Lore du Jour: The Congregation of Altarius

The Congregation of Altarius

History shows the first to the land to be a man known as Altarius.  Stories vary as to what he did and how he lived, but he is widely regarded as a the founder of the civilization and the first king of Praelia.  Today we will discuss the Congregation of Altatius, also known as the Analtarians

It is said that his closest advisors were known as the Nolans.  Their fate is lost to time as much as Altarius is.  Aside from a historical figure and the basis for many laws, the majority of the kingdom does not think of Altarius until it is a celebration.  He is not unwelcome by the church, they even accept his name on so many events and the Gatherings. The church does, however, seek to curb the level of attention Altarius gets.  As they are fond of reminding people, he was a man not God. 

There is another group that does not feel the same way. The Congregation of Altarius follows the simple teachings that have been passed down for generations.  The Analtarians practice what they view as the true path that Altarius established all those cycles ago.  They eschew faith in other gods and dictums as clearly false due to the nature of Alluvium.   It is only through adherence to the laws and traditions laid out by the first to the land that one may be accepted when Altarius returns.

The Analtarian day begins with combat training.  Women and children tend to the fields and livestock for the first four hours of the day, whilst all men over the age of 13 run drills and mock combat in melee's with the four classical weapon styles.  Then at breakfast it is the men's turn to tend to the fields whilst the women and children practice basic polearm fighting.  At noon, the family gathers together for lunch and sparring practice.  Then the rest of the day is devoted to the family and any work undone.   To the Analtarian, combat is just as important as putting food upon the table.  

Analtarians never make any use of technology.  No firearms, no bows and no machines to help with the work.  All work must be done with hand tools as they may also be used as weapons if needed.  To the Analtarian, combat is always imminent.  Altarius proclaimed that all would be combat ready to please the Arbitrators, so shall it be to the Analtarians.

Analtarian settlements are scattered throughout the kingdom.  Although they are officially considered heretical by the Church, there is no active effort to do anything to get rid of them.  The Church calls them the Cult of Altarius and will often speak ill of the group, but any action against the Analtarians is isolated at best.  This is likely due to the behavior of the Analtarian and their belief system. 

The Trading Post: Fortune's Flavor

Looking for a fun game for up to four players?  Look no further than Fortune's Flavor is the game for you.  A tarot card based game, Fortune's Flavor is an exciting mix of deck stacking, diplomacy and sabotage.  

Fortune's Flavor - A Chalice of Thought Drinking game

24.99

The Chalice of Thought is the cup you fill in this fast-paced card game of strategy and manipulation.  With multiple ways to play, as a tarot drinking game, as a team or all vs all card game and as a traditional tarot deck, Fortune's Flavor is an excitingly versatile game.  

Contains 78 Tarot cards and rule sheets.  

1-4 players 

Ages 10+

Bardic Chestnuts: Jacque de Payton

Born February 22, 1269, Jacque was the second son of three to his nobleman father Delmon de Payton and very religious mother Marguerite Claude. His brothers were Maurice the elder, and his younger brother Bernard. Maurice was a very arrogant boy knowing his father was going to pass all the lands and title to him. So he would hold that over Jacque. Jacque knew he could best Maurice in anything even if he was the older brother. Jacque did his best to prove he should be considered to be the better choice for the family line but his parents rarely even listen to this. Bernard on the other hand knew it was no good to try and best his two older brothers so he began to practice and read the bible. Their mother being very religious would preach the word of God to them.

Jacque began to take a new path after reaching the age of 14. He began to study the sword and warfare, the tactics involved and the means of how to win a battle. By age 17 Jacque was put in charge of his father’s men-at-arms. This was a big responsibility, these men guarded their home and would also be summoned to fight for the king if he so choice to call a pond them. Jacque met many generals and knights well leading the men-at-arms. The year of 1287 Jacque and the men were called a pond by the King to serve him. Jacque being very confident felt that this was his chance to make a name for himself. The king sent them to help Poland in their fight against the invading Mongols. This journey was not an easy one but proved to be a true test for Jacque. Jacque lead his men to some get victories while in Poland, and some in Germany where they felt they deserves some spoils for their travels. Once back in France in 1288 Jacque was knighted by the king and given land for services rendered while in Poland. Jacque finally felt he was being respected for his great skills.

For about two years Jacque would tend to his lands and train young men who would become part of the king’s army. In 1290 Jacque became bored with tending to lands and training men. He felt the urge to return to war, he joined the Templar Knights in May of 1290. He only had the summer to get to know and understand this order of knights before he was to be sent to the Holy Lands. December 1290 he and 100 men at arms were sent to Acre as reinforcements that had been requested. Acre being one of the last strongholds for the Christians, Jacque knew he would do his best to keep it that way. He knew that with the symbol of God no man could defeat them.

April 4, 1291 the siege had begun. Jacque had never once been on the defending side of a siege. He always did his best going head long into the enemy. The days were filled with the sounds and sights of men being killed, and of stones hitting the walls. At night the sounds weren’t of men being killed but men screaming from the sudden feeling of being covered in snakes from the dark sky. Jacque had this happen to him many times while on his post of the wall. He learn to look forward to the light of day because with it he could at least see the enemy coming at him and the sudden feeling of weight that moved and hissed. On May18, 1291 William of Beaujeu, the Master of the Templars was killed, and the Muslim forces had finally managed to breach the walls. The Muslim were now inside the city fighting the defenders in the streets and alleys of Acre, which turned into a terrifying chaos as the inhabitants were fleeing towards the sea. Many inhabitants perished. Jacque and some of the men he came with were in the Templar fortress when the Muslim forces finally broke the lines of the defenders. We knew that for lives of the Christians we would be their lost hope. That night Thibaud Gaudin, the new master of the Templar gathered a handful of men at arms and remaining knights and escaped under the cover of darkness. Jacque didn’t want to go but it was not like him to disobey order’s from his order.

After fleeing Acre and the Muslim forces Jacque travelled from city to city under Thibaud. Jacque finally made passage to return to Avignon, France to meet with the remaining members of the Order. After he reconnected with other member he left for his manor and awaited further orders from the Order. At dawn on Friday, 13 October 1307, Jacque was awoken by the sound of his bedroom door being knocked down. His days at Acre had prepared him for moments like this. Without thinking about it jumped from his bed armed himself with his sword and was three men coming through his door. One by one they fall to his sword. The moment was so fast Jacque had not even looked at them before killing them.

As he stood over their bodies, Jacque realized he recognized one of them. It was a monk, it was his brother Bernard. In Bernard’s hands was a parchment. With great sadness and remorse for killing his brother he reached down and held his still warm body. After a few moments Jacque took and opened the parchment. It was an arrest warrant. Jacque read the arrest warrant which started with the phrase: "Dieu n'est pas content, nous avons des ennemis de la foi dans le Royaume" ["God is not pleased. We have enemies of the faith in the kingdom"]. Jacque was shocked, as he read he saw that it was ordered by the Pope himself. The voice of God in this place, how could he have issued such lies with the power of faith against the men who had fought for God. There he thought about his time with the Templars and how they were to be protect by God because they wore his symbol, and he thought about all the innocents that were lost because the warriors of God didn’t protect them in Acre. All these thoughts and then the thought that he had just kill his brother, a man of God. Christianity had failed Jacque and the Templars. Angered by this he quickly dress and armed himself, he headed to see his mother with questions.

When he arrived at his parent’s manor, he found it in ruins. As he entered he found Maurice alone in what was once the great hall. There he talked shortly with an intoxicated Maurice, learning his mother had been burned alive for heresy and his father executed for treason. The lands and title were no more and Maurice was left with a burned out ruined home with no one left. Jacque told him about Bernard. Maurice could take no more and flee through the ruins and away from Jacque. Jacque left knowing now that Christianity was not what he was taught as a child and vowed to never care or defend it again. As he left the ruins of his parent’s home, he found himself becoming lost in the forest as it turned night. As he stopped for the night he heard cries for help.

He ran toward the screams to find a woman being attacked by three men. Jacque quickly pulled his sword knowing that his skills as a knight would prove useful once more. He quickly subdued one man and killed a second. The third did not give up quickly for he fought very were for what looked like a peasant bastard. After a few moments the fight seemed to be going in the favor of the peasant but Jacque would not give up. He continued to fight and finally won with a quick knock out punch with the guard. The woman thanked Jacque and request his assistance in turning these men into the local sheriff. Jacque worried about being arrested himself did not want to be involved anymore than he already was but remembered his oath as a knight to help those in need.

The woman introduced herself as Lady Annabel, member of the Faction Justice. She explained that these men had began to follower her after learning that her loyalties were to the faction Justice. Jacque being curious asked questions about Justice and why it would make a difference to these men. Annabel soon figured out that Jacque was new to the lands and began to explain everything to him Jacque was a little over come by this new information but also started to think she was not right in the head. He would confirm some of these things once they arrived at the sheriff’s. Once in town Jacque started to question people about the thing Annabel had told him. He soon began to think he had gone to hell for killing his brother, but soon realized that this was not the hell he had learned about. He spent time with Lady Annabel and even became a member of Justice himself.

After they had separated and gone their own ways Jacque soon tried to build a reputation as to become a knight in these lands. He wanted everything that came with it again, respect, lands, women, and to be known with the nobles. He trained like did when he was younger, running in armor, weapons training, tactics on a field of battle, and being aware of people’s actions that could cause problems. His actions did not build the reputation he was hoping for, people felt him to more of a snitch than courageous. Always informing the sheriff or the town guards of things that were small or not a big deal to them. He also would not drink with people because he felt that alcohol would weaken him from becoming a knight. He knew that he would change his reputation and become a knight again.  

Proving Grounds: Pankration

Pankration

Requires Aptitude:

• Martial Art: Pankration per level to purchase Pankration techniques and must match the level in the aptitude to the level of the technique. 

5 points per level as normal for aptitude training in addition to in game training costs.

Martial Positions:

Assuming a martial position allows the fighter to gain a basic bonus with all Pankration techniques as being required in the technique description.  So long as the fighter remains in stance, the position bonus will apply to any Pankration technique being used and to freestyle fighting as well when applicable. 

Opponents who are also skilled in Pankration will negate this bonus up to their level in the Aptitude.  This means that if you have Pankration 3 and your opponent has Pankration 2, you effectively have Pankration 1 vs. that opponent. 

Forward Stance:      Both hands forward.  Used for defensive situations.  Open palmed.  +2 AD per level.

Medium Stance:       Rear striking hand is held up toward the chin in a fist, off hand is forward and open palmed.  This is used for standard attacks and preparing for clinch positioning. +1 AO, +1 AD per level.

Back Stance:            Rear striking hand is high in a fist and back behind the head whilst the off hand is forward and open palmed.  Used for high power attacks. +2 AO per level.

Clinch Position:     Grappled with the opponent into a limb lock.  Prepares for next round techniques.  +1d6 STR per level to keep opponent in clinch hold.

Techniques:

– standard price per level.

Pankration Defense Hook

·      A pause waiting for the opponent to strike followed by a hooking motion deflecting the attack downward and away.  Requires Forward Stance

1.     +1 AD, Strike Last

2.     +2 AD, Strike Last

3.     +3 AD, Strike Last

4.     +4 AD, Strike Last

5.     +5 AD, Strike Last

6.     +6 AD, Strike Last

Pankration Grapple Clinch

·      A quick grab of the opponent’s waist and rotating behind into Clinch Position around the torso.  Requires Medium Stance

1.     +1 AO

2.     +2 AO

3.     +2 AO, +1 SPD

4.     +2 AO, +3 SPD

5.     +3 AO, +3 SPD

6.     +4 AO, +5 SPD

Pankration Waist Throw

·      From a grapple clinch, you thrust and lift the opponent, throwing them sideways onto their stomach and face.  Requires Clinch Position.

1.     -1 DO, -1 DD

2.     -1 DO, -2 DD

3.     -2 DO, -3 DD

4.     -2 DO, -4 DD

5.     -3 DO, -5 DD

6.     -3 DO, -6 D

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.