The Royal Family of Verai:

Kinsmen of the Royal d'Verai Family

• Archduke Scoob Drake d'Verai of Rockwood, Royal Consot to King Tathan
• Lady Ozark of Doomghaurd, Lady-In-Waiting and Royal Companion to Princess Cora
• Prince Morgil (Malabar) Ravenswing of Blackavar, Brother of the Blood to King Taithan and Princess Cora

KNIGHTS OF THE STEWARD

RESPECT THE ALCOHOL

-No open container shall be wasted but rather shared with the Steward and his knight.

RESPECT YOUR DUTY

-Protect the Steward of Verai, and the lands in his care and your fellow knights

RESPECT YOUR POSITION

-Always act honorably and remember to have fun.

RESPECT THE LADIES

-Knights of the Steward shall protect the dancers at the fire pit.

LANDS OF NEW VERAI

The Kingdom of New Verai was dissolved in 995, shortly after the introduction of the worship of the god Arioch, by New Verai's steward, Baron Cinnabar of the Borderlands. All vassals of New Verai were released of their oaths to Verai, and permitted to take the lands that they governed with them. Only New Verai itself, and the lands of Doomghaurd remained under the direct control of the royal d'Verai family.

Many of the records of the Kingdom of New Verai (particularly those for Mirkshaw, Rathkeale and Videssos) were lost during the war for "old" Verai; however, the following partial list of the former people of the Kingdom of New Verai has been reconstructed from the documents that did survive.

Map of New Verai (993 Borders) by Lady Caitlyn

The Eighteen Sepats of New Verai

• Annan 
  
• Bairnagreine
• Camerain 
• Durnss 
• Ellon 
• J'nann 
• Greenock 
• Kirriemuir 
• Merelann 
• Meretasser 
• Moncreiff 
• Montrose 
• Perth 
• Rachillis 
• Stirling 
• Sanquhar and Tain

Counties

• Aethelmark 
  
• Anarton 
  
• Armandy 
  
• cynfast 
  
• Drakenridge 
  
• Grendlyn 
  
• Hellespont 
  
• Kaileigh 
  
• Lilivan 
  
• Lochaven 
  
• Ma'atilla 
  
• Mereport 
  
• Mortesblue 
  
• New Ilez Kor 
  
• Sherill 
  
• Sothemuir 
  
• Taift 
  

Baronies

• Alia 
  
• Ammaroth 
  
• Aramin 
  
• Argentebois 
  
• Arran 
  
• Bordermarche 
  
• Cameron 
  
• Caithness 
  
• Caivann 
  
• Chrysalport 
  
• Cleirch Tor 
  
• Croix d'Or 
  
• Devland 
  
• Dumarston 
  
• Gilphaed 
  
• Greyshade 
  
• Kaivale 
  
• Kelki 
  
• Keydie 
  
• Kroywen 
  
• Kyrian 
  
• Lime Rock 
  
• Lynd 
  
• Mahdipaul 
  
• Mora 
  
• Myrrdin 
  
• New Silverstein 
  
• Ozark 
  
• Reynard 
  
• Roen 
  
• Saling 
  
• Tathenen Tor 
  
• Terith Annon 
  
• Urlanistaad 
  
• Vys 
  
• Wulfden
  

By the end of 993 CE, many lands throughout the Realms owed allegiance to the Kingdom of New Verai. New Verai Keep had outgrown its borders, and its lands were divided into the Sepats of Khent, Meretaser, Ellon, and Stirling--each of which was expanded to include new lands. Many new Sepats were also created after the pattern of the older Kingdom of Verai.
After the dissolution of the Kingdom of New Verai in 995, the vassal states sworn to the royal d'Verai family were released from their oaths of allegiance. The d'Verai family continued to rule the lands of New Verai as shown on the map above. The lands of Doomghaurd (not shown) also remained under d'Verai control.
In 997, King Taithan was petitioned by a large group of refugees for the right to settle in the southern portion of New Verai. Sympathetic to their claim, King Taithan granted them the Sepats of Greenock, Tain, Moncreiff, J'nann, and Kirriemuir in which to dwell. These lands were granted autonomy from New Verai provided that their people never bore arms against the people and lands of Verai and New Verai. These former Sepats of New Verai were collectively renamed "The Lost Kingdom".

SWORN MEMBERS OF NEW VERAI BY 995

LAW AND CUSTOMS

Code of Laws

The will of the ruler of Verai is the law of Verai. It is the sacred duty of the ruler of Verai and of all who rule within Verai to uphold the principles of Ma'at as laid forth by the goddess. There is no law higher than this.

By order of King Taithan, the following is also decreed:

It is unlawful to kill a citizen of Verai except in self-defense or in the defense of Verai and its ruler.

It is unlawful to mutilate the body of a dead citizen of Verai, such as is done through the practice of scalping.

It is unlawful to kill the slave of a citizen of Verai without the explicit consent of the slave's owner.

It is unlawful to steal money, goods, or slaves from a citizen of Verai.

It is unlawful to hinder an officer of the crown in the execution of their duties.

It is unlawful to assault a member of the royal family or of the nobiility of Verai.

It is unlawful to enslave a citizen of Verai unless said citizen freely chooses to enter into the bonds of slavery.

Exceptions to these laws as decreed by King Taithan may be made as necessary by a duly appointed Court of Ma'at.  

Oaths of Allegiance

Oaths:

There are two different oaths of allegiance commonly sworn in Verai. To become a citizen of Verai, traditionally it is the First Oath of Allegiance that is sworn. Those seeking to join Verai who have already reached the age of majority must swear this oath upon their acceptance to Verai. Children born or raised in Verai are assumed to have Verai citizenship if one or more of their parents are citizens of Verai. If they wish to remain a citizen beyond their 18th year, they must also take this oath. Customarily this oath is taken at the Feast of Min following the individual's 18th birthday.

If, under the terms of the First Oath of Allegiance, a citizen of Verai wishes to leave Verai--but then later chooses to return to Verai, then it is the Second Oath of Allegiance that must be given to be re-accepted into Verai.

If a citizen of Verai is unwillingly released from their First Oath of Allegiance, but is later permitted to return to Verai; then he or she must retake the First Oath to regain their citizenship in Verai. Individuals who are unwillingly released from their Second Oath of Allegiance may have their citizenship restored by the will of the ruler of House d'Verai at any time; and may be required to retake the Second Oath of Allegiance at that time.

The First Oath of Allegiance

I, _________________, do solemnly swear to obey the ruler of House d'Verai with all my heart and soul. I commit to the service of said ruler, my body, my possessions, my intellect and wit. I further swear to hold nothing from the ruler of House d'Verai, be it worldly goods, information, or even so great as my own soul. Additionally I grant that the first fealty of all those sworn to me shall henceforth be to the ruler of House d'Verai and that I shall accept these individuals' second fealty only. All of this is conditionally placed upon my remaining sworn to the ruler of House d'Verai, with the understanding that should I ever wish to leave said House, I need merely to inform the ruler of House d'Verai of my intent--and should said ruler be unable to resolve the causes which impel me to seek to be released from this oath--I shall be immediately so released.

The Second Oath of Allegiance

I, _________________, do solemnly swear to obey the ruler of House d'Verai with all my heart and soul. I commit to the service of said ruler, my body, my possessions, my intellect and wit. I further swear to hold nothing from the ruler of House d'Verai, be it worldly goods, information, or even so great as my own soul. Additionally I grant that the first fealty of all those sworn to me shall henceforth be to the ruler of House d'Verai and that I shall accept these individuals' second fealty only. This is sworn with the understanding that I shall never seek to be released of this oath--and should I ever cease to be a member of Verai, I shall continue to serve the ruler of House d'Verai unconditionally, nonetheless. Further, I swear that even should release from this oath be granted to me, I will never accept release from service to the ruler of House d'Verai as described by this oath.

Handfastings:

There are two different types of handfastings commonly recognized in Verai, consortships and companionships. Both types of handfasting are recognized by the state, and are defined as the union of two individuals--neither race nor gender is a determinant in one's eligibility for such a union.

For legal purposes, consortships are considered a specialized form of slavery in which the ownership of the consort cannot be transferred. Many of the other laws concerning slavery also apply to consortships; however, unlike slaves, consorts can hold property jointly with their lord or lady--including other slaves, and may be expected to govern their lord or lady's lands in the absence of their lord or lady. Unlike slaves, a consort may also be a citizen of Verai, and as such they are not subject to the will of any but their own lord or lady.

Companionships, on the other hand, are considered to be a union of equals. There is no loss of rights on the part of either companion.

Citizens of Verai may enter into multiple handfastings with the following provisions:

A consort may only have one lord or lady. A consort may only take companions with the consent of their lord or lady. Any companions of a consort remain as that consort's companions at the will of the consort's lord or lady and not at the will of the consort. Any such companions are, of course, free to leave of their own will.

Slaves may only enter into companionships with other slaves. Each slave must have the consent of both owners. A slave that wishes to leave such a companionship must have the consent of their owner.

Slaves are permitted to enter into a consortship only with their owner. Slaves are only permitted to enter such a consortship as the consort of their owner.

Consortships may be ended only by the will of the lord or lady, by the decree of a Court of Ma'at, or by a Ritual d'Mach. If a consortship has been ended, the consort has the right to take with them only the clothes he or she is wearing. Anything more than this must have the consent of the lord or lady releasing the consort. Children of the union remain with the lord or lady.

Companionships may be ended by either companion or by the decree of a Court of Ma'at. Those possessions they brought to the union are restored to them upon parting--any acquired jointly are to be divided equally between them. A Court of Ma'at may be convened to assist in this division at the request of either companion, and its aid must be enlisted if children are involved.

Ritual d'Mach:

A Ritual d'Mach may be held on the anniversary of a consortship handfasting at the request of the consort. A Ritual d'Mach is always held on the first anniversary of a handfasting. A Priest or Priestess of Ma'at must preside at this ritual as Arbiter. A Ritual Combat Arena is demarked by the Arbiter, and the weapons for combat are provided by the Arbiter in accordance with regional tradition. A battle between the lord or lady and the consort for the handfasting in question is fought until either the lord or lady is dead or the consort is judged incapable of attacking but is not dead. The battle continues until one of these two conditions is met--or the Arbiter declares the d'Mach suspended.

If the battle ends because the lord or lady is dead--the consortship is ended. The Arbiter should attempt to commune with the spirit of the dead lord or lady to determine whether or not the lord or lady wishes to be raised. If the lord or lady chooses to be raised, the Arbiter must raise them, but the lord or lady forfeits all titles and properties and loses citizenship in Verai--any titles and properties formerly held by the lord or lady may be passed to his or her heirs. It is customarily assumed, though not required, that a noble (or royal) of Verai who fails to best his or her consort will refuse all attempts at restoring them to life.

If the battle ends because the consort has been judged incapable of attacking but is not dead, then the handfasting has been reaffirmed as a proper consortship.

If the consort dies during the battle, it is the responsibility of the lord or lady to have their consort raised so that the d'Mach may continue. If the lord or lady fails to do so, he or she forfeits all titles and properties and loses citizenship in Verai--any titles and properties formerly held by the lord or lady may be passed to his or her heirs.

If neither of the end conditions are met, but the Arbiter declares the d'Mach suspended--a Ritual d'Mach must be held on the next anniversary of the handfasting.

Feasting:

Feasts are a time for celebration in Verai--a time to honor friends and family; and to re-affirm one's kinship with each other. It is not uncommon for Verai feasts to be full of lavish spectacle and the exchange of small gifts or tokens of affection is customary on the High Feast days.

Among the more common feasting traditions in Verai, are the following:

At the Feast of Kai (also called the Feast of Yule), held on the darkest day of the year; it is traditional to invite one who is a stranger to sit and feast among one's honored guests. This is done in honor of the many peoples who came to Verai in their darkest hour, and brought new light and hope to all.

The Feast of Kai marks the time of change, of endings and of new beginnings. As such, it is also the customary time for changes in the leadership of the priests and priestesses of Verai. High Priests retire, and are made Elder Priests, their appointed successors taking on their mantle on this day.

At the Feast of Cerwyden (also called the Feast of Ma'at or the Feast of Balance), the normal roles and status of those in attendance are reversed. Those of low station are given the places of honor, whilst those of high station take on the roles of servants and slaves.

Only the priests of Ma'at are excepted--for it is on this day that slaves may free themselves by bringing their owners before a priest or priestess of Balance and declaring their enslavement ended.

The Feast of Min is a popular time for handfastings among the people of Verai. It is also on this day that a coming of age ceremony is held for those who reached their 18th year during the preceding year.

Fertility rites are often performed, and particularly effective when done during the Feast of Min celebrations.

At the Feast of Aser (more recently called the Day of the Dead), it is customary to set a place for one's ancestors at the table; so that they might join you at the feast.

The most somber of the feasts, this is a time for honoring the dead with tales of their feats in life.

At all feasts, and indeed, all shared meals in Verai, it is customary for food and drink to be laced with the blood of the host or of the host's family, signifying that those who partake are truly of the same blood.

Most hosts will, of course, honor requests to provide food that is not tainted by blood as required by those with medical or religious dietary restrictions. It is generally assumed that guests who do not make their preference known to intend to partake in this ritual of kinship.

Old Friends of Verai:

The formal status of "Old Friend of Verai" is an honor which may be conferred by any blood member of the royal House d'Verai upon one who has been of service to them personally or to the Kingdoms of Verai and its royal family generally.

Most commonly, the status is conferred upon former members of the Verai nobility who have parted from Verai on good terms; however, former allegiance to Verai is not required. The title is reserved for those who are not current citizens of Verai.

So what is an "old friend", you might ask? An old friend is someone that you go out of your way to help--and, of course, goes out of their way to help you. Think of an "old friend" as someone to whom you will always owe a favor--and who always owes you a favor as well, and you have the right idea.

Although this status may be rescinded at any time, the only true obligation of an "Old Friend of Verai" is that they do not, themselves, ever seek to harm or bear arms against a member of Verai. For their part, the people of Verai are forbidden to harm those who are "Old Friends"--even in times of war.

The following is a list of those who currently hold the status "Old Friend of Verai":

• Artex Bluebane of Videssos and Rathkeale (994 King Taithan, and 1001 Princess Cora)
• Calibane Silverstein of Valkyrie (995 King Taithan)
• Cassia of the Keep of the Scarlet Torch (991 Prince Sardor, and 993 King Taithan)
• Dee of Chimeron (993 King Taithan)
• Dol-Kügen Ammarosh of Mirkshaw (992 Princess Cora, and 995 King Taithan)
• Lillith of the Vistani gypsies (995 King Taithan)
• Urlan of the Amazons (991 Prince Sardor)
• Aethelwulf of Chimeron (992 Princess Cora)
  

DVINITY

The Dawn of Creation

In the beginning there was only the khaos of Nuin. Neither the heavens above nor the earth below did exist. So the God Anar placed a charm upon his own heart and brought forth Ma'at, she who is the foundation of all things. From Ma'at were all lands born, the mortal and immortal realms. Then did Anar stand within the Khaos of Nuin and call forth the heavens and the waters. These first children of Anar did love each other and in time gave birth to twins. The older twin was Mahal, god of the earth; and the younger was Khementári, goddess of the mists, who are called Freyr and Freyja by the Elven peoples of the fire top mountain.

Mahal loved his sister, the beautiful Khementári, and for many ages they embraced each other. The mists pressed against the earth and there was no space between them for anything to live and grow. In his wisdom, Anar ordered the heavens to separate them, that the world be not suffocated by their love. The mighty god of the air trampled Mahal beneath his feet and lifted Khementári high above her brother; and she immediately gave birth to four children. The first was Aser, to preside over the Lands; next was Isefet, to preside over the Voids; third was Aset, to rule the Skies; and last was Kai, to rule the Shadows.

Aser and Aset, who had fallen in love with each other while still in their mother's womb, became husband and wife. Isefet and Kai were also married eventually, but there was no love between them. The two daughters of Khementári were different in character; Aset was brave and cunning, the Mistress of Magick, wiser than the wisest of men; while Kai was loyal and gentle, she who comforts the living and accompanies the dead. But the brothers Aser and Isefet were even more different. Aser was handsome, noble, and generous; but Isefet had the head of a savage beast, and it betrayed his nature, for he was greedy and cruel.

Many other gods and goddesses were called into existence by Anar, and he filled the sky above and the earth below with many demons, lesser gods, spirits, faerie folk and all those who are called enchanted creatures.

Last of all he created mortal Man. It is said that mankind sprung up from the tears of joy wept by Anar when the heavens and waters were returned to him after having become lost again in the khaos of Nuin.

And then Anar called the seasons and the months into being, and clothed the earth with trees and herbs and flowers. Finally, he made every kind of insect and fish, bird and animal, and gave them each the breath of life.

Each day he walked the world or sailed across the sky in the Menjet barque; and whenever they saw him, all living creatures rejoiced and praised him; and he ruled for countless ages in joy and peace.

Aser, his first son, grew and became a mighty king. He civilized his people, taught them to till the soil, gave them a code of laws to live by, and showed them how to walk the path of Ma'at. The land flourished under his kind and gentle rule. And his subjects were glad to worship him as their god.

But Aser had an enemy, his jealous brother Isefet-who could never forgive Aser for being his older brother and destined to rule. So it was that Isefet killed his brother and tore his corpse in pieces, scattering the pieces throughout the land; certain that none would ever find them.

When Aset discovered what had happened, her cry of anguish reached to the heavens, and Kai, her sister hurried to her side. For though she was the wife of Isefet, she had always loved Aser and Aset better. Together they searched for Aser's scattered body, and gathered all the piecies together. At last they had all but one piece, which Isefet had devoured. Aset worked the greatest of her magicks to make the body of Aser whole again; and with her ritual breathed life back into him. Sharing a single night of passion, the goddess and the god conceived a son; but Aser died again as soon as it was light.

Anar called Aser the Lord Ruler of the Am Duat, and gave to him the Netherworld to rule. And since that time, all those who die need not fear death, for their spirits will live on in the Kingdom of the Am Duat.

But Aset knew that if Isefet ever found her son, he would kill him. So she hid herself upon the isle of Khemmis, and when her child was born she called him Amon, the Hidden One. But Aser named him Min Verai. Aset hid with her son, to watch over him day and night. But Isefet was resourceful, and found out the place where the mother and child were hiding. He transformed himself into a snake, and reached the child unseen. His bite shot poison through the body of the child, and then as quickly and quietly as he had come, Isefet left.

Aset found her child, Min, lying lifeless upon his back. His heartbeat hardly able to be heard. Not knowing what kind of illness afflicted her son, she tried to work her magicks-but could not find the cause of his sickness. Despairing, she took the form of a mortal woman, and carried Min in her arms to the village that was nearby.

The folk of the village took pity on her, and did their best to try to cure her son, but to no avail. At last a wise woman was called to examine the child, and she saw that it was the work of Isefet, disguised as a snake or a scorpion, that poisoned him.

Aset became angry and cried out. Again, did Kai hear her cries, and came quickly to her, calling to her "What has happened sister? What ill has befallen Min who is heir to Aser?" But when she saw the child lying pale as one near to death, she knew at once that only Anar could save the boy.

Raising her voice, Aset called out with so great a cry, she stopped the sun and shook the earth, for she knew the ren of Anar. Looking down upon the grieving goddess, Anar sent Shéduin to learn what had happened. When he heard what had transpired, Shéduin intervened, and told Aset not to despair, for Anar had assured Min's safety.

Thus it was that Shéduin worked great magicks, and the poison of Isefet was driven out of Min's body, bringing the child back to life again, to the delight of his mother. Then did Shéduin, in Anar's name, order the people of Khemmis, and all the creatures who lived there, to keep watch over Min; but Aset had not left her mortal form when Shéduin said this, so she, too, was bound by his decree, and so she was called Aramina, the beloved of Aser. To protect them further, Kai caused the isle of Khemmis to be concealed in the mists, hidden from the wrathful eye of Isefet. The people of the isle proclaimed the child-god their king. And from that day till this, the people of Khemmis have been the people of Verai.

King Min Verai grew to manhood in the Land of Mists and ruled the people of Verai with a fair and just hand, and taught them the way of ma'at, and the path of Honor. In time, others came to Verai in the Land of Mists, some were mortal-lost in the Land of Mists, others came from the nearby Lands of the Fae; and still others from more distant lands. All who followed the path of ma'at were welcomed.

Asmodeus: Lord God Shan-tan of Amenti and Am Duat

Also known as, Aser, Rha, Amraiti Spenta, Aeshma Deava, As-mendeos, Rha-mendeos, Rha-mendeos, and the Dark Lord

• Lands of Verai and New Verai

Min (Min Verai): Patron God of Hedonism

• Hedonism, Fertility, Sex, Drinking
• Goblet of Mead
• Achoria, Verai
  • 12 July (typically) Min's High Feast or The Feast of Min

OTHER INFOMATION

Treaty of the Black and White

at Chimeron Castle

It having pleased the Gods to dispose the hearts of His Majesty, King Pyr Thalax of Chimeron and His Majesty, King Taithan d'Verai of Verai, to end all past misunderstandings and differences that have unhappily interrupted the good correspondence and friendship which they mutually wish to restore.

Be it known by this Proclamation and decree that the Royal House of the Kingdom of Verai, formerly of the Kingdom of New Verai, does rescind their Declaration of War upon the peoples of the Kingdom of Chimeron; and that Their Majesties, King Taithan of Verai and King Pyr of Chimeron do proclaim that all hostilities of said war be immediately terminated by this decree, for the purpose of restoring Peace, Amity, and good Understanding between them.

Having for this desirable end already laid the foundation of peace and reconciliation by the Provisional Articles mutually agreed upon by their correspondence, and for the purpose of said articles ratification, His Majesty, King Taithan of Verai has appointed Her Royal Highness, Princess Cora d'Verai of Verai, to be his Plenipotentiary for the concluding and signing of the present definitive treaty with His Majesty, King Pyr of Chimeron; who have agreed upon, and concluded the following Articles:

ARTICLE I

To dispel misunderstanding and prevent disputes which in the future may arise on the subject of the boundaries of Verai, it is hereby agreed and declared that the Kingdom of Verai refers to those lands outside the Realms of Valehaven, which presently lie within the enchanted Land of Mists, between Arcadia, the Lands of the Fae, and the immortal planes of the Nine Hells, and which owe allegiance to the Royal House and Family d'Verai. Whereas the lands of New Verai, formerly a Kingdom of the Realms of Valehaven, refers only to those lands within the Realms of Valehaven which continue to owe their allegiance to the family d'Verai.

ARTICLE II

That there shall be no future prosecutions commenced against any person or persons for, or by reason of, the part which he or they may have taken during or prior to the course of the war now ended; and that any such prosecutions so commenced be discontinued.

ARTICLE III

That there shall be a firm and perpetual peace between His Majesty, King Pyr of Chimeron and His Majesty, King Taithan of Verai, and between the subjects of the one and the subjects of the other; wherefore all hostilities between the two are declared unlawful and shall henceforth cease.

ARTICLE IV

That travel for the purposes of Amity and Commerce within the Realms of Valehaven remain free and open to the peoples of Verai and Chimeron, subject to the applicable laws of the lands through which they travel. And that the Kingdom of Chimeron and the Kingdom of Verai pledge that they shall not pass laws which prevent the movements of the peoples of Chimeron and Verai for such purposes.

ARTICLE V

That by joint decree, the Kingdom of Chimeron and the Kingdom of Verai request that the leadership and priesthood of the Temple of Asmodeus see to the proper repair and sealing of all permanent gates which have been constructed between the immortal planes of the Nine Hells and the Realms of Valehaven or if it be not possible that the gates be sealed, to see to the dismantling of said gates; and that the present and future construction of such gates be discontinued. Further, the Kingdom of Verai and the Kingdom of Chimeron shall also appoint representatives, mutually agreed upon, to this end.

Be it so Resolved by this Proclamation and Decree.

Signed by King Pyr Thalax

Signed by Princess Elspeth Cora Cameron d'Verai

In Witness Whereof:

Signed by Zeek McKrye

Signed by Arianna Kyra Cameron d'Verai

Signed by Dame Gil of Fairhaven

Concluded on this, the 16th day of November in the Common Year 1002.

Bearing the Seal of King Pyr Thalax of Chimeron

Bearing the Seal of Princess Elspeth Cora Cameron d'Verai of Verai

View the Document

HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS

Cora's History Of Verai: 

The first Verai is a kingdom with both mortal and divine origins. The Isle of Khemmis and the surrounding lands that are the heart of Verai once lay in the mortal realm. By the decree of the god Shéduin and by the grace of the goddess Kai and the goddess Khementári, the lands that would become Verai were relocated to the Vanai Yera, the Land of Mists, for the protection of the child-god Min.

Long before this, however, the Lands of Mists had been a refuge for the enchanted peoples of many other lands. After its relocation Verai soon became a haven in the mists for mortals as well--particularly for those persecuted by the followers of Isefet.

Over the years, and as a result of this steady stream of newcomers; many of the lands of Verai were renamed, often for the former lands of the newcomers who settled there. In Verai, many of these cultures, which would have otherwise been completely eradicated, are still preserved. Ironically, these lands of Verai are sometimes mistaken for the original lands of the people who came to settle there; but, with the exception of Khemmis, that is not the case.

Among those who came to dwell in Verai in the Land of Mists, were some who called themselves the people of the goddess Danu. Their legends tell us that they did battle with the sons of the sorceror-king Milesius, and the Demoness, Scotephi, a follower of Isefet.

Driven from their homeland, the people of Danu came to the Land of Mists, guided by the Lady Chrysalis, an Elven woman from the lands of the fire top mountain. They were welcomed by the people of Verai, and their leader, Sir Ian Cameron na Greine pledged himself to the service of King Min and was made a noble of Verai. Lord Cameron married the Lady Chrysalis, and many years later, King Min took their daughter Ailliana as his wife.

The people of Verai prospered for many years under King Min and Queen Ailliana; and the royal couple was soon blessed with three children--Kertavin Taithan, Sardor Grendel, and Elspeth Cora. Anar smiled upon them, and all was well.

But King Min's good fortune only made Isefet more jealous of his brother Aser; and Isefet rallied the demonic hordes of the Abyss to his cause. They breached the gates of the Am Duat itself and the chaos that ensued was terrible to behold. Led by Aser, the spirits of the Am Duat fought bravely, but the battle was hard and the forces of Isefet soon stormed past the first four gates of the Netherworld

Min, and his mother, Aramina, were called to fight by Aser's side in those perilous times. Together they turned the tide against the horde, drove the demonic forces back, and retook three of the gates.

But unbeknownst to them, the treacherous Isefet had learned the whereabouts of the people of Verai, and directed his retreating forces into the heart of the Land of Mists.

The demons ravaged the land, destroying everything in their wake, and struck at the capital city of Verai, itself, the floating isle of Khemmis. The priests of Aser prayed to the gods, for aid. And Queen Ailliana, herself, led the forces of Verai to war. The war raged for days, and the queen was struck down.

Word of the Queen's death spread quickly, and without either her or King Min to guide them, the people of Verai's hope turned to despair. Fearing the worst, three of the king's most trusted counselors were chosen and charged with taking the young princes and the princess to safety outside the Land of Mists. To improve their chances for survival, they were separated from each other and brought to the mortal realms to be raised in isolation from the people of Verai and from each other.

The priests of Aser who survived, and who remained in Verai after they left, say that Aramina and her son Min later returned to Khemmis in Verai; and Min, in his grief at the loss of his beloved Ailliana, worked a most dire and powerful ritual. So great were the magicks, that it is believed they took his life. It is said that Aramina prophesied that one day her son would return, greater than ever before. But what became of Aramina, herself, is not known; for she has not been seen from that day to this.

For thirteen years, the children of King Min and Queen Ailliana were raised in hiding in the mortal realms. In 991 CE, Sardor Grendel and Elspeth Cora were reunited in the Realms of Valehaven and founded New Verai. In 992 CE, Sardor left the Realms of Valehaven for "old" Verai. In 993, Kertavin Taithan came to dwell in the Realms of Valehaven and was proclaimed king by the peoples of New Verai. In 994, Prince Sardor sent word that he had re-taken the towns of Thera and Camlann and the southern half of the Sepat of Valen in "old" Verai; but he feared that the gains they had made would be short-lived without reinforcement.

Already engaged in a war in the mortal realms against the Kingdom of Chimeron, Verai's king made the decision to return to the Vanai Yera and fight to reclaim the old Kingdom of Verai. In a race against time, King Taithan opened the gates to the Am Duat and led the greater part of the forces of New Verai through them, and from thence to the Land of Mists.

Less than a year later, the Kingdom of New Verai was dissolved after it was discovered that followers of the god, Arioch (believed to be in league with Isefet), had infiltrated the ranks of the New Verai aristocracy in the absence of King Taithan.

Despite heavy losses sustained by the forces of Verai, the Sepats of Valen, Tamuria, and Caer Wydyr were completely re-taken by early 996. In 1001, the last of the demon hordes were driven from the rest of Verai into the Abyssian Voids; and the reconstruction of Verai was begun.

In 1002, the war with Chimeron was declared ended in the lands of New Verai; and a peace treaty was signed with Chimeron's new king.

June 18, 993: (librarian's note: This was provided as a missive sent by Sir Tetch to wide distribution in 1002)

Place: Periden

Gathering: "Darkness Strikes"

Learned: Not sure.. I think I might have learned ID Creature. This was my 13th adventure within the realms.

The Caer Maguire attacked the realms. They wore white coats, with a red pheonix or dragon on the back. Some of their numbers were day walking vampires. Korric, the champion of khorne, was working with the enemy, though I do not know why. Queen Meg made a rallying speech at the beginning of the engagement, trying to get folk to work together, as there was much friction between house Verai and Chimeron, starting to get ugly. I didn't care for the speech.

The forces of Caer Maguire had managed to take the lower fort, and used it as a staging ground. The forces of the realms had a healing circle, manned by the Lady Dee, up on the green over the trade-road. At one point, I became separated from the rest of the realms forces (an occurance that was not horribly uncommon), and managed to gain a close vantage to the fort, listened to the enemy's battle plans, and snuck back to our camp to warn them of the plans. No one really cared, and pretty much ignored me. So much for cleverness and advance scouting.

The forces of the Realms managed to drive back the invading army despite it, but I was not present for the final battle, exhausted from my run, and knowing that the healing point and Lady Dame Dee were the targets for the Caer Maguire, I opted to remain behind, even if it was only to give Dee a chance to flee... Fortunately, the Realms met them partway, and none escaped to kill Lady Dee.

The Caer Maguire were led by a vampire lord, Thanatos. Thanatos was a self-styled god of death. He made people into puppets. His 'court' was made up of vampires as well. Vampire Thralls, humans or other sentients that ran afoul the creatures began to spy on us -- our own friends, used as daggers at our backs. The Kal has no love for vampires, and granted me the ability for a time to scent the Thralls.. I was able to ferret them out. Queen Meg, at some earlier gathering, had found the means to make a cure for the Thralls. I know the recipe for making the cure had to do with certain flowers. One of the flowers was Queen Meg herself.

The line of Thanatos and the line of Azrael are not the same 'breed' of vampire. Thanatos, to my knowledge, drank blood. Azrael's line drinks souls

August 7, 993: (librarian's note: This was sent via missive to wide distribution by Sir Tetch in 1002. Corrected spelling errors)

Date: August 7, 993

Place: Periden

Gathering: "Da Revenge"

Learned: I dont' think I learned anything new for spells. This was my 15th adventure within the realms.

My memories of what went on at this adventure are sketchy at best.

Logan Treestump, once braeling, was killed and scalped this day. I'd like to say that I grieved, but I can't even recall what killed him, or why he was killed. For some reason, I think we were told, but he was never actually there... I don't remember, and this bothers me.

I recall that tensions between Chimeron and Verai were at a high, and Pol Coville suspected that the people of Verai were going to try and assassinate him. Pol Coville was a very crafty magic user. Suspecting that someone was going to try and murdar him, he pleaded to his gods for a boon: That any who killed and scalped him would suffer a retribution: his attacker would be killed and scalped in turn, he would return to life, and his attacker would be transmuted into a tapestry, or some such.

I remember that we were being attacked by forces of fay. One, the leader, was a fierce troll. No-one could stop the troll. Pol, after several hours of trying to determine what could kill the darn thing, and failing, challenged the Troll to a duel. The winner was to scalp the loser. Pol lost of course, unable to affect the troll in the least. Upon scalping Pol Coville, royal mage of Chimeron, the Intervention kicked in, and the troll was killed, scalped, and turned into a tapestry - from which it could not regenerate.

For reasons that still puzzle me to this day, Highrider made me a Lady of Periden that day. He never explained why. I still have the dagger of office, but claim no land or title within Periden.

Sir Tetch Korucanta

Knight of the Eternal Flame

Magi of the Realms

November 20, 993: (librarian's note: This was provided as a part of a larger missive sent by Sir Tetch to wide distribution in 1002).

Date: November 20, 993

Place: Amhearst, MA.

Gathering: The Realms Assunder

Learned: Protect the Soul

Gathering number: 24

The heroes of the realms arrived, and were separated into teams by four dragons. Tensions between Verai and Chimeron were high. While in a dungeon, Pol Coville was scalped.. Verai was suspected. Tiathan also was scalped, as his soul was not recovered for his Hide the Soul spell (he died at 9:36).

December 3, 993: (librarian's note: This was provided as a part of a larger missive sent to wide distribution by Sir Tetch in 1002)

Date: December 3, 993

Place: don't remember. an inn or hall somewhere.

Gathering: Bardic Pot Luck Feast

Learned: started learning group intervention

Gathering number: 25

I sang alot. Randi sang alot. Luccia Grub got angry and left the hall in a huff, trailing minstrals in her wake. Cora Verai sang a lude song about Scotland.

December 4, 993: (librarian's note: This was provided as a part of a larger missive sent to wide distribution by Sir Tetch in 1002)

Date: December 4, 993

Place: Amhearst, MA.

Gathering: Gladdenfeast

Learned: continued learning group intervention

Gathering number: 26

I tried to cast an intervention to get Pol Coville back, which failed miserably. Certain clues led me to believe it was Rowan of Verai's fault. War with Verai was narrowly avoided as both sides blamed the other for an inability to get Tiathan and Pol back as an unnofficial, intervention war took place behind the scenes.

March 19, 994: (librarian's note: This was provided as a missive to wide distribution by Sir Tetch in 1002)

Date: March 19, 994

Place: Keep of the Scarlet Torch/Bar and Wench

Gathering: The Second Annual Feast of Chimeron

Learned: I think I finished learning Group intervention at this gathering. It was, for the moment, the last spell I was capable of learning...

Gathering number: 28

The Wedding of Lady Dee and Lord Highrider..

There were mutterings of war.

Chimeron was seeking a means to gain more allies versus Verai, as the plans for attacking each other at the gathering called 'Into the Lost Gate' didn't work out quite as they planned.. Many of the younger nations, tired of certain qualities of the Chimeron political machine, and just enamored of 'being bad', has sided with Verai. Verai was huge.. in one year, King Tiathan had gathered many to his banner. Folkestone, even then a fighting force to be reconned with, was neutral the war. Chimeron wanted, needed, to find a way to get Lord Jarrod to commit his follower to Chimeron's side... They had a plan...

The questors of Chimeron had caught wind of a rumor - a relic, called the 'staff of Malabar', if all the pieces were assembled and put together, would perhaps be the key necessary to restoring Sir Callin of Folkestone from his demise within the Cauldron. The questors of Chimeron knew that Folkestone would do nearly anything to bring Callin back.. they talked of holding the shard hostage in exchange for Folkestone's help with Verai. I tried to tell them this would not work -- that such an action would only bring

Folkestone to Verai's side in an instant.

Just before the wedding, Oberon came to the hall. He and Highrider were friends.. Unknown to us all, Tatania had sent the Lady Dee a cursed necklace as a wedding gift. When Oberon's eyes fell upon the bride, the necklace's power revealed itself, and all hell broke loose. Several warriors of Chimeron were frozen in place, unable to act, as Oberon stole the bride away. Warriors less linked to the land, and therefore free to act,

attacked Oberons' retinue, but were not fast enough to save the Lady Dee. In the confusion, the shard of the Staff of Malabar was stolen. I hear the Folkestone acquired the piece. I cannot say I am unhappy about that particular theft.

Hm.. maybe that's not the right timing... the theft might have happened before the wedding. The necklace did freeze at least Danial Roseblade (Quick). And the shard was stolen from him.. I'm not sure when exactly in the day, though.

April 16, 994: (librarian's note: This was sent to wide distribution by Sir Tetch in 1002. Corrected some spelling)

Date: April 16, 994

Place: no idea.. (a high school gym in Amherst, Ma)

Gathering: Carnival of the Black Rose

Gathering number: 30

Highrider was killed by a Carnie possessed by some evil relic. His soul was not able to be recovered.

During a suit for peace between them, Verai attacked Queen Meg while only myself and Meerkat were available to defend her (meta: the majority of the Chimeron presence was npcing in the dungeon.) Horribly overwhelmed all three were slaughtered. Volk saved Meerkat. Martel, a friend of mine from the Seer's guild, saved me. Meg was butchered. Shane tried to rescue her, but was cut down.

July 9-10, 994: (librarian's note: This was provided as a historical account sent to wide distribution by Sir Tetch in 1002)

Date: July 9-10, 994

Place: Uncertain

Gathering: Feast of Min 4:

Gathering number: 35

Learning: I don't recall exactly, but I may have relearned heal limb.

From the Realms History File:

The Realms fought and killed the terrible

'Barney' dragon. McKrye recovers the now cursed scalp of Queen Meg. Tiathan left the Realms for points unknown. Logan TreeStump returned from the dead.

From my own memories:

Martel and Meerkat strived to return my memories to me. They did not realize that I also lost 2/3rds of my spells in addition. They appealed to Min on my behalf. Min likes me, apparently, and granted them a potion of memories.. the more braeling of mine they could collect, the more memories I would have returned to me. Unfortunately, not many of my braeling were available.

Min decided everyone became a virgin. Virgins could only fight with daggers. To be allowed to fight with longer weapons took a bit of celebrating ...

I remeber buying a little blue necklace from a Blackwood shop. It had a futhark rune on it that looked like a B. I remember being facsinated by it, as I was still very child-like at the time. Martel tried to explain the difference between good and evil, and more or less summed it up to 'evil is when you don't eat your food.'

Logan somehow returned from the dead, but he did not interact much with me.

Addendum: Way back in the Trek to Kraggen Kor, a 'gentleman' named Ursus Khan captured the body of Pol Coville. I saw him. He threatened that if I told anyone that he had the body, he would kill me, scalp me, and make sure my soul was fed to Azmodeous. Not wishing to be so pressured, I proceeded to tell EVERYONE exactly what he had done, where he was going, and what he had threatened. The scalper quickly became the scalpee...

Any way, back at the Feast, toward the end of Sunday, The Barney attacked. Sir Alanom was killed, so I pulled him from the fray to raise him from the dead. When I finished, I saw someone that looked like Ursus Khan come up on him from behind, and strike him dead. I howled for help, but over the screams of the fight with the Barney, no-one came. 'Ursus' slew me.

I came to much later. I was told what happened. Apparently, Martel and Jarroth came to find me. They found the man known only as 'No-one of consequence (Ursus's brother, apparently)' and Shadow dragging me off. Martel was going to have me raised, as he knew how to do so correctly, but No-One tricked and slew both Martel and Jarroth. Martel had a magic that allowed him to raise from death after a very slow 200 count. Fortunately, when Shadow and No-One started scalping, they chose to scalp myself and Jarroth first. Martel came to just as they had finished with us, and ran for his life and to gather aid against the butcherers. Shadow and No-One fled the scene, fortunately leaving my and Jarroth's scalps behind. We were raised in short order.

This was the event where Sir Callin of Folkestone slew 12 goblins single handedly in a tournament with no armor.

Tiathan apparently convinced Stuart of the Burning and green to help him with a task. McKrye fought Tiathan for the return of Queen Meg's scalp. Tiathan's husband Scoob (once of Blackwater) returned from hell and sparred with Tiathan.. some odd form of Verai marital thing, I guess. Tiathan lost.

Sir Tetch Korucanta

Knight of the Eternal Flame

Magi of the Realms

September 10, 994: (librarian's note: This account was sent via missive and was sent to wide distribution by Sir Tetch in 1002)

Date: September 10, 994

Place: Purgatory Chasm (Fay)

Gathering: Titiana's Game

Gathering number: 40

Learning: I relearned Intervention here.

This was the gathering where the people of the Realms attempted to gain back Lady Dee. We found her entrapped within a large spiders' web. Sir Alanom of the Eclipse, who I think was Knighted at "Into the Lost Gate", did some brave but foolish things, but he ultimately failed..

I made a deal with Oberon, trying to gain knowledge or information on where to find Albion, a wayland blade of exceptional size. In the process, I inadvertantly sold the princess Natasha into slavery, as she refused to leave the weapon that I only meant to show to Oberon, not gift him with. Misunderstandings all around... Natasha was surprisingly compliant about the arrangement. For at least one year, she was protected by the King of Fay. From this unfortunate exchange, I would be given information (eventually) that would lead to gaining the weapon Albion.

There were several tournaments going on, things like scavenger hunts and such. One of the signs apparently had a rune language embroidered on the outside of it, in some kind of feather rune set. Most just passed it by, thinking nothing of it. Later, I learned that Lorner copied out and translated the message, something about killing Prospero. The message told those curious to seek Tide for information. Tide is the Puck's opposite in

the Courts.

Tir O'Sean, Giana, Donovan, Mahkta, and one other whose name escapes me presently, were vampires. I recall finding a rock they were gathered at, coated in blood. I recall being rather appauled that not only would the heroes of the realms not try to cure these people, they were also in some cases giving them positions of power in governments. Back at this time, Sir Mahkta McKrye was often just known as 'the indian chick.' She didn't speak a whole lot of english. In my first summer, she was not a Vampire, and only really spoke to a man named Taris Lionclaw. If memory serves correctly, she was often associated with Verai, as Taris was a member. Whether or not she was indipendant, and just accompanying the only person that understood her is unknown by me. Of all the Vampires that called themselves 'hero', it was Mahkta that people had the most interest in saving...

Sir Tetch Korucanta

Knight of the Eternal Flame

Magi of the Realms

(librarian's note: This was added in another missive by the same author)

Historical Addendum:

Blade and Topknot start to learn magic. The 'hate guild' eventually grows to become "Darklore".

Source