Memoirs, on the Rebellion of 151, And Other Significant Events of the Year As written by Varlam Nikitovich

Contents I: My Arrival II: Revolt III: In the ‘dark IV: Re-civilization V: Scandal and Intermission VI: The Eleint Accords VII: A Long-delayed Publication Appendix A: Agencies and Organizations Appendix B: Notable Persons Appendix C: Spellguard-Watch Ranking

I { My Arrival }

In order to lend to the credibility of this writing as an accurate historical document, I must make some of my own history in Sanctuary clear; then you might judge for yourself what bias or neutrality I possess in putting this to words.

When I, like so many others, stumbled through the gates of Sanctuary, I had only the rags which remained of my wizard’s robe, the tattered memories of a few cantrips, and a most peculiar desire to avoid making an impact in the society of Upper Sanctuary. I did odd jobs enough to pay rent at the Pissing Crone and had no plans other than seeing to my continued existence. For a time I held on to the idea that I might once again see the sun rise or set but soon I let my attention drift almost literally across the street.

I became involved with the Susan Bhast Memorial House of Light and made what at the time I thought to be a decent investigation into the threats against the facility. Having only been in Sanctuary a few weeks, I had not adopted Lower’s attitude towards the Upper establishment; I wished to report what I could to the authorities, and the most natural authority for a wizard to turn to was the Spellguard. This would set a precedent in my personal history for not recognizing the social norm in communication: I was a poor investigator and a poorer peddler of cheap tricks, turning to the lofty and -- according to popular opinion, tyrannical -- Order of the Spellguard. It is safe to say suspicion was cast upon me for more reasons than one, by more parties than one. Yet I persisted.

A particular bouncer of the ‘Crone was beginning to stir things up, believing himself in the good graces of the Tiger Eye mercenary company employed by the Council to keep the peace in Lower. He somehow rationalized that I should be banned from the inn, and I had to make do on a bedroll in a healing house turned tavern, the Steady Hand. This would later be destroyed by the Society of the Ordered Mind in their opposition to the Illithid and other aberrant monstrosities supposedly based out of the facility -- a reason unaccepted by a number of Lower’s inhabitants, likely due to the fact that the Society’s chapterhouse is located in Upper. I maintained an open mind, despite my sudden displacement.

II { Revolt }

Ultimately, discontent in Lower Sanctuary literally exploded when barrels of alchemist fire or Fireball spells were used to damage the stairwell to Upper. A blaze had been set to a warehouse in the Canal Ward shortly prior to this, and the way the Tiger Eyes attempted to handle the situation resulted in a mutiny against the Captain. He and those who stood by him were slain, and the district erupted into the chaos which assaulted the stairwell. The gang of Red Smiles took their opportunity to attack the disorganized and thinned numbers of their mercenary oppressors, and each practically destroyed the other. In two days there would be five Tiger Eyes in uniform; in three, there would be none. All either deserted or died, and the company was lost. Small groups of thugs, bands of frightened citizens, and other vague organizations formed. With a debating Council in Upper Sanctuary, distinct factions dug into their new territory.

The Tiger Eye fortress was claimed by one “Big” Bill Danielson, and the men loyal to him. The haunted building was across from the hopefully neutral Pissing Crone, and people tended to leave them alone.

Johnny Dimes began to keep his men near the ruined stairwell. There is little to mention in this chapter about him; from my experiences, at least.

The House of Light was occupied by a Civil Defense League Constable and refugees displaced by warring factions for a brief time. Thugs who would eventually call themselves “Frankie’s Angels” and one bespectacled half-orc named Winston removed the refugees after the Constable retreated to Upper. A small band made of the clergy and paladins of Tyr, Torm, Lathander and Sune, and myself (I believe I was the only one who was not a holy man or woman among them) attempted to reclaim the House of Light and make it a place for refugees to take shelter. Disciple of Tyr Linda Kelssa was slain for certain; the rest of us were either barely alive, or existed as ghosts for a short time. I lost contact with them after the cremation of Linda, and have not seen them since.

III { In the ‘dark }

It was following the loss of the House of Light that I became an Associate of the Spellguard; ironically, I had served out my use as a contact in Lower. I turned my attention to the Dunwarren ruins, to the corrupt wandering our limited trade routes, to magical threats. What I know of Lower during this time was second-hand. The Low Way had to be used to quickly and safely reach Lower; something beyond the common man. Julian Valerius, the bouncer who had me thrown out of the ‘Crone, attempted to establish peace between the gangs. Dungal Toboerski tried to organize a noble hierarchy in the city that might find a place for the gangs. The Watch and Spellguard began regularly escorting displaced citizens to refugee centers in Upper, such as the Archibald estate, accepting donations for their support and making up the difference from their own funds. I would not set foot in Lower again for over a month.

As my proficiency with Dunwarren and law enforcement insight grew, the Order of the Spellguard took notice and I became eligible to seek entrance. I am unsure as to whether or not it is intentional that the nature of initiation was not made known to me before I made my preparations; perhaps it is still the Senior Officer’s discretion. Regardless, I won’t ruin the surprise or other anxious sensations for hopeful future Agents. I still accredit my success as having been prepared for just about any situation. I would hint, though, at the value of frequenting the supposed “bowels” of the Dunwarren machine. Good exercise if nothing else.

It became apparent to me that, despite the lack of an easy way into Lower Sanctuary, it was still a safe-haven for the criminal elements of the city. The infamous goblin assassin Squeagle had been seen in the Pissing Crone some time after the murder of former Tiger Fang “Wizard”. Bandits, used to operating outside the city, saw it as a prime location to retreat to. The Red-claw clan of orcs and orc-blooded folk rose, performing cannibalistic acts in the very streets at one point. Supplies for those still in need, and ways to rescue those who could not escape or defend themselves, were still necessary. Demetrius Bhast stepped in.

IV { Re-civilization }

Councilor Demetrius Bhast funded the “Lift of Peace” that would once again connect Upper and Lower, and employed those who would guard its base. I guided the supply-laden animatron through the Low Way with an escort of Watchmen, knights, and adventurers; gnolls, goblins, kobolds, giant-kin, and wild animals all wanted to impede this gift, but the escort was more than capable in driving them off and keeping the animatron and me safe. It was brought into the Canal Ward, and met “some” opposition by the citizens; at one point it was attacked by a rebellious youth with a bow. Eventually it was brought next to the rubble of the stairwell, and a mercenary company handled it from there. Food, clothing, bedrolls, equipment for making fires, doors, other tools, all could be traded and donated with ease from the lift. But still, the law enforcement bodies of Sanctuary could not secure the district, and gangs still held the power.

Such lawlessness would not be abided by some. Faithful of Hoar beat the undead plaguing their temple back to the crypts and began performing trials on behalf of those who had been wronged; a man named Barry Wesh assembled the Lower Council; Lower “Sheriff” Bill Danielson and his Captain, Garv, were charged with overseeing a volunteer force of Footmen, and former Tiger Eye Daniel Tane would found the Golden Mercenaries, consisting of a few other former Tiger Eyes and recruiting Nihilanth Memnon: a man who would be charged with, perhaps, the highest murder count in Sanctuary’s history.

The greatest and most tragic blow against the criminal element took place shortly after such stability began to return to the area. Private Bungo Taddle, under orders not to agitate what gangs still exerted control openly in Lower, resigned from the Watch to prepare what he hoped would be an attack against the gangs; but they took initiative. A child, duped by Johnny Dimes, brought an explosive gift to the Watch House for Taddle. The child died a gruesome death in the main hall; the sight of such drove Sergeant Cail Durris to do the most heroic and suicidal thing I have ever lived through- and I tried to stop him. This lone Watchman descended into Lower and walked up to the gang leader Johnny Dimes and his men to avenge the death of the child and lay down the law. Bungo Taddle, Private Adella Sannen, Sergeant Salina Marshall, and Operative Benito Delgado followed, bringing ruin to the criminals. I disobeyed the orders of my superiors by remaining at the top of the lift, but I did not idle there, and I didn’t remain out of fear. Murder, even of those who surely deserve death, is not something I was or am prepared to participate in. Sergeant Durris and Bungo Taddle died that day, opposing the traitorous scum that found safety within the walls of Sanctuary. I do not share the honor of having fought alongside them.

V { Scandal and Intermission }

Something of a double-edged sword, the Sheriff Short scandal would be exposed before unity was achieved. Sergeant Jastran Moonfall stumbled across a document tying Sheriff Eugene Walters to slave trade, and was framed for treason. A Seeker gnome was apparently teleported to her cell with the means to help her escape; Sergeant Borris would be killed in the line of duty, trying to hold who he believed to be a traitor in her cell. Contacting the Spellguard, Moonfall convinced members of the Order to assist the Seekers in liberating the slaver documents from the Sheriff’s office and expose him. Councilors Archibald and Bhast were urged by the Mayor and Spellguard, and showed dissent with the decree of the execution of Moonfall. She was to be tried by Councilors Archibald, Bhast and Graidan. During this time, the Seekers, with Spellguard assistance, would retrieve the documents. In unclear circumstances, Sergeant Felzkirn, a humble but meticulous records keeper, was slain in some sort of confusion. The files were brought to Seeker Shane’s attention, and the focus of the trial shifted from Moonfall to Walters. Out of fear, the Sheriff tried to strike at Shane and take the files. Moonfall was freed, Sheriff Eugene Walters was executed by public stoning, and the Order of the Spellguard was given full authority over the Watch to conduct an investigation into the depths of Walters’ corruption. I would submit to the Council the Comprehensive Watch Assessment, made of eight multi-sectional pages. Contego Ferrington would become Field Officer, and implement inter-organizational reforms, including a formal parallel ranking structure between the Watch and the Spellguard. And towards the end of it, I would recognize the dangers of the city’s miscommunication-laced history and attempt to oppose it with a pair of brief essays and ultimately a move to Town Hall following my resignation as Agent of the Spellguard.

VI { The Eleint Accords }

In all fairness, I cannot condemn the Council or “Lower Council” for their repeated, confused attempts at a form of peace, which ultimately took shape as the Eleint Accord. Neither side understood the goals or functioning of the other, nor were they able or willing to communicate, particularly with organizations such as the Spellguard or the Watch which would ultimately be required to fulfill the Accord. Councilors Fryar and Meldren spearheaded the discussions, and eventually each side heard what they wanted to hear, turning a blind eye to the writing of the Eleint Accord, or a deaf ear to the crier who would announce it.

Bill Danielson was made Lieutenant of the Watch, to report to the Sheriff and oversee the Lower Watch House at the former Tiger Eye fortress, as well as the posts and patrols of Watchmen in Lower Sanctuary. The Grunstubhle clan of Duergar fled the nearly empty mines to give way to the invasion of Sslal’teesh lizardfolk, and deprive the city of the ore and metal to replace its gates or reinforce the new Lower Watch House. The building is still, at the time of this writing, haunted, particularly the barracks and cell block. It also lacks the presence of the Svirfneblin cargo-teleporting technology that the Watch House in Upper has, because that Watch House was, near as we can tell, an old Svirfneblin warehouse before we converted it.

The voting machine, made primarily of metal, has more concerns than its construction to take into consideration. How would city officials prevent someone from voting in Lower and then voting in Upper, or vice versa? How would the voting system be protected against “ballot stuffing” or other fraudulent acts?

As the darkness around Sanctuary presses ever closer to our crumbling defenses, will the city tear itself apart over the nuances of Eleint Accord?

VII { A Long-delayed Publication }

I have experienced more of Sanctuary’s tumultuous history since taking the time to write this, and I am sad to say I will not be recording it all. The Eleint Accord was not responsible for the repeated loss of Lower, and Demetrius Bhast, among his last acts as supreme ruler, at least did us the good of forfeiting all claim over the treacherous, filth-populated ruin that is inhabited beneath us. Other communities have seceded and been reunited. Sanctuary’s government has undergone massive reforms.

The future is uncertain, and perhaps for the first time since our founding, so very unhindered by the shackles of precedent.

~~ Varlam Nikitovich Submitted to the Sanctuary Library on the Fifteenth of Eleasis, One-hundred and Fifty-two Years after the Founding of Sanctuary.

Appendix A { Agencies and Organizations } ( As of Eleint 151 )

1. The Council of Sanctuary: The legislative government body given power by founder Charles Bresley; elected every two months by the citizens of Sanctuary. 2. The Sanctuary Town Watch: Historically started by Charles Bresley on the first sleep-cycle within Dunwarren, with the words, “I will watch this night, and who will join me?” 3. The Order of the Spellguard: Officially recognized in the sixth year of Sanctuary as a civil defense agency; founded by Commander Melinda Bresley. 4. The Seekers: Led by Frederick Bresley, and included under the Civil Defense Act for the purpose of “leading the forward defense” and supporting various intelligence capacities. 5. The Tiger Eye Mercenary Company: Contracted by the Council to “keep the peace” in Lower Sanctuary; a primarily Duergar company, they were known for their brutality and fondness for mead. Disbanded. 6. Spellguard Associates Program: A volunteer citizen force managed by members of the Spellguard often for the purposes of research assistance, bodyguard service, intelligence gathering, etcetera. 7. Civil Defense League: A volunteer citizen force managed by Watchmen for the purposes of melee, ranged, and siege combat training, as well as establishing a pool of suitable Council bodyguards or prospective Watchmen. Disbanded. 8. Golden Mercenaries: Founded by Daniel Tane and other former Tiger Eyes, they replaced Bhast’s guards at the Lower “Lift of Peace” platform. Disbanded or relocated.

Appendix B { Notable Persons }

1. Nihilanth Memnon: Golden Mercenary and founder of the Arcane Research Syndicate; wanted for approximately two-hundred counts of murder after the massacre at the Upper Sanctuary Orphanage. Deceased. 2. Shane: Sanctuary native, born in Lower; Seeker for approximately two months, served two inconsecutive Council terms. 3. Julian Fryar: Paladin of Ilmater and Councilor of Sanctuary for two consecutive terms. Fought in the final battles against the Sslal’teesh lizardfolk. Slew Baldev Cole of the Shadow Tribe, angering the dragon patron of the kobolds. Deceased. 4. Gibbon Meldren: Worshipper of Talona and Councilor of Sanctuary elected for the Eleasis term of 151. Died during an attempt to acquire lizardfolk outcast allies in the upcoming battles against the Sslal’teesh lizardfolk.

Appendix C { Spellguard-Watch Ranking } ( Considered void after the Spellguard’s secession in Alturiak 152 )

From most authority to least authority, Field Officer Contego Ferrington imposed this reform to clarify the structure of two major civil defense organizations after the Short Scandal: > Spellguard Commander >> Spellguard Senior Officer >>> Watch Sheriff >>>> Ranking Spellguard, Watch Lieutenant >>>>> Spellguard Agent, Watch Sergeant >>>>>> Watch Private