[HQ Ignorance] Re : Scene 61: The King and Queen of Seshnela

[Loran]

[OOC]
Please see below.
Quite a long answer but a lot of points requested something from me.
I hope that Mark will be interested.
Lev,
Am I vulgar if I ask about HP ?
;-)
Loran

----- Message d'origine ----
De : Lev Lafayette <lev_lafayette at yahoo.com.au>
À : HeroQuest Glorantha <ignorance at mimesisrpg.com>
Envoyé le : Samedi, 19 Avril 2008, 13h18mn 37s
Objet : [HQ Ignorance] Scene 61: The King and Queen of Seshnela


[Intervene at any point during this scene for further
elaboration and tangents. Apologies for the late post;
I ended up writing the better part of three chapters
rather the original one for Rolemaster's Campaign Law.
I'm very pleased with how it's come out; an excellent
supplement for all roleplaying games, not only
Rolemaster. So go get yourself a copy when it comes
out :-) ]

In the following days tentative agreements where signed by the interested parties. The confederation of forces from Ralios took most of eastern Rindland, the Dangin March and Tanisor under their control. The dour and conservative Brithini expanded their reach into northen and western Rindland and Nolos lay claim to southern Tanisor and eastern Estaurenic. The forest of Segurane in central Rindland, a corridor along in central Tanisor to the Tanier River (including the ancient ruins of Basmol, where lion men venture each) and the former County of Deu were now in the hands of the Aldryami of Tarinwood and Kanthor Isles.
******************************
During the negotiations, Azhur committed himself as much as he could to defend the integrity of the seshnelan country. Not looking especially for a great domain, but trying to preserve what was really making a state : the pride and the unity of a whole population having common roots and history. He dared reminding to all invading leaders that they fought the war against the villainy and plots of Guillarm the Fat. This bad king being now deposited and his church and administration now being reformed by the only decision and will of the seshnelan people, their intervention was now purposeless. 
During also the negotiations, Azhur, as subtlety as he could, also probed among all the assembled leaders, his own vision of a political community between Ralios and Seshnela. Some unity based on the very basic values of Malkionism, but respecting all local particularities and lead by some kind of council of local rulers. A system of vote could there helps to resolves conflicts peacefully instead of violently. He was there guided by his “Duty, Chivalry and Equality” credo and by his secret resolution to prepare these lands for the future crusade against the Kingdom of War.
[OOC]
Azhur's is thinking about a new never-tried political coalition... Perhaps naïve, but Azhur has been raised in a idealistic society
******************************

The Kingdom of Seshnela had been remapped, now consisting of the enclave of the thrice-walled city, the Counties of Noyelle, Vogai, and Voi, western Tanisor and Estaurenic were in the hands of the Kingdom, along with of course, the Barony of Gilboch.
- "So you've lost the East but gained the West", laughed Lord Tierre. "It's not so bad - more like the original Kingdom eh? The return of the King and everything! Now all you have to do is beat those original invaders and raise the lands from the sea again!".
Tierre's laughter was met with an uncomfortable silence from most of the other.
******************************

- “Lord Tierre, my opinion is that seshnelan policies toward his neighbors should be purged of the old idea that this land is superior to any others. Several time in History, we have seen in which disasters this trend pushed the Kingdom. The result is a physically, spiritually and politically broken land ! From Loskam, I wish to import one idea : domination could come from others means than military raw power ! Trade, culture and peaceful authority could bring as much wealth and influence than wars bring misery, suffering and rancor against us.”
He looked around to check how shocking were his words and he added:
- “ At least, let’s try this way, our neighbors are still around, mobilized with armies, looking for any occasion to improves their previous gains. We could trust the old ralian discords to soon make them being back in their own castles needing friendly disinterested advices from us. Peace is a strong Power, if placed in wise and attentive hands…”

******************************
On the fourth day, Kalen and Rotterex came out from the dungeons together along with the Dwarves from the Iron Mountains. Kalen explained that because so much of the destruction of the bazak colony had been due to their actions, he had felt obligated to repay in some way - and that manner was to reconstruct the dungeons of Segurane City in a manner pleasing to the colony. For his part Rotterex asked is he could joint the Fellowship on their journeys.
- "As you can probably tell, with my speech and all, that I'm not really the same as the rest of the bazak. A former wizard's familiar, you know. Well, there's not much conversation down there, but I felt that I couldn't really desert my own kind. So they'll be fine now. Assuming you plant-people rustle up enough venison each season."

Leaving Segurane, the Fellowship travelled with a great party towards the Barony of Gilboch, some sixty leagues distant as the crow flies. Refugees from the eastern lands of Seshnela and the western locals were overjoyed to see the party and provide whatever assistance they could. Although they had lost their king and half their kingdom and even the head of the church, they behaved as if they had won the war, as if a great burden had been lifted from their shoulders.
******************************

Azhur approached Aalmon and asked him:
- “My dear friend Aalmon, until the wedding I will be deeply honored if you could be the protector of my bride. My trust in you is absolute and I know that your courage and wisdom are great. I still fear some nasty counterstrike from Theoblanc and I would be reassured if Lady Marianne’s safety was under your careful protection and gentle manners…”
[OOC]
Now Judas, play your role if you dare...
*******************************

At Asgolan Fields, Jareena joined many of the Old Hrestoli religious members to conduct a ritual of cleansing on the lands. The infection of the Cult of Vivamort still lingered with some lost Undead wandering aimlessly around. 
*******************************

After the ceremonies, Azhur went to the barbarian priestess and asked her for an interview:
- Dear Jareena, this conversation will probably sound quite strange to you, but probably less than to anyone else, as you will understand that you’re the only person that I can trust on this matter...”
Boldly he continued, trusting Jareena’s silence if needed:
- “I wish to know more about the old powers that united this land in the early days of Hrestol, I’m speaking of the now forbidden cult of Seshna Likita…. I only know a few things of this earthly goddess, but I know that Hrestol’s mother was a high priestess of this cult and that his father Froalar, first king of Seshnela courted the goddess. Hear me well, I do not wish to court any other female than Marianne and certainly not to resurrect the old serpent dynasty, but my impression is that having discarded the protection and attention of this… well… power, this land lost somewhere its strength and unity…”
For a moment, Azhur pondered all what he had learned since his father admitted in front of him being an arkati believer: his meeting with Arkat the Troll himself, the conversation with the Archbishop Surantyr of Fiesive and of course all the weird remarks of his trusted friend Aalmon Far-Rider. The probable malkioni king-to-be of New Seshnela glanced at Jareena’ eyes and said:
- “You will understand easily that if I begin to enquire on this topic now, a lot of difficult questions will be raised, questions I can’t answer today, lacking of facts myself. But everybody will find normal and understandable that you make this enquiry. This is an humble demand, not an order at all, feel free to give the answer you want, I just hope that you will find your interest in this request. This quest for Talor’s weapons made me consider new angles on my old dogmatic beliefs… We are now probably nearer than we tough we were when we departed from Sog a long time ago…”
[OOC]
Just a proposal for Mark, I found it more suited for his PC than for mine.
If Jareena refuses, Azhur will try to make other moves in this direction.
**********************************

Finally reaching a small port at the border of Noyelle and Vogai, the party of hundreds crossed the short strait into Gilboch. Sixty days had passed since the Battle of Segurane City and Dark Season had turned well into Storm Season. The weather, as expected, as terrible with constant rain, sleet and snow. Gilboch itself was a very modest place, with but a small castle, and a modest population engaged in pastoral labours. Nevertheless, upon the command of the Baron the entire population did their best to prepare in the following weeks for the coronation of Azhur as the new King of Seshnela and his marriage to the fair Marianne.
**********************************

As soon as he arrived, Azhur wrote a letter to his father:
‘My dear, respected and loved father, 
For a long time, I have been a poor son, depriving you of news of the quest, please forgive me.
At least I hope that, from other sources, you got news from my companions and me that made you understand how hectic has been this last year for us. Perhaps you will learn what I want to announce you before this letter arrives, but nobody will ask you what I need from you.
After numerous adversities, we finally get one weapon among the three we were questing for and we have some clues on the localizations of the others two. More surprising are the side effects of this search: lately, while defending the city of Segurane against the armies of Theoblanc, the boristi heresiarch, I have discovered Love and I’m about to wed Lady Marianne of Gilboch. For several practical reasons, it is for me impossible to ask your permission for this marriage, but I hope that, at least, I will get afterward your benediction, as this blessed event will push me to the incredible and difficult position of being elected King of Seshnela.
After the war with the ralian coalition, this title is probably mere a symbolic position than the true place of power that it used to be the past, but you taught me how important are symbols if well used…
I fear that my superiors within the New Hrestoli Church in Loskalm will condemn me for joining to the Noble Caste without having be tested for my achievements as a sorcerer… and frankly, in their point of view, they will probably be right, as I have been also a very poor student in the Arts since I became a liturgist of the Battle Seers Order. Anyway the situation here is such, that if I want to honor the responsibility principle they taught me, I have to accept the position and try to do my best to save lives directly here, and, well, also protect their land from the Kingdom of War, even from far way.
With a lovely and adorable wife, an easy life is very tempting, but my duty for the Talor’s quest is a burden that I can’t escape in any way. Worse than that, my understanding of the local situation brings also its load of requests and actions, catching me in an hurricane of difficult questions where the only person I would turn for advices is absent. Honored father, if you could find a possibility to visit me before we leave for the Quest, I would be your most grateful son.
Your ever loyal son, Azhur of House Daymare.’ 
[OOC]
It would be formidable to have Azhur's father plotting in Seshenela for his son while he is away... 
*************************************
Representatives of the remaining lords of Seshnela made themselves present, along with those of the Castle Coast, where three lords applied to become Baronies (of Frowal, Laurmal and Rhis). Religious representatives were also present from both the Old Hrestoli and Rokari faith, both hoping to lobby for their faith to become the official credo of the new Kingdom. Representatives of foreign lands were also present, including Arolanit, the Ralios confederation (led by none other than Princess Erengazor, the Overlord of Sentanos), Pasos and Pithdaros. There were even representatives, albeit minor ones who could leave in a hurry and travel the coast, from Erontree and Loskalm. The representative from Nolos was a most erudite and well-dressed noble who apologised at length on how his invading army had been 'bewitched' by the magics of Theoblanc and his allies. At times the tension between him and the lords of the southern regions of Seshnela was quite visible.
Despite the pretence of pomp and ceremony, it was clear that this was a modest affair, as far as marriages and coronations go. Azhur's choice of religious blessing led the ceremony with others playing a supporting role. 
*************************************

To avoid showing any favor for the moment, Azhur cautiously decided to follow the rites of his wife’s faith without discarding any other possible blessings, thus asking for all cults present at the court to be part of the ceremony.
He accepted graciously the words from the New Reformed Rokari Church, the Old Hrestol’s Faith, the Adrya’s songs, the Beastmen’s greetings and even foreign religious priests like Jareena or himself as a liturgist of the New Hrestoli Church (a position he still held until elected king).
[OOC]
Being agnostic, Azhur can't favorise one church against another.
*************************************

The lords of Seshnela gave their fealty to the new King, including the Baron himself, as the ambassadors gave recognition. First the coronation and then the marriage, to the cheers of hundreds, both noble and commoner, beastman and human, elf and dwarf. It was, as arranged by the Baron, conducted on the first day of Sacred Time, symbolically appropriate for the birth of a a new Year, new Kingdom, a new Dynasty and a new Family.
When the ceremonies closed and feasting began the Baron, upon receiving a quiet missive, took leave and gathered the new King and the Fellowship together for a private audience. He mentioned that many days past he had said there was someone they had to meet, and now was the time. He brought horses for all to ride, and a swift pony for Kalen who sat upon it with some discomfort. Riding to the south and west he beckoned the Fellowship to take heel; he rode for some hours well into the night. Finally, when Kalen was certain he could take no more on the back of the horse, he dismounted at a natural harbor and pointed out to sea.
It was dark, the night was cold and foggy, but the howling wind and rain had subsided greatly. It was Icthya who sensed it first with the interrupting vibrations in the air's flow. Then there were the eerie singing voices. Finally and quickly it moved into view, and all were stunned and fearful – a massive ship, shaped like a white swan but bearing an eagle's head on the prow. 
- "Yes", spoke Baron Silverdale. "It is the Luatha. How do you think I managed to maintain this isle free from destruction for so long without their approval? Yes, the Luatha. The twenty five demigods who destroyed Old Seshnela, who sank the lands leaving the scattering of islands that exist today."
The boat reached the shoreline. A half-dozen godlike humanoids stepped forth, along with what appeared to be a normal person, albeit in strange clothes. The demigods were almost three times the height of man, with purple skin and bore brilliant armour and weapons. They stode forth, purposefully to the assembled group and sang in unison.
- "We are the Luatha from the lands of the Dusk, soldiers to the Gods. We bring you greetings and we come, this time, in peace. We know of your Quest, although it is of a magnitude that you will not understand. The challenges that you will face in order to complete your journey are ... unusual and so we have come forth to help you. We provide you a man, a mere man but one from hundreds of years in the past. For his past crimes, we kept him imprisoned. Now he is needed. Hopefully he had learned the arrogance of his people and will not make the same mistakes. We present to you the one who calls himself Rikku."
- "He is a Godlearner".
*************************************

- "He is or he was ?" asked Azhur suspicious but greatly impressed by the presence of the legendary breakers of Land. 


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