[The Reuel letters]

 

A letter to an old friend.

 

It seems all I ever hear about these days is blood that is being split across these lands.  I know that you have used your sword to exterminate some of this evil that has plagued us. I do thank you for dedication to abate those evil liars.

I know recently trouble has come to plague your land again. The just man seems to always have to battle with those whose intent is less desirable.  I would like to encourage you to stay strong, as the righteous will always prevail. I pray for a special blessing to come upon you in that the spirit of the fallen angel be with you.   

While traveling across the land the other day we spotted a man who we knew worshiped a pagan god.  We had no intent to kill him, only wished to have him hear the words of the one true lord of all this land.  Unfortunately, we were ambushed by men coming to protect this wretched man. We were ambushed by men we used to call friends.  Confused and dazed we tried to escape, most of us were taken down. I now know that these men were swayed by this pagan god. Their hearts lost to the lust for power.  My heart wains for the loss of a man I once called a friend. To see that their lust shames once known kind gestures that I provided them. That they blind themselves from the oaths that were taken.  I was there the day that they had taken the oath. Now it is nothing but lies.

Then the other night my friends and neighbor were attacked by men from Stortford.  I fear that the whole island is lost to this pagan god; its disease seems to have spread across the whole area.  My heart is angered that all these men are lost to the lies and deceit of a pagan god. There seems only one thing to do.  

This is why I write you this letter.  Any and all of the men that I know along with my neighbor and friends in the North that will listen to me.  I call upon them to rise up and support you and your kingdom. I pledge this to you on my life and soul. I will once again fight with you to stomp out evil.  

I say this before my Lord and savior.

 

In honor of our commitment to you, I am sending an envoy with gifts to help you and your war effort.

 

Reuel the Elder

[The Reuel letters]

 

Greetings Citizens of Novem Regna,

I am pleased to announce that I have been ordained as a Hieromonk in the Eastern Church.  My studies and prayers have been answered by his holiness. The one true King of Kings.

As a Hieromonk (Priest-Monk) my mission is clear in guiding men in piety towards our Lord and to guard men from evil.   This has been a lifelong dream of mine to serve the Lord. I knew that day when the fire came down upon our homes that my old life on the island had ended.  When we arrived at Novem Regna I knew a new life awaited me. The incitements of the island molded me into a new man. A man who now is in service to the Lord.  

I have vowed to live a life of dearth and unpretentiousness in his service.  Please consider this when you see me out and about on my travels. If you need prayer please ask and you will receive.  I will pray for those no matter who they are. I have vowed this as a sign to others that our Lord is ever willing to forgive men.  

I am a man of few words and offer no leadership of this land; however, I will offer priestly services as the steward of Opus recommends.  I have entrusted him as overseer of the land that I live upon. The services I offer must not be in conflict with my Stewart and the people I call friends.   

If you find yourself ever in need I can offer you a blessing (Love) or healing (wounds and or bedrest) and or even a bite of food.  I will gladly serve those who are humble. If I find that you are not a man blessed with his grace, then I will offer you a prayer of forgiveness (Mercy).  

On occasion when the spirit guides my soul to share his word, you may find me preaching in the City.  Feel free to listen to an inspiration of the spirit. Our Lord works in mysterious ways.

Please if you find it in your heart to give Alms.  The lord always appreciates gifts from the heart. These funds will help with services to the people of Novem Regna.  

Peace be with your Spirit,

Reuel the Elder.

[The Reuel letters]

 

A storm arises in the West

The sun shined vibrantly across the prairie this morning.  The air was so crystal clear that it seemed to have awakened my senses.  A veil of fog seemed to have been covering my eyes and now has been lifted.  I wondered why my vision had been sheltered? Was it so I could focus on my tasks and not be influenced by desire?  Maybe it was the trauma of losing my homeland? Or was so I didn’t have to think about the hardships my friends and I have faced?

I remember the terrible days we had spent on the ship.  We were glad that we had survived the beastly fire that devoured our homeland.  But, the days we spent on the endless sea, almost destroyed us. It was a horror I would never wish upon another.  Barely alive we landed on this beautiful lush land. Thankful to have made it, we headed out to make claim to this beautiful land.  A chance to start over and build a new life. I remember that I was saddened that the once powerful and majestic people of the Reach, now separated with each coterie seeking out its own aspirations.   Except for a handful of us whose loyalty to one another, outweighed any single want or need. I am thankful that the bond we share is not easily torn apart.

The new land was not without its challenges.  We labored over the land trying to make this small parcel of dirt our home.  The raiders hindered our progress, the winter came too early, but, our focus remained strong and diligently.  As we build our new homes, we are unaverred by all that oppose us.

Yes, we are averred.  The wedding is a prime example of our resolve. I smile as I think of what a beautiful couple they are.  The land is blessed to have them live upon it. I should say I am deified to have them and all my good friends together. For without them I would have nothing but dread in my life.

The bright sunshine has shown me that I have a new sense of being. The torments of old have left me.   No longer am I chased by the daemons. No longer is my soul ripped by the desires of the flesh. A newness has fallen onto me.  like a blooming flower, a new exquisiteness is with me. I seem to be able to see the world clearer now.

I turn and look to the West.  I can see a great storm brewing.  I can hear claps of thunder rip at the souls of men.  I can smell the foul stench of death rise up through the air.  War is coming. Soon men will place armor upon their chest and women will cry. Soon this land will be littered with the bodies of the dead.  I am not afraid of the storm; only worry at what toll it brings.

I can see the foolish and arrogant lead men to their deaths.  I hear whispers of deceit and treachery. the peremptory manner of men is at hand.  

I close my eyes and the light of the sun still shines through my eyelids.  I have hope. I know what I must do.

Plinius Reuel

[**Lilith & Her Elves Christmas Give Away 12/15/2018 7pm Eastern**]

THANK YOU LILITH AND THE ELVES!!!   We are so happy that you do what you do.  

[**Lilith & Her Elves Christmas Give Away 12/15/2018 7pm Eastern**]

Dear Lilith and the little Elves,

I have been exceptional this year.  I have only killed one person so far and that was because he was beating up my friend.  I have also helped out my friends with tokens of my appreciation.  I pray every day and feed my chickens before bed.  Please if you can find it in your sack of toys I would like a 100q blacksmith hammer and a 100q Crucible and Tongs.  This would be great!

Your bestie Reuel,

[The Reuel letters]

There is a signpost left on the western shores.  If you look closely it says.

Last recount of Plinius Reuel.

This morning I had awoken to the loudest BOOM I had ever heard.  It was as if the heavens had exploded down upon my head.  I rushed outside of my home, only to see that the sleeping giant had risen up and belched its foul breath across the land.   The deadly lava and ash flew through the air.  This beautiful land we have called home was doomed.  

No time to stay here and marvel at the power of the beast.   I grabbed what I could and mounted my trusty steed and headed for the boats.  I had to outrun the impending plume of ash that was about to blanket the island.   To the boat, I headed.  To the same spot that land had first welcomed me.  Now I must leave.  Leave the place I have called home for many of years.  Leave behind all my riches and earthly desires.  

Maybe this was a punishment from our god?  Had I fallen prey to worldly desires? No time to contemplate life's decisions.  Scared and afraid the few of us that made it to the boats, left this once marvelous land. 

I pause just long enough to leave this note.  I see the approaching death sweeping across the land and cannot help but think.  What a perfect death it would be to die like my namesake.  Helping others flee the beast.  I think of how he must have felt.  Plinius the Elder had died this same exact way. They yelled at me to join them and I awaken from my trance.  It was not time for me to die.

Plinius Reuel

[GM Project Hiring]

I will be glad to help

 

[The Reuel letters]

 

(I have not written in a while as my hands have been busy with the toils of this land.  I do need to express my heartfelt thoughts about recent events.)

 

The Wolf

Is a splendid magnificent creature that hunts the deer and hair.  He is a true predator and is very masterful at stalking his prey. Wolves can be an essential part of this land.  However, legend has it that once a wolf has tasted the flesh of man that he lost to the land. He is no longer a vital part of the land and must be hunted and killed.  For if he is allowed to live, his disease will spread, and all of the wolves of the land will be tainted and lost.

The other day, one of my fellow patrons felt his bite.  The beast waited in the woods and ambushed her. His fangs slashed deep into her flesh.  If it was not for the courageous men of this land she might have fallen. But, these gallant men rescued her.  I cannot thank them enough for coming to her aid.

This is why I call to the patrons of this land.  We must hunt and trap this beast. We need to strike at him first before he has a chance to harm one of us.  We must stay diligent and listen for his cries so that we hunt him down. We must kill him and those he has infected.  We must not tire in our pursuit we must keep the pressure on him and his kind. Never giving him a chance to rest.

I can only hope that the wolf will someday come to his senses and be liberated of this disease.  Maybe then he will understand the people of this land are free-spirited. For we do not loath over others in the way he desires.  We live as equals and share this land. We have no need to flaunt our power upon others and lead them astray. Either he amends his ways, or we hunt him down day and night until he is dead.  We must keep our land sacred and clean.

Plinius Reuel

[WAR DECLARATION - FIRST LEGION AURELIAN]

 

Promulgation of support to the First Legion Aurelian and its Allies

 

Let it be known that here upon this January 28th, 1064; that I Plinius Reuel the Praefectus of the Praetorian Guard hear do by the support the Warmaster Raginwald Artor and his kinsmen to fight against ruthlessness and its regime.   

Let it be known that I commit the Praetorian Guard to be at the disposal of the Bellum Dominum Raginwald Artor.    It will be our honor to follow him. Here are those that will be his to command:

 

Plinius Reuel

Sliver Shine

GamAustin Jormungand

Kaiden Battosai

AJJ Pirate Legend

Apolis Mac-Callum

Norbzy Zethoro

Suvurak Sez

 

This is our pronouncement to the First Legion Aurelian and its allies set forth today by the Praetorian Guard and Praefectus Plinius Reuel.  We swear this before our Lord and Savior.

Signed,

Plinius Reuel

Praefectus of the Praetorian Guard

 

[The Reuel letters]

 

 

*I sat up on my wall thinking about all that has taken place recently with you and the people of this land.  I wonder why does he live to kill? Is there any honor to be had with this bloodsport? I decided to pray and let the all mighty spirit guide me.*

 

Greetings Narthus,

It seems that a black veil covers your soul.  It appears to be deeply embedded in your heart.  Your embodiment looks to be forfeited to desires. You are like a dog that rips meat from the flesh of the good people of this land. When you athwart others, fear rips through their souls.  They know when they see you, what you have come for.

You take without regard, you accumulate for only one reason.  So that you can continue to feed your desire for gold, your precious confident.  Your only true friend is the weapon you wield. It knows you best, it works with you to help you obtain your precious desire.  You appear to be one with its steel. Cold and hard; with an edge for death.

My heart feels heavy for your soul.  Damned and forsaken, lost to this world.  your soul bears many sores from all those you have harmed.  Evil has left its mark deep inside you. There seems to be no hope.  I wonder if you understand the price you will have to pay. The cost of dancing with the devil.  I lay witness to the fact that a soul that is lost to the evil one will suffer beyond comparison.  A pain that never ends a horror that engulfs every thought. Rest assured that Hell is where you are headed and hell is what you will experience till the end of times.

I have watched your actions and listened to your words.  Seeking any sign of divinity. I have now noticed the smallest glitch in your armor.  Could there be an inkling of honor hidden deep within you? Could there be honor in a soul so deeply embedded with evil?  Could there be hope that a spark of humanity resides within you?

I pray that somehow, someway, a good spirit awaits to be unrestricted.  I pray that your heart can find a way to the light. I know that you may scoff at these words.  The evil is deep within your soul. This path would not be easy and may require more strength than you possess.  

I know what I speak of.  I too have felt the presence of evil within my soul.  The desires of the flesh are all too familiar. The addiction it has with one’s soul can be more than what one man can weather.

I have faith and through prayer, I know that the power of the Spirit can prevail.  Have faith young man and let the power rise up through you. It can carry you like a gust of wind across a field.  It can raise you up through the fiery pit. It can heal the deepest wound. It can save your soul. For if you can’t find hope in these words and amend your ways, then I know of only one's resolve for the sake of the people of this land.  

May you find peace!

      Plinius Reuel

[The Reach.]

 

Proclamation of oath to the Citizens and Property of the Reach

 

Let it be known that here upon this summer month of August 7th, 1063; that I Plinius Reuel the Praefectus of the Praetorian Guard hear do by pledging my sword and my life in service to the Citizens and Property of the Reach.   

Let it be known that I commit the Praetorian Guard to willfully follow the direction and leadership of the Bellum Dominum Raginwald Artor.    It is his responsibility to lead and to guide us. Even unto death if this is what is required of us.

Let it be known that the Praetorian Guard willfully accept the orders of the Bellum Dominum as set forth in his declaration to preserve the Citizens and Property of the Reach.

 

Our Oath

The Praetorian Guard swears to

Protect the leaders of this Land and

Protect the Citizens and Property of the Reach and

We will contribute to the communities of the Reach and

We will follow the directives of the Bellum Dominum and

We will stand even in the darkest of times and hold our ground so that others may live.

 

This is our decree to the Citizens and Property of the Reach as set forth today by the Praetorian Guard and Praefectus Plinius Reuel.  We swear this before our Lord and Savior.

Signed,

Plinius Reuel

Praefectus of the Praetorian Guard

 

 

 

 

[The Reuel letters]

 

*This is a letter sent to the Prodigious Howah*

 

Dear Sir Howah Athairi,

It was just a few years ago when I found you on the shore.  Your lifeless body laid there beaten and bloody with the water pushing sand up against your back.  I thought you were dead. That is until I heard the faintest moan. I placed my ear upon your chest to hear if your heart was beating.  It was faint, but, you were alive. I carefully placed your broken body into the wagon and hauled you to my home. Over the next few weeks, I nursed you back to life.  

As you grew stronger you came to help me with my chores.  My home came along just like you have. You have grown to be my friend and will always be my friend.  Today you are a strong healthy man with ambitions and desires that only a young man can have. I am an old man facing the twilight years and cannot chase those ambitions.  

Yet, I find myself being persuaded.  Persuaded to do things that brings my soul into conflict. Things that pull me away from the path of righteousness.  Things that bring out a temptation of the flesh. Those dark desires of my youth. They tear me apart. My soul cannot take this punishment anymore.  I need to find peace within myself.

 Please know that I am not saying you have done me wrong nor that you forced me into anything.  You have not forsaken me as a friend. I promise you that I will always come to your aid whenever you ask this of me. I am saying that my conflict is my own and I need to retreat back into prayer to cleanse myself of the evil that has returned to me.   I hope you can understand why I must do this.

I am not asking you to leave.  You are always welcomed here. I am asking you to refrain from asking me to join you on your adventures. This seems to bring my soul into conflict.  I must follow my Lord and the custodian of this land.

I need to find peace within my soul.    If I indulged in the temptation of the flesh I cannot be one with my Lord.  You know that a house divided cannot stand.

I hope that you can find understanding with me.  I hope that you will also learn to love my Lord in the way that I do.  I ask that you take the knowledge of the Lord that has been given to you. To help guide you, as you go forth on your adventures.

Sincerely,

 Plinius Reuel

[The Reuel letters]

 

*A letter posted on the buildings of the Trade District*

 

Citizens of this land.

I regret to admit that darkness had come into my soul once again.  It enticed me to do unspeakable things. My soul was lost as I found myself in the company of witches.  I fought with them, I killed for them. I stood there looking out over the battlefield. All the death, pain and suffering that the people of this land had to bare. I gasped at what I had partaken in. I stood there hollow and numb. How could I have coddled this? I was steeped into the wretchedness that came to this mountain.  I had fallen to their temptation. The enticement of the flesh. The very weakness that I had sworn never to indulge again. The passion to kill, to mutilate, and the adoration of the blood sacrifice.  I was shocked. I stood there and all I could do is cry. Cry inside for what had I done.

Many of you know that I tend to keep to myself.  I don’t busy myself with other people’s business nor do I partake in idle chatter.   It was easy for me to hide away with no one knowing what I was up to. It was easy for me to be influenced by the temptress.

Now, I see and now I repent. I am remorseful for what I have done.  I have asked the good Lord for forgiveness. I ask you for forgiveness also.  I know that I am not worthy. I know that you may not find it in your heart to excuse me.  I can only ask.

I do pledge to you the good people of this land that if I ever fall from grace again that you seek me out and hunt me down like a dog.  I hope that this will never occur again. I do offer you this as a sign of my word. I will not leave my home armored again. That is unless I am asked to fight for another.  I am wearing my robes once again along with my staff. When you see me dressed like this. Let it be known that I will not fight. I will give my life freely to you in the name of the Lord.  It will be the Lord you will have to answer to.

I hope that you can accept my repentance.  If you see me on the street or find me at your gate.  Please accept me and allow me to share some words of wisdom in the name of our Lord.  

Plinius Reuel

[The Reuel letters]

 

*This letter was posted on all the Castrum of Northern Reach.

 

Call for a Prefectus of the North.

I find myself wandering aimlessly up here in the North.  I feel division and distrust rise and fall like waves on the beach.  I see that the people up here in the North shelter behind their walls.  We are like a lost lamb with wolves at our gate. There is no one to hold us together, no one to guide us. I fear we are lost without a Prefectus.

I pray that one day, one will arise to be our true pundit.  We do not need any ordinary leader. We need one who can bind us like a finely crafted cloth.  One who can be fair and yet strong? Robust enough to guide us into battle, Irrepressible enough to make those exacting verdicts as they arise.  

We need a good righteous leader.  For, I hate fake kings and their fake news.  The North would be lost with a leader like that.  Who then? Who will earn my trust, earn the hearts of the North and lead us?  We need our cohort to be strong and unrestricted.

Who will be Prefectus?

[The Reuel letters]

 

*This letter was found crumpled up near the southern shore of McClure Lake by Sir Plinius.  It was unsigned and appears to have been discarded. One wonders who could have written this letter?  Who would want Sir Howah dead?  I am glad that the Soul Taker rides no more.*

 

Greetings Besmirched Spirit,

The moribund air filled the night, you could hear the deafening roar of the madden horse as it thundered across the land.   Shrieks and hollers arose as death traveled about. This could only mean one thing. The Soul taker has emanated.

Yes, you have come, come to bring fear and death to this hallowed land.  I know that this is your will, your desire. The soulless always hunt that of what they do not possess.   How many must fall, how many souls do you need? If my soul would satisfy your hunger I would give it freely; but, I fear not.  I fear your hunger is abysmal.

I will not oppose you nor will I blame you for what you bring to this land.  I do view you as an instrument. An instrument to accomplish desires. This is why I write this letter to you.  I have a task for a grandee with your skills. I offer you 5 gold for the head of Sir Howah Athairi placed on a stick at the front of his Westergate.

I ask this as a favor between two sullied spirits.

[The Reuel letters]

 

*This letter was found at the doorstep of the Guarding Angels.  It looks to be old and tattered*

 

To: Beautiful fair maiden of the castle,

I am Plinius Reuel (Re-u-el) my name originates from the Middle East.  In Hebrew, it means Friend of God. The name Reuel was first mentioned in the Holy Bible, Exodus 2:18.  I am also a direct descendant and named after Pliny the Elder who was a Friend of Emperor Vespasian who ruled Rome from 69 AD to 79 AD.  Emperor Vespasian was the Father of Emperor Titus who you may have heard of.

As you can tell I am proud of my lineage.  Proud that Reuel’s have served the Roman Empire.  There was always a Reuel in the Praetorian Guard. We were there when Caligula was assassinated and we helped guide the Senate in appointing Claudius as Emperor.  We were there when other Emperors abused their power. The Guard protected Rome from any unworthy Emperor. The motto of the guard is and has always been “To stand with the righteous and persecute evil”.  In 312 AD the Guard was ultimately disbanded by Constantine the great. He felt the Guard had become corrupt and powerful. The truth was that the Guard stood to eliminate evil. Apparently, the Guard got in Constantine’s way.

Since there was no Guard for me to serve in.  I chose to serve as a soldier in the Byzantine army.   I was a diligent soldier. This lasted for a few years until it became more profitable for me to join a provincial tagmata unit (mercenaries).  Life as a mercenary was hard. We did unspeakable things. So much so that it became routine. That was when the great sorrow came across the land.  It covered the land; no one could escape it. I lost everything in the great sorrow. I lost my home, my children, and wife. With all hope lost I left that godforsaken land and sailed into the unknown.  After many days out to sea, a great storm hit. My little ship was thrown about and breaking apart. Afraid and with all hope lost. I prayed. I laid there on the deck of my ship and prayed to God for salvation.  When I awoke, I was thankful to be alive. I found that I had shipwrecked on this island. I had landed on the Western shore. A beautiful lush place where the apples were plentiful. “Maybe, just maybe, I could find hope in this new land”.

With my younger days behind me and the twilight years ahead.  I headed inward. I worked hard, very hard and built a new home that overlooked a lovely lake.  Life was good. Hope in the new land away from the great sorrow. Thankful that I had left the mercenary life behind.  I sometimes wonder if I could ever be forgiven for the unspeakable things of my past; was I now truly free?

I know I need to occupy my time with a more subdued life.   Tending to animals and working the land. I am far too old to seek trouble or to seek desires of my flesh.  I need to focus on what really mattered. So these days I chose not to defend myself; however, I will defend others and come to their aid.  I still hold the motto of the Guard true to my heart as I will fight against “fake leaders” and their “fake news”.  I will thou fight with a just leader and for justice.

I need to be careful and stay strong in my faith.  I worry that my past may come back to haunt me. I find myself confused and afraid at times.  Thoughts trouble me, desires of the flesh plague me. It is an enteral war. My time as a mercenary disturbs me as I found joy in killing.  I must not think that way anymore.

So, I try to occupy my time with the fruits of my labor.  I do find peace in cooking and crafting. I am able to bring forth great gifts.  Splendid food and finely crafted silk; spirits, potions and even a few poisons. The animals are the best friends I keep.  They don’t drag me into conflicts. They don’t tempt my desires. They are my friends. It is easier to live alone. I fear to go out as I worry that I may be influenced to do things that would feed my desires.  I worry about others who may drag me down.

That is why I send you this letter to warn you about the trouble that is coming to this land.  I have seen a great sorrow coming. I worry about what may come from it and what may come of me.

Sincerely,   

Plinius Reuel