Seuss

In the deep woods surrounding Haense did one tree fall after another. Bundles of firewood tied together by the large Scyfling Warrior. Ready to aid his kin with the help their city needs.

"FOR LIBERTY!"

It's not homophobia since I'm not scared of them. t(-u-t)

BOOOOO! Get off the stage! What is this?!

"Congrats, Nataliya." mumbled the Patriarch in his desk of his office. Though he was happy, his expression certainly did not match.

The Lord Speaker released a chuckle as he read the missive for a call to vote. "I like this young guy. He certainly has my vote."

The newly appointed Count read over the missive from the confines of his office - still under construction, though. "Recording the age? That is actually a brilliant idea. This census seems promising." he commented, placing the paper down and getting back to work on his office.

The Patriarch of House Colborn is in the midst of drafting a long overdue rewrite when his servant came into the room with the letter. He had the servant read it out to him, and he looked up. "Ah, the wedding is finally happening. I do hope I can get this done in time and can attend." He expressed, gesturing for the servant to leave as he continued writing his missive.

The Patriarch of House Colborn rubbed his hand after having to extensively translate all of the soggy papers to a fresh hardback book before the Baroness of Amador lost it all. Luckily, he has always been talented with the quill, and managed to save the work entirely.

Carolus Colborn read the missive that was left by his gateway. He leaned his hoe against the gate and used his forearm to wipe away at the sweat on his face. "All this effort is being wasted on fighting. We should not have settled so close to the wastelands if these problems kept persisting."

Carolus Colborn threw a blanket over the old man sitting in his office on a rocking chair. It was always nice to see him wide-eyed about something, and now was a moment for the young Patriarch to also celebrate.

The hidden Colborn stuck along the walls of the old city of Fenn, kept away from the eyes of guards and watchmen with the aid of his Bowie Camouflage. He examined the ever-changing elevation of the walls and took note of the best places to knock down the stones to allow entrance. He wrote down the cardinal directions and began planning ahead for when the forces of Haense will take down Clan Torathi for good.

The defeated Colborn stared over the balcony of the palace. A few hours have passed since he and Ser Vanhart ended their brief talk. He stared out over the square where he could see the bustling people of Haense calling out for the traitor and urging to hunt her down. His monotone expression lacked any emotion as his chin raised, slowly looking up towards the bright blue sky. His hands laid flat on the half wall in front of him, and the gentle breeze of the north pushed the blonde curls to the side of his face, opening up his eyes to the chilling air. He did not blink, because his eyes began welling up and he knew if he blinked he would not be able to stop himself. He wished his childhood friend would just listen to him. Had she listened, he would not be standing outside in the open air fighting to hold back his costly emotions. But she did not listen - and so he blamed himself for not convincing her harder. The cold wind should have dried out his eyes, but as they watered up it only caused discomfort. His hands that were once laid out flat began to ball up into tight fists. His lower lip quivered for a moment - so he bit down to stop it. He tried to hold back, and he tried to save face. And then he blinked. And then he cried.

Carolus Colborn paced about his lab under Vorenburg, his book and quill in hand as the stench of decaying animal filled the room. On the counter nearby was his successful testing of the Burial Fungi. But after so long, he has come to witness the blooming of the cystal fungi flowers. He continued his studying for many years, but alongside side, his mind was wracked with planning for the future siege. He paced and paced about as he mumbled to himself. "There is much to be done, and we must be swift. What are they even doing when they are not attacking our nations?"

lol. I forgor u both

lol

THE MORI’QUESSIR LEGION BAR MAAN OVARE SYR Issued by the DEPUTY PALATINE On this 8th day of GRONNA and DROBA of 473 E.S. Table of Contents I. Deputy’s Report II. The Legion III. Their Locations IV. Their Subjects V. Their Methods VI. The Counter-measures DEPUTY’S REPORT Va Birodeo ag Almaris, For too many years the forces of the Mori’quessir have brought destruction and death to our nations and to our realm. My first encounter with the Mori’quessir was when I was a young boy and they surprised the forces of Haense in the Krusev forests. An overwhelming defeat was suffered when they marched into His Majesty’s lands, which left me with a sour mood and with many questions to be answered. I opened my investigation into these foes soon after - beginning with the studying of a Hadd’ro which the Mori’quessir attempted to take back from us. With each new encounter, I began learning more about how the Mori’quessir operate and came to realize the true scale of their armies and the threat they pose. This missive is the collective effort of myself and multiple informants from across the realm who have been generous enough to share their experience and expertise with me. The information is not whole, and lacks varying points of what some may consider vital evidence. This publication was written to provide the people of the realm with crucial information on how the Mori’quessir operate and ways to combat against them outside of an organized army. THE LEGION The Mori’quessir are an organized legion spread out across Almaris. They are most clearly recognizable by their obsidian plate and gold trimming coupled with deep red eyes. These subterranean Dark Elves have gone unnoticed for decades across the realms with little to no interaction in between sightings. The means of why the Mori’quessir are punished to forever stay underground is still unknown for the most part. Speculation from third parties detail their worshiping of the Druidic Aspect - Nemiisae - otherwise known as the Shadow of Death, Grandmother Spider, or Woman of the Moon. It is said by some that she created the Mori’quessir, however others say she came out of the Eternal Forest for the very purpose of destroying them. It isn’t certain which or if either is true. There was not a lot of information easily gathered on the origins of the Mori’quessirs’ beliefs and how they are connected to the Spider Aspect. We have been informed that the topic, including the name of the Aspect, is taboo in most parts of the realm. Going forward we shall refrain from using the name any more than once and instead focus on what we believe we know from what evidence has been found. The Mori’quessir Legion follows a destiny referred to as The Fell Moon; A prophecy the Legion exclaims will be the promised night wherein their kin will no longer need to hide underground and can roam the world as they please. No further information has been provided, or brought to light, since the beginning of this mission on where the origins of this prophecy begins, and how it will come about if they succeed. From collective battles against the Mori’quessir, the forces of Hanseti-Ruska, Amaethea, Barrowton, Norland, and several other nations have come to a determination on the power structure of the Obsidian Legion. Although it is claimed the Mori’quessir actively operate under the Prince of Miisytra, likely an ancient figure from a past not yet discovered, no current collection of information gathered contains any names or references referring to Princes or the title of Miisytra. However, there have been a number of incidents in which the name Lord Razvien was mentioned. It is our understanding that the Legion follows a junta-structured military formation with Lord Razvien at the top, and multiple commanders under them each dedicated to various Clans. Perhaps above Razvien is the Prince, and above them all is the deity and prophecy they worship as the Matriarch. THEIR LOCATIONS There have been many accounts of attacks from the Mori’quessir on our lands - but little knowledge has come of the Legion’s base of operation or any notable strongholds. There have been several sites throughout the West and South of Mori’quessir caves and temporary encampments, but no official castles or towers. One may guess that this has changed with the Siege of Amaethea, as well as the tunnels buried beneath Barrowton. Even Haense, who suffered having a noble keep taken over by the Legion, was only temporarily delayed before we besieged the keep and drove them out completely. In a recent expedition led by Viscount Carolus Colborn and accompanied by Viscount Audo Weiss, Lord Haus Weiss, Lord Brendell Colborn, Surgeon General Euleriphis Roui Tawarenion, Ser Kalan, and Vuleri, a location was uncovered that is believed to be the local hub for all the Clans to connect with one another. Deep underground, where multiple caves connect to one large cavern, there rests a giant mushroom in the center. The properties of this mushroom are similar to the fungi that grow from the corpses of the Mori’quessir; however, it possesses other properties. Careful observation revealed pairs of Legionnaires exiting from the mushroom via a special doorway and entering soon after. There have been multiple visits to this location in secrecy, and one conflict entailed the defeat of a sole Dreadknight wandering one of the many caves. After careful exploration, the group found multiple entrances and exits to the different cave branches - one of which led up to a northern outpost in the cold forests of the north. We came upon it as the sun was still high, thus no signs of the Mori’quessir fighters were present. We lacked the time to continue searching, however siege weaponry and heavy fortifications were evident. More attempts at covert observation may prove fruitless after an attempt at burning the large mushroom in hopes of destroying a potential traveling hub, or killing many of their soldiers inside was made. Further endeavors to traverse the caves and find more entrances that lead to other Mori’quessir forts may also be worthless when the lack of a Dreadknight is eventually noted. Discussions with the Brotherhood of St. Karl and allied generals will have to be planned in the event of sieging this northern fortress and - for once - bringing the fight to their lands. THEIR SUBJECTS The Mori’quessir has a main force, but it has never been their first choice to fight with. Under the control of various magicks and items, these cavern-dwelling Elves use a surplus of subjects that bend to their will and fight in any scenario. Of those subjects, we know names and full descriptions; although some are still up for debate and lack proper investigation. These subjects consist of, but are not limited to, and are described as follows: Srow: Best translated as “slave”, or a derogatory term for all Descendant races that are not the same as the Mori’quessir. They are used as translators, combatants, and weapons for the Mori’quessir. In the battle of Alisgrad, large forces of untrained, wild Srow were tasked with breaking through the walls and tiring out the Descendant forces to lead the way for the main Legion. Gopa: A tracking beast/insectoid. The normal body of a small, wild boar; however, the odd and disgusting backside of a centipede that protrudes out the backside of the small animal. This creature is used specifically for tracking and finding a number of things. Can be compared to blood hounds often used during hunting. Hadd’ro: One of the most important and valuable creatures to the Mori’quessir. They are digging scarabs with thick exoskeletons and incredibly strong and sharp mandibles. The Hadd’ro are capable of digging through any amount of dirt, rock, and packed ice - with no signs of struggle or difficulty getting through. This large scarab is a rare insectoid species: so rare, there are only two confirmed Hadd’ro the Legion uses, one of which location is unknown after internal struggles with Carolus Colborn. The creatures struggle to live past birth, so seeing a full-grown Hadd’ro is a miracle in itself, supposedly. Nemis-al’ori: Large arachnids that vary in size. These spiders have iron-like appendages that easily pierce shields and armor. They have strong chitin exoskeletons, and it is best to use powerful crossbows, bludgeoning weapons, and even cannons to destroy the armor and reveal the weaker underside. These spiders can also spit acid from afar. Spine-spiders: Small, white parasitic spiders inserted into subjects’ spines. It is believed they are meant to relay information through the host to the Legion and indoctrinate the host completely to aid the Mori’quessir against any form of will. Giant Moths: These large moths are capable of being rode on by the Legion forces. No records of the creatures being used other than for transportation have been found. Light Moths: The Mori’quessir have - to our belief - alchemically enhanced moths capable of diminishing any form of light they are exposed to. Including: lanterns, torches, campfires, and the like. These moths disintegrate when exposed to sunlight. Vlos: The largest destructive force the Legion has in their possession. Vlos is a three-headed dragon, titled a Hydra, capable of decimating the soil beneath it and any city that stands in its way. This beast was used against the forces of Amathea. It is advised to aim for the heart, and not the heads; it is seemingly capable of regenerating and growing more heads. Locust Swarms: In a similar fashion to the swarms of the light moths: the Legion demonstrates an odd control over an armies’ worth of locusts capable of blocking our view and disrupting artillery fire. Giant locusts: Large insectoids that make their average locust counterparts appear like grains of sand. The giant locusts are mountable and capable of projectile bile that can melt ballistas and soft stones. In the battle of Amathea, it is said that a giant locust was used as a final assault on the citadel - charging through the stone pillars and collapsing the natural rock around it. Giant Centipede: Creatures large enough to rival the stories of the ancient worm that brought destruction to realms of old. The giant centipede is also talented in digging through large sections of underground; however, the digging capabilities in comparison to the Hadd’ro are unknown. They have white painted faces and are often called The Faceless in Barrowton. Their weaknesses are around the mouth and face. Dreadknights: A small portion of the Legion that are well-armored, capable fighters, and above all else: unkillable through normal means. During the battle of Alisgrad, it was observed the Dreadknights had cores inside their chest. No collected knowledge on the durability of the core, or how easily accessible it is during battle. They operate similarly to a specialized unit of an army and are well versed in strategic combat when grouped together. The use of Auric Oil and bludgeoning weapons are best advised when confronted by one of these constructs. Deepsnake: An odd homunculus creature with the body aspects of a serpent and a spider. It can grow to the size of a manor and is capable of spitting acid. The strangest detail of this creature is its ability to understand the common tongue and its capability of engaging in basic communication. Mutated Lurkers: Large, abnormal creatures with a spiders’ abdomen coupled with a long, curled neck. The strange creature has multiple centipede-like limbs that climb all the way up to the head. Be wary of the mouth of this affront to GOD, and aim to strike the weak underside if possible. Utilize blunt weapons to deal excessive damage. Toxic Slugs: Large creatures used as living artillery. They were seen often in the battles of Barrowton and are used to launch acidic bile from distances of 5-200 metres away. Automations: Metal beings that take the shape of different animals - currently only direwolves have been observed - that act in accordance to the Mori’quessir’s orders. Blunt weaponry works best against the hard metallic shells of these creations. They have been used to dig out tunnels as well as used as mounts. Not all the creatures listed have specific names that we have learned. These subjects of the Legion may also have separate purposes that have not been revealed to us yet. One thing in common that we have found through observation while facing off against these subjects is that they are often controlled via three methods: Blood magic runes, blood magic enhanced collars, or spine-spiders that take control of people. It is also worth noting the recent findings that the Mori’quessir have allied themselves with Necromancers and Inferi beings. These two forces have shown themselves assisting the Legion in the attempts to siege Barrowton and Amaethea. THEIR METHODS The Legion possesses an army of strange creatures on top of the thousands of Legionnaires at their disposal. With multiple confirmed sightings, tests, and further investigation, it has become evident that the Mori’quessir have the ability to perform blood magic and they use it extensively to control a vast majority of the creatures listed prior. Most, if not all, non-descendant beings are controlled by this blood magic. As for the “Srow”, or the slaves as the Mori’quessir put it, they often have collars around their neck. This second method involves collars crafted with bloodsteel that enhance the blood magic used to force the slaves to do and say as the Legion desires. Tests carried out in certain parts of the realm reveal the only way to remove the collars without harming the wearer is with blood magic. The third method is through the spine-spiders meant to control the host they take over. These small, white spiders embed themselves in the spine of people and end up taking control of the person. They are used to contact the Mori’quessir with information without confrontation, and are believed to also be enhanced with blood magic. The specifics of the blood magic circles on multiple creatures and on the collars, there will be no depictions, recreations, or detailed descriptions of the runes and what they mean. The removal of these runes can only be done through death or repeated blood magic - of which Haeseni citizens will not condone nor practice. THE COUNTER-MEASURES In the face of an army capable of appearing from anywhere - and able to deploy creatures beyond the power we alone can control - it looks hopeless to many to try and fight against this overwhelming force. However, as we collect knowledge against the forces of the Mori’quessir Legion, we too develop our own methods to combat them in return. The formations of our armies will not be addressed in this public missive, but instead left to the Lord Marshal of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl, as well as those in charge of allied militaries, to incorporate into their training in secret. However, there are several other methods of countering the Mori’quessir that can be applied immediately. To counter their use of fungi sludge mist, which causes respiratory problems, the use of respirators that can properly filter out the air are highly suggested and have proven successful. To counter their pilums that easily pierce shields and armor, warriors are advised to carry metal-plated shields that can survive a few more blows than a normal strong-wood shield. Wear padded Gambeson underneath your armor to assist against sudden arrow-fire. Many creatures in use of the Legion are capable of acidic spit - be sure to keep an eye out and prepare when facing any of these beasts. Blunt weapons are best for destroying chitin armor on the insectoid creatures; this reveals their soft underbodies that can be smashed, stabbed, or burned. Beware of the tiny spiders wherever you go. They are small, but, white in color, and should be captured or killed on sight. IV JOVEO MAAN The Honourable, Carolus Colborn, Deputy Palatine of Hanseti-Ruska, Viscount of Venzia, Baron of Bethlenen, Lord of Vorenburg, Protector of Scyflings Soris, Warrior of Vortice, assistant scribe and informant Kuvirr, Targoth of The Iron Horde and informant Her Ladyship, Anabel Elia Colborn, Keeper of the Book, and Scribe of House Colborn Informants Nemea Ke Kai’len | Aarivek Uoal | Alberic du Lac | Rex Ar-Borok’Akaal | Baldrum Colborn | Alfie Fabius |

Carolus is WORKING ON IT MAN @Frostdrop1

Carolus rests in his office within the walls of Castle Vorenburg, penning the soon-to-release missive regarding the Mori'quessir Legion. "A siege to reclaim land rightfully ours. I believe the next step is to siege their front door."

SUBTERRANEAN THREAT TO ALMARIS BAR MAAN OVARE SYR Issued by the DEPUTY PALATINE On this 13th day of Tov and Yermey of 471 E.S. Va Birodea ag Almaris, The sun-fearing Mori’quessir have grown more troublesome in recent years; an enemy both the north and south have had the opportunity of battling with - and learning many aspects about. However, it has come to the Crown's attention that the methods by which these foreign enemies combat our nations vary greatly and lead to further confusion when it comes to sharing combat strategies across multi-national defenses. Facilitated by personal exchange with a handful of individuals from around the realm, the Deputy Palatine wishes to reach out to the people of Almaris to journey to Hanseti-Ruska and share their knowledge of the Mori’quessir and everything they may know about them - so that a missive may be written compiling everything we collectively know about our cavern-dwelling foes; in hope that we can better prepare our nations' people against the neverending and unpredictable enemies from the undergrounds. Any who take the journey to the northern capital of Karosgrad are instructed to seek out Carolus Colborn for the exchange of such valuable information. Haense looks forward to receiving its informants. IV JOVEO MAAN The Honourable, Carolus Colborn, Deputy Palatine of Hanseti-Ruska, Viscount of Venzia, Baron of Bethlenen, Lord of Vorenburg, Protector of Scyflings

Carolus would not find the news until much after the events of Lake Voron. He held the missive in hand, and his other rested over his eyes. "I see. . ." The man mumbled, there a bit of hesitance in his voice as he tried to hold himself back. "May GOD keep you, Elizaveta."

HOUSE COLBORN AN EDUCATIVE DONATION OF PROSPERITY Published from the Viscounty of Venzia ISSUED ON THE 10TH OF TOV AND YERMEY, 468 E.S. O’ GUD, VOR HJELP I GYNE ERE, In this period of relative peace, the workers of Venzia have found the House of Colborn in surplus of its allotted asset divvy. Therefore, to further support the growing economy of our great Kingdom, the Viscount of Venzia thought to donate House Colborn’s surplus to the treasury and Royal vaults at the Capital for use however the Crown sees fit. Given the concord of Peace between the Kingdom of Haense and outside civic or monstrous entities, weapons are not at present in forgery at the Keep of Vorenburg, nor are Scyfling warhorses being bred. Therefore, merely an excess of luxury riches and other raw materials are available for donation. However, the diligent academic works of Carolus Ivan Colborn have been continuing, as he endeavors to translate ancient - Scyfling or otherwise - historical documents from their original languages to the common or Ruskan tongue. Such outputs are to be provided to the Morrivi Prikaz Library, and any other interested scholarly parties for the purposes of spreading public knowledge. THE LIST OF GOODS Ferrum Ingots - 4,500 Ferrum Ore - 295 Aurum Ingots - 2,770 Aurum Ore - 80 Coal - 3,450 Lapis Lazuli - 6,230 Redstone - 4,250 SKRALI VOR GUD, The Honourable, Carolus Ivan Colborn, Viscount of Venzia, Baron of Bethlenen, Lord of Vorenburg, Protector of Scyflings, Her Ladyship, Anabel Elia Colborn, Keeper of The Book, Scribe of the House of Colborn,

Carolus Ivan Colborn adjusts a few items on the shelves of his new office. There is much work to be done, and he certainly has no plans of taking any breaks.

THE COMING-OF-AGE TRIALS OF CAROLUS IVAN COLBORN Published from the Viscounty of Venzia ISSUED ON THE 10TH OF WZUVAR AND BYVCA, 462 E.S. O’ GUD, VOR HJELP I GYNE ERE, It is with good will that I, Carolus Ivan Colborn, announce the completion of my Coming-of-Age trials that were bestowed upon me by the Patriarch - Baldrum Carr Ingvar Colborn, and the Grand Elder - Adrian Erik Colborn. I began my trials at the age of 14, and was expected to choose one of several Colborn Patron Ancestors of whom my trials were catered towards. Instead, I chose four Patron Ancestors; one for each aspect I desired to excel in as I became an adult. Saint Carolus “the Founder” of Carrenhall - for his Loyalty and Sacrifice to both His family, and to House Barbanov in the days of Athera. If it weren’t for Saint Carolus, the seed of the White Tree could not have bloomed. Jesper “the Sickly” Colborn - for his Perseverance through sickness that aided in him becoming a beacon of hope for all Colborns who lost their way after the Dukes’ War. If not for Jesper, the House of Colborn would have fallen apart, and my ancestral kin would have lost their way. Cassian “the Ledger Keeper” Colborn - for his commitment to the book and quill, and his ideals of Reform. If it were not for Cassian, many Colborns would believe it was only necessary to wield a blade and fight on the battlefields. He illuminated a path through the courts of Haense, and dedicated his brain and skill with a quill to the Koeng and his government. Matias “the Twice-Dead” Colborn - for his undying fight against Evil, against which he fought adamantly in the realm of Atlas for the protection of not just his kin, nor just his nation, but all Descendants of the lands. If not for Matias, our nation would have no footing against the Vaeyl-foe that could likely lead them to victory. It is these four Patron Ancestors of House ColbornIt - all of which I hold to the highest pedigree of Respect and Admiration - that I wished to guide me on my journey as I grew from a boy to a proud Scyfling man. The Patriarch and Grand Elder thus tasked me for my trials as follows: To transcribe historical documents of my maternal house - Colborn To transcribe historical documents of my paternal house - Ashford de Savoie To journey with the BSK or Order of the Crow on a mission against darkspawn or a grand beast of my choosing I have worked for the past four years to do what was required of me. Of the documents I transcribed for House Colborn; they will join our family’s library in Vorenburg, and some will be donated to the library of Karosgrad. Of the documents I transcribed for House Ashford de Savoie; they will join both the library in Vorenburg, and my father’s library in Peremont, and some will be donated to the library of Karosgrad. As for my final task; although I did not join either the BSK or the Order of the Crow on a mission to hunt beasts or darkspawn, I have reported to King Georg I directly on matters regarding recent attacks from foreign forces on Haeseni soil. I have procured an important creature from said force, who will be presented to the Koeng in due time. I have met with His Majesty before on this matter, and I am pleased that he trusts my judgement on the matter, and how to handle this creature. Even after my trials have completed, I will still seek out the BSK and the Order of the Crow in hopes of joining them on future missions against the darkspawn and unruly beasts of the realm. That is a mission I will always have in life. SKRALI VOR GUD, His Lordship, Carolus Ivan Colborn, Heir of House Colborn, Heir to the Viscounty of Venzia, Barony of Bethelenen, and Lordship of Vorenburg Her Ladyship, Anabel Elia Colborn, Keeper of The Book, Scribe of the House of Colborn, Mother of Carolus

Godric Adrian Colborn welcomed her into the Seven Skies with a bright smile. "It's been awhile, hasn't it? Why don't we finally catch up. I promise not to talk too long."