It began of course as it ever did,
with a Duello.
The peerage's honor on fairest display,
as fellow battled fellow.
A crowd drawn from the bridge into the Commons of the King,
Sparking chaos and strife all across the 99th Ring.
Escalation as the Scribes would Tell,
Of Conspiracy, of Assassination, of lives which fell.
One piece of the Trial's notes spread in quietest circulation,
Scattered and littered all over 99 by any estimation. Sunpurse Retainer Neela Orystir:
Spied how? Divination?
Velstra Retainer Rafaela Harcourt:
Correct. Gervasy offered the elves a "mercy." He bid them to serve his House in his effort to see Velstra and Nephezar purged of "impurity."
He sought to incite war within our Ward. Present at this meeting were the Ix's, Niven, Yrna, and Gervasy himself.
They detected my intrusion shortly afterwards and saw the room warded from sight.
Shortly after this, the elves "escaped" and murdered a retainer of Nephezar in cold blood. Duncan, I believe his name was.
Sunpurse Retainer Neela Orystir:
I just have to ask, why not issue duel immediately upon hearing this conspiracy?
Ser Jouvander Vindascas:
Yet, Sunpurse came fourth to face Gervasy for killing an elf? And an elven claiming to be apart of the Warband just attacked me in the Commons. I am tired of hearing them tarnish the name of my dead fellow.
From Trial to Duel and the Yemani Cult's ferocity on display.
No faith has ever so gripped the Peerage some say.
Who rose from obscurity to claim Orzan Knight's ear,
Who rose from nothing to claim the Cowl and all to fear.
Though it would be victory for Velstra and the small family Harcourt,
Prayers to the Nine-Faced God echoing in retort.
Before affair could be laid though to rest,
Before duvet could be pulled upon tired noble breast
Another voice would echo with auld accent,
Once used for lilting poetry and beauty now ill intent.
The ravenous, cannibalistic elves smelled blood in the water.
Naemearca Rivaldes
Harcourts of Velstra. You were called once and others came. The Wayward still seeks words with you before things progress. Seek us soon.
-- DM Shout: Soon --
Herald of Harad
Soon.
-- DM Shout: NOW. --
-- DM Shout: 'YEEEESSSSS....' --
-- DM Shout: The Drips rumble, vermin, spiders and wererats fleeing the depths of the outer rings.. --
Head of Harad
[A thunderous disembodied voice.] IT IS I, THE GRAND HARAD. AFTER EONS I AM ONCE AGAIN FREE.. AND TO CELEBRATE, I AM HOLDING A MASSIVE PARTY TOMORROW AND YOU'RE ALL INVITED!
ALSO, SPECIAL THANKS TO AHM OBHADH, NAEMEARCA RIVALDES, MERILDIR ELDRETHA, AZATHRAEL RHAVAESH AND BLYANNIN ISK, AMONG OTHERS. THANKS FOR FREEING ME FROM ETERNAL TORMENT. SEE YOU TOMORROW!
At long last freed the terrible titan so long imprisoned by the King,
Forever at the behest of Ser Vindacas of the Elves would Peerage bards Sing
Sir Jouvander Vindascas
To no ones suprise the nefarious elves of House Velstra and their companions have actually helped the Waywards elves of the Ponds in releasing the Head of Harad. And even more troublesome the other retainers are seeming to even think about freeing the last 50 seals.
Sir Jouvander Vindascas
This would surely damn us. But this comes to no ones surprise these Nefarious elves parading as Retainers. They've already tried to poison the minds of others that their causes are holy and their intentions to kill my fellows was some conspiracy.
I believe in the Peerage, I know they've tried to trick us all but we have not fallen for it. We will condemn these traitors for what they truly are.
Of Conspiracy, of Sloth, echoes his Lady of Wedded Ring
Niven Vindascas
How many times have I warned the Rings about the dangers of Harad? I have called for those concealing his secrets to find me and offered generous bounty to be met with naught. A sole voice amongst indolence and greed.
You talk of conspiracies? What of the conspiracy of silence - this sloth against the threats that assail our ring and city? Yet you fools claw claw his secrets to your heart and follow the trail into the woods thinking you will find riches at the end.
Witness now the woe you've unleashed upon us. I can only hope that those that have unleashed the misery give their lives honourably upon the horror and save us all the trouble. In service to the King and House Ozra, Lady Niven Vindascas.
Anyone with remose for this and can provide any clue as to how to defeat the abomination may find me at Castle Ozra. You will receive no bounty, but your lives.
Anyone with remose for this and can provide any clue as to how to defeat the abomination may find me at Castle Ozra. You will receive no bounty, but your lives.
From the Knaves of Nine Nine though comes tales of a darker thing
Knave of 99, Copper Faced
There there, Poppet. Dunnae be gettin' yer flashy new orange knickers in a twist. Maybe iff'n y'spent maer time thinkin' with that thing betwixt y'ears than knockin' on a knight's bedpost t'climb a bit hire y'be easier able to see th'Dark Design. Sloth ain't got nothin' to do with it.
Ticks were easy, eh? Bit'o'patterflash, robberies, Coppertorc. What's a Peer fear though? Be a roight proper riddle. Luck'ere 'course be I love me a riddle. The answer were plain an' clear. Me precious Harad'Quessir, me lovely little Knave-Ears, you lot stirred'em into such a frenzy. They only needed a bit o'kindling and some oil... Welcome to th'Dark Design.
Many call it further coincidence,
Others would claim it sad delusion,
They claim Criminals manipulating matters ill convenient,
Some though mutter in staunchest agreement.
Weeks and weeks ago in the throes of the Torc War did the Knaves find their way into the Ward amidst great distraction.
City Sending by Knave of 99, Copper Faced : Yes...yes. There it is. Do you hear it Grandfather? The choir of the voice of Angels...the Hin woman`s Flute...The strings pulled...Such a symphony. And here comes crescendo! Conniving Retainers, Complainers, and would be Maimers rejoice. Your deeds of late in Ring Nine Nine have been met with RIGHTEOUS gratitude for he is so very proud of you. A direct line to Grandfather now awaits you in the Catacombs of the Peerage.
For fell Ritual undertaken during this distraction...
If you wish something stolen, if you wish someone slain, or to bring a rival shame you need only take up a Quill. Scribble a note and leave your name without fear for only HIs Faithful may gaze upon your prayers. Leave word and leave prayer...Praise Grandfather.
And soon after did the scattered and hunted Harad'Quessir begin to find traction...
Organized into a terror the likes of which from the Subhumans the Peerage Ward had never seen such guerilla action.
Unlike previous this time it was not the Ponds that was purged.
From cruel Immortals with illest morals Peerage violence surged.
Among the dead named Retainers of House Nephezar, House Velstra, House Orza, Blackjacks too.
Majority not of the Changeling, nor the Knave-Ears, but blood run Blue.
The so long sealed and mysterious Titan Harad Freed,
Tales of Treason and Conspiracy and Peerage Greed.
...Surely a coincidence.
...Surely a delusion.
...Fools claiming others success.
...Unless...