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Ferstaal: Seasons of Intrigue's LiveJournal:
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| Friday, August 18th, 2006 | 9:03 am
[shaharazad]
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| 8:45 am
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Caerling Abducted
This is the second part of a 3-part intro I wrote for the Ferstaal tabletop game I ran at GenCon. It focuses entirely on Caerling because Caerling was the only character I knew was going to be in the game. ( Much imperilment below cut ) | | Tuesday, August 8th, 2006 | 10:06 pm
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| | Monday, April 17th, 2006 | 10:43 pm
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Settling in
Mattie Engdal had travelled to Medbobd alone, and against the wishes of friends and family. Now faced with the prospect of living as a guest at the palace for the winter, she found herself in a guestroom that was nearly the size of the entire cottage she's shared with her husband before the attack on their settlement. She felt lost and very much alone. The servants had been very kind, showing her around and making sure her meals were arranged, but she was not used to having people attend to her needs and her instincts kept telling her not to bother the staff. Surely they had more important guests to attend to. She studied a while from the small book of prayers that she carried with her, asking silently for the protection of the spirits for her beloved Jonathan as she had a thousand times during her travels, but the loneliness of the room and the autumn chill in the air soon made her restless to move about. Asking directions from the servants, Mattie made her way to the House Vitur guest quarters, hoping she might visit a bit with the two young women who had been kind to her while she waited to see the King. | | Sunday, April 16th, 2006 | 9:47 pm
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Report from the City (Attn. Tala) Second Day of Court
"You're sure? You're absolutely certain?" The young acolyte spoke nervously, but there was no doubt that Brother General Takuius could read in his eyes. "Yes, Brother General, Sister Oselta visited the garden shrine where I was working last spring. She led prayer for the three of us who were there tending the shring. Sister Oselta isn't the kind of person one easily forgets." Takuius strained a little to keep from smiling. The young man had a point there. "All right, Brother Petrus, tell me the rest. You saw Sister Oselta in the merchant district, and then what?" "Well, I didn't dare approach her, but I asked around. I never mentioned her name or her station, just said I thought she might be a friend of my mother's. She's living at an inn of moderate reputation, and her room is paid for by a man named Malone, a known crimminal. I came directly to you because I feared she might be in some danger from this man." Takuius nodded. "You did the right thing." "Thank you, Brother General? May I return to my parish?" "Oh, no, Brother Petrus. Think well of everything you just told me. Now you need to repeat all of it to the First Sister." Petrus turned a bit more pale at that news, but followed obediently as Brother General Takuius led him to the chambers of the First Sister. | | Monday, April 10th, 2006 | 11:29 pm
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End of Court (First Day of Court, Afternoon)
Mattie Engdal was among the last called before the King. She stepped forward, bowed deeply, and spoke in a calm and even voice of the plight of her small village on the frontier. "Your highness, we have appealed to the Lord of our land, and he has done all that he can do, but the frontier was hard pressed all Summer, and no man dares join an expedition into the wilderness when his own home could be threatened. Meanwhile, these savages come and go as they will, preying on the weak without fear of retribution. I beg you, your Highness, to show these brigands that there is justice along our frontier." Her brief but heartfelt words have clearly moved many in the court to sympathy, and the King pauses a moment before answering. "You are not the first to report these troubles. Our enemies must think me old and infirm that they grow so bold. I can make you this promise, my lady. There shall be retribution, make no mistake. But as you well know, the winter season approaches, and there will be no chance to move armies until the spring thaw. Our hearts go out to your loss, and we extend the invitation for you to remain a guest of this court, that you may see for yourself come spring what I have in store for Ferstaal's enemies." A servant comes forth to make arrangements for Mattie to be given a place in the guest quarters. Soon after, the King rises to formally close the first day of court. Those assembled bow as the King and the representatives of the nobles make their way out. The hall remains open and people are free to mingle and socialize. | | Thursday, March 9th, 2006 | 1:43 pm
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Tracking (Court Opening Day, afternoon)
Gar Logan had spent the morning escorting various family members to and from the infirmary where they were checking on the condition of Lord Slade. Lord Stanhelm had made Logan's orders clear. He wanted Logan to stay clear of court, at least until Stanhelm had an idea of how the other nobles were reacting. By the noon meal, Captain Logan had attended to all of the visitors from his household who had wanted to look in on Lord Slade. He grabbed a quick bit of bread and cheese and ate while he walked over to the stables. It was time to do some looking around. Fortunately, the path behind the stables hadn't seen much foot traffic during Hangover Day. What he found was disturbing. The attackers (the tracks indicated at least three, possibly four), had been very quiet, very efficient. He found the spot where he'd been ambushed. He had set himself up in a position away from Lord Stagg and Brunnor to keep watch, and he had thought himself well-concealed. One of the attackers had managed to approach him and knock him cold with a single blow. Gar wasn't one for bragging, but he'd have thought such a scenario near impossible. His woodcraft was as good as any civilized man's. From there, Gar followed the tracks of the attackers as they had crawled into position and then launched their attack on Lord Slade and Brunnor. This fight had also been over quickly, and the attackers had moved off parallel to the path. Gar noticed signs that they had paused near the edge of the path. Could they have been hiding there in the shadows while those girls had come on the scene. Gar suddered at the thought. At one point the footprints of one of the girls was a few feet from that of one of the assassins. Gar bent and examined on of the footprints: Soft leather boots, a deep impression in the mud. These were big men. Big and strong and very stealthy. A very dangerous combination. A sound of footsteps along the path called Gar's attention back to the present. He slipped off to the side near the back of the stables and melted into the bushes. He made extra-sure he had a wall at his back this time, and watched to see who else was passing this way. | | Tuesday, March 7th, 2006 | 11:42 pm
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First Day of Court: Afternoon
When the King returned from the noon meal, he called for the attention of the assembled court. "As you know, there was an unfortunate incident that occurred after the staff's dawn dance, and it left our good friend Lord Slade gravely wounded. During this morning's council session, an offer was made for one of the witnesses to the incident to relate her story to the court. We feel this might help to quell rumors about what did or did not go on. Furthermore, as there were actually three witnesses, I would ask to hear from all of them. I am informed that one is a servant of my household. She will give her account first." Freyda nervously approaches the throne, curtsies formally to the King, and then quickly relates the story. She is obviously trying to get this over with while at the same time making a failed effort to not appear to be rushing. Still, the King merely thanks her for her account and then dismisses her. He then calls on Caerling and Picorna to tell their versions of the story. | | Thursday, February 16th, 2006 | 10:38 pm
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Court Formally Opens
The traditional trumpet fanfare signalled the opening of the King's Court for business. The Kings stood, raising his hand in greeting, and gestured to First Sister Talavaria for a word of thanks to the Spirits. In the back of the hall, the chief herald had received the list of petitioners and was busily shuffling through papers so that they might be introduced. Out in the courtyard, the Steward had control over who got to see the King; the chief herald decided the order in which they would be admitted. | | Sunday, February 12th, 2006 | 1:53 pm
[first_sister]
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Court Opening Day, early morning, Church quarters
The First Sister and her staff had gone to bed early the night before, but when they awoke on Court Opening Day, they were all still tired. It had been a long and trying week, and no one could predict what would come next. Picorna helped Talavaria dress in a rather awkward silence. Heavy on the young girl's mind were the events of the Meditation of the Fields, and how she had nearly ruined everything. Soon it became too much for her to bear, and her hands fumbled with the normally simple task of tying her mistress' sash. "What's wrong, Picorna?" asked Talavaria. The girl hesitated, and the First Sister pulled one of the oldest tricks in the book-- she waited, silently. Finally Picorna spoke. "I almost ruined everything!" she sobbed, bowing her head in shame. "What are you talking about?" Talavaria kept her voice gentle, but a hint of her confusion still crept in. She sat down and beckoned the girl to her. "I... the Meditation, I... I wasn't paying attention, I--" "We were all very tired," said the First Sister. "And you had done a very noble thing the night before. You helped save a man's life, and the Spirits cannot look with disfavor on that. The Meditation was fine, you didn't ruin anything." Picorna sniffled and looked up. "You really think the-- the Spirits aren't mad at me?" Talavaria smiled. "No, child. Moderation in all things, remember? We walk the middle way. What you did for Lord Slade far outweighs a little pause in a ritual. I doubt anyone even noticed, there were so few in attendance yesterday." She embraced the girl, then smiled at her. "Let's get ready, the day's events are about to begin, and we shouldn't be late!" | 12:44 am
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Court Opening Week Day 1: Opening of Court
A leader or appointed representative from each noble house is present as theKing arrives in the main hall, accompanied by his chief herald, the Crown Prince, Spackle the Fool, and Lord Gavin Vasille the captain-at-arms. Lots are quickly drawn for the seating of the noble houses, with Lord Stagg and the Lord Rian Kassof drawing the choice places to the left and right of the royal party. Normally this would be followed by the traiditional trumpet fanfare and the admission of petitioners to court. Already, out in the courtyard, the steward, Lord Ezra, is overseeing the preliminary screening of the claimants. Today, however, the King has other business on his mind. "Before we begin, first, I ask a moment's prayer that the Spirits favor the full recovery of a good friend to this court, Lord Lucien Slade. I am certain the First Sister could do a better job than I at prayer, and when the court is open, I shall request her blessing, but for the moment, let us silently entreet the spirits on behalf of our friend in his moment of need." The King bowed his head for a time, then continued. "It does not please this court to open for business in the midst of strife. We understand that the injury to Lord Slade came about through malice, and we are clear in our rejection and condemnation of this cowardly attack. We also understand that there may be disagreement among you lords as to how to proceed. I will hear those concerns voiced now, before this court turns its attention to matters of the kingdom." The King turned to House Slade's seat, occupied by Lucien's son, Lord Stanhelm Slade, a man with a well-deserved reputation as a skilled warrior and woodsman. "Your majesty. Fellow lords. I shall be brief. My family expects nothing less than a full investigation and the swift and immediate justice of the royal court brought to bear on the vile cowards behind this attack!" His gaze turned toward Rian Kassof, "Some here my dwell in past ages under the mistaken impression that my family is one to be bullied and intimidated. They will discover the mistake of their ways in short order." He sat, waiting to see who else had anything to say on the matter. | | Saturday, February 11th, 2006 | 11:50 am
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Court Opening Week Day 1: King's Chambers, Early Morning
The servant nearly knocked Prince Tor over as he burst from the King's chambers. "What's wrong, man" Tor steadied the man, who looked horrified that he'd just run into the Crown Prince. "It's the King. He's not well. I was running to fetch the physician." Tor looked over the man, really not more than a lad. He was a new member of the King's staff and Tor it took a moment for Tor to recall his name. "Not the Physician, Cedric, not yet. Fetch Lucas. He knows the my father better as well as any in the staff. Lucan will know if a doctor is required. Fetch Lucas and then stad ready to carry word if you are needed." Cedric took off at a run and Tor entered the chambers. Lucas, senior among the King's personal attendants was indeed familiar with the health woes that the King had been suffering from as of late. Running to the physician would only cause the spread of rumors, and this was a bad time for rumors. King Holfrid sat unsteadily on the edge of his bed. "A bad night, Father?" Tor knelt next to the bed. Holfrid nodded weakly. "Barely slept, then I fell trying to get out of bed. Damnit, son! You'd be better to start a war and die in battle than have to deal with old age! A troll's club is kinder and swifter as well!" "Father, let me oversee the opening of court. You need rest." But of course, the King would hear nothing of it. By the time Lucas arrived, Holfrid was demanding his robes, and doing a half-convincing job of pretending that he felt healthy as a young stallion. Tor tried to assist, but Holfrid soon ordered him away. "Go, son. Make sure that everything is ready for me. Court will open today, and it will open at the appointed hour!" | 11:47 am
[milena_pax]
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Court Opening Week - Day One
It was still very early, and Milena had just finished her morning walk. Currently, she was in the courtyard, enjoying the scenery, and waiting for other people to be up and aound. Today was the firstday of court opening week, and she hated to say it, but she was a little excited to see what would happen. It would be nice to see everyone stand around uncomfortably, and try to safely discuss the stabbing that had happened. Crime had always intrigued Milena. Smiling a bit, she sat down and watched a few giggling servant girls walk by. | | Wednesday, February 1st, 2006 | 12:46 am
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Chapel Guest Quarters, After Dawn, Hangover Day
Picorna lay on a cot in the infirmary, paralyzed by the pain and the drugs as the doctors looked down on her. At the periphery of her vision, she could see the thin knife sticking out of her chest, quivering back and forth ever so slightly as she gulped in tiny breaths of air. They were arguing, not about how to treat her, but about what she had done to deserve her fate.
"...What she gets for spying."
"...Imagine! The attendant to the first sister dancing with a common stable lad!"
"...Consorting with light-skirted servant girls who haven't a bit of regard for morals!"
"...Helping to perpetuate this blasphemous tradition of 'Hangover Day'!"
"...Neglecting her duties!"
"...Losing the Spirit Speaker!"
"...Sleeping late on a Holy Day!"
Suddenly as if all in agreement, the doctors reached down together to grip the handle of the knife. Picorna tried to scream, tried to warn them they had to leave the knife in or she'd bleed to death, but she had no breath to cry out with. All she could manage was a sickly rattle as the knife was pulled free and her blood gushed forth like a fountain.Picorna awoke to find that she had plenty of breath to scream with, enough to send Sister-Aide Nyllen jumbing back a step. "Picorna... Are you all right?" "I... I..." Picorna reached down to her chest, checking herself for injury before managing to gasp, "I'm all right. Nightmare. I'm sorry." Nyllen came closer and patted the girl's shoulder. "You don't need to do this, you know. I'll tell them you're ill. It's close enough to the truth." Picorna sat up, "Am I in time?" Nyllen nodded, "You've an hour to ready yourself. The First Sister is already up and preparing for the ceremony. She had a long night of it too. Oh, and she asked me to tell you that Lord Slade is alive, and we've hope he'll recover fully. He isn't out of danger yet, but you should know that your actions are a big part of what saved him." Picorna nodded, unsure of how to respond to that. Nyllen didn't wait around. She tossed Picorna's ceremonial robes onto the bed and returned to her morning work. | 12:28 am
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Chapel Wing Infirmary, Early Morning, Hangover Day
Brother Brilke emerged from the surgery area to report to the First Sister. "The Royal Surgeon and the House Slade Doctor are still working on him, First Sister. The blade penetrated his lung but not deeply. The mail he was wearing certainly saved his life. We've stopped the loss of blood, removed the blade, and applied an herbal paste. They are stitching him up now. He regained consciousness at one point, but fainted again from the pain. We gave him as strong a mix of narcotic herbs as we felt safe using, and he is unconscious now, but his heart beats steadily and his breathing, though exceeingly weak, is stable." Jenna Slade-Pax breathed a sigh of relief and whispered a quick prayer of thanks. She and Milena Pax had moved within earshot when the doctor had approached the First Sister. | | Tuesday, January 31st, 2006 | 11:34 pm
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Hangover Day (Night), Medbobd
Duncan crouched by the edge of a low rooftop, motioning for Harsfeld to stay low. Duncan moved closer and crouched next to his companion, speaking in the faintest of whispers. Speaking in a low whisper, Duncan reported "Something's up. He's got a lookout posted. Two men in the side alley, two on the roof next to the building, one across the street. I recognized one of them. Former guard captain for House Hestor til he got caught one to many times with their servant girls. Man's a right bastard, but he's a better merc than what you'd usually pick up off the streets." Duncan poked his head up at the sound of a carriage clanking through the narrow street. Sure enough it stopped for just a moment at the front entrance to the building. "Yep, our man has company over tonight. Important company by the look of things." | | Saturday, January 28th, 2006 | 7:03 pm
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Afternoon, Hangover Day, Vitur Guest Quarters Courtyard (Attn. Giovanni)
The day's excitement more than made up for the fact that Aster had been two young to attend the King's Ball. She'd already helped Spackle and Emily to smuggle that man out of the palace, and now she was to have her first fencing lesson. Emily hadn;t arrived yet, and Aster didn't know whether she and Spackle had been successful. She'd wanted to go with them, but they'd told her that she would just attract more attention by tagging along. Her mind raced between Spackle and Emily's mission and her upcoming lesson. Maybe she should get prepared somehow. She had noticed that people usually stretched out their muscles and practiced before a tournament. Aster bent down and touched her toes, then stretched her leg up on one of the courtyard benches. The gues quarters around the small courtyard were mostly empty still, which is why Aster's mother had chosen this place. Growing bored of stretching, Aster picked up a thin stick and swung it like a sword, battling against a mock opponent. In her imagination, those nasty Joffa boys were begging for mercy as she closed in for the kill. | | Monday, January 23rd, 2006 | 12:12 pm
[ivan23]
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Hangover Day, Day One
Kelden was not happy about what must be done. Given his choice, he would still be in bed, holding something cold to his head. Not due to a hangover - he had drunk his share, of course, but one did not remain long in the service of Lord Stagg if given to overindulgence. No, the pain in his head came from a blackening eye and the partially torn lobe of his left ear. He had seen to it as well as he might, but few chirurgeons worked on Hangover Day and fewer still that could be relied upon to remain silent. It was for this reason as well that he had come on his own, rather than sending one of the boys. In his left hand he held a ribbon, somewhat stained and torn. With his right, he knocked at the doors which led to the servant's quarters of House Kassof. | | Saturday, January 21st, 2006 | 11:55 am
[shaharazad]
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Hangover Day, Early Morning, Medbobd
It had been a long night of spending his good fortune, and the sun was up when Duncan Malone headed back to the Queen's Arms Inn. He'd spent a good deal of money buying drinks for old friends and a few old enemies, but he'd been careful to consume in moderation himself. He knew from experience the dangers faced by a man who throws money around and risks being marked by thieves. Of course, Duncan's experience in such matters didn't actually extend to the perspective of the victim, and he had no desire for that to happen any time soon. So he made his way back to the inn cautiously, only slightly hazy from the drink. He was alert enough to notice the three young men in the alleyway prodding a pile of rags with sticks. He was even alert enough to notice that the pile of rags was actually an old beggar-woman. And he was just drunk enough to lack the sense to mind his own affairs and keep walking. "Now there's some real sport, boys! What'll it be next? I hear there's a family up the way that has a crippled dog you could kick. Should be a real challenge for the likes of ye!" That got their attention. Duncan had grabbed a handful of grimy dirt and gravel before he'd gotten their attention, and he flung it into the eyes of the first one as the man charged, sidestepping the blinded thug and tripping him up in the process. The second one swung the stick and Duncan ducked that and punched him in the gut. The third man had a knife and Duncan wasn't fast enough to avoid it as it bit into his upper arm. Duncan grappled with the man but was hit from behind by the ruffian with the club. This was going very badly. He'd figured on that man staying down. he kicked backward once; managed a glancing blow. The second kick got lucky, landing straight in the man's groin and this time he did go down. Meanwhile Duncan struggled with the knife-wielder, who was getting the better of the situation with his advantages of youth and strength. Duncan clawed and gouged, but couldn's seem to regain the advantage. Then as suddenly as the fight had begun, the man shoved Duncan back and turned and fled. His comrades made off after him. Duncan turned to see the old woman standing. She seemed unharmed. From down the road, marching boots on cobblestones signalled the approach of the watch. They usually didn't pay any heed to drunks and beggars sleeping it off in alleys, but still... "Come, Gran'ma. I'll see you've a warm bed for this night at least." She looked grateful, and muttered a quick thanks to the spirits before following Duncan down the alley and away from the approaching watchmen. Some time later, they arrived at the Queen's Arms, where Duncan paid for a hot meal, a bath, and a room for the night for his "grandmother". He left her in the care of the innkeeper and retired to his own room to clean and bind the cut on his arm and to sleep off the night's adventures. | | Thursday, January 19th, 2006 | 11:23 pm
[shaharazad]
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OOC: Court Begins (Day 2 of Court Opening Week)
Court is basically the means by which the people of Ferstaal gain access to the King for the setting of disputes, for diplomatic embassies, and for certain ceremonies. Court is held in the main hall of the palace. There are seats set up for the King, the Steward, the Corwn Prince, the heads of each noble house, and the leaders of the Church and Guild. Seating is drawn by lot each morning, so there is no perception of favorites being seated nearer to the King. The other major participants in court are the Chief Herald, the Captain-At-Arms, and the Fool. The herald handles announcements of petitioners. The Captain-At-Arms is in charge of security. The Fool provides entertainment as requested by the King. The heads of the noble houses are not obligated to attend court. They may come and go as they like, or they may have a representative sit in their place (although the word of the representative is considered binding). Outside of the main hall, petitioners must first pass through a series of questioners who determine whether their business is worthy of the King's time. These staff members, in service to the Herald and the Steward, may redirect a petitioner to some other venue, such as the city courts in Medbobd. Anyone has the right to petition the King, but there are no guarantees that he will even receive the message. That being said, the current King has a good reputation for taking time to hear the disputes of commoners as well as nobles. Sometimes a crimminal will petition the King to hear his case. The king has the power to dispense immediate justice. However, because he also has the power to order a prisoner put to death, many would rather take their chances with the magistrates of the courts. Executions may be ordered only by the King (for any crime), or by the ruling head of a noble house (only for crimes committed on that lord's land). Technically, the King also has the power to overrule an order of execution from a noble lord, but in practice this has taken place only very rarely. Court usually begins about an hour after dawn. Around noon, petitioners are cleared out, and lunch is served for court. The King then usually re-opens court for several more hours of business, although he may declare the court closed at any time. |
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