Ongoing Chronicle: Calligraphy of the Sky
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L agrees that helping Farian is probably best. She nites mentally to herself that this is probably the best way of keeping the possibility of snagging the aethertite for herself alive. Keeping such thoughts to herself, it ways heavy on her demeanor when she agrees.
She makes another mental note to ask Farian for a scroll of teleport to learn the spell for later.
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"While I loathe thinking of us as somehow instrumental, I do agree we are in a unique position to thwart Whisperwick's plans beyond this keep. We must trust that Moonreach holds enough hands as capable as our own to hold out against the siege and hope it falls apart when we distract Whisperwick enough."
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Octavia also recommends Farian's task.
"If the keep is unassailable, then focusing on killing even more bugbears and giants is a waste of time and life. While I commend Lord Stockley's desire to save more lives, that will leave Whisperwick unimpeded in whatever task this distraction of an assault is attempting to mask. Let's focus our efforts on finding another disturbance, and see if we can spy on Whisperwick and discover what he's truly up to."
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Ashla makes it known she agrees with Laura, favouring Farian's recommended course of action.
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In preparation for the upcoming siege, different members of Moonreach Keep have approached the Locus Operandi, with recommendations on their next group effort.
The Locus only has time for one major group effort between now and the siege. Each action comes with its own benefits and costs.
The options are below.
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Astrologer Farian: "The failure of divination magic does not render Whisperwick any less predictable." Farian believes that Whisperwick's planned attack on the Keep is designed to fail, and that the Locus Operandi should focus their efforts on uncovering and curtailing his true objective, whatever that might be. To that end, he suggests clandestine research, investigation, and observation.
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Ava Brokenblade: "To siege our Keep is a colossal error. Let us eradicate both the fire giants and bugbears, and cull their numbers for a lasting peace." Brokenblade believes that the ill-designed siege is a unique opportunity for a trap and massive counter-attack against the bugbears and the fire giant forces. To that end, she requests the gathering of potent arcane materials to fuel the magical counter-attack.
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Jecken Stockley: "Everyone is at risk. Please, help me minimize all possible casualties." Stockley believes that the main priority should be to reduce the number of deaths resulting from the siege. To that end, he asks for aide in gathering materials and repairing the keep's defensive structures.
OOC Note: Please use this thread to deliberate and make the choice, which will determine the events for the upcoming weekend.
[DM Xanatos Gambit]
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Laura brings the following to the attention of all members of the Locus Operandi, after she, Ashla, Octavia and 206 spoke with various members of the Keep regarding the upcoming attack:
"Um, so first of all I've been working on calculating the location of Whisperwick's towers and I think we've got one pegged. It's in the very southernmost portion of Moonreach province, and I'm rather excited about seeking it out. Like Farian, I'm convinced that Whisperwick's true motives are nothing to do with attacking Moonreach, no more than it was to rule Caldera Manor, nor even possessing the aetherite.
He told me outright when we spoke that he seized that simply for the convenience of staying undetectable. Even if he does lie often, opportunistic behavior like that is well in keeping with his character, and from what little I know about his research, it's not really related to divination. So, my assumption is that he's working on something he knows is objectionable to a lot of people and doesn't want to be disturbed at a critical stage.
Maybe um, Kzagoth or Marielle would know a bit more about his research passions, in fact? Either way, we have the tower's location to make good on whenever we're all ready and able.
That said, the Cleimants have presented us with alternative missions to tackle, and we promised to present them all to the group. Realistically we'll only have time to focus on one of them, and my own preference is the first for reasons just stated. It's not just that I think Farian's right about an ulterior hidden motive, it's also that I think we're uniquely equipped to persue that quest while the other two can be taken on by others.
[FARIAN]: Research, investigate, and attempt to uncover Whisperwick's collateral attack motive.
[AVA]: Secure magical weaponry and reagants for a devastating counter-attack during the siege, to potentially wipe out the bugbears and fire giants.
[STOCKLEY]: Acquire materials and patch up the Keep's defenses, to maximize safety and minimize casualties.
It's up for debate by you all though, so um, feel free to disagree with me!"
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Clergy Correspondence
Nightal 17/12/25
From: May Celine & The Order of the Hidden Moon
To: Thalaman Fisher
Thalaman Fisher,
The Cleimant Council previously requested your assistance, and has since received your refusal.
We hereby accept your refusal.
I do not intend to invoke the debt your family owes the Church of the Hidden Moon. A debt for our actions during Col Geroldine's war, for your own life, for that of your Herald Isaac Thaddeus, and that of your cousin Elizabeth's unborn child.
I have also heard of your graceless, cynical, and base rebuke your brother Caleb, and of the way you humiliated him before the members of your court after he approached you to offer his cooperation in earnest and with sincerity. I do not intend to invoke that either.
You owe nothing. These are charities freely given, in the name of the Moon.
Should your heart change, know that Moonreach Keep requires no assistance. Our priests and mages are well ready for this and any siege.
Be warned, finally, that the Fire Giants have expanded their reach beyond the Giantspire Mountains, in the wake of the retreat, isolation, and sickness of High Hold's Lord. There is a possibility that they eventually march through Peltarchian lands and townships, if not your walled fortress city.
Should you require aide against any such incursions, we will gladly and freely lend it.
I will pray for you.
On Behalf of the Cleimant Council, Moonreach Keep, & its Lord Protector Caleb Fisher,
-- May Celine, High Priestess of the Hidden Moon.
[DM Xanatos Gambit]
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Royal Correspondence
Nightal 17/12/25
From: King Thalaman Fisher
To: Cleimant Council
Dear Traitors & Liars,
My spies inform me that one of your former compatriots, Olivia Gor, has defected from your council to join the very cabal that now intends to besiege your Keep.
I am also informed that you have in your gaol the former Peltarchian Defender Lieutenant Rixx, who betrayed his city and his King to join your rebellion, and has since betrayed that rebellion in turn.
It seems you now taste the same treason you once prepared against my Crown.
I have well received your request for aide.
I will consider providing aide, and protecting your decaying Keep and its pack of seditionists and criminals, after you complete the necessary tasks to prove you are capable of even the smallest wisdom. Namely, I trust you will:
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swiftly deliver to me Lieutenant Rixx, so that he might face his King's judgment and execution for his crime of treason.
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convince my blood brother the bastard to abandon the pretense of Lordship over that far-flung wasteland, in the same way he has abandoned his treasonous intent of taking my Crown from me.
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instruct my brother to return to the Jewel to face me, that I might decide his potential legitimization, his fate and his position in my family.
Do these things for me and I will then further contemplate your request for assistance.
Your King,
-- Thalaman Fisher.
[DM Xanatos Gambit]
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Official Correspondence
Nightal 17/12/25
From: Cleimant Council
To: King Thalaman Fisher
King Thalaman Fisher,
A cabal led by Adan Whisperwick intends to lay siege upon Moonreach Keep.
Rest assured our Keep and your brother are well-defended, that we are well prepared, and that we have already intercepted the plan of attack.
Should you wish to lend reinforcements, we will gladly accept them.
We await your response at Moonreach Keep.
-- The Cleimant Council.
[DM Xanatos Gambit]
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As of Nightal 09/12/25, from the cosmopolitan lights of the Kingdom of Peltarch to the frothy chill mists of Moonreach Keep, the following situation stands amidst the intrigue of the north:
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Adan Whisperwick currently possesses the rare aetherite, sought after by various factions, including those within the province of Moonreach, within Moonreach Keep, and the Locus Operandi - including its lyacans, and those seeking its curative properties.
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He is also targeting George Longcloak, who is currently in a strange and elemental-like state, as a potential source of energy. George has been ripped in twine; seemingly separated from his body, now resembling more the firey-clones he has created in the past. He is at least alive if not well, after the Golden Geese have recovered him from one of Whisperwick's towers.
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Kzagoth and the Caldera Manor have yet to reconcile; the former having launched a seek-and-destroy operation and siege against Adan Whisperwick's various towers, and the latter still reeling from Whisperwick's betrayal.
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Thalaman Fisher has rebuked his bastard brother Caleb's offer to abdicate the throne, and rumors abound he is considering even further action against Caleb and the Moonreachers.
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Peltarch's treasury is spent; the rebuilding efforts having consumed the entirety of all gold, and the Crown is now indebted by an unknown but presumed excessive amount. The Crown's dole of charity is dry, and non-existent. There are doubts of the King's commitment to law. Overall, King Thalaman's approval ratings are at an all-time low.
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Dacre Aberdeen, leader of the republican autonomist rebels, is in dealings with the Golden Geese, and the face of the growing sentiment against the King and against royal politics in general, and a growing call to return to electoral and democratic politics.
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He has revealed the involvement of an occult faction that plays at Peltarchian politics behind a veil of anonymity and secrecy. Their motives as of yet remain unclear.
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Lokelani has lost her name to a fey who tricked her into giving it up; having only recently recovered the "L" from the fey that has captured it. The fey remains at large. Lokelani remains subjugated to the fey's will and whim.
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Aoth Sepret Fisher, Princess of Peltarch, is rumored to have been sold to Lord Bellos, a magocratic ruler of a large estate in Thay, with influence over various mages throughout Faerun. The lord is known to be a cruel and wicked man.
[DM Xanatos Gambit / Eternal]
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Sebrienne sends a consolation letter from High Hold regarding George’s death to Rey, Isolde, Aoth, Cormac and Perom. A separate letter goes to George’s fiancee aboard the Wisp. If she’s notified when and where, she attends the funeral.
After the funeral, Meadow joins Captain Hrresh’s legion .
Lia is heard to say, “Well that sucks. He was a nice guy”, and crosses his name from a list.
Octavia doesn’t really know George, and unless word makes it to Moonreach, there’s no comment from her.
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Laura, who's spent the time since the meteorite's impact on researching the coalesced aether in the libraries of both Moonreach and Peltarch, intends to attempt a casting of Legend Lore focused on similar instances hinted to have occurred in the region in the past - such as the aetherite being employed as a weapon by the Aurealites, for instance. While she fully expects the results to be vague, her hope is to find some form of recurring pattern through studying past impacts of a similar nature.
As for finding Whisperwick, Gor and Rixx, Farian's confirmed that divination is unreliable throughout the area and so legwork, exploration, keen eyes, ears and noses will be more important than ever in her estimation. Though it's possible Whisperwick's secluded in a pocket plane, the same might not be true for the eloped Cleimants. A Sending to Olivia Gor, urging her to rethink, is currently considered, though Laura doesn't deem herself the best suited to sway anyone's heart.
To make matters worse still, the fey now possessing Lokelani's name has reappeared, with a demand for the aetherite as the first item on 'errands' for Nameless to earn back her name by. And soon after her unwelcome visit came another, that by a looming ogre mage in a black robe and cowl - Horgrim Blackweave.
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Cormac, who had said he'd meet Isolde and the others at Moonreach and head out early - has yet to arrive, there are even suggestions he never left the city at all...
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Isolde departs Peltarch following George's death - leaving so early, or perhaps late, that the sun has yet to rise over the rooftops of the city. A note on the door of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency's simply reads: 'Closed' - though those close to the bardess would know her intended destination's once again Moonreach Keep. Here, she intends to seek out Jonni, assuming he's still at work in the tower, as well as Flamekeeper Ereda, though she also ensures to reply to Horgrim Blackweave's Sending with one of her own, as the ferry glides through the mist-shrouded waters:
"Horgrim - Whisperwick got George. Abducted, dissected, dead, cannot locate soul to resurrect. Don't go after him alone. Find me at Moonreach Keep. Please. ~Isolde~"
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Newspaper - The Peltarch Times
Eleint 03/11/25 (Three nights following impact event.)
By: Lorelai Phinkwell
In: The City of Peltarch
Headline: LONGCLOAK DEAD, LEGION MOBILIZED
Longtime Golden Goose and Defender Captain George Longcloak is dead.
He was abducted and killed, it seems -- for whatever insane reason -- by a mage that has been publicly identified as Adan Whisperwick, who apparently resides somewhere in the Province of Moonreach or beyond.
Dowager Queen Martha Fisher has offered a reward of 500,000 gold coins -- apparently the near entirety of her personal coffers -- and her royal favour to anyone who brings back Adan Whisperwick's head.
Former Defender Captain Renius Hrresh has apparently come out of retirement and rallied soldiers, mercenaries, adventurers, former or retired soldiers as well as mages -- indeed, anyone with a sword or spellbook -- who would join his cause to bring about the Queen's will and revenge for Longcloak's death. Roughly 100 men and women have flocked to his cause, forming a new legion that now prepares to hunt down the killer mage.
The Peltarch Times wishes them well, with high hopes of success, though cautions them to take care against the mage who it seems is no stranger to making enemies.
Godspeed then, in the name of the Jewel.
-- Lorelai Phinkwell / The Peltarch Times.
[DM Xanatos Gambit]
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Public Circular - The Fabled Quill
Eleint 03/11/25 (Three nights following impact event.)
By: Lysander Pendrake
In: The City of Peltarch
It is now widely known that Peltarch Defender Captain George Longcloak was abducted from the Peltarch Commons yesterday through arcane means, namely a baleful teleportation spell. He was then killed at the destination. The Golden Geese have since recovered his body.
The Lighthouse Temple has confirmed it.
The body is not responding to resurrection.
Longcloak was a respected Captain, and indeed, for a long time, the most popular. Not among the current ranks -- that would be Captain Jorino -- but among independent military observers. Retired soldiers, attentive nobles, and diarizing Bards pointed to him as the most level-headed. One who, at least on the surface, did not play politics or seek to aggrandize himself. That is despite his affiliation with the Dowager Queen.
Yet there were also darker rumors. Those which stemmed from his association with the Golden Geese, that seemingly ageless band of adventurers of reputed arcane and esoteric power. There are unsettled whispers across the North of those who reported seeing Longcloak in flames. In their campfires, their hearths, and torches. Of those who say he made a bargain with a demon. That he may even be possessed or worse.
For my part, I doubt the veracity of such rumors. I judge George Longcloak not by such mere allegations but by his real actions. Longcloak was a tempering force behind the more hot-headed and impulsive members of the Golden Geese. He was - in this author's opinion - both just and pragmatic, reasonable and careful in his approach. Qualities which are sorely lacking among the more famous adventurers.
And now he is dead.
All you adventurers who do read my circular, take note. The important part now follows.
I have the identity of his killer on good authority. The one who balefully teleported George Longcloak -- indeed, the one who murdered him -- is none other than the mage Adan Whisperwick. A man devoid of conscience, whose actions are guided exclusively by self-interest and deception. A morally deprived mage who hides behind servants, agents, pocket planes, and magical veils. With any luck, none of these will be enough to hide him. Not from the Golden Geese, or any other who would avenge the death of one of Peltarch's most honest, earnest, and purposeful heroes.
Sincerely,
-- Lysander Pendrake.
[DM Xanatos Gambit]
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Magic Message (Via Sending)
Eleint 02/11/25 (Two nights following impact event.)
From: Horgrim Blackweave
To: Members of the Golden Geese
Golden Geese,
It is I, Horgrim Blackweave.
You have failed to acquire the anomaly and subject it to arcane controls.
The anomaly is a critical threat to the realm's order.
Note that predictive divination magic on the subject is now impossible due to its effects.
If you cannot acquire and control it, I shall.
-- Horgrim Blackweave.
[DM Xanatos Gambit]
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Personal Correspondence
Eleint 02/11/25 (Two nights following impact event.)
From: Astrologer Farian
To: Members of the Locus Operandi
Locus Operandi,
I can confirm Adan Whisperwick currently possesses the aetherite.
Unfortunately, the aetherite's presence has hushed all future murmurs and cast a veil over all premonition.
Its current possessor is no doubt equally blind.
I trust you will use this to your advantage in ridding him of the aetherite.
In the absence of either your confirmation or your success, I will address this matter myself.
-- Farian.
[DM Xanatos Gambit]
