Archivist's note:
This particular letter is unusually short for the subject, who was widely known for his prolific correspondence and varied publications. Although it is not directly related to the overt campaign which the Vigiles launched shortly after the date of this letter, it may provide the reader some of the context in which that campaign was executed.
For further consideration of the Second Usurption, the avid student may refer to the wealth of primary material available in the Apocryphal Journals, as well as the excellent four-volume Lives: Caduceatoris, and of course, the several chronicles specific to the campaign.
Although undated, the passionate entries in the Apocryphal Journals referring to this letter indicate that this message was received an astounding twenty-four hours after the retreat from - and subsequent critical failure of the engine core of - the Vigilant, on 17 Blossoming of Fenin Ro in the Age of Veeshan.
My dearest F. Amrunrosse
It pains me to hear of your current loss. I am left wondering what I might have been able to do to help stay the hand of fate - alas, that life does not work so!
I am all too familiar with what must be a trying time for you and your little band of soldiers. As such, I open my arms in the name of our Great Goddess to you, and extend the protection She offers to all in your band of freedom fighters.
Come. Find rest. Find healing. The Praetor Ariahdnia would not want you to grieve so.
Archbishop Marconis Fiac
Showing posts with label letter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label letter. Show all posts
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
In-Character Introduction Letters
Are you a new member of Vigiles Amicae and still needing to interview in-character? Are you a current member of the guild, but have a stable of alts that you would also like to introduce and role play with? We only require interviews for new players, not for every new alt, but this post may still help even old hands.
An excellent idea for introducing a new character is writing an introduction letter. It's by no means required, of course, but it helps prepare you, your character, and all the characters and players involved in introducing your character to Vigiles Amicae. A letter of introduction can include anything you want, but will likely include things like your character's motivation for joining Vigiles Amicae, what they want out of it, and what they feel like they can contribute. It doesn't even have to be written by the character in question if another of your characters or a throw-away NPC if it would make more sense.
Ultimately, an introduction letter is most important to you as the player, as it allows you to nail down details of how and why your character is joining the guild ahead of time without feeling any pressure to figure out such things on-the-fly in the middle of live play. In my personal experience, I often do not find a character's "voice" to play them well until I have written something for or about them outside of live play. Even if you never publish such an introductory letter and no one else ever sees it, it still might be useful exercise for you as a player.
Below is an introduction letter written for my new wood elf channeler alt, Hissaelien Rowanbough. Note that it is not actually written by Hissaelien herself, nor is it technically addressed to the Vigiles Amicae, but it alludes to what personalities, histories, and conflicts have led her to the guild. It also details what her current skills are and how she might hope to build on them.
******
To Whom It May Concern:
As one of the foremost institutions of magical research and education in Norrath, the Concordium of Magi of Qeynos formally requests to transfer and highly recommends Hissaelien Rowanbough to the tutelage of the training division of a duly-licensed militia or mercenary company.
Hissaelien recently came to the Tower of the Concordium seeking to expand her magical knowledge. Unfortunately, though she meets most entrance requirements, we feel that her background, prior education, and natural talents are unsuitable for our stringent academic standards, and seem much more suited for the kind of hedge witchery common among small villages, militias, and mercenary groups. As such, we are passing her along to an educational environment where we feel she will better fit.
From what she has told us of her background, she joined a caravan of vagrant entertainers following some minor political squabble in her home of Kelethin. Her earliest training was as apprentice to the caravan’s fortune-teller and medium, and she was with the group for some time. Hissaelien claims no family in Kelethin or otherwise, and with no-one else of sufficient rectitude to vouch for her, the staff of the Concordium feel that she will not have the support she needs to meet our demanding academic standards.
In regard to her training and talents, though she seems adequately capable of the most basic elemental magic, her talents strongly favor, and in many ways are dependent upon, spiritual and necromantic aspects, and as such, cannot be encouraged or developed by an honorable arcane educational institution such as this one.
As Hissaelien did pass the Concordium’s entrance examination, and we at the Tower bear her no ill will or prejudice in our rigorous admissions process, we have presented her this letter of transfer and recommendation to the training division of one of the many well-organized militias and mercenary companies we have contracted with in the past. We wish her luck in her future educational endeavors.
Augurer Rho Hippnal
Associate Dean of Admissions
Concordium of Magi of Qeynos
An excellent idea for introducing a new character is writing an introduction letter. It's by no means required, of course, but it helps prepare you, your character, and all the characters and players involved in introducing your character to Vigiles Amicae. A letter of introduction can include anything you want, but will likely include things like your character's motivation for joining Vigiles Amicae, what they want out of it, and what they feel like they can contribute. It doesn't even have to be written by the character in question if another of your characters or a throw-away NPC if it would make more sense.
Ultimately, an introduction letter is most important to you as the player, as it allows you to nail down details of how and why your character is joining the guild ahead of time without feeling any pressure to figure out such things on-the-fly in the middle of live play. In my personal experience, I often do not find a character's "voice" to play them well until I have written something for or about them outside of live play. Even if you never publish such an introductory letter and no one else ever sees it, it still might be useful exercise for you as a player.
Below is an introduction letter written for my new wood elf channeler alt, Hissaelien Rowanbough. Note that it is not actually written by Hissaelien herself, nor is it technically addressed to the Vigiles Amicae, but it alludes to what personalities, histories, and conflicts have led her to the guild. It also details what her current skills are and how she might hope to build on them.
******
To Whom It May Concern:
As one of the foremost institutions of magical research and education in Norrath, the Concordium of Magi of Qeynos formally requests to transfer and highly recommends Hissaelien Rowanbough to the tutelage of the training division of a duly-licensed militia or mercenary company.
Hissaelien recently came to the Tower of the Concordium seeking to expand her magical knowledge. Unfortunately, though she meets most entrance requirements, we feel that her background, prior education, and natural talents are unsuitable for our stringent academic standards, and seem much more suited for the kind of hedge witchery common among small villages, militias, and mercenary groups. As such, we are passing her along to an educational environment where we feel she will better fit.
From what she has told us of her background, she joined a caravan of vagrant entertainers following some minor political squabble in her home of Kelethin. Her earliest training was as apprentice to the caravan’s fortune-teller and medium, and she was with the group for some time. Hissaelien claims no family in Kelethin or otherwise, and with no-one else of sufficient rectitude to vouch for her, the staff of the Concordium feel that she will not have the support she needs to meet our demanding academic standards.
In regard to her training and talents, though she seems adequately capable of the most basic elemental magic, her talents strongly favor, and in many ways are dependent upon, spiritual and necromantic aspects, and as such, cannot be encouraged or developed by an honorable arcane educational institution such as this one.
As Hissaelien did pass the Concordium’s entrance examination, and we at the Tower bear her no ill will or prejudice in our rigorous admissions process, we have presented her this letter of transfer and recommendation to the training division of one of the many well-organized militias and mercenary companies we have contracted with in the past. We wish her luck in her future educational endeavors.
Augurer Rho Hippnal
Associate Dean of Admissions
Concordium of Magi of Qeynos
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Classified report, from the Ephemera of the Praetor
Archivist's Note:
The Praetor has been characterized in uncharitable accounts as hoarding paper as dragons hoard gold, but any historian will affirm that it would be easier to draft a coherent chronicle if in fact, that were true. The Ephemera collection attempts to assemble some semblance of chronological order to the wild and fragmented array of letters that have come down to us.
These letters are offered here, in translation if necessary, and bound in one set of volumes for the convenience of the student of history, and in respect for the fragility of many of the originals. Scholars with proper clearance from the High Council may apply to view up to 200 items from the originals: only twenty such requests will be considered in any Quatrain, irrespective of the date attributed to the items requested. Any excess applications on grounds of suspicion of censorship will result in an automatic and binding hold on the scholar's access credentials for one full year.
The report included below would normally be filed among the military records of the Vigiles, except that this was never stored with the classified military records. It is possible that it was misplaced on receipt, but as the events in question are long past and the High Council has determined that the following was of minimal interest to the Vigiles wing, it has been accessioned along with the personal effects where it was found.
Legate Fafnier has requested I investigate Chief Medic Pejic for connections with Marconis.
He has been informed that no such thing shall happen without clearance from the Praetor's office.
His last remark on the subject was "do what you must".
If interpreted one way, it is easy to associate your consent with doing what I must. Were this a few years ago, I would interpret it as "do it anyways", with "for the safety of the House" as an addendum.
I do not like the idea of beginning any espionage regarding any of the Amicae given how my own paranoia and logical leaps went a decade ago.
Either way, if you will it, it shall be done.
Equites F. Amrunrosse
The Praetor has been characterized in uncharitable accounts as hoarding paper as dragons hoard gold, but any historian will affirm that it would be easier to draft a coherent chronicle if in fact, that were true. The Ephemera collection attempts to assemble some semblance of chronological order to the wild and fragmented array of letters that have come down to us.
These letters are offered here, in translation if necessary, and bound in one set of volumes for the convenience of the student of history, and in respect for the fragility of many of the originals. Scholars with proper clearance from the High Council may apply to view up to 200 items from the originals: only twenty such requests will be considered in any Quatrain, irrespective of the date attributed to the items requested. Any excess applications on grounds of suspicion of censorship will result in an automatic and binding hold on the scholar's access credentials for one full year.
The report included below would normally be filed among the military records of the Vigiles, except that this was never stored with the classified military records. It is possible that it was misplaced on receipt, but as the events in question are long past and the High Council has determined that the following was of minimal interest to the Vigiles wing, it has been accessioned along with the personal effects where it was found.
From: Equites Amrunrosse
To: the desk of the Praetor
Security: HIGHLY CLASSIFIED
Legate Fafnier has requested I investigate Chief Medic Pejic for connections with Marconis.
He has been informed that no such thing shall happen without clearance from the Praetor's office.
His last remark on the subject was "do what you must".
If interpreted one way, it is easy to associate your consent with doing what I must. Were this a few years ago, I would interpret it as "do it anyways", with "for the safety of the House" as an addendum.
I do not like the idea of beginning any espionage regarding any of the Amicae given how my own paranoia and logical leaps went a decade ago.
Either way, if you will it, it shall be done.
Equites F. Amrunrosse
Friday, February 28, 2014
Personal note, from the Ephemera of the Praetor
Archivist's Note:
The Praetor has been characterized in uncharitable accounts as hoarding paper as dragons hoard gold, but any historian will affirm that it would be easier to draft a coherent chronicle if in fact, that were true. The Ephemera collection attempts to assemble some semblance of chronological order to the wild and fragmented array of letters that have come down to us.
These letters are offered here, in translation if necessary, and bound in one set of volumes for the convenience of the student of history, and in respect for the fragility of many of the originals. Scholars with proper clearance from the High Council may apply to view up to 200 items from the originals: only twenty such requests will be considered in any Quatrain, irrespective of the date attributed to the items requested. Any excess applications on grounds of suspicion of censorship will result in an automatic and binding hold on the scholar's access credentials for one full year.
I will be honoring the life of Xilinar not long after Cheva returns, unless she is in the brig.
Your presence would please me, when I have it.
Your friend, Folodu
The Praetor has been characterized in uncharitable accounts as hoarding paper as dragons hoard gold, but any historian will affirm that it would be easier to draft a coherent chronicle if in fact, that were true. The Ephemera collection attempts to assemble some semblance of chronological order to the wild and fragmented array of letters that have come down to us.
These letters are offered here, in translation if necessary, and bound in one set of volumes for the convenience of the student of history, and in respect for the fragility of many of the originals. Scholars with proper clearance from the High Council may apply to view up to 200 items from the originals: only twenty such requests will be considered in any Quatrain, irrespective of the date attributed to the items requested. Any excess applications on grounds of suspicion of censorship will result in an automatic and binding hold on the scholar's access credentials for one full year.
From: Equites Amrunrosse
To: Ariahdnia
Security: N/A
I will be honoring the life of Xilinar not long after Cheva returns, unless she is in the brig.
Your presence would please me, when I have it.
Your friend, Folodu
Thursday, January 23, 2014
An anonymous letter from the acolytes of Amerthas
We found your gargoyle.
You do not know us, but we are the followers of the First Necromancer Amerthas. Our Lord's demise was years ago - but we continue his work.
His sacred mission: to redeem the Art of Necromancy from abuse and stigma. And so it is ours.
You may or may not remember him, but we know you and yours were some of the last to see and speak to him before his end.
During that time he entrusted one of his charges unto you; the Faeling Bogart, Pazrael "Pazuzzu" Nabassu.
pazrael was found and identified by us in the possession of a man who had bought a "Cursed Gargoyle Statue". He was convinced the "statue" had brought some sort of poltiergeist into his house; well, he wasn't far off.
The collector eagerly passed the 'statue' to our custody, and upon recognizing a number of us he assumed Fae form and began asking for his "Pwama". He has been securely and covertly delivered via a small wooden box to your hall in Gorowyn. We unlocked and loosened the box lid, and left, knowing he was capable of getting out on his own from there.
You are welcome.
[a mark depicting an hourglass filled with bones is present in place of a proper signature]
You do not know us, but we are the followers of the First Necromancer Amerthas. Our Lord's demise was years ago - but we continue his work.
His sacred mission: to redeem the Art of Necromancy from abuse and stigma. And so it is ours.
You may or may not remember him, but we know you and yours were some of the last to see and speak to him before his end.
During that time he entrusted one of his charges unto you; the Faeling Bogart, Pazrael "Pazuzzu" Nabassu.
pazrael was found and identified by us in the possession of a man who had bought a "Cursed Gargoyle Statue". He was convinced the "statue" had brought some sort of poltiergeist into his house; well, he wasn't far off.
The collector eagerly passed the 'statue' to our custody, and upon recognizing a number of us he assumed Fae form and began asking for his "Pwama". He has been securely and covertly delivered via a small wooden box to your hall in Gorowyn. We unlocked and loosened the box lid, and left, knowing he was capable of getting out on his own from there.
You are welcome.
[a mark depicting an hourglass filled with bones is present in place of a proper signature]
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
A short note: addressed from Freeport.
I always stand strong with you. Please call on me when ever you have need.
-Xeita
-Xeita
Friday, October 4, 2013
To all Amicae - current and past -
OOC / Real Life update
Dear Friends -
As you have no doubt noticed, I've been out of game for months, and my partner, Sytan/Folodu with me. Some of you may be aware that I have had recurring computer and health complications.
My health has prevented me from returning to you as I have wished, and for that, I am sorry. I had hoped that the Vigiles would stand strong without me. I tried to leave what word I could, but without mail acess I could only hope to reach those of you who were online in the brief moments i could manage to sit in a chair.
The laptop that enabled me to be with you all last year died sometime in July. I tried to stay, rearranging a tower so I could reach it from a couch, an armchair, something that would accommodate my back.
I failed, and it has hurt all of us.
Now, I am returned, on another laptop, borrowed from a new housemate who has more computers than he can use. At least for a time, and for as long as I can manage, I will be here again. Because of Holly Windstalker's generosity, I can write to you {briefly in game, during a promotional event} to tell you this.
I miss you all - Please, rejoin us in the VAooc channel, on this blog, or write us a note if you are able.
Be well in these uncertain and trying times -
Dear Friends -
As you have no doubt noticed, I've been out of game for months, and my partner, Sytan/Folodu with me. Some of you may be aware that I have had recurring computer and health complications.
My health has prevented me from returning to you as I have wished, and for that, I am sorry. I had hoped that the Vigiles would stand strong without me. I tried to leave what word I could, but without mail acess I could only hope to reach those of you who were online in the brief moments i could manage to sit in a chair.
The laptop that enabled me to be with you all last year died sometime in July. I tried to stay, rearranging a tower so I could reach it from a couch, an armchair, something that would accommodate my back.
I failed, and it has hurt all of us.
Now, I am returned, on another laptop, borrowed from a new housemate who has more computers than he can use. At least for a time, and for as long as I can manage, I will be here again. Because of Holly Windstalker's generosity, I can write to you {briefly in game, during a promotional event} to tell you this.
I miss you all - Please, rejoin us in the VAooc channel, on this blog, or write us a note if you are able.
Be well in these uncertain and trying times -
To all Amicae, current and past:
Amicae -
Many have taken a rest or have gone missing in the wake of the recovery missions last Cycle. It has been needful and good for many - and in the wake of it the halls once so warm now know silence also.
We are of a cloth, we Amicae, no matter our professions, or circumstances. It is good to renew the bonds we have chosen, of friendship and fellow help.
We, the ever-watchful, the ever-faithful - no battle can sunder where we choose to build.
Come home, if you so will it, or join us again in the open halls when your commitments allow. Let us know you live, that we may celebrate your name.
Vai Z'Ress
Ariahdnia
Many have taken a rest or have gone missing in the wake of the recovery missions last Cycle. It has been needful and good for many - and in the wake of it the halls once so warm now know silence also.
We are of a cloth, we Amicae, no matter our professions, or circumstances. It is good to renew the bonds we have chosen, of friendship and fellow help.
We, the ever-watchful, the ever-faithful - no battle can sunder where we choose to build.
Come home, if you so will it, or join us again in the open halls when your commitments allow. Let us know you live, that we may celebrate your name.
Vai Z'Ress
Ariahdnia
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Wanderlust Weekend battles
Ariahdnia,
Feel free to pass this information along to anyone in your organization that would be interested in ccoming.
We didn't have a chance to perform this week's raid, so we'll be rescheduling it (14 Sept, 6pm EST).
The targets will be either Toxxulia's Mound (level 90), Mirguals, or The Palace of the Ancient One (Both level 80). This battle will be also open to guests who have a desire to come out and fight.
Rivald De'Elvin
The Leader of Wanderlust
Feel free to pass this information along to anyone in your organization that would be interested in ccoming.
We didn't have a chance to perform this week's raid, so we'll be rescheduling it (14 Sept, 6pm EST).
The targets will be either Toxxulia's Mound (level 90), Mirguals, or The Palace of the Ancient One (Both level 80). This battle will be also open to guests who have a desire to come out and fight.
Rivald De'Elvin
The Leader of Wanderlust
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
A letter on fine vellum, in a perfect copperplate hand
Archivist's note:
This letter has been pieced together from fragments discovered among the late Legate Bellum's personal effects. It seems all the fragments of the original are present, except of course the envelope which must have carried it through the post. It is undated, but from contemporary official reports, we know that the Legate reported finding this letter on his desk less than three days after the raid on the Crimson Rose.
Legate Fafnier:
Accept my most sincere condolences on the difficulties you and your Company are facing with the loss of not one, but two of your number. I am sure the disadvantage can hardly even be measured, as my estranged, esteemed brother is hardly a replaceable quantity, and surely any creature he would seed a child with is remarkable in her own right.
Though we have never been on the best terms, as we are too alike to ever be easy in one another’s company, I would offer you my assistance, however small. Even divided as we are there is a certain comfort in knowing he is secure. Our politics and methods have long diverged, but I have never allowed that, nor his resentful character, to color my affection for him. He has long had the habit of going missing, and at the most inconvenient times for his associates, but then he is young. The follies of youth are always less amusing when one is too close to them.
I recall one incident, in particular, when he vanished into an infamous bordello for decades. No doubt he was intent on freeing the tarnished blooms, and rehabilitating the debauched patrons to lives of virtue and celibacy. He has ever had a charmingly simple ethos, willing to sacrifice every good thing for the redemption of a stranger.
It is charming he has attached himself to you and your little Company - certainly he has been indispensible in assisting your own liberation efforts - at least until recently. I am sure you are already doing every possible thing to recover him from whatever romantic distraction has diverted him, but if there is any information I can lend you in the matter, I would be happy to take time away from my flock to assist you. I understand in your last campaign you did not receive the support you needed in time to make the desired impact on young Lucan. It was a great pity to hear of the many losses which followed, especially when I learned you were among the fallen.
I trust your own native generosity will move you to forgive my younger brother his cautious nature. I am certain there were many factors which impacted the lack of reinforcements and the subsequent untimely delay in restoring you to yourself. No doubt there are lingering complications from that - the Restorative Arts are among the most complex patterns known, but I flatter myself I have long been a master of them. I would even be able to mitigate the difficulties of the contagion you suffer, if you would flatter me with an audience.
I would of course wish to know if there is any way I might be of assistance to you in recovering my errant brother and his lover from his folly, howsoever small. Please, seek me out at your convenience in the Lady Erolissi’s temples within Qeynos, if you can. I would speak with you, have you the time.
Archbishop Marconis Fiac
This letter has been pieced together from fragments discovered among the late Legate Bellum's personal effects. It seems all the fragments of the original are present, except of course the envelope which must have carried it through the post. It is undated, but from contemporary official reports, we know that the Legate reported finding this letter on his desk less than three days after the raid on the Crimson Rose.
Legate Fafnier:
Accept my most sincere condolences on the difficulties you and your Company are facing with the loss of not one, but two of your number. I am sure the disadvantage can hardly even be measured, as my estranged, esteemed brother is hardly a replaceable quantity, and surely any creature he would seed a child with is remarkable in her own right.
Though we have never been on the best terms, as we are too alike to ever be easy in one another’s company, I would offer you my assistance, however small. Even divided as we are there is a certain comfort in knowing he is secure. Our politics and methods have long diverged, but I have never allowed that, nor his resentful character, to color my affection for him. He has long had the habit of going missing, and at the most inconvenient times for his associates, but then he is young. The follies of youth are always less amusing when one is too close to them.
I recall one incident, in particular, when he vanished into an infamous bordello for decades. No doubt he was intent on freeing the tarnished blooms, and rehabilitating the debauched patrons to lives of virtue and celibacy. He has ever had a charmingly simple ethos, willing to sacrifice every good thing for the redemption of a stranger.
It is charming he has attached himself to you and your little Company - certainly he has been indispensible in assisting your own liberation efforts - at least until recently. I am sure you are already doing every possible thing to recover him from whatever romantic distraction has diverted him, but if there is any information I can lend you in the matter, I would be happy to take time away from my flock to assist you. I understand in your last campaign you did not receive the support you needed in time to make the desired impact on young Lucan. It was a great pity to hear of the many losses which followed, especially when I learned you were among the fallen.
I trust your own native generosity will move you to forgive my younger brother his cautious nature. I am certain there were many factors which impacted the lack of reinforcements and the subsequent untimely delay in restoring you to yourself. No doubt there are lingering complications from that - the Restorative Arts are among the most complex patterns known, but I flatter myself I have long been a master of them. I would even be able to mitigate the difficulties of the contagion you suffer, if you would flatter me with an audience.
I would of course wish to know if there is any way I might be of assistance to you in recovering my errant brother and his lover from his folly, howsoever small. Please, seek me out at your convenience in the Lady Erolissi’s temples within Qeynos, if you can. I would speak with you, have you the time.
Archbishop Marconis Fiac
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
A crumbling, stained letter
Archivist's Note:
This private letter is an exceptionally rare survival from the period, and it was discovered in a volume of mythic wondertales during the recent reorganization of the archive. It has long been suspected that the anonymous, handwritten manuscripts of wondertales were once part of the private collection of the Praetor, but the attribution pages have been lost in one of the re-bindings, as the signatures were never well-sewn to begin with.
There are no provenance records for the series of manuscripts, which themselves are only of minimal interest, written as they are to make history more palatable to the uneducated. Nonetheless, the presence of the following letter - which appears to be genuine - seems to support the idea that those manuscripts may have been the property of the Praetor, and suggests they may be worth re-examining for further historical importance.
A transcript of the letter follows below, translated from the levua, as the original document must remain protected from light and handling. It has aged badly as a result of some acid contamination in its past, and the transcription is as faithful to the original text as possible. Every effort has been made to preserve the agitation and passion of the author, which is so clearly visible in the hand.
Dearest Ariahdnia,
I write this letter with no real direction.
These last few months have been more difficult then I would like to admit. When you asked me to help you forget - I knew I was going to regret it. There has been so little in the past that I would have wanted you to remember that made it to that book of yours, and I'm afraid to know what has passed that never did.
I'll admit when we first met, your charge would have been just: you were nothing more then food. Now - I wouldn't think of you as anything less then a friend and lover.
I admit I have held you further away then most, there are [unintelligible] things I've done that I'm not proud of - - some to those you may know [an inkblot, possibly an omission] some to you. In time I may share all of it with you - but at my own pace. The last time you died - - - I watched everything I had worked to earn with you die with it.
How much of us you have recorded is beyond me. Honestly - - I may never know. I only know that you trust me less than y[unintelligible: likely, "you"] out[unintelligible: possible "outwardly" but may be untranslated ekete'uan] show, despite our past - - and - again-! -I will strive to change that.
I no longer wish to remain a trusted friend and ally. I wish more than midnight visits and deceptive respects[sic: clearly an allusion, but the context is now lost]. Our last night together was one of many passionate and cherished nights together for me - and I can only hope you feel the same way when I say that I hope there will be many - many more to follow.
Always watching, Always waiting.
~Valacor Valinos
This private letter is an exceptionally rare survival from the period, and it was discovered in a volume of mythic wondertales during the recent reorganization of the archive. It has long been suspected that the anonymous, handwritten manuscripts of wondertales were once part of the private collection of the Praetor, but the attribution pages have been lost in one of the re-bindings, as the signatures were never well-sewn to begin with.
There are no provenance records for the series of manuscripts, which themselves are only of minimal interest, written as they are to make history more palatable to the uneducated. Nonetheless, the presence of the following letter - which appears to be genuine - seems to support the idea that those manuscripts may have been the property of the Praetor, and suggests they may be worth re-examining for further historical importance.
A transcript of the letter follows below, translated from the levua, as the original document must remain protected from light and handling. It has aged badly as a result of some acid contamination in its past, and the transcription is as faithful to the original text as possible. Every effort has been made to preserve the agitation and passion of the author, which is so clearly visible in the hand.
Dearest Ariahdnia,
I write this letter with no real direction.
These last few months have been more difficult then I would like to admit. When you asked me to help you forget - I knew I was going to regret it. There has been so little in the past that I would have wanted you to remember that made it to that book of yours, and I'm afraid to know what has passed that never did.
I'll admit when we first met, your charge would have been just: you were nothing more then food. Now - I wouldn't think of you as anything less then a friend and lover.
I admit I have held you further away then most, there are [unintelligible] things I've done that I'm not proud of - - some to those you may know [an inkblot, possibly an omission] some to you. In time I may share all of it with you - but at my own pace. The last time you died - - - I watched everything I had worked to earn with you die with it.
How much of us you have recorded is beyond me. Honestly - - I may never know. I only know that you trust me less than y[unintelligible: likely, "you"] out[unintelligible: possible "outwardly" but may be untranslated ekete'uan] show, despite our past - - and - again-! -I will strive to change that.
I no longer wish to remain a trusted friend and ally. I wish more than midnight visits and deceptive respects[sic: clearly an allusion, but the context is now lost]. Our last night together was one of many passionate and cherished nights together for me - and I can only hope you feel the same way when I say that I hope there will be many - many more to follow.
Always watching, Always waiting.
~Valacor Valinos
Sunday, January 1, 2012
An anonymous letter, preserved with envelope
Archivist's note:
This letter is a curious survival from an era of widespread civil unrest in the most populous cities. It was discovered in the pages of a quaint, archaic treatise on the art of the sword. Although the envelope was badly torn at some point and the return address - if it ever sported one - is now lost, the letter was carefully refolded inside the abused envelope and left in the middle of a rather inventive description of the process of fashioning watered steel, where it was recently uncovered.
Contemporary records do not mention whether the expedition to Antonica was undertaken - with or without escort. Other, later records seem to indicate that the Mysterious patron "M" continued to send secret correspondence to the young Amrunrosse with little interference or discovery for many years after this date, but until the discovery of this letter, it was thought that the correspondence began late in her adolescence, during the absence of her primary guardian.
It is worth noting, however, that in the historical armory the Vigiles do have a pair of mithral boots worked up in a traditional dwarven pattern at an unusually delicate size. Although the attribution in the official provenance is "unknown", the discovery of this early correspondence would suggest that they may well have belonged to the young Amrunrosse.
Addressed to:
The Valorous Chevanima Amrunrosse
Timorous Heights, Vigiles Wing
Gorowyn Upper Prefect, Timorous Isles, Kunark
In regards to your recent success and your excellent skills, a dwarf requests your specialized presence. He has work - that is surely simplicity itself for such a skilled knight as I have recommended on this particular job. I am most interested in supporting your rise to wider glory, despite the conservative opinions of your other tutors, so I pray you will continue to regard me as your most humble patron.
This task will require dedication, fortitude, and a level head, as well as skill in harvesting various materials in the Antonican hills. The employer is a dwarf known as Hwal in the Keep of the Ardent Needle in the same region. He is willing to pay handsomely for your services.
Again, neither assistance nor escort is necessary, as your skills are more than adequate to do this.
Go in strength,
Yours & etc.
M.
This letter is a curious survival from an era of widespread civil unrest in the most populous cities. It was discovered in the pages of a quaint, archaic treatise on the art of the sword. Although the envelope was badly torn at some point and the return address - if it ever sported one - is now lost, the letter was carefully refolded inside the abused envelope and left in the middle of a rather inventive description of the process of fashioning watered steel, where it was recently uncovered.
Contemporary records do not mention whether the expedition to Antonica was undertaken - with or without escort. Other, later records seem to indicate that the Mysterious patron "M" continued to send secret correspondence to the young Amrunrosse with little interference or discovery for many years after this date, but until the discovery of this letter, it was thought that the correspondence began late in her adolescence, during the absence of her primary guardian.
It is worth noting, however, that in the historical armory the Vigiles do have a pair of mithral boots worked up in a traditional dwarven pattern at an unusually delicate size. Although the attribution in the official provenance is "unknown", the discovery of this early correspondence would suggest that they may well have belonged to the young Amrunrosse.
Addressed to:
The Valorous Chevanima Amrunrosse
Timorous Heights, Vigiles Wing
Gorowyn Upper Prefect, Timorous Isles, Kunark
In regards to your recent success and your excellent skills, a dwarf requests your specialized presence. He has work - that is surely simplicity itself for such a skilled knight as I have recommended on this particular job. I am most interested in supporting your rise to wider glory, despite the conservative opinions of your other tutors, so I pray you will continue to regard me as your most humble patron.
This task will require dedication, fortitude, and a level head, as well as skill in harvesting various materials in the Antonican hills. The employer is a dwarf known as Hwal in the Keep of the Ardent Needle in the same region. He is willing to pay handsomely for your services.
Again, neither assistance nor escort is necessary, as your skills are more than adequate to do this.
Go in strength,
Yours & etc.
M.
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