Everything I Wrote as Nelehein

[Seven Sons of Sin]

This is an amalgamation of everything Nelehein has written ICly - I believe most of it has been recorded, somewhere, but a lot of my contributions to this ongoing project will likely only be from my playtime as the knight (at least, my more accurate contributions).

So,

On the Myart Shrine

The Myarts, legend tells us, were a race of sentient golems gifted in the Art. They aided travelers who passed through and near the Skull Crag Mountains. Then, one day, they disappeared suddenly. Where did they go? But more importantly, what did they leave behind? Are there hints, or clues as to their disappearance?

The Myart Shrine slips underneath the noses of many scholars and sages on the isle of Arelith because of its seemingly insignificant nature. With a history rich in strife, war and violence, unless a mind is ambitious, few would seek answers to this ancient race of golems.

The Myart Shrine is also a location few can discern – so I will highlight its location. The shrine to the Old Conclave of the Arcane Tower, in the Skull Crag lowlands, outside the Campsite, is built atop of the Myart Shrine. There are several reasons why such a deduction can be made.

1. The columns and stone base exceed in age when compared to the Old Conclave shrine, which in itself, must measure at least a century years as of 70 AR.
2. The columns are massive, hinting at the golemic size of the Myarts.
3. There is no sign of a maker. This is perhaps the most important feature. It remains a ruin that is undistinguished amongst others. It has no hint at who came before, which parallels with the extreme lack of knowledge we encounter with the Myarts.

Furthermore, when this deduced shrine of the Myarts – now a protected historical site – was investigated, my colleagues and I found a source of smoke. Where does this smoke come from? A fire, we concluded. A fire, we believe, to be at the source of the true remnants of the Myart civilization, deep beneath the earth.

Maximillian the Accountant

Over Arelith’s history, many strange occurrences have taken place, and many wars have been fought. Extraplanar contact is not something unheard of. But there is one figure that has been seen, time and time again, Maximillian the Accountant, of Baator.

He dates back some fifty years, during the time of Graash Zorgar, an Ilmateri half orc, who was once a Commander of the Cordorian Guard. He lived and breathed and fought in the time of High Priestess Lexi of Light Keep, so my estimates deduce this to happen in the 20s of Arelith Reckoning. Maximillian’s encounter with Graash is unknown, but we believe there to be an encounter none the same.

His second known occurrence is dating back 20 years from present scribing. Maximillian appeared and warned a Maliel Elumbriel, Waterdhavian bard and artisan, of an impending doom approaching the isle. A Baatorian rift, one separate from Light Keep, was to emerge, and this Stygian devil approached the Arelithians to warn them of it. We do not truly know why. He received very little in return- only a few mere moments on the Prime his reward.

His third and most recent encounter was during the War of the North, of 74-75. He appeared to a fellowship of freefolk near the Temple of Auril, summoned forth by the completion of a runic circle, buried beneath the snow. There, he also expressed certain warning and information that was vital to ending the war. He received nothing in return- he did mention the bargaining of souls in exchange for more information. Fortunately, none were receptive. After the discourse, he went back to from wherever he came.

The Stygian devil has been involved, over the recorded history of Arelith’s isle. And I do not think this year shall be the last we see him.

[Seven Sons of Sin]

Kohlingen: The Lost City, Volume I

The lost city of Kohlingen is one of Arelith’s greatest mysteries, and a source of many questions. Unfortunately, there are few answers. What answers there are, shall be found within after many years of research. I shall only try to highlight what is definite. There are many possibilities that I will only allude to.

What is known is that at least eighty years ago, Duke Tristam was a member of Galahad the Builder’s court. He was a devout man of Triadic faith; zealous and righteous in his conduct. For whatever reason, Galahad the Builder was allowing ambiguous banners into his court. Duke Tristam was appalled by this act, and since he could not change Galahad’s thoughts, he left.

With him, he took his loyal knights, retainers and followers and headed north, to a realm that existed beyond Minmir. He founded the great state of Kohlingen. We know it to be a Triadic state, morally virtuous and a place of Light, more so than Light Keep. It was a feudal state, with Duke Tristam likely at its head, with a council of earls beneath him.

The Triadic state was its peak between 5 Before Reckoning (BR) and 2 Arelith Reckoning (AR). It was a state larger than present-day Cordor. Through the finding of Earl Manfried’s diary, we know that his corrupted manor in Minmir was on the outskirts of Kohlingen. His estate is large, only hinting at the vastness of the entire Kohlingen realm.
Furthermore, we know there were at least two earls in Duke Tristam’s court: Manfried and Montgomery. We predict there to be many more, and with an estate of similar size to Manfried. We can only imagine the sheer grandeur and size of Kohlingen.

~ Ser Nelehein of Impiltur, Sage-Knight of the Road and Last of the Great Skalds of Impiltur

Kohlingen: The Lost City, Volume II

The Triadic state of Kohlingen existed for what we theorize to be a decade. Simultaneously, Galahad the Builder had already built Light Keep, transforming the simple Benwickian castle into the now-called epitome of Light, Light Keep. Kohlingen, however, still dwarfed it in size.

Most of the goodly folk left with Duke Tristam in his departure north around, an estimation between 20-10 BR. Unfortunately, we know Kohlingen ended around 2-3 AR.

The mystery of the Lost City is a tragic one. All we know for certain is that one terrible night, Kohlingen just fell into the sea. The only survivors of the apocalypse were Duke Tristam (we know that Kohlingen never lasted more than a generation because of his survival) and a few of his loyal knights and followers. Almost all perished, swallowed up by the sea.

Duke Tristam and the last of the Kohlingenites made their way back to Galahad the Builder, who accepted them with open arms in the years of 2-3 AR. The home Kohlingenites blended back in with the Benwickians, and the great Triadic state was never spoke of again.

[Seven Sons of Sin]

The Forsworn

In the late 7th decade AR, Benwick underwent upheaval. The center of the debate was over the dispute if James Malhinde should be king, and the monarchy restored. It was held to a vote, and it was split evenly (or so some say). Half of the Keepers supported in James’ claim for the throne, and the other half voted to retain the Benwick Council and all of its hierarchy.

Where the issue arises, is the Council’s address to James. James Malhinde claimed the Council coerced him into stand down, and erase the issue of a divided vote. He believed he won the vote. What the Council claims, is that it was an even split and the later leave of the ‘Forsworn’ was due to irrationality on behalf of the leaders. Discord was sown.

It is difficult to claim who was in the right, and who was not. Whether the vote gave victor to James or the Council, one thing was clear: James Malhinde and his followers (notable mentions are Grail, Oria Mavekix, and Kamir Sunsteel) were upset with the functioning of Light Keep.

So they left, and broke their oaths. They adopted the principle that they were to serve the Light, without the bureaucracy of the Keep. They became the Forsworn.

As I write this now, in the year 71 of Arelith Reckoning, the Forsworn still persist as a source of Light amongst the isle. With James Malhinde gone, a future-king in another time, we see the leadership fall upon Oria Mavekix, his right-hand.

The division between the Forsworn and Light Keep still persists. Benwick, presently, is limited in numbers, and the Forsworn are a small but seemingly capable regiment.

~ Ser Nelehein of Impiltur, Sage-Knight of the Road and Last of the Great Skalds of Impiltur



Mistican War 2

The Second Mistican-Cordorian war began in the eighth or ninth month in the year 71, and shortly ended in the eleventh month, after weeks of tension, turmoil and blood.
The war began with a battle between the elves of Myon and Wharftown. The elves of Myon were upset with the presence of Vince, or ‘Ketaro’, the nefarious leader of this Mistican faction (a radical, extremist and terrorist organization dedicated to pro-human ideology and philosophy and tyrannical ambition).

The sources differ. Wharftown claims the elves attacked first, striking within in the town, with collateral damage. Other sources claim Vince waylaid Lord Carebril of Myon, along with other Misticans (notables being Misty and Landrake).

The battle itself ignited the isle. Gears of war were turning. Vince, sources in Wharftown claimed, was immediately exiled following the battle with the elves. Lord Carebril made a swift recovery. Wharftown did not retaliate against the elves, and the elves did not strike again against Mistica.
--
Conflict shifted south. Alliances were spoken of between Amy of Bendir and the Councilors of Cordor (of the year 71-72: Havardr Steinsson, Gabriel Sebastian Shields III, and Jolly Fiddlesticks). Cordor claimed Wharftown wished to attack them. It is unsure if it was Mistica or Wharftown wanting this bloodshed (later events might lead this to Mistican intent).

Next, Cordor and Wharftown were at war. Bendir was briefly at war with Wharftown as was Myon. Both settlements backed out. Benwick nor Brogendenstein were never involved (interesting to note, considering the dwarves of the Golden Halls were first to raise axes during the first Mistican conflict).

Of note, Vince, Misty and Landrake Fearlson dressed up as Jel Lyons and Waymen, and then intercepted a meeting that was arranged between Shields III and the real Lyons, along with Aleyna Shire. The Misticans killed Councilor Shields and then Jel Lyons. Misty resented Jel Lyons. Aleyna Shire was caught in crossfire, collateral damage.

Two battles were waged during the Second Mistican-Cordorian War. Cordor lost both times. Few casualties were ever reported on Wharftown’s side. Cordor, at one point, was funded by Bendir, some 300,000-400,000 gold coins were entered into the Cordorian Treasury to help stabilize the city’s economic situation.

The most horrific act was when Vince snuck into the streets of Cordor, and loosed a Hellball upon the Aristotlus, killing many. Vince was executed, his head severed and on display in Execution Square. After Vince’s suicide attack, a one week ceasefire was called by Mayor Iz of Wharftown. Gaelyn, a Cordorian citizen, assassinated Sebak, a Thayan and a Wharftown high official. The ceasefire ended.

No major conflicts arose in this three week period. War was put to an end when an agreement was negotiated between Havardr Steinsson and Iz. It is difficult to discern who the victor was, but Wharftown suffered miniscule in comparison to Cordor. What is evident is that a small group of people with radical thoughts, can ignite the isle in war.

[Seven Sons of Sin]

The Old Order of the Knights of the Road

Founded in the 2nd decade of Arelith Reckoning, the Knights of the Road were a group of dedicated and solemn individuals sworn to uphold peace amongst the roads and the protection of all the shrines upon them.

Their original leader was Ser Dafydd Silvertongue, a paladin who resided in Light Keep. The Old Order of the Knights of the Road was founded there, within the Keep. This explains their crest, that’s still used today: a gold dragon on a field of blue. The gold dragon coincides with the myth of Benwick: a great golden wyrm rests beneath the white stone.

Known original members include Mathand Hull, Dragrin Fris and Beregorn. We know that the Old Order last for approximately a decade, ending during the mid-3rd decade AR. The Old Order of the Knights of the Road fell into shadow, with lingering members walking here and there, after the disappearance of the leader Ser Dafydd Silvertongue.

Magi and casters who were members of the Old Order, were known as “Masters of the Road”; a tradition that has not transcended the half-century before the Rebirth of the Knights of the Road.

Rebirth of the Order of the Knights of the Road

Sometime around the year 67 AR, an order once thought dead and forgotten was reborn. The Knights of the Road was an old order of men and women, long thought forgotten. Its last members had scattered into all but legend. With dissatisfaction for the political and social landscape of the isle, two men set out to restore the order, and bring back the Knights.

Ubaldo Ferraz and Nelehien of Impiltur sought to restore the order. Alongside them was Marceline Diamanti, and betwixt the three figures did they successfully manage to rebirth the Order of the Knights of the Road, oft simply called ‘the Knights’. Throughout the years, did they manage to keep track of the isle’s shrines and historical landmarks, and their adventures took them far and wide.

The Knights always maintained the ideology that they were keepers of the peace, not soldiers of war, and they would not involve themselves in political bureaucracy of any land, but ensure the free and good folk of the isle were protected. The Knights came to find themselves in many conflicts, often coming to the aid of others in times of need. They participated in the many actions at slave rescues from the Underdark; they fought, bled and died during the Second Mistican War; and most recently, they gave everything they could in the War of the North.

Notable members of the Second Order include: Ser Nelehein of Impiltur, the late Ser Ubaldo Ferraz, Ser Lysander of Cormanthor, Dame Seraphina Corriander, Dame Marceline Diamanti, and Ser Verankht Zarunkumar. Those not yet knighted- but come to pass- Squire Justin of Archwood, Squire Ermon Finox, Squire Valendria Lyonsbannor, and Squire Alexander Teage.

The Knights continue to operate to this day, and under the guidance of Nelehein of Impiltur, their unofficial leader, it might be some time before they fade once more into legend and song.

[Seven Sons of Sin]

A Survey of Bendir I

The early 3rd decade of AR marked the mayorship of Lincoln Ambliss, the second hin mayor, succeeding Maliss Silverfist. After Ambliss retired, Bendir’s next prominent leader was Regrin Highhill.

Lincoln Ambliss was one of Bendir’s earliest and greatest leaders, he fought in the many Banite conflicts that were comprised in the legendary Stonehold Wars. The Banites, during such time, wanted to the enslave all of the hinfolk. Bendir was still a young fort, and the Banites had a great deal of power between the years of (approximately) 10-25 AR.

Banites did not recognize Bendir as a sovereign state, and thus there were constant battles between the hinfolk and the forces of Bane. One day, an infamous war crime was committed. Banites captured many hin, dragged them into the woods (presumably Arelith Forest) and set them all on fire. Immolating them and burning them alive. Nothing was left but ash.

Rumours that Light Keep did nothing during this time of great strife in Bendir. Other rumours include that Daisy Calhoun was trying to set the Grove against Bendir. True or not, Bendir was in a host of problems and faced many alone.

Lincoln made peace with the Banites, he signed a treaty with the Dark Lord’s forces. Yet, the treaty itself was indicative of Bendir’s sovereignty. Banites, for all their malevolence, were forced to respect Bendir as a sovereign state.

Lincoln Ambliss created a Council to lead Bendir, after its establishment, he retired from the public eye. When Feste Fizzlebiscuits around the isle (25-30 AR), Regrin Highhill was the only one of the Bendirian Council left, and thus was made Mayor of Bendir by default.

Also, some fifty years ago, the leylines had significant more power. All portals were two-way. (Legend says the crystal near the Nexus Falls has something to do with the leylines on the Arelith Archipelago).

Regrin Highhill ruled Bendir for approximately a decade (25-35? AR). Highhill took pride in Bendir’s central role in the isle’s politics, and took all of its happenings very seriously. He was known as a benevolent ruler (and the first to embrace badgers; badgers have been long-time allies of Bendir).

Highhill’s rule was largely peaceful, and there were no real threats (unlike present day of this writing). He wanted Feste Fizzlebiscuits to rule, for Highhill wished to retire with his wife, Francisca, and their children. Feste owned the Nomad in Cordor, and had been operating it for some time.
Refestus Fizzlebiscuits took his cousin’s place instead and ruled justly for a short time. Franscisca Highill ruled after him, muck akin to her husband.

We guess that none of this occurred after 40 AR. Most of this happened between the years of 20-40 AR.

The Harbinger

His origins are unknown, but we know that Sarog Pethanos did indeed originate. Somewhere, somehow, this Velsharoonite priest came into existence. We know little of how he was altered or changed, but we know he grew in power significantly throughout his period of existence on the Arelith archipelago.

He founded, or made famous of, faction known as ‘The Covenant’, which is a name blasphemous unto itself. The affiliation has existed for some years, but we find no mentioning of it prior to 30 AR. This gives a very loose timeline on the emergence of the faction.

Sarog Pethanos, known commonly as ‘The Harbinger’ is an archvillain that has lingered long on the isle. He never acts directly. He acts through others. Of those? We only know a few. Primarily the malevolent kobold Vippin and the scheming Orion Gend – those are his two pawns that we know commonly in present times. There may have been more in the past, and there will certainly be others in the future.

The Harbinger, unlike other nefarious characters, remains elusive. And his plans are largely unknown. We know the plans of his servants, but not of him, for few can pry any information from him… for few actually meet him, who align themselves with the freepeoples of the isle.

What we suspect, and have reason to believe, that the Harbinger’s cause is something great and fearsome. For what else can drive such a man?

In recent times, betwixt the years 60-73 AR, we know him to be behind plots of Vippin and Orion Gend, as well as potentially other schemes of Infernalists and Abyssals. The Harbinger is an important figure, because he ties all of these normally warring factions together against the freepeoples. We hope, one day, we will discover why.

Cordor, the Early 70s

The she-elf Firsala, the gnome Jolly Fiddlesticks and the Moonshaean Havardr Steinsson dominated the Cordorian political scene from 70 to 73 AR. During such time, however, we see an emergence of alleged corruption within the Cordorian bureaucracy, both in the Guard and within the Council itself. We are still unsure of the truth of this.

We do know, however, that something is suspicious of Fiddlestick’s reign, and only in these past years do things seem to piece together that occurred in the 60s AR- the Mistican War was prolonged because of Fiddlestick’s refusal to resign; Adalgisa Shieldheart, a short-lived Commander, was ousted from her position when she began internal affairs investigation; and Havardr Steinsson was threatened with the kidnapping of his sister unless he voted alongside the proclamations of the gnome.

We see further civil unrest with the Kozakuran Toshiku Mari (or, in Westernling variation, Mari Toshiku) attacking the Cordorian Guard on grounds of injustice and unfair treatment of commoners, as well as the emergence of the elusive Silent Majority (a band of individuals who use propaganda and media to illuminate Cordor’s problems).

Shadows linger in Cordorian politics. The Cordorian Guard advanced incredibly under the hand of Aberthine (allegedly in Fiddlestick’s inner circle). However, while see extreme discipline, we do not witness extreme moral virtue.

Issues escalated when Havardr was accused of steep crimes (three accounts of murder, treason, sedition and theft). He did indeed steal one million units of cloth in the summer of 73 as a ransom to Jolly Fiddlesticks. Yet, he however claims to do this for justified cause – to get the gnome to cease his threats and to hopefully highlight the problems of Cordor to its people.

Regardless of the truths of the details of the matter, the early 70s of Cordor’s political and bureaucratic scene is marked by uncertainty, cloak and dagger, death, and unrest.

[Seven Sons of Sin]

THE WAR OF THE NORTH

It begins in the summer of ’74 of Arelith Reckoning. Close to Midsummer’s Day do plans become unfurled and the warm breeze lost upon still winds. Auril’s breath descended upon the lands. Summer was cut short. We never saw it to the end, nor did we see the autumn that was too follow. Winter was coming.

It came swiftly, covering the land in an impenetrable darkness. We did not see the light of day, except for two brief hours, every morn. That glimmer of hope upon the horizon. Snow was everywhere. Crops faltered, the yield was poor. And more than one life was lost in the perpetual darkness. Winter was already here.

It only worsened, and the isle’s state only worsened in the coming months. Many were confused, and many had theories on who was to blame. The Mad Lizard Vippin was subject to some skepticism, as were Sharrans, and vampire covens. Aurilites were targeted the most frequently. And while some overlooked such ideas when attempts, turned futile, were enacted in the Spires, in the end, it was the Frost Maiden’s doing. But of a severity none could fathom.

In the final month of year ’74, the winter had come to its apex. It was here, it had come. And there was no sign of it relenting under any effort made by the freepeoples of the north. Creatures of the mountain began to move their way down upon the hilllands, forests and plains. No place was safe. Polar bears roamed the lands, hungry and ferocious. Yetis drove back the ogrekin and overtook the forest. And even manticores of icy quality. Rifts were seen across the isle, and fierce ice elementals pushed through to the Prime, along with towering dragons of ice and death.

The freefolk met such quarrel- knights, rangers, Bendirians, magi and Cordorians stood to the challenge. But vicious beasts roaming was not the end of it. The War of the North came into reality when Shäalira the Younger, Champion of Tyr, did battle with a White Knight along the northern forest pasts of the great woods. At the cost of a grievance wound, did she sever the head of the foul creature. It did not die. The head rolled, the body lingered, a laughter on the air. This inhuman creature slaughtering all that stood before it. It spoke of old gods, Ulutiu, Lord of the North. By faith did the Tyrran survive, and did she bring back the White Knight’s appearance to Light Keep.
Here, a company assembled – Forsworn, Keepers, and all manners of freefolk – to march north and learn more of this ‘White Knight’. At the same time, did word come down from the mountain of a barbarian horde assembling under own banner, under a woman with a talking axe. A company of Bendirians set forth from Benwick at this news to head to Brogendenstein, to aid the dwarves in what would be known as the Battle of the Golden Halls.

The company tracked the trail of their opponent to bridge of Minmir, in the heart of the northlands. There, did they do battle with him and left his body in ruin. The company faced few casualties, but the cold, the biting cold, was a troublesome and terrifying thing. When they slew the White Knight, his voice lingered on the winds. It spoke of Ulutiu, the great slumbering god of the arctic, and of the giantkin. Auril, the Frost Maiden, forever his lesser, sought to steal his godhood in his slumber. To do this, she would need to cover Abeir-Toril in shadow and snow: her Endwinter. Auril would begin this conquest here, on Arelith, by the birth of her avatar. This archipelago would be her Womb. The beginning… of the end.

Recovering their strength in the northlands, the company who slew the White Knight set out to Brogendenstein soon after. They relayed with a large company at the cliffs of the Golden Halls, where the mighty dwarves had already prepared barricades and fortifications to reply the advancing army.

It was only a scarce few hours before the barbarian horde was upon them. Wave upon wave of fierce tribal men descended the mountains, but the freepeoples of Arelith resisted them. The barricades stood strong. It would take more than simple axes to break the will of the defenders.

And more was given. Vampires quickly descended, and the little girls of the Manor Mourn. The ranks were torn; the defenders retreated back into the safe halls of Brogendenstein. The scores of vampires swept down the mountainside and loosed themselves upon the lowlands below.

The freefolk then decided that in this time of advancement, the center of the storm would be left vulnerable. With magical portal lenses, a small party teleported to the Temple of Auril; there, they found the priestess of Auril turned to ice. Another group quickly relayed with them, pushing up the eastern flank of the Spires.

There, did the united freefolk witness the restructuring of a rune circle hidden beneath the snow, near the path to the mountaintop. The rune circle, when completed, summoned the Stygian devil known as Maximillian. An accountant he is, of seemingly fair disposition. He has been seen within the Isle’s history long before this time. He relayed to the company of the Three- three individuals dedicated to act out Auril’s will and bring about the Endwinter and the birth of Auril’s Avatar. For with such a figure, would She be able to cover all of Abeir-Toril in a second darkness, of shadow and snow.

We have come to learn, in hindsight, the Three was composed of the Mistress of the Vampires of the Manor Mourn; a djinn merchantess of the southlands; and a fierce warrioress who united the barbarian hordes together and wielded a talking axe.

Maximillian alerted the company to the Iron Fortress in the western path of the Spires, where one of the Three resided. With haste, did the freefolk set forth and push through the stone halls of the fortress, and fight the Mistress there, in a hall of mirrors (no irony for a vampiress, surely). With one of the Three diminished, two were left.
~~ (likely VII)
Before the death of the vampiress, the company overheard the word “Cordor” spoken. When the Mistress of the Hall of Mirrors was felled, the gaze of the freefolk turned south. In Cordor, it was learned that a girl, of a young, ripe age, was missing. Searches went out, and those of Benwick worked with the Cordorian Guard, and other freefolk, to find this missing girl.

The trail led to a ship docked in the Cordorian harbor, a strange and exotic vessel. The companions boarded with force, and it became self-evident that something foul was at play. They were attacked by strange creatures- golems and elementals both.

The company soon confronted another of the Three, the djinni lady-merchant, tied to the Plane of Ice, a subplane of the Plane of Water. A fierce battle ensued, and notably, Aria Sweetwater delivered ‘Sune’s Embrace’ upon the djinn. The company was successful, but with the final battle, the ship was torn asunder and nearly all were lost at sea.

The fellowship drifted back ashore, and all were alive. The girl, however, was not to be found. With the investigation in Cordor coming to a close, two of the Three were killed. There was only one left to do the work of the Frostmaiden- the barbarian warlord with the talking axe.

The final battle I have called “The Battle of the Wyrm”. In the month of Hammer, on the fourteenth day, did the freefolk of the isle receive word that the barbarian horde was massing in the northlands. So very close to where it at all began.

A company assembled, of rangers, Lightkeepers, wizards and more, and did they march across the bridge of Minmir to do battle. The barbarian horde was preparing some ritual, something else, to subdue the isle into the birthplace of Auril’s global imperial conquest.

Even after the small army subdued the barbarian horde, and felled their great leader- the last of the Three-, they realized time was up. They were too late. For, beneath the waters of lake Minmir, did a great wyrm arise! A beast of the unliving, a lizard taller than Abazuur and thrice as fierce.

It was here, then, that the company fought, bled and died in battle against this wyrm of Auril. And it is there, did they succeed.

With its vicious wings stirring the air to make the company immobile, the fight was futile. It was resistant to magic, its hide was thick. It was only when it lurched forward, to snap its maw at Amadeo Pneuma, did Erik Silverarms bring up his mighty sword of Torm and plunge its blade into the neck of the great beast.

It ebbed, it waned, it fell. The company was victorious. On the fifteenth of Hammer of year 75, Auril, enemy of the freepeoples of Arelith, was defeated.

Thus, this concludes the chapter of Arelithian history known as the “War of the North.” Notable figures in the war include, but are not limited to: Nelehein, Verankht Zarunkumar, Amadeo Pneuma, Mari Meyne, Shera Hart, Lucard Cousland, Aria Sweetwater, Kira Strata, Athrun Strata, Yvaine Aelfgar, Gavaine d’Amorte, Erik Silverarms, River Moonchild, Tel’Quessir, Phasmatis, Pugdish Wolvenguard, Sincra Talos, Roland Asend, Peony Bagley, Kadar Sayyim, and Tamra.

Auril’s conquest was repelled. The status of the White Knight is still questionable, vague- ambiguous. Ulutiu continues his slumber. May He never be disturbed again.

May they never be forgotten, may the War of the North be remembered ‘til the End of Days, with all of its heroes, its triumph, its tragedy and its loss- may it never be forgotten.

[Seven Sons of Sin]

A Survey of Brogendenstein

{Transcribed from writings of Amy Silverscales-Dizzone} Umbrick’s Halls were not always so dark. Years and years ago, not many less than a century at the time of this writing, Umbrick at the peak of the Spires was a peaceful place for the dwarf-folk. This in the days of Before Reckoning (BR). Duty, honour and endurance, amongst other noble values, were of the custom and creed of the samman (dwarves) there. But as in all things, the hearts of mortals are easily deceived. Greed crept into the hearts of the dwarves.

The dwarves dug too deep. In search of riches in gems and mithril, they awoke something in the dark. They stumbled across the halls of their darker, deeper cousins- the duergar. The gate emerged, dividing Umbrick’s Halls, and war ensued between the distant kin.

The duergar were elated by the wealth of Umbrick’s Halls. And driven by a darker force of greed, began making secret deals. The dark dwarves knew of the weakness of their surface cousins. In the dark, they made deals, until one dwarf of Umbrick finally succumbed. One night, he awoke and crept through the halls to unlock the Great Gate. His reward, was a swift death. The duergar army broke into the night, killing and slaughtering all they came across. But there were some who resisted- and our story begins there, with the legendary Belrun Battlehammer.

Belrun Battlehammer was the stout son of a wealthy nobleman, and had some blood ties to the King of Umbrick’s Halls. When the surprise invasion alerted Belrun from his bed, he gathered who he could and led a counter-attack. He was successful, if only barely. The Halls were overrun and he saw the carnage.

He and his company true to him swathed their way through the duergar and dashed from the halls. Battlehammer grieved for the last of his home, but he knew he could establish them elsewhere, so his fellows might know some peace.

Farther down the mountainside did he establish the Golden Halls of Brogendenstein.

~~
(likely III)
{Transcribed from writings of Amy Silverscales-Dizzone} Due to the valorous acts of Belrun Battlehammer and the wisdom he exuded throughout his conduct, he was declared the First King of the Golden Halls of Brogendenstein. Battlehammer knew, however, that in this time of weakness and retreat, he could not stand alone. In a moment of prayer to the great Moradin, he saw two figures to either side of the Dwarf-father- Yondolla and Garl Glittergold.

Battlehammer turned to the fledgling Fort Bendir, where Maliss Silverfist was beginning the work of Yondolla’s children. (sidenote: Maliss Silverfist was Mayor of Bendir before Lincoln Ambliss, which dates would date the reign of Silverfist before 10 AR. If this is the case, we can deduce that the fall of Umbrick is at least around the beginning of Arelith Reckoning, if not later.)

Working with Silverfist, Battlehammer secured the Earthkin Alliance. It was a defensive treaty established by the children of Moradin, Glittergold and Yondolla to unite the ‘earthkin’ together in times of great peril, and when pressed by dire threats. Notably, Stonehold, Morghunn, and other nefarious groups.

King Battlehammer forever lived in the shadow of the great Spires, and oft his eyes were adrift to its peak, to the Halls of Umbrick and his forefathers. He led many a-great sojourns there, in order to reclaim his lost crown. But none of them ever succeeded.

Battlehammer sent out a call to the east, to a dwarf amongst a clan who he had long respected. Gorann Bloodletter heard the cry of Belrun Battlehammer, and amidst strife and war amongst Clan Bloodletter, he answered the call and came to the hold of Brogendenstein.

King Battlehammer taught Gorann everything, and treated the dwarf like his own son. While the First King was wise and virtuous, his heart lay in Umbrick. In sudden action, did he pass along the Crown of the Golden Halls to Gorann ‘Scar’ Bloodletter. Belrun Battlehammer, an old dwarf by then, set off to the Halls of Umbrick to find his lost crown. Alone he went, testing the darkness of the Depths, and not even the bards now know of what happened there…

King Bloodletter, the Second King of Brogendenstein, worked hard to continue the legacy of his predecessor. King Bloodletter worked with Lincoln Ambliss of Bendir to maintain and uphold the Earthkin Alliance. He maintained the legacy and honourable virtue of Umbrick’s Hall, and for many a-year did he reign with a just and peaceful hand.

But soon his heart was torn with duty- duty to Brogendenstein, duty to his old friend Belrun, and duty to his clan in the east, who were still at war. In the end, his ancestors took precedence and so he passed along the Crown of the Golden Halls to Maxkar Delinar – the most significant mistake of the Second King of Brogendenstein. Maxkar Delinar now holds the heinous title of the ‘Do Nothing King’.

Under the rule of the Third King of Brogendenstein, King Delinar, the dwarves of the Golden Halls were unmoving. They acted only at the last instance and no initiative was ever shown under the reign of Delinar.

[Seven Sons of Sin]

The Four Orders of the Knights of the Road

“To be a Knight of the Road is not a profession, not a hobby, not some idle act that fills the ten breaths betwixt one duty or another – it is a way of life. It is who you are. To walk the path of the Knight is to take upon a mantle. Your liege lord is dirt and gravel; your baron is a beaten path; your duke is a cart-trodden road. You are noble without the Nobility. You are just without the Court. You are a protector of the people- for those are our words:
‘Protect the people.’”
~ Nelehein Afsana

The Order of the Knights of the Road is one of the oldest factions upon the Arelithian archipelago. In fact, it even predates the Wharftown Waymen. The history of the Knights of the Road, oft ‘the Knights’, is divided into four distinct time periods, with four unique orders. What remains universal amongst is the stalwart dedication to the free peoples of the roads, wayward shrines, and the safety of the isles.

| First Order of the Knights of the Road |

The First Order was establish sometime between 10-15 AR, and lasted into the early 20s. It was founded by a middle-aged paladin named Dafydd Silvertongue. He was a courageous man, with a stout heart, and dependable arm. He formed the Knights of the Road out of Benwick, under the reign of Queen Xyndral. He did so to primarily protect the roads of west of Bendir, as Wharftown had not yet established the Waymen at this time.

Dafydd made the sigil of the Order of the Knights of the Road a gold dragon on a field of blue- whether it is the sea or sky is indiscernible. It is said that Dafydd could travel anywhere on the isle alone, he knew every trail and path like the back of his hand. He once struck down a man for blocking the road to travelers.

Two other known members of the Knights of the Road are a she-elf named Anaraviel, and an unnamed elven lieutenant (hinting at the hierarchy of the ranks of the First Order). Anaraviel was known for her strong character, and twin blades. The unnamed elf was burdened with a book so heavy, it was all he could carry, and was unable to put it down.

The First Order was large enough to rival any other affiliation on the isle. The First Order faded into myth and legend after the sudden disappearance of their leader Dafydd, sometime in the 20s AR.

| Second Order of the Knights of the Road |

Sometime in the late 30s and early 40s of Arelith Reckoning, the Second Order was established. Mathand Hull, a devout disciple of Helm the Watcher, re-founded the Order of the Knights of the Road alongside a hin, named Dragrin Fris.

The pair of them successfully continued the duties and legacy established by Ser Dafydd, albeit, not on such a grand scale. They did tend to the shrines and maintain peace amongst the roads as best they could.

Two other Knights joined them in the Second Order: a ranger named Beregorn, who once owned the Campsite, and a man named Justin. The Second Order faded during the 50s.

| Third Order of the Knights of the Road |

Sometime around 65 AR, the Third Order of the Knights of the Road came into being. Rebirthed from the old legacies, and Dafydd’s single work “The Code of the Road”, Nelehein of Impiltur (later Nelehein Afsana) worked with Ubaldo Ferraz of Zakhara, and shortly after, Marceline Diamanti of Raven’s Bluff, to push the Third Order into a prominent limelight not seen in half-a-century.

The Third Order was established when both Ubaldo Ferraz and Nelehein of Impiltur found the shrine of Helm along the east coast. With the help of Marceline, the three founded the Knights of the Road out of a wagon in the Rosewind. Nelehein of Impiltur updated the Fourfold Duties, and penned the Oath of the Road, which is foundin the volume, “The Code of the Road, Renewed and Reborn.”

A few years later, when the Third Order was growing in prominence, the Knights purchased the lease of property known as the ‘Campsite’, east of Bendir. As of 77, the Knights have occupied such lands and claimed it as a haven for a decade.

Initial inductees spent time as squires until the senior Knights deemed them fit and able to take the mantle and the responsibility of being a Knight. This was not based on time, but merit. Time invested was certainly taken into account, but it was not the requirement for becoming a Knight.

Ubaldo and Nelehein first had the responsibility of jointly-decided who become a Knight and who did not, and potential recruits were often met with very strong resistance- it is no light thing to do, joining the Order of the Knights of the Road. It is a way of life, not a profession. Seldom can you relinquish its duties.

Whenever a squire was to take his oath, it was to be done ceremoniously, with a solemn air, at a crossroad- any crossroad- of the squire’s choosing. The squire was not to tell the Knights before the knighting ceremony. It was his responsibility to lead his brothers and sisters to the place of choosing.

When a squire takes his oath, he is to be struck across his cheek before rising, and the words, “and that is, is so you remember it!” must be spoken. To be a Knight is a hard life- but not an unkind one, and the blow must not be struck with unkindness. It is of solidarity, reassurance, confirmation.

Later, for a brief few years, three Knights of the Road needed to agree upon the knighting of a squire. After the death of Ser Ubaldo Ferraz in 72, Nelehein of Impiltur was chiefly in charge of knighting squires. In fact, not a single squire was knighted by anyone other than Nelehein of Impiltur during the eleven years he unofficially officially led the Knights of the Road.

Ser Ubaldo Ferraz was killed during the Second Mistican War in 72AR, at the hands of Dredoc Khraa, as he went to the aid of the Forsworn at Guldorand. The Knights of the Road, to this day, hold a severe and murderous grudge against the gnomish sorcerer and for months after, the Order suffered a very quiet depression.

The inducted Knights of the Third Order are as followed: Ser Nelehein Afsana of Impiltur, Ser Ubaldo Ferraz of Zakhara, Dame Marceline Diamanti of Raven’s Bluff, Ser Verankht Zarunkumar of Sigil, Dame Seraphina Corriander of Cordor, Ser Lysander of Cormanthor, Dame Valendria Lyonsbannor of the Shining Plains, Ser Alexander Teage of Waterdeep, Dame Charmaine Hornblower of (Unknown), Ser Alair Blackthorne of Amn and Bendir, Ser Rhue del’Asandro of Waterdeep, Ser Justin Gaskell of Cormyr and Archwood.

The Third Order of the Knights of the Road participated in such wars as the Second Mistican War, the War of the North (sometimes called The Long Winter), and the War of Vargos and the Reclamation of Kohlingen.

In early of year 76, the Third Order was dismantled as Ser Nelehein Afsana moved with permanency to Light Keep, to further dreams and goals there, alongside his wife Shäalira Afsana. The four remaining Knights - Ser Rhue del’Assandro, Ser Verankht Zarunkumar, Ser Alair Blackthorne, and Ser Justin Gaskell- continued on the tradition of the Order of the Knights of the Road with the Fourth Order.

| Fourth Order of the Knights of the Road |

In year 76, Ser Nelehein Afsana unofficially officially resigned his mantle of leadership. Ser Verankht, Ser Rhue, Ser Justin and Ser Alair are now the top-ranking Knights who will decide the course of their future…

[Seven Sons of Sin]

Legend of the Sundering of Wyrms
A Retelling of the words spoken by Vippin, the Watcher

“Happenstance that I found myself in the presence of the Watcher as a mute Gardener; and sheer coincidence he did not spy me etching into a small book.” – Nelehein Afsana

Lord Io, the Ninefold Dragon, was one of the ancient primadorials- great beings that existed eons ago. He sought to further his infinite legacy. To do this, it was He, Lord Io, who bore the first of the ten Eternal Ancients. Aspects of Io were sundered and thus the Eternal Ten were born. They were of Him, and all His Glory. Unending and Undying, eternal dragons that were gods in their own right.

The Eternal Ancients, the Ten, eventually grew bored of their reign of existence. Limitless power can only go so far- they wished to exert it. Thus, they petitioned to Him to extend their influence.
A path was given, devised by He. Io would extend their reach, but in turn make them mortal. Indeed, the Eternal Ten would be superior to all life- the greatest of all mortalkind- but they would still remain unequivocally mortal.
All Ten accepted the ritual. Each removed a limb from themselves, and from their own flesh and blood, did another ancient grow. And then another and another. To propagate the Glorious Race.
From the Infinite Blood that was spilled, the Kin Arose. The kobolds- dragonkin, the draconian creatures of the world.
The Kin saw the power of the Primordials in their infinite and divinity, slip into the Ether.

The conflict of the Metallics and Chromatics is intrinsic. They are born of conflicting pieces of He, the Lord Ao. It is natural for opposites to conflict, and thus it is natural for the wyrms to fight one another. They are still only extensions of He.
Known dragon gods include Tiamat, Bahamut, Garyx (lord of destruction), and Chronepsis (lord of time and fate).
All ancients are the brood of Io, and all the Kin are the grand-broods of Io.

[Seven Sons of Sin]

[That's everything I have. I don't know if it was appropriate to put this all here? Forgive the numerous grammatical errors- I have spied so many! I thought I edited them better.]

Also, forgive all my many allusions to the writing of the Lord of the Rings. I've realized there are (embarassingly) a little too many.

[triaddraykin]

Sweet! This is awesome, new material from Nelehein tha'ts been lost... Let's see... Okay, have that.. Have Max... Have Har...binger.... Wait a second. I already have all of this. *flail*

[The Man of the Moon]

Awesome. I didn't noticed all this untill today... Updating the Timelines to feed soon the Arelithian Chronology!!!