Word has reached much of the Turamzzyrian Empire and further north, that some cult activity was reported near a section of the Demonwall in the County of Trauntor. During the final months of the War of Shadows, part of Barrett’s Gorge had been overrun by demons and undead. In the year since that, the Order of the Golvern Star and other imperial martial groups have succeeded in pushing back much of the Scourge, and already sections of the broken segment of the Demonwall are under repair.

But it came as no surprise to many that a spike of Luukosian activity was discovered near the edge of the region, operating secretly within the shadow of the Demonwall. As rumors persisted of the cult’s growing activities, a number of Blameless, a group of Koar crusaders, were dispatched by Prelate Chaston from Talador, where they made the arduous journey to the far south to confront the threat of evil.

However, what happened next, no one truly expected. While investigating the cult of Luukos in the area of Barrett’s Gorge, the Blameless discovered a startling connection between the Luukosians and the Order of the Night’s Blade, a known Ronan sect in the region. The Order of the Night’s Blade are well known in the southern provinces of the Turamzzyrian Empire, especially across Elstreth in the Duchy of Aldora. They are known to be strong opponents of the Horned Cabal, and even stronger allies of the Order of Voln.

So it was indeed a surprise to many when a strong and irrefutable connection between the cult of Luukos and the Order of the Night’s Blade in the Trauntor region was exposed. The Blameless are said to have been thorough in their investigation and swift in their justice. Two strikes were coordinated and the locations of both the Luukosians and the Night’s Blades were both simultaneously raided. It is said that none of the Luukosians escaped, and those that were apprehended were burned at the stake. While the attack against the Order of the Night’s Blades was successful, some members did escape, but their leader, a man named Lord Redding, was captured.

Witnesses in Barrett’s Gorge later stated that Prelate Chaston Griffin himself was seen among the Blameless, having personally aided in subduing the leader of the Nights’ Blades. When asked later to explain what had happened, the Prelate said:

“It is with a heavy heart that I speak of the utter betrayal I feel at this moment. It seems more and more common in these dark times, that men of wickedness hide behind the banner of Liabo and believe they will be sheltered away from the light of Koar. But in truth, no evil deed escapes the ever watchful eyes of the God-King. Luukos, the great Lord of Lies, has ever been a thorn in the side of the righteous, and wherever his followers gather, Koar’s light will be there to cleanse the world of their blemish. But to learn that these Luukosians had successfully corrupted and twisted members of the Order of the Night’s Blades serves to only elevate our concerns, and strengthen our resolve. We must never lose sight of the enemy before us, and the enemy among us.”

When questioned what would become of the captured Lord Redding, the Prelate went on to say that he would remain imprisoned and hopefully through further interrogation could provide more information into how many more corrupted members still exist within the Order of the Night’s Blades.

Rumors had also begun to circulate that far north of the Empire, in the protectorate of Wehnimer’s Landing, another connection between Luukosians and Ronanites had occurred. It was said by some locals that both followers of Luukos and Ronan had come together to conduct a ritual at a Shrine of Koar in the region, but many dismissed the notion as hearsay.

You know that feeling when you've painted yourself into a corner without even realizing it? That's the feeling.

Absolutely amazing, Kenstrom.

Mohrgan glances between Mohrgan and Mohrgan.

.... and the plot thickens, and we more a deeds
The evil Blameless have too much greed!
They shed more blood, they set afire
To the living, regardless if not a Liar
Was the God King's alliance so quick we forget?
Liablo and Lornon fought with not one regret?
Will hope remain, will faith strong?
Will an alliance in this truly belong?
Time will tell..tik tok tik tok
The endless tune of the world's clock...


Truly amazing, Kenstrom.

__________________________
- Kobold in Disguise Falvicar, Blade of the Night

You swing a silver-edged black veil iron katana at Sevynne!

* Sevynne drops dead at your feet!
* Sevynne just bit the dust!

A traveler strolls up to the gates of Solhaven, accompanied by his dark elven escort. The two continue the conversation they struck on up the trail.

The traveler continues, "So the black-and-white gear you wear, it's not..."

The dark elf interrupts, "No, you see, that's just it. Some people think its supposed to symbolize a balance between good and evil. I never understood that. Who thinks there should be as much evil as good in the world?? Nonsense. The point is that sometimes "dark" tactics can save the day, and sometimes those preaching holiness can be the most intolerable kind of evil. So yes, the white and black are about balance, but balance between restorative and destructive magic, physical might and mana. That sort of thing."

"So you mean to say..." The traveler trails off.

"I'm not privy to everything going on with the Ronanites, nor the particular order the Blameless went after, and so I won't draw any absolute conclusions just yet... but I'm inclined to like them even more more than the Blameless went after them."

The traveler adds in hushed tones, "You may be right, but you had better be careful of who's listening before you say things like that."

The dark elf, failing to lower his voice to match his companion, replies, "And they had better be careful of me."

The two shake hands and part ways. As the dark elf turns back in the direction of the landing, his eyes flash bright green. He stumbles forward and catches himself.

"Damn it," he mutters, taking a deep breath before setting out for the return trip.

---

P.S. Bring back demon wall hunting pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaasssseee!!!!