By extending permission to the Church of Talona, so the faith would be allowed to preach in the lands of the Duke, The Ravens acquired the assistance of the druidess Lorenza.
She used an artifact of Talona, created deep within the Hullack, to conduct a foul ritual to spread the plague in Eveningstar. Her prime contact and the mastermind behind this plan, was no other than Counsellor Arn.
Firstly, the artifact was far stronger than Lorenza anticipated. Secondly, Arn was infected by a slaad disease when he took part in the ritual. The combination of the two variables, made the ritual backfire, and has created the situation regarding the slaad attacks in the region. Lorenza herself has become infected by the same illness that killed Arn during the ritual. She is being punished for her crimes against the balance, by allowing this ritual, and is fighting desperately to atone for her actions.

Lorenza, knowing full well the repercussions she will face by admitting to her crimes, had confessed, and is writing a sworn testimony that it was indeed the Ravens who put her up to the attack. She knows that the Ravens will forbid her to preach in Tilverton, and that they will no doubt seek other ways to punish her.

Unlike the accomplished deceiver that Arn is, I am a holy soldier in the service of Lathander. I swear by my divine mandate, that I speak the truth. Lorenza, having confessed to her crimes against Tilverton, swears that she too speaks the truth.

If you wish further proof, I shall be happy to bring forth the writings of Arn, Pierre and Kincaid themselves. A good soul from Tilverton was kind enough to forewarn us of their plot, so that we could uncover the truth behind the attack.
Kincaid came to Eveningstar to challenge me on the subject. Before defeating me in single combat, he admitted to the crimes, but fought and won, on the terms that I would not raise my sword against Arn, Pierre and Kincaid, unless further attacks were made.
That is the only reason why the three of them draw breath still.

Dawnsquire Evelyn Stillwater
Order of Aster

O-louth

Fellow Council Members
You asked for further proof.

Fragments from Tilverton

First, we must provoke Eveningstar into striking us, even if this means losing a few caravans or Ravens, we must twist their arm into striking first to legitimize our eventual cause, and sway the people to join our side as a means to end the war. The narrative must be controlled at all times by us. Thus, I propose stealing numerous Purple Dragon uniforms, and burning the Flour Mill of Eveningstar.

Ravens will also dress as "Champions of the Light" in Orange, sunbleach, whatever horrible colors they prefer with Lathanderite flags, and attack Cormyrean patrols in the Kings Wood.
This will create a narrative that Cormyr is prodding at Arabel, and the Bishopric is having trouble maintaining a defense against them, and of course, they will continue to blame Tilverton and the Ravens.

have spoken with Lorenza about the possiblity of her poisoning Eveningstars crops with Talonas blessings
She seems open to the idea
Pierre

You can judge yourselves, who wrote it.
-Squire Stillwater

@v-rage said in Immersea Tournament:

People of the Kingdom of Arabel

Tommorow a tournament will be held in Immersea for adventurers and others to display their skill and strength.

The winner will recieve 5000 coin and possibly goods from the Golden Leaf Mercantile company

Pierre

@gloomy_sunday said in A poem read loudly in front of the palace:

[A lone Raven reads aloud to a crowd of people assembled outside the palace in Arabel]

This is our message and our creed! The Ravens of Tilverton will not stand idly by while our food and that of our people is raided by lawless bandits!

The Dawn is the creed that they preach to the folk
They plan to do murder 'fore their prey has awoke
A caravan of food bound for Obyns fair lands
Soon the guards will all perish, the goods in their hands

They set out to find allies, spreading lies for their cause
No deed is to low, no regard for our laws
With the Greywatch as allies, their goal is most base
Sun rise on their cloak, dark hoods on their face.

Soon the goods are then raided, guardsmen all dead
The bandits are smiling, in their hands Obyns bread
This crime must be answered, justice on our side
With steel in our hands, and our hearts filled with pride!

Kincaid steps to the arena, by their temple so grand
His opponent walks forward, her weapon in hand
Our bold Raven can beat her, of that he is sure
His swordarm is skillful, his intent is most pure

He defeats the Dawnsquire, on her back in the sand
Kincaid standing before her, cuts a figure most grand
Victorious we stand, 'gainst the foes of our Lord
In our hearts is our purpose, in our hands is a sword

@orin1234 said in An Explanation Is Demanded:

I hope we can put this all to rest. I will gladly work alongside the new Councilor form Eveningstar to unify the Kingdom and this Council.

Raven Targon

SpiffyMeister

Before further discussion is permitted-

Where did you get this information?

Saga

O-louth

@spiffymeister
Dame Saga,
A patriotic soul was kind enough to warn Eveningstar of these attacks. I have no doubt that the spycatchers roaming Tilverton are active for this reason.
The good news is that there is still light in Tilverton, despite the heavy cloak cast upon it from the Black Chalice.

Squire Stillwater

Orin1234

Why would the Squire's word be taken over mine? I have served this kingdom well, often coming to the aide of Eveningstar. Other then make wild claims, what has the squire done?

This evidence is a farce. Who fabricated it for you squire? Was it one of your order? Or was it some peasant trying to get some coin? I demand to speak to your source.

Raven Arn Targon

O-louth

@orin1234
Mr. Targon,
Have you ever pondered, why the animal most known for its quick tongue, is the same animal most known for its venom?
Lies and truth come out of your mouth in such a manner that one cannot discern them from each other. I invite any member of this council to look at the hand writing on the fragments I brought forth, then at the handwriting of the notes I have gathered, and judge for themselves.

You are in no position to make demands of any Knight of the Aster. I came to this council, so that your attacks on Eveningstar may be brought to light, and so the King and Queen have the opportunity to ensure law and order, before Eveningstar and the Order of Aster do so themselves.

Dawnsquire Evelyn Stillwater

Orin1234

Squire,
Which fragment that you shared was in my hand? I recall none of these statements. You are either lying, or being made a fool. Neither are worth of a someone trying to become a knight.

Stop your dispersions, until you present your source.

Raven Arn Targon

O-louth

Mr. Targon,
I took a note from another file, and placed it with the ones we gathered from Tilverton. The very bottom of the pile, I believe is your hand writing. I marked it so you can see it.

I hope we can put this all to rest. I will gladly work alongside the new Councilor form Eveningstar to unify the Kingdom and this Council.
Raven Targon

The file contains three fragments we collected from Tilverton. To compare, I took the liberty of gathering writings from each of the three ravens I know by name, you, Pierre and Alexander.

I understand, Mr. Targon, that it is not a pleasent experience, being caught in the spider web of your own making. From the vast amount of information we have from Tilverton, it seems you have been planning these attacks for quite a while, and have created quite the scheme, for Eveningstar to meet its demise. While I detest the focus of your attention, I will admit that your plot is one worthy of the Red Knight herself. And Lathander would no doubt rejoice in your creativity, if not for the wicked and vicious intend behind your plans.

I believe I have presented sufficient evidence, once it is supplied with the testimony of Lorenza. But we have much more, Mr. Targon. Continue your lies, by all means. It is not I who is making a fool of myself at present. There is more evidence where this came from.

Dawnsquire Evelyn Stillwater

Shadowfax

Raven Targon,

Enlighten us to the events after you became sick after the ritual that created this chalice from the wound of the Hullack the druids tried to remove?

And before you answer, do remember I was there like you, observing the foolishness of the druids. Not only did they remove this "wound" and stuffed it into a now cursed chalice, but they also created unnatural overgrowth of the forest at the time, and many of us felt something escaped, however, you were the only one visibly affected.

I recall seeing you ill for the whole tenday. Since the above proof claims you "died",Was this illness you suffered the Chaos Phage, that several arcanist identified as the possible source of the resent sightings?

You were also seen in Eveningstar when the Slaadi hit there by witnesses who assisted in their removal and the druidess places you there as well. Could you share your point of view on the two matters?

--

Dawnsquire Stillwater,

These fragments, are you telling us they are from Tilverton's files? Have they been authenticated?

Bloodhound Ydira

Orin1234

I am a loyal Raven, and we all saw today the price of disloyalty to the Duchy. So I swear on the honor of Tiverton, and the Duchy, the things I say next are wholly and only the truth.

I accompanied Meil and his band of friends to the Pool holy to many in the Hullack. There a ritual was performed, and a wound to the land was attempted to be healed. During the ritual, I sensed an ancient and wild magic at work. Mixing Necromancy and Conjuration. It was at this point that I told you we should leave. Do you remember that? I then moved to the portal out and again made it clear we should leave. I was ignored. Then the druid touched that wound, that ancient magic. She filled her chalice as planed. But it overflowed. To me and to her. Her connection to the land apparently made it less of an infection. My connection to the weave made mine more severe. I became ill almost immediately. I began an un natural thirst for restorative potions. Each time I drank boils I later learned were eggs from Slaadi grew. I had the Mystrans try to help me, but they determined they could not. As it got worse, I knew something might happen. So I went back to the pool and bathed in the waters. The eggs moved. Faced with the prospect of accidentally letting these things tied to this forest run free in Tiverton or Arabel proper, I decided to cut them out. I started with the one on my leg. Then went for the one on my side. after much loss of blood and many many potions, I dug out the one in my neck. At that point I blacked out. I awoke to a nearly full grown Slaad. It ran from me, I chased it, but lost it the woods.

I do not study diseases, so I do not know the name. But I do know it was as much a curse as it was a disease.

Days later, I heard the alarms in Eveningstar. As I have done in the past, I rushed there to aid. I take a moment here to state, again under oath. I was tasked with repairing the damaged relation between Tiverton and all the kingdom. The Warden, before his death, tasked me to focus on Eveningstar. Back to the alarm. I heard the screams, I looked around and to my horror, I spotted a slaad, but not one like the one I chased. This one was darker, bigger, all around different. I prepared myself and gave chase. I saw the corpse of the druid to the side, slaadi jumping out of the portal and the other Talonites fighting. I joined the fight and we got the upper hand. I examined the portal and saw in my mind the image of a man in black in the Hullack. I told this to Jim. I told him to go find him. He said the man was there in eveningstar. I attuned the summoning portal to myself, so I could control it. I was almost done, then.... I was dead.

What I say now is what was reported to me. This is on the honor of those that told me. Not the Duchy. I was told Jim killed me. Then the portal closed. Either because it was linked to me, or because I did manage to close it. The Mystrans were given my body and they removed the last of the boils from my corpse. Then they transported me to the Hullack and returned me to life. Clean of the curse. You will have notice if you are around me, I have not coughed since then. From what was pieced together, the druid's connection from the previous ritual spoiled the one she was performing in Eveningstar.

Unasked, I would like to comment on the documents. Some of it is true. Some of it is forged. Some is from different files taken out of context. Either the Dawnsquire has been lied to, or her informant was. Either way, this matter should be closed and we should get back to the business of the Kingdom.

Raven Arn Targon

Shadowfax

Thank you Raven Targon.

We have no heard from Raven Targon and Dawnsquire Stillwater. We await some last information asked from the Dawnsquire, however, I find it every member of this council should voice their opinion on this matter.

Councilor Toussaint (( @DracoS )), you have voiced your concerns on this matter. Do you wish to add anything else?

Councilors, Xisdrith (( @Valkyrie )) and Underhill (( @Finalmint )), do you have anything you wish to share on this?

@SpiffyMeister
Dame Drakesbane,
I was informed the leader of the Ravens was executed today. Was this related to this dreadful business? If so, are we, the Council of Twelve, to shelf this issue, or do you wish further investigation in to the matter further, as the Slaadi problem is unfortunately linked to this mess and falls within the purview of this Council?

Bloodhound Ydira

Puffy

The formee leader of the Ravens was executed for these crimes, no further legal action is planned.

Clerk Johnson

Orin1234

It has come to my attention that Loric of the Precept, and Dawnsquire Stillwater plan to capture me and and steal my ability to cast magic in retaliation to this matter. I hope that it is just a rumor. Otherwise I remind the Dawnsquire and I ask you, Bloodhound Ydira, to remind the accidental fiend summoner, this matter is closed and it would be a crime to attack me so.

Raven Arn Targon

O-louth

@orin1234
Mr. Targon,
Do refrain from accusations unless you can provide proof to back your words. Otherwise we must let the sword settle the matter. Your wrecked master Calantar paid the iron price for your crimes, proving my accusations against Tilverton were true. If you cannot accept the Kings peace, then you force our hand, to vote you out, and let Lord Misrim find a more worthy representative, if one exist.

Stillwater

Orin1234

Dawnsquire,
I did leave open the possibility that it was a rumor. If this was a rumor that has no merit, then by all means, I apologize.

But if it does ring true, then you would be a liar here in the Council and an oath breaker to the terms of your duel with Kincaid. Careful your misplaced ire does not cause you to be voted on.

It is my hope we can work together for the betterment of the Kingdom. Set down your hatred. I can freely say I have none for you.

Raven Arn Targon

Shadowfax

You should know better than to believe rumors, Councilor Targon.

Bloodhound Ydira