Dear Elric, Disturbing News from Tyr

[magic spear]

Dear Elric,

It is with great sorrow that I write to you of disturbing occurrences on Tyr. I believe you know of the Sturmraben, a gentle people, great builders and traders, who work for the good of all in the community, much like we, the Luminari. These shared values of openness and generosity towards all have drawn the Sturmraben and the Luminari together over these past months, which is what makes the news I share more tragic.

A foul thing has befallen the Sturmraben. Their erstwhile warriors attempted to destroy the clan from within before leaving and attempting to rip the clan apart. They then entered Lyonesse and laid claim to the shrine they knew the Sturmraben intended to revitalize.

In concurrence, the clan Karma was corrupted by Leviathan, the Lord of Envy. They envied the influence Sturmraben earned through generosity and sought their downfall. In retrospect, this should have been evident long ago from the great monuments Karma built to sea serpents and dragons. It seems they have been venerating Leviathan for some time.

Karma in their envy, drew the traitors into themselves, and through subterfuge and sleight of hand, claimed a shrine they did not earn as they had no warriors themselves. It is for this reason the Luminari have cut all ties with Karma and I have instructed the paladins of Luminari to protect the Sturmraben at all cost. The warriors of Ravengate have joined in this effort, and together we stand against envy and pride.

I fear the war against the princes of darkness is only beginning. We must all take care not to fall into their snares, for they would deceive even the best of us.

In Demira’s Care,

Shalimar, Shepherd of Down
@twilit totem @short goblet

Dear Elric, Disturbing News from Tyr

[magic spear]

Dear Elric,

Once again I must write with disturbing news. This time it involves not our allies, but us, the Luminari ourselves. The princes of darkness are moving once more on Tyr. This time Lucifer, Lord of Pride entered into our midst and corrupted our warriors. I must admit, I myself was not blameless. I lost focus on the community and sought to build military might and glory, something that has never been the place of the Luminari. This led to a series of events culminating in several of our warriors plotting to destroy me as a leader and shepherd.

They let their pride lead to lies and deception. Over time they worked to undermine and divide, causing a rift within our midst. When confronted, they cast the blame on me for even questioning their actions and motives. I asked for conversation and reconciliation, they returned blame and accusations. In the end they spread their lies about me in front of all our allies in an attempt to destroy me. When Helix, leader of Ravengate heard the lies, his wrath was kindled. He entered the assembly in rage, calling out the leaders of the rebellion and mocking their unwillingness to speak with him directly. His rage caused discomfort among the other shepherds of Luminari.

The rage of Helix, as uncomfortable as it was to all, brought forth truth and cleansing. The rebels removed themselves from the Luminari and created their own clan, Aeterna. The next few days brought much turmoil to the Luminari as we wrested with the aftermath. Ravengate separated from the alliance, and the Luminari spent time in contemplation and conversation. Slowly things began to heal.

Today I received word that the rebels have allied themselves with Bloodmark, the most powerful of the clans. This harbingers a change in dynamics as the two most powerful military forces join together to create a dominant alliance. It seems Lucifer's influence continues as people strive for power and pride. The lesson for the Luminari is to continue following the Redeemers as we have through our history. Seeking power and influence only leads to deception by the princes of darkness. We must hold fast to the virtues of the Redeemers, particularly Demira, whose care we show to all of Tyr.

In Demira's Care.

Shalimar, Shepherd of Down
@twilit totem @short goblet @snow steppe @sturdy venture

[magic spear]

Dear Elric

It troubles me to write you so soon after my last missive. Yet again one of the princes of darkness has walked upon Tyr bringing corruption in his wake. This time Hellequin, Lord of Levity has walked among us, corrupting the joy of games and competition into something cruel and biting, ending in betrayal. You may have heard of Vordmor, an old, powerful, and proud clan with fierce warriors. They are our ancient rivals, yet hold our respect for their ability to maintain the faithful even through trying times. This time it was they who suffered.

Yogmir, one of their trusted elders, a stalwart in the community and well-regarded for his prowess in battle found his compatriots less eager than himself for battle. In his pursuit of enjoyment and the thrill of the fight, he became ensnared by Hellequin. He joined himself to a group of brigands who spent their days harassing travelers and laborours, or invading the castles of other clans for vanity and pleasure. In the end he turned on his own people, and hunted them with his group of brigands, thus ending his association with Vordmor.

In the meantime, the warriors of Ravengate, angered by the injustices pervading the land made the decision to remove their claim in Lyonesse and move to distant lands. No sooner had the fire of Camlan been extinguished, Yogmir's brigands swooped in and claimed the shrine for their own "House of Forsaken". It seems that Hellequin surely is their Lord, for soon after setting their claim, they began to taunt their neighbors, the mighty Bloodmark clan.

What is to come in the future? It is hard to say, what is clear is that the princes of darkness are gaining power day by day. When the most stalwart warriors fall to their influence, it casts a shade across all the world. Many of the faithful have left on long pilgrimages. Will they return to these lands? Those that remain must continue to follow the path of the Redeemers, particularly Eleleth whose virtue of resilience reminds us that we can overcome the powers of darkness.

In Demira's Care,

Shalimar, Shepherd of Down
@twilit totem @short goblet @south otter @sturdy kernel @stray vector