Early Sunday D&D: Thergale #004
Much has changed and little of the familiar remains. I find myself on yet another world, beneath a strange sky, the sole companion remaining me is so changed and unlike himself as to be another persona entirely. The remainder of my fellows are lost to the winds of fate. But I am here. I am alive. Still, I feel the presence of my bond to the Verdant Mother of the Dawn. By blade, wand, and force of personality I have rebuilt myself on this new world. I shall persevere and blossom, as do I always.
My gnome companion, Brock, is the sole member of our band to have followed me here. But he is changed, a darker faith has taken him and he has embraced it. He now follows Gruumsh, god of slaughter, battle, and destruction. His preoccupation with skulls is more than slightly disturbing. But still, it is a benefit to have at least one other with me as I rebuild a life. It has been both easier and more dangerous than ever in the past; my skills are greater and the world more civilized, I traipse among the politics of this world as one might among the flowers of faerie in the witchlight.
This Laconian Empire we find ourselves within is one of elvenkind and is ruled by a trinity of emperors balanced by a senate. It is a precarious, but functional arrangement. I have established a household, a network, and am acting as something of a problem solver to the politically connected. Brock has found influence and importance in the Church of Gruumsh. Together our influences have worked to bring stability, if not peace, to the capitol and the empire more broadly.
Tuesday morn brought word that Emperor Verinius was returning from the north having won victory over the dwarves and their rebel king. I sent for aid, Brock and Senator Thormius. This was a dangerous bit of news. Emperors do not come to the Senatorium unbidden, for the rivalries are implacable and the balance frail, never shall the powers intertwine. This is unprecedented. And this emperor, presumably at the head of a victorious army and holding captive the dwarf king, Dwarfikus Lieutenius.
The Shining Square was awash in agents of coincidence. After quick consultation, Brock and I set off up the north road in hopes of coming across the host of the emperor. We found no military host, no legion of hangers-on, no sign of the usual accouterments one might expect proceeding an emperor. Instead, we found a fine chariot, the Emperor, and the dwarf King taking a rest on a shady hill high above the city in the distance. We heard fine words, drank good wine, and saw a disturbing glimpse into the future. The two were not captive and captor, but rather allies and comrades in arms whose purpose would seem directed at the Senate and unifying the Empire under a single throne.
The Church of Bane works against us. Upon returning to the city we were attacked by six of their cutthroats. Perhaps it is simple church rivalry or matter of influence, but the rapidity of the assault leads me to think they have more insight into the coming strife than simple influence peddling.
Verinius has tasked us with heralding his coming and setting a fire of propaganda the likes of which this city has never seen. Brock seems to relish the uprising of his church within the empire and seems almost eager in his anticipation of the coming strife. I am less enthusiastic. I see the chaos that will result from these actions. I see the city besieged, not by the emperor, but by a force of dwarves 200,000 strong. I see an empire divided and bloodied. It is a vision I do not like. Perhaps something can be done.
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