Day of Atonement Starts in Solhaven

Saturday’s Atonement started in Solhaven when the Vornavians stood up to the White Crusaders. Who … seemed to fulfill their own line: His light spreads to all and Darkness is banished. Can’t get much more banished than DEAD, Right? 🙂 By Rovvigen, TownCrier Correspondent:

http://bit.ly/2bsBZyo

Category: Towns
Topic: Solhaven

Date: 08/28/2016 01:30 PM CDT

From: WLEONARD

Subj: His Light spreads to all and Darkness is banished

On the Feastday, Phoenatos 27 in Solhaven, Liabo Plaza a small crowd gathers to watch events unfold between the Blameless and the Vornavis Guard.
By Rovvigen

The priest Kindarel says, “You and your ilk are not welcome here! You should not have come.”

A white-armored crusader stares down at Kindarel, his expression unchanging.

Bristenn clears his throat.

Speaking to a white-armored crusader, Bristenn demands, “From where did you come?”

Mikalmas asks, “What’s the line of the day, priest?”

A white-armored crusader says, “We came to see Koar’s will done.”

Bristenn narrows his eyes.

Bristenn slowly counters, “..perhaps you did not hear me.”

The priest Kindarel points a finger at the crusader, “Koar does not need you here. We have gotten along just fine without you.”

A white-armored crusader says, “We come from everywhere. We are everywhere. We will see Koar’s will done.”

Bristenn adjusts the position of a steel-bound leather scabbard on his leather swordbelt.

Speaking to a white-armored crusader, Mikalmas says, “I think its been made clear your presence is not needed nor desired here.”

A white-armored crusader glances down at Kindarel, “Has the church been prepared for us?”

Reedus asks, “Pretty sure as the King of the Gods, Koar doesn’t need any help. So I guess it’s your will huh?”

Reedus glances at a white-armored crusader.

Bristenn briskly states, “Your order stands in violation of the laws written within the Rysus Codex. Vornavis will have no business with you, nor its port of Solhaven.”

The priest Kindarel says, “Nothing has been prepared for you. You are not wanted here.”

A white-armored crusader says, “Koar is Justice and Koar is the Law. His will will be done.”.”

Speaking to a white-armored crusader, Reedus asks, “Do you have any other independant thought?”

The priest Kindarel says, “The likes of you should not be here! I saw what men like you do! The cut down the innocent, just like Keryth was so many years ago.”

A white-armored crusader says, “Koar comes before all.”

Beloran asks, “I’m, well. A neutral observer, for the most part. But. Shouldn’t Koar be able to speak for himself?”

Speaking to a white-armored crusader, Reedus asks, “And he told you this, himself? Or is it just one big huge strange guess of yours?”

A white-armored crusader says, “Through us his Will is done.”

Bristenn slowly counters, “We may all be subject to Koar’s law when we pass, but here and now, you are subject to the laws of men.”

A white-armored crusader says, “His Light spreads to all and Darkness is banished.”

Speaking to a white-armored crusader, Reedus asks, “And why would a God King need the help from someone like you?”

Speaking sternly to a white-armored crusader, Bristenn demands, “Mount your wagon, and take your pilgrimage elsewhere. There is no need for this to become untoward.”

The priest Kindarel says, “I will be no part of your madness here. Go back to where you came from. This city is not for you.”

The priest Kindarel gives the crusader a defiant stare and then turns to march back into his shop.

Bristenn glances at a white-armored crusader and folds his arms over his chest.

A white-armored crusader stands there, the expression on his face never changing.

Mikalmas says, “I doubt people here will be as quick to strike without provocation. So we wait.”

Bristenn dryly agrees, “We can certainly do this all evening.”

Speaking to a white-armored crusader, you ask, “And why are you still here?”

Salnim says, “So this is what all this consternation was about.”

Bristenn clearly greets, “Your Lordship.”

Bristenn bows respectfully before Salnim, his eyes fixed firmly on the ground.

Speaking to Bristenn, Salnim says, “Sir Mires.”

Beloran says, “I think most likely he is waiting on someone to attack. So as to have someone to blame.”

Salnim says, “I had thought tonight a good night for a stroll in the Free Port. But it seems the night is not so pleasant.”

A white-armored crusader turns his gaze towards the new arrival Salnim.

Speaking wearily to Salnim, Bristenn agrees, “Rather, sire. These pilgrims from the Everwatch’s offshoot have come expecting Solhaven to play host.”

Ordim says, “Theres more in the wagon….”

Bristenn gives a sidelong glance at a white-armored crusader.

A white-armored crusader says, “We bring the Light of Koar to this city. All doors should be open to this blessing.”

Bristenn slowly adds, “.. this is, of course, after their spiritual guide condemned our barony with right hateful language.”

Salnim says, “I am afraid you and your men have travelled long and far for naught.”

A white-armored crusader says, “Our work is never for naught. Koar’s Will shall be done.”

Tuilinneth quietly repeats, “In the wagon?”

Bristenn cocks his head at Ordim.

Ordim glances at a battered white wagon covered with white tarp.

Tuilinneth bites her lip.

Bristenn nods understandingly at Ordim.

Bristenn whispers to the group, “Always more, as luck would have it.”

Ordim says, “Wicked wagons whisk whimpy worshipers with whimpering words.”

Ordim twitches, trying to control a vocal outburst, before settling into a disdained grumble while regaining composure.

Salnim says, “A pilgrimage such as yours requires the proper permits and authorization to come to the Free Port of Solhaven. Without such, you and yours must return to where you came from.”

Tuilinneth slowly asks, “Aren’t we standing in the shadows of Koar’s Fane? Doesn’t his will touch upon us now without the help of mortal hands to sully it?”

A white-armored crusader says, “Slips of paper do not matter when it comes to Koar’s Will. We are meant to be here.”

Speaking wearily to Salnim, Bristenn comments, “I believe he is inviting us to a philosophical debate, sire.”

Speaking to a white-armored crusader, Reedus asks, “And he told you this, himself? Or did you just fall into that Helga Haze from drinking too much and imagine it?”

Mikalmas says, “A civil conversation, a debate if you will, is welcomed. Blind proselytizing I don’t take so well to.”

Mikalmas says, “But that is not my call to make, as I defer to Salnim, of course.”

A white-armored crusader gazes at all assembled, the expression on his face never changing.

A white-armored crusader tilts his head towards the wagon.

Mikalmas says, “They have been rather active.”

Bristenn remarks, “Insanity or not, he and his fellows have already overstayed their welcome.”

Beloran says, “They defiled Ronan’s Shrine in the Landing I hear.”

More men emerge from the wagon, all are armed, but they move only to stand behind their commander.

Ordim glances at a white-armored justicar.

Mikalmas asks, “So. Are we supposed to be…intimidated?”

A white-armored crusader says, “You should be in awe of the Light of Koar. Bask in the wisdom it brings.”

Salnim looks at the crusader and his men and frowns.

Mikalmas says, “While the group is small, we will not be provoked, Crusader. our hands are steady. Speak your business, or move on.”

Tuilinneth says, “Right now, we are sheltered in the shadows of his Fane, but I appreciate the offer.”

Mikalmas says, “My thoughts are you came to be a martyr. To shed more blood. To further your cause. So far, you are failing.”

Salnim looks beyond the group of Blameless and their wagon, and tilts his head slightly at something unseen.

Bristenn casually observes, “And, these are all the men you brought.”

Ordim glances at a battered white wagon covered with white tarp.

Speaking slowly to Bristenn, Tuilinneth commands, “Maybe not.. poke at the egos of the men with the big swords….”

The sound of many boots striking cobblestone can be heard in the distance, quickly growing closer.

Bristenn lightly relents, “I’ll do my best, I suppose.”

Mikalmas says, “Bristenn has a calm hand, Tuilenneth. I agree that if they are going to speak they need to state their business or move on.”

Speaking to Bristenn, Ordim says, “I hope those are friendly boots.”

Bristenn nods in agreement at Ordim.

Captain Gurbah just arrived.

Mikalmas says, “I know Rovvigen is doing his best to document the real events here, despite what Chaston’s followers will report.”

Ordim raises his illthorn runestaff in triumph!

Ordim turns to Gurbah and cheers!

As Captain Gurbah arrives, a regiment of Vornavian Guardsmen follows him. Each has a crossbow slung over their shoulder.

Speaking to Salnim, Gurbah asks, “Making new friends, Little Lord?”

Bristenn dryly agrees, “Yea, it would appear Koar’s Light has come to fill our darkness.”

A white-armored crusader takes in the newcomers, but the expression on his face never changes.

Also here: Captain Gurbah, Tuilinneth, Lord Salnim, Grand Lord Mikalmas, Great Lord Beloran, Reedus, Duskruin Arena Combatant Ordim, Sir Bristenn

Speaking to a white-armored crusader, Salnim says, “Now then, I believe this is where you return to your wagon and return to where you came from. There is no need for this to escalate further.”

Mikalmas says, “Captain Gurbah is well respected by the Malwind family, no doubt. And probably watched over Sir Salnim since he was a toddler.”

A white-armored crusader says, “There will be no returning. We are here to see Koar’s Will done.”

Tuilinneth hesitantly asks, “So you wish to pray in the Faen?”

Speaking to Tuilinneth, Bristenn murmurs, “One of our squires does, Dirra. However,” he casts a brieft glance towars the crusader, “There’s some right awful darkness in there.”

Mikalmas asks, “Do you think we fear you? Or your minions?”

Speaking to a white-armored crusader, Reedus says, “Guess you’ll be waiting a while then.”

A white-armored crusader takes a step forward towards the nearby buildings.

Mikalmas says, “I would rather watch my blood spill than to bow to the likes of you, or Chaston.”

Salnim narrows his eyes as the Blameless move forward.

(Bristenn moves directly into the white-armored crusader’s path of travel, arms folded.)

Beloran says, “Oh dear.”

Reedus yells, “Kindarel, they’re stepping towards your building!”

Speaking clearly to a white-armored crusader, Bristenn states, “No further.”

Salnim says, “It appears you are mistaken about some facts of this matter.”

Salnim says, “Let me start again.”

Ordim walks toward Bristenn.

Salnim says, “My name is Salnim Malwind. I am the son of Baron Dunrith Malwind of Vornavis, the ruler of this barony and its people.”

Salnim says, “You and your…order… are not welcome here in Vornavis. This includes the Free Port of Solhaven.”
A white-armored crusader stares ahead at Salnim, the expression on his face never changing.

Salnim says, “You will return to your wagon and leave this city and the barony at once.”

Lasindriel says, “Not sure they are even able to hear past the rot in their brains.”

(Bristenn stands, with the others amongst him, in a wall between the white-armored crusader and the Fane. Certainly fraught with imperious expressions of defiance.)

Mikalmas says, “And we stand with the defenders of the town.”

A white-armored crusader says, “We are here to serve Koar’s Will. The will of a man such of you matters not in wake of such.”

Mikalmas says, “So avoid bloodshed tonight. Go.”

Mikalmas stares at a white-armored crusader.

Salnim says, “I see you are making another mistake.”

Bristenn drags the toe of one of his leather boots along the ground to create an imaginary line.

Salnim says, “This is not a conversation.”

Salnim says, “You will leave this city at once. Or the Vornavian Guard will remove you.”

Tuilinneth paces to her right, moving in a circle around a battered white wagon covered with white tarp.

Gurbah raises his fist.

Mikalmas says, “A standoff.”

Bristenn tugs on his steel-plated gauntlets, adjusting the way they fit on his fingers. Apparently satisfied, he lowers his hands.

Mikalmas says, “No good citizzens or defenders of Solhaven draw the first blood. It only adds to their propaganda.”

The regiment of Vornavian Guardsmen moves at once, unslinging the crossbows from their shoulders, and moving into formation.

The front rank of the Guardsmen takes a kneeling position, while the second rank stands behind them. Each raises their crossbow in turn.

Ordim defiantly exclaims, “The city of Solhaven rejects the blameless and what they stand for!”

Gurbah says, “Men should go. Guardsmen not miss.”

Bristenn firmly declares, “Your final warning. Withdraw, or be subject to the laws of -men.-“

A white-armored crusader says, “The Light of Koar cannot be snuffed out by such as you. His Will shall be done.”

You say, “Stand strong.”

A white-armored crusader takes a step forward towards the buildings and Salnim.

Gurbah is in motion as soon as the cruader moves, putting himself between Salnim and the man.

A white-armored crusader looks at Gurbah a moment, the expression on his face never changing.

A white-armored crusader moves forward another step, his sword arm beginning to move.

Gurbah headbutts the crusader

Ordim turns to Gurbah and cheers!

A white-armored crusader staggers backwards several steps to where the rest of the Blameless stand.

Salnim glances at Gurbah.

Bristenn drops all defense as he moves into a battle-ready stance.

Gurbah glances at Salnim.

Speaking to a white-armored crusader, Ordim exclaims, “Stay back now!”

Speaking to a white-armored crusader, Mikalmas says, “Go. While you still can.”

Salnim says, “Leave now. Do not test my patience any further. Leave on your own, or you shall be moved. It need not end like this.”

A white-armored crusader raises a hand to his face, and wipes away some blood.

A white-armored crusader says, “The Light of Koar shall free the wicked of the darkness. Blood will not stop us.”

Speaking to Gurbah, Salnim says, “Captain.”

Mikalmas says, “The will of Koar is NOT the same as the will of Chaston. And I pity that you think it is.”

Speaking serenely to a white-armored crusader, Katiesa says, “Those who bear the Light in their souls need never fear the darkness.”

Gurbah raises a single fist in the air.

Mikalmas says, “The heart of man has corrupted the will of Koar. And that man is Chaston. Take that message to him, Blameless.”

Tuilinneth glances between Gurbah and a white-armored crusader.

Mikalmas says, “If you want your presence to be of some purpose, take our message back to Chaston. Don’t die here needlessly.”

The Blameless all loosen their weapons and begin to step forward. Before they can move more than a few feet there is the thunderous sound of dozens of crossbows firing at once.

Ordim quickly ducks to the side and out of the way.

Katiesa ducks her head.

Reedus says, “Looks like we’re fighting in the shade.”

(Tuilinneth flattens herself against a building.)

(Bristenn leans left, as a quarrel whizzes right past his cheek and imbeds itself into the wall of the Priestly Purchases.)

You say, “Stand strong everyone.”

Tuilinneth sighs at a white-armored crusader.

Mikalmas says, “Don’t draw blood first.”

Reedus says, “Or, no fight at all.”

At this close of range the bolts do not miss, and the Blameless fall the ground, pierce by many bolts.

Ordim exclaims, “Watch the wagon!”

Ordim points at a battered white wagon covered with white tarp.

(Lasindriel turns and salutes the crosssbowmen.)

Mikalmas says, “And somehow, we will be blamed for this. But I wouldn’t expect any less.”

Katiesa glances at a white-armored crusader.

Tuilinneth regretfully murmurs, “What a waste of life.”

Speaking to Gurbah, Salnim says, “Make sure the men know they did fine work tonight with their shooting.”

Beloran says, “That was an impressive display.”

Lasindriel asks, “That wagon secure?”

Katiesa lightly asks, “Is no one else curious about what a gaggle of Blameless pack for an Atonement?”

Bristenn lets out a long, contemplative breath.

(Ordim wanders over to the wagon again.)

Mikalmas says, “So again, it seems, there is no reasoning.”

Reedus says, “Nothing it would seem as Koar thinks as much of them as we do.”

Gurbah gestures towards the Guardsmen, and they move forward. Several check the wagon, while the others take up positions near the dead Blameless.

Speaking wearily to Gurbah, Bristenn agrees, “Sister Katiesa is correct. We should investigate their wag-“

Bristenn glances at a battered white wagon covered with white tarp.

Mikalmas says, “They will only respond to bloodshed.”

Bristenn wryly admits, “One hoof ahead, I see.”

As the tarp is pulled aside, it reveals nothing but an empty wagon.

Speaking amusedly to Bristenn, Katiesa says, “Two, I think.”

Clearly the wagon was used to transport people and nothing more.

Speaking to Salnim, Lasindriel says, “Well played M’lord, you could teach the Landing Mayor a thing or two.”

Ordim says, “Its empty.”

Lasindriel bows to Salnim.

Mikalmas agrees with Lasindriel.

(Tuilinneth looks under the wagon.)

Mikalmas says, “I do wish he would be more…steadfast.”

Katiesa cheerfully observes, “Well. They apparently do not bring much to an Atonement.”

Speaking to Gurbah, Salnim says, “Captain, given they have left us a wagon, perhaps the corpses can be moved to within. And then sent back to where it needs to be.”

Gurbah gestures towards several of the Guardsmen, who move forward and begin to move the corpses into the wagon.

Rozy animates a dead crusader

Speaking to Gurbah, Rozy exclaims, “Am thoughts might be helpfuls!”

Speaking to a frosted buttercake muffin, Ordim exclaims, “May you always stand to remind us of this day!”

Speaking to Rozy, Salnim says, “When a soldier puts down an enemy, the last thing he wishes to see is it rises back up again.”

Speaking to Salnim, Rozy offers, “But could get informations from hims!”

Speaking to herself, Rozy says, “Hard to get informations when deads.”

Last of all the body of the crusader is loaded into the wagon.

Bristenn sternly adds, “And, the Faendryl Rashere would argue that such a form of necromancy is simply using the corpse as a puppet, and the soul is gone.”

Lasindriel gently says, “Roz I think the minds of these men have been gone for a long while.”

Bristenn notes, “Thus, no information.”

Mikalmas says, “Send your corpses back to Chaston.”

Salnim says, “Information is well and good. But I do not believe further information could be gained from these.”

Speaking wryly to Tuilinneth, Bristenn counters, “Undead are my speciality, as it were.”

Salnim glances down at the cobblestones a moment, and shakes his head.

Speaking to himself, Salnim says, “Such a waste.”

Mikalmas says, “What bothers me is the innocent who likely died here.”

Speaking to Salnim, Ordim says, “Its okay My lord, that muffin stood for something more.”

(Lasindriel points to the wagon, showing Kessut the pile of white armored corpses.)

Ordim nods slowly at Salnim.

Speaking quietly to Salnim, Bristenn murmurs, “This will of course bring repurcussions, my lord.”

Speaking to Gurbah, Salnim says, “Captain, have the wagon taken into Vornavis. Then we can see about returning it to Talador.”

Mikalmas says, “But in times of conflict, its often impossible to know who is following out of loyalty and who is following out of fear.”

Speaking to Bristenn, Salnim says, “Of course it will Sir Mires. But they were coming regardless.”

Salnim says, “I do not want violence for violence sake. But what was done tonight was necessary.”

Salnim says, “Had the Guardsmen not fired, more blood would have been shed.”

Salnim says, “And I will not see the townsfolk of the Free Port or Vornavis harmed when I could do something to stop it.”

Mikalmas says, “One of the tragedies of war. It is not black and white.”

Speaking to Salnim, Mikalmas says, “And we are glad you came.”

(Bristenn casts a glance over the blood-soaked cobbles, melancholy crossing his already rather unhappy features.)

Gurbah gives several hand signals to the Guardsmen, who move the wagon east down the Esplanade to Vornavis.

Bristenn neutrally agrees, “Men of violence, not violent men.”