Ramon's Travels: The Principality of Krymm

        Krymm is the southeastern corner of the Kingdom of Praelia.  Geographically located south of the Mesker Mountains, north of the Balboan Ocean and from the Eastern edge of the Kaylinn Swamps all the way to the coast, Krymm is roughly equivalent to the size of Azara.   The principality is terribly rough as the land is rocky with little good soil for farming.  The mountains north and south often lead to flooding of Lake Overturf and the best farming lands to the east.   Storms from the violent Balboan Ocean ravage the landscape for many months out of the year, often destroying crops and buildings on the coastal areas with heavy winds and rains.  

        Long viewed as simply too inhospitable to seriously colonize, the region was ignored for cycles.  All of that changed when Clarksville became a colony of the Kingdom in 24 ACI.  Soon an increase in travel and trade gathered the attention of some cunning nobles who had long grown tired of suffering in the region.  These nobles witnessed Azara’s annexation and did not want to be left out.  So they worked tirelessly to think of ways to attract attention from Nicholshire in hopes of annexation.  It just so happened that Lord Elets had a similar thought in mind.  Maarek’s aspiration to unite the whole of the known world under the Praelian flag would be just what Krymm needed to infuse their economy.

        Both sides were desperate to gain the other’s alliance, but also not wanting to appear too eager and suffer a poor deal.  So, in what became known as the Sorrel Accords, Maarek and the five most prominent regional lords met to discuss terms.  

        Krymm offered all of their land and allegiances to Praelia, including direct access to the Engineer’s Lodge’s new airships, and Maarek pledged Merchant’s Guild trade discounts with Krymm at a 30% discount.  Neither side had the direct authority to broker on behalf of these guilds, but the deal was made and Krymm joined.

    Krymm also secretly secured the support of Analova in the event of any military action between Fadlan and Krymm in the accords.  This alone ultimately forces Analova to play out as mediator between the two principalities.  Were a war to break out, both Fadlan and Krymm could call upon Analova to support them and find out that Maarek pledged support to both sides.  This could potentially break up the entire eastern half of the Kingdom of Praelia.

From the Principalities: Welcome to 34 ACI

Recent events in the Kingdom have certainly run the gamut of impact on our land.  From east to west, turmoil has led to changes in the leadership and lifestyles of the citizens around.  Here are some of the highlights.

Azara  

• The acquisition of Victusburg by Duke Alonso Coronado proved to be a surprisingly beneficial change of events for the city.  While Coronado never intended to become Duke, he has vowed not to let this opportunity to prove himself become his folly.  To this end Coronado has negotiated lucrative shipping deals with Deweyton, Lestershire and several other towns along the canal and Ruby Sea.   He has even offered the Granite Spire a piece of the action at Calloway in exchange for lighter tariffs throughout the region.  
• Cormick has taken in many refugees from the White Star Empire.  The White Star sailors came north from the deep southern oceans, probably near Assisi Bay, as part of the invasion force known as the Reclamation of Nurnberg.  Some 10,000 members of this faction (albeit less than half of these members are actually living - the White Star Empire is composed of many living dead) were cast aside at Doolin's Plain by the Reclamation for reasons unknown.  A great many White Stars joined the Griffon's Gambit, but those who were undead or Shade Realm dealers were forced to seek asylum at Cormick.

Krymm

• The County of Westershire suffered fire and riots recently as the peasantry organized and laid waste to a sizable portion of the noble district.  While it is as yet unknown what rilled the commoners up, and no leader has as yet made his presence known, the damage was quite severe.  The riots have seemingly stopped and several noble houses have pledged to help rebuild.   The House of Elsinore, Westershire Assembly, and the House of Talbot in the city have opened their opulent manses to noble benefactors in the form of grand balls who will raise money to repair the damages to the public areas in the city.  
• The City of Clarksville has vied for the attention of the Society of St Paul.  The Vicar is overworked and understaffed, any righteous and pious individuals who seek to serve the lord in this needed capacity are welcome to make the pilgrimage.

Fadlan

• The Council of Dukes in Fadlan have effectively established law that all citizens not of noble bearing, that being Lord of greater status, may not carry any weapons greater than hunting bows and knives.  This prohibition does not carry to members of the Assassin's Gambit, Arbiter or Paladins who are working in the area to ensure the safety of the populace.

Tor

• The Nurnberg Civil War came to a close after a armistice and parley between leaders from the Eagle, Falcon and Praelia.  The full transcript of the agreement have not been disclosed at this moment, but a few points are made available that will change the face of Tor from here on out.  

1. Falkenburg peninsula is annexed into the Kingdom of Praelia into the principality of Tor.
2. The 'Reclamation' or 'Eagle' is again a recognized membership of The House and Order of Nurnberg.
3. The House and Order of Nurnberg is no longer considered "Enemy of the Crown" having entered into treaty with the Kingdom.  
4. Nurnberg is now under probationary membership with the Kingdom of Praelia until 40 ACI.  
   1. As such no member of Nurnberg may rise above the rank of Duke.
   2. Nurnberg members may not own land outside of the Falkenburg peninsula during this probation.
   3. Nurnberg members are prohibited from joining the Ordo Arbiter nor may they join any knighthood orders aside from the established Nurnberg Orders, now recognized by the Kingdom. 
5. Nurnberg will pay restitution costs to rebuild those areas destroyed by the invasion and war, including the monuments at Doolin's Plain.

• Lord Valguard Gunnarson has declared his intent to ascend to the crown as Duke of Maarek's Landing and all the Hinterlands.  Immediately upon hearing of his intent, Eurich 'the Eunuch' declared himself number one in contention.  The campaign begins soon to determine the first Duke of Maarek's Landing.

Analova

• Duke Draco Drachen has secured fealty from all counties east of the Prahova river and north to the Sear Sea.  In a surprising upset, Kragan of Norfolkshire fought Drachen in single armed combat for an hour, finally being defeated by Duke of Breitenburg yet not killed.  Having been bested in what he declared a great fight unlike he has bore in generations, Kragan pledged his support to the Horde of Drachen.  Once Norfolkshire joined, Fallsburn quickly followed suit.  Now it appears that Drachen may in fact make good on his promise to take Princedom of Analova and be one step closer to King.

That is all for this week, keep checking back for more news from across the principalities.  

On the Field: Garb vs Costume and Cosplay

Garb / Cosplay

So you are ready to go to a live action event and you are faced with a that classic quandary... what to wear.   People often look to LARP and Sports Reenactment events and presume that the clothes they are wearing are costumes.  While this is true in the most basic sense, the reality of the situation is far more complicated.  

A costume is of course any covering that is designed to represent another thing.  By that definition of course people in garb are in costume.  But what we reference as garb stands apart with the distinction that it is designed for the level of events we participate in.   Garb made for Sports Reenactment is reinforced and durable, able to take the beatings, wear and tear that Sports Reenactment will offer.   Garb will use real buckles and straps and even real metal armor as needed.

Costumes take great shortcuts, as they are not intended to function in any way but just give the appearance of garb.  Costume leather straps are often not actually leather, the rivets and buckles on costume grade pieces are not real or at best they are composed of thin, non-functional materials.

Cosplay on the third hand is often a hybrid of the two.  Depending on the dedication of the cosplayer, the realism and durability of a piece can vary widely.  Many cosplays are as close to authentic as any garb.  While the foam armor may not hold up to combative arts, the sewing and leatherwork of some cosplay will.  

A costume

A good kit serves the purposes of the wearer.  For those who are not going to be putting much stress on their clothes and such, a costume is fine - although the step toward cosplay is appreciated over a store bought costume that looks clearly fake.   That does not mean one must spend hundreds of dollars or more to get good gear.  Craftsmen within the Kingdom can craft good garb for you at a reasonable price.  They may even work out a good trade with you.  

Remember, there is one good rule of thumb when it comes to how realistic your kit should be.  If you are functional in it and at a range of five feet the kit looks nice - you have done a good job.   By all means have fun with it! 

Lore Du Jour: The Temple of the Hidden

Stories tell of a temple in the Barrens that sunk deep into the ground, lost for sometime.  This lost temple was known as the Temple of the Hidden by those who knew of its existence.   The stories told of this temple vary, some say it was the home of a pre-Altarian society, others call it the clandestine incursion of the secretive Hidden faction - once believed to control all of the land.   

One incident involving the temple happened in 23 ACI, when then assistant Historian Sorin Hraldr uncovered some disturbing information.   At the time Castle Kelly was being constructed and strange events were occurring around the site.

Malcolm Campbell and Cyrus Cabot approach the table in the corner of the Inn where Sorin is sitting with a concerned look on his face.

"Thank you both for coming, please have a seat"

"Can I get you anything to drink, I believe the Nicholshire Blonde is on tap tonight."

Both shook their head.

Sorin continues, "Terrible weather we are having, I have heard that it is going to...."

"You did not invite us here to talk about the weather, Cyrus Interrupts. "What is it you wanted, your letter sounded urgent.

Sorin’s face grows stern, and his voice drops to barely a whisper.

"Right.. I brought you two here because I trust you both. You see, after I left the Inn three nights ago I headed to Castle Kelly, to borrow a few Letcher to pay off my tab. When I arrived the workers were putting the finishing touches on the south end off the Castle. I thought to myself I could work for the few Letcher I needed, but when I asked where the Foreman was, no one knew. I made my way to the north end looking for him and found nothing, except.... bloody footprints leading into the servant’s quarters of the castle. Grabbing a lantern hanging nearby, I followed the footprints and came upon a flight of stairs that led down to the wine cellar. I descended the steps. The dank air was laced with the scent of death. I approached, what I thought to be, a wide open door leading deeper into the cellar. Above the door an inscription read-

“per mihi via in patientia urbs ,

 Per mihi via ut eternus poena ,

Per mihi via ut runs inter lost.

 Justicia urgeo in meus altus simultas ;

 Meus plasmator eram divinus auctorita ,

altissimus sapientia , quod primal diligo.

Pro mihi nusquam tamen eternus res erant no ,

 Quod EGO tolero intemporaliter.

Relinquo sulum spes ye quisnam penetro hic”

“That door contained a darkness not even my lantern could penetrate. I dared not enter, so with all the haste I could muster, I hurried back to town. For the next two days I spent my time in the libraries, researching to discover anything I could about that Inscription. It took a while, but I found the answer I was looking for. The origin of it is Latin and roughly translates to-

“Through me the way into the suffering city,

Through me the way to the eternal pain,

Through me the way that runs among the lost.

Justice urged on my high artificer;

My maker was divine authority,

The highest wisdom, and the primal love.

Before me nothing but eternal things were made,

And I endure eternally.

Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."

"It is said to be the inscription over the gates of Hell. I sent word to you two, and that brings us to where we are here. I’m not sure what to do. If we tell the populace it might incite a panic."  He continued

Sorin sticks his head up and looks around to make sure no one is listening. "Have you heard the legends of The Temple of the Hidden"?

"Aye, but it is folly, no more than a drunkard's tale" Said Malcolm.

"I used to think the same" Sorin replies "But as of lately my perspective on a lot of things have changed" "The legend even places the Temple of the Hidden not far from the construction site, as a matter a fact right below it. We are always worried about the gates to the Shade Realm that surround our borders, but what if there was a gate here, inside our very county. And what if that, during the construction of Castle Kelly, this gate was somehow unlocked"!

Sorin stops as a chill travels down through his body. "I take back what I said before. We must warn the county, but we must do it properly.

"Captain Cabot rally the Dukes Guard, but do not tell them why".

"Malcolm, you must bring word to Sir MacLeod and Sir Dunbar, tell them what I have said here".

"I will tell Duke Ramon and Baron Boltac about what I have discovered. I will also tell Stephen Kelly about this so he may immediately stop all construction on the castle".

"If my assumptions are correct, then we will need to amass a force large enough and close the gate".

"Now go, when your task is complete meet me back here at the Tavern".

The chronicles of the era say that there was indeed some small conflict during the construction of Castle Kelly.  A group of peasants and 'warrior priests' descended upon the site of the construction to pressure an investigation, but they were dispersed without major incident. Also in the records, several workers were killed during the construction, but nothing out of the ordinary for such a project.  It is also recorded that Stephen Kelly called upon the Society of St Paul to bless the site.  Again, not unexpected for the consecration of a castle and for somebody like Kelly to do to his brewery.  As to the nature of a Shade Realm gate, there is no evidence of such a thing existing in Castle Kelly.

The stories do line up with the records from many cycles before that tell of a Shade Realm gate in the area.   Texts found in the Library of Leng in Roses reference the Braxton tomb being reachable only from a hidden room within a tower in the Prahova Grasslands, an archaic term or the Barrens.   Finally, the Chalice of Thought considers Castle Kelly to be haunted and cursed.  While this seems convincing, the animosity of the Chalice toward the Granite Spire must be taken into consideration for this legend.  

The Trading Post: Hoodies

It is that time of year again, where the weather remains cold and frightful but the holidays are over so you can't go around wearing that gaudy sweater all the time.  The wind whips around biting your hands and making you miserable.  What is the solution?  A Melee Hoodie!  

Click here to check out all of the hoodies and other Melee gear apparel

Well made hoodies with that favored front pocket for keeping your hands and keys warm are available in all Faction and Guild logos.  Tons of combinations for color and badge are here for your perusal in the Meleestore.  We even offer legacy logo hoodies featuring Sports Reenactment badges from yesteryear!  

This Hanes classic is comfortable, stylish and versatile. Perfect as an outer or under layer, the hooded sweatshirt has become a staple in any wardrobe. Kangaroo-style front pocket is perfect for your phone, keys or anything else you want to stash.

• 50% cotton/50% polyester | Fabric Weight: 7.8 oz (midweight)
• Ribbed cuffs and waist hem
• Adjustable drawstring hood
• Imported; processed and printed in the U.S.A.

Bardic Chestnuts: Michael Seraph

Michael Seraph

Born and raised in Gehegan, in Krymm, he was to take over the job of healer like many of his family.  His instruction in chemistry came young when the miners often suffered chemical burns from what they would find down in the Mesker Mountain mines.  He learned basic medicine and first aid from the wives and medics around, often having to mix herbs and apply salves that he made emulating the other medics. His was not a formal education, although he did learn later on how to make various chemical products in order to understand them.  

He married a loving woman named Sophia and together they had a son named Thomas.  A year after the child was born, things went down a dangerous path.  It was during the harvest festival of the dead they celebrate every year to scare off the demons. That day he brought his son a red scarf to wear and keep warm, for it was colder than it usually was this time of year.    Like always the band would gather in the center of the town and begin playing the music that signaled the townsfolk to gather.  This year it was suddenly quiet, and the people came to find out why.

It was then they found the musicians -  killed and strung up with the wires of their instruments - left there to die a slow and agonizing death.  No sooner did they assemble that the army of Raziel attacked.  Wave after wave of cannibalistic miscreants poured into the streets from every corner.  The people ran and hid in their homes as best they could.  But that is what the invaders wanted.  Soon new invaders showed up.  Men in black armor and white skin.  They set the houses on fire, those who stayed inside would burn, those who fled would be attacked and slaughtered.  The army of Raziel ate their victims.  The town guard was butchered, any all of the nobles were ripped limb from limb, their entrails eaten even before the bodies had a chance to die.  

Michael and his wife barricaded the windows and doors on the ground floor and went upstairs to their bedroom.  They began to open the pass through on the wall that was connected to the neighbor's hoping to escape and have safety in numbers.  They soon stopped, however, as they heard the screams from the other side.  They then began to think the window was the only option until the cannibal ghouls climbed up to the second floor and was trying to force their way in through the window.  As Michael began to lead the way out, the roof collapsed from the fire, separating the family.  The door was blocked by fallen timbers.  Sohpia threw a few blankets over the fire but the debris was too much to move.  She handed Michael their infant son and took a knife from his vest.  She looked at him with tearful eyes and turned to face the ghastly hoard to buy time for her husband and son.  Michael could see no more as the flames ate through the blanket and covered the door.

Running along the walkway Michael kicked open a window and onto the roof overhang he went.  He held onto his son as he slid down the broken structure into the alley.  He began looking around for a smart way to escape.  The clear paths obviously had invaders lurking in the shadows, the people being eaten and screaming had alerted those already visible.  His only option was to take paths where people were already dead and their bodies left behind.  He tried to be careful but Michael was captured anyways.

They brought he and his son before a woman.  A vain, haughty french woman with red eyes and what appeared to be sharpened fangs.  She took his son from his arms and her guards forced him to his knees.  Michael watched as she sliced the throat of his child, and then drained the blood from the infant into a chalice.  Powerless to do anything, not even able to plea for mercy as they held him firm, Michael was mortified.  The child was drained to the point he could no longer whimper, barely able to open his eyes or breathe.  She then kissed the baby and dropped the exsanguinate corpse like an empty wine skin and smiled at Michael.

She was then going to kill Michael, but one of her retainers informed her that it was time to move on.  The sunlight was coming, but something else caught her senses, and she left in a hurry.  Michael went to chase but the ground began to cave in, leaving him in the sewers as fire moved overhead.  He wanted to die, he waited for it, welcomed it.  Nothing.

Hours passed and the sun rose.  Michael went out into the city, looking at the blackened buildings and smoldering corpses.  He felt his body grow heavy with pain.  He tried not to go mad.  The few survivors waited for the Grave Dancers to come.  They did not come.  It was said this place was cursed and even the Grave Dancers refused to go near the bodies to even bury them.  Michael buried his wife and son together.  He kept the red scarf and was filled with the need to end it all.  The crows were there.  Squawking, chirping, mocking.  So many crows, so much noise, he began to lose himself.

Proving Grounds: Crafted for you?

The release of The Adventurer's Guide for The Eternal Adventure added the new rules for crafting weapons, armor and anything else the players might need.   This has opened up a whole new world for players who have been in need of things to buy with their experience.  Crafty personas are hard at work, but what about those characters who have no crafting skills?  Never fear, they are not left without an avenue to enjoy this new feature.  

Glasbläser auf dem Mittelaltermarkt zu Oettingen.

Crafting in The Adventurer's Guide takes multiple skills, time, tools and talent to put together a new item.  These items are not like standard stock crafts, no they are designed with statistics and often enhancements that go far beyond the standard fare.  As such they are quite costly in experience points.   All that training and knowledge helps the craftsman make good, reliable crafts.  

A character that is not a craftsman, but wants to make such an item, should be up for a challenge. This challenge compares in some way to their crafting friends, but does not require the training they do not have.   Simply put, the character must find somebody capable of crafting such things for her.

From a gameplay perspective, the player writes up the craft as outlined on page 80 of The Adventurer's Guide.  Then, the Arbitrator takes the design and adjusts it as seen fit.  Then the player is given the task of finding a capable craftsman in game.  This could take some time, and may require doing certain tasks for the craftsman depending on how exotic or complex the craft is.  Needless to say this could be the focus of an entire gaming session or even part of a larger plot line.  

Once the player has accomplished the tasks and the craft is finished, the player spends the appropriate experience cost of the craft= 15% extra to get the item crafted.  This extra 15% is a essentially a boon to personas who are actually craftsmen by trade.  It should not be seen as a penalty for not playing a crafting persona but rather a work around payment to get what others players must spend considerable experience to be able to do.

The experience expenditure counts as the monetary payment in game so the player should not pay the Letcher value on top of the experience.   The item then becomes part of the arsenal for that player.  Another happy customer.

Ramon's Travels: Analova

     Analova is the oldest principality. Located in the center of the continent, By far the calmest climate of the whole Kingdom, Analova is home to rolling plains, forests and great rivers. Envied by the other principalities for their vast natural resources, the Analovans are often more accustomed to having ease of living. Roads are well kept and often paved with stone. Even in the smaller towns, the infrastructure is so organized that supplies from other counties are not difficult to acquire. The large rivers that trisect Analova afford trade opportunities unrivaled in the Kingdom. Additionally, since the capital of the Kingdom is located here, Analova is often favored politically over the newer principalities.

     For a great many cycles, Analova was the majority of the Kingdom. As such, many of the cities and towns within the region still see the other principalities as Outlanders to and less loyal. Not all Analovans feel this way, but many do speak out that they are more Praelian than Analovan. There is certainly an ingrained loyalty to the Kingdom in Analova that the other principalities do not always share. The prosperity of Analova is well known by the populace, as such an arrogant air often is resented by others, but the Analovans nobles are also very charitable and exchange favor for commodity to the other principalities.

The Adventurer's Guide!

The long awaited Adventurer's Guide is on it's way to shelves as we speak!  

The three pillars of the Kingdom of Praelia are Culture, Crafts and Combat.

Now with this book your character can learn Procedures to do great deeds, 
choose greater character creation customization and choose the best gear to fit your tactics, strategy and play style.
 
Inside this book you will find:

• A review of Character Creation
• Expanded Aptitudes, Benefits and Drawbacks
• Rules for crafting art, gear, weapons, armor and so much more
• Procedures that enhance Aptitudes in fun new ways
• Faction secrets and new Techniques for every Faction
• Exhaustive lists of prices for goods & services
• and much more!

This book is on pre-order status as they get shipped to the main office.  Pre-Orders will ship to you as soon as they arrive. 

Purchase now to get yours first!

From the Town Crier of Nicholshire

Now hear this!

By order of Chancellor Offa the Brute of Nicholshire, all citizens are to be aware that the Duke's Guard of Breitenburg is hereby summoned for questioning in the assassination of Lord Protector Maarek Elets and shall provide testimony to refute the charges brought against them by association with the criminal Owl.   

All citizens are to avoid if possible and report any sighting of any Breitenburg Duke's Guard members to the Arbiter immediately.  

In addition to being sent to Nicholshire to assassinate the Castellan, it is reported on record that the Dukes Guard of Breitenburg has been sent by Duke Drachen of Breitenburg to other counties with orders to assimilate or face destruction.  The recent total destruction of the city of Athens is reportedly part and parcel to a visit from this Duke's Guard.  The Bear's academy in Darkwald has suffered a similar visitation.

These guardsmen are considered very dangerous.  A reward of 300 Letcher per head, alive or dead, is offered for a verified bounty.  

~Gabriel Thorpe