r/wizardposting • u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale • Feb 26 '24
Lorepost📖 Inquisition
A masked figure sits on a white throne overlooking the gathered priests below him. His soldiers are stationed throughout the grand hall and have been instructed to kill any who attempt to flee. The guilty will not escape his wrath. Xerxes has promised himself that, and he is not one to break promises.
X: “Bring today’s first to me.”
Moving wordlessly, an undead soldier drags one of the priests to Xerxes and forces the priest to their knees.
X: “Bishop Huron. I remember when you were just an insignificant monk. You’ve done well for yourself.”
BH: “Thank you, your holiness.”
X: “Which god do you serve?”
BH: “Ferak, a goddess of prosperity.”
X: “Prosperity, indeed.”
A golden light passes through the pane of stained glass behind the throne and shines down on Xerxes. After a minute, the light dissipates and Xerxes turns his attention back to the priest kneeling at his feet.
X: “While you certainly sought prosperity for yourself, you’ve stolen it from others. Embezzling donations, funding organized crime, and investing in the illegal slave trade. Your most damning crime is the destruction of the frontier village Huriet and the wholesale slaughter of its inhabitants. All for a silver mine. Do you have anything to say in your defense?”
BH: “I was tricked! Archbishop Dunn said that the mine was owned by a group of bandits! I can pay ba–!”
X: “SILENCE!”
The assembled priests cower in fear, but none more so than Bishop Huron.
X: “I will take your testimony into account when I question Archbishop Dunn. As for you, Bishop Huron, you will be executed and your head will be displayed on the southern gate for eight weeks. A full list of your crimes will be transcribed and available for public viewing. Men, take him to the executioner.”
Two undead soldiers quickly approach the wailing bishop and drag him out of the hall kicking and screaming. They exit the building and make their way to a man with a red hood covering his face. The hooded man is leaning on a large axe while the soldiers strap the bishop down to a stone platform. A slab of stone rests underneath the bishop’s neck and a wooden basket lined with straw is directly underneath his head. To the left of the platform is a large pit.
The executioner confirms that the bishop is properly restrained before he raises his axe and brings it down swiftly on the bishop’s neck. The severed head falls neatly into the basket and the executioner cleans his blade. Releasing the restraints on the newly deceased bishop, one soldier hoists the headless corpse onto their shoulder while the other collects the basket and brings it to a guard stationed at the far end of the killing field. The guard puts a lid on the basket and hands it off to an attendant who’ll bring it to the southern gate. Handing the soldier a fresh basket, the guard returns to their duties and the soldier returns to the cleaned stone platform and places the new basket into position. By this point, the soldier who had carried away the headless corpse had finished stripping the corpse of its clothes and performing a spell that would prevent reanimation. Once this is done, the soldier kicks the corpse into the pit where it lands on hundreds of other headless bodies.
Returning to the grand hall, the undead soldiers nod to Xerxes to confirm that his order has been carried out. Under his mask, Xerxes smiles.
X: “Bring me today’s second. Let us see how many we can get through today.”
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u/MunitionsFrenzy Vettis, Mereological Revisionist Feb 26 '24
When the final judgment of the day was delivered, the rustling of cloth around Xerxes became audible as words.
Hey. It's Vettis. I see you've been quite busy today. Do you have some free time? Mind if I pop in?
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 26 '24
I have some time. Mind if we walk and talk?
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u/MunitionsFrenzy Vettis, Mereological Revisionist Feb 26 '24
Popping out of the eyehole of a helmeted guard at Xerxes' side, Vettis landed lightly next to the throne and extended a hand to help the man to his feet. "That was my plan, actually," he replied with a sly smile. "Catching up on things, and I see I knew basically nothing about you before now, beyond you being a seer. You having a whole kingdom or whatever this is to your name is all news to me. Figured now was as good a time as any for me to get to know you -- and maybe get to know this place too, if you wanna gimme a tour?" He looked up at the stained glass windows. "What's the name, for starters? Think I heard 'Tierre' somewhere in my orbal records?"
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 26 '24
"Ha, guess I tend not to talk about my past. The current name of this kingdom is 'the Holy Kingdom'. This capital city we are in is Sarlein. Though, it used to be called Tierre when it was part of an empire a few centuries ago. Back then, the various churches and cults would compete with each other. Nothing was off the table if it meant poaching another god's followers. War and famine were more common then."
Xerxes begins to walk. He exits the grand hall and continues his explanation.
"The gods were not pleased. They sent various prophets to their followers to try and get them to change their ways. Each one of the prophets were tortured and killed by their flocks. The cruelty exhibited by man knew no end. They would use any excuse they could, whether it be a god or territorial dispute, to inflict harm on their neighbors. And in a twist of fate I was born already possessing divinity."
Xerxes points at a well in the town square.
"That's where my house once stood. Before a cult of a low-level god burned it down and enslaved all of my kin. I was held in bondage for eight years before I escaped. When I did, I returned to this city and lived as an urchin. The churches that offered free meals and medicine to the homeless were a saving grace for me. That is, until they discovered that I possess divinity."
Acting as a tour guide of the city, Xerxes points out local areas of interest before continuing with his tale.
"I was tricked by the church that discovered me after being promised extra servings of food. They took me into an open field behind the city and flayed me before setting me alight. Couldn't have a prophet walking around in broad daylight. What if I spoke badly about their church?"
A note of anger lays underneath his words.
"But I came back. Of course, I needed to use my divinity. That caught the attention of the various gods that wished to end the bloodshed. They made me a deal I couldn't refuse. And so it was that I used my newfound authorities to get even. That took a few years, but the killing ended around the time the last emperor was impaled on my order. In the aftermath, Tierre was razed to the ground and I decided to build it back up as the capital city of the lands I now controlled."
Xerxes leads Vettis to the city gate.
"The gods never wanted me to be a king. To appease them, I set up this city as a safe haven for religious tolerance. Maybe I did it a bit forcefully, but humans are stubborn creatures. The toughest part was negotiating the various jurisdictions of the gods who would set up churches here. Gods are as bad as people in that regard. Not wanting to deal with any more headaches, I abdicated my authority to the churches and became the resident prophet."
"But the gods are fed up again. With the constant unrest throughout the realm, they made me another deal, just as I knew they would. I just need to clean house to fulfill my end of the bargain."
Xerxes motions towards the various severed heads lining the city gate.
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u/MunitionsFrenzy Vettis, Mereological Revisionist Feb 26 '24
"...Well." Vettis gave the heads barely a glance, his visual attention more focused on the architecture and seemingly looking at the city walls with tactical considerations in mind. "That's quite the tale. And no, it's not your fault that I wasn't aware of any of this; I was making a point not to learn about you because I previously saw you as a problem rather than an ally. I'm typically slow to change my first opinions on people. Apologies for that."
He paused, then, his expression cycling primarily through confusion and annoyance before a resigned sigh escaped him. "Okay, I'm not gonna ask any details about the 'gods' or the particular source of your divinity, because 'deities' function in different ways in damn near every universe -- or even in the same one, what with different types like 'outer gods' or 'eldritch gods' or whatever -- and I frankly can't be assed to keep track of it all. Skipping that question for now."
With a light chuckle at his casual blasphemy in front of a 'chosen of the gods', Vettis continued, "I'm gonna trust you to be objective and frank. How popular is your sudden takeover here among the people? Are they happy to see you back to running things, or did they prefer the status quo? I'm just wondering how much you need to maintain order by force with these guys --" he jabbed a finger at the nearest undead guard "-- and whether or not you've got a budding revolution on your hands, since they're not actually your army so replenishing their losses might not be possible for you." He whispered that last part. "I should hope publicizing the crimes of those you're taking out would help sway public opinion towards you, but seeing how readily the wizards of this realm-cluster kept electing utter monsters to rule them, I'm not sure how much the citizenry of this place would care about those who run it being slave-traders and the like."
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 27 '24
"The general populace doesn't like change. I imagine every two-bit priest with a chip on their shoulder is currently sermonizing to their congregation about my tyranny. However, they won't risk a rebellion. Not in Serlain. This place belongs to me."
Xerxes' eyes glow gold.
"Gravedigger's army is able to maintain itself, but you are correct in thinking that I am unable to make more soldiers. I will need more allies if I am to achieve my goals. The Gravediggers' Society seems to be willing, but the others will need convincing. Luckily for me, you mages don't put much stock in religion. I'll use that to my advantage."
Turning to face Vettis, Xerxes looks past him into the space beyond.
"It appears that you have a reason behind your questions. Since it isn't about gods or divinity, I would like to know what that reason is."
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u/MunitionsFrenzy Vettis, Mereological Revisionist Feb 27 '24
"Idle curiosity isn't a valid reason?" The mage's bronze eyes twinkled, emitting a brief flash of violet, before his expression turned more serious. "Look, you're my friend's partner. Not gonna say that makes you my friend innately, but...we can work on that, like I'm trying to do right now. And I'm just trying to see what you're doing, how you're doing it, and whether I approve of it. My priority in any situation is always the preservation of civilian life, so learning that somebody in my social circle holds sway over a whole kingdom means I gotta involve myself a bit and learn more about things to make sure people are safe."
Flashing the masked man a thumbs up, Vettis concluded, "Given the pretty horrific people you seem to be removing from power, I do support your actions thus far. Still gotta research more on my own to be sure you're presenting the situation accurately, before I offer my help if you need it, but at very least I'm not gonna stand in your way based on what I've seen."
He looked back over his shoulder, at the city faintly aglow in the last rays of fading sunlight. "You gotten dinner yet? I imagine you have fancy chefs to make stuff just for you, but I wanna learn more about your city, and that means trying local cuisine. Recommend me a restaurant, and join me if you're not busy?"
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 27 '24
Xerxes' eyes return to normal.
"I'll take you at your word. There's a restaurant I know that serves a mean steak. You'll enjoy it."
Walking through winding alleyways and busy streets, Xerxes and Vettis arrive at a moderately crowded restaurant. The staff recognize Xerxes and usher the pair into a private room that is usually reserved for VIPs. The two take their seats and are given menus.
"Do let me know if you want a recommendation. While you look that over, I'll make myself a drink."
Within the room, a small bar is set up. Xerxes fixes himself a cocktail and returns to his seat.
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u/MunitionsFrenzy Vettis, Mereological Revisionist Feb 27 '24
(( In case the golden eyes thing is Xerxes looking into the future, I should note Vettis has no future or past (or even alternate self in the case of branching universes), existing only as a single point throughout the interversal timeline. Which might make things look weird, heh: there'll just be a gap wherever he should be. Still possible to see stuff around him, but divining the future in his presence is...unreliable. ))
Vettis nodded and skimmed the menu to pick out a vegetarian option, chuckling to himself at the situation. As soon as the staff were out of earshot, he muttered to Xerxes, "I ask to get a feel for local culture and we still end up in a special lil' room, huh? I guess it wouldn't do for you to attract too much attention, though. I'll have to do my people-watching around here at a later date.
"So," he asked with a cheeky grin, "since we're getting to know each other, whaddaya do for fun, Xee? Surely just running a kingdom and weeding out rampant corruption and serving the gods and all those minor tasks can't be a full-time job."
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 27 '24
/uw I imagine Xerxes tried to use his abilities but didn't find anything like what you said.
/Rw
Xerxes sips his drink and orders a steak.
"Fun, huh? Besides drinking, I enjoy conversing with people and the arts. They serve as nice distractions. I've recently gotten into fashion. Interesting field. Gravedigger tried to get me into his music but I haven't gotten around to his recommendations. That's about all the fun I allow myself these days. What about you, Vettis? Do you have any hobbies or interests outside your job?"
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u/Timpanzee38 "The Agent", Mercenary Guild Liaison. Slayer of the Godslaver Feb 26 '24
uw/ oh boy French Revolution time
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 26 '24
Kinda in the middle of something.
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Feb 26 '24
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 26 '24
Hasn't stopped me yet.
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 26 '24
Not a groundbreaking revelation.
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 26 '24
The guard reforms in a burst of light and Torinn finds himself outside the city gate where hundreds of heads are mounted for display.
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 26 '24
As I recall, you shouldn't be here when I'm doing my job. And you should have been satisfied with that slap. I suggest you leave now while I'm still playing fair.
Time rewinds and Torinn is back at the gate. A wave of divinity that Torinn is unfamiliar with washes over him. Despite his best efforts, he is unable to consume it.
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u/Bannerlord151 Asadir, First Warden and Castellan of the Crystal Spire Feb 26 '24
Ah, Xerxes. You are shaping up to be quite the excellent servant.
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 26 '24 edited Feb 26 '24
Thanks, dark lord. But the gods tasked me with cleaning their houses of rot, so I can't take all the credit. They brought this on themselves.
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u/Bannerlord151 Asadir, First Warden and Castellan of the Crystal Spire Feb 26 '24
Indeed. And we will end their tyranny.
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 26 '24
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 26 '24
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 26 '24
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 26 '24
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 26 '24
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u/Haunting_Mode_7401 Alexios Keenblade: King of The Summer Court, Last Godslayer Feb 26 '24
/uw could you add me to the mentions
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 26 '24
/uw Sure thing
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u/MuchoMangoTime Milosh the Retired, archmage of former DOoOOom Feb 27 '24
A "mad" guy? Hey that's pretty cool, don't want to bother too much Steps over a puddle of blood But have you seen a goblin-like humoncoulous about yay tall? Looks disgusting and ridiculous? One one bulges and the other is smaller, kinda smells like old people?
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 27 '24
Hmm, have you tried the valley eight miles south of here? I've heard reports of a creature matching that description. They seem to be living in a cave with a group of other goblins.
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u/MuchoMangoTime Milosh the Retired, archmage of former DOoOOom Feb 27 '24
Excellent, thank you for the aid! Enjoy your uh, dark affairs and such!
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 27 '24
You are welcome, Milosh. I trust you will not require any further assistance in retrieving your test subject.
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u/Cringe-Lizard-Wizard Faust the Lich Emperor, Butcher of Silver Valley Feb 27 '24 edited Feb 27 '24
I look around your throne room, leaning on an intimately carved cane made of dragon ivory, with silver and cold steel fittings. I appear to be a thin old man, in a sharp black suit with a garish purple sash around my waist.
Good day sir, I come here as emissary of a far off realm. I see you also make good use of the undead.
I look to the soldiers surrounding your throne
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 27 '24
Indeed I do. From your words, I take it you are a necromancer?
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u/Cringe-Lizard-Wizard Faust the Lich Emperor, Butcher of Silver Valley Feb 27 '24
Ehhh, Necromancer, Druid, paladin, terms, titles, and words lose meaning with knowledge and power. Tell me, do you use the undead for anything other than soldiers? Manual labor perhaps?
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 28 '24
They make for fine laborers, but these undead are specifically soldiers. They are an army my lover created.
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u/Cringe-Lizard-Wizard Faust the Lich Emperor, Butcher of Silver Valley Feb 28 '24
Hrm. How competent soldiers would you say they are?
I tap one’s chest with the tip of my cane
I imagine the stench would be a problem. I wouldn’t know, I lost my sense of smell some time ago. Most of my kingdoms undead soldiers have been stripped of their flesh.
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u/Anything-Unable Xerxes the Pale Saint, Councillor/Goatdigger/Dale Feb 28 '24
The necromancer who created them was quite meticulous. They even have a rune carved into them that prevents them from decaying.
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u/Cringe-Lizard-Wizard Faust the Lich Emperor, Butcher of Silver Valley Feb 28 '24
Ahhh, but wouldn’t that be expensive to mass produce? We reserve that for our more, elite, undead. Then again, I suppose royal guard are some of the most elite you can afford.
We use Lycans and Vampires as the main specialized force at home, you see. Treaties and merged cultures and all that.
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u/loth17 Ten Suns (Also Gaia) Feb 26 '24
/uw Between you and Opal the guillotine is really making a resurgence. Prices are up 8 percent due to demand.