Post by The Dungeon Master on Feb 26, 2017 20:41:03 GMT -6
The king of Renalse never showed fear, or desire, or any normal human emotions. Except curiosity. The king's improbable upbringing, being made in the sword ruler's image, yet being mentored by a priest of Odin, created a truly unique individual. His world view was tainted, depending on to whom you spoke.
To the old faith of the spear and the ram, the druids felt he was blissfully unaware of the heretical religion still practiced in the deep forests of the north. They were smart enough to allow both the elves and the Renalsite army go through the Drew Woods unabated and settle their differences near Lanhkmar. They were not aware, like almost everyone else, of the Hybornian and Sylvan alliances of old. So they were just as surprised as anyone when the renalsites were defeated. This allowed them to continue with their mission, unfettered by outside influences.
To the Munzagaul Dwarves the king brought them a steady income. The king was not particularly warlike or aggressive but he did believe in self discipline, training, and being prepared. He always suggested his knights seek out a sword from the master weaponsmiths of Munzil-Galazar. The knights were never disappointed and paid handsomely for their knightly longswords.
The Cumbers would tell you he is a greedy bastard who brought war to their kingdom, but in truth the war was brought before he came to power. In truth the king has not shown anything but respect to Cumberland. In fact he has yet to issue any formal decree concerning the Cumbers worship of Odin as their one true god. The Cumbers long ago changed to a monotheistic religion. Most assume it is Goramas, the Leading Eye, priest of Odin, that keeps the relationship so cordial but there are others that give the king credit for allowing the Cumbers to retain semi autonomy. It is an open secret that the sword ruler clergy do not agree with the king on this but since the king was invested by divine providence by Longsword himself his rule on this is, oh how do the renalsites say it, 'absolute'.
So the king of Renalse, the Sword Emperor Supreme, the Hilt of the World, etc., sat on his throne in the Crystal Castle. Sometimes he would go down into the dungeon, to the dark place of the inkalagon, and stare at a very tranquil looking being. He knew who this was at one time, and what he was capable of when free, but he did not know exactly why he was still there, in the middle of his kingdom, doing nothing.
His crown made him impervious to all magics, all scrying, all psionic powers, even the other gods in other realities could not make out what he was or affect him in any way. No avatars of any gods, whether sword ruler or not, were allowed to touch or have anything they created enter the kingdom of Renalse. This was done with the help of those who protected the boy king and delivered him to the throne in hopes he would be better than allowing the kingdom to fall into hands who they did not know.
Now the king, appearing like a teenage human male, resplendent in his prefectly fitted doublet and hose, and a wondrous gem encrusted crown adorning his dark blonde hair, was curious about his neighbors to the east. Long had he heard tales of the Domain of Greyhawk and all of the heroic deeds and stupendous feats of magic by it's protectors, the Council of Eight. He was saddened to hear of their passing and from his throne in the castle he cried as he was told of something from his kingdom was used to assassinate the mages. He had no fear of them so why were they murdered? It made no sense. So he sent forth his first Sword General, Dakon, to investigate. And he waited.
Until a day came when he did not wait anymore. He would send word to ambassador Pagano to talk to a retired sword general who he heard good things about. He would ask to set up a meeting in this retired general's home. He would of course give the man plenty of notice to prepare for the visit. After all, Goramas always said, "It is better to be truthful, humble and kind when that is what you seek in return."
To the old faith of the spear and the ram, the druids felt he was blissfully unaware of the heretical religion still practiced in the deep forests of the north. They were smart enough to allow both the elves and the Renalsite army go through the Drew Woods unabated and settle their differences near Lanhkmar. They were not aware, like almost everyone else, of the Hybornian and Sylvan alliances of old. So they were just as surprised as anyone when the renalsites were defeated. This allowed them to continue with their mission, unfettered by outside influences.
To the Munzagaul Dwarves the king brought them a steady income. The king was not particularly warlike or aggressive but he did believe in self discipline, training, and being prepared. He always suggested his knights seek out a sword from the master weaponsmiths of Munzil-Galazar. The knights were never disappointed and paid handsomely for their knightly longswords.
The Cumbers would tell you he is a greedy bastard who brought war to their kingdom, but in truth the war was brought before he came to power. In truth the king has not shown anything but respect to Cumberland. In fact he has yet to issue any formal decree concerning the Cumbers worship of Odin as their one true god. The Cumbers long ago changed to a monotheistic religion. Most assume it is Goramas, the Leading Eye, priest of Odin, that keeps the relationship so cordial but there are others that give the king credit for allowing the Cumbers to retain semi autonomy. It is an open secret that the sword ruler clergy do not agree with the king on this but since the king was invested by divine providence by Longsword himself his rule on this is, oh how do the renalsites say it, 'absolute'.
So the king of Renalse, the Sword Emperor Supreme, the Hilt of the World, etc., sat on his throne in the Crystal Castle. Sometimes he would go down into the dungeon, to the dark place of the inkalagon, and stare at a very tranquil looking being. He knew who this was at one time, and what he was capable of when free, but he did not know exactly why he was still there, in the middle of his kingdom, doing nothing.
His crown made him impervious to all magics, all scrying, all psionic powers, even the other gods in other realities could not make out what he was or affect him in any way. No avatars of any gods, whether sword ruler or not, were allowed to touch or have anything they created enter the kingdom of Renalse. This was done with the help of those who protected the boy king and delivered him to the throne in hopes he would be better than allowing the kingdom to fall into hands who they did not know.
Now the king, appearing like a teenage human male, resplendent in his prefectly fitted doublet and hose, and a wondrous gem encrusted crown adorning his dark blonde hair, was curious about his neighbors to the east. Long had he heard tales of the Domain of Greyhawk and all of the heroic deeds and stupendous feats of magic by it's protectors, the Council of Eight. He was saddened to hear of their passing and from his throne in the castle he cried as he was told of something from his kingdom was used to assassinate the mages. He had no fear of them so why were they murdered? It made no sense. So he sent forth his first Sword General, Dakon, to investigate. And he waited.
Until a day came when he did not wait anymore. He would send word to ambassador Pagano to talk to a retired sword general who he heard good things about. He would ask to set up a meeting in this retired general's home. He would of course give the man plenty of notice to prepare for the visit. After all, Goramas always said, "It is better to be truthful, humble and kind when that is what you seek in return."
