Caedis

A certain Fallen Baron reads the missive with interest, then grins. His lips stretched, sending out signals of pain in protest- it was the first time in a while that he'd smiled this way.. "Camellia.. Vyr Mamej would be proud of vy and Aleksey.. Ea know ea am."

VILE DISCOVERIES OF THE CURSE TO THE CITIZENS OF Aevos, Kaethul humbly presents its findings on the magicks of the Ailmerian threat. The first thing we need to stress is thus: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO spirit walk with the marked/cursed. The powers of the Harrower have grown - spirit walking is now a suicide mission, which will result in the death of the cursed individual. It has become impossible to win in his domain at this time. This is not a challenge of your personal conviction or strengths, nor should this be taken as one. I don’t care how strong you are, you cannot save the cursed via spirit walking at this moment. INSTEAD, KAETHUL HAS DISCOVERED a new cure - a harmless one. By merely subduing the cursed with null arcana, and then bringing them to a Paladin for purging, one can safely remove the curse from the victim. Failure to use Null Arcana will result in the Cursed being able to call for the Harrower’s Chosen to launch a rescue mission, which will result in a very difficult battle. THE SECOND DISCOVERY OF Kaethul is where the Harrower gains his powers. The answer is rather simple - blood. Via spilt blood, the Harrower is able to grow his magic and powers. We believe this does not have to be blood spilt in ritual, but rather the blood spilt of ANY of the Harrower’s forces. This means that every single thrall or Chosen we slay is in fact empowering this being. Furthermore, the Harrower’s Domain has begun to tear. We believe the dark fog surrounding Ailmere is a result of these tears. There is a theory that the Harrower’s Domain is actually a prison, one that the Harrower is slowly escaping. THIRDLY, WE PRESENT GRAVE news. The Tribes of Ailmere - the Thralls and Chosen, are in fact Slaves. For some this information is known, however what isn’t known, is that every single Thrall and Chosen, the Zeniths included, no longer possess memories of their lives before the Harrower - they have been stolen by that very same being. Thus is the fate of all cursed individuals. FOURTH, WE ISSUE A warning. The Raiders of Ailmere are in possession of what many believe to be a mere Mine. Reports indicate otherwise, and allude to the potential of a large, underground Stronghold, where the majority of the Harrower’s forces amass. If you are attempting to explore these mines for the promise of loot or reward - Do not, it is a trap. The ‘mine’ is likely detailed that way to trick you into seeking the rewards - it will be your grave. Don’t throw away your life for the promise of a shiny ingot. IN LIGHT OF THESE recent discoveries - Kaethul hereby seeks a change in tactics. We wish to see the Ailmerian Tribes freed from their shackles, rather than killed and merely added to the power of the Harrower. If the situation turns dangerous, then do prioritize your own life, but please, try to take them alive and free them from the curse. MAY THE LIGHT OF Purity triumph over this darkness. SIGNED, DAINN, Guardian of the Unicorn, Priest of Eraan, Sword of Purity JUNIPER ROSE, Royal Scribe of Kaethul, Anti-Darkspawn Air Shielder

A MISSIVE OF INFORMATION AND PRAISE THE BATTLE OF THE Harrowing Peak, an operation led by Kaethul in tandem with the brave Ravenswood denizens, was originally a siege on the Western Ailmerian Fort. This quickly changed however, with the appearance of the Raider's three Zeniths. THE ARTILLERY DIVISION, COMPOSING of Ravenswood’s finest and a small cohort of Paladins, were ambushed atop the peak opposite the fort, by the ever watching banners of Ailmere. The Three Zeniths appeared before them - the three Commanders of Ailmere’s forces - and unleashed their never before witnessed magic. A dark fog engulfed the division, extinguishing all mundane lights and rendering magical lights to a mere personal glow - save for Paladin mist. Dark portals opened in this fog, summoning forth the legions of Ailmere, bringing Chosen and Thralls to assault the cannon crew and their Paladin defenders. IT WAS THEN THAT Kaethul’s assault force, a large division of armoured cavalry led by the Sword of Purity, Dáinn, turned their attention from the fort to their allies, and began racing through the snowy peaks to reach them in time. THE CLASH OF BATTLE was fierce. Flames flickered briefly through the dark fog, cannons kept firing towards the Fort, even shattering those gates - Ravenswood held firm, their adept forces crushing the countless hordes that surged from the darkness. The Paladins, the sole source of glowing light amidst that dark cloud, faced off against the Zenith Tor, and a newly discovered Zenith, a woman of white hair donning a curious mask. Both factions fought bravely, but alas even they would not have withstood the might of Ailmere.. FORTUNATE, THEN, THAT THEY did not stand alone. Kaethul's cavalry arrived, the Sword of Purity's light blazing through the darkness as the call of reinforcements echoed through the peak. Horse and rider charged fearlessly into that black void, plunging into that wicked darkness. IN THE ENSUING FIGHT, Kaethul's multinational force procured overwhelming victory. Ravenswood held and remanned the cannons. Balian took the right flank, absolutely obliterating the ranks of Chosen and Thrall alike. A detachment of Urguan Dweds and their adventuring allies joined with the battered Paladins, pushing forth towards the Zeniths. Forces of the Vale secured those cannons, fending off even Kamikaze Thralls, men strapped with Blasting Potions. The Sword of Purity, paired with the great Obok, hammered into the Zenith Tor, the former plunging both axe and sword into the foul beast's neck - Victory was assured.. BUT ALL PETS HAVE a master. The Zeniths were close to defeat. The Harrower himself stepped in. His voice rang through the mountain, his rage felt like a burning pressure on our shoulders - darkness swept over the battlefield, healing and revitalising our enemies, even saving Tor from the brink of Death. Portals opened all around, and the full, unfiltered might of Ailmere was brought to bare.. LET IT BE KNOWN that for the first time since this war began, it was KAETHUL that forced the Harrower into action. Our Power - our Strength - was so great that only the master of the Raiders could halt us, and force a retreat. Even then, our retreat was orderly, formed, and resulted in the safe extraction of every single member of the expedition. KAETHUL FACED THE WRATH of the Harrower, and emerged without a single casualty. AND SO, THE FOLLOWING words are dedicated to the brave warriors who fought at our side. Although ultimate victory was not achieved - our enemy were forced to reveal multiple of their hidden cards, and were bled dry of countless lives. They may have held the fort, but it is a bitter, pyrrhic victory for them. KAETHUL THUS GIVES PERSONAL commendations to the following individuals: HILDA ADRIANNA BRAWN - A squire of Balian. Growing up, I was always fond of Balian’s Knighthood.. Their honour was unquestionable, their pride deserved, and their talents unmatched. Squire Hilda Adrianna Brawn is all the proof I need that these traits have persisted. Responsible for the eradication of several Chosen and countless more Thralls, Squire Hilda made her contributions even more impressive, when during our retreat, she took it upon herself to carry our wounded from the frontline. The skills to destroy our enemies, and the humble sense of duty to protect her comrades - There is no individual more deserving of Knighthood than she, save for perhaps Balian’s current line of Knights. RAVENSWOOD - Praise is given to the entirety of Ravenswood, who, despite the threat of war, devoted time, effort, resources and their very lives to participate in this siege. The mages and soldiers of Ravenswood held the line valiantly, defending the cannons from hordes of Thralls, and lasting long enough for Kaethul’s reinforcements to arrive. Even after our cavalry stormed through, the heroic troops of Ravenswood remained, providing support and aid to our forces against the Zeniths, and even opening a sizable hole in the gate of the Ailmerian Fort. A fearless band of heroes, led by a charismatic and beloved Sovereign. Kaethul does however stress its political NEUTRALITY in cases of war. Our only enemy is the Harrower, and the usual threats to Descendant-kind. All others are welcome within the lands of our Merchant State. GALLIO GRANDAXE - Once more, Kaethul praises the might of Urguan. Yet another Dwarf has proven their undeniable valour and strength on the fields of battle. Gallio was not only a destructive force against our Ailmerian enemies, but a source of protection and fearless resolve when facing the unknown Zeniths, and extracting our unconscious comrades. One day I hope to see the pure power of an army of Dwarves - I only pray I will stand on their side, should the day come. I WILL ONCE MORE state the importance and virtue of every single member of our fighting force. You were all vital. You shall continue to be so. SIGNED, DAINN, Guardian of the Unicorn, Priest of Eraan, Sword of Purity JUNIPER ROSE, Royal Scribe of Kaethul, Anti-Darkspawn Air Shielder

A certain Fallen Baron lifted the missive into the light, allowing the beaming sun to illuminate those parchment papers and shine through onto his careless features. A scoff was given. "I suppose in a land of disgusting, corrupted taint, even the briefest spec of genuine nobility would be seen as rot.. No matter. The shackles are coming undone, one by one.." A grin formed, flashing two mundane canines in the glistening light. "I'm almost ready, my love.. I will see you soon."

Dáinn, the Sword of Purity, raised a hand before him. His blazing pure white light dimmed in the darkness, subdued to a meager candle flicker. "Well shite.. This makes killin' em so much feckin' 'arder!" He grumbled, rolling his neck. He mumbled a few more swears, and returned to his experiments. The Harrower would be destroyed - he would ensure it.

The missive was brought to the hands of a certain Fallen Baron. His fingers clasped the paper with an indifferent grace - his eyes scanned the parchment with disinterest. An exasperated sigh. "Another demon, another missive.. I like that last line though. Shame I don't believe it.."

Dáinn receives the news with.. Confusion.. There was a lot of random fluff in the declaration, but he'd yet to see an actual reason for this war.. He sighed, and sent a bird to the Sovereign, an assurance that the siege of the West Fort was still on - for Kaethul had charged him to cared for only one thing: The destruction of the Harrower, and Ravenswood would help.

The Sword of Purity - Dainn - cackled as the ground trembled. He was once more atop the watchtower of Fort Tyrand, survaying the abysmal landscape with a calm eye and a lopsided smile. The chants reached his ears.. A grin formed.. He'd been waiting a while to spill frost witch blood.

IN CELEBRATION OF ACHIEVEMENT THE EAST HAS FALLEN - Tyrand, once the indomitable bastion of The Harrower’s influence in Eastern Ailmere, sits with its gates blasted open, towers set alight, and residents put mercilessly to the sword. LED BY THE INGENUITIVE Norlandic battle-bards, the combined forces of Norland, Kaethul and Nevaehlen launched a vicious bombardment upon the Fort of Tyrand, before engaging in a mountained assault upon their gates. Our enemies utilised ice to encourage difficult terrain, from whence they could release volleys of arrows upon our approaching forces. Behind the breached gates lay a trap - wooden walls hastily erected around even more ice, providing cover for their fresh ranks of archers whilst, beneath that ice, lay near overwhelming monstrosities. Corpse golems. Beings of flesh stitched together from the fallen and unrecovered bodies of Reinmar, Celia’nor and Haense - all now put to rest upon the pyre, in the hopes that it may grant their souls peace. EVEN WITH THEIR ARMIES, the Raiders of Ailmere were massacred down to the last. The combined power and might of these three forces eradicated the Chosen and dispatched the Thralls. VICTORY WAS ACHIEVED. THIS MISSIVE AIMS TO both inform the world of our findings, and ensure due commendation is awarded to those who performed exceedingly well during this offensive. TWO IMPORTANT FINDINGS WERE discovered within the walls of Tyrand. Firstly: The presence of a Frost Witch shrine, confirming reports that the Frost Witches are in dealings with The Harrower’s forces. This shrine was aptly destroyed. Secondly: Information on the Harrower’s central Camp. Within those wooden walls you may observe a small forest of ancient trees - They call this place The Grove. Whatever lies inside there, it is clear this place holds a unique importance to the Harrower, and potentially even the Tribes of Ailmere who now stand enthralled and chained beneath his banner. THE FOLLOWING WORDS ARE dedicated to the brave warriors who fought to take Tyrand, and provide this monumental victory. Each and every soldier, adventurer, citizen, mage and druii who fought alongside us deserves praise. The battle was taxing, the fighting was fierce and bloody, and many times it looked as if defeat was the natural outcome. This victory was possible because of every single individual who took up arms, left the comfort and safety of their homes, and pushed themselves into a war of righteousness and justice. I thank you, and pray you will continue to stand at my side as we drive our blades deeper into the Heart of Darkness. KAETHUL THUS GIVES PERSONAL commendations to the following individuals: ARIANE DRAKON - A warrior with an unparalleled sense of battle and strategy. When duty called, she was there. This woman not only stood at the forefront of conflict, even pushing herself to hold our left flank alone, but also defeated numerous marked, Thralls, and Chosen, all whilst ensuring her comrades, myself included, remained safe from devil sorcery and sharp blades alike. To call her friend, is an honour too great to state. OBOK METALDRINKS - A dwed who, alone, proves Urguan’s might and strength. This valiant, sturdy soldier not only captured the Raider’s gates, but interrupted the vile spellcasting of Inferi Warlocks by beating them with his hammer, before even leaping atop the first golem sewn from corpses, and repeatedly decimating what constituted as a ‘head’. Obok played several vital roles during the siege, and I would rather stand alongside no other man should the choice be given to me. TALIYUN’ORRIR SIRAME - A druii who deserves more respect than half the Knights I’ve witnessed, and a tragic loss in the War against Ailmere. Nature itself weeps for his death, and after standing alongside the man, I know why. When the day comes that my children ask me what the Druids of Nevaelhem are like, it is the story of Taliyun’orrir that I will tell them. It is his bravery, courage, strength, honour and sacrifice, that I will pass down to my own blood, ensuring his memory in the hearts of Man lives on. May he rest well in Nature’s embrace. FARIAN MALTO-GYLLDENE and VICNAN HAWKINS-GYLLDENE - Two members of the Norlandic Gylldene Clan, whose contributions for our pushes into the siege were astronomical. Both of these honourable men utilised their bardic magic in the most selfless and trusting way possible, using a spell that rendered all enemies who witnessed them incapable, whilst also rendering themselves the same. This magic not only disabled enemy archers from launching their volley, but even took down the primary group of Chosen, allowing our allies to swiftly cut them down. If I had to give my life to anyone and trust them to keep it safe - it would go to one of these two fine men. The Gylldene Clan once again proves its fame and prestige is rightfully deserved. I WILL ONCE MORE state the importance and virtue of every single member of our fighting force. You were all vital. You shall continue to be so. SIGNED, DAINN, Sword of Purity, Guardian of the Unicorn, Priest of Eraan JUNIPER ROSE, Royal Scribe of Kaethul, Anti-Darkspawn Air Shielder

The Sword of Purity, Dainn, Commander of Kaethul's Northern Offensive into Ailmere, stood proudly atop the Northern watchtower. His gaze drifted across those accursed lands as his body emitted the soft, white glow of purity. There were many memories in that moment. Many thoughts of the events that had led him here. In battle he was a force.. A bloodthirsty warrior who slit the throats of Chosen and decimated the ranks of Thralls.. But as his gaze turned inwards, to that burning and ruined camp - as sparkling snow drifted down and twinkled against his constant light - a question occured to him.. Did they all, have to die? Was simple destruction and murder the only end to this war? He achieved the same answer he always did. No. And so The Sword of Purity descended that tower, and marched off into that snow. His questions needed answers. There had to be another way to end this war. There had to be a way to ensure those deaths weren't in vain.

The Sword of Purity - who was an axe wielding Priest of Love (???) - just grinned as he saw the sky. "Somethin' feckin' fun ta kill!"

Anatoliy stands in the background of the events described, being escorted by a Haeseni retinue out of the city. He never returned. Dainn, however, checks his list again. "Ari.. Mara.. Xally.. Ah feck, ah need so maneh more signatures ta ge' this shrine!" A soft white breeze of frosted mist swoops around his light blessed body, twinkling in the pure snow white illumination of his form. "Aye, aye.. Don' worreh Eraan. We both know ye' love is needed nah, more than ever." The Sword of Purity rises to his bare feet, casting a loving gaze across the landscape. White light keeps radiating from his body as that twinkling mist swoops around him again. "Kae'hul will be a place o' love an' passion. Ah swear et."

Anatoliy frowned as he read the missive. A part of him wished to rectify the many random claims, incorrect statements, and- Well to be honest there was some stuff in there he had absolutely no idea what she was speaking of. "First Yera, now me..? Do they think this is an election..? Sermi.. My name is already deep in mud, you know this." He gave a sigh, shaking his head and merely.. Ignoring the words spoken. "As I've always said - Actions over words." The man walked off, yawning. He was tired.. But the battle wasn't over.

Anatoliy, the human, reads this, and tilts his head. "I- I'm quite certain I wrote 'it is my personal opinion'.. Does Kaethul get to ask for compensation following these insults..?"

KAETHUL’S EFFORTS TO REPEL THE DARKNESS FOR THE PAST FIVE years, the city-state of Kaethul, in tandem with Norland and groups of independent adventurers, has been at the forefront of the NORTHERN WAR ON AILMERE. Commander of the Northern Front, Anatoliy Ilya Silveira, writes the following missive in the hopes of spreading awareness, and sharing information, to defeat the encroaching Darkness. FOR THOSE UNAWARE, THE tribes of Ailmare, the Northern Snowplains, have all been united under a singular figure - The Harrower. Information on who this individual is, is sporadic at best. Recent reports suggest The Harrower is a spirit - one of darkness, who was able to connect our world to his own via a forbidden blood magic ritual that took place on the continent centuries ago. This ritual was performed by an ancient noble family, known as the ‘Gnaefa’ family, who swept over their lands, abducting their own people and casting vile magicks on those who remained. Their defeat is theorised to have been brought by the Mori, who had inhabited this Continent long before they crossed to our old lands of Almaris. For reasons unknown, the Harrower has returned. His forces possess a large, barberic arsenal: ‘Thrall’ - The cannonfodder peasantry of the raiders. These soldiers are weak alone, but work exceptionally well in formations. It is believed that this is due to the Harrower’s influence, and that ‘Thralls’ possess no personality of their own, merely acting as instructed by their master. ‘Chosen’ - The elite of the Harrower’s forces. Each one of these soldiers possesses a rare metal weapon, most commonly Azhl, though Boomsteel, Thanhium and more have been confirmed. They possess dark shadow magic, able to not only teleport at will between shadows, but fade into black mist and become the shadows themselves. There are also reports of Chosen possessing Shadow-Clone magic. ‘Raven-Riders’ - Thundermaw Ravens who are under the influence of the Harrower’s mind control. They rule the skies, with a ‘Thrall’ rider sat atop them, and rain down bolts of destructive lightning from their beaks. It is believed that impacting one with null arcana will cause them to go feral - Though equally, it is far more effective to simply shoot to kill. ‘Mammoth Riders’ - Exactly as described. The Raiders of Ailmere have either mind controlled or tamed the mighty mammoths of the North, and use them to charge forth into their enemies. These beasts are tough to kill, and possess large tusks that are more than capable of demolishing a descendant - However, they are unable to compete with the raw alchemical might of a Smogger. ‘Goat Cavalry’ - The Raiders do not possess horses, but instead large Goats capable of easily traversing the frozen, rocky wastes of Ailmere. These creatures can skewer descendents with their horns, trample them with their legs, or simply get their rider close enough to launch their own attack. THE HARROWER’S FORCES ALSO possess siege equipment, observed to be large trebuchets on wheels, and likely possess even more. Furthermore, in every corner of their lands, you will find a large looming banner that overlooks strategic placements - These banners act as watchtowers, allowing the Harrower to look through them, and observe his domain. This means that if you step foot in the North, you have already been spotted. Camouflage has proven an effective means of avoiding the Harrower’s sight, implying that the Banners merely allow him to see through them, but do not automatically identify a person’s presence. These banners are regarded as highly dangerous, as ANY physical contact with them, be it from a man or animal, will result in possession until contact with the banner is broken. There is likewise a theory that suggests each banner is crafted using the very soul of the ancient inhabitants of Ailmere, though this has yet to be proved. The most Dangerous weapon the Harrower possesses though, is the ‘Mark’: THE ‘MARK’ IS A powerful, exceptionally dangerous curse. This curse is placed upon a captured descendent, and allows the Harrower to not only see through their eyes, hear what they hear, and read their very thoughts - but equally it lets them possess the victim, and even acts as a teleportation gateway that allows the Chosen to appear around them. THE CURSED ALSO SUFFER mental side effects, with their minds altered to show loyalty and willingness to the Harrower, essentially turning them into unknowing slaves. These effects are removed once the curse is lifted. IN THE PAST, THE curse was identified via a marking upon a person’s back - An open palm with an eye in the centre. Overtime, the curse has evolved to hide this marking, and now the curse can only be seen via things such as Arcana Flow goggles, which will show the cursed individual as having a constant, ominous aura that clings under their clothing. Currently, only one means of curing has proven effective - Spirit Walking. The important thing to note however, is that attempting to spirit walk with the afflicted will NOT take the shaman, nor the cursed, nor any who join, into the Spirit Realm. The Shaman, cursed, and other participants will be taken in the realm of the Harrower - A reported land of complete darkness and endless twisting staircases. The Shaman and other participants will then have to engage in battle with the Harrower’s forces, in an attempt to rescue the cursed from the clutches of the Harrower. As long as the cursed is willing to be freed, however, they shall be, but failure to safely rescue them will result in the cursed, after being returned to the mortal plain, erupting into black flames that seek to consume their entire body. It is theorised that null arcana might be able to subdue these flames, but nothing else has worked. The cursed will also suffer permanent memory loss of any and all events relating to the Harrower. I will also be releasing a list of all known cursed individuals, who have already been discovered before, but have evaded capture and escaped to the Harrower: Slith Hera Gallio Narli Sermi (Yes, the Devil. Do not bother with curing - Kill her on sight - Though the Church should expect the Harrower’s forces to intervene.) Grimni Lorandil ALL INDIVIDUALS ARE CONFIRMED to be cursed, yet have been either willingly or not, taken away by the Harrower. In cases such as Slith and Hera, it is unwilling, with their minds confused as Chosen drag them into the shadows. YOU MAY ALSO NOTICE many dwarven names here - Until they have been cured, it is of my personal opinion that Urguan has already fallen to the Harrower. I HOPE THIS MISSIVE aids the forces of Light, in the war against the encroaching shadows. Remain Strong. The Night Will Fade. IF YOU HAVE ANY questions, or seek to join in this fight, merely send word to Anatoliy or Dainn (Caelaerin) And a special message for Hera, because I know you are reading: We’re coming to rescue you. We haven’t forgotten you, and you are not alone. Kaethul remembers all you have done for us; as do I. Stay strong, Icon of Salvation, it’s our turn to save you. SIGNED, JUNIPER AURELIA ROSE, Royal Scribe of Kaethul, Anti-Darkspawn Air Shielder HIS LORDSHIP, ANATOLIY ILYA ALYOVICH SILVEIRA GODUNOV, Baron of Verskaya, Commander of the Northern Front, Sword of Salvation