[Game Thread] Chapter One: Whispers in the Dark

[hallstadt]

Sorry to start with this, but before I post the first entry I need to post the... (drumroll please)

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(I know this may seem paranoid, folks, but I am writing a book set in this same world and may publish this setting as a generic RP supplement in the near future. I know—everyone and their Grandma-ma is writing a book, but mine is almost done and I actually think it might see print (I’m up to around 80k words).

[hallstadt]

OOC Now, without further ado, let me present the REAL first post of the game!

Chapter One: Whispers in the Dark


he day dawns clear and bright. Clear mornings such as these are rarities in this part of the world, seen as seldom as the precious stones hidden among the plain granite that stretches beneath much of the land in these parts, the roots of the Stonehold mountains*. But today is a day with no clouds. Even the usual morning mist seems thin and darkens the sunny day only upon the furthest horizon.

In the druid grove, the elders rise and give thanks to Ogham Sun-Face, god of knowledge for the start of another day—the only gift that men can expect the gods of earth and sky and sea to give, and a precious gift at that, surely not a thing to be squandered. The elder druids welcome their fellow, Connor to the circle for the morning rites, as well as Llecurad, a relative newcomer to this circle of druids. After the morning rights, the high druid, Aidon O’Conlaodh, leads Connor and Llecurad along with the half dozen other druids of the village to the central hearth fire, the time honored meeting place of the people of Haven’s Hold.

For though the sky is cloudless, today is a dark day. And problem hangs above the heads of the people like a thunderhead…

In the visitors’ hut, Cathall arises from his slumber, ready to greet the day in this unfamiliar land. Cathall has come here at the behest of his clan elders, to hold counsel with the folk of Haven’s Hold, to find out if there is any truth to rumors of a plague growing there, and to offer the help of the clans of Aevyndale if needed. Since his arrival here the night before, Cathall has already seen the illness strike a man dead. It was not something any man would care to see again.

The bard Cedrick follows his mentor, the wise and seasoned tale-singer known as Caoimhin Brightswan, along with two other neophyte singers, Brenna Trueheart, and Hilfyd O’Hanlan, toward the great hearth fire. The bards and druids shall play a key role in the discussion to come. For today all must decide what must be done about the recent bouts of sickness.

One man is absent, and though his father Callan notices his absence most painfully, most of the villagers have all but forgotten him. The ranger Arrailt fled into the Bramblewood to search for signs of the faeries and none have seen him since. For Callan, the young man’s absence hangs like a funeral shroud over the meeting.

Crouched at the edges of the village, the giant, Dargann Galióin, watched the small shapes of the villagers assemble round their great outdoor hearth fire. For a panicked moment, the huge creature suspects that the little folk know he lurks outside the village, but as he watches it seems that the group is bent on speaking, not on preparing for battle. Keeping his huge ears open, the firbolg listens intently as the humans discuss a problem set before them.

As the counsel commences, Aidon, the elder druid, and Caomhin, the high bard take turns going over the details of recent events. Eleven people—five men and six women—have already died in Haven’s Hold, their bodies blackened, and desiccated almost to the point of brittleness. Despite their best efforts, the druids can find no cure for the disease that people call the “Shadow Sickness” for the blackening effect it has upon the skin of its victims before death.

The time has come to seek counsel from the gods and from the spirits of the earth for guidance. When the counsel has finished its discussions of past events, Aidon and his chief Ovate, Fiolaine Brighthair, shall cast the ogham sticks to read what they might of future events.

As the last of the attendees arrives, High Druid Aidon rises, addressing the people seated around the great hearth fire. His voice is deep and calm and resonant, as though rising up from the deep places of the earth. “We shall consult the Ogham later. Now is the time for introductions since many visitors join us this day. We shall first hold discussion and counsel on what is known. Later we can try to glimpse a little of what is not.”

With that, Aidon turns over the floor to he who might claim it for a while. The council has started. The time for introductions has begun.

*(sometimes called Stonegaard, or Stoneguard by men in these times).

[Scaldin]

Having finished her prayers to the earth gods, especially Gwynn Ap Nudd for her life, and Branwen for her beauty, Llecarud joins the others gathering for the meeting. For now she does not bother with her looks, simply putting on her hide and shaking her hair out, vanity was not important today, though her fresh out of bed look did little to diminish her beauty.

After Aidon finishes, she quickly steps up, taking his place speaking to the people, Greetings and well met friends and strangers alike. I am Llecarud. Though the newest of our order, I am becoming one with the land. Then looking more to Aidon than the rest of those gathered she states,For all that has been given to me by the gods, I gladly pledge myself to any service necessary to calm this blight. Llecarud spoke with reverence and conviction. As she always did in the High Druids presence. She would forever be grateful for what she had learned from his teachings, and for showing her what the world was really about. Now she had found her place.

She stops then, feeling slightly embarassed and shy now for having so boldly moved to speak immediately after the High Druid. Pausing for just a moment to note the reactions of the onlookers, she then retakes her seat with Silverstreak next to her friend Connor.

[Connor]

Brianna grumbled as the old man shifted and stood, he nudged her slightly with the heel of his sandal, a reminder that she wasn't allowed to 'speak' during one of these formal meetings. With a mixture of grace and finesse, he balances on one leg, using his formidable oak quarterstaff as a counter support before he began speaking.

Everyone within Haven's Hold knew the old Druid, his affinity for animals, especially wolves, was legend. Thus, when he spoke, as an advocate for The Green Man, no one was surprised that he would address the plight, and it's effects on the animals whom he holds dear. "Brothers, and Sisters," He says as an after thought before continuing, "We few know of the terror that the shadow sickness (Connor spits on the ground to ward off the evil visage) holds over our peoples... but I ask, do we know, or do we suspect if it might effect the animals?"

[hallstadt]

Elder Druid Aidon and Chief Oviate Fiolaine Brighthair both smile at Llecarud reassuringly, a bright sparkle of mirth and peace in their eyes. Already the girl has shown substantial skill as a druid, and the elder druids know she must learn to trust her own power. They know, too, that such trust will come in time.

Then Elder Druid Aidon nods sagely at Connor's words as if to say "Indeed, you speak wisely," but Aidon says nothing, allowing Connor's words to hang in the air unanswered for now--introductions are not the time to address concern, and Aidon knows that Connor knows this.

His concerns shall be addressed during this counsel, for the old man is revered for his wisdom and his humility in seeking knowledge over power or personal gain. But most of all, Connor is revered as a voice for the more-than-human realm, those loyal companions, always at our side, who have no voices with which to speak for themselves--leastwise no voices most men can hear.

For now, though, the High Druid and his Oviate remain silent, waiting for the next member of the council to introduce himself or herself.

[Klazzform]

Cathall, after rising, dresses in his armor and gathers his gear. Stepping out of the hut and into the early morning light he stretches his enormous frame, taking in the magnificence of the day. He marvels at the amazing weather that the gods have blessed them with and considers it a good omen. After witnessing the death of the man the evening before, he had been worried about his presence here, but with the dawning of this new day he could not help but feel a sense of optimism

After making his way to the central hearth fire and listening to the two druids introduce themselves, he steps forward into the circle. His muscles bulge between the gaps in his armor and the gigantic sword strapped across his back sways ominously as he moves.

“I am Cathall of the northern clans. My people sent me here to learn of the true nature of the disease that plagues this land. After watching one of your people succumb to it last night, I am forced to consider it a real threat, not only to your people, but also to mine. I therefore pledge my allegiance to those who would seek out a remedy for this pestilence. I have never been away from my homeland, or my clan for that matter, but my sword arm is strong and my courage will not fail those who rely upon it.” He bows deeply to High Druid Aidon. “I await your judgment.”

With that said, he steps back from the interior circle and folds his arms across his chest.

[hallstadt]

The ancient man returns the young warrior's bow with a subtle motion of his head, leaning forward ever so slightly, like an ancient tree bending in a mild breeze. Then the high druid's eyes, as deep and green as the sea, meet Cathall's own. For a moment, Aidon seems to be looking through Cathall, the ancient druid's stare is guarded, as though reserving judgement of this brave outsider.

Then, the druid smiles, as though he has spied something within Cathall's heart that pleases him, and turns back to the assembled host, awaiting the next introduction.

[Stormhammer]

Cedrick stood and bowed slightly to the master druid, smiling from ear to ear at the group. Looking at the large man from the north, Cedrick shuddered as if intimidated. "Hi. I'm Cedrick Nash. The real Cedrick Nash, that is. I lived with the Good People for most of my years. Now I'm lookin' to gain a new life -- a human life. Your ways are strange to me. But hopefully I may gain your acceptance." Cedrick bowed again, taking a step backwards, almost tripping over a small rock on the ground. In all his years with the Good People, Cedrick had never seen the use of dark magicks, although he knew they possessed such abilities. Cedrick truly hoped that the Shadow Sickness wasn't the work of the faeries -- his former friends and family!

[Familiar]

Cautiously Dargann watched the proceedings unfold. A few of those present were druids, of that he certain. .He had encountered many in his time, and they seldom caused him trouble. They were guardians of the wild, estranged from the petty fascinations that occupied many of the races of this world.

There was motion in the camp and a warrior appeared. Though he carried a greatsword, he did not look old enough to present a challenge. Nevertheless, the presence of so many unexpected individuals worried Dargann. Perhaps they knew he was nearby and were organizing against him. It would not be a surprising welcome. He listened closer. The warrior spoke about a threat. His words were passionate but admitted his inexperience. Nevertheless, Dargann decided to continue observing from afar, waiting to see what the group would do.

[Scaldin]

Llecarud looked on as person after person stood and pledged to help the township with its blight. It was humbling to say the least. But none the less, she was happy others, even not of the order, were willing to stand up and fight. She looked around at the other people. Remembering the people who had fallen to the blight already. Picturing what people sitting here would look with the blackness covering them. Then looking to Silverstreak, how would she handle it if he were to fall ill. That was something she could not let happen.

[hallstadt]

High Druid Aidon smiles warmly at Cedrick's introduction. The elderly man does not seem to share the skepticism or distrust that many have shown Cedrick since his return from the Greenworld.

[Familiar]

[hallstadt]

[Familiar]

Dargann shifted uncomfortably. He gazed around the scene, suddenly aware of the prospect he may not be alone. Yet his eyes found nothing in the forest. The paranoia was an old sickness, the product of a life spent hunting - and being hunted. Slowly, he lowered his sack to the ground and drew his battleaxe. The weight of the weapon was soothing, and he smiled in spite of himself. Something felt good about today. He brought the edge of the axe to his nose and inhaled, remembering the scent of old battles. He shivered as he watched the villagers. Were they coming for him? He almost hoped they were...

[hallstadt]

Now that everyone has made their introductions, Aidon turns the floor over to his chief Ovate, Fiolaine Brighthair. The northern folk of Cordryn, including the people of Haven’s Hold, recognize the close connection that women have to the otherworld, and as such, even elders such as High Druid Aidon O’Conlaodh look to the wisdom of women in these situations.

Fiolaine speaks, her voice as clear and fresh as a sacred spring. Though she must discusses the horrid matter of the shadow sickness, Fiolaine seems serene, ready to face the challenge with thought and wisdom instead of mindless panic.

“Before us lies a threat which could well mean the death of many more we hold dear” she pauses meaningfully here, still calm, but surveying all those assembled as though measuring their worth. “Indeed, it may mean the end to our very way of life and to all of our people.”

Again she pauses, as a lone distant owl, truant from its morning bed, sends a single hoot into the crisp spring air. The sound is strangely incongruous with the pale morning light, as though night's shadows still linger unseen at the edge of sight and mind.

“So this I ask, as our visitor from the Northern realm of Aevyndale seems to have guessed, that all here of able mind and body pledge themselves to help in whatever way they can to help us discover a cure.”

Aidon looks at Fiolaine questioningly, and the female druid smiles simply at him in assent. Aidon returns the smile and speaks once more, saying, “We believe the Ogham shall show us more, and it is our hope that a clear course of action will lie revealed to us before this council is at an end.”


Still smiling merrily, Fiolaine resumes speaking. “So, my good people and loyal allies from lands afar, does each of you pledge to do all you can to fund a cure to this sickness that afflicts us so?”

She pauses, and for a moment the wind whistling through the trees is her only answer…