Hilde Ironhand 6

 A series played using Quill: Coal & Parchment and Quill Quest: The Warlord's Downfall. This post is published under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.

Kamron the Rogue

Hail Kamron, the greatest thief the land has known.

Tales of your cunning ans proficiency are legendary. Brintha also speaks highly of you and thus i seek your aid.

I wield an axe more often than a swift dirk, but can recognise the need for subtlety. I tried a front-on assault and failed. A more strategic mind however would perhaps find a way.

The enemy I stand against hides their true face behind a coward's masquerade. They send minions and powers against the people of Swanvale but never leave their tower. I beseech you to join me in unmasking them.

By the by, Kuhlo, Master of Tomes, holds the only copy of a book that would aid us. If a certain notorious cutpurse were to pay him a visit. Well, the value of his library is said to be limitless.

Brintha and I will be assembling oit allies in the Swanvale tavern. We expect many will flock to us eager to learn, so a potential mentor could take their pick. I await hushed whispers of your coming.

Hilde Ironhand.

The letter is successful! Kamron agrees to meet Brintha and Hilde at the Swanvale tavern. If he happens to pay Kuhlo a visit on way... so much the better.

Hilde Ironhand 5

 A series played using Quill: Coal & Parchment and Quill Quest: The Warlord's Downfall. This post is published under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.

The Setters

To whom it may concern,

I am writing regarding my recent order to your esteemed crafters. The custom axe-handle charm bracelet I ordered arrived today and it was utterly unacceptable. This is nowhere near the normal high quality of your work.

I have been a loyal patron of your artisans for many years. I know that this is a heinous, but uncharacteristic, error. Your fine smiths are surely labouring under some fell curse when they fashioned this piece.

The item received is most assuredly a grave error. I ordered the charms to be kittens with bejewelled collars, these kittens have gold-inlaid collars. I'm sure that my intense disgust is understandable.

I regret to inform you that I will be suspending all further orders. I will hold short of advocating an absolute boycott for now. Though rest assured I will resort to such methods if restitution is not prompt.

Once the correct order is supplied I will resume my trade. Further, I will bear my newly-adorned axe into battle so all shall behold your guild's work. Eventually it will become a legendary weirgild that future generations will speak of in awe.

Hilde Ironhand.

Hilde Ironhand 4

A series played using Quill: Coal & Parchment and Quill Quest: The Warlord's Downfall. This post is published under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.

The Elven Princess

A letter ghost-written by Hilde on behalf of a Prince in need and delivered by hand.

Beloved Princess Elenda,

When you visited the Court these past weeks I was so entranced by your beauty. I longed to speak with you but the loathsome tyrannical King forbade me. Thus I send this missive to you in the hope of wooing you from afar.

I beseech you to look within your heart to find if my flame of passion is mirrored therein. If so, I would ask you to elope with haste with me to the Shimmering Lands. There we could be together and start a new life.

Truly you are the fairest of all elvenkind and the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Would that we could be together, the half-even offspring of our union would be enchanting to behold. And I'm sure we'd find our dynasty to be just and fair rulers of the Shimmering Lands.

I lie awake each night since your departure, struggling in vain to recall the vibrancy of your beauty. Alas, like the delicate sun orchid, the memory of your face fades in the long winter of your absence. Would that you would return to me that I might know spring again.

One final time, Elenda, I ask you to be with me. Your fair skin will shimmer with the light of the... Shimmering Lands. Together we shall shine our love for all to see.

Yours eternally

Winslow Herrington, Prince of Cornbury

Under Hilde's pen the Prince comes off far too much like a desperate stalker for Princess Elenda's taste. She questions Hilde until she's sure that Winslow merely chose his ghost-writer poorly and Hilde is not a potential kidnapper. Hilde is released with a small amount of compensation and vows never to ghost write another love letter as long as she lives.

Hilde Ironhand 3

A series played using Quill: Coal & Parchment and Quill Quest: The Warlord's Downfall. This post is published under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.

Brintha the Warrior

Mighty Brintha, whose legend is beyond redeem,

I write to you of a great evil. I have learned of an ancient and powerful evil that needs great heroes to defeat it.

Your tactical prowess is beyond renown so I write to you that you might lend your keen intellect to our cause. A band of heroes needs a cunning leader to guide them to triumph.

The evil of the black tower near Swanvale is plaguing the region and will only spread if left unchecked. I have battled the symptoms but the cause eluded me. We need a mighty warrior such as yourself.

Mighty Brintha, whose power has no equal and wields the legendary blade Blackfang. You are needed to save not just a town, but perhaps all of us.

I cannot guarantee your safety in what will no doubt be an epic confrontation. You and the others who are brave enough to answer the call will live forever in the legends of future generations.

Hilde Ironhand

Hilde's shameless letter to her idol has great effect. Brintha is on standby in the Swanvale tavern and contacted another hero to prime him for Hilde's message.

Hilde Ironhand 2

A series played using Quill: Coal & Parchment and Quill Quest: The Warlord's Downfall. This post is published under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.

Gunr's Story

Gunr, my old friend,

How have the years been treating you? It feels like only yesterday that we were delving into every tunnel and cavern we could find. I was speaking with Aevi recently and they reminded me of our past exploits.

I've been following the news from the scouts as best I can, my own journeys have been keeping me occupied of late. I do, however, often hear tales of the world-famous Gunr, the greatest scout dwarvenkind has ever known. You must be so proud of all your achievements and have many a grand tale to tell.

Remember the time we were out near Eaglecroft? We'd been scouting for new veins of iron and stumbled across that network of passages. It took us a week, but we eventually mapped them.

The passages were part natural formation and part ancient earthwork. It was like nothing we'd seen before, I've still not seen anything like it. Do you remember the waterfall-like vein of gleaming copper? Such a great find.

I've heard rumours from the people of Swanvale that there is a labyrinth beneath the local forest. From their descriptions it could be the same origin as the ones we found - how exciting. I'm planning a trip and it would be great to have you with me - just like old times.

Hilde.

Gunr was convinced to at least meet Hilde for a drink to reminisce. Drinks became a few rounds of cards but it was clear that Gunr's heart wasn't in a long-term expedition. Glad she'd at least lifted his spirits for an evening, Hilde left with her winnings.

Hilde Ironhand 1

 A series played using Quill: Coal & Parchment and Quill Quest: The Warlord's Downfall. This post is published under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.

The Demon-Haunted Tower

Esteemed Guhlo, Keeper of Tomes,

I trust that this letter finds you in good health. I write to you regarding a matter of great mystery and urgency that is taking place in a nearby settlement. It is my sincerest hope that your wisdom and generosity will save these poor people from the plight that assails them.

People are going missing in the night, vanished from their beds and never seen again. Animals are found dead, the local livestock dwindles in number. Their fields are filled with withered dead crops, their livelihood and that of the kingdom is threatened by this menace.

At the centre of this peril stands a black building. It is said that the architect of this evil resides within, plotting an escalating series of calamities. Their identity is unknown, but what is known is that they must be stopped.

None have able to approach the tower and survive, all who have attempted have died. It is as if the structure is shielded with some kind of magic defence that denies all entry. Perhaps there is a text in your collection that might hold the answer to these wards?

I know that you are extremely protective of your charges, and with good reason for it is the greatest collection of arcane works in the land. There is none better than yourself to protect them, being a weaver of magics with no equal. I trust that you will see fit to share your knowledge in this matter.

Hilde Ironhand.

Guhlo didn't reply to the letter, Hilde's handwriting was too illegible and her flattery too overt. She ventured to Swanvale nonetheless and fought off some of the malevolent symptoms. She couldn't address the cause but she gave the villagers some respite. When she returned home she calculated that she'd made a small profit.

Shadow and Noir 9

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Letter 9: Price to West

Casey,

I'm writing to let you know that I'm okay - things have gone sideways, but I'm okay. Even as I write this the sights I saw have started to swiftly dissipate. It was dark and I thought I saw things that I couldn't have seen.

I was checking in on Agnes Maxwell, an old friend and fellow reporter. When I arrived at the guesthouse she'd been staying at I thought as first they'd been burgled. Then I followed the blood stains and the trail leading out the back door.

I followed in into Sycamore Woods and that's where I found them. There were dozens of them, naked and scarred and chanting. It was a symphony of voices and I could have sworn there were fleshy, bulbous creatures feeding on them.

I must have been mistaken though, right? What I can say for certain is that there was another man there; tall, well-dressed, and smiling. I'm scared but I'm trying to be pragmatic - do you think he could be tied to Parminder somehow?

HE CAN'T BE, HE WAS TOO OTHERWORLDLY TO BE CONNECTED TO SUCH A MUNDANE CASE AS OURS. THE SCARRED CULTISTS TOLD ME I SHOULD REJOICE FOR THIS MAN - THEIR GOD - HAD BROUGHT THEM TO PARADISE. THEY DIED PRAISING HIM, THOSE SHAPELESS FLESHY THINGS FEASTING ON THEM. WHAT WHERE THEY!

Shadow and Noir 8

 A series played using Quill Noir and Quill Shadow and Ink. This post is published under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.

Letter 8: Maxwell to Price

Maxwell,

I found the missing notes but it's too late. I saw them as they writhed and chanted in Sycamore Woods. I fear that they succeeded where Jemima failed and now we are all in danger.

I paid off a useless cop from Arkham who gave me the lead. For a few months the locals had been reporting strange lights and sounds in the woods. The law were refusing to investigate so I saw a chance to do some digging.

I rented a room in a boarding house and befriended the landlady. There's a field north of the woods where the local dogwalkers go. So I offered to take the landlady's spaniel for a stroll as cover to go check out the woods.

Well, I found the source of the lights and chanting - circle of ten people performing the Vir Stellas ritual. They were covered with the same symbols as Jemima, but their ritual was working. Amidst the spiteful gloam I saw a tall gentleman looming over them.

I couldn't draw my eyes away from him - he was at least eight feet tall and dressed in immaculate finery. As the ritualists chanted and danced around him he cackled at them. This "Mans from the Stars" is a threat and we must stop this ritual from ever being performed again.

Agnes.

Shadow and Noir 7

 A series played using Quill Noir and Quill Shadow and Ink. This post is published under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.

Letter 7: Price to Maxwell

Maxwell,

I've got a potential lead on whoever killed Jemima and her friend. There have been some grisly killings and the killer's been made. "Kris" Parminder is known for his ritualised knife work so could be our guy.

I know it's a tricky situation, but did Jemima have any enemies? Parminder works for money so we'd need to ID someone who'd want to kill her. If we can link an enemy to Parminder, we're a step closer to justice.

I know you move in more refined circles, but let's just say I've been known to mix with a gangster or two. I've been putting out some feelers but Parminder has worked closely with the Galdi family. You won't know them but trust me, they're bad news.

I've kept an ear to the ground and had Casey make some discrete enquiries. We've grilled some low-level goons and found Parminder's star is on the rise. He's (allegedly) taken out the big man's right hand and has designs on taking his place.

The Galdi family are in the position to take him out for us if we wanted to go down that route. That said, they'll also rub out anyone they think is a rat, so bringing him to justice might be a lot harder. Casey says he can get an audience with someone who has the big man's ear. I'll keep you posted.

Price.

Shadow and Noir 6

 A series played using Quill Noir and Quill Shadow and Ink. This post is published under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.

Letter 5: Maxwell to Price

Robert,

I need your help - Jemima's dead and it's my fault! I shared some notes with her from that old occult book I acquired. She tried one of the mystic incantations and now she's dead.

I stopped by to visit while I was in town, I'd called ahead but there was no answer. What I found shocked me - what would kill, maim, and rend two bodies like that? The scars on the bodies were deliberate patterns.

I knew there was something wrong when she asked me for a copy of the notes. Out of context the ritual tempted her to make a play for power. If she'd had the original text she'd have recognised that there's something truly sinister lurking behind the pages.

The worst part was the meaning that I've gleaned from the patterns of scars. I cross-referenced them against the Vir Stellas - they hint at something unspeakable. A being that ushers in a cacophonous era where all we cherish is torn apart.

There is something terrible coming, I feel it to be true. The notes and paraphernalia from that wretched, horrid ritual were taken and could fall into the wrong hands. We must recover them before anyone performs the ritual again.

Agnes.

Shadow and Noir 5

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Letter 5: Price to Maxwell

Maxwell,

I'll need to keep this quick as I'm in hot water again. I'm keeping watch for a blue sedan with my name on it, and not in a good way. I got justice for my client but now I've got a irate professor out to get me.

I solved the case pretty quickly, an extortion case where the crook got greedy - and sloppy. She lawyered up fast but I bypassed that mouthpiece and went straight to the Dean with my story. I had to book an appointment but met a potential witness in the process.

My would-be stoolie agreed to meet for lunch, which would pass the time before my appointment. They confirmed my theories enough to boost my confidence, but wouldn't go on the record. I thought they were afraid of repercussions.

It turns out they weren't, they were in cahoots with the dodgy professor. I had my time with the Dean and made my case - even without the witness I'm pretty sure I was convincing. Sure enough given that the professor/extortionist  tried to run me down as I was leaving the campus. I anticipated a shakedown but not an assassination.

I never figured academia could be so cut-throat. Well, if this professor wants to play rough, I'm ready to roll. This broad will learn that I'm no helpless pigeon.

Price.

Shadow and Noir 4

 A series played using Quill Noir and Quill Shadow and Ink. This post is published under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.

Letter 4: Maxwell to Jemima Carter

My darling Jemima,

I have it! I acquired a copy of the Vir Stellas at an auction and with M. Durand's notes I have unlocked its secrets. Or at the very least have unlocked the first ritual.

I am nowhere as gifted as you, my love. The ritual requires two participants, it doesn't specify expertise but with as skilled a magic-user as you we will complete it easily. This initial ritual should open up more of the text to us.

Even with Durand's notes much of the text is couched in metaphor and mystery. It alludes to forms and shapes existing in higher dimensions. However, it offers no concrete means of accessing them.

The text makes repeated to a state of being that the ritualists must attain. The translation from Durand is "exalted deathlessness" - a term that certainly sounds intriguing. Apparently deeper rituals will guide us through the steps.

Even the simplest rituals appear to use an array of rare and exotic ingredients. In preparation I have begun to inveigle my way into some less well funded occult societies. They won't miss a few items if we're careful - I will keep you updated.

Yours always

Agnes x 

Shadow and Noir 3

 A series played using Quill Noir and Quill Shadow and Ink. This post is published under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.

Letter 3: Price to Maxwell

Maxwell,

Another day another case, this one was barely a challenge if I'm honest. Nothing like this rare books story you're working on. I'm still not sure why you're so interested in a book, but from your last letter is does sound pretty hinky.

In my case it looks to be a case of a crooked bank manager trying to pull an inside job. I threw Casey West a few bucks to do some digging and he turned up the manager's secret - crushing gambling debts. I still feel bad for how the Henderson affair ended so I'm glad to be able to keep him occupied.

So the manager had a cash-flow problem and decided to make a withdrawal from his customers' accounts. Of course there's no way he could get away with that much cabbage alone. I figured he must have had an accomplice.

I leaned on the night security guard - the one who claimed the thieves knocked him out. When he realised his boss would sell him down the river if needed, he spilled the beans. In exchange for a measly five hundred clams he took a smoke break while his boss emptied the safe.

So the guard's going to the Big House and barely covers expenses. The bank manager's a different matter, I've got only the word of a couple of ex-cons to corroborate my story. I know you don't like it when I mention your family ties - but it looks like wealth wins out over justice as usual.

Price.

Shadow and Noir 2

 A series played using Quill Noir and Quill Shadow and Ink. This post is published under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.

Letter 2: Maxwell to Pierre Durand

M. Durand.

I trust this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to ask you for your professional perspective on a recent purchase. It is a rare book of emblems and designs - the seller claimed it is a copy of the Vir Stellas.

I'm no artist but I have enclosed a sketch of some fragments of the designs from the early chapters. Sadly I don't recognise the language, or possibly languages, the book is written in. The drawings are tantalising alone, the lack of context amplifies the effect.

A librarian colleague has examined the physical object, and confirms that this is an authentic sixteenth-century tome. Together we compared the text to contemporary volumes but found no direct comparison with the language or the drawings. This book is a mystery to me.

I've studied the Vir Stellas long into the night in the hopes of deciphering this infamous book. By candlelight the images - particularly some of the woodcuts - seem to take on movement. It is folly of course but something about this book becomes curiously oppressive after dark - it chills me to behold.

I'm reluctant to let the book out of my hands, but if you'd be able to visit the city to view it in person I'd be happy to cover your expenses. I really do hope you can help shed some light on these fascinating illustrations. I feel we are on the verge of some great discovery.

Agnes Maxwell.

Shadow and Noir 1

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Letter 1: Price to Maxwell

Maxwell,

I've got a case that might be up your alley - Oliver Henderson's missing daughter. Turns out she's alive and well but her daddy's not going to be happy. I'm working up some Dutch courage before I go tell him.

My contact with the police let slip (for a fee) that Justine Henderson isn't the only missing persons case on the books. Casey West, some petty hoodlum, hasn't been seen for a while either. My first thought was a ransom job, so I set about tracking him down.

It took a while but eventually led me to a run down motel on the edge of town. A small gratuity to the owner got me the news they'd been there a few days and were the picture of two young paramours. I got a glimpse into their room - they've got matching jewellery.

Seems the kidnapping is actually an elopement. Her father thinks she was grabbed but she's gone willingly and seems happier than ever. Great news for gossip rags like yours, less so for me.

I've got to tell Oliver Henderson - one of the wealthiest men in the country - that his only daughter is slumming it with a crook. I can only guess the incandescent fury I'm about to unleash. If you don't hear from me at the cops will have a lead.

Price.