Ravenloft: Prisoners of the Mist

Within the swirling Mist (IC) => Biographies => Topic started by: Dumas on April 16, 2018, 08:46:42 PM

Title: The Blood of Chalaines - Writings of Laurette Élise Trelliard
Post by: Dumas on April 16, 2018, 08:46:42 PM
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Title: Re: The Blood of Chalaines - Writings of Laurette Élise Trelliard
Post by: Dumas on April 17, 2018, 02:48:15 AM

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April 15th, 773 BC

The capital is nearing the border of outright chaos. My carriage passed dozens of refugees fleeing the city on the roads, and several times I had to insist that the driver threaten his whip against those choking the highway. Very few seemed to have been following the same route as I; mostly soldiers and gendarmes. The arm and nail, horse and snail of House Trelliard emblazoned on the carriage doors seemed to attract the eyes of the gentry to closer to Port-a-Lucine… I wonder just what they think of our family.

Father, I am certain, cares little of their thoughts. He has long known to bid his time and wait for advantageous opportunity. So long as the family continues in the fashion that it has over the generations, he would be satisfied. Slow and steady growth, like the snail that does adorn our crest. Mother, I know, believes quite the opposite. We have not seen eye-to-eye on many issues, but this we can fully agree upon.

Maurice, my younger brother, is still enrolled at the University of Dementlieu, still toiling away with his studies. A nearly useless task. His tricks are interesting, but the Arcane is hardly more than an entertainer’s trade. Maurice believes it is something much more grandiose. When he was a child, he would tell Basile and I about grand stories of lost empires, ancient powerful beings that roamed forgotten lands, mysterious spells that could destroy kingdoms or grant power beyond belief... Nothing but tales. I had hoped he would grow out of such notions, but alas.

Basile, my elder brother, I have not heard from in several months. Basile was with a delegation of other envoys that went east, near the start of the war… I do worry for him. Word of his death, if it happened, would have returned to us though. I sincerely doubt the Duc d’Ameranthe would have caused harm to the eldest son of House Trelliard, and certainly no soldiers of the Council would have reason to, either. Father and mother carefully cultivated our position.

One can only wait so long, however. It was a meeting that I initiated with both excitement and trepidation. Father gave his sanction rather quickly... Mother, took several days. I know she did not trust me with such an enterprise, but when the situation calls for it, father can and will see his will carried out.

The last time I was in the capital, I saw it as dreary visit of galas and soirées, theatre displays and orchestra performances. Now I see it as I should have then - a city of opportunity and influence. Dementlieu shall not be the same as it was when the smoke clears and the cannons are rolled away… nor will House Trelliard.

I, not mother, will make certain of that.

Title: Re: The Blood of Chalaines - Writings of Laurette Élise Trelliard
Post by: Dumas on May 06, 2018, 02:07:17 PM

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April 18th, 773 BC


When a crowd descends into panic, I have noticed, there are very rare few that resist the mentality of the herd. Fear sweeps together those of weak minds so readily. Those that maintain their control over such chaos have the chance to either shape it or profit from it.

The capital displays this readily now. Those that have taken to the roads, southward, have left the board, withdrawing their pieces in an effort to take no losses in this coming maelstrom. They will gain nothing, either. Those that fret and twist their hands, hide in the city or the refuge places will have little chance for advancement either. They are just witnesses to the atrocities and transformations that are soon to follow. There are the pawns, as always, those that follow the few that are mindful of the precipice on which they now stand… and of course, there are those that keep their minds level, keep their senses tuned to the opportunities that beckon so subtly.

I’ve met several of each sort in Port-a-Lucine thus far. The dirtied masses, of which I include the so heralded life of the Republique, the People, are the most numerous. They are near worthless on their own, and incapable of becoming pawns unless stirred into a frenzy by the most cunning of leaders; they then become possibly the most dangerous force this country has known. Closely connected with these are the unfocused and uninspired, who while they may possess fortune, have no idea how to properly manipulate it for any lasting purpose. They are in a sense, but a backdrop, something to dress the scene of this grand game in action.

Far fewer are those that have the intellect and will to seek out their own elevation. These particular individuals come to light in times of panic. I observed them after the fleets of the Covenant and Council clashed at Sable Point, just outside Port-a-Lucine. From the advantage of the terraced heights of the capital, one was easily able to view the vessels close in on each other, and witness nearly every gruesome detail of the battle. There are those I watched that saw the engagement with such utter confusion and fear in their eyes; indeed, when the dust settled, they seemed convinced that the end was there for the city at that moment, and they would immediately die upon Covenant swords. A foolish notion, for anyone with a smattering of active thought in their mind could realize that the Covenant fleet was battered into such a state that any remaining troops on the ships’ decks would be utterly exhausted and heavily wounded. A landing would have been decidedly out of the question. One woman that I have paid increasing attention to, and have come to respect as another soul with the sharpened intellect required to maneuver in the capital, is the mademoiselle Verinne van Haute. Though she is Richemulouse and common born, she carries herself almost as if she was of the blood. She did not take to panic as the Council fleet was destroyed. Contrarily, a Falkovnian mercenary watching the engagement, was lacking of awareness so entirely that he rushed to the waterfront with blade in hand, as if he alone could stem the tide of Covenant soldiers that would by no means that day charge onto the streets.

Soldiers and mercenaries have their purposes, certainly, but if they lack leadership that possesses a greater vision, they are simply more trouble than a boon. The Duc d’Ameranthe, has such vision. Is it the most beneficial one to the country? To me?
Title: Re: The Blood of Chalaines - Writings of Laurette Élise Trelliard
Post by: Dumas on May 06, 2018, 03:36:32 PM
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May 1st, 773 BC

Continuing silence from Chalaines. I am starting to become anxious. No one has heard much news from the north, but certainly, that is due to Port-a-Lucine nearly being encircled by the Covenant army. I know riders have gotten through the lines, but perhaps those entrusted previously to carry post to Chalaines and my family have failed, or gone astray somehow. Perhaps a calamity has occurred there. I simply do not know, and the thought frightens me. Father and mother are no fools… I would never accuse either of them of that. Have they seen an opportunity that I have not, and are focusing their efforts elsewhere? Perhaps Chalaines is behind the Covenant lines in the north now, and they are not able to reply to my advice or respond to my letters even if they wished. I am alone… for the first time I can recall, I am alone. I can't even find my valet. If that miserable man fled the city, I will be certain that he is flogged one day when he surfaces. He shall never work for a respectable family again, at the very least.

I am not helpless, nor without influence. The house guard of Chalaines was intact, and we had countless horses of age and ready for sale. These are still tools to barter here in the capital, despite the lack of word from my father. If the worst did occur... they are still mine by right. Well, Basile’s, then mine. However, there hasn’t been a single word from him since the beginning of the war… Maurice, is still at the University as far as I am aware, but he will certainly not take his nose from his books until soldiers force him from the walls there.   

I have taken precautions to protect myself. A Gendarme, one called Joachim Schrotter, a Falkovnian, as strange as that sounds, has agreed to offer instruction to myself in pistol shooting. We have held several lessons together thus far, and while the man has refused payment, claiming that it is his duty to see that a noble daughter has means to protect herself during the coming assault, I will find a way one day to repay him. He certainly is well versed and seems to aspire to be a gentleman, as far-fetched as that may be; the man was a Corporal in the Company of the Fox before it joined the Gendarmerie, and holds the friendship of the Vicomte de Roissy. Everyday, I believe I make improvement. I have been able to target and hit a snake in tall grass from over thirty paces. I purchased a pair of pistols from a shop in the Marchand. Monsieur Abernathy Gearling is eccentric, but I believe he does produce fine pieces of craftsmanship. The pistols I bought are heavy, and somewhat awkward to use, but I have been assured by Gendarme Schrotter, and a chevalier of the Gendarmerie, Sieur Remi, that they have almost no chance of accidental misfire. Should a stipend from my father ever arrive, I would see to commissioning or purchasing a finer pair of firearms.

I have made overtures to the Vicomte de Roissy on behalf of House Trelliard, offering the support that we still hold… to the best of my knowledge. He is receptive, and I believe a meeting with one or both of the Gendarmerie captains will occur soon. As I am certain all three are aware; nothing comes without a price. My personal price to this offering will for them to make certain that a daughter of the blood is let to serve in the proper capacity her rank should entail.
Title: Re: The Blood of Chalaines - Writings of Laurette Élise Trelliard
Post by: Dumas on May 08, 2018, 04:28:15 PM
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May 8th, 773 BC

My schedule has been quite filled during the last few days, and with little thanks of relief after my valet evidently fled the capital like other cowards. After a formal letter to the Chevalier, Sieur Remi, whom is a sergeant in the Port-a-Lucine Gendarmerie, and later, a formal interview, I have been accepted as a “Recruit”. A formality, simply, I am certain. A Trelliard is no simple footsoldier or mere guard. Thankfully, the common gendarmes seem to be respectful enough to a daughter of the blood, and the officers I have been introduced so far too, are gentlemen.

I was able to procure from the tanneries a fine pair of riding boots and promptly set aside the regulation Gendarmerie boots that all members seem to universally detest. The regulation boots were ill-fitting, lacked grip, and had obscene buckles that seemed to catch on just about any obstacle… a point that Gendarme Schrotter cursed at terribly whilst I witnessed he and the Vicomte de Roissy engage in a bout of practice combat. “Practice”, may be too light of a term. Indeed, the Vicomte de Roissy beat Schrotter into what I believe nearly inches of his life in the most savage display of unarmed combat I have ever seen. Despite the Falkovnian’s stubborn will to resist, Roissy did repeatedly maintain an upper hand. The brawl ended in the shallow waters of Sable Bay, with Lieutenant Marceaux nearly strangling Schrotter to death. They pair of them even struggled with a pistol briefly, and in what I thought was a moment of madness, the Vicomte even fired his own pistol at the Falkovnian, barely missing him. I still do not know if this was intentional or not. It was quite frightening, to say the least. I doubt very much that many officers of the Gendarmerie would fight with common soldiers like this… but the Vicomte de Roissy is no common man, nor are those Gendarmes that he brought with him from the Company of the Fox. I’ve heard others mutter that they are “real” soldiers, unlike a good deal of the Gendarmerie. We shall see. I know that I for one, shall not be dirtying myself in training brawls such as this.

There will be a performance at the Jalabert estate this evening, led by mademoiselle van Haute. Apparently an attempt to raise the dwindling spirits of the common folk and others that will deign to attend. Even were I not now part of the Gendarmerie, I believe I would witness the event, for the constant gloom and despair about the capital does nothing to aid my own state of mind. I have been ordered, however, to stand watch during the performance, and to report any suspicious persons. Even so close to the start of the siege, there is a fear of spies and assassins infiltrating the city.

On another note, I have found a replacement of sorts for my craven valet. I have acquired a large wolfhound, a very dutiful sort of beast, just of the same sort that my father took on his hunting trips into the forests about Mistree. The hound has passable training, but I shall endeavor to make certain it knows its new master and follows my commands without hesitation. Such dogs were bred to take down deer, boar, and even wolves, but I believe that such an animal could be used to assist in bringing criminals to heel as well. It may be a formidable tool to be used during patrols. I have yet to decide upon a name for the hound... I shall name him, “Marius”


Title: Re: The Blood of Chalaines - Writings of Laurette Élise Trelliard
Post by: Dumas on May 13, 2018, 06:50:44 PM
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May 13th, 773 BC

The capital is practically encircled by the army of the Covenant. Receiving word from my family in Chalaines seems depressingly less likely every hour... the sight of the banners of Ameranthe from the walls is enough to make anyone tremble.  The common folk have been filtering into the Grand Opera House as well as the Jalabert estate; the choice between the two honestly feels like a bet on a flipped solar to me. Will the Covenant be able to breech Port-a-Lucine’s walls with their cannon, or shall the artillery of the Gendarme turn and assault into a bloodbath? It is undeniable that the Gendarmerie has gathered a vast collection of guns to be brought to the defense, but many are convinced that Marius Mortigny shall shed no tears for the number of soldiers it would take to scale the walls… and he has plenty to spare. Reports of gendarmes deserted every day increase. I do wonder what fate really awaits them when they reach the Covenant lines...

From others in the Gendarmerie, I have heard that there is no plan for defense other than to wait and resist. Starvation, seems just as likely to wipe out the capital as an assault. The Covenant has the luxury of either, it seems. I would imagine that sorties against the Covenant lines might be the only way to gain an advantage for the city, elsewise, moral will dwindle away to nothing.

I continue instruction from Lieutenant Marceaux in how to best police the citizens of Dementlieu. I likewise receive instruction in defense and how to conduct myself in battle from the other Gendarmes, particular Joachim. This evening was entirely one of aggravation; Joachim and another Gendarme, Leon Shelks, sought to show me how to better myself in duels of the blade.

To be thrown down to the sand like some common footsoldier. Infuriating! I was bested, twice, in very much a single blow. Should I have not been surprised, perhaps? Mademoiselle van Haute did the same to me as well, and she is not even a trained soldier. No doubt some of these common folk laugh at me when I am not present. The noble daughter, who's boots are far too big for her.  It seems the only way I can dare attempt to lend assistance to this defense is to rely on my pistol. I hear nothing but how to expect little, if any mercy from Covenant soldiers, that they are greatly skilled and will use any means in their arsenals to win… and that I must do the same to even survive. My arsenal seems pathetic, in comparison.


Perhaps this was all a mistake. Perhaps I should have remained in Chalaines. What am I really doing to secure the future of the Trelliard name? What am I really doing to secure a future for myself? Seemingly abandoned by my family, ignored by captains, deserted by my valet, with naught but a wolfhound and some ruffian soldiers for company....
Title: Re: The Blood of Chalaines - Writings of Laurette Élise Trelliard
Post by: Dumas on May 30, 2018, 05:30:55 PM
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May 30th, 773 BC

I am beginning to rather enjoy investigative work. Several of the others that I have met that are in the Gendarmerie voice their dismay at paperwork and reports; I relish the opportunity instead. In the written word there is a certain truth and security, and in detailed accounts and recollections, evidence can be tracked and constructed together to form a complete picture, without even the need to see it physically with one's eye. What is recorded, and just as tellingly, what is not recorded, is a succinct measure of character and reputation. The desk in my office constantly sees stacks of essays and books on criminal theory and investigation. Dry, but enthralling reading.

I have been assigned my first real case by Sieur Remi. It was not difficult to collect the evidence required for it to progress to this point, but the closing of the matter will be where the real challenge rests. I was told to consider it as a Hunt... for a game more dangerous than any wolf or bear. I wonder what father would think of that?


As I consider the case, the siege continues outside the walls. The army of the Covenant arranges itself in orderly lines of camps and sentries, and from the walls, a good spyglass can make out the banners of individual houses. I have sought sign of Basile, but as of yet, I have not glimpsed upon him out in the fields. My letters had finally been recieved at home, and their return was entrusted to a manservant whom did his duty well. To hear that Chalaines is safe, that mother and father are secure, is a relief... but to hear that Basile has taken oath to Ameranthe does cause my mind to race. I sent a reply to Chalaines with the servant nearly as soon as I had finished reading the letter. I am thankful that mother and father have determined to listen to my wishes concerning the crisis, and respect the experience I have gained in Port-a-Lucine.

Most seem to think there is time yet before the first of the assaults is underway. No doubt the Duc d'Ameranthe wishes for the feeling on the tightening noose to strike more doubt amongst the Council's defenders, as well as prepare his siege artillery. I am certain that even as I write, trajectories and geometries are being taken and concluded in the sights of the cannons.




Title: Re: The Blood of Chalaines - Writings of Laurette Élise Trelliard
Post by: Dumas on June 10, 2018, 11:17:21 PM
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June 10th, 773 BC


My time in the Gendarmerie, and indeed, Port-a-Lucine itself, has proven to be a constant test of my principles. The capital may decorate itself with the splendors of civility, the banners of patriotism, and the allure of great artistic works and famous personas, but all about the posts of its foundations is a swamp of deceit, lies, bribery, and misdirection. I have come to know such intimately now, through the course of my first investigations as a Gendarme, and my attempts to advance the standing of the Trelliard name. What I have experienced has shocked and disgusted me to my very core...

The willingness of some of the Gendarmes to resort to base bribery through coin or promise, their apparent eagerness to inflict their will through the brutal pain of beatings and torture is abhorrent. The excuses that others give them are not excuses at all - no amount of horrors one may experience as a soldier give one the right to willfully prescribe physical punishment as a means to garner information. It's behavior entirely unbecoming of one of the gentry, or an officer. I would expect it from the base born, the men and women that live in poverty and ugly squalor, and only know of violence... but when one wishes to cross the line of the classes and become a respected sieur or dame of society? You must leave such base desires behind you. The higher one climbs through rank and prestige, the less and less they should resort to such actions.

There thankfully are a few amongst the Gendarmes that I respect for breaking free of their lowly beginnings. Schrotter is a cut far above the rest, doubly more so for a Falkovnian. His very nature now though, has presented a greater problem than I had expected... but such is the price of justice. His conscience has now seemed to overcome his fear and doubt, and I applaud the man for it. If we do not hold ourselves to the fine points of the law, how can we expect to hold any others? These coming weeks will be far more dangerous for him as a result of his convictions... and for myself as well. It would be simple to only be a gendarme soldier, who's only thought need be manning the walls for the upcoming assault, but I strive to be something more valuable - an Inspector.

I was set by the Lieutenant upon a case "off the books", some weeks ago, a phrase that I detest. It was not entirely without reason, and I understand the difficulties that the Gendarmerie faces now that may seem like such is required, but I detest it all the same. I am tending to have doubts that any investigation into the matter will bear fruit, and I believe my initial instincts are correct... However, events have occurred that have created a new case, branching off of this unofficial work.

I now must settle a case that began over fifteen years ago, in Edrigan. A murder, perhaps a series of murders, if the most foul possibilities are to be true. There will be scant physical evidence in a case so cold, but already, myself and Gendarmes Breeze and Schrotter have uncovered the damning piece of primary evidence that was hidden so long ago -the remains of a crime of passion and rage. That old oak tree, that mornful grave marker, the entire clearing in the wood felt so... wrong. I feel though, that our resolve that afternoon was justified. Thankfully too, many residents of Edrigan have lived in the town for years, and still have memories of what occurred there fifteen years ago... it is a matter of putting together the pieces of a dark puzzle, and bringing the truth to light. Justice for Agnes and Rasse Destine, and the children who never new the grace of Ezra's light, the purity of spring day, or the warmth of the sun.  I believe we have already solved the Disappearance.. it only remains to solve the murder, and... and the matter of these children's dolls.

I can hardly remove the image of the dolls from my mind. Its unsettling, far more than I would like to admit to anyone. When Breeze set upon the doll in the empty office, I felt so dearly that I wished to scream, to hide behind Schrotter, to flee from the room... but I persisted. There is something captured there, something within, that has been imprisoned and warped and twisted, and we must find the truth of it, the way to dispel it, to banish it. The Toret at the Chapel of the Sainted Mother's Repentance in Edrigan recommended their immediate destruction by fire. A good deal of my thoughts agree with the priest, but I fear too, what the consequences of that may be. All I know thus far, is that we managed to act before any terrible travesty affected the children of the refugees at the Jalabert estate. Thank Ezra that van Haute was able to recover them. If Breeze can not discover away to... remove whatever is upon them, I feel as if we must follow the Toret's advice... Otherwise, I pray that the continuing investigation does reveal some clarity to this mire of a case.

Title: Re: The Blood of Chalaines - Writings of Laurette Élise Trelliard
Post by: Dumas on June 21, 2018, 01:12:56 PM
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June 21st, 773 BC

The corruption of the capital spreads like an insidious plague, taking hold of the gentry, the common folk, and even the foreign rabble. Gossip spread like wildfire a few days ago, over a shooting in the Savant. Two men killed, a woman arrested, and a baby taken away. I could find no trace of a report, no jailing record, no log from the Coroner's office. It was as if it didn't happen. These blatant disregards for protocol are clearly signs of only one thing - a cover-up. The ease at which such is done is disgusting and the obstruction of justice, abhorrent. I fear I can only truly rely on handful of Gendarmes... Schrotter, Breeze... The city is very nearly, lawless.

Perhaps worse still, I must learn the truth first from a foreigner, mademoiselle van Haute. I can not fault the woman for knowing such, and indeed, I thank her for her honesty, but the fact that I had to learn such information from her, before my superiors or subordinates in the Gendarmerie? It clearly shines light on the problems of the city, just as the Covenant has attempted to make known.

The truth behind all of this... It is baffling, but I've had the story laid before me from individuals that were there. I've seen both sides, though not in their absolute, crystal clear clarity. However, a key piece of this shrouded puzzle has been illuminated, and I will speak with them. I sought to send letter to the captains, but they evidently already know, as do the Council. That in itself, is a true realization - The Council of Brilliance and the captains of the Gendarmerie are corrupt and lack honor, integrity, and justice. Deals and ultimatums have been made behind closed doors, and law has been obstructed.

I can no longer support this Council.

When I was met with silence from my fellow Gendarmes over the deaths and arrest in the Savant, I saw my opportunity to leave the city, and meet with Basile. It was in all honestly, a simple matter to walk east. My name was all that I needed to give, and I was treated with the upmost respect by their common soldiery, as well as their army commander, Gaston Maurice. I feel as if Basile aspires to be like the man, and I can find no fault in him for that. He is a true gentleman. Basile, for his part, seems very well, and in high spirits. It lifted my heart to know that he was safe. Our house guard had arrived, mounted as cavalry, though they had been issued colors of Mortigny, rather than that of Trelliard...

So too, did I meet the Duc d'Ameranthe. He was asleep, I believe, in a common footsoldier's tent at the forward camp when I arrived. That is telling, I believe. He was dressed in a formidable cuirass, but at a glance, one could probably not distinguish him from any other commander in the camp, aside from his large stature. There was no forced attempt to make me stay, but a patience and tempered calm in the man. He listened to me with respect, and gave his blessing to my intentions. Far refreshing, to have one treat me as such, instead of just another in a blue coat. He understood the risk that I took in coming, and did appreciate it, I believe. I was entrusted a letter by his own hand, and I will see it delivered.

My path is clear, at least to myself. I will remain in the Gendarmerie, but as an officer that polices and upholds the law in the capital, and not as a soldier. I will not man the walls, and I will not take up arms against the soldiers of the Covenant. Justice must be restored, and the bloodshed must end as quickly as possible. I will do what I can in this matter. The Duc d'Ameranthe will chase the rats out of the capital, and Dementlieu will be restored... and I will serve justice as an Inspector, to guard and protect it.




Title: Re: The Blood of Chalaines - Writings of Laurette Élise Trelliard
Post by: Dumas on July 07, 2018, 08:29:22 PM
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July 7th, 773


I feel as though I can hardly fathom it, but the smoke has finally cleared; Port-a-Lucine has been liberated by the Covenant. I am fully aware that many would sneer at my phrasing, but so far as I have witnessed, it truly is that - a liberation. The bloodshed was kept to the smallest of necessity, and those that believe otherwise are small minded and ignorant of all the pieces that have shifted along the board of this civil war. This was no petty struggle, but a cleansing of corruption and decadence from this once proud bastion of civilization. The Covenant has caused the Council to route, and only Ezra knows where DuSuis and the rest have fled to. The Duc d'Ameranthe has given the Council three days to surrender themselves, and that deadline is nearly upon us. I doubt they will, and will most likely seek to cause shadowed problems in the months to come. However, I have confidence that the Provisional Government that Mortigny shall create will lead to fair elections that will restore the power of law to the capital, and the rest of the Serene Republique. I will do my part, as a lieutenant of the Port-a-Lucine Gendarmerie.

It is still difficult to comprehend all of the events that occurred on the fourth day of July.. but what I am aware of, I have faithfully recorded in my official logs, but even when put to ink, they still read with evidence of chaos, rather than plans carefully executed. I have no doubt in my mind that my actions were just and good, despite what some former comrades-in-arms would claim... I am certain few now can doubt my part in the Covenant's plans, as the sight of waves of Trelliard cavalry alongside Mortigny horsemen entering the city in a rush was impossible to ignore.

Basile is alive and well, and entered the city quietly with disguised Mortigny troops before the surrender at the Palais. Joachim was present at the events that unfolded at the Jalabert estate, and he lost a man that he deeply respected and admired. Shelks managed to be outside the city when the assault occurred, and remained safe from danger, but his mind is still in turmoil over his choices. Marceaux did what he thought was right at the last of moments, but the pieces were long stacked against him. Rousseau stuck by his commander until the end, and vanished into the evening, leaving a long tale of secrecy in his wake. Saskia wrestled with her injuries during the assault, but strove to protect Dupre despite all that she had been through. Montte left no doubt to his true colors, and killed a man that was perhaps innocent of any evils. Agnes maneuvered the board well, and managed to stave off a final bout of blood at the bittersweet end... and Verinne constructed the playing field keenly, arranging the events and holding together several conflicting forces in cohesion, even if she was not aware of all that occurred.

And I... the one that did as the Duc d'Ameranthe asked... I fired not a shot against either Gendarme, or Fox Loyalist or Covenant soldier, but called those orders to the city's garrison that made the last moments possible... I, that surrendered the capital to Marius Mortigny.

I would do it again, without hesitation.



Title: Re: The Blood of Chalaines - Writings of Laurette Élise Trelliard
Post by: Dumas on August 02, 2018, 11:21:05 AM
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August 2nd, 773 BC

It has been nearly a month since I have received my promotion to lieutenant of the Port-a-Lucine Gendarmerie from the Duc d'Ameranthe. In this month, I have become aware of enough conspiracies and corruptions that have occurred in the past regimes to fill every drawer of my desk to the brim. Unfortunately, some of those conspiracies are still with us today. I view it as my duty to ferret out each and every one of these transgressions, so long as they do not untowardly harm the peace that has fallen over Dementlieu. I recall Maurice telling me of frequent headaches wracking his mind due to the mountain of papers of research and books of recorded information he had to study to progress as far as he has in his classes at the University; now I too, feel the ache of constant reading and writing, deciphering the truths and the correct procedures for numerous reports and logs.

Though I accept and support the Duc's decision concerning my predecessor, Lieutenant Marceaux, I can now, I think, sympathize in part with the stresses that must have been dominating the man's thoughts. A new dilemma is offered almost every day, be it an argument in the streets between the common folk and the gentry, an internal affair concerning integrity amongst the Gendarmes, or... misunderstandings amongst foreign relations. The matter concerning van Haute and her entrapment in Barovia tried me greatly, and still will for some time. I had opportunities presented to me to drastically change the outcome of the ordeal, and I can not say that I did not waver. The fine line between honor and duty is a challenge to traverse like no other. The decision I did make could be picked apart by lawyers or philosophers, I'm certain. I acted through my heart, and though I feared the repercussions to my interpretation of the law, the Duc.., said he would have done the same. It is a comfort, though not one that will entirely clear my mind of my choices. The censure will stand for a long time.

I turn my thoughts forward now to new challenges. The last vestiges of the old corruption, which curiously, are the height of such, must still be brought into custody. I can only hope that the Duc's agents have more resources than I, for if that woman is our only hope of locating them, our chances seem scant indeed. I can not shake the feeling that at least some of them, if we are unsuccessful, will worm and snake their way back into prestige, through some form of bribery. A repulsive thought.

I have begun, however, a new drive for recruitment with the Gendarmerie. To ensure that peace remains in the country, we must restore the losses that the Gendarmerie suffered during the war, but not, with anyone that can fill the boots. We need honest, dutiful, lawful men and women that are dedicated to law. I pray to Ezra, that such individuals exist in numbers enough for this institution to continue as was meant to.

For now, work continues on several cases. There is much to occupy us.

Title: Re: The Blood of Chalaines - Writings of Laurette Élise Trelliard
Post by: Dumas on December 01, 2018, 11:11:52 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/dRunWVU.png)



December 1st, 773 BC

My attempts to maintain order in the capital have failed. Any fool could see that open revolt is just days away. My wish to offer some small concessions to the common folk, so that this city doesn't fall, and the Duc's army doesn't lose its supply lines to fight the Falkovnians has been decreed as Treason by that farce of a man, Captain Dupre. He sought to proclaim my signature nothing but a lie, something that I was forced to do, for fear of my life.

No, Dupre. It wasn't my life that I did it for, it was the thousands of lives in Port-a-Lucine, and throughout the entire country that I signed for. I had the sense to see that it was the bloodless option. He, does not care. Twelve nobles wanted my head for agreeing to have a petition presented to the Provisional Government? My Gendarmes are attacked daily in the streets, by hundreds who view a blue coat as worse than a Falkovnian banner.

It's a pity Dupre won't be seen as the problem by most. The coward never leaves his office, so where is the face that they can hate? I begin to regret saving the man's life at risk to my own on July the Fourth. Perhaps I should have let the bomb claim him. No doubt, any would make a better captain than he. His "years of experience", have suffered multiple revolutions. I daresay he enjoys the blood, at this point. We sought to remove corruption when the Gendarmerie was restructured... we should have ensured Dupre was removed.

I am punished for having courage, but my name was not the only one added to that list. The Jalabert crest is there as well, and so is the Warden's name. The Duc entrusted us to keep order in the capital, we have tried, despite men like Dupre. I wonder how long it will be until I find Verinne and Anges here as well? Perhaps never. Perhaps this punishment is for gendarmes alone, who are meant to be mindless clockwork creations, who should be oblivious to the measures needed to avoid a bloodied revolt.

I have little idea of what to do now. My resignation was refused. I am not even allowed to join the army at the front. Perhaps some small sliver of Dupre's mind realizes he needs me, but I refuse to do it on his terms, with his lies. Until the man realizes that, I will not leave this prison cell.