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March 27th, 2008 Updates are available on the Game Rules section for meta-orgs. The Council of Faith and Natural Order have been revised. The Phostaldaron is once again an available meta-org. And, there are Adventure Records for the Pholtan Clergy. Also, the Pale Rumors page has been updated.  1st of Harvester, CY 597: All players who have PCs belonging to strange races or have an unusual appearance (you know who you are) are recommended to print out a Writ of Sapience.
The 28th day of Goodmonth, CY 597: The Pious Pilgrim in Eltison has been a wild place for the past few nights. Festival goers from across the Pale have been heading into the city for the biggest event the Pale Riders puts on each year. The annual calving festival might not seem like a big deal to most adventureres, but the locals find it a nice respite from a harsh winter and a difficult harvest coming up. Games and contests are common in the town, some put on by the Pale Riders, others put on by travelling carnival folk. The smell of cabbage is in the air. At an outdoor table looking down two foamy glasses of ale and a bowl of roasted corn, two ninth dawn command officers enjoy an afternoon off. Both men still wear the regalia of their office - one of them is cheery, and happily downs his ale. The other seems brooding, and intermittently mumbles to himself as he sips his drink. "I tell you, this is a nice thing the locals got put up this year. It's a real way to get folk cheery again. Less worries about the harvest and how the Pale Winter has hurt the crops is a good thing." His companion mumbles something about what a cleanup it will be, all the animal dung and garbage from the festival goers. "Bah, you gotta focus on the positive my friend. Food, Fun and Friends. What more is there? Everyone in town is enjoying themselves, why can't you?" Another mumble about not everyone enjoying the day is accompanied by a gesture to the large grey building in the center of town, the Eltison Maximum Security Prison. "Oh well, I'm sure they're enjoying it from in there. Besides, I doubt any of them are going to complain about the noise. It's a shame we can't parole some of them out to see the festival. Guess they're gonna miss it." This time, instead of mumbling his companion snorts a comment about them finding another way to enjoy the festival. "Come ON. There's no way they're getting out of that jail. Stop being so pessimistic. You sound like an adventurer. I mean, what are the odds of a prison break in the middle of the biggest festival of the year......." 2 hours after sunset, 22nd of Goodmonth CY598 A sending from Sental Tekis to Theoman Baslett:
Theoman Baslett's reply to the same sending:
22nd day of Goodmonth, CY 597 Official report of Guard Captain Serndt Millerson, Ogburg City Guard
May 4th, 2007 At almost every tavern and eatery in the Pale, rumors fly of recent conflicts in far off places, whether it be raiding slavers, hostile humanoid tribes bent on conquest, forces with various plans for the Bright Desert, or other dangers. In hushed tones, some speak of the noble, the glory-seeking, or the greedy that have gone to aid those in need. Many woke up this morning to find the following writ posted at every basilica, church, shrine, barracks, governmental office, Pious Pilgrim, and most other inns and taverns within the Pale:
(OOC, no, this does not include holy symbols required for the divine casting of spells, those can still be openly worn). May 3rd, 2007 Letters have been placed in prominent locations at churches and various meeting places throughout the Pale. It reads:
OOC info: Sunsebb, CY 596 Narrative Conclusion for "Winter Stalks the Pale", (after Winter Weekend in the Pale 2006), by Neil Harkins Shortly after the Battle of Winter's End (as the climactic conflict outside Rakervale came to be known), Theocrat Theoman Baslett delivered an address at the Basilica of Wintershiven. The address was repeated and copies were posted across the Pale. "Faithful pilgrims of Pholtus, our journey did not end three hundred years ago, when our brave ancestors settled in this harsh land. The folk of Old Aerdy laughed as we pitched our plows and oxen to task. It has been a constant struggle, but not one without rewards for that labor. We have become the saviors of neighboring Tenh, bringing the Blinding Light and One True Path to many of its now-faithful Flan. "Many years ago, as a Prelate and member of the Council of Nine, I almost allowed the Pale to compromise with an evil dragon. This dragon, the wyrm Xianshe, agreed to grant powerful magic for our use, but the price she demanded was the life of a good dragon. I believe now, as I believed then, that our nation could not have afforded a cost so dear. We could not have continued to stand as an example to the Flanaess, could not have gained our victories in Tenh. And so I gave my life to bring justice down upon that wyrm. Yet I acted rashly, and alone, without prior and due deliberations. "My sacrifice was ultimately successful, only thanks to the ability of my fellow Prelates to seize the chance that my deed created. That deed, though, was much overlooked in the celebrations of victory that followed. Sin was left unexamined. But morals are not flexible reeds in the Troll Fens, that bend whichever direction the wind blows. Without morals, we are no better than our enemies. Without morals, we lose the strength of righteousness, a powerful ally to us, here on Oerth. Victory obtained through deception is fleeting. "Our Library of Antigua is a testament to the bounty of Pholtus's knowledge. Few of us could hope to read all the volumes of his teachings in a lifetime, let alone remember and heed every tenet of our faith. But any child in our nation knows of the Four Deadly Sins: Cowardice, Avarice, Self-Indulgence, and Self-Will. These concepts sound simple, but the last of those sins still confuses many. "Consider grain fields too large for any one man to tend. He requires laborers, but must give them direction. If each laborer were to determine his own actions, chaos would result, with little yield at harvest. The lasting greatness of our Theocracy emerges from cooperation, not from mere luck, and as your Oerthly leaders, we prelates must set the highest example. "As such, I now confess my sin of Self-Will in my sudden attack on the dragon Xianshe, ultimately making our treaty a deception. I confess to Pholtus, and to all of you. I ask for forgiveness. My self-will spawned a vengeance, which has struck at our entire nation. "Our foe Winterwind has lurked for years, unseen but somehow always in our midst. The Troll Winter deepened. Crops withered. Herds perished on the hoof. Last month, Winterwind descended from the fell Rakers expecting to find a shattered people. Starvation had weakened our resolve, it is true, but we proved our strength once more. The final act in his play failed against the might of the Pale. Winterwind lies dead, his armies broken. Heroes from our land and several others succeeded in defending Rakervale. Some defenders abandoned their posts in the tumult of battle, allowing monsters to break through the line and menace Rakervale, but the Pale Patrol has restored peace. "Now the frost is finally lifting. This is cause for celebration, but also for much sadness. "Winterwind was unmasked as Snowflake, an orphaned frost giant whom we considered a friend and ally. In truth, he had sworn his allegiance to Xianshe and her patron, the Dark Lady. The death of Xianshe aligned Snowflake against me, and thereby against you. So we see the repercussions of sin commensurate with the gravity of the sin itself. Ignorance only allows it to fester, just as Snowflake was corrupted like roots into fouled soil. "I am deeply sorry that all of you have had to pay the price of my sin, and so I ask that you trust me again in rebuilding what we have lost. Perhaps the Council of Prelates, conferring further with Pholtus, will recommend a harsher penance. I have been humbled, so grievous was this lesson. Together, however, we are now stronger from it. There are many faithful to feed. The fields, once barren, await our care and cooperation -- as one people, all of us pilgrims walking together on The One True Path." Ready'reat CY 596 Narrative for the "Winter Stalks the Pale" series The flames of the candles flickered in a sudden draft and Jarret Beak started. The flames flickered but did not die -- at least he would not have to prepare the ritual again. Reaching up, he grasped the edge of his desk and pulled himself onto his feet. The High Seer pulled up briefly on the front of his robe and allowed it to fall more naturally around his prodigious belly. That was better. The visitors he was permitted did not care as much about his appearance as about his abilities, but it never hurt to appear marginally presentable. Jarret Beak turned around. "Good evening, Jarret." Theocrat Theoman Baslett wore his heavy robes of office. In his hand, he held a scroll. His two barbarian bodyguards stood, unmoving by the door. "Good evening," Jarret responded. "What is this you've brought me? An obscure prophecy that requires interpretation? A ritual spell to discern?" Theoman Baslett did not immediately answer. Instead, he walked to the other side of Jarret's workroom, pulled out a chair, and sat down. "Have a seat, Jarret; we need to talk." The High Seer moved carefully across the floor, picked a tray of half-interpreted tea leaves off of the other chair and set them atop a precarious pile of books. The chair's joints squeaked as he sat down. "So it's a social visit, then. We're supposed to start the conversation with the weather, aren't we? I don't often have visitors." He smiled bitterly. Theoman interrupted, "The weather is a good place to start. You must have noticed that it was unusually cold -- this is now the second Troll Winter in two years, yet you sensed nothing. Jarret, your premonitions are failing you." This was unexpected. The Supreme Prelate didn't allow the conversation to falter. "I won't hector you again about abandoning the faith of our fathers and the ways of our people. Whatever the reason, your prophecies have failed and another prophet has come to our attention who did foresee our current straits. I am going to replace you as High Seer, Jarret. Public honors must be given to the one Pholtus uses to warn us -- and that is no longer you." "So, is it this so-called Brother Jeremiah who replaces me?" asked Jarret. "His visions gave warning to those who heeded them," replied Theoman. "That is more than we can say of you in these last few years. You needn't fear that I will turn you over to your enemies. I remember your service to our nation in the past and continue to value your advice. But your gift of prophecy has failed." "If you say so," responded Jarret with a sneer. "This Jeremiah's vision does not seem to have done much for you anyway. Oh, I have my sources. What precautions have you taken on account of his visions? What strategy did you pursue? What evildoers have you caught? None. Jeremiah's vision has no more enabled you to counter the threat than have Winterwind's tauntings. If that is what you want in a High Seer, you might as well just wait for the historians to write about it or let the poets fit it to better verse." "Enough!" said Theoman firmly. "I am not one of your guards to be bullied. Had we heeded Brother Jeremiah sooner, much might have been averted. He should have been High Seer before and we have suffered for not heeding his visions as we ought." "Very well," said the former High Seer. "Our Theocrat turns his coat once a year, why should I expect any more than Sarynn Reddick and the Progressives, or Zacktinerim, for that matter?" "There is more," the Theocrat cut in. "Your role as the Arcane Advisor to the Throne of the Sun is also forfeit. One less petty, and who has not forgotten the faith of his fathers, shall inherit your seat." For a moment, there was silence. Then tears began to streak down Jarret Beak's pudgy face. "So, that's it then? I've outlived my usefulness. Will it be poison, a knife, or the merciless power of Pholtus? You should at least kill me yourself. I thought you were my friend." Slowly, and gently, Theoman Baslett responded. "I still am your friend, Jarret. I will not make you disappear. Your life here will continue, and I will even visit you when time allows it." "Who was it? Has that two-faced weasel, Milamber, wormed his way back into your good graces?" "Jarret, don't work yourself up again. This is not some scheme to get you." "Then who? That Scarlet Brotherhood tramp? The Grey College reject?" Spittle flew from Jarret's mouth. "She doesn't walk the True Path any more than I, and he'll cast your soul into prison and steal your body. Is this what the Pale considers faithful these days?" "No." "Then who? Surely, you're not taking advice from the hack with the glaive. What does he know of magic? He couldn't even master a cantrip until his twentieth birthday." Theoman sighed. "I suppose you would find out sooner or later. Master Serros, Archmage of the Arcanist Guild, is to be the Arcane Advisor to the Throne of the Sun." "What? That piece of regenerated troll-dung?" exclaimed Jarret. "He showed courage and constancy on that day, and merited the power that Theocrat Tillit invoked to raise him from the dead. That is more than you have done all your life, Jarret. I will hear no ill of him." As Jarret Beak slouched down in his chair and reached for a half-empty bottle of wine he spied under a table-leg, Theoman Baslett turned sharply, walked out the door, and shut it behind him. Flocktime, CY 596 Here is the followup to last week's posting. It presents a view of the action in "The Troll Throne" (the Battle Interactive at KublaCon). The plotline continues at ConQuest SF, less than three weeks away. written by Dan Roisman Sergeant Mordon turned to his march — his squad of infantrymen — and yelled at the top of his lungs, "You heard Captain Garandeau! Forward, march!" The glare of the snow was so bright that the insignia of the First Dawn Command and his double gold crescent moons were almost invisible against his white collar. Before he had begun, the snow-covered moor crunched under the feet of the adventurers racing before the marches. Marchman Brandt Cordig was dressed like the sergeant, in chainmail, a white tunic bearing the First Dawn Command designation and the silver crescent moon of his rank on his collar, and a purple tabard with the Theocracy's crest embroidered in white, black, and gold. He could see through his breath the other troops, lined up for half a mile, as he looked around. His fists tightened on his longsword and the strap of his shield. He started forward in the first line. Ahead of them, arrows and larger weapons fired from atop the enemy's walls. He could feel the vibrations of the troll drums resonating through the ground beneath his feet. The first cries of the wounded started to call from either side as he began to make out that the enemies atop the wall before him were gnolls and bugbears. "As you will," growled the sergeant. "Charge!" A deafening cry came up from the marches, who could see that the motley van of heroes had quickly broken through the lines of monsters. Cordig could no longer hear his own voice as he joined in the furious yell and ran forward, smoothly lifting his shield before his face to block an arrow the moment he saw it loosed. A second later he saw the gnoll cut down. Through the gates he raced and passed the tower into which poured other marchmen to help the shock troops subdue the trolls within. Calls came for priests behind him, but he raced on beside his fellows. He followed the sergeant at last through the wooden gate before the cave, where they set upon a troll that was already down; they hewed desperately at its foul flesh before it could heal itself. As they arrived, the battered adventurers were already making ready to press forward into the caves. The next few minutes were flashes of conscious thought: hacking at more trolls until they could be set ablaze or burned by acid; following other marchmen through ice-walled caverns to kill more gnolls, bugbears, and what looked like massive war-huskies; mutters from other marchmen that the Frigdrasil had betrayed their treaty; desperately defending against the claws of a surrounded troll before it was felled by archers and then ferociously finishing it off; and then seeing a flash of dark flesh and steel armor emerge from a passage to his right with the clink of a chain before blinding pain shot through his temple and the cries of his fellow marchmen faded into darkness. ... He woke to a moist towel on his forehead in the army hospital. Before him sat a young Pholtan priest he didn't know, dressed in the beige robes of an acolyte. "We won, then?" he said. "Aye, we did," answered the cleric. "Though perhaps not all we'd hoped. You yourself earned a reprieve from Pholtus, this day. You must have fought well." "Many dead ...?" "Many, though this offense served us well. Not as bad as when the trolls invaded the Pale. But, alas, the 'Troll King' is not among the dead." Cordig could hear the sarcasm in the priest's voice. "The winter's end is not at hand?" "Perhaps, but as I've heard it, where we'd hoped to meet and slay the king, we found only a prince and the king's cursed hounds: two young dragons." "But what of the king?" "Well, I can't say for certain, as I know only what the prior has told me, which must be only part of what Captain — I mean, Major — Garandeau told him." "An army talks, man. Surely you've heard something from one of these others." Cordig kept his voice hushed but fierce and the effort made his head hurt. He would not relent for this priest's formalities. "Well, as I had it from that brute over there," the acolyte gestured toward a great half-orc warrior laid on a cot across the large tent, "the leader of the trolls has been discovered to be the foul white wyrm, Winterwind." Cordig's eyes widened in dismay. "All for naught?!" The acolyte shook his head in sympathy. "He remains at large. I know not if his defeat is any nearer. The prior doesn't tell us much, and I've been tending mostly to the unconscious." "We've not avenged the Champion's death. The fight continues." Cordig lay back and closed his eyes, forlorn. The priest's voice took a reproving tone. "The fight continues. But know that Sir Tristan's death is well avenged, many hundredfold. You've done well today, as have those heathens who dwell among us. The One True Path is narrow and there would be no merit in its following if there were none who tried to stop us or lead us astray. Rest well, brother, and know your job's well done." Flocktime, CY 596 Here is a narrative version of the events leading up to "The Troll hrone" (the Battle Interactive at KublaCon) ... as the plotline will dvance again at ConQuest SF next month. written by Dan Roisman "What could be the reason for hesitation? This is an affront to Your Holiness, an affront to the Pale, an affront to Pholtus! There is no price too high to make the wayward and the contrary fear and respect the blinding light." The voice of Prelate Carindrell echoed from the granite walls and vaulted ceiling of the council chamber. He stood before his high-backed chair, upholstered in purple velvet. The force of his speech shook his brown locks and contorted his face, deepening the prominent crow's feet at the corners of his eyes. His broadsword, ever present, rattled in its scabbard. Nine other chairs flanked his, five of them filled with prelates dressed in white-trimmed golden robes, all facing the stern and troubled face of the Theocrat, Theoman Baslett. The Theocrat's gaze drifted from Carindrell's to those of the other five prelates, some of them nodding at Carindrell, some turning to meet Baslett's probing stare with imploring looks of their own. His eyes settled at last on the great golden crescent in the middle of the marble floor. Dust motes floated lazily in the bright shaft of light that shone from the enchanted crystal in the ceiling's pinnacle. As the pause in the rapidly heating discussion lengthened, Malvern Fenn, prelate of Rakervale, stood beside Carindrell. Slightly taller than Carindrell, and no less world-worn, Fenn wore close-cropped black hair that was peppered with gray, seeming to have caught some of the dust drifting through the air. "Your Holiness, our bright nation's resources are stretched thin. Our tenuous hold on Prelate Farsonol's charge would only weaken if we must divert forces to the Troll Fens. We are spread thin, and to spread thinner will leave the southern and eastern prelacies vulnerable," he said. A chair creaked under the massive frame of Prelate Filias Farsonol as he leaned forward, ready to object to Fenn's assessment of his leadership in eastern Tenh, but he was interrupted by the Prelate of Hawkburgh. "I'll speak for such as you mention, Your Eminence," said Prelate Elias Etrason, remaining seated. "I will gladly send the rest of the Fourth Dawn Command, that we should rid ourselves of this northern threat and this infernal cold, and avenge brave Spencer. I don't doubt our colleagues Kavelle, Anonsis, and Tekis will follow in kind." His blue eyes flashed with conviction, underlying his deep feelings on the matter and belying his light speech. "We've faith and courage enough among our militia to support Your Holiness's decisive action," he added, turning to the Theocrat. "Hah!" barked Prelate Reddick. Reddick, the only female prelate present, and an incredible beauty, kept her dark blue eyes locked on the Theocrat, gauging his reaction. "Wouldn't that be convenient for our enemies. That we should bring what's left of our military to the north to invade a swamp, while, with the least coordination, they invade, even as far north as Rakervale." Prelate Fenn nodded in agreement, displaying none of Reddick's calculation. "You overestimate these trolls," answered Carindrell. "And you underestimate the size of the legions and the depth of the hate of those who cling to the dark," quipped Reddick. "You think mere trolls made this unending winter?" She cocked her head toward the enchanted sheets of ice resting on a small wooden table on one side of the room. The writing was familiar to all the prelates, and to only a few others beyond this chamber: if the Pale surrendered, then the Troll Winter would stop. The demand was not signed. Prayers to Pholtus had been inconclusive, pointing to the Troll King, the Lord of Ice, and a nebulous third figure. Try as he might, High Seer Jarret Beak had not been able to get a clear answer. At last the Theocrat spoke. His fingers rubbed absently at the white felt on his throne's armrest, draped by the gold sleeves of his robes, unbroken by the white trim of the Prelates' robes. "There is one group whom I've learned never to underestimate." He looked meaningfully at Prelate Fenn. "They live among us, and do not always adhere to the light, but they have come to the aid of the Pale before, and so we tolerate them. It is time that we call on them again." He turned his penetrating gaze to each prelate. "It will be the duty and honor of these brave men and women, elves and half-orcs, dwarves, gnomes and halflings, to bring our answer to the Troll King. Answer we shall," he said as he stood. As one, all the Prelates stood. The two red-haired women that flanked his throne hefted their glaives at the sudden motion, still towering over the Theocrat when he stood. "We will answer, not for respect for me, or for dear Tristan, or even for the Pale. Not as a show of force to the monsters that surround the Pale. Not as a show of force to those who would threaten us from the west. We will send what armed forces we can muster into that forsaken swamp, led by those misfits who answer our call, because I am — and every other good citizen of the Pale is — tired of this accursed cold. I am tired of hearing the cry of babes in our streets from their numbed fingers and empty bellies. I am tired of seeing the bereft look of the faithful of Pholtus, whose crops have frozen over and who are unable to find work in the city, or even a place to live. And if any green-skinned beast in that swamp knows the one that is causing it, then we will find that one and make him stop." "Your Holiness, is it wise to trust such vagrants?" asked Fenn. Baslett paused a moment. "It is, Malvern. Just as it was wise to trust you. Forget not your past: not your wayward adventuring, nor the capacity for valorous action that you and I both found within you." He turned his gaze from Prelate Fenn to the others. "For if they betray that trust, we will spit them as we do the trolls, as we do anyone who would seek to harm a hair on the head of any follower of the One True Path." April 25th, 2006 The Pale Triad has given a State of the Pale address. It's available in the Newsletter section of the site April 20th, 2006 As of this month (April 2006), the fines for displaying a non-Pholtan holy symbol in the Pale have changed. Several players have said that the flat fine of 200 gp was too much of a burden at APL 2 or 4, thereby discouraging players from making new (non-Pholtan) cleric PCs. Conversely, a high-APL cleric would barely notice a 200-gp fine. The fine now varies by APL and equals 20% of the typical maximum gold awarded in a one-round scenario. Yes, the Pale government knows what APL your cleric is playing at, and it adjusts the fine to match. APL 2 — 90gp PAL6-02 and later scenarios have the new information, and a file with the latest "Special Rules" (holy symbols and arcane registration) will be included when you download earlier Pale scenarios from the website. A revised version of the "Pale Regional Rules" document, available at the Pale website by the end of the month, will also include the full text of the law. Have fun gaming, Derek Schubert Fireseek, CY 596 The Theocrat's Speech, a teaser for PAL6-03 A Matter of Grey Importance, by Dale Thurber It is midwinter, during Fireseek, when morale in the Pale is low. Faced with the bitter cold of an extreme winter, His Worshipful Mercy, Theocrat Theoman Baslett, in his wisdom, has attempted to occupy the people of the Pale with tasks to pass the frigid months. Several weeks ago, before the end of CY 595, Theocrat Baslett called a great mass in Wintershiven — the greatest since the mass to honor the passing of former Theocrat Ogon Tillit three years ago. Theocrat Baslett reassured the common folk that Pholtus would provide if their faith were strong and their labors fruitful. . . . After the usual formal proclamations, there comes a moment of stirring passion in the Theocrat's speech. He waves down the masses and holds high the Staff of the Sun, the emblem of his office as well as a weapon of great power. A hush falls over the crowd, and he raises his arms above his head, gesturing to illustrate his words. "We are making new efforts on our borders to expand the reach of our knowledge. We do so with the righteous blessings of our patron, Pholtus of the Blinding Light. Scholars have been sent to the Phostwood, to the Gamboge, and to the heartland, seeking Pholtus's hidden secrets that may be discovered only by the determination of those of strong faith. Pholtus blesses us with ever-greater knowledge of agriculture and mining and other skills to use the land to our lord's glory. Our new priestly order, the Shapers of Sun and Stone, has joined these missions with eagerness and resolution. Look around you and you will witness the hand and mind of Pholtus in action. "But the Divine Light has shown me more. . . yes, fellow believers. "Pholtus has sent a divine command from on high to put the good people of the Pale to work in his name. Humanity united in a common cause under Pholtus is a formidable force indeed. He has commanded me to bring his light to the Tenh, to both the Army and the citizens, each of which wages its own crusade. Soldiers of extraordinary courage and faith shall be rewarded with shining blades, marks of honor that inspire the troops while cowing the enemy. Humbler implements but no less potent — plows and shovels and picks — shall shape the soil, shall coax the streams from the hills to our new farmsteads. Therefore, let the forges blaze! We shall forge ten thousand stars on Oerth by Goodmonth!" Cheers go up among the gathered throngs, bolstering the morale of the shivering folk, most of whom warmly welcome a task to occupy themselves. As if to emphasize the point, the sky overhead serendipitously shifts, and light beams down from a parting of the gray clouds. "Our bright light will smite our foes, and broaden the domain of our great and mighty Church. We shall bring the word and deed of the One True Path to the lands of the Prelacy of Tenh. For when we come to the unseeing foe, he shall be smitten into the blinding light of Pholtus, judged, and dealt with as the will of the one true god commands. "Though not all who have dwelled in the Tenh are wicked" — with this he motions to several nearby members of the Faithful Flan — "you know of whom I speak: "The hordes of the Old One. . ." There is ubiquitous spitting on the ground at this epithet for the demigod Iuz. "The barbaric infidels of Stonehold to the north, under Sevvord Redbeard. . . "And the truly faithless deserters behind the man who once called himself Duke of Tenh. "To guard ourselves against the threats to our people, I now ask that every able-bodied believer work in earnest to give glory to Pholtus's name. Assist the smithies with every effort so we may spread the one true faith. "May our forges be bright with the glowing Light of Pholtus. May our faith be as strong as the hammer that works the metal. May you all support the most humble of workers, those who craft these weapons for the Army and tools for the most revered believers of our people. "Go forth in Pholtus's hallowed name. Bless you all." Though that sermon weeks ago was an inspiration to all gathered, temperatures have fallen, and the warm words of the Theocrat compete against thick snow and biting winds. In the days to come, the people of Pale will continue to endure the Troll Winter, superlative among the Pale's notoriously frigid winters. Many a priest will pray to Pholtus that the only danger they will face will be cold, and not raids from the Troll Fens, nor enemy incursions on the Pale's borders. While the Prelatal Army busies itself in Tenh, the days darken, and few are aware that it is the vigilance of adventurers that protects the Pale . . . . February 22nd, 2006 Several new documents have been added to the Game Rules section of the Pale site. The new LGCS 5.0 is available and many new meta-game organizations. February 6th, 2006 In the Pale PC Backgrounds section of the site, two new PCs have been added to the retired PC roster: Duoghi "The Lesser Sage", played by Wayne Amendola, and Belfor Silverstreak, played by Jim Smidl. January 8th, 2006 The following is effective for all Bracelets of the North gained in the scenario PAL4-08 Winters Past:
A special Adventure Record is available to track this change for your PC. This is a change from an AR for a scenario, but it applies to all bracelets as of now whether you have played the new scenario or not. We waited until the original scenario was retired to announce this and the scenario that does this is still in play. This is a bit of a spoiler and we apologize for that, but it is a necessity of this magic item from its original inception. The bracelet remains frozen in place and is still not removable, but its magic no longer protects you. You may wear and interchange normal magic items that take up the bracer slot even with the bracelet in place as normal as of now. December 17th, 2005 A new issue of Polyhedron is available in the Newsletters section of the Pale Web site. October 5th, 2005 A new issue of Polyhedron is available in the Newsletters section of the Pale Web site. 11 Goodmonth, CY 595 An announcement posted throughout the Pale: "The divine wisdom of Pholtus guided our beloved Theocrat, Theoman Baslett, when he recalled the Valorous League of Blindness to the welcoming arms of the Pale earlier this year. A detachment of Pholtan Knights Valorous, Order of Celene, was to take the place of the League as a faithful presence in northern Nyrond. The leaders of the League, Carindrell and Grishken, recognized the sagacity of the decision and brought their followers inside the shelter of the Theocracy's borders. We of Council of Prelates have rewarded the leaders and members of the League for their loyalty — indeed, even inducting Carindrell into our number as Prelate of Hatherleigh. The presence of the Valorous League of Blindness assures the safety of the good citizens in the southwestern prelacies. "Not all members of the League, though, have chosen to heed the call homeward. Zylinchin, self-proclaimed Fiendfinder-General, has willfully disobeyed the request of Theocrat Baslett. Zylinchin and a small group of renegade followers have remained in the northern portion of the Nyrond Imperium, acting on their own interpretations of the will of Pholtus. "Know this, good citizens: Zylinchin and his followers have fallen prey to the very chaos that they once battled. Once ardent servants of the Blinding Light, they have strayed. They have marked themselves as heretics from the One True Path. Let us all pray, that Zylinchin's band may see the folly of their arrogance and return to the Pale in humility and faith. "For the moment, consider them no friend to our nation and our Church. If you encounter them within the Pale, avoid them if you can and report their location to the nearest ecclesiastic official. If you encounter them while travelling in the Imperium, report them immediately to an agent of local authority, and send word back to the Pale of their location. The ears of the heretic are closed to reason, so do not try to persuade these renegades to reconsider their decision; instead, be prepared for aggression in words or even in arms. The Council of Prelates, August 14th, 2005 A new issue of Polyhedron is available in the Newsletters section of the Pale Web site. April 16th, 2005 We have a new PC Registry. Please migrate your PCs from the old PC Registry as soon as possible. February 23rd, 2005 A priest-captain of the Church Militant, familiar to some of you, enters the tavern with a troop of city guardsmen. The officer looks around the tavern slowly, pausing at each figure wearing a non-Pholtan holy symbol. Finally, he speaks, "As you know, proselytizing is against the law. But even though your mouth may be closed, your symbols are praising other powers above Pholtus. His Worshipful Mercy and the Council of Nine have ruled it to be illegal, from this day hence, to display pagan symbols of worship in a public place. Non-humans will be allowed to continue to wear their heathen symbols, as their worship does not interfere with the righteous will of Pholtus over all of humanity. The Theocrat has set a grace period of six months, in order to allow word of the new law to travel across the realm. Consider this your official notice." The guardsmen part, allowing the priest-captain through to the door, and then they follow him out. OOC: Six months from March 1, the display of a holy symbol other than that of Pholtus by a human or the display of a human deity's holy symbol other than Pholtus by any one will be illegal and reason for arrest. The Pale will no longer tolerate the flaunting of the worship of other human deities within its borders. This gives you until September 1 to begin compliance. Penalties will be added to the Pale Gazetteer when it is updated later this year and in time for that deadline. 21 Fireseek, CY 595 You hear a crier out on the streets, "All pay heed to the words of the Theocrat and the guidance of Pholtus!" "It has been decreed by His Worshipful Mercy, Theocrat Theoman Baslett, that Prelate Filias Farsonol will be transferred to the city of Calbut to assume the position of Archbishop of Tenh and oversee the establishment of order in that land. "It is further decreed that Carindrell, late of Arndulanth, is hereby appointed Prelate of Hatherleigh and its prelacy. "Thirdly, the Theocrat appoints a new High Inquisitor, henceforth to be known as High Inquisitor Law to represent the ideals to which we will hold him and the entire Inquisition. All praise to Pholtus as he guides us along the One True Path! January 17th, 2005 A new version of the Living Greyhawk Campaign Sourcebook has been released, and can be found within the Game Rules section of the site. January 11th, 2005 The Pale Triad has asked for your input. Please complete this Year Four Triad Report Card and submit it to Lance White at poc@theocracyofthepale.com by January 22nd. Fireseek, 595 CY In the weeks leading up to the Liberation of Tenh by the Theocracy of the Pale envoys were sent out to speak with neighboring nations about their concerns over the Pale's aggressive actions. Most important of these was the Kingdom of Nyrond, a realm that has a shared border with the Pale and an area long under dispute between the two realms due to the presence of faithful Pholtans in northern Nyrond and the actions of the Valorous League of the Blind. These negotiations with King Lynwerd had begun to show progress and the two realms believed they could reach an agreement within the next couple of months for a pact of non-aggression barring any unforeseen circumstances. The change in leadership in Nyrond does not affect these negotiations. The Theocracy of the Pale will continue to pursue a course of non-aggression with the Nyrond Imperium and hopes to bring these negotiations to a close at some point in time this year. As a show of good faith, the Theocracy of the Pale appealed to the Valorous League of the Blind to withdraw from Nyrond and settle in the Pale. The League's leaders, Carindrell of Arndulanth and Grishken of Midmeadow, have agreed. King Lynwerd had already determined to brand the members of the Valorous League of the Blind as traitors to Nyrond and this option allows them to renounce their citizenship there and become citizens of the Pale, thus escaping the charge of treason. For Nyrond's part, King Lynwerd had agreed to allow a less aggressive group of Pholtan Knights to replace the Valorous League of the Blind in Midmeadow and King Sewarndt has agreed to uphold this agreement. To this end, the Pholtan Knights Valorous — Order of Celene is ordered by the Church of the One True Path to garrison Midmeadow and establish a guild house in that town. These knights will work with Nyrond's Church of the Bright Path to establish security and safety in areas where the Valorous League of the Blind previously held sway. The most diverse branch of the Pholtan Knights Valorous, the Order of Celene includes many elves and half-elves; the Theocrat hopes that they can instill trust in the Church of Pholtus, both among Midmeadow's citizens and among the nearby groups of Gamboge elves, who originally built Midmeadow. The Valorous League of the Blind has agreed to aid in the dissolution of the New Dawn Camp they had established in Midmeadow and to turn over all of the records of this camp to the Order of Celene so that they can work with the legal authorities of Nyrond to determine the final fate of those currently held in the camp. The camp structure itself will be turned over to the Order of Celene for use as their guild house until a suitable structure can be built or purchased. December, 20th, 2004 A new Pale map has been posted, showing the new border after the results of the Winter Weekend in the Pale battle interactive. Also, a variety of settlements have been added. It can be found on the Maps of the Theocracy of the Pale page in the Background section. A high resolution version is available from the Downloads section. November, 19th, 2004 A summary of the battle interactive held at Winter Weekend in the Pale has been posted in the Background section. November, 10th, 2004 Some of you may be aware of The Steiner Brewing Company (link given below), though based on the existing membership it probably isn't many. As of December 1st, it will be the OFFICIAL board for story-related messages and in-character postings for the Pale. The Pale Triad will be using the board to help move along the storyline in the Pale, something that is a little tough to do with only eight or nine regional modules a year. Players that can't make it to an interactive or a particular convention will still be able to keep tabs on what is going on, and we want this board to give the players more opportunities to affect the storyline. The Theocrat will even be making occasional statements on the list, as will some of the more prominent NPCs in the region. What is done there is considered to happen in-character (IC), to a certain extent anyway. Combat of any sort of course won't occur. There will be more guidelines once it gets up and running but for now that about covers it. We look forward to seeing you there. Information on how to join the mailing list is available in the Discussion Forum section of the Web site. November, 9th, 2004 A ruling on the Bracelet of the North has been added to the Miscellaneous Triad Rulings page in the Game Rules section of the site. It reads:
Ready'reat, CY 594 The news had spread quickly through town of the hanging; it was less than an hour after the event that you heard of it. As you neared the gallows you saw no body hanging there, but you did see a small crowd gathered around a missive posted there:
November, 3rd, 2004 Issue 3 of the Inquisitor, our Pale newsletter, is now available from the Newsletter section of the Web site. 16 Reaping, CY 594 From His Holiness, Theocrat Theoman Baslett, sent from the Basilica in Wintershiven: "I know that many of you have questions about the coming campaign in Tenh. I assure you that this decision was not reached lightly, nor without thought to the beleaguered people of Tenh. The Council of Nine has sat in debate for many long days and nights. We have given ourselves over to prayer and communion with our patron, Pholtus of the Blinding Light. We have held council with our generals, taken stock of our granaries, and listened to the upwelling support from the brave and steadfast citizens of this mighty Pale. "We act now on behalf of all of the displaced people that have been forced to leave their homes. And for the people that were left behind not even able to make the journey to our lands. "The failure of a nation's leaders strikes at the very heart of the nation's people. The people of Tenh are suffering from such a wound. The Duke of Tenh has shirked his duties, allowing his country to be overrun by the ravenous hordes of Stonehold and of Old Wicked, and, even worse, standing by while the Ether creatures laid waste to his people's fertile land. This must be stopped, for the sake of all the people of Tenh, as well as for the protection of the people of the Pale. Too long has Tenh suffered the darkness of oppression; too long have we of the Pale endured the threat of chaos on our border. "The Blinding Light brings hope and purpose wherever it shines. Some worry that we will force the people of Tenh to worship Pholtus. I can say that we will never require more from these poor people than we would ask of any citizen. You have welcomed the blessings of Pholtus into your life and chosen to walk the One True Path. We will offer the people of Tenh no less help than we offer to others in need, much as we do not require any more from the refugees that we have taken in. "Finally, many have wondered why we would declare war on such a blighted country. I assure you it was not because we want to war with the citizens there. Nevertheless, desperate supporters of the Duke are denying peace and stability to the citizens. They must know that no matter who they claim to be the ruler, we can not let such horrible Chaos be visited upon the defenseless people of Tenh. The Duke's time to lead the people of Tenh has come and gone. He is no longer their leader. We would welcome a peaceful resolution with a true government of Tenh, but they must not be allowed to stop us from removing the forces of Chaos that dwell there. "With the guidance of Pholtus, we will prevail and bring peace to that land at long last." OOC: While the full cost of the interactive remains 4 TU's for Palish PC's and 8 for others, players will be given the choice of spending only half of that for half reward. Wealsun, CY 594 For the past week every town that you passed through has had posts and criers carrying the following message: "Due to the failure of the supposed leaders of the Duchy of Tenh, the Theocracy has been beset by CHAOS. This cannot be allowed to continue. The time has come to stop the chaos crossing our border. Pholtus has given his guidance to the One True Path, we must protect our lands at all costs. "THE LIBERATION OF THE DUCHY OF TENH HAS BEGUN. "We will bring the Light to these heathen lands for the Glory of Pholtus and the protection of all true citizens of the Theocracy of the Pale. "To ensure victory in this endeavor the following steps must be taken:
"STEADFAST WE MARCH FOR PHOLTAN VICTORY!" Out of Character: The great invasion will happen at Winter Weekend in the Pale, at an eight(8)-hour battle interactive. More details to come. So save some TUs: four if your PC is a Pale resident, eight for sympathetic foreigners. None of the above statements force any in-game changes or decisions for PCs. June 8th, 2004 A new document, Miscellaneous Triad Rulings, has been posted to the Game Rules section. This document covers local rules clarifications that apply to the Pale. 24 Planting, CY 594, Ogburg What follows is the final outcome of PAL4-03 All Which is Forgotten and the entire six-part Germinations series. This outcome is based on the majority result of the tables that played at the premiere convention, Theocracy by the Bay. SPOILERS follow. The city of Ogburg celebrates! The Prelatal Army valiantly routed a horde of strange plant-like creatures, said by some to come from the spaces between the stars in the heavens. Many lives were lost, but the otherworldly threat has been eradicated. A group of these creatures attempted to flee, but the heroic and quite daring efforts of some adventurers thwarted this desperate escape. The faithful pray to Pholtus that we have seen the last of these creatures. These same adventurers have brought the traitor Konrad Huber to justice. This arcanist, accused of various offenses including treason and consorting with fiends, was delivered into the hands of the Church Militant. Also of interest to the Church Militant were materials recovered from Huber's tower, which they immediately took into custody. Even as Ogburg celebrates these successes, the people mourn those who have been lost. Of note to many was Bishop-General Amaris Viligant, a woman of impeccable character who dedicated her life to protecting the physical and spiritual lives of the people of the Pale. A poignant and serene ceremony was held where her body, draped in pure white silk, was burned on a funeral pyre atop a remote hill outside the city at sunset. Colleagues and friends observed from a respectful distance. One threat has been removed from the Pale, but our lands are still surrounded by evil and lawless forces. Some of these enemies have infiltrated our lands and could even be lurking among us. Case in point: a heavily-armed unit of Church Militant travelling from Ogburg to Wintershiven has vanished. It is unknown who might have perpetrated this crime or to what end, but rest assured the Church Militant is investigating. April 30th, 2004 Our new featured PC in the Pale PC Background section is Bishop Maynerd Chandler, played by Greg Ryker. April 27th, 2004 This is a forewarning of events to come so you can prepare to save the appropriate number of TUs with the character you would want to play for such an event.
This year at Winter Weekend in the Pale the Theocracy of the Pale will be returning to the formerly Pale Occupied Tenh in force. This will be a huge battle interactive and we thought we'd give you all forewarning in order to allow you to save TUs with the character you wish to become a hero of the beginning of the Liberation of the Tenh. Donovan Hicks 18 Planting, CY 594, Hatherleigh By the proclamation of the Church of the One True Path, five men and four women have been convicted of consorting with fiends, sedition, inciting a riot, attempted murder with special circumstances, grievous assault on a priest of Pholtus, conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to spread sedition, teaching the vile doctrines of Incabulos, membership in a seditious and illegal organization, and violation of the borders of the Pale and have been sentenced to public execution by fire for their crimes. Just before dawn, in the gray twilight, the condemned were brought to their waiting pyres—or so the tale is told. They were bound to the stakes with chains of adamant as the justicars read their crimes and their sentence to the crowd. Then, as the dawn dispelled the darkness, the massive Prelate of Hatherleigh stepped forward and called upon Pholtus to judge his enemies. Fire fell from the heavens upon the condemned and, when the crowd blinked sufficiently to clear their eyes, the fires were kindled and there was no movement from within the roiling flames. "So justice is done and the martyr, Tegud of Stonetower is avenged." Prelate Farsonol looked over the crowd. "Let us thank Pholtus that there was one such as he—willing to give his life rather than to embrace chaos and abandon the One True Path. And let us thank Pholtus for the wisdom of the church and the valor of those citizens of the Pale that enabled us to bring those most responsible for the recent unrest to justice." He paused for a moment as the first rays of the sun shot across the square. "The day is brighter for their passing. Walk in the light." Then, the prelate turned and walked away, leaving the crowd to watch the dying embers of the fire in the cold light of the new dawn. There was much talk in the town that day. Some claimed to have seen the condemned travelling through the area together before the incident with the Scars of Nerull and the arrest of the druids. A few remembered one or another of the condemned warning them about the druids. Others remembered their dire warnings about hidden agendas and corruption within the church. In the corners of noisy taverns, some whispered that the deceased had held midnight meetings where they urged Flan villagers to rise up, kill the Oeridians and Pholtans, and reclaim a purified land—though, according to those who witnessed the execution, none of them were Flan so it was scarcely to be credited. Others wondered who the condemned men and women were, and whether any of the stories and accusations were true. Most, however, kept their thoughts to themselves and away from prying ears. Save for the writ of condemnation, all of this may only be as good as the word of the bard or traveller who tells the tale. No answer is forthcoming in Hatherleigh where the church keeps its secrets and the dead tell no tales, but a few days out in the village of Stonetower, it is said, a wall has been erected and villagers judged to be dupes or accessories to greater villains reflect upon their mistakes and look toward a future where they may once more be productive and loyal citizens of the Pale.... and in the pits of Gehenna, an insidious and once influential cabal receives its just reward. [This proclamation concerns the final fate of the Bronze Cabal cell involved in the events surrounding the Scars of Nerull.] Coldeven, CY 594 Bishop-General Amaris Viligant of the Ogburg Church Militant is missing. Previously assigned to the city itself, about a year ago her quality work was recognized with a promotion and reassignment to special duty. She was leading a force of specialists investigating unspecified threats in the wilderness north of Ogburg. It is unknown how long she has been missing, but the Church has now told people inquiring about her that she has been killed in the line of duty. Patchwall, CY 593 The armies of the Pale are on the move. In response to the darkening threat that looms over the city of Midmeadow, the Prelate of Hawkburgh has begun garrisoning troops along the border of Nyrond. In addition, he has requested aid from Wintershiven in the form of soldiers, arms, and armor. Activity has also risen along the border of Tenh. Skirmishes with the bizarre ether creatures have subsided to some extent, and it is said that the Flan refugees are becoming anxious to return to their homeland. Many of these refugees have amassed near Atherstone. The population flux has placed a considerable strain on the Prelatal Army and their efforts to maintain order in the northern provinces of the Pale. The troll invasion from last winter has continued for much of 593 CY. The Prelatal Army in the northeastern and central section of the Pale have had their hands full in protecting the farmsteads from these random attacks. Reports of troll attacks on the major urban areas have been scarce. Also, details coming out of the offices of the Prelates do not point towards an organization of the attacks. They seem to merely be random, but dangerous nonetheless. Reinforcement of the Bright Castles has been slow, and many of the regular army have been replaced with Faithful Flan. Flocktime, CY 593 Over the past several months, hushed rumors have been spoken about a great calamity in the Tenh. The Church Militant has actively discourage the spread of such rumors. However, the Flannish refuges have been increasingly difficult to ignore, and recent changes within the Church have embolden the people to speak more freely of the tragedy to the northwest. Creatures of unknown origin have invaded the Tenh, killing nearly all living things. Some speculate that Iuz unleashed these killing machines, but even his foul forces have fallen to the invasion. Pale-controlled Tenh has been affected by this horrible force. Two of the Brilliant Castles have been destroyed, the town of Lighton has disappeared, and Garson is gone. Life in the Pale would be much more grim if it were not for the valiant efforts of the Arcanist Guild. Now that the secret is out, Theocrat Baslett himself has publicly praised the efforts of the Guild. "What you have heard is true. Much of the fertile lands of the Tenh, long stained by the blood of pagans and faithful Pholtans alike, has been decimated by a force even more horrible than that of the Old One. "Fear not! The progress of these beasts has been arrested by the heroic efforts of the Arcanist Guild. Guild members erected a barrier of magical nature, preventing these otherworldly beasts from invading our lands. Though they wield arcane, not divine, magic, they deserve our deepest gratitude for their efforts. "Many Palish citizens and Faithful Flan have fallen, and we mourn their loss. But Atherstone still stands and our nation of faith will not be invaded by these foul beasts. The Pale has long served as a bastion in preventing the Old One's forces from spilling into the lands of our southern neighbors, and Pholtus willing, we shall hold the line against this even more pernicious threat. The strength our faith affords us shall serve as a shining example to all of the Flanaess." Planting, CY 593 People throughout the Pale mourn the death of Theocrat Ogon Tillit, who finally succumbed to the unholy wounds inflicted upon him several years ago. The death of Prelate Maximillian Thace, leader of the Popular Progressive Party, is another devastating blow to the spirits of Palish citizens. Thace died courageously, protecting the Pale from a most powerful foe. Theoman Baslett has been elevated to the position of Theocrat. In a speech within the Basilica in Wintershiven, Theocrat Baslett proclaimed the following:
(The above events were determined from the majority outcome of the premiers of PAL2-06 Claws of Evil and PAL3-01 In the Shadow of Death's Door. While knowing this reveals important aspects of these scenarios to you if you have yet to play them, the above outcome is very significant and will shape future play within the Pale, so we need to get the word out.) Fireseek, CY 593 Rumors have spread of some mysterious deaths occuring near Rakervale. Details are unclear and often vary widely, but apparently whole families in isolated farm houses have been killed. No one is aware of any witnesses. Senior officers of the Church Militant were observed investigating, suggesting that demonic forces are suspected. Reaping CY 592 Theocrat's Health Declining Word leaked recently from the church in Wintershiven that the Theocrat's health is steadily declining, even more rapidly than previously. While not bed-ridden, our leader on the One True Path is rumored not to be able to cast those most powerful spells that Pholtus provides for the good of the people. Sages and church officials believe that the key to curing the Theocrat is to find the magical, evilly-enchanted gauntlet that slew him in the first place. Diviners from both the church and the Arcanist Guild are at work seeking clues. Any citizen who believes that he or she knows something about this gauntlet should report to the Church Militant or local Prelate immediately. [Players— play the Crisis of Leadership trilogy to participate in the fate of the Theocrat. There will also be a mini-mission or two at Winter Weekend in the Pale that affect this plotline, so be sure not to miss those either.] [Game effect: The Theocrat cannot cast spells above 7th level until further notice. Thus, no divine spells of 9th level are available in the Pale. There are three prelates (Theoman Baslett, Malvern Fenn, and Andon Kavelle) able to cast 8th level or lower spells. There are two prelates able to cast 7th level or lower spells (Sarynn Reddick and Filias Farsonol). And there are sufficient clerics who can cast 5th level and lower spells. Thus, on coming back from the dead, the raise dead spell is readily available. The resurrection spell is available enough that there is no additional TU cost to acquire it, though it does require a friend to plead your case, and that friend or the dead person must use Favor of Pholtus just to get the audience to request the spell. The Favor used to get the audience cannot be also used to lower the cost of the spell. True resurrection is not available within the Pale until the Crisis of Leadership trilogy finishes in January or February of 2003. Reincarnate is available if you find a druid who can cast it written into a scenario, or play with a PC who can cast it. However, there is only a 45% chance of coming back as a playable race. A wish is required to return you to your true form, and wishes are very expensive. As the triad if you want a wish for anything, and have at least 25,000 gp available to pay for it. Probably more.] Fireseek CY 592 [www.living-greyhawk.com Dispatches] After a thorough investigation by the Church Militant, the Theocracy of the Pale has created a new Dawn Camp near the Troll Fens. (For those who do not know the comfort of the Blinding Light, a Dawn Camp is a re-education camp for heretics and others who are deemed capable and worthy of redemption before the eyes of Pholtus.) The new camp totally encloses what used to be the town of Tristor. Acting on the reports of adventurers, the Church Militant conducted a full-scale investigation of events that took place there recently and hangings that occurred twenty years ago. The findings resulted in several charges of murder, lynchings, and various other crimes. Several inhabitants of Tristor were sent to a high security Dawn Camp for permanent imprisonment while many other residents are expected to go through the re-education process. Fall CY 591 [Prelude to the Past] Several residents of the city of Ogburg reported seeing three stars fall from the heavens and streak across the sky towards the east. Prelate Maximillian Thace asked the good citizens not to fall prey to pagan superstitions about what unknown evils such an omen might portend, and then lead a group prayer to Pholtus. Spring CY 591 [Living Greyhawk Journal, Vol 1, No 4, May 2001] Trade caravans, their goods already delayed by winter storms, have been encountering further difficulty in reaching villages and farmsteads already low on supplies following the long cold season. Hordes of orcish barbarian heathens from the Troll Fens have been raiding the northern trade routes, stealing goods and supplies. Attempts to locate and destroy these godless wretches have thus far failed, as much of the Prelatal Army remains in Tenh, bringing the protection of Pholtus to those living there. Trackers and warriors from the northern Prelacies, faithful followers of the Blinding Light, have answered the call and gone to the defense of those in need. Other foul and faithless wretches, as yet unidentified, are believed to be responsible for mutilation and killing of cattle and other livestock in the remote village of Tristor, on the Yol River near the Tenha border. Spring CY 591 [Living Greyhawk Journal, Vol 1, No 3, Feb 2001] On a visit this week to pay respects to the Theocrat, Albrecht Ellsran, the Bishop of Hatherleigh, fell to his death from a third story balcony in the Basillica. All efforts to restore his life failed. Reports by several passersby of a translucent, robed figure also on the balcony are being discounted by the Church Militant, though security around the Theocrat has increased. This is the third death of a ranking official since the new year began. At a new year's feast, Kellen Perdeau, Chief Archivist for the Great Library in Ogburg, choked on a piece of roast boar despite the efforts of those present to assist. Several weeks ago Janus Trueblade, a retired general of the Pholtan Knights Valorus, was found dead in his bedchamber, his face contorted in fright but his body unmarked by wounds. Mysteriously, neither man could be revived. Church officials see no connection between these incidents. Spring CY 591 [Living Greyhawk Journal, Vol 1, No 2, Nov/Dec 2000] Pholtans everywhere are rejoicing about the recent recovery of a cache of holy relics dating back 300 years. Though the true significance of these items has yet to be determined, they are thought to include the Libram Sanctus Vox, believes by many to be among the most sacred writings of the Faith. The relics were recovered with the assistance of a group of heroic individuals who prevented several attempts to steal them. While the identities of the would-be thieves are not known, according to a member of the Church Militant, "they will not remain unknown for long." Spring CY 591 [Living Greyhawk Journal, Vol 1, No 1, Sept 2000] A recent increase in incursions from the Troll Fens has led to a sudden rise in enlistment in the Prelatal Army, particularly in the northern provinces. Troop morale is high at this time, bolstered by a series of decisive victories over the foul creatures. Adventurers from the capital have proven to be a strong addition to the forces in the Fens. One band was instrumental in delaying a hand of the beasts, allowing the orderly evacuation of a nearby village. One battle-scarred veteran was overheard admiring the determination and prowess of these adventurers, while expressing a hope that they might be converted to Pholtus. | ||
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