211, juli, na de moots

Mai 23, Anno Meron 211, Krak du Nord, report on the Moots

On the Mission to the Vortex aptly named Moots. I have received report from Clarisse, Jean-Clément and D'arafayen and gleaned some from the words of the members of Unicorn.

The Chalice of Beyond
After an otherwise uneventful trip we arrived upon the Crossroads. We had sent the new Vaillants ahead to strike camp and await our arrival. When we arrived upon the dusk of day we were greeted by stories of a curious and dark artefact shaped like a large cup upon a pillar, close to the encampment of the Unicorn. Apparently the Pillar, named the Chalice of Beyond, is a mockery of our beloved Lady in both name and meaning, for it is a portal to a power of Undeath. Strangely enough it was not seen on the Vortex during our previous visits and it is so far unknown whence it came.

The Chalice of Beyond seems to 'house' and least three Liches, of the Day, the Dawn and the Night. We know of two Names, Akesh of the Day, and Linda, yet unknown. Upon the Pillar were written words that, translated, read
“Only in the cold grasp of death shall you find true immortality, ascenscion and ultimate freedom”
Besides these Masters of the Pillar, the Liches, other undead were also connected to it, claiming to have freely chosen a life of undeath. If true, they are the most heinous affront to the True Ring. Vive la Dame.

Akash, and probably the other liches, have been engaging in blasphemous conversation with people, claiming that Undeath is a conscious choice and should therefore be allowed by law upon the Vortex. Daring not to endanger our greater mission we have let Akash walk for a while, but when the time came the brothers acted and destroyed his body

The Dark Stones
Also, several dark stones were found upon the Vortex and housed a power that could be harnessed. Theories of the honorable brothers differ, from them being merely tools to them being products of the Dark Art. One of the Liches claimed the stones were used to seal the Chalice of Beyond and it was hence used as a prison. D'arafayen is convinced that both the Chalice and the stones are mere tools. However, it houses power that attracts others that want to tap into it and use, or abuse, it.

Arkol of Mekanon
Brother Reynard encountered a strange creature, Arkol of Mekanon, in some way connected to crafting and its art. It enspelled Brother Reynard into wanting nothing more than crafting, and only direct orders would temporarily stop him from acting. With great effort we tried to wrest Reynard from the grasp, using the Altar of the Gods, of which we were not certain it would do anything. Our Beloved Lady immediately sent us a Sign, breaking the Altar through a Vessel, and we proceeded to cleanse the Drussard with only our faith, and without blasphemous idols. We succeeded partially, placing the power of the curse in the Dagger of the Doullaincourts, which is now highly charged with spiritual magic. We will handle the dagger with prudence and care.

The Chaos Portal
Also, there is a Chaos Portal that, according to stories, leads to a so called Maelström. It is said the Maelström houses souls that have been denied a return to the true ring. One time, from the Portal came a group of undead or daemons, that went straight to the Chalice of Beyond and tapped into its power. Then, they sacrificed a demon to try and open up this Chaos Portal. The Portal is said to need 7 seals to keep it closed, of which several have already been broken. What happens when the Portal opens is unknown, but tongues speak of a creature Maledicta, which I suspect is one of the Daemon Princes. I have sent Brother Camille to Meronia to try and find out more about her and the Demon Princes.

The Fighters Guild
Our influence and base in the Fighters Guild is taking great shape. Brother D'arafayen has been promoted to Sword Lieutenant and is placed in charge of several important matters and quests. They are currently engaged in finding a new powersource since their entity of power Couladin is faltering.

The Great Mission
Brother Dumas has gained a foothold within the Navigators and a formal voice of vote. I have been asked to don the mantle of General of the Vortex and am considering doing so. We should continue to continue our mission dilignently but prudently and not be dissuaded by other events. However, the Great Mission is not to excuse us from taking action when such is called for and where we can step in and make a difference for the Good of All.

Looking forward
It is my opinion that several matters require our attention. It is especially the Chaos Portal and the Liches that vex me. Though for now I will accept the statement that the Chalice of Beyond is merely a tool, I will not hesitate to have it destroyed when such is called for, such as when we have a chance to finally destroy the lich-abominations.

We should try to close the Chaos Portal, or at least strengthen it, for I fear no good can come from it, unless we find a way to lead the Lost Souls (if that story is real) all back to the True Ring. For now, I prefer to contain them in the Maelström.

To sum it up, more information and possible action is needed for:
the liches
the chalice from beyond
the chaos portal

Vive la Dame, vive le Corbeau, vive la Reine

Krak du Nord,

Raphaël du Chastillon