Markus Clouser

This should be fun, Murro-style.

Andemius

hmm, quite like this so far, interesting at least

Princess Blades

Interesting, I will be keeping an eye on this.

__________________
Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.
Herodotus (484 BC - 430 BC)

Dre

bookmarked ^^

Mei Fen

DAY 1

I have finally arrived in Lion's Arch after an arduous journey across the sea. As the dock workers unloaded the cargo of Canthan trade goods, I was greeted by a White Mantle representative who addressed me formally for the entire conversation. Despite the fact that I was sent merely to chronicle the conflict for the imperial records, the officer inquired about possible Canthan involvement several times, insisting that the situation was in their grasp. His eyes betrayed him, however.

The Canthan Embassy had prepared all the necessary paperwork and provided me with an unusual number of permits for various, dare I say, mundane activities. Even with our complicated bureaucracy, there is no need to issue “travel permits” (as they called them). I was told that they were obtained with great difficulty, even in the name of the Dragon Empire, with orders issued by the Emperor himself. It must be impossible for these simple farmers and merchants to move freely within their own country.

I went on to inquire about the necessity of these permits, however I was given a short and unsatisfactory answer: “We are in war and the people of Kryta must be constrained for their safety.”. The high-ranking officer appeared to show suspicion. When I asked a local merchant he hastily invoked the safety of his fellow Krytans and the authority of the White Mantle. The man seemed troubled and his gaze shifted from left to right, as if making sure that nobody was eavesdropping.

The situation in Kryta is not as it seems. My Emperor was correct to send me to investigate the matter, for these “protectors of peace” would surely distort the facts. I will continue to write any important information and describe suspicious events as long as I am able to.



DAY 2

Traveling through the North Kryta province, I was hindered quite a few times by the newly appointed Peacekeepers. When I revealed the required documents they did not seem pleased, actually implying that they were forged, but allowed me to pass when I also showed my Imperial Seal. Clearly these people are not the brightest one could find but I am grateful that they can at least distinguish commoners from Canthan officials.

Once again, when asking the locals for opinions on the new White Mantle regulations, I am given variations of the same short answer. These people are clearly struck with fear, and although many blame the continuous conflict, I believe it is their so-called defenders who instil terror. Unfortunately, without sufficient evidence, I am unable to provide the Dragon Empire with a satisfactory verdict.

It is also possible that the Krytans do not wish to divulge their most dire troubles to an outsider for the fact that there has simply not been enough time for trust to form between our two nations. Aside from trade relations, we know little about each other. Moreover, the many cultural differences have created a staggering gap between our peoples.

A good place to start the process would be their archives, as I believe that knowledge of their past and habits would give us a better understanding of the current situation. Regrettably, it may take quite some time before I gain access to these precious documents and there is a great possibility that I will not gain access at all. If it should come to that, I will resort to more cunning methods in order to carry out my mission successfully. I will do my best to reveal more information over time.

Princess Blades

Love it, can't wait to read some more!

__________________
Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.
Herodotus (484 BC - 430 BC)

Markus Clouser

As expected, I like it! Nice cliffhanger there too.

Mei Fen

DAY 3

Today I have made some small progress. A fishmonger with a taste for spirits was very pleased when I presented him a bottle of the rice wine, a common beverage in Cantha but exotic elsewhere. The disadvantage was that he insisted on consuming the entire bottle before revealing any information, thus his story mostly lacked coherence. I shall make note of what I could piece together, in the event that it proves to be true.

A man named Saul D’Alessio returned from exile during Kryta’s troubled times, bearing wisdom from newfound gods that he named the “Unseen Ones”. Due to his leadership, he rescued the nation from a time of darkness and led it to its most flourishing period. As a result, the White Mantle was formed and in the absence of a king, they rose to power.

Strangely, other than Saul himself, nobody has ever laid eyes upon these “gods”, yet they obediently follow their will. The White Mantle considers those who do not follow the Unseen Ones to be heretics and condemns such worship as a “seditious act”. They claim to preach the words of Saul, but I find this to be contradictory. There is a temple off the coast of Kryta, dedicated to the Five Gods, a temple which has stood from forgotten times. If Saul had wanted to impose the worship of new gods, why does the temple still stand?

There are many questions that need answers. Unfortunately, as I gain more information, more questions arise and contradictions turn hours of documentation into waste. Now, more than ever, I want to search their archives; there are too many missing pieces, too much information that is kept hidden. If this continues, I may have to turn to the Shining Blade for answers. May Lyssa guide me!



Thanks for reading and I hope you continue to do so

Mei Fen

DAY 4

My efforts to gain access to the Krytan archives have been in vain as only high ranking members of the White Mantle are allowed to read such valuable scriptures. Despite this setback, I have been given an offer. A part of the collection of tomes is to be transported to a different location and if I aid them on the journey, I could earn their trust and may be given the chance to examine a few historical records.

Apparently their forces are stretched thin trying to find the Shining Blade “heretics” and would accept any and all aid. This would explain the recent inclusion of less intelligent soldiers within their ranks. Although I am not sure how they acquired knowledge of my combat expertise, it is a good thing they have, otherwise it would have taken me possibly weeks before I could form a plausible hypothesis.

The revolt is being led by a woman named Salma who claims to be the rightful heir to the Krytan throne. She also claims that the Unseen Ones are demons who demand periodic human sacrifices at an altar deep within the Maguuma Jungle. I have added a copy of her declaration of war for future reference. At this point I am not sure what to believe, as each faction condemns the other while the people of the nation are left to suffer.

Although I am slowly making progress, I cannot help but feel a staggering fall in my standing with the locals. The Canthan merchants who came to Lion’s Arch to sell their goods have told me that they have not sold anything since yesterday afternoon and also pointed out that the Krytans reacted with great fear when they promoted their rice wine. Unfortunately, I do not have time to solve this issue, nor is it my responsibility. I will continue my report tomorrow.


Unlike other scribes *cough* Murro *cough* I do not take the weekend off! Enjoy!

Princess Blades

Poor Murro, it's not his fault. lol Good stuff, keep it up

__________________
Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.
Herodotus (484 BC - 430 BC)

Mei Fen

DAY 5

As I am writing this I am still overwhelmed by today’s events, but I will try to describe them with as much accuracy as I can.

The fishmonger with whom I had spoken a few days ago was found dead yesterday morning. They say that he was lying in a most disturbing position, with blood dripping from the man’s mouth and shockingly, the bottle of rice wine which I gave him was found next to the corpse. Not only is it outrageous to think that Canthan tradesmen would try to poison Krytans through our goods, but the bottle that I had given him was sealed and I personally drank some of the beverage while en route to Lion’s Arch. Our ambassador ordered our merchants to sail back home immediately, lest they be sanctioned. I suspect that someone did not appreciate the fact that I was trying to reveal the truth about the war, thus they attempted to discredit all Canthans, effectively putting my research to a halt.

I was also approached by a White Mantle officer who took me to a retreated place where nobody could overhear our conversation. He revealed that he was a spy for the Shining Blade and that I was to be murdered by the caravan escort while delivering the tomes and other supplies. After successfully removing the Canthan presence from Kryta, they would close all external trading routes and make contact with the outside world impossible. Before returning to his post, the man told me to join the caravan tomorrow and to have faith.

If I tried to escape I would surely be caught by these murderers as I do not know the land, nor would I be able to avoid the numerous groups of Peacekeepers. It appears that I have no choice but to place my fate in the hands of the gods. Should they smile upon me, I will continue my report.

Markus Clouser

Very, very nice!

Princess Blades

very nice, keep it up

__________________
Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.
Herodotus (484 BC - 430 BC)

Mei Fen

DAY 6

I have survived the incident uninjured and, for the time being, I am out of harm’s way. Although it pains me to do so, because of the recent events I will have to classify Saul’s followers as murderous tyrants and fanatics. As I examine the tomes and documents that the White Mantle have so generously donated, I will reveal more, but for now I shall recall the aforementioned incident.

We had departed early in the morning for they said that the journey would be long; however they did not mention the destination as they had probably thought that I would never reach it. There were six armoured guards delivering the caravan and I assume the cargo is quite precious since three would have been enough to strike me down. Perhaps four.

They did not speak to me for the entire journey aside from a few grunts which, as far as I could tell by intonation, meant yes or no. The moment we entered the first thicket I heard the sound of a sword being unsheathed, followed by the shrieks of several arrows. When I turned my back, the men lay on the ground, with arrows piercing their vital spots. They then emerged from the shadows; cloaked men and women wielding bows. One of them came closer and tossed me new garments, ordering me to undress and hand over my own clothes. I did so without hesitation. They then performed a most gruesome act: they had brought the corpse of a woman which they dressed in my own clothing and placed next to the bodies of the White Mantle guards. With a simple gesture, a woman created a blazing pyre that quickly consumed the dead, leaving few hints as to their identity.

Without uttering a word, we marched towards a new destination. After many hours of walking on hidden paths and avoiding the Peacekeeper patrols, we reached our destination: the Shining Blade camp. I was then given food, water, a place to rest and promised answers after I had regained my strength. I thank the gods for their benevolence!

Mei Fen

DAY 7

The tomes and documents have proven to be invaluable in my research. A fellow scribe who had taken part in the events prior to the current war has recorded all significant information and is the main source of today’s report.

After Saul had returned from his exile, he led his newly formed White Mantle into battle against the vicious Charr and with the help of three powerful Unseen Ones (henceforth named “Mursaat”), banished the invaders from Kryta. The price, however, was high. The Mursaat then decimated the White Mantle soldiers and took Saul, as opposed to the web of lies that has been spread among the Krytans.

The Mursaat were prophesised to be destroyed by vile creatures, known as Titans, which would emerge from the Door of Komalie, situated in the Ring of Fire Islands. The periodic sacrifices required by the Unseen Ones had the purpose of keeping the door closed, thus preventing the prophecy from becoming reality.

Ancient tomes spoke of a potent artifact that could control the mighty Titans: the Sceptre of Orr. It miraculously materialized itself on the border between Kryta and the Maguuma Jungle and fell into the hands of the White Mantle. Misguided by a vile lich in human disguise, a group of brave adventurers along with the Shining Blade stole the sceptre and released the Titans, believing that in doing so they would annihilate any remaining threats. The Mursaat were indeed defeated, only a few surviving, however the lich seized control of the Titans and attempted to conquer the world only to be defeated.

In conclusion, the White Mantle had been dominated by the Mursaat and now that their false gods have been decimated, they struggle to keep Kryta under their rule. Even without their Unseen Ones, they outnumber the Shining Blade, thus they still pose a threat to the country.


DAY 8

The Shining Blade are currently training their newest recruits, men and women who have taken up the fight against the tyrants. Their weapon of choice is the bow as it allows them to strike swiftly from a distance, keeping their casualties to a minimum. Given the fact that the White Mantle protect themselves with heavy armour that deflects arrows, these scouts must quickly and accurately strike at the weak points while also making their presence unnoticeable. I applaud them for their great skill in marksmanship, especially considering the short amount of time they had to train.

Their tactic has certain disadvantages, however. A large group would be inefficient as it travels at a much slower pace and is also prone to detection, thus they must move in small groups that can dispatch the enemy from the shadows. This brings the next vulnerability of their scheme; should the foes notice the archers before they are ready to strike, the plan is foiled and the Shining Blade must retreat. While they are trained to use other weapons as well, engaging the White Mantle in mêlée would only serve in stalling, otherwise they would simply increase their casualties.

I do understand that most of the rebels are simple peasants and they do not possess any scholarly education, but I have seen very few members who utilise magic. Granted, binding mystical energies to one’s will and unleashing them upon the enemy requires a great amount of concentration and it also renders the user defenceless while weaving the spell, but it would surely increase the overall strength of the Shining Blade. I shall see if I can aid these few spellcasters in improving their craft.

Mei Fen

DAY 9

The flow of magic surrounds us and manifests itself in different forms, some of which may be beyond our human comprehension. There have been many reckless mages who sought complete control over the mystic arts only to find themselves consumed by chaotic energies. Magic is not a game, rather a tool which can backfire at any moment; it is because of this that the gods placed shackles on all creatures with such an affinity, keeping the most fine and destructive elements of magic eternally out of grasp.

I had sincerely not expected the Shining Blade sorcerers to be so very inexperienced. They heedlessly launch flames and pestilence without taking the time to complete the necessary chant! I now understand why they have not been placed in any patrols. They must understand that magic is in many aspects similar to weaving: different threads and patterns produce various cloths just as chanting and gestures create spells. A single loose thread can bring about chaotic destruction.

Fortunately, they are eager to learn how to perfect their shoddy craft and have already begun practising the techniques which I have passed down from Headmaster Kaa. Motions must not be skipped, but simplified and transformed into an equivalent while also being synchronised with the mage’s mind. Chanting has the role of invoking raw magic, forging it into the desired form and releasing it, thus one must not stutter or pause, lest the unstable shape shatter.

Until they fully understand these fundamental rules, I cannot help them further their abilities. I see great potential and I have faith that in short time they will become powerful and reliable members of the Shining Blade.



DAY 10

It has been ten days since I have arrived in Kryta. My Emperor has chosen me particularly for my journeys to other corners of the world and also because I spoke the language. Despite my education and my great confidence that I could see this mission through, I now see that I lack the affection necessary to truly understand the situation. At first glance one might say that the facts are simple and clear: a nation is being oppressed and the rightful heir wishes to regain power and restore peace. However, I believe that it runs deeper than that; far too deep for a foreigner to even imagine. To see your homeland trampled by a fanatic group that so innocently claims to protect it is beyond cruel.

The White Mantle have done nothing but to embitter these people through their absurd regulations; they have choked Kryta through their iron grasp. A woman’s husband was murdered after being wrongly accused of aiding the rebels. A farmer’s entire crop and livestock were confiscated in order to feed the oppressors. Slowly, the Krytans are reaching the point in which they no longer have anything to lose, and when that happens, they will see what fear and despair are capable of.

The Shining Blade bring hope into their hearts. I have met Princess Salma. She is a most kind woman who wishes to gain the people’s trust instead of brutally taking the throne, rallying fellow Krytans who desperately want to see their beloved country liberated. The princess bowed to me and apologised for my being mistreated during my journey, her eyes showing shame for what Kryta has become. At the same time, her eyes bore the same flame as those of her compatriots, burning passion and devotement which I could never truly comprehend.

I have received word that all foreign officials have fled back to their homelands, thus Kryta has been isolated from the rest of the world, leaving the conflict to be resolved internally. It appears that the Shining Blade spy was correct. I find it cowardly that nations refuse to aid each other and limit relations to trade. The cries of this country have fallen on deaf ears, unfortunately.

Despite my mission being over, I wish to remain in Kryta until the conflict finally ends. The mere thought of my dear Cantha being under such a tyrannical reign makes the clash between the Am Fah and the Jade Brotherhood seem nothing more than a petty quarrel. I shall join the Shining Blade and aid them in the best way I can; my collection of permits alone should provide more mobility and my combat prowess could aid them in numerous ways. I truly hope that I will make a difference.



Hope you enjoy it!

Mei Fen

I'm sorry for not writing anything in over a week, but integrating my own story into an ongoing event proved to be harder than I had expected. I don't want to interfere with the actual storyline and I want it to be plausible from a timeline point of view. I'll be filling in the gaps soon.

Eragon Zarroc

You should consider submitting something in for the Guild Wars Online Magazine. ;-)

Mei Fen

DAY 11

Rain is falling. Heavy rain; as if wanting to wash away the blood that was spilled because of my inability. I cannot help but blame myself, yet I will not let grief hinder my responsibility as chronicler for the Emperor.

I had decided to leave the Shining Blade camp and scout the nearby areas alone, despite the many offers to accompany me. It was raining lightly and with the “dedication” and “intelligence” of the Peacekeepers I assumed that they would not be patrolling. Evidently, I did not leave unarmed but borrowed a bow and a light sword in case of an unexpected turn of events.

Dashing in the shadows of the trees and through the tall vegetation with the downpour covering any sound, the chances of being seen were almost inexistent. I had wandered quite far north when I heard the screams; a group of three Peacekeepers had assaulted a family that was apparently trying to leave Kryta and murdered the parents, leaving only the small child to watch as they looted the small cart. Two of the thugs were massive brawlers and the third was an old hag with a disgustingly pleased expression on her face. I quickly shot an arrow and killed one of the large goons, but as I was aiming to dispatch the second one, the hag launched a flurry of piercing ice towards my hiding place, forcing me to reveal myself.

Acting as swiftly as I could, I temporarily shattered the witch’s ability to weave magic by stemming the flow of energy around her and made use of the confusion to down my other opponent. The wretch soon conjured a blazing orb which I attempted to dodge, but to my horror I saw that the Peacekeeper who I thought dead was gripping my ankles. Before we were both consumed by the searing flames I managed to summon an imperfect ethereal shield to protect me, at least to some degree. I fell and watched helplessly as she murdered the child and cackled. In that very moment, a fury worthy of Tahmu ignited within me and with all of my strength I hissed an ancestral curse. The witch’s flesh instantly tore open, a pitch black swarm slowly consuming her bones and punishing her with endless torment. Shrieks filled the air but all went silent after a few moments. I then fainted.


Don't forget to read days 8 and 9, too!