Deadwood and Rot - Revision history

Hailmur at 00:41, 6 May 2026

2026-05-06T00:41:14Z

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	===Encounter With Nemoc===		===Encounter With Nemoc===
	At some point in his thirties, Peter fought with the household of [[Earl]] ~~Sederat~~. Octavia speculates that if he did actually receive a test of mettle, it was into that earl's house – before the noble household was swallowed up by the Semmerlak of course. It is during this time that he is first referred to as "Peter of Culwich", which perhaps adds some circumstantial evidence to this supposition.		At some point in his thirties, Peter fought with the household of [[Earl]] Sedaret. Octavia speculates that if he did actually receive a test of mettle, it was into that earl's house – before the noble household was swallowed up by the Semmerlak of course. It is during this time that he is first referred to as "Peter of Culwich", which perhaps adds some circumstantial evidence to this supposition.

	During a particularly harsh winter, Peter was part of a band sent to deal with an incursion of Varushkan wolves across the border into northern Wickmoor. The stories claim that he and his fellows met the wolves in a snowstorm, and many of the band, including the Earl himself, were slain. When the fallen rose up and fell on their former companions, however, it must swiftly have become apparent that there was more than a mere band of wolves – no matter how dangerous. Indeed, this is where Peter/Piotr encounters the emissary of the [[Miekarova#The_Razors\|Howling Queen]], the [[plaguewulf]] known as ''Nemoc''.		During a particularly harsh winter, Peter was part of a band sent to deal with an incursion of Varushkan wolves across the border into northern Wickmoor. The stories claim that he and his fellows met the wolves in a snowstorm, and many of the band, including the Earl himself, were slain. When the fallen rose up and fell on their former companions, however, it must swiftly have become apparent that there was more than a mere band of wolves – no matter how dangerous. Indeed, this is where Peter/Piotr encounters the emissary of the [[Miekarova#The_Razors\|Howling Queen]], the [[plaguewulf]] known as ''Nemoc''.
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	The details of this meeting are not known for obvious reasons, only that they took place in the ruins of the village of Ismir, in south-western Skoremujac. The village was a crossing place between Varushka and Dawn, along a road that fell out of use long before the present day. Some of the stories say that Peter of Culwich died fighting the plaguewulf, but was cursed in the process. Others suggest that he turned on his surviving fellow, betraying them at the urging of Nemoc, sacrificing them to the monstrous creature.		The details of this meeting are not known for obvious reasons, only that they took place in the ruins of the village of Ismir, in south-western Skoremujac. The village was a crossing place between Varushka and Dawn, along a road that fell out of use long before the present day. Some of the stories say that Peter of Culwich died fighting the plaguewulf, but was cursed in the process. Others suggest that he turned on his surviving fellow, betraying them at the urging of Nemoc, sacrificing them to the monstrous creature.

	All that's known for sure is that when the blizzard cleared, Peter/Piotr was gone and all that remained was the Knight of the Dead Wood – the Deadwood Knight – who would quickly be dubbed Schlacta of Rot across the northern border. Nemoc disappears from the story here – but appears a few times in later tales indicating that whatever else happened, Peter did not kill the beast. The tale continues to recount how Peter marched at the head of a mob of unliving horrors – not only the original wolves but a band of former Dawnish knights now bound to the Deadwood Knight. These monsters assaulted Culwich, but were turned back by a great ring of steel thrown around the village by the remaining nobles of ~~Sederat~~. Peter was apparently slain by the new Earl of the house - the furious widow of the former Earl - and it was believed that that is the end of the matter.		All that's known for sure is that when the blizzard cleared, Peter/Piotr was gone and all that remained was the Knight of the Dead Wood – the Deadwood Knight – who would quickly be dubbed Schlacta of Rot across the northern border. Nemoc disappears from the story here – but appears a few times in later tales indicating that whatever else happened, Peter did not kill the beast. The tale continues to recount how Peter marched at the head of a mob of unliving horrors – not only the original wolves but a band of former Dawnish knights now bound to the Deadwood Knight. These monsters assaulted Culwich, but were turned back by a great ring of steel thrown around the village by the remaining nobles of Sedaret. Peter was apparently slain by the new Earl of the house - the furious widow of the former Earl - and it was believed that that is the end of the matter.

	Erroneously, as it would turn out.		Erroneously, as it would turn out.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

2026-01-15T12:24:11Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:24, 15 January 2026
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	Over the next four hundred years or so, the creature that Peter of Culwich became emerged several times. Each time, the pattern was the same. He would send out an invitation to a champion from Karov, and a champion from Weirwater, to present themselves before him. They were expected to fight each other in a duel. The winner would gain a "great boon" for their people; the loser incurred a curse that fell on the territory of their nation. The victor then faced the challenge of the Schlacta of Rot himself. If they refused to present a champion, the curse would fall on both territories. Usually, the fight resulted in the defeat of the victorious champion by the Deadwood Knight - although not necessarily their death. The knight invariably marked the one who failed to defeat them, and then withdrew to deliver boon and curse before disappearing again for a generation or more.		Over the next four hundred years or so, the creature that Peter of Culwich became emerged several times. Each time, the pattern was the same. He would send out an invitation to a champion from Karov, and a champion from Weirwater, to present themselves before him. They were expected to fight each other in a duel. The winner would gain a "great boon" for their people; the loser incurred a curse that fell on the territory of their nation. The victor then faced the challenge of the Schlacta of Rot himself. If they refused to present a champion, the curse would fall on both territories. Usually, the fight resulted in the defeat of the victorious champion by the Deadwood Knight - although not necessarily their death. The knight invariably marked the one who failed to defeat them, and then withdrew to deliver boon and curse before disappearing again for a generation or more.

	In the time of [[Empress Varkula]], however, the champions refused to fight. Their warbands attacked the Knight and ultimately overwhelmed him. The Deadwood Knight was slain... but rose a week later and began gathering his strength. Attacks around the border regions took place over the next three or four months, and each time the knight raised those they killed as part of an unliving host. In Summer 125YE, the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council]] was forced to send the [[Hounds of Glory]] and the [[Northern Eagle]] to face an army of the unliving that was in the process of attempting to conquer Skoremujac and kill every living person it could find, to add them to its army. The fighting raged for six months, with the [[Eastern Sky]] eventually joining the struggle to destroy the monstrous force. They were eventually successful, and the Deadwood Knight vanished... until 204YE when he again emerged to issue his challenge.		In the time of [[Empress Varkula]], however, the champions refused to fight. Their warbands attacked the Knight and ultimately overwhelmed him. The Deadwood Knight was slain... but rose a week later and began gathering his strength. Attacks around the border regions took place over the next three or four months, and each time the knight raised those they killed as part of an unliving host. In Summer 125YE, the [[Military Council]] was forced to send the [[Hounds of Glory]] and the [[Northern Eagle]] to face an army of the unliving that was in the process of attempting to conquer Skoremujac and kill every living person it could find, to add them to its army. The fighting raged for six months, with the [[Eastern Sky]] eventually joining the struggle to destroy the monstrous force. They were eventually successful, and the Deadwood Knight vanished... until 204YE when he again emerged to issue his challenge.

	This time, however, things did not go as expected.		This time, however, things did not go as expected.

Hailmur: /* Addendum: The Recent Rise */

2025-05-13T12:53:21Z

Addendum: The Recent Rise

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:53, 13 May 2025
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	A grand melee ended with the destruction of the Knight - and by all accounts the army it had raised began to collapse almost immediately. Some of the Knight's unliving lieutenants may still lurk in the woods of northern Weirwater and southern Karov, but without the animating will of the Schlacta of Rot, the majority seem to have returned to the merciful embrace of death.		A grand melee ended with the destruction of the Knight - and by all accounts the army it had raised began to collapse almost immediately. Some of the Knight's unliving lieutenants may still lurk in the woods of northern Weirwater and southern Karov, but without the animating will of the Schlacta of Rot, the majority seem to have returned to the merciful embrace of death.
	{{SOP\|statement=The Deadwood Knight, champion of the Howling Queen has been vanquished! We anticipate her call. Her howl for a new champion. Any person who answers this call commits treason against the Empire. I call for the combined wrath of all nations to put to death anyone who answers this call. Many lives were saved this day, innocents of Varushka and Dawn let this not be in vain.\|by=Orchard ~~Gildryn~~, Statement of Principle, General Assembly\|vote=Upheld (488-368)\|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE\|size=small}}		{{SOP\|statement=The Deadwood Knight, champion of the Howling Queen has been vanquished! We anticipate her call. Her howl for a new champion. Any person who answers this call commits treason against the Empire. I call for the combined wrath of all nations to put to death anyone who answers this call. Many lives were saved this day, innocents of Varushka and Dawn let this not be in vain.\|by=Rafferty Orchard of House Gildaryn, Statement of Principle, General Assembly\|vote=Upheld (488-368)\|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE\|size=small}}
	===An End?===		===An End?===
	It remains to be seen if the threat of the Deadwood Knight has been permanently ended. A [[judgement]] of [[rewarding]] presented by '''Anatolij Paukov Zorkin''' certainly suggested that the Schlacta had been extinguished through the use of a certain sword, and named those they believed most responsible for the success. A [[statement of principle]], from '''Rafferty Orchard of House Gildaryn''', warned that the Howling Queen would no doubt seek a new champion, and that Imperial citizens should be vigilant against a new Deadwood Knight being recruited.		It remains to be seen if the threat of the Deadwood Knight has been permanently ended. A [[judgement]] of [[rewarding]] presented by '''Anatolij Paukov Zorkin''' certainly suggested that the Schlacta had been extinguished through the use of a certain sword, and named those they believed most responsible for the success. A [[statement of principle]], from '''Rafferty Orchard of House Gildaryn''', warned that the Howling Queen would no doubt seek a new champion, and that Imperial citizens should be vigilant against a new Deadwood Knight being recruited.

Hailmur: /* An End? */

2025-05-13T12:52:57Z

An End?

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:52, 13 May 2025
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	{{SOP\|statement=The Deadwood Knight, champion of the Howling Queen has been vanquished! We anticipate her call. Her howl for a new champion. Any person who answers this call commits treason against the Empire. I call for the combined wrath of all nations to put to death anyone who answers this call. Many lives were saved this day, innocents of Varushka and Dawn let this not be in vain.\|by=Orchard Gildryn, Statement of Principle, General Assembly\|vote=Upheld (488-368)\|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE\|size=small}}		{{SOP\|statement=The Deadwood Knight, champion of the Howling Queen has been vanquished! We anticipate her call. Her howl for a new champion. Any person who answers this call commits treason against the Empire. I call for the combined wrath of all nations to put to death anyone who answers this call. Many lives were saved this day, innocents of Varushka and Dawn let this not be in vain.\|by=Orchard Gildryn, Statement of Principle, General Assembly\|vote=Upheld (488-368)\|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE\|size=small}}
	===An End?===		===An End?===
	It remains to be seen if the threat of the Deadwood Knight has been permanently ended. A [[judgement]] of [[rewarding]] presented by '''Anatolij Paukov Zorkin''' certainly suggested that the Schlacta had been extinguished through the use of a certain sword, and named those they believed most responsible for the success. A [[statement of principle]], from '''Orchard ~~Gildryn~~''', warned that the Howling Queen would no doubt seek a new champion, and that Imperial citizens should be vigilant against a new Deadwood Knight being recruited.		It remains to be seen if the threat of the Deadwood Knight has been permanently ended. A [[judgement]] of [[rewarding]] presented by '''Anatolij Paukov Zorkin''' certainly suggested that the Schlacta had been extinguished through the use of a certain sword, and named those they believed most responsible for the success. A [[statement of principle]], from '''Rafferty Orchard of House Gildaryn''', warned that the Howling Queen would no doubt seek a new champion, and that Imperial citizens should be vigilant against a new Deadwood Knight being recruited.

	Is this really the end of the grim tale of Peter/Piotr of Culwich? Only time will tell, one way or another. It is likely to be many years before the people of Weirwater and Karov can be entirely sure that they are free of this dreadful cycle of destruction and death.		Is this really the end of the grim tale of Peter/Piotr of Culwich? Only time will tell, one way or another. It is likely to be many years before the people of Weirwater and Karov can be entirely sure that they are free of this dreadful cycle of destruction and death.

Hailmur: /* Further Reading */

2025-02-16T01:16:53Z

Dre at 22:04, 16 January 2025

2025-01-16T22:04:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:04, 16 January 2025
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	No stranger to Anvil, Elise met with representatives of several [[eternal\|eternals]]. From [[Kaela]], she apparently learned of a certain weakness possessed by the Schlacta, although its nature was frustratingly not recorded anywhere Octavia could find. For several seasons she sought a certain weapon, but it eluded her quest. Frustrated, she was apparently visited by a band of [[guiser\|guisers]] who promised to help her find her target in return for an unspecified favour – Octavia believes that these guisers were either operating on behalf of, or delivering a message from, the [[Whisper Gallery]].		No stranger to Anvil, Elise met with representatives of several [[eternal\|eternals]]. From [[Kaela]], she apparently learned of a certain weakness possessed by the Schlacta, although its nature was frustratingly not recorded anywhere Octavia could find. For several seasons she sought a certain weapon, but it eluded her quest. Frustrated, she was apparently visited by a band of [[guiser\|guisers]] who promised to help her find her target in return for an unspecified favour – Octavia believes that these guisers were either operating on behalf of, or delivering a message from, the [[Whisper Gallery]].

	Regardless, when the Deadwood Knight arose in 204YE as Elise had predicted she was ready for it. It issued its challenge, and Elise managed to persuade the [[Senator]] of Weirwater to send her as champion. She is known to have prevailed on the [[Cardinal of Courage]] to bless her weapon with a potent [[hallow\|hallowed aura]] before venturing through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. On the other side, she faced the Varushkan champion – Boric “The Ox” Eskalovic – and fought him for the right to challenge the Deadwood Knight. She managed to ~~outmaneuvre~~ Boric, and defeat him in single combat, but only just. She then turned to face the Schlacta of Rot, to fight for his boon – and to avoid having Weirwater cursed.		Regardless, when the Deadwood Knight arose in 204YE as Elise had predicted she was ready for it. It issued its challenge, and Elise managed to persuade the [[Senator]] of Weirwater to send her as champion. She is known to have prevailed on the [[Cardinal of Courage]] to bless her weapon with a potent [[hallow\|hallowed aura]] before venturing through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. On the other side, she faced the Varushkan champion – Boric “The Ox” Eskalovic – and fought him for the right to challenge the Deadwood Knight. She managed to outmanoeuvre Boric, and defeat him in single combat, but only just. She then turned to face the Schlacta of Rot, to fight for his boon – and to avoid having Weirwater cursed.

	According to the account written by Tamara Hanovitch Eranya, one of the Varushkan wise ones who had accompanied Boric, Elise fought with incredible courage. He noted however that her blade was ''not'' the one she had wielded against Boric, being significantly older; rather it was the blade that had been hallowed by the Cardinal. The duel ended with Elise's defeat, slain by the Deadwood Knight. Despite all her courage, she was overwhelmed by the supernatural strength of the Schlacta of Rot and felled with a fatal blow.		According to the account written by Tamara Hanovitch Eranya, one of the Varushkan wise ones who had accompanied Boric, Elise fought with incredible courage. He noted however that her blade was ''not'' the one she had wielded against Boric, being significantly older; rather it was the blade that had been hallowed by the Cardinal. The duel ended with Elise's defeat, slain by the Deadwood Knight. Despite all her courage, she was overwhelmed by the supernatural strength of the Schlacta of Rot and felled with a fatal blow.
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	At the same time, the priests of Dawn and Varushka [[Tales_of_mystery#The_Deadwood_Knight\|joined the fray in earnest]]. One of the consequences of this was an attack against the estates of the '''Earl of Fools''' shortly before the Summer Solstice, apparently in response to a challenge issued in Spring. The fighting was bitter, but the attackers were fought off, and the response provided valuable insight into the character of the Deadwood Knight - that it somehow became aware of, and could not resist, a formal challenge. This provided a possible answer to the threat the beast posed - and perhaps a chance to end it once and for all.		At the same time, the priests of Dawn and Varushka [[Tales_of_mystery#The_Deadwood_Knight\|joined the fray in earnest]]. One of the consequences of this was an attack against the estates of the '''Earl of Fools''' shortly before the Summer Solstice, apparently in response to a challenge issued in Spring. The fighting was bitter, but the attackers were fought off, and the response provided valuable insight into the character of the Deadwood Knight - that it somehow became aware of, and could not resist, a formal challenge. This provided a possible answer to the threat the beast posed - and perhaps a chance to end it once and for all.

	Time was running out, however. As the Autumn Equinox dawned it became apparent that the Deadwood Knight had [[Tourney_of_the_Damned#Army_of_the_Dead\|gathered enough followers]] to move to the next, inevitable, stage of its plan - to attack in force and attempt to conquer Weirwater and Karov. Fortunately, the efforts of Imperial heroes meant that the ~~Schalcta~~'s rise had been significantly slower than in previous generations - providing an opportunity for those working against its schemes to uncover secrets and prepare to end the threat. The [[historical research]] commissioned by Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti arrived at the Autumn Equinox, and Leontes hopes provided some assistance to those seeking the destruction of the Deadwood Knight.		Time was running out, however. As the Autumn Equinox dawned it became apparent that the Deadwood Knight had [[Tourney_of_the_Damned#Army_of_the_Dead\|gathered enough followers]] to move to the next, inevitable, stage of its plan - to attack in force and attempt to conquer Weirwater and Karov. Fortunately, the efforts of Imperial heroes meant that the Schlacta's rise had been significantly slower than in previous generations - providing an opportunity for those working against its schemes to uncover secrets and prepare to end the threat. The [[historical research]] commissioned by Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti arrived at the Autumn Equinox, and Leontes hopes provided some assistance to those seeking the destruction of the Deadwood Knight.
	{{SOP\|statement=Lord Alistar de Vere, Oswald Hooped, Marigold Companer, Hypatia Raincourt, Olwyn Pickle, Lord Aubin Gildaryn, and Lord Commander Leonar Gildaryn all of Dawn, along with Twig of Varushka, have shown their complete Loyalty to the defeat of the Schlacta of Rot, also known as the Deadwood Knight, engaging in a trade with a herald of the Whisper Gallery to find the sword required to defeat him and turning themselves in to the Anvil militia, They further showed great Courage, sharing the personal secrets they gave to the herald at their trial, They were fined one Throne each for this crime, and so the General Assembly awards eight thrones total, one for each person.\|by=Anatolij Paukov Zorkin, General Assembly, Rewarding\|vote= Upheld (448-438); no funds available\|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE\|size=small}}		{{SOP\|statement=Lord Alistar de Vere, Oswald Hooped, Marigold Companer, Hypatia Raincourt, Olwyn Pickle, Lord Aubin Gildaryn, and Lord Commander Leonar Gildaryn all of Dawn, along with Twig of Varushka, have shown their complete Loyalty to the defeat of the Schlacta of Rot, also known as the Deadwood Knight, engaging in a trade with a herald of the Whisper Gallery to find the sword required to defeat him and turning themselves in to the Anvil militia, They further showed great Courage, sharing the personal secrets they gave to the herald at their trial, They were fined one Throne each for this crime, and so the General Assembly awards eight thrones total, one for each person.\|by=Anatolij Paukov Zorkin, General Assembly, Rewarding\|vote= Upheld (448-438); no funds available\|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE\|size=small}}
	Exact details of what happened are not public knowledge. Initial reports suggest that a combined effort of Dawnish and Varushkan heroes with significant involvement from the nobles of House DuLac - the heirs to [[#Elise_of_Culwich\|Elise of Culwich]] - ended the rampage of the Schlacta of Rot. They apparently faced the creature in the ruins of Ismir, and re-enacted the initial challenge in some capacity.		Exact details of what happened are not public knowledge. Initial reports suggest that a combined effort of Dawnish and Varushkan heroes with significant involvement from the nobles of House DuLac - the heirs to [[#Elise_of_Culwich\|Elise of Culwich]] - ended the rampage of the Schlacta of Rot. They apparently faced the creature in the ruins of Ismir, and re-enacted the initial challenge in some capacity.

Hailmur at 14:16, 16 January 2025

2025-01-16T14:16:49Z

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	''As an addendum, the Imperial Archivist Leontes the Scribe has added a few notes about the most recent rise of the Deadwood Knight, which began in 385YE and apparently concluded during the Autumn Equinox 386YE.''		''As an addendum, the Imperial Archivist Leontes the Scribe has added a few notes about the most recent rise of the Deadwood Knight, which began in 385YE and apparently concluded during the Autumn Equinox 386YE.''

	In Summer 385YE, the Deadwood Knight [[The_horror_and_the_wild#The_Schlacta_of_Rot_(Conjunction)\|rose again]]. They issued their challenge, which was answered by a Dawnish and a Varushkan champion; '''Tadhg Blackthorn''' and '''Slawomir Vasiliev'''. The knight was defeated, and ~~it's~~ [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_interlude#Boon_of_the_Deadwood_Knight\|boon]] fell on Weirwater - but no echoing curse befouled Karov. This, perhaps, was the first sign that something had gone awry. Following the Autumn Equinox, [[The_lake_and_the_deep,_dark_woods#Rampage\|stories began to surface]] of attacks against foreigners and bandits in northern Weirwater and southern Karov. The first reports of attacks against innocent merchants reached [[Anvil]] at the Winter Solstice - the Schlacta of Rot and its Servants slaughtered both a merchant caravan in Wickmoor and a band of refugees fleeing south to escape ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] north of Hawksmoor. Reports confirmed in some cases that the dead were being forcibly "recruited" into the Deadwood Knight's entourage.		In Summer 385YE, the Deadwood Knight [[The_horror_and_the_wild#The_Schlacta_of_Rot_(Conjunction)\|rose again]]. They issued their challenge, which was answered by a Dawnish and a Varushkan champion; '''Tadhg Blackthorn''' and '''Slawomir Vasiliev'''. The knight was defeated, and its [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_interlude#Boon_of_the_Deadwood_Knight\|boon]] fell on Weirwater - but no echoing curse befouled Karov. This, perhaps, was the first sign that something had gone awry. Following the Autumn Equinox, [[The_lake_and_the_deep,_dark_woods#Rampage\|stories began to surface]] of attacks against foreigners and bandits in northern Weirwater and southern Karov. The first reports of attacks against innocent merchants reached [[Anvil]] at the Winter Solstice - the Schlacta of Rot and its Servants slaughtered both a merchant caravan in Wickmoor and a band of refugees fleeing south to escape ''scions'' of [[Cold Sun]] north of Hawksmoor. Reports confirmed in some cases that the dead were being forcibly "recruited" into the Deadwood Knight's entourage.

	Spring 386YE saw more odd indications that this rise was not quite like those that had proceeded it. There was the matter of the Schlacta of Rot's minions breaching the [[Varushkan Road\|traditional wards]] that protect the roads of Varushka, for example. In [[Dawn]], there were equally strange events; a band of "black knights" [[Momento_mori#Tourney_of_Ash_and_Bone\|attended a tourney]] sponsored by House Seerkan in Wickmoor as part of the [[Dog_days_are_over#The_Grand_Tour\|Grand Tour]]. The tourney had already raised eyebrows, having being thrown a "season early" according to the agreed on schedule, but the "Tourney of Ash and Bone" will mostly be remembered for the bloody events during the Grand Melee. The band of black knights demonstrated a ruthless, brutal approach to the various challenges and events arranged by the Seerkan, and it slowly became clear that their heavy armour and full helms concealed the dead flesh of monstrous abominations. During the final event of the tourney - a traditional Grand Melee - the servants of the Schlacta of Rot abandoned all pretence of civility and sought to slay as many participants as possible. In the end the Schlacta of Rot and its gruesome servants were driven off, but not before several brave Dawnish knights had been slain and restored to a mockery of life, driven to assail their former comrades.		Spring 386YE saw more odd indications that this rise was not quite like those that had proceeded it. There was the matter of the Schlacta of Rot's minions breaching the [[Varushkan Road\|traditional wards]] that protect the roads of Varushka, for example. In [[Dawn]], there were equally strange events; a band of "black knights" [[Momento_mori#Tourney_of_Ash_and_Bone\|attended a tourney]] sponsored by House Seerkan in Wickmoor as part of the [[Dog_days_are_over#The_Grand_Tour\|Grand Tour]]. The tourney had already raised eyebrows, having being thrown a "season early" according to the agreed on schedule, but the "Tourney of Ash and Bone" will mostly be remembered for the bloody events during the Grand Melee. The band of black knights demonstrated a ruthless, brutal approach to the various challenges and events arranged by the Seerkan, and it slowly became clear that their heavy armour and full helms concealed the dead flesh of monstrous abominations. During the final event of the tourney - a traditional Grand Melee - the servants of the Schlacta of Rot abandoned all pretence of civility and sought to slay as many participants as possible. In the end the Schlacta of Rot and its gruesome servants were driven off, but not before several brave Dawnish knights had been slain and restored to a mockery of life, driven to assail their former comrades.

Hailmur at 15:40, 15 January 2025

2025-01-15T15:40:54Z

Show changes

Rafferty at 11:02, 15 January 2025

2025-01-15T11:02:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:02, 15 January 2025
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	A grand melee ended with the destruction of the Knight - and by all accounts the army it had raised began to collapse almost immediately. Some of the Knight's unliving lieutenants may still lurk in the woods of northern Weirwater and southern Karov, but without the animating will of the Schlacta of Rot, the majority seem to have returned to the merciful embrace of death.		A grand melee ended with the destruction of the Knight - and by all accounts the army it had raised began to collapse almost immediately. Some of the Knight's unliving lieutenants may still lurk in the woods of northern Weirwater and southern Karov, but without the animating will of the Schlacta of Rot, the majority seem to have returned to the merciful embrace of death.
	{{SOP\|statement=The Deadwood Knight, champion of the Howling Queen has been vanquished! We anticipate her call. Her howl for a new champion. Any person who answers this call commits treason against the Empire. I call for the combined wrath of all nations to put to death anyone who answers this call. Many lives were saved this day, innocents of Varushka and Dawn let this not be in vain.\|by=~~Rafferty~~ Orchard Gildryn, Statement of Principle, General Assembly\|vote=Upheld (488-368)\|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE\|size=small}}		{{SOP\|statement=The Deadwood Knight, champion of the Howling Queen has been vanquished! We anticipate her call. Her howl for a new champion. Any person who answers this call commits treason against the Empire. I call for the combined wrath of all nations to put to death anyone who answers this call. Many lives were saved this day, innocents of Varushka and Dawn let this not be in vain.\|by=Orchard Gildryn, Statement of Principle, General Assembly\|vote=Upheld (488-368)\|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE\|size=small}}
	===An End?===		===An End?===
	It remains to be seen if the threat of the Deadwood Knight has been permanently ended. A [[judgement]] of [[rewarding]] presented by Anatolij Paukov Zorkin certainly suggested that the Schlacta had been extinguished through the use of a certain sword, and named those they believed most responsible for the success. A [[statement of principle]], from ~~Rafferty~~ Orchard Gildryn, warned that the Howling Queen would no doubt seek a new champion, and that Imperial citizens should be vigilant against a new Deadwood Knight being recruited.		It remains to be seen if the threat of the Deadwood Knight has been permanently ended. A [[judgement]] of [[rewarding]] presented by Anatolij Paukov Zorkin certainly suggested that the Schlacta had been extinguished through the use of a certain sword, and named those they believed most responsible for the success. A [[statement of principle]], from Orchard Gildryn, warned that the Howling Queen would no doubt seek a new champion, and that Imperial citizens should be vigilant against a new Deadwood Knight being recruited.

	Is this really the end of the grim tale of Peter/Piotr of Culwich? Only time will tell, one way or another. It is likely to be many years before the people of Weirwater and Karov can be entirely sure that they are free of this dreadful cycle of destruction and death.		Is this really the end of the grim tale of Peter/Piotr of Culwich? Only time will tell, one way or another. It is likely to be many years before the people of Weirwater and Karov can be entirely sure that they are free of this dreadful cycle of destruction and death.

Rafferty: /* An End? */

2025-01-15T11:01:27Z

An End?

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	A grand melee ended with the destruction of the Knight - and by all accounts the army it had raised began to collapse almost immediately. Some of the Knight's unliving lieutenants may still lurk in the woods of northern Weirwater and southern Karov, but without the animating will of the Schlacta of Rot, the majority seem to have returned to the merciful embrace of death.		A grand melee ended with the destruction of the Knight - and by all accounts the army it had raised began to collapse almost immediately. Some of the Knight's unliving lieutenants may still lurk in the woods of northern Weirwater and southern Karov, but without the animating will of the Schlacta of Rot, the majority seem to have returned to the merciful embrace of death.
	{{SOP\|statement=The Deadwood Knight, champion of the Howling Queen has been vanquished! We anticipate her call. Her howl for a new champion. Any person who answers this call commits treason against the Empire. I call for the combined wrath of all nations to put to death anyone who answers this call. Many lives were saved this day, innocents of Varushka and Dawn let this not be in vain.\|by=Rafferty Orchard Gildryn, Statement of Principle, General Assembly\|vote=Upheld (488-368)\|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE\|size=small}}		{{SOP\|statement=The Deadwood Knight, champion of the Howling Queen has been vanquished! We anticipate her call. Her howl for a new champion. Any person who answers this call commits treason against the Empire. I call for the combined wrath of all nations to put to death anyone who answers this call. Many lives were saved this day, innocents of Varushka and Dawn let this not be in vain.\|by=Rafferty Orchard Gildryn, Statement of Principle, General Assembly\|vote=Upheld (488-368)\|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE\|size=small}}
	==An End?==		===An End?===
	It remains to be seen if the threat of the Deadwood Knight has been permanently ended. A [[judgement]] of [[rewarding]] presented by Anatolij Paukov Zorkin certainly suggested that the Schlacta had been extinguished through the use of a certain sword, and named those they believed most responsible for the success. A [[statement of principle]], from Rafferty Orchard Gildryn, warned that the Howling Queen would no doubt seek a new champion, and that Imperial citizens should be vigilant against a new Deadwood Knight being recruited.		It remains to be seen if the threat of the Deadwood Knight has been permanently ended. A [[judgement]] of [[rewarding]] presented by Anatolij Paukov Zorkin certainly suggested that the Schlacta had been extinguished through the use of a certain sword, and named those they believed most responsible for the success. A [[statement of principle]], from Rafferty Orchard Gildryn, warned that the Howling Queen would no doubt seek a new champion, and that Imperial citizens should be vigilant against a new Deadwood Knight being recruited.

	Is this really the end of the grim tale of Peter/Piotr of Culwich? Only time will tell, one way or another. It is likely to be many years before the people of Weirwater and Karov can be entirely sure that they are free of this dreadful cycle of destruction and death.		Is this really the end of the grim tale of Peter/Piotr of Culwich? Only time will tell, one way or another. It is likely to be many years before the people of Weirwater and Karov can be entirely sure that they are free of this dreadful cycle of destruction and death.

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Tourney of the Damned]] - Autumn 386YE Wind of Fortune discussing ways to end the threat of the Deadwood Knight		* [[Tourney of the Damned]] - Autumn 386YE Wind of Fortune discussing ways to end the threat of the Deadwood Knight

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	* [[The_lake_and_the_deep,_dark_woods#A_Lord_of_the_Dead_Woods\|The lake and the deep, dark woods]] - Winter 385YE Wind of Fortune recounting the start of the creature's rampage		* [[The_lake_and_the_deep,_dark_woods#A_Lord_of_the_Dead_Woods\|The lake and the deep, dark woods]] - Winter 385YE Wind of Fortune recounting the start of the creature's rampage
	* [[The_horror_and_the_wild#The_Schlacta_of_Rot_(Conjunction)\|The horror and the wild]] - Summer 385YE Wind of Fortune introducing the knight		* [[The_horror_and_the_wild#The_Schlacta_of_Rot_(Conjunction)\|The horror and the wild]] - Summer 385YE Wind of Fortune introducing the knight

	~~{{anchor\|1}}~~
	~~<sup>1</sup> The Imperial Archivist would be particularly interested in knowing the names of the two champions who faced the Deadwood Knight, for completeness if nothing else.~~

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	No stranger to Anvil, Elise met with representatives of several [[eternal\|eternals]]. From [[Kaela]], she apparently learned of a certain weakness possessed by the Schlacta, although its nature was frustratingly not recorded anywhere Octavia could find. For several seasons she sought a certain weapon, but it eluded her quest. Frustrated, she was apparently visited by a band of [[guiser\|guisers]] who promised to help her find her target in return for an unspecified favour – Octavia believes that these guisers were either operating on behalf of, or delivering a message from, the [[Whisper Gallery]].		No stranger to Anvil, Elise met with representatives of several [[eternal\|eternals]]. From [[Kaela]], she apparently learned of a certain weakness possessed by the Schlacta, although its nature was frustratingly not recorded anywhere Octavia could find. For several seasons she sought a certain weapon, but it eluded her quest. Frustrated, she was apparently visited by a band of [[guiser\|guisers]] who promised to help her find her target in return for an unspecified favour – Octavia believes that these guisers were either operating on behalf of, or delivering a message from, the [[Whisper Gallery]].

	Regardless, when the Deadwood Knight arose in 204YE as Elise had predicted she was ready for it. It issued its challenge, and Elise managed to persuade the [[Senator]] of Weirwater to send her as champion. She is known to have prevailed on the [[Cardinal of Courage]] to bless her weapon with a potent [[hallow\|hallowed aura]] before venturing through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. On the other side, she faced the Varushkan champion – Boric “The Ox” Eskalovic – and fought him for the right to challenge the Deadwood Knight. She managed to ~~outmaneuvre~~ Boric, and defeat him in single combat, but only just. She then turned to face the Schlacta of Rot, to fight for his boon – and to avoid having Weirwater cursed.		Regardless, when the Deadwood Knight arose in 204YE as Elise had predicted she was ready for it. It issued its challenge, and Elise managed to persuade the [[Senator]] of Weirwater to send her as champion. She is known to have prevailed on the [[Cardinal of Courage]] to bless her weapon with a potent [[hallow\|hallowed aura]] before venturing through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. On the other side, she faced the Varushkan champion – Boric “The Ox” Eskalovic – and fought him for the right to challenge the Deadwood Knight. She managed to outmanoeuvre Boric, and defeat him in single combat, but only just. She then turned to face the Schlacta of Rot, to fight for his boon – and to avoid having Weirwater cursed.

	According to the account written by Tamara Hanovitch Eranya, one of the Varushkan wise ones who had accompanied Boric, Elise fought with incredible courage. He noted however that her blade was ''not'' the one she had wielded against Boric, being significantly older; rather it was the blade that had been hallowed by the Cardinal. The duel ended with Elise's defeat, slain by the Deadwood Knight. Despite all her courage, she was overwhelmed by the supernatural strength of the Schlacta of Rot and felled with a fatal blow.		According to the account written by Tamara Hanovitch Eranya, one of the Varushkan wise ones who had accompanied Boric, Elise fought with incredible courage. He noted however that her blade was ''not'' the one she had wielded against Boric, being significantly older; rather it was the blade that had been hallowed by the Cardinal. The duel ended with Elise's defeat, slain by the Deadwood Knight. Despite all her courage, she was overwhelmed by the supernatural strength of the Schlacta of Rot and felled with a fatal blow.
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	At the same time, the priests of Dawn and Varushka [[Tales_of_mystery#The_Deadwood_Knight\|joined the fray in earnest]]. One of the consequences of this was an attack against the estates of the '''Earl of Fools''' shortly before the Summer Solstice, apparently in response to a challenge issued in Spring. The fighting was bitter, but the attackers were fought off, and the response provided valuable insight into the character of the Deadwood Knight - that it somehow became aware of, and could not resist, a formal challenge. This provided a possible answer to the threat the beast posed - and perhaps a chance to end it once and for all.		At the same time, the priests of Dawn and Varushka [[Tales_of_mystery#The_Deadwood_Knight\|joined the fray in earnest]]. One of the consequences of this was an attack against the estates of the '''Earl of Fools''' shortly before the Summer Solstice, apparently in response to a challenge issued in Spring. The fighting was bitter, but the attackers were fought off, and the response provided valuable insight into the character of the Deadwood Knight - that it somehow became aware of, and could not resist, a formal challenge. This provided a possible answer to the threat the beast posed - and perhaps a chance to end it once and for all.

	Time was running out, however. As the Autumn Equinox dawned it became apparent that the Deadwood Knight had [[Tourney_of_the_Damned#Army_of_the_Dead\|gathered enough followers]] to move to the next, inevitable, stage of its plan - to attack in force and attempt to conquer Weirwater and Karov. Fortunately, the efforts of Imperial heroes meant that the ~~Schalcta~~'s rise had been significantly slower than in previous generations - providing an opportunity for those working against its schemes to uncover secrets and prepare to end the threat. The [[historical research]] commissioned by Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti arrived at the Autumn Equinox, and Leontes hopes provided some assistance to those seeking the destruction of the Deadwood Knight.		Time was running out, however. As the Autumn Equinox dawned it became apparent that the Deadwood Knight had [[Tourney_of_the_Damned#Army_of_the_Dead\|gathered enough followers]] to move to the next, inevitable, stage of its plan - to attack in force and attempt to conquer Weirwater and Karov. Fortunately, the efforts of Imperial heroes meant that the Schlacta's rise had been significantly slower than in previous generations - providing an opportunity for those working against its schemes to uncover secrets and prepare to end the threat. The [[historical research]] commissioned by Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti arrived at the Autumn Equinox, and Leontes hopes provided some assistance to those seeking the destruction of the Deadwood Knight.
	{{SOP\|statement=Lord Alistar de Vere, Oswald Hooped, Marigold Companer, Hypatia Raincourt, Olwyn Pickle, Lord Aubin Gildaryn, and Lord Commander Leonar Gildaryn all of Dawn, along with Twig of Varushka, have shown their complete Loyalty to the defeat of the Schlacta of Rot, also known as the Deadwood Knight, engaging in a trade with a herald of the Whisper Gallery to find the sword required to defeat him and turning themselves in to the Anvil militia, They further showed great Courage, sharing the personal secrets they gave to the herald at their trial, They were fined one Throne each for this crime, and so the General Assembly awards eight thrones total, one for each person.\|by=Anatolij Paukov Zorkin, General Assembly, Rewarding\|vote= Upheld (448-438); no funds available\|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE\|size=small}}		{{SOP\|statement=Lord Alistar de Vere, Oswald Hooped, Marigold Companer, Hypatia Raincourt, Olwyn Pickle, Lord Aubin Gildaryn, and Lord Commander Leonar Gildaryn all of Dawn, along with Twig of Varushka, have shown their complete Loyalty to the defeat of the Schlacta of Rot, also known as the Deadwood Knight, engaging in a trade with a herald of the Whisper Gallery to find the sword required to defeat him and turning themselves in to the Anvil militia, They further showed great Courage, sharing the personal secrets they gave to the herald at their trial, They were fined one Throne each for this crime, and so the General Assembly awards eight thrones total, one for each person.\|by=Anatolij Paukov Zorkin, General Assembly, Rewarding\|vote= Upheld (448-438); no funds available\|when=Autumn Equinox 386YE\|size=small}}
	Exact details of what happened are not public knowledge. Initial reports suggest that a combined effort of Dawnish and Varushkan heroes with significant involvement from the nobles of House DuLac - the heirs to [[#Elise_of_Culwich\|Elise of Culwich]] - ended the rampage of the Schlacta of Rot. They apparently faced the creature in the ruins of Ismir, and re-enacted the initial challenge in some capacity.		Exact details of what happened are not public knowledge. Initial reports suggest that a combined effort of Dawnish and Varushkan heroes with significant involvement from the nobles of House DuLac - the heirs to [[#Elise_of_Culwich\|Elise of Culwich]] - ended the rampage of the Schlacta of Rot. They apparently faced the creature in the ruins of Ismir, and re-enacted the initial challenge in some capacity.