Eater-of-Hope - Revision history

Matt: Text replacement - "Bourse" to "Bourse"

2026-01-16T09:37:00Z

Text replacement - "Bourse" to "Bourse"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:37, 16 January 2026
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	At the time it was speculated that one of the two visionaries may have brought this spirit with them into the Labyrinth when they consumed the true liao. Nellakov was a very active priest who regularly used the [[Sentinel Gate]] to investigate matters of [[Religious_crime#Heresy\|heresy]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemy]] in the Empire and earlier that year they had been involved in a series of confrontations with a heretical cult operating in [[Karsk]] that were in league with a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereign]] referred to as the Night Terror. Nellakov had been left deeply shaken by her encounter with the Night Terror. The suggestion was that some fragment of this fell creature had infected her soul and been taken into the Labyrinth and it was that that the priest had encounter. However no proof was ever found for this idea though every imaginable investigation was carried out up to and including a question to the [[eternal]] [[Leviathan]] and the idea was eventually ruled out in favour of the belief that the thing must have been present in the Labyrinth at the point where the visionaries entered.		At the time it was speculated that one of the two visionaries may have brought this spirit with them into the Labyrinth when they consumed the true liao. Nellakov was a very active priest who regularly used the [[Sentinel Gate]] to investigate matters of [[Religious_crime#Heresy\|heresy]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemy]] in the Empire and earlier that year they had been involved in a series of confrontations with a heretical cult operating in [[Karsk]] that were in league with a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereign]] referred to as the Night Terror. Nellakov had been left deeply shaken by her encounter with the Night Terror. The suggestion was that some fragment of this fell creature had infected her soul and been taken into the Labyrinth and it was that that the priest had encounter. However no proof was ever found for this idea though every imaginable investigation was carried out up to and including a question to the [[eternal]] [[Leviathan]] and the idea was eventually ruled out in favour of the belief that the thing must have been present in the Labyrinth at the point where the visionaries entered.
	===The Intruder===		===The Intruder===
	The later account concerns a [[the Marches\|Marcher]] [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Beaters\|beater]] called ''Nedry Fletcher'' who purchased his dose of liao from the [[~~Bourse\|~~Bourse]] public auction during the rule of [[Empress Mariika]]. Nedry's guide priest was a [[The_Marches_religious_beliefs#Monks_and_Friars\|friar]] called ''Margery Vintner'', [[Cardinal]] of [[Ambition]]. The vision seemed straight-forward enough with Nedry called on to advise a Marcher [[Yeoman of the Marches\|yeoman]] called ''Simon Fisher'' on whether to enter a wickerman or not. In the end Nedry chose instead to [[The_Marches_religious_beliefs#Shriving\|shrive]] the character he met in the vision, but as that was taking place, a mob began to form nearby of people apparently seeking to attack the culprit.		The later account concerns a [[the Marches\|Marcher]] [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Beaters\|beater]] called ''Nedry Fletcher'' who purchased his dose of liao from the [[Bourse]] public auction during the rule of [[Empress Mariika]]. Nedry's guide priest was a [[The_Marches_religious_beliefs#Monks_and_Friars\|friar]] called ''Margery Vintner'', [[Cardinal]] of [[Ambition]]. The vision seemed straight-forward enough with Nedry called on to advise a Marcher [[Yeoman of the Marches\|yeoman]] called ''Simon Fisher'' on whether to enter a wickerman or not. In the end Nedry chose instead to [[The_Marches_religious_beliefs#Shriving\|shrive]] the character he met in the vision, but as that was taking place, a mob began to form nearby of people apparently seeking to attack the culprit.

	At this point a third character entered the vision, Margery described it as shaped like a tall figure dressed in a dark billowing cloak. The creature addressed Margery directly challenging her right to be present and belittling her in ways she described as numerous and profane. Nedry appeared to be unable to see the figure, indeed he reported nothing of interest after the vision. Margery claims that she circled the vision three times, exchanging insults with the creature, as her temper grew. By that point the vision had grown increasingly disturbed, with people breaking into the chamber to confront Nedry and Simon. One of the intruders attacked Nedry with a knife, stabbing him twice, at which point Nedry's vision ended.		At this point a third character entered the vision, Margery described it as shaped like a tall figure dressed in a dark billowing cloak. The creature addressed Margery directly challenging her right to be present and belittling her in ways she described as numerous and profane. Nedry appeared to be unable to see the figure, indeed he reported nothing of interest after the vision. Margery claims that she circled the vision three times, exchanging insults with the creature, as her temper grew. By that point the vision had grown increasingly disturbed, with people breaking into the chamber to confront Nedry and Simon. One of the intruders attacked Nedry with a knife, stabbing him twice, at which point Nedry's vision ended.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Bourse" to "[[Bourse"

2026-01-15T12:44:33Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Bourse" to "[[Bourse"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:44, 15 January 2026
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	At the time it was speculated that one of the two visionaries may have brought this spirit with them into the Labyrinth when they consumed the true liao. Nellakov was a very active priest who regularly used the [[Sentinel Gate]] to investigate matters of [[Religious_crime#Heresy\|heresy]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemy]] in the Empire and earlier that year they had been involved in a series of confrontations with a heretical cult operating in [[Karsk]] that were in league with a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereign]] referred to as the Night Terror. Nellakov had been left deeply shaken by her encounter with the Night Terror. The suggestion was that some fragment of this fell creature had infected her soul and been taken into the Labyrinth and it was that that the priest had encounter. However no proof was ever found for this idea though every imaginable investigation was carried out up to and including a question to the [[eternal]] [[Leviathan]] and the idea was eventually ruled out in favour of the belief that the thing must have been present in the Labyrinth at the point where the visionaries entered.		At the time it was speculated that one of the two visionaries may have brought this spirit with them into the Labyrinth when they consumed the true liao. Nellakov was a very active priest who regularly used the [[Sentinel Gate]] to investigate matters of [[Religious_crime#Heresy\|heresy]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy\|blasphemy]] in the Empire and earlier that year they had been involved in a series of confrontations with a heretical cult operating in [[Karsk]] that were in league with a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereign]] referred to as the Night Terror. Nellakov had been left deeply shaken by her encounter with the Night Terror. The suggestion was that some fragment of this fell creature had infected her soul and been taken into the Labyrinth and it was that that the priest had encounter. However no proof was ever found for this idea though every imaginable investigation was carried out up to and including a question to the [[eternal]] [[Leviathan]] and the idea was eventually ruled out in favour of the belief that the thing must have been present in the Labyrinth at the point where the visionaries entered.
	===The Intruder===		===The Intruder===
	The later account concerns a [[the Marches\|Marcher]] [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Beaters\|beater]] called ''Nedry Fletcher'' who purchased his dose of liao from the [[~~Imperial~~ Bourse\|Bourse]] public auction during the rule of [[Empress Mariika]]. Nedry's guide priest was a [[The_Marches_religious_beliefs#Monks_and_Friars\|friar]] called ''Margery Vintner'', [[Cardinal]] of [[Ambition]]. The vision seemed straight-forward enough with Nedry called on to advise a Marcher [[Yeoman of the Marches\|yeoman]] called ''Simon Fisher'' on whether to enter a wickerman or not. In the end Nedry chose instead to [[The_Marches_religious_beliefs#Shriving\|shrive]] the character he met in the vision, but as that was taking place, a mob began to form nearby of people apparently seeking to attack the culprit.		The later account concerns a [[the Marches\|Marcher]] [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Beaters\|beater]] called ''Nedry Fletcher'' who purchased his dose of liao from the [[Bourse\|Bourse]] public auction during the rule of [[Empress Mariika]]. Nedry's guide priest was a [[The_Marches_religious_beliefs#Monks_and_Friars\|friar]] called ''Margery Vintner'', [[Cardinal]] of [[Ambition]]. The vision seemed straight-forward enough with Nedry called on to advise a Marcher [[Yeoman of the Marches\|yeoman]] called ''Simon Fisher'' on whether to enter a wickerman or not. In the end Nedry chose instead to [[The_Marches_religious_beliefs#Shriving\|shrive]] the character he met in the vision, but as that was taking place, a mob began to form nearby of people apparently seeking to attack the culprit.

	At this point a third character entered the vision, Margery described it as shaped like a tall figure dressed in a dark billowing cloak. The creature addressed Margery directly challenging her right to be present and belittling her in ways she described as numerous and profane. Nedry appeared to be unable to see the figure, indeed he reported nothing of interest after the vision. Margery claims that she circled the vision three times, exchanging insults with the creature, as her temper grew. By that point the vision had grown increasingly disturbed, with people breaking into the chamber to confront Nedry and Simon. One of the intruders attacked Nedry with a knife, stabbing him twice, at which point Nedry's vision ended.		At this point a third character entered the vision, Margery described it as shaped like a tall figure dressed in a dark billowing cloak. The creature addressed Margery directly challenging her right to be present and belittling her in ways she described as numerous and profane. Nedry appeared to be unable to see the figure, indeed he reported nothing of interest after the vision. Margery claims that she circled the vision three times, exchanging insults with the creature, as her temper grew. By that point the vision had grown increasingly disturbed, with people breaking into the chamber to confront Nedry and Simon. One of the intruders attacked Nedry with a knife, stabbing him twice, at which point Nedry's vision ended.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T12:44:26Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:44, 15 January 2026
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	Octavia carried out a swift review of available records and tales to find accounts of other dark spirits or similar entities but was unable to turn up any leads that merited further investigation. What she did find were two fragmentary accounts of past life visions all of which made reference to the presence of a third entity in the vision, in addition to the visionary and their guide priest.		Octavia carried out a swift review of available records and tales to find accounts of other dark spirits or similar entities but was unable to turn up any leads that merited further investigation. What she did find were two fragmentary accounts of past life visions all of which made reference to the presence of a third entity in the vision, in addition to the visionary and their guide priest.

	The oldest account concerns a [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] [[Varushka_religious_beliefs\|wise one]] called ''Nellakov of Pyetr's Vale'', but more commonly referred to as Old Nell. They were granted a dose of true liao by [[Empress Aenea]], apparently in gratitude for the wise one's support in the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] and took ''Father Anatoli Karov'' as their guide priest. In the vision Nellakov was leading a group of missionaries in foreign lands when one member of the group was either murdered or executed, the details are not clear. There is relatively little information about the vision, the account seems more concerned with the ghost encountered by the guide priest.		The oldest account concerns a [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] [[Varushka_religious_beliefs\|wise one]] called ''Nellakov of Pyetr's Vale'', but more commonly referred to as Old Nell. They were granted a dose of true liao by [[Empress Aenea]], apparently in gratitude for the wise one's support in the [[Senate]] and took ''Father Anatoli Karov'' as their guide priest. In the vision Nellakov was leading a group of missionaries in foreign lands when one member of the group was either murdered or executed, the details are not clear. There is relatively little information about the vision, the account seems more concerned with the ghost encountered by the guide priest.

	According to Karov, the spirit was present in the area from the beginning of the vision, though it was clear that neither the visionary nor any of the other participants could see it. Indeed he appears to have been the only one present able to interact with the spirit in anyway. According to Karov he initially assumed the thing was benign in some way, even wondered if it might be some [[Paragons_and_exemplars\|exemplar]] or other inspirational figure, but he quickly reversed his opinion. Conversation between Karov and the wraith convinced him that its intentions were entirely malevolent, he was left with the overwhelming impression that the thing was deliberately encouraging the scene to turn violent and intimidating in some way.		According to Karov, the spirit was present in the area from the beginning of the vision, though it was clear that neither the visionary nor any of the other participants could see it. Indeed he appears to have been the only one present able to interact with the spirit in anyway. According to Karov he initially assumed the thing was benign in some way, even wondered if it might be some [[Paragons_and_exemplars\|exemplar]] or other inspirational figure, but he quickly reversed his opinion. Conversation between Karov and the wraith convinced him that its intentions were entirely malevolent, he was left with the overwhelming impression that the thing was deliberately encouraging the scene to turn violent and intimidating in some way.
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	==The Axos Connection ==		==The Axos Connection ==
	Shortly before the Autumn Equinox 383YE, a well-respected professor in the faculty of natural philosophy at the Citadel of Maykop in [[Axos]] - ''Mistress Isephenia'' - proposed that the Empire might offer formal invitation to Axou students to apply for places at Imperial centres of learning. As part of a [[Ambassador#Treaty\|treaty]] presented by [[Ambassador to Axos\|Ambassador]] Tarquinius, the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Axos_Autumn_383YE\|confirmed a warm welcome]] for Axou students, and laid the groundwork for the establishment of a campus intended to serve these foreign students. As part of the discussion around where the campus would be located, Mistress Isephenia visited several Imperial universities and colleges. It was during one of these visits that she gave a short lecture on these malign spirits - based apparently on work recently compiled in Maykop in response to a request from Ambassador Tarquinius.		Shortly before the Autumn Equinox 383YE, a well-respected professor in the faculty of natural philosophy at the Citadel of Maykop in [[Axos]] - ''Mistress Isephenia'' - proposed that the Empire might offer formal invitation to Axou students to apply for places at Imperial centres of learning. As part of a [[Ambassador#Treaty\|treaty]] presented by [[Ambassador to Axos\|Ambassador]] Tarquinius, the [[Senate]] [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Axos_Autumn_383YE\|confirmed a warm welcome]] for Axou students, and laid the groundwork for the establishment of a campus intended to serve these foreign students. As part of the discussion around where the campus would be located, Mistress Isephenia visited several Imperial universities and colleges. It was during one of these visits that she gave a short lecture on these malign spirits - based apparently on work recently compiled in Maykop in response to a request from Ambassador Tarquinius.

	While Mistress Isephenia has no specific information about the Eater-of-Hope, it seems to belong to a class of entities familiar to Axou ''necromantia''. Called variously wraiths, spectres, lemuré, manés, phantoms, shades, daimon, phantoms, and gaolers. They are entities of pure spirit similar to ghosts and spirits but uniquely malign in intent. There is an order of historians in Maykop dedicated to tracking evidence of the better known lemuré and chronicling their various appearances. This school is confident that encounters with apparently unconnected spirits are actually meetings with a comparatively limited handful of the entities - although this may be wishful thinking on their behalf.		While Mistress Isephenia has no specific information about the Eater-of-Hope, it seems to belong to a class of entities familiar to Axou ''necromantia''. Called variously wraiths, spectres, lemuré, manés, phantoms, shades, daimon, phantoms, and gaolers. They are entities of pure spirit similar to ghosts and spirits but uniquely malign in intent. There is an order of historians in Maykop dedicated to tracking evidence of the better known lemuré and chronicling their various appearances. This school is confident that encounters with apparently unconnected spirits are actually meetings with a comparatively limited handful of the entities - although this may be wishful thinking on their behalf.

Twiggy at 13:25, 16 July 2025

2025-07-16T13:25:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:25, 16 July 2025
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	The Eater-of-Hope is the name given to a specific malign creature, similar to a ghost but apparently in possession of significantly greater spiritual power and guided by a malign intelligence not generally associated with the apparitions and phantoms familiar to Imperial priests and scholars. It seems that the spirit escaped from the Labyrinth during a performance of [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] cast on [[Cardinal]] '''Ynez di Caricomare'''. The creature was driven off at the time, but attached itself to a number of Imperial conflicts where it may have somehow fed off or worsened the situation. There are rumours that the creature was involved in the destruction of Embersfall spire in [[Zenith]] during the Autumn 380YE. Interestingly these stories claim that both the High Exorcist and the heavily pregnant Theodosia of Canterspire - then host to the Urizen egregore spirit - were both present. The spire was consumed in fire, and not a single magician of the spire escaped the flames. At the time, the area surrounding the spire was shrouded with a spreading aura of supernatural [[Sorrow_and_death\|sadness]]; at the time the destruction of Embersfall was ascribed to the magic and given that the Druj invaded [[381YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Valley_of_Darkness_.28Zenith.29\|less than a year later]] the facts of what happened there will likely never be known.		The Eater-of-Hope is the name given to a specific malign creature, similar to a ghost but apparently in possession of significantly greater spiritual power and guided by a malign intelligence not generally associated with the apparitions and phantoms familiar to Imperial priests and scholars. It seems that the spirit escaped from the Labyrinth during a performance of [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] cast on [[Cardinal]] '''Ynez di Caricomare'''. The creature was driven off at the time, but attached itself to a number of Imperial conflicts where it may have somehow fed off or worsened the situation. There are rumours that the creature was involved in the destruction of Embersfall spire in [[Zenith]] during the Autumn 380YE. Interestingly these stories claim that both the High Exorcist and the heavily pregnant Theodosia of Canterspire - then host to the Urizen egregore spirit - were both present. The spire was consumed in fire, and not a single magician of the spire escaped the flames. At the time, the area surrounding the spire was shrouded with a spreading aura of supernatural [[Sorrow_and_death\|sadness]]; at the time the destruction of Embersfall was ascribed to the magic and given that the Druj invaded [[381YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Valley_of_Darkness_.28Zenith.29\|less than a year later]] the facts of what happened there will likely never be known.

	The Eater-of-Hope was not heard from again until the eruption of the {{Black Plateau}} during the [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29\|Battle of Solen's Doubt]] in early 382YE. The spirit was apparently drawn to [[Spiral]] by the terrible aura of despair and fear that covered the territory. It apparently fed on the hopes and dreams of the unfortunate inhabitants, both human and [[orc]], whose minds had been shattered by the swirling nexus of [[Night magic]] spilling forth from the [[Spiral#The Black Plateau\|Plateau]]. The Eater-of-Hope rallied these tragic victims, driven to violent madness by a combination of the Plateau and the spirit's attentions, creating an army of murderous killers that threatened both the Empire and the [[Grendel]] before a large force of Imperial heroes from Anvil were able to defeat them.		The Eater-of-Hope was not heard from again until the eruption of the {{Black Plateau}} during the [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29\|Battle of Solen's Doubt]] in early 382YE. The spirit was apparently drawn to [[Spiral]] by the terrible aura of despair and fear that covered the territory. It apparently fed on the hopes and dreams of the unfortunate inhabitants, both human and [[orc]], whose minds had been shattered by the swirling nexus of [[Night magic]] spilling forth from the [[Spiral#The Black Plateau\|{{Black Plateau}}]]. The Eater-of-Hope rallied these tragic victims, driven to violent madness by a combination of the Plateau and the spirit's attentions, creating an army of murderous killers that threatened both the Empire and the [[Grendel]] before a large force of Imperial heroes from Anvil were able to defeat them.

	The spirit was driven off by [[exorcism]] once more - it had attached itself to a Grendel warlord who functioned as the leader of the chaotic horde - but it was clear it would return swiftly. At the Winter Solstice Solas was granted a dose of true liao by the Empire so that he could deal with the menace permanently. The spirit was eventually tracked down to [[Semmerholm]] and the High Exorcist and his followers confronted the spectre for the final time.		The spirit was driven off by [[exorcism]] once more - it had attached itself to a Grendel warlord who functioned as the leader of the chaotic horde - but it was clear it would return swiftly. At the Winter Solstice Solas was granted a dose of true liao by the Empire so that he could deal with the menace permanently. The spirit was eventually tracked down to [[Semmerholm]] and the High Exorcist and his followers confronted the spectre for the final time.

Novemberalice at 11:31, 23 August 2022

2022-08-23T11:31:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:31, 23 August 2022
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	In an encounter worthy of the great tales of history, the High Exorcist confronted his nemesis and finally drove it from the Empire for good.		In an encounter worthy of the great tales of history, the High Exorcist confronted his nemesis and finally drove it from the Empire for good.
	<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister for Historical Research, Spring 383YE">In response to concerns raised to the Department by Solus, High Exorcist of the Empire, we seek to utilise one of the two available research commissions to investigate the origin of the Eater of Hope. The focus of the research will be ritualistic practices, possibly associated with torture and punishment, of the late Terunael historical period, especially associated with the city of Emrys (ruins in southwest ~~Skuld~~.) We seek to cross-reference this matter to the following significant people: Merenael, Fallahd, Tegwen of the Hammer. These names have come to light during the destruction of the Eater of Hope. We seek to understand how this entity was created so that we can be vigilant against the significant spiritual threat that it represents should other such creatures be identified.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister for Historical Research, Spring 383YE">In response to concerns raised to the Department by Solus, High Exorcist of the Empire, we seek to utilise one of the two available research commissions to investigate the origin of the Eater of Hope. The focus of the research will be ritualistic practices, possibly associated with torture and punishment, of the late Terunael historical period, especially associated with the city of Emrys (ruins in southwest Sküld.) We seek to cross-reference this matter to the following significant people: Merenael, Fallahd, Tegwen of the Hammer. These names have come to light during the destruction of the Eater of Hope. We seek to understand how this entity was created so that we can be vigilant against the significant spiritual threat that it represents should other such creatures be identified.</quote></div>

	==Origins==		==Origins==

Hailmur: /* The Spirit */

2022-03-16T23:35:10Z

The Spirit

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:35, 16 March 2022
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	The Eater-of-Hope was not heard from again until the eruption of the {{Black Plateau}} during the [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29\|Battle of Solen's Doubt]] in early 382YE. The spirit was apparently drawn to [[Spiral]] by the terrible aura of despair and fear that covered the territory. It apparently fed on the hopes and dreams of the unfortunate inhabitants, both human and [[orc]], whose minds had been shattered by the swirling nexus of [[Night magic]] spilling forth from the [[Spiral#The Black Plateau\|Plateau]]. The Eater-of-Hope rallied these tragic victims, driven to violent madness by a combination of the Plateau and the spirit's attentions, creating an army of murderous killers that threatened both the Empire and the [[Grendel]] before a large force of Imperial heroes from Anvil were able to defeat them.		The Eater-of-Hope was not heard from again until the eruption of the {{Black Plateau}} during the [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29\|Battle of Solen's Doubt]] in early 382YE. The spirit was apparently drawn to [[Spiral]] by the terrible aura of despair and fear that covered the territory. It apparently fed on the hopes and dreams of the unfortunate inhabitants, both human and [[orc]], whose minds had been shattered by the swirling nexus of [[Night magic]] spilling forth from the [[Spiral#The Black Plateau\|Plateau]]. The Eater-of-Hope rallied these tragic victims, driven to violent madness by a combination of the Plateau and the spirit's attentions, creating an army of murderous killers that threatened both the Empire and the [[Grendel]] before a large force of Imperial heroes from Anvil were able to defeat them.

	The spirit was driven off by [[exorcism]] once more - it had attached itself to a Grendel warlord who functioned as the leader of the chaotic horde - but it was clear it would return swiftly. At the Winter Solstice ~~Solus~~ was granted a dose of true liao by the Empire so that he could deal with the menace permanently. The spirit was eventually tracked down to [[Semmerholm]] and the High Exorcist and his followers confronted the spectre for the final time.		The spirit was driven off by [[exorcism]] once more - it had attached itself to a Grendel warlord who functioned as the leader of the chaotic horde - but it was clear it would return swiftly. At the Winter Solstice Solas was granted a dose of true liao by the Empire so that he could deal with the menace permanently. The spirit was eventually tracked down to [[Semmerholm]] and the High Exorcist and his followers confronted the spectre for the final time.

	In an encounter worthy of the great tales of history, the High Exorcist confronted his nemesis and finally drove it from the Empire for good.		In an encounter worthy of the great tales of history, the High Exorcist confronted his nemesis and finally drove it from the Empire for good.

Hastur: /* The Spirit */

2021-03-02T08:03:49Z

The Spirit

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:03, 2 March 2021
Line 8:		Line 8:
	The Eater-of-Hope is the name given to a specific malign creature, similar to a ghost but apparently in possession of significantly greater spiritual power and guided by a malign intelligence not generally associated with the apparitions and phantoms familiar to Imperial priests and scholars. It seems that the spirit escaped from the Labyrinth during a performance of [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] cast on [[Cardinal]] '''Ynez di Caricomare'''. The creature was driven off at the time, but attached itself to a number of Imperial conflicts where it may have somehow fed off or worsened the situation. There are rumours that the creature was involved in the destruction of Embersfall spire in [[Zenith]] during the Autumn 380YE. Interestingly these stories claim that both the High Exorcist and the heavily pregnant Theodosia of Canterspire - then host to the Urizen egregore spirit - were both present. The spire was consumed in fire, and not a single magician of the spire escaped the flames. At the time, the area surrounding the spire was shrouded with a spreading aura of supernatural [[Sorrow_and_death\|sadness]]; at the time the destruction of Embersfall was ascribed to the magic and given that the Druj invaded [[381YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Valley_of_Darkness_.28Zenith.29\|less than a year later]] the facts of what happened there will likely never be known.		The Eater-of-Hope is the name given to a specific malign creature, similar to a ghost but apparently in possession of significantly greater spiritual power and guided by a malign intelligence not generally associated with the apparitions and phantoms familiar to Imperial priests and scholars. It seems that the spirit escaped from the Labyrinth during a performance of [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] cast on [[Cardinal]] '''Ynez di Caricomare'''. The creature was driven off at the time, but attached itself to a number of Imperial conflicts where it may have somehow fed off or worsened the situation. There are rumours that the creature was involved in the destruction of Embersfall spire in [[Zenith]] during the Autumn 380YE. Interestingly these stories claim that both the High Exorcist and the heavily pregnant Theodosia of Canterspire - then host to the Urizen egregore spirit - were both present. The spire was consumed in fire, and not a single magician of the spire escaped the flames. At the time, the area surrounding the spire was shrouded with a spreading aura of supernatural [[Sorrow_and_death\|sadness]]; at the time the destruction of Embersfall was ascribed to the magic and given that the Druj invaded [[381YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Valley_of_Darkness_.28Zenith.29\|less than a year later]] the facts of what happened there will likely never be known.

	The Eater-of-Hope was not heard from again until the eruption of the ~~<span style="color:#2F4F4F; background:#D3D3D3 ">~~Black Plateau~~</span>~~ during the [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29\|Battle of Solen's Doubt]] in early 382YE. The spirit was apparently drawn to [[Spiral]] by the terrible aura of despair and fear that covered the territory. It apparently fed on the hopes and dreams of the unfortunate inhabitants, both human and [[orc]], whose minds had been shattered by the swirling nexus of [[Night magic]] spilling forth from the [[Spiral#The Black Plateau\|Plateau]]. The Eater-of-Hope rallied these tragic victims, driven to violent madness by a combination of the Plateau and the spirit's attentions, creating an army of murderous killers that threatened both the Empire and the [[Grendel]] before a large force of Imperial heroes from Anvil were able to defeat them.		The Eater-of-Hope was not heard from again until the eruption of the {{Black Plateau}} during the [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29\|Battle of Solen's Doubt]] in early 382YE. The spirit was apparently drawn to [[Spiral]] by the terrible aura of despair and fear that covered the territory. It apparently fed on the hopes and dreams of the unfortunate inhabitants, both human and [[orc]], whose minds had been shattered by the swirling nexus of [[Night magic]] spilling forth from the [[Spiral#The Black Plateau\|Plateau]]. The Eater-of-Hope rallied these tragic victims, driven to violent madness by a combination of the Plateau and the spirit's attentions, creating an army of murderous killers that threatened both the Empire and the [[Grendel]] before a large force of Imperial heroes from Anvil were able to defeat them.

	The spirit was driven off by [[exorcism]] once more - it had attached itself to a Grendel warlord who functioned as the leader of the chaotic horde - but it was clear it would return swiftly. At the Winter Solstice Solus was granted a dose of true liao by the Empire so that he could deal with the menace permanently. The spirit was eventually tracked down to [[Semmerholm]] and the High Exorcist and his followers confronted the spectre for the final time.		The spirit was driven off by [[exorcism]] once more - it had attached itself to a Grendel warlord who functioned as the leader of the chaotic horde - but it was clear it would return swiftly. At the Winter Solstice Solus was granted a dose of true liao by the Empire so that he could deal with the menace permanently. The spirit was eventually tracked down to [[Semmerholm]] and the High Exorcist and his followers confronted the spectre for the final time.

Rafferty: /* The City of Emrys */

2019-10-22T19:15:32Z

The City of Emrys

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	Margery however remained behind. She is adamant on this point, that she was still present in the vision, despite the fact that Nedry was nowhere to be seen. What she witnessed then was the mob turn on Simon and butcher him, all while egged on by the disturbing spirit. Margery's experience of the vision ended at the point where Simon died - with the evil spirit clearly still present and apparently mocking her.		Margery however remained behind. She is adamant on this point, that she was still present in the vision, despite the fact that Nedry was nowhere to be seen. What she witnessed then was the mob turn on Simon and butcher him, all while egged on by the disturbing spirit. Margery's experience of the vision ended at the point where Simon died - with the evil spirit clearly still present and apparently mocking her.
	===The City of Emrys===		===The City of Emrys===
	To date, Octavia has been unable to find any historical accounts or even stories that link the Terunael City of Emrys to the Eater-of-Hope in any way. ~~The use~~ of ~~torture was not uncommon during this time~~, and there are some accounts of enemies of the Terunael being tortured for information or punishment, but there are no records of any kind of this being linked to the Eater-of-Hope in anyway. This doesn't mean the two things are not linked of course - merely that Octavia has been unable to find a link.		To date, Octavia has been unable to find any historical accounts or even stories that link the Terunael City of Emrys to the Eater-of-Hope in any way, beyond the claims recorded in volume three of [[Seer_of_the_Gateway#Publication_2\|Echoes of the Labyrinth]]. According to the account of guide priest Allegra of Shatterspire contained in that book, the past life vision of Iulian of Shatterspire involved both the northernmost Terunael city and the appearance of a creature that may well be the first contemporary incident of the Eater-of-Hope.

			Likewise there are some accounts of enemies of the Terunael being tortured for information or punishment, but there are no records of any kind of this being linked to the Eater-of-Hope in anyway. This doesn't mean the two things are not linked of course - merely that Octavia has been unable to find a link.

	She was able to find one reference to the production of embittered ghosts through the practice of torture. She found a disturbing account written in the time of [[Emperor James]] by a [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] [[knight-errant]] named ''Arthoor of Moors Top''. Arthoor was captured by the [[Druj]] while fighting as part of the [[Gryphon%27s_Pride\|Gryphon's Pride]]. He was brutally tortured by the Druj, both physically and mentally, as inch by agonising inch, the skin was flayed from his body and the bodies of his companions. Each day a vile concoction of herbs was rubbed into raw flesh, not to heal but to aggravate the wounds still further.		She was able to find one reference to the production of embittered ghosts through the practice of torture. She found a disturbing account written in the time of [[Emperor James]] by a [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] [[knight-errant]] named ''Arthoor of Moors Top''. Arthoor was captured by the [[Druj]] while fighting as part of the [[Gryphon%27s_Pride\|Gryphon's Pride]]. He was brutally tortured by the Druj, both physically and mentally, as inch by agonising inch, the skin was flayed from his body and the bodies of his companions. Each day a vile concoction of herbs was rubbed into raw flesh, not to heal but to aggravate the wounds still further.

Hastur: /* The City of Emrys */

2019-10-20T07:53:21Z

The City of Emrys

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	To date, Octavia has been unable to find any historical accounts or even stories that link the Terunael City of Emrys to the Eater-of-Hope in any way. The use of torture was not uncommon during this time, and there are some accounts of enemies of the Terunael being tortured for information or punishment, but there are no records of any kind of this being linked to the Eater-of-Hope in anyway. This doesn't mean the two things are not linked of course - merely that Octavia has been unable to find a link.		To date, Octavia has been unable to find any historical accounts or even stories that link the Terunael City of Emrys to the Eater-of-Hope in any way. The use of torture was not uncommon during this time, and there are some accounts of enemies of the Terunael being tortured for information or punishment, but there are no records of any kind of this being linked to the Eater-of-Hope in anyway. This doesn't mean the two things are not linked of course - merely that Octavia has been unable to find a link.

	She was able to find one reference to the production of embittered ghosts through the practice of torture. She found a disturbing account written in the time of [[Emperor James]] by a [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] [[knight-errant]] named ''Arthoor of Moors Top''. Arthoor was captured by the [[Druj]] while fighting as part of the [[Gryphon%27s_Pride\|~~Gryphons~~ Pride]]. He was brutally tortured by the Druj, both physically and mentally, as inch by agonising inch, the skin was flayed from his body and the bodies of his companions. Each day a vile concoction of herbs was rubbed into raw flesh, not to heal but to aggravate the wounds still further.		She was able to find one reference to the production of embittered ghosts through the practice of torture. She found a disturbing account written in the time of [[Emperor James]] by a [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] [[knight-errant]] named ''Arthoor of Moors Top''. Arthoor was captured by the [[Druj]] while fighting as part of the [[Gryphon%27s_Pride\|Gryphon's Pride]]. He was brutally tortured by the Druj, both physically and mentally, as inch by agonising inch, the skin was flayed from his body and the bodies of his companions. Each day a vile concoction of herbs was rubbed into raw flesh, not to heal but to aggravate the wounds still further.

	The camp was attacked by brave heroes from Anvil, who were able to drive off the Druj and rescue Arthoor and some of his allies, but not before three of them had succumbed to their ill-treatment at the hands of the Druj. Arthoor was adamant that they had not died of their wounds, but rather they had succumbed mentally and spiritually to the torture. He seemed certain that his fellow [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]] had simply lost all hope and given up. Of relevance to this research is that Arthoor is certain that in each case where one of their number died, a black ghost like entity appeared shortly after. The shades were dressed in back robes, but each time their face was a twisted mirror of the compatriot who had passed away.		The camp was attacked by brave heroes from Anvil, who were able to drive off the Druj and rescue Arthoor and some of his allies, but not before three of them had succumbed to their ill-treatment at the hands of the Druj. Arthoor was adamant that they had not died of their wounds, but rather they had succumbed mentally and spiritually to the torture. He seemed certain that his fellow [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]] had simply lost all hope and given up. Of relevance to this research is that Arthoor is certain that in each case where one of their number died, a black ghost like entity appeared shortly after. The shades were dressed in back robes, but each time their face was a twisted mirror of the compatriot who had passed away.

Hastur: /* The City of Emrys */

2019-10-20T07:53:06Z

The City of Emrys

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:53, 20 October 2019
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	To date, Octavia has been unable to find any historical accounts or even stories that link the Terunael City of Emrys to the Eater-of-Hope in any way. The use of torture was not uncommon during this time, and there are some accounts of enemies of the Terunael being tortured for information or punishment, but there are no records of any kind of this being linked to the Eater-of-Hope in anyway. This doesn't mean the two things are not linked of course - merely that Octavia has been unable to find a link.		To date, Octavia has been unable to find any historical accounts or even stories that link the Terunael City of Emrys to the Eater-of-Hope in any way. The use of torture was not uncommon during this time, and there are some accounts of enemies of the Terunael being tortured for information or punishment, but there are no records of any kind of this being linked to the Eater-of-Hope in anyway. This doesn't mean the two things are not linked of course - merely that Octavia has been unable to find a link.

	She was able to find one reference to the production of embittered ghosts through the practice of torture. She found a disturbing account written in the time of [[Emperor James]] by a [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] [[knight-errant]] named ''Arthoor of Moors Top''. Arthoor was captured by the [[Druj]] while fighting as part of the [[Gryphons Pride]]. He was brutally tortured by the Druj, both physically and mentally, as inch by agonising inch, the skin was flayed from his body and the bodies of his companions. Each day a vile concoction of herbs was rubbed into raw flesh, not to heal but to aggravate the wounds still further.		She was able to find one reference to the production of embittered ghosts through the practice of torture. She found a disturbing account written in the time of [[Emperor James]] by a [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] [[knight-errant]] named ''Arthoor of Moors Top''. Arthoor was captured by the [[Druj]] while fighting as part of the [[Gryphon%27s_Pride\|Gryphons Pride]]. He was brutally tortured by the Druj, both physically and mentally, as inch by agonising inch, the skin was flayed from his body and the bodies of his companions. Each day a vile concoction of herbs was rubbed into raw flesh, not to heal but to aggravate the wounds still further.

	The camp was attacked by brave heroes from Anvil, who were able to drive off the Druj and rescue Arthoor and some of his allies, but not before three of them had succumbed to their ill-treatment at the hands of the Druj. Arthoor was adamant that they had not died of their wounds, but rather they had succumbed mentally and spiritually to the torture. He seemed certain that his fellow [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]] had simply lost all hope and given up. Of relevance to this research is that Arthoor is certain that in each case where one of their number died, a black ghost like entity appeared shortly after. The shades were dressed in back robes, but each time their face was a twisted mirror of the compatriot who had passed away.		The camp was attacked by brave heroes from Anvil, who were able to drive off the Druj and rescue Arthoor and some of his allies, but not before three of them had succumbed to their ill-treatment at the hands of the Druj. Arthoor was adamant that they had not died of their wounds, but rather they had succumbed mentally and spiritually to the torture. He seemed certain that his fellow [[Yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]] had simply lost all hope and given up. Of relevance to this research is that Arthoor is certain that in each case where one of their number died, a black ghost like entity appeared shortly after. The shades were dressed in back robes, but each time their face was a twisted mirror of the compatriot who had passed away.
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	In the view of Octavia, this line of research does not offer any productive leads for further investigation. Whatever the Eater-of-Hope is or was, its origin and nature are not well known in the Empire.		In the view of Octavia, this line of research does not offer any productive leads for further investigation. Whatever the Eater-of-Hope is or was, its origin and nature are not well known in the Empire.

	==The Axos Connection ==		==The Axos Connection ==
	Shortly before the Autumn Equinox 383YE, a well-respected professor in the faculty of natural philosophy at the Citadel of Maykop in [[Axos]] - ''Mistress Isephenia'' - proposed that the Empire might offer formal invitation to Axou students to apply for places at Imperial centres of learning. As part of a [[Ambassador#Treaty\|treaty]] presented by [[Ambassador to Axos\|Ambassador]] Tarquinius, the [[Imperial Senate]] [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Axos_Autumn_383YE\|confirmed a warm welcome]] for Axou students, and laid the groundwork for the establishment of a campus intended to serve these foreign students. As part of the discussion around where the campus would be located, Mistress Isephenia visited several Imperial universities and colleges. It was during one of these visits that she gave a short lecture on these malign spirits - based apparently on work recently compiled in Maykop in response to a request from Ambassador Tarquinius.		Shortly before the Autumn Equinox 383YE, a well-respected professor in the faculty of natural philosophy at the Citadel of Maykop in [[Axos]] - ''Mistress Isephenia'' - proposed that the Empire might offer formal invitation to Axou students to apply for places at Imperial centres of learning. As part of a [[Ambassador#Treaty\|treaty]] presented by [[Ambassador to Axos\|Ambassador]] Tarquinius, the [[Imperial Senate]] [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Axos_Autumn_383YE\|confirmed a warm welcome]] for Axou students, and laid the groundwork for the establishment of a campus intended to serve these foreign students. As part of the discussion around where the campus would be located, Mistress Isephenia visited several Imperial universities and colleges. It was during one of these visits that she gave a short lecture on these malign spirits - based apparently on work recently compiled in Maykop in response to a request from Ambassador Tarquinius.