Virgil Madriach's Story

"We've waited much too long for this moment, please have a seat." Virgil bowed in respect and led Maul to a seat. "A steward of mine passed on some information...You were attacked on your way here and early this morning I've already dispatched some troops on the road, improving security on the roads is of paramount importance."

"Military matters are at rest, however the pirate knows much more than we do regarding naval warfare and I AM SURE he will blockade major ports cutting off foreign imports and food cargoes. Foreigners I care not for they merely bring gold and luxury goods people can go without, however FOOD is of utmost importance is any conflict, if we are to be blockaded the only way to receive goods are via land which caravans must go through harsh weather and countless brigands." Virgil rolled out a map of Penumbria which had several markers pinned on it.

"Coastal villages are most at risk, I've already receive reports about pirates raiding the Lowland coast. Now this is most detrimental to the economy as those who are effected will bunch up in the larger towns or move further inland thus cutting off the fish supply and unlike cattle or poultry which requires quite some time to breed and grow a fisherman can feed his entire family easily during a fishing trip and fish are always there." Virgil shook his head, he then took a few markers and put them on various parts of the coast.

"There's nothing much we can do about the pirate raids, though what we can do is station a handful of men at critical landing points around the coast so those pirates don't think of raiding inland. As you can see each unit is stationed in ten keys intervals. I wonder what you think..."

(The Warehouse fire and port riot will happen at night :D)

Yes, a man after my own heart! Maul thought with pleasure as the king immediately got down to business. He was happy to sit down with the king and listened intently as Virgil showed him the latest developments. It would be a great start if what the king shared with him was genuine. It would mean that Virgil placed enough trust in Maul to share sensitive information with him. Maul expected a certain level of trust given the historical closeness of the two families, yet it was still refreshing to see it happen.

"Yes I was attacked, and I will find out who did it and they will pay!" Maul replied in all seriousness.

As Virgil continued explaining the attacks on the coast and what steps he had taken, Maul's confidence grew in the young king. This was not a king who will sit back and let his generals do what is necessary. This king took charge, and he seemed to know exactly what was going on and felt confident enough to share it with Maul. I can work with him.

"I wonder what you think"...King Virgil asked.

"My Lord, I think it is wise to watch for inland raids. It is something Sturmaz might try but I would venture to guess that it will cost him lots of men if he does that. So if we can fight him when he does come inland all the better. What I am afraid of is that he might be smarter than that. His men cannot come far when they come inland, they will stand out like a Highland mountain in Langsmerth. One word out of their mouths and we will know by their speech that they come from Hightower." Maul said thoughtfully while stoking his beard.

"I am as concerned as you probably are that Sturmaz might simply avoid coming inland and instead resort to lightning raids on small fishing villages while he maintains a comfortable hold on the seas. He might not have the largest navy but he certainly has the best and most experienced seamen. We can spend months fighting him on the sea at a huge cost." Maul continued while King Virgil listened. "My grandfather used to say, 'Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.' We must outsmart Sturmaz without confrontation on the sea.

Maul waited for the King to nod before continuing, "The best soldiers are always those who fight right alongside their leader. Warriors who feel they are part of something bigger, and if possible they must believe that they are like your sons. Sturmaz's men fight for money and loot. They are a bunch of pirates without honour. I believe that we can buy them off, and they will surrender their leader. My servant informed me that you have awarded Lady Arv Rondalion with the Wardenship of Hightower? If so you can add a condition to her acquisition. She must fund a ransom for the capture of Sturmaz, five hundred thousand pieces of gold will send every pirate on Sturmaz's fleet after him. This will make life very hard for Sturmaz."

"Secondly, we have to infiltrate Sturmaz's forces as soon as possible. One of my sources have informed me that there is a foreign mercenary in Langsmerth. He has a proficient couple of men following him, and he might be able to "join" forces with the pirates and thus allow us to begin closing the noose on Sturmaz."

"I believe it is your father who said, 'Opportunities multiply as they are seized' ". Maul said with a smile and a twinkle in his eyes. "It is time we turned the tide on this pirate!"

Virgil poured himself more wine and offered Maul to fill his cup. He stood up and took small steps over a window overlooking the harbour. "Then the words of my father and those who whisper in my ears were of gold, the name Theongor was not for naught. 'Opportunities multiply as they are seized' with those words I am put at ease." Virgil turned around towards Maul. "You seem to speak highly of this 'mercenary' I send men to seek him out immediately."

Ostel walked in "Your majesty, your lordship." Virgil handed him a small sack of gold. "Find this captain and tell him that there is ten thousand crowns worth of silver in that bag."

Virgil pulled an large object which was obscured by a thick cloth...

Maul gratefully poured himself a cup of wine and watched the king walk to the window. He was hoping the wine would make him feel a little better, as his wound was causing him some discomfort.

Well, it is good that the King sounds pleased with the advice I have given him.

It pleased Maul greatly to see the plan put into action. The pirate Sturmaz will start squirming very soon!

"My Lord, unless there is something else I would like to ask your leave in order to go and check up in the status of the search for my attackers? Please know that I and my men are at your disposal should war break out, and we will be vigilant even now in preventing it from happening."

As the king pulled on a large object covered by a thick cloth, Maul suddenly became very curious. What was this...

Arv Rondalion
As a merchant ship passed waving the signal flag for plan b the fisherman rowed in to the city and ran into a bar, heading straight to the back room. With the signal from the flag they spoke of what the plan was most people here were completely loyal, again some merchants would be sailing out today but the news of an inventor that had created a new water weapon was important to kill or capture.

Again the warehouse district was set on fire but instead of a dock riot, the inventors house was broken into and the guards killed, some of the group ran to the boat with all the papers they could find, while the others busted in a door where they found the inventor “come with us or die, don’t worry if you come with our boss has uses for you.”


Arv Stormkeep
As the giant ship passed the city a scene like in rondalion played, again merchants were the few that they were able to buy off. A fire and the riot played out like in the capital, but with less bars the middleclass and temples were dragged into the fight.

Langsmerth
The servant brought up some spiced wine and meat from the kings personal cooks, along with some for the lord of the highlands. What the servant didn’t know was that it had been laced with the drugs by the traitor paid off by sturmaz. He knocked on the door calling that food had been brought for the king and his guest.

"Well the fool didn't come to the coronation empty handed at all, in fact he passed me a strange gift, not of silver or spices but schematics for a repeating ballista, hah!" Virgil revealed the Polybolos like a magician doing a trick. We've been working on creating one from the plans for a month now, its unique mechanic proved to be of slight difficulty in reproducing, even the brightest minds in Penumbria took their time."

Virgil was highly excited by this new device, perhaps the greatest gift he has ever received in his life, luxuries he cared not for. Even though not a engineer or inventor himself he has great passion for technological advancements and nifty gadgets.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door, a servant entered with food and drink in hand. I'll demonstra.. Virgil turned to the door raising his eyebrows at the servant. "Excuse me your majesty here are the meals requested for yourself and his lordship." He then walked forward to put them down at the table. "Boy, leave that for later, we're in the middle of something." Virgil flipped the table on to its side and dragged it across the room against the wall. "Right then..." He cocked back the mechanism inserting several bolts into what it looks like tall thin box, a chain like device began to cycle. The bolts flew, the strings vibrating hectically. The box was empty within ten seconds. "It lacks the power and range of a conventional ballista, but for defence I say speed is much more important, I plan to have at least twenty of these manned around various choke points and guard posts in the city with a crew on them day and night." Virgil walked over to his bookshelf and took from it a round canister, a messenger box. He threw it at Maul. "Guard, go fetch a new table. Boy stay here until the table arrives. He turned back at Maul and said There's a copy, we done all the hard parts, I'm sure you'll find it useful...

As King Virgil pulled the cloth off the machine Maul grew more apprehensive. So, the pirate had left the designs for this repeating ballista? Why would he do something like that?

However, Virgil's enthusiasm was contagious and Maul stroked the bow of the machine with fascination. The smooth wood felt warm under his touch, and he could smell the oils that were used to lubricate the various gears and chains that made the machine work. Although Maul liked new technologies he still believed that nothing can replace the sword that so easily slipped into his hands, or the exhilaration of charging into battle on a war horse.

"It looks really good my Lord, but does it work?" Maul asked thoughtfully.

A knock on the door and the appearance of food reminded him of the promise to breakfast with the Lady Isodel this morning. As the king flipped a table over Maul jumped and grabbed one side to help him, and they quickly pushed the table against the wall.

The speed of the bolts flying into the table really impressed Maul as he shielded his eyes from flying splinters. The king was right, it doesn't have the power of a normal ballista or catapult, but it certainly will make a difference if positioned to defend against a large incoming force.

A smile spread across Maul's face as he caught the canister one-handed, this king was certainly refreshing to be around!

"Your Majesty, it will most certainly be useful. My sincerest gratitude." Maul bowed slightly and then faced the king. "If I may ask your leave, sire? I need to check up on the search for my attackers, as well as other matters. Then I will organize my men to join yours in defensive positions as you showed me. Maybe we can spread our net wider if we work together. I am expecting my men to already be back from Silverstone and well rested in the family estate of Boison House. They are some of the finest warriors in Penumbria!"

"Your Majesty." With that Maul bowed low and turned to exit the throne room but his eyes caught sight of something outside.

"Your Majesty!" Maul shouted as he watched clouds of smoke rising from the port region. "There is trouble in Langsmerth!" And he pointed through the window to the smoke that was visible in the distance. "I will go at once!", and with that he turned around and ran out to get his men organized...

The port was lit alight, an inferno swarming through the port area, it was a hot day too. Warehouses and taverns were burnt to the ground, corpses laid charred. It was peak hour of business, many alike around the port markets peddling and buying wares. How cruel can someone be to do such? The flames came too fast. All remained were the blacken wood and ash of the deceased. Many jumped in the water to save themselves from the raging fire, now they stood in the middle of the most destructive thing they seen. Virgil and his entourage road out to survey the damage.

The Maker has forsaken us, his gift used in such a malicious manner..." Virgil was shaken, never has he seen death in such volume. Qunten rode up to him "Well, this is going to be a good day's work." he said in a distasteful tone. Many commoners stood on the outskirts gawking at the wreckage. Ostel walked towards them, bowing. "It seems the fire started at a warehouse...on the eastern side of the port. The warehouse contained...large volumes of fats and oils. Pirates were also seen raiding and looting whatever they could before the fire started a few minutes ago." Virgil looked towards the east. There's nothing we can do here, Ostel you stay here and investigate more that pertains to the matter, I shall return to the palace." This was devastating to the economy, perhaps more than several thousand died in the fires, the whole town was only saved by its design. These guerrilla attacks struck fear in the people, mobs were forming in the city square...

It was not long before Sturmaz and his outfit would technically 'invade' Penumbria. Rumours of Hightower activity were reported in the north, however sources came from 'unofficial' sources thus were of no use to the King. They were playing a game of wait and pray, they could at a moments notice invade Hightower and reclaim it for the throne but the lack of foundation, a lack of trust hampered their progress. Royal Naval forces were disorganised as ever, many of the ships never abroad for decades, history dictates this conflict will outlast many.

Vaino's reforms reached the court, a threat it was to the power of the Order and its followers. For centuries unbroken, Makerism provided what was needed, unity. Men can fight over many matters trivial or paramount but when it comes to faith and the divine....

With all the Wards poised for war, who will turn their back?

"The bastard thinks he is King because he gets some title?" Bann Curimaine stood up and pleaded "Those pagans are vile, they will rebel against your rule to install their divines!" The court sounded in agreement.

Bann of Lieth, Aidan Curimaine was the head of House Curimaine a young but prestigious family situated between Langsmerth and Silverstone in the city of Lieth. The Curimaine's were big players in Lowland politics, known for their spearhead against the rebels in the Rebellion in which many of their house fell in the battles that occurred between Lieth and Silverstone against Bann Mbrasen.

(Excuse me can't post much today, have to catch up with some work)

A council was called to officially address the matters at hand; Vaino's offensive action against faith and the war on Hightower. There at the table sat:

• King Virgil Madriach, Protector of Penumbria
• Lord Qunten Eddermarch, Bann of Arengarden
• Lord Aiden Curimaine, Bann of Lieth
• Lord Oroles Baudin, Bann of Siev
• Lord Marcus Varier, Bann of Varen

One by one they wrote their name in blood as per tradition of secretive meetings such as these; a signing bound by the Maker.

"Only in times of uncertainty does one seek the Maker's guidance. We've all put aside good time to clear our concerns, enough of formalities lets get to it." Virgil rolled a map out, it was dim even with the several candles hanging on the walls.

"I see your majesty has marked the Twins, even myself the rumours seem impossible." Qunten said shrouding in the shadows. Virgil looked at Marcus and said That is exactly why I wish to see for myself, however it will not be straightforward. Now I wish to know when Her Lady, Fitzwarren plans to leave for Rondalion, you will accompany her wish your van then once you reach Rondalion take a rest a day or so then head onto the Twins. You will not be heading inland, follow the coast instead to scout for pirates and the likes. Qunten nodded in approval of the plan.

"A question, If the Twins are occupied by hostile forces, what is it that I am to do?" Virgil looked at him for a slight moment "Fight you will not, 'retreat' directly back here, but on the way back dispatch a courtier to Arv Rondalion to inform Her Lady, a note remember only to report of the situation not any giving of orders or specific information..." Virgil darted his eyes to the rest of the crowd. "My lords?"

"I am concerned regarding Lord Sivareth's actions in the west, and in matters serious, off with his head!" Aiden banged on the table and continued onto a religious rant. "Did you forget to pray today?" Marcus said, tired of Aiden's babbling, before anything could start Virgil cut in. Everything has it's reasons, however even I know naught of the mans aspirations and what he wishes to gain out of doing such, for that I assign the task to you, Oroles." Lord Baudin was soft spoken in speech preferring to say less than much, however much went on in his mind many dared not to venture. "I shall do my deed your majesty."

"I am hoping that Lord Theongor has arrived, please Qunten mind fetching him?" With that Qunten exited the claustrophobic ruined dungeon which was hidden deep in the castles old walls.

Pacing up and down along the east wall of the great library, Maul regretted his decision to get a palace scribe to create a copy of the schematics. He pushed his hand over his newly shaved head and glanced out over the bay. Moonlight glinted off the tiny waves and a couple of ships were illuminated under the cloudless sky. A dog barked in the distance and and the smell of the stables quietly drifted through the small window. He could see the palace guards outside, they have been more than doubled since Sturmaz started his trouble. I need to be home!

If he had simply gone straight to Boison House he would have been able to get ready to leave for the Highlands by dawn tomorrow morning. Now he has to sleep in the palace and will probably not leave for the Highlands before tomorrow afternoon. This scribe had taken his sweet time and was still occupied with the schematics!

Jode Blandnor approached Maul, "My Lord, it appears that the twin cities of Zephyr and Zephyrus have been taken. We are not sure by whom but it most probably is Lord Hightower."

So the pirate have taken the Twins. The Maker deliver us! "This would be a matter for Commander Vakarian and General Cade. I suspect that they should have this under control very quickly. The Twins are not the easiest towns to defend."

"Aye, my Lord." Jode nodded in agreement. "I have also heard a rumour, and a rumour it be, that General Cade has a war machine that spits fire, and that he's producing them by the dozen."

"Well, that be the Marshland way, never an ounce of honour in those men. Simply send as many ill trained and equipped warriors as possible and overwhelm your opponents! That be their way!"

The shuffling of feet and clearing of his throat announced the completion of his task, and the old scribe bowed low as he handed Maul a perfect copy of the schematics for Sturmaz's repeating ballista.

"I thank you old man."

The echoes of their boots could be heard as they approached the entrance to Maul's chambers. Rounding the corner Maul saw Bann Qunten Eddermarch waiting patiently for them.

"Uncle Qunten! How are you? It has been too long!" Maul exclaimed as he gave the old man a bear hug. "I trust your family is well. I regret the demands on my time that the Wardenship requires, otherwise I would have been over to visit. I trust you will attend the Highland Hunt? Well, as soon as this distasteful conflict with Hightower has passed."

"You can count on it...however, this conflict is growing and we should all be alarmed at what has transpired. I have actually come on the King's business. He desires your presence as he has arranged for a meeting of the most powerful Banns in the Lowlands. Since you are here in Langsmerth it is only fitting that you join us." Qunten solemnly stated. "It appears that Lord Hightower might have overrun the Twins of Zephyr and Zephyrus. If that is the case he will have access to the Tears."

Maul and Jode allowed Qunten to lead them to the dark belly of the castle. As they entered the room Maul noticed the grave faces of the Banns. Maul bowed respectfully to King Virgil and nodded silently to the Banns. "Your Majesty, I and my men are at your service. My apologies for being absent, as I was engaged in arranging the funeral of Bann Luitus. He was killed in the attack the other day."

"Liutus?" The words uttered sent a shock down his spine. He stood up and clasped Maul's shoulder. Extraordinary men falling by the minute, please send Lady Liutus my regards. We have much to do, please, a seat."

Qunten hailed the table "I have some work to do. Your majesty and lords, a thousand pardons." His footsteps echoed away until only the howling wind remained.

"I've been planning in conjunction with these fine gentlemen on our ideas on invading Hightower, I say the quicker we end this good for nothing strife the quicker we get onto things that truly matter." Virgil rolled several small model ship pieces onto the table. "Unfortunately the ships haven't seen daylight for a decade or two, and well abit rusty on the edge; however seaworthy none the less." He placed three pieces next to Langsmerth and looked up at the Lords. "We only have in total thirty warships in total plus many frigates to transport men, what I am concerned is, will we be able to reach Hightower before being ripped to shreds by pirates?" He then pointed to the Hightower Strait. "Perhaps we could stick close to the coast and work our way around, that way we will have support from land, repairs and replenishing of troops will be an easy task, then once we reach the strait we will launch a direct attack on Hightower itself, hopefully taking it in one go."

"Now, you gentlemen here have much more experience than I regarding warfare and related, please I request input from yourselves among us."

---

Qunten slowed down at his last few steps around the corner to Lady Isodell's quarters. A guard presented his arms and told him to halt. "Excuse myself, I am here to seek her Lady's presences, I am hoping she has time..."

Maul waited till the silence became awkward, "My Lord, I believe an attack on Hightower by sea at this moment may not be the best course of action. As you yourself stated such a direct attack may lead to disaster. Bann Blandnor has devised a plan which I have already put into action. My uncle, Igor Theongor, is master of the merchants guild in Langsmerth. Jode and Igor have for the last two weeks bought all the grain available from the overseas merchants. Ships have arrived and the warehouses are filling up very fast. Right now there is very little if any grain available from the foreign merchants. We have also convinced the merchant guild to refuse to sell any grain to pirates or any of the Hightower merchants. We all know that Hightower does not have the best grain producing lands, and that they will very soon run out if they cannot buy grain from any of the Penumbrian merchants. Without my uncle's influence this would never have been possible. He secured several thousand crowns of credit."

Maul looked at the men in the dark room. The strain had started to drain from their faces. "My king, if we continue to focus our forces on preventing Lord Hightower from invading and at the same time guard our stocks of food we can force Sturmaz to start coming to us where we have the upper hand. His men will mutiny as soon as they have to fight on empty stomachs."

The men awaited their dismissal which their liege seemed to not heed.

"A thousand pardons my good lords, I was 'caught' in thought, please after you." One by one the disgruntled lords left the dusty abandoned prison cell, perhaps the best place for 'secret' meetings. Virgil then caught Maul by the shoulder, gently pushing him aside "Excuse myself, I know that you long for home, as friends please forgive me for keeping you here too long." with that they nodded and parted ways.

He sat in his chair awaiting for Qunten's return, eager to hear Lady FitzWarren's response.

"She was not direct in answer, perhaps she has business to settle, no man can fathom." Qunten said as he hanged his coat. "I care not. If she does not leave soon you MUST leave for your task taking more men than planned." As much as he saw her as an ally, the witch could not be trusted!

"Lord Marcus leaves for Sundregn tomorrow's morn. The Mandate has been getting quite stirred up, I hear they are upping penalties against infidels and the likes." Qunten raised his eyebrows as he looked around the room. "Where's your serving boy? Squire what's his name." to which Virgil replied "Deaglan, recently knighted, off to establish and manage his new household..."

Virgil Madriach

"I've had to notice of the many things that happen in her quarters, especially since the Lion arrived, scum.." said Ostel.

Why, does Arv Ronadlion not need its Lion? Even worst he found such act to be rude, one of such status would of course know the customs of the lands.

"Strange that he does not greet myself in person is that all good men do?" Virgil strolled around his room, he personally did not wish to intrude on Isodell's private matters but as many once said, "Nothing is as it seems".

"Your Majesty, lions only bends its knees for their leader, excuse me for my harshness but Vakarian himself would cut your throat in your own bed if he was told to. Truly a man of fierce loyalty, but regarding good it depends who you ask."

Virgil then turned towards Ostel "Well in that case, why don't you organise a good round of drinks between him and I?"

Since the coronation he has found very little time for personal pleasures, which obviously irritated him more than all. Maybe a quick trip to the brothel......

Virgil Madriach

The day slowly grew dull, a storm started to form. Slowly drifting to sleep he dreamt of the days old and new, soon the rain fell. Suddenly a messengers steps could be heard, steps in haste. "Go on." he said to the bowing man. "His 'Lordship' has arrived in Sundregn, he seeks to wonder and slumber for a day or two before formally meeting Lord Sivareth." the Messenger slid a letter from his jacket but before handing it over he did say "One particular person, which I believe has no business to, seeks your presences for matters not described, pardon me Your Majesty, I truly have no idea how this ended up in the box..." Virgil snatched it off him and gestured the messenger to back off. "Farfell..." A name that he has heard ring a time or two but it was not familiar at the same time curious while cautious. "I find it particularly frustrating with you here gawking at me, a thousand pardons, unless you have anything else to present..." he said sternly to the messenger.

After the 'annoying' messenger departed, he drifted slowly to the lands of dreams.

---

Marcus Varier

As an attempt to avoid attention to himself and being invited to Vaino's court, he disguised himself as a luxury merchant traveling town to town selling the finest of wares and being wealthy enough to afford 'protection'. The gate guards, more or so were convinced and they were let in without problem, perhaps with underhand dealings which involved exchanges of goods...

The streets were crowded to the extremes, however there was no sign of anarchy, something Langsmerth days had quite often with brawls between rival families breaking into the streets and innocent bystanders becoming guilty.

Perhaps the Vaino's reforms were indeed beneficial, in the dusty and shifty alleys did he not see the murderer or the thief but rather than the poor folk dancing and reveling in happiness. Marcus and his party neared the inn, the place filled to the rim with drunk swampmen playing merry tunes, but at this time?

Back in the Lowlands, music was a privilege only for the rich and the noble with the occasional renegade bard playing in the poor man's tavern for a free drink. He approached the counter with a bag of crowns in hand. "Aye, rooms for twenty."