A Vindicators Belief

Those that follow the path of the sunlight lord choose that of two paths. Both in turn reveal the true  sense of nature in one’s self within that very choice. My own walk upon this path has been that of self worth, selfish at first perhaps to search out a purpose for myself but I was young. Now as I feel my body begin to wither and weaken like I have feared I write this for the next generation of my brethren that may read upon it. 

The path of the Hunter is forever to pursue one’s own senses of greed. A lust for the destruction of one’s enemy, a drive to wipe their existence from the plain we swear to destroy. This is where I believe the fall of our order truly lies, we are known as killers amongst those we wish to protect. Whilst I state this it cannot be ignored that our enemies often hide amongst these very same Descendants we wish to protect. Perhaps it is just my age that has molded my mind in this way, but our current age is far from golden. Where the common man searches out some form of brigand to deal with some abomination of dark ilk.

I was raised as a boy who knew he was lucky to live, breath, and feel the world around him. When I should have died I was taken in sheltered with warmth. While that warmth could only be described as fading it is in turn what wrote my path. 

The path of the Protector is forever and should be followed only by those that value another’s life over their own. Whilst the very thing that makes us Descendant can often prevent us from following this, when one falters they must return to the path and repent. When one becomes a Vindicator they are asked to sacrifice that which is most valuable. Some perceive this as the notion of something physical in form when in truth it is the very being of the paladin that must be offered. Not some petty bounty collected, but one’s entire being. Their cause must be to live and breathe for the lives of another. To cast their soul into the far over in the chance that they may save others from that same damned fate. 

One is blessed with the gifts of the Sunlight Lord not to hide and preserve themselves, but to use them in the protection of others. For they cannot defend themselves against that which is vile and seeks chaos.

The order must remain absolute, as is called upon us all. “The sun must not set” rings within my mind, for this single phrase from the elders reveals the true truth of the matter. The reins of chaos are beheld by many within our realm, if the sun sets order will be lost. With that a long night will come.

That being stated, I do not think that the sun will truly ever give out. Yes it may wain and weaken, but as long as there are those that will continue to rise embolden by His embers it will brighten and rise. For that is as he has decreed upon us, if worn or bruised, shattered or broken, we rise once more. For we are His chosen and without that we are naught.

His chosen span to many, though in truth perhaps the path is not meant for all Descendant kind. Upon my years of work those that are often the first to die are those sons of Horen. Laying down their lives for that which is right. Ever since I was a young acolyte I noted the Lord’s fondness of Elven kind, few have lived up to my sought expectation. Most lacking in faith towards what they owe so much too. Perhaps that simply is a byproduct of their long lives.

My biases aside, I pose a final statement for those that may come across my writings. Forgive the jumbled order, I was never that of a writer. Put faith within our Lord, be emboldened by His path. It is a hard one if you decide to walk down such. Do not fear that you may falter for there is always a path back upon that which one has fallen from.

Signed, Nikolai Josef van Wick
Arknight of The Sunlit Path

BOUNTY: AN ELF AND A GIRL

NOTICE OF BOUNTY AND BANISHMENT

To the two miscreants that have recently terrorized VERITAS:

The little brigand-to-be and the make-believe elven hero; you are hereby BANISHED from the village-state.

BANISHED and WANTED for instigating trouble in the village-state- trouble that resulted in a man stabbed through his gut for no reasonable cause. 

Though we do not know your names, we will remember your faces, and you are not welcome on our land. 

THE BRIGAND-TO-BE & THE MAKE-BELIEVE HERO

HEARTLANDER CHILD, the brigand-to-be. 

A young child no older than seven years, black hair, blue eyes and pallid skin. 

Donned in red garbs, beige bottoms, and high white socks.

The youth is temperamental and deceptive, carrying a worn and dull dagger. 

WANTED FOR ATTEMPTED BANDITRY 

AND DECEPTIVE SLANDER WHICH LED TO A SOUTHERON MAN’S UNJUST STABBING.

Though she is known to be armed, she is not a threat to an adept combatant.

20 MINA FOR INFORMATION   ||| 100 MINA FOR CAPTURE

HIGH ELVEN MAN, the make-believe hero.

A high elven man with white-gray hair and gray-blue eyes, standing at about 6’6 or give or take. 

Donned with red attire and a beige cloth over his shoulder, the man was also seen to have plate over his other arm. 

The man is very sardonic and presumptuous, noted to wield a halberd with a pike at its tip. 

He is armed, and only dangerous because he is quick to make ill-informed assumptions. 

He believes himself to be some sort of hero, and he will be unafraid to cut down if he believes you morally oppose him.

WANTED FOR AIDING AND ABETTING THE CHILD IN QUESTION, 

INSTIGATING A HARMLESS SITUATION WITH UNNECESSARY FORCE, 

AND STABBING A MAN IN COLD BLOOD UNDER THE GUISE OF MORALITY.

50 MINA FOR INFORMATION ||| 400 MINA FOR CAPTURE

UPON CAPTURE, BRING THEM TO VERITAS TO FACE JUSTICE.

The child will not meet harm, but she cannot continue to grow without facing repercussions for her undisciplined actions.

The elf, however, will be tried as an adult. His fate has not yet been sealed, but redemption is always an option for the troubled. 

Act accordingly, mischief-makers.

Signed,

The Great (not quite Grand) Justiciar and Revolutionist of VERITAS

Amara Verrana

The Grand Veritas

Weddingpalooza

(Credit: Peder Mork Monsted)

Citizens of Veritas preparing for the Weddingpalooza.

The councilors of VERITAS wish to welcome all denizens of Almaris to celebrate the union of a joyous pair. With a bounty of festivities and delicacies, join us in the roadside village for a day of games, activities, and food: our first Weddingpalooza.

SCHEDULE

THE FEAST

All are invited to enjoy the spoils of our harvest, ripe with fresh vegetables and a hunt’s bounty. A full-serving and a round of drinks on the house for all who wish to partake. The feast will remain ongoing throughout the entirety of the celebrations.

HOG RACING

The pride of Veritas still lies in their hard work, and none work harder than their sturdy hogs. Competitors will choose their animal and saddle up for a marathon around town.

CAKE EATING

Players will have a chance to test their stomach in a race to stuff their mouths. The one who has stuffed their mouth the most within the clock will be determined victor.

WHEATBOWL

A classic amongst the citizenry, teams engage in this Veritas sport of defending their honorary. Helmets are strongly advised.

OBSTACLE COURSE

A task for the swift and nimble, competitors race against each other through a course laid out before them. Audience members will have a chance to disrupt with an onslaught of tomatoes.

JOJA HUNTING

Corporate greed means trouble for the local farmers and their hard work when a stingy merchant has been spotted stealing from the treasury. Partake in helping the good folk repel the foreign, greedy, menace: Joja.

BIRD FIGHTING

An ancient tradition where roosters were once made to battle. However, even after the last trainer in bird combat passed, the game lives on: brawlers dressed as chickens will fight until only one remains.

All across Almaris are welcome, with personal invitations extended to:

The Honorable Koeng Sigismund Barbanov-Bihar and the citizens of the Dual Kingdoms of Hanseti-Ruska (@Xarkly)

The Honorable Sigmar Mondblume and his merry company (@AmazingAzura)

The Honorable Petra Emma Mondblume and her merry company (@sarahbarah)

The citizens of the Holy Orenian Empire

The Honorable Princess Charlotte Augusta Novellen and her merry company (@MunaZaldrizoti)

The Honorable Josephine Aleksandra Tuvyic and her merry company (@Toffee)

The Honorable Lord Quentin Brae and the citizens of Nu Loc (@Shorsand)

The Honorable Oijin and his merry company (@El Padrecito)

The Honorable Dante and the venerable Lectors of Owyn (@Letharian)

The Honorable High Prince Evar’tir and the citizens of the Realm of Elvenesse (@Bhased)

The Honorable Prince Amaesil Vuln’Miruel and his merry company (@The Media Wizard)

The Honorable Ardreth and his merry company (@ClatterCake)

The Honorable Alicjo Verrana and his merry company (@Goon)

The Honorable Dael of Edenia and his merry company (@Xx_BloodStalk_xX)

The Honorable Tarathiel Asul’onn and her merry company (@Valannor)

The Honorable Norli Starbreaker and his merry company (@Nooblius)

The Honorable Booker Trout

The Cotsofana Family (@The King Of The Moon)

SIGNED,

Elimar Mondblume

Moliana Tuvyic

OOC:

[!] Across the region of Urguan, a missive was spread and posted for all to read.

IN LUCE EST VERITAS. CIRCA. 8 SA

THE KING AND THE FARMERS

AN IMPLORATION OF RECONSIDERATION

To the Grand King of Urguan and His Council:

I can say now that I’ve lived long enough to see the moment that dwarven greed trumped the dwarven loyalty your kin are revered for, but I do not relish in this “accomplishment.” 

I suppose The Deceiver’s plagues are not to be underestimated- but I suppose I expected more.

Lifeless as it may seem to a passerby, many are still familiar with the village Veritas. It is a place that was rose when Almaris was settled by the descendants half a century ago, on land given to us by then Grand King of Urguan, Norli Starbreaker- and to him we are eternally grateful. Though, quiet as it may be, there is solace in quiet- comfort. A comfort that has acted as a beacon of respite for many in its time. You see, we did not have grand plans to make Veritas the most visited roadside village, it was merely a place for humble farmers and craftsmen to live in that same humility. To share crop and community with close kin and allies alike, and those with well-intentions were more than welcome to stop in for trade and festivities. Peacefully, we lived this way- for so long until most recent. 

Upon your decree, Veritas no longer belongs to its people.

Once the Waystone Corporation settled a stone’s throw from our porch fronts, it brought with it an unsettling bustle, and it was quite an eyesore, but we did not complain. When their solicitors came in hopes to buy the land we’d settled for half a century, we simply told them we were not interested; because we were not, and now we are forced from our solace for your visions of conquest. We wanted no part in their greedy endeavors of expansion and you have given the very land we wished to safeguard right to them. To make a kingdom of a farmer’s town, was no where else you may have picked out and on?

What of the dark elven stead, Stygian Hollow? The one that teemed with unholy fog; that is in dwarven land- had you not thought to use their emptied walls for your dreamed kingdom? Or is it that the whispers of your specially interested council members manipulated you to give them the very thing they incessantly pestered us for: our home.

We urge you, Grand King, to reevaluate whatever plan you have to expand the Urguani reach and leave Veritas from it. We are capable to govern ourselves. Our people are of the oldest, most loyal vassal- we do not attract the attention you wish we did as it stands, by design. We are a village of farmers and tradesmen. So what do you believe your overseers are capable of changing, and why do you believe it is better for our people that we are made to conform?

We feel betrayed, Grand King, despite how much you might apologize. Force this way of life onto the unwilling and you will breed nothing but resentment from those who dutifully heeded your word and paid your tax for decades, without question and without trouble. We feel our efforts have been sold off to the highest bidder- our resistance to corporate colonization made meaningless at the waft of your kingly hand. 

You may reclaim the land your kin has given us all those years ago, but we will refuse to pay tax for lands we do not own. Let our new owners, the Waystone Corporation, cover the costs of our people since it is what they wanted for so long.

You may reclaim the land your kin has given us all those years ago, but you will live with the shame of knowing you have failed your oldest and most loyal. That you have made many unhappy and have let your people’s voice go unheard. 

We understand king’s word is law, but we, the voice of Veritas, are telling you that this will bear no fruits- this plays no benefit for any.

Let our small town in your land be just that; a small town in your grand empire. 

End the corporate influence over our livelihoods, Grand King. 

You are the only one who can make this right. 

SIGNED,

THE COUNCIL OF VERITAS

VERITAS HARVEST FESTIVAL

❦

The councilors of VERITAS wish to welcome all denizens of Almaris to celebrate the autumn’s changing leaves. With a bounty of autumnal festivities and delicacies, this upcoming Sun’s Smile, join us in the roadside village for a day of games, activities, and feasts- our first Harvest’s Festival.

❦

COSTUME CONTEST

Come donned in your spookiest or silliest attire to celebrate the spirit of fall. Those who register their costume will be rated and the winner will be chosen by the council. 

Winner will receive a hand-painted portrait done by AMARA VERRANA, announced just before the feast is meant to commence. 

APPLE DUCKING

Take a shot at procuring a floating apple from the trough without the use of your hands. Each player gets three attempts to submerge their head in the basin to see if they may come up with a freshly plucked apple.

PUMPKIN CARVING

Carve into one of the local pumpkins from the harvest and submit your pumpkin to be declared the winner of the competition. Carve a face or a scene, whatever your artistic mind can muster.

Carver of the best submission will receive a voucher for 10 free drinks at THE LUMPY PUMPKIN, announced just before the hare hunt.

TRADE FAIRE

A chance to bring outsider flavor and wares to the Golden Vale, VERITAS offers a space for merchants to peddle their goods for the duration of the festival. Booths will cost 15 minas for the day and will be placed at the heart of the town during the festivities.

Send word to the VERITAS KEEP AVIARY if you are interested in setting up shop.

HOG RACING

VERITAS prides itself in its steeds and droves- hogs sturdy enough to ride upon. 

Choose your hog and saddle up to race your fellow competitors. 

Winner keeps their hog of choice as a companion- or can have it served up for the village to eat.

ARCHERY COMPETITION

Archers line up to take their shot at apples set at incrementing ranges. 

The marksman who can successfully pierce all (or most) of the apples will be declared the winner.

Winner will receive a ranged armament of winner choice, crafted by ALICJO VERRANA.

HARE HUNT

Rabbit season means trouble for the local farmers and their unprotected crops. Partake in helping the tradition of catching the local, speedy, menace; the hare.

THE FEAST

All are invited to enjoy the spoils of our autumnal harvest- ripe with fresh vegetables and a hunt’s bounty. A full-serving and a round of drinks on the house for all who wish to partake.

14TH OF SUN’S SMILE, 46 SA

VERITAS

IN LUCE EST VERITAS. CIRCA. 8 SA

THE LUMPY PUMPKIN, 18 SA

VERITAS seeks a keeper for its tavern,
THE LUMPY PUMPKIN

• New owner is to uphold commendable virtues. No darkspawns or their apologizers.

• New owner is granted creative liberties in the operation of their establishment. 

• New owner is to be given arms, in protection of self and their patrons. 

If interested, send word to the 
VERITAS KEEP AVIARY

DARKSPAWNS NEED NOT APPLY.

She stunk of alcohol and cigarettes, such clinging to her brother’s clothes which she always wore now. The evidence of her sins lay around her as she slumped against the wall of Veritas’ tavern, alone as usual. 

“Are you alright child? You seem to be far from GOD.”

The lone Elyra looked up to see an anemic figure standing over her, a crimson colored cloth held over his maw.

“Do I now?”

She commented in a sassy remark, her words slurred due to her inebriated state.

“Perhaps this is what GOD had planned for me.”

“You believe it’s plan is for your end, steeped in the smell of alcohol, plagued by the disease of sin? What has happened to make your life come to such a sorry place?”

And so she told the man everything, every detail of her life from start to finish. She spilled her woes and fears, her uncertainties and depressed thoughts. By the time she was done, there didn’t seem to be much emotion left in her, just a tired, decrepit form.

“Do you wish for freedom.. Do you wish for life away from sorrow?”

A trick, you know it’s a trick. Such a thing does not exist.

“Does such a thing truly exist, freedom from sorrow..”

“Yes child - it does exist. Freedom from sorrow, sin, and suffering. I can show you that it’s existence comes for the shepherds will it to be. I ask once more, is freedom what you desire?”

“...Yes”

“Come with me child, I will show you the path to freedom.”

The half elf followed the strange man away from Veritas and up on a hill looking over the village and meadow. A soft breeze blew through her thick curls, a sigh escaping her as she looked over the land.

“Look down there child - what is it you see?”

“Flowers...trees...Veritas..”

From the eyes of the man came crimson tears then, slowly dripping upon the ground as he looked out.

“This is the accursed lands that hast been given unto man. Lands of suffering, death, and sin.”

As the man spoke, his whole body began to tense, seemingly beginning to grow larger.

“These are the lands I can free you from - I can bring you a higher existence, away from all this.”

Of course. So naive.

“So this is what you meant by freedom..”

The man would tense further as what appeared to be fur would begin to rip from his clothing, from his flesh. Blood and gore dripped from him as the flesh on his hands would tear open, revealing claws.

“Yes child...freedom.”

Idiot

The creature dropped a notebook and pen on the ground before the girl, it’s maw cracking open with pained grunts.

“Write your wills, for soon you shall be free.”

“Can I ask one final thing then...a promise to the dead.”

As the creature’s features began to become more obvious, a nod came from the damned flesh. All that could be seen now would be that sickly maw of a beast, flesh hanging upon it. Large, sharp teeth and twisted claws that would carry the blood of the wretched upon them. This thing waited for a moment, speaking in a pained rasp.

“Speak - for soon you shall be sinless.”

“Make sure my letters and things get to the right people, and keep my scarf intact. That’s all I ask.”

The beast nodded, and so she began to write, terrible handwriting spewing on the paper due to lack of skill and shaky hands. A couple tears stained the pages as she wrote, some letters taking longer than others due to length and emotion.

So this is how I will die.

“There...I have finished.”

As those words had come from her mouth, so too would claws meet her stomach, shooting through flesh and gore. Another pair of claws quickly shot towards her heart, aiming for a quick and painless death.

“Rest.. Find happiness.”

Blood splattered over her tear stained letters, gasps and sobs retching from her draining body as she uttered her final words, as her soul left those golden Elyra eyes.

“I-I’m sorry.”

And she meant it, more than she had ever meant anything in her life.

“Rest - you are forgiven.”

The creature spoke before feasting upon her flesh and blood, leaving just her head and the scarf intact, as promised.

The Letters

-

Nikolai

Alicjo

Tara

Anduin

Vyasaldris

Acknowledgements

My first pk. Pretty bittersweet but I was ready to put this character to rest so I could focus on my others and free up time. With college starting I just do not have time to play so many characters. I want to thank @RaiderBlue, @Goon, @BobBox, @Valannor, @TheIchorDruid, @Vic, and @Covey for all the great rp I’ve had with this character. I love you all and thank you for contributing to Verendus’ story <3

[!] A flyer splayed against wherever a flyer may be posted- from Urguan of the East to New Esbec in the West.

[ AMBIENCE ]

ANOTHER FOR THE FRAY

THE FIRST OF A VERITAS FIGHT NIGHT

PARTICIPATION
If one chooses to partake in such events, there’s a small fee for participants that will contribute toward the winner’s prize pool. Sign-ups are available prior to the start of the event, though walk-ups are still welcomed. 

Combatants will be charged ten minae to enter the competition, though those who register early are granted a reduced entry fee of five minae.

(( Early registration will be provided using this Google Form: LINK ))

Combatants will be paired at random, crawling their way through the ranks to claim the title as Champion of the East, as well as a minae prize.

GAMBLING 
Spectators may bet on competitors for who they believe is more likely to win the match. The minimum starting bet can be no less than ten minae, though it may raise by any increment. 

DRINKS
Drinks will be available to purchase for those to enjoy while they watch the fights take place, provided by The Lumpy Pumpkin Tavern in Veritas. 

Each denizen from each nation of Almaris is welcomed to attend and participate in Veritas’ First Fight Night.