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Netherese Library / Re: Research on Valstiir History

« on: March 25, 2020, 10:52:13 pm »

*slowly goes over the notes and nods to himself as he reads them*
   Fascinating master Librarian, simply fascinating! I am glad that such an evil was removed from this world. I'd hate to think what things would be like if it were allowed to remain. Certainly we are all much safer and sleep better at night, but of course I still deal with the occasional bandit who thinks travelling merchants are weak and won't defend themselves.

*raising his eye brows in surprise at the mention of the sunlight weapon*
Surly you jest at this! Is Archmage Valstiir truly that powerful?! To destroy an entire enclave and its own archmage in the process is no small feat, in fact some would even say it might nearly rival the power of a god!
However I find it strange that the family history is restricted. Most royal and noble family histories that I've looked through would be eager to promote such power to the world. Not just for show of strength but for future confederations or amalgamations. *continues to ramble* From my experience I have found when a family hides their lineage and history its usually due to.... *shakes his head* forgive me master Librarian, sometimes i begin to ramble when I get so caught up in historical conjecture.
 
*looks at the librarian for a moment then clears his throat as his tone becomes more business-like*
You know, I would be willing to make another sizable donation if I were allowed to take a look at the family lineage, such a fine vault of  history if certainly worth it. *waves a hand in a dismissive gesture* Of course no one would know or ever find out about such a thing if one was allowed to take a look. 

// If I am allowed to take a look at the family history, please message me via discord regarding donation size and information I learn

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Netherese Library / Research on Valstiir History

« on: March 21, 2020, 07:16:41 am »

*Enters the Valstiir library and wanders around admiring the enormous aquarium for a moment before continuing to having a casual look around picking up a book here and there reading for a few hours before approaching Master Librarian Albert Pendragon*

Master Pendragon,
   I was told this library was the finest in the lands and that it is the place to come if one seeks information. My name is Retzlaff, im just a travelling merchant but I do have a fascination with history in the lands I travel in.
*places a bag of 1000 gold coins on the counter in front of him* Consider this a donation to such a fine vault of history. As a merchant I understand the value of time but If I could have a few moments of yours it would be much appreciated.

I've heard much of the story about the conflict of two archmages, in fact I have read the book that is here in the library several times; quite thrilling a thrilling read, good verse evil, ancient creatures verse heroes of the land.
Was Archmage Valstiir the current Lady in rule or was it perhaps her mother? Does the title Archmage of Valstiir get passed down through a royal blood line? I was having issues finding how long ago such an extravagant battle took place. Rumours say that the current Lady Valstiir is over 200 years old!
*chuckles slightly before waving a dismissive hand* Of course you would never catch me asking her such a question even if such a chance arose, every gentleman knows to never ask a lady's age unless you wish her wrath.
The book also stated that this archmage Roz'dha used necromancy, such a vile magic, and that he even achieved lichdom! Is it safe to assume there was once two enclaves here? and since the fall of his enclave to the ground, was it ever proven with evidence that this evil lich was obliterated by the sun-rays?
Also what is this Mythallar place the book talked about? The details on it were very vague and mysterious.

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Journals & Backgrounds / Re: The Conviction of Retzlaff Voltoeux

« on: March 07, 2020, 12:42:00 am »

Hadrian, Low Netheril

While his time spent with his sister Agarwaeneth, near the southern edge of Illefarn was mostly successful, the outcome had over all changed him.
Much like breathing, the training his parents had forced on him came natural. He not only ensured the safety of his sister while on the run, but tracked and mutilated the bounty hunters like a predator hunting for sport, and also slaughtered the nobleman in his own estate; sending an unspoken message to the other human nobles in the area.
Performing his family duty as is required of him, Retzlaff left no witnesses. In fact, anyone local to the southern Illefarn border would have found the news shocking. Not only was the noble gruesomely murdered in his own bed with his guards butchered throughout the estate, but his wife, children, and servants were also found dead in a similar brutal fashion.
Rumors in the surrounding area of southern Illefarn begun to sprout up among the superstitious common folk about a vengeful spirit since nothing of value was found missing in the estate, while others claimed that the nobleman overstepped his station by attempting to increase his lands but insulted the Elves of Illefarn in the process...

What seemed to be a short trip felt like a long life changing journey to Retz. Seeing all the civilians working around the dock of Hadrian while the ship docked and dropped anchor, Retzlaff took in a deep breath before descending down the ramp towards the city.
After visiting his hired merchant for his shop to make sure everything was still running smoothly he quickly stopped at the Fishermen's Guild to inform them of his return. Afterwards he found himself back in his quiet empty house exactly how he left it.
Over his time in Hadrian he made some enjoyable memories and beneficial business opportunities not long ago in the cozy and comfortable home, however now they feel like distant memories as he feels out of place and somewhat alien while he tries to rests his travel worn feet.
Sitting back on his couch reviewing a few news scrolls his guild gave him while sipping on a glass of Elven wine from Illefarn, he begun to plan and organize his thoughts on how he was going to accomplish his business deal with Zahirra and house Reschotti.

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Journals & Backgrounds / Re: The Conviction of Retzlaff Voltoeux

« on: March 02, 2020, 04:57:36 am »

Hadrian, Low Netheril

A letter arrived at his house in Hadrian, a letter with a red wax seal of a large V. Retzlaff knows there immediately that its a letter from a family member but which one... After hanging up his cloak for the night, and pouring himself a tall glass of some imported elven wine he sits down in the high backed chair of his house. Peace and quiet with only the crackling of the wood in the fire place. Looking at the letter there were only a few things it could mean.
Taking a long sip of wine he breaks the seal with a dagger. From family tradition he knows there is potent poison coating underneath the wax seal to prevent anyone from living long enough to know the contents of the letter. Pulling out the letter he see's its from his sister, Agarwaeneth, and begins to read.

To my dearest brother Saeruth,

I know we haven't really talked since... the incident and trial, its been 8 years, 7 months and 23 days, Yes I've been keeping track. Vyell stopped by recently and he explained a few things to me, one of which is why you and him disappeared from the rest of the family. Our whole family was exiled, but it does not mean you must be exiled from the family also. I know I held anger against you and told you I never wanted to see you again, but after what Vyell said, I now know that you have been carrying the burden for the entire family. The others may still hold anger towards you but they will come around i'm sure of it. You were always there to protect me when we were children and growing up, especially from mother... I see that now.

I would like to write to you in more pleasant circumstances, but truthfully I need you to protect me like you once did. I am being hunted by some filthy inbred human noble. I apparently slighted him some how by by not letting him take me to dinner. I suspected he had ulterior motives, and by the actions he took I am convinced there was, but now there is a bounty on my head, and mercenaries on my heals. Saeruth, please if you can find it in your heart to forgive me of my anger, the things I said to you all those years ago, and save me from this filthy noble I will do everything in my power to convince the rest of the family what you did was for the good of us all. I will be at our family safe house near the southern boarder of Illefarn, as dangerous as it will be for me it will be more dangerous for the mercenaries that hunt me.

Your loving sister,
Agarwaeneth Voltoeux

P.S. Vyell mentioned to me that he was heading south to the Dragon Coast. He said that was the direction the gods told him to go. I don't remember him being so religious but much has changed.

On finishing the letter, Retzlaff took another long sip of his wine before setting the glass down. Sitting for a few moments to collect his thoughts he knew what he must do. Throwing the letter into the fire and watched it catch fire before quickly packing his bags, his sword, daggers, poison... everything of which his family tradition required of him. Pouring water in the fireplace, and packing rations for the journey, Retzlaff, looked at the door and was about to leave before he felt a pull at his heart. Setting his bags down he pulled out a Quill and some fresh scribing paper Alatar left behind in a cupboard to write a letter to Zahirra.

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Journals & Backgrounds / Re: The Conviction of Retzlaff Voltoeux

« on: February 29, 2020, 09:56:13 pm »

Hadrian, Low Netheril

Working tirelessly to master his smithing skill, Retzlaff spends most of his time in the crafting hall with the heat of the forge at his back, sweat beading off his brow, blisters on his hands and blood dribbling down the handle of his hammer.
To those who might know him or see him in passing it would simply look like he is working hard, at a closer glance they would see blood stained bandages wrapped around his hands.
To himself, with every swing of his hammer and the mind numbing pain in his hands; crafting is more of an escape. An escape from worries that plague the back of his mind, from thoughts of his past constantly haunting him, an escape from his nightmares when he closes his eyes at night.

While on a hunting trip with Caleb of House Reschotti to the Isle of Sauros and reducing the population of the lizard folk, an anger inside Retzlaff begins resonate, something from his past and training with his father. The lizard folk mind their own business and seemingly live a life of ignorance to the rest of the world, but this doesn't stop Retz.
A couple weeks later he went back to the Isle of Sauros by himself where he began to slaughter them with no hesitation and not just the males, but the females and the children as well. Overwhelmed with this feeling of anger and his training taking over, he only snaps back after there was nothing left to kill and piles of bodies lay at his feet. Looking down with coldness in his eyes at the dead faces of his victims, and not saying a word he reaches down to grab a ragged piece of clothing off one of the fallen to clean off his blade before leaving.

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Journals & Backgrounds / Re: The Conviction of Retzlaff Voltoeux

« on: February 22, 2020, 09:58:03 am »

Hadrian, Low Netheril

As days pass by, Retzlaff, finds himself more and more distracted. Even though he’s spending most of his days in the crafting hall working on his trade skills and experimenting with new projects. It’s not his craft that holds his thoughts though;
With a taste of a blessing and a hint of wine he finds himself looking forward to the future. Even if what he found maybe fleeting in measure of a growing mountain, he finds that this slow dance is the most precious thing he has ever found. More precious than all the jewels and treasure in this plane and the next. Sometimes sun shines when you least expect it.
While looking forward to the future, he is also planning for the worst. His father trained him to “Always know your way out, and have an escape plan”.. It was rule number 3. An idea beginning to bloom from poetic words, sailing off into the sunset on his own ship with the wind at his back and the light of his world beside him. All but a dream for now but a goal to work towards when duties are finished and two souls are free from the grips of scheming guilds.
A quest to capture monsters only to find a slow dance on a mountain top; humming a tune from his homeland, crisp air on his skin, soft grass beneath his feet, the sound of gentle water just a short distance away, the warmth of his light holding his hand.  Truly a dream for dreams, a moment to relive and never forget.
With his guild all but silent and inactive for the time being, Retzlaff has been gathering his shop supplies to be ready for the Valstiir Festival. Looking to earn some coin with some merchandise at such an event it’s not the only thing he is looking forward to.

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Journals & Backgrounds / Re: The Conviction of Retzlaff Voltoeux

« on: February 03, 2020, 03:43:30 pm »

Hadrian, Low Netheril – 1852

After receiving a letter from his brother, Alatar, stating he was moving on from Hadrian to see what other plans the gods had in store for him, but leaving no word as to the direction he was heading for Retz to follow. This left him empty, distant and without purpose.
Thanks to Lady Zahirra supplying him with rare materials to work with, Retzlaff found somewhat of an escape in crafting weapons for her; an escape from the turmoil that’s brewing inside of him. With every swing of the hammer, every beat of the anvil, Retz begun to work lose himself to his work.
Questions keep circling through his mind as he works. What direction did his brother go? What purpose does he have with no family to protect? What should he do? How long before someone else abandons him? Is he cursed for what he did to his parents? How long before he is tossed aside like a poorly crafted tool?
After several long days of smelting metal, and the beating of an anvil, Retzlaff could only conclude that he must wait for something. What he must wait for he doesn’t know yet, maybe a sign from the gods, a letter from his brother stating where he went, wait for the next job the fishmen guild has for him, or the next crafting proposition from Lady Zahirra, or maybe just maybe he is waiting for death to catch up to him to collect what’s owed…

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Journals & Backgrounds / Re: The Conviction of Retzlaff Voltoeux

« on: January 27, 2020, 08:34:12 am »

Hadrian, Low Netheril – 1852

After spending a couple of weeks in Hadrian, Retzlaff was surprised and started to enjoy the new place Alatar found for them. Starting to meet people and not just keep to himself or have his mouth run wild causing trouble.. trouble which Alatar would have to pull him out of. Retz begun to take up a craft and even open a shop living the life of a simple merchant. His brother even bought a house and opened up a shop of his own.

While on a fishing trip, Retzlaff was informed about an opportunity where he could attempt to finish the training his mother started him on. He prepared for it, making sure he had everything he might need including a back up plan in case things took a turn for the worst; Always know your way out was one of the rules beaten into him by his mother.
With Alatars aid they set out for Southbank. Retz was told to send a clear message and take care of some nobleman who was causing trouble. On the way to the nobles estate they had to bypass a tribe of bugbears, goblins, and pixies standing guard. What were all these creatures doing protecting the estate, especially the fey.. It only caused more questions than answers.
Once at the Estate, Retzlaff and Alatar climbed some vines in the back through a window to the upper level of the estate, and finally once inside they began their family tradition leaving no witnesses or any who could be found anyways...
The estate was well guarded, guard dogs, mercenaries, house guards, a powerful cleric or two and even a house mage. Shown no mercy all were cut down, including the servants. After searching the estate up and down, there was no sign of the target. Retz suspected he took the cowards way out and hid in a drainage system found in the basement. With no witnesses left to kill inside, that only meant the guards at the front gate. As they were about to leave, Alatar begun to set the estate on fire, books, tapestries, and the like all went up in flames. Whatever that wasn't burnt was left covered in a bloody mess. The target escaped but the message was sent.

During the mission something inside of Retzlaff was triggered, his past begun to bubble back to the surface of his mind. The torture his parents put him through, the victims his father forced him to kill, the hatred he was trained to use begun to take over. Once again leaving an icy coldness in eyes, the eyes of a killer.
His training remains incomplete for now... but his soul began to revert back to the days of when his parents were still alive.

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Journals & Backgrounds / The Conviction of Retzlaff Voltoeux

« on: January 13, 2020, 09:06:59 pm »

Aelinthaldaar, Illefarn  – 1845
The Elven capital was rocked by news that quickly swept the streets. Murder, intrigue, secret conspiracies, and scandalous behavior. Lord Voltoeux was no more, his murderers were his children. The more the guards pulled at the threads the more the secrets of the house unraveled, and the many repugnant practices that had seen the house rise to authority and influence over the centuries. Thievery the least among their crimes, which included blackmail, murder, smuggling, slavery, and more besides among them. It would seem if there was a crime to commit, a law to break, then over its rise house Voltoeux had done so.

For murder most foul, the murderers would have been put to death, save for the mitigating circumstances that the late Lady Voltoeux in addition to being a criminal, had abused her children severely for years.

Forgiveness was not possible, but mercy was. Instead of being put to death they were exiled, the entire house as a whole.

Excerpt the Records of the Court of Aelinthaldar - 1845, 12th Kythorn. Trial of Saeruth 'Retzlaff' Voltoeux.

Minister Aelwyn: Saeruth Voltoeux, most of your kin have already been sentenced, and you are one of the last. Do you have anything to say in your defense?

Saeruth Voltoeux: *begins to chuckle but quickly turns into a maniacal laughter*

Minister Aelwyn: *slams his gavel down* Quiet!

Saeruth Voltoeux: … For the record, it wasn’t the fact she tortured me so I would know how best to do so in turn. It was when she began to look towards Agarwaeneth, I knew then mother had to die.

*Gasps quickly echo through the court chamber with whispering and murmuring beginning to rise *
Minister Aelwyn: *quickly slams his gavel down* Silence in the court! *slams his gavel down several more times* So you admit to matricide?

Saeruth Voltoeux: Matricide?... No, not mothers, we slew monsters. *his laughing returns, followed by a sickening grin.*

Minister Aelwyn: *slamming his gavel down one last time* Saeruth Voltoeux, you have shown yourself to be just as if not more remorseless as your brother for the heinous murder of your parents. You are ruthless, unlawful and vile, and you will share the same fate as the rest of your kin! You are hereby exiled on pain of death.

Hadrian, Lower Netheril – 1852
Constantly on the move for the past seven years, Retzlaff stood by his brothers side no matter where they ended up. Although once or twice they had to flee because of rumor or suspicious disappearances.

Noticing the look in Alatar's eyes, this place was different. Maybe his god lets him see what fate holds.

*Nods to Alatar* “I will try to be on best behavior for now... Do what you do best, I will guard your back.”