[!]
Large posters of parchment were hung up and left across the entire town. Signed by none other than Artorius of the Dúathrim himself.
"People of the Spire,
I speak to you as Artorius, Grand Master of the Dúathrim. For months now, we’ve been hounded by enemies that once lurked in the shadows: Monsters, Bandits, Assassins, Knights...all of them have preyed upon this town. They've stolen from us, slaughtered councilors, and threatened our people—each for the same twisted goal. It’s time to name these enemies and focus our fury where it belongs. Listen well if this is news to you.
Three factions are vying for control, seeking an ancient Aedallian artefact or ruin known as the Garden of the Aedall. This is no treasure hunt. This thing is dangerous, spoken in warning by the Dragon and Sirene themselves in visions seen by their followers. Whatever it is, none truly knows its full potential except the Aedall. It belongs in no one’s hands. especially these three groups I name. The factions are as follows:
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The Ravens
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A band of twisted assassins once working out of Mariza, now united under a Scholar hunting the Garden. They’re more mutated than even the Dúathrim but not immortal. Numbers and tactics can bring them down, though expect your own blood to spill. They number barely more than two dozen, led by a Scholar named Marie and their Chapter Master, Aria. They are responsible for the murder of Councilwoman Leigh, an attempt to weaken their rivals, The Finns. Their whereabouts are unknown, often moving in small groups or alone. They are capable of portal travel however.
They seek the Garden as a cure for their madness from their mutations. A noble cause for killers for hire, but it’s a power they must never have.
The Finns
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Somehow worse than the lot of assassins. The Finns are Walljacks, spies, and thugs, run by a family with their claws deep in the Reach. They claim to know every move you make, and can truly back it up. Silver-tongued snakes, they strike deals only to break them when it suits. Should you cross them, they will resort to murder. They’ve robbed this town and its people, viewing us as pawns in their game. Their true aim with the Aedallian artefact remains unclear, but they’re close to it. They are responsible for the murder of Councilman Pip, and the robbery of the Library, let no lies sway you otherwise from this truth.
Deal with them at your own peril, but know this: they don’t care for their own. They’ll care even less for you. You may have heard my name from their lips, spilled with venom and promise of betrayal. It is false. They shudder as the hunters become the hunted, listen well Finns. I am coming.
The Lampwood Order
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You’ve heard of these Knights plenty, also known as the Knights Lictor—bandits and zealots following visions of the Garden from a prophet-saint Taliana. They’ve harmed us less than the others, though extortion and threats of violence are never far from their lips. Their force is mighty, nearly a hundred strong. The face we know, Ser Garland, is the leader of a splinter force meant to distract the Spire while the main force hunts their so-called prophecies, “a vessel of green-strakes,” will deliver their order to salvation from some coming disaster. They are responsible for multiple kidnappings and violent encounters, but have been the easiest to attempt diplomacy with admittedly.
They’ve made their intentions clear: they won’t ally with this town, no matter what honeyed words Garland offers. Their search for the Garden is nothing but a thin veil for conquest. May they find their vessel soon, before I deliver them unto the disaster they so fervently scurry from. I hope they do not.
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Each of these factions are dangerously close to their goal, The Garden or whatever name it truly wields. This power shall be one of theirs if we stand idle. Already some stand against them, but it may not be enough alone.
As Dúathrim, we are sworn to neutrality. But with darkness gathering outside our walls, our oaths call us to hunt the dark, to slay the monsters in our midst. I share this with you now and offer our aid in stopping these factions before they claim this power. We will know no peace until the threat is gone.
Stay safe and stand strong.
Artorius
Grandmaster of the Dúathrim"
