Seuss

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 |