Post by McGuffin on Mar 4, 2015 17:43:39 GMT -5
In a quietly peaceful hallow lay a winding path to simple Frontier Fort. A scene of majestic tranquility that shrouds the world from the truth that lurked within. For over a decade the Kingdom of Cormyr has lived under the shadow cast by a fortress in the woods near Tyrluck. A constant source of worry and concern the fortress housed a treacherous force of evil hidden in plain sight. Sinister, clever, diligent, cunning and patient, this enemy slowly spread the seeds of corruption throughout the land. For those that knew its true nature it was a frustration that could not be endured. It was the final insult of that enemy. The fact that its presence stood right in front of your face yet was forever out of your reach forever taunting those who dared, for no single adventures or small party could penetrate the isolated fortress. No open assault by a small force of those willing act against it could breach the Murder Hole that guarded her entry which was methodically defended by Animated Ballista. Inquisitors, Investigators, Harpers,Knights, and Priests all sought a chink in her armor. All sought to end her defiant existence. Without fail the evil within was always one step ahead of every single person that tired.
That all changed at the “Battle of Boots Keep” for that is what it has come to be called by the town people of Tyrluk so named for the echoing footsteps that are still heard among the ruins. The path of death and carnage along the narrow approach to the compound in the woods is bathed in blood and the torn bodies of those who raided, those who defended and unseen bodies of all those that tried and failed before. Evil now hangs over the valley like a sick fog, a feeling of despair, a constant ache in the soul, and emptiness without reason.
The public has come to understand that this terrible fate is tied to events in the faraway city of Valkur’s Roar where a fiendish plot had been hatched by the former High Wizard, Ezmarelda Heldermorn. This evil plot was thwarted because a few good people did not idly stand by. They defied the slow creeping of evils corruption and volunteered to stand against it. The volunteers joined the ranks of Valkur’s Roar Reserves and diligently investigated, incriminated, and rooted out the wickedness in that city. The Reserves uncovered a plot to create some sort of evil device that would threaten the innocent people of Cormyr. Heldermorn and her evil allies tried using the leverages of political maneuvering and the general rule of law to shield themselves. The elusive force of evil had once again been one step ahead. This scheming had made it impossible for the Reserves to act against them. A tactic they had worked for them many times before.
This time would be different for the forces of darkness would not be tolerated, permitted to endure by those who fear authority’s retribution. This time Ezmarelda picked a fight with the wrong people because this time the adventures defied authority. Their battle cry was that rules that protect the wicked are not rules worth following. This thought troubled many especially those who devoted their life to law. Inner reflection leads them to the confirmation that lawful behavior can conflict with good behavior and one must consider which the greater master of your life. Ultimately even a few Triadic knights learned that lawful authority does not always equal righteous authority and sometimes to be true to dutifully obey righteous authority you must defy lawful authority. The act of hiding behind the lawfulness of a rulers orders is cowardice in disguise.
Defying everyone adventures allied with dwarves, who are well known for holding fast to the right path come whatever hells there be, lead an assault against imposing defenses. Defying the odds they smashed right through the Murder Hole and sacked the keep. Opposed by a powerful enemy known as the Imperceptor and an ambassador from Thay who was the father of Ezmarleda the adventures found the evil device under construction and destroyed it. Ripping out platinum rune covered tiles that each represents the top levels of the hells. These tiles being show to any who doubt their efforts as proof of Heldermorn's activities. During the battle they defeated the Imperceptor and the Ambassador but when they attempted to drag their bodies away they turned to dust only to magically reform inside the Temple. The adventures eventually destroyed the Imperceptors throne ending the ability of the villainous duo to return. The body of the Imperceptor was carried out, dismembered and brought before the Beast Lord’s temple in Suzail and burnt as an offering from the hunters that triumphed over Cormyr’s enemies. On the body of the Ambassador the adventures found a letter that had not been sent which is consider undeniable proof that Ezmarelda was indeed conspiring with Banites and Thayan cultist who worshiped devils. The Ambassadors body was left buried in the ruins of the temple which mysteriously collapsed after a final duel between some Triadic Knight and the last remaining Banite. During the battle they recovered prisoners including Councilman Nate Skatterhawk, a dwarven smith from Vaklur’s Roar named Tilver Orellus, and a Firstsword of the Purple Dragon Knight’s named Jergenson who has been missing for more than a winter and long since though to be dead.
The impossible Minotaur servant of the former High Wizard was seen defending the bodies of the fallen Imperceptor and Ambassador throughout the battle for the outer defenses. Defending them long enough for them to turn to dust and the cloud to fly back to the Temple. The Minotaur however was not seen in the battle for the fortress itself. It is still at large as is Ezmarelda. Most people speculate that it is only a matter of time before these adventures, these Reservists, these warriors for good will hunt her down and bring her to the same fate.
Although a huge and significant victory of the highest order for the forces of good, in your gut you still have the nagging feeling that perhaps that enduring evil is still one step ahead.
That all changed at the “Battle of Boots Keep” for that is what it has come to be called by the town people of Tyrluk so named for the echoing footsteps that are still heard among the ruins. The path of death and carnage along the narrow approach to the compound in the woods is bathed in blood and the torn bodies of those who raided, those who defended and unseen bodies of all those that tried and failed before. Evil now hangs over the valley like a sick fog, a feeling of despair, a constant ache in the soul, and emptiness without reason.
The public has come to understand that this terrible fate is tied to events in the faraway city of Valkur’s Roar where a fiendish plot had been hatched by the former High Wizard, Ezmarelda Heldermorn. This evil plot was thwarted because a few good people did not idly stand by. They defied the slow creeping of evils corruption and volunteered to stand against it. The volunteers joined the ranks of Valkur’s Roar Reserves and diligently investigated, incriminated, and rooted out the wickedness in that city. The Reserves uncovered a plot to create some sort of evil device that would threaten the innocent people of Cormyr. Heldermorn and her evil allies tried using the leverages of political maneuvering and the general rule of law to shield themselves. The elusive force of evil had once again been one step ahead. This scheming had made it impossible for the Reserves to act against them. A tactic they had worked for them many times before.
This time would be different for the forces of darkness would not be tolerated, permitted to endure by those who fear authority’s retribution. This time Ezmarelda picked a fight with the wrong people because this time the adventures defied authority. Their battle cry was that rules that protect the wicked are not rules worth following. This thought troubled many especially those who devoted their life to law. Inner reflection leads them to the confirmation that lawful behavior can conflict with good behavior and one must consider which the greater master of your life. Ultimately even a few Triadic knights learned that lawful authority does not always equal righteous authority and sometimes to be true to dutifully obey righteous authority you must defy lawful authority. The act of hiding behind the lawfulness of a rulers orders is cowardice in disguise.
Defying everyone adventures allied with dwarves, who are well known for holding fast to the right path come whatever hells there be, lead an assault against imposing defenses. Defying the odds they smashed right through the Murder Hole and sacked the keep. Opposed by a powerful enemy known as the Imperceptor and an ambassador from Thay who was the father of Ezmarleda the adventures found the evil device under construction and destroyed it. Ripping out platinum rune covered tiles that each represents the top levels of the hells. These tiles being show to any who doubt their efforts as proof of Heldermorn's activities. During the battle they defeated the Imperceptor and the Ambassador but when they attempted to drag their bodies away they turned to dust only to magically reform inside the Temple. The adventures eventually destroyed the Imperceptors throne ending the ability of the villainous duo to return. The body of the Imperceptor was carried out, dismembered and brought before the Beast Lord’s temple in Suzail and burnt as an offering from the hunters that triumphed over Cormyr’s enemies. On the body of the Ambassador the adventures found a letter that had not been sent which is consider undeniable proof that Ezmarelda was indeed conspiring with Banites and Thayan cultist who worshiped devils. The Ambassadors body was left buried in the ruins of the temple which mysteriously collapsed after a final duel between some Triadic Knight and the last remaining Banite. During the battle they recovered prisoners including Councilman Nate Skatterhawk, a dwarven smith from Vaklur’s Roar named Tilver Orellus, and a Firstsword of the Purple Dragon Knight’s named Jergenson who has been missing for more than a winter and long since though to be dead.
The impossible Minotaur servant of the former High Wizard was seen defending the bodies of the fallen Imperceptor and Ambassador throughout the battle for the outer defenses. Defending them long enough for them to turn to dust and the cloud to fly back to the Temple. The Minotaur however was not seen in the battle for the fortress itself. It is still at large as is Ezmarelda. Most people speculate that it is only a matter of time before these adventures, these Reservists, these warriors for good will hunt her down and bring her to the same fate.
Although a huge and significant victory of the highest order for the forces of good, in your gut you still have the nagging feeling that perhaps that enduring evil is still one step ahead.
