Hello my dear readers! The Helheim Herald is recently undergoing some staff changes, and we are very eager to be able to give our citizens everything ranging from vital changes in our Kingdoms political sphere, regal tales of our fellows accomplishments- and all the juicy gossip you can imagine from the three main factions of Sincadere! But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We have a lot of new and exciting things to share with you!
It would be rude to start without letting you know ‘who’ it is that is acting as a story-teller as you read along! I am Cerulean, a Priest of Desna. I arrived in Sincadere a month or so ago and quickly found myself aligned with the Basilica due to their open acceptance of appropriate faiths and sense of community. As a Desna, there are few things we hold as sacred as friendship and family, so to see such an accepting group of the Faithful coming together to cherish and learn from each of our Gods and Goddesses was something I HAD to be a part of! Sir Ralathos was very inviting, despite my lack of citizenship when I had approached him. Such kindness does not go unnoticed by we Desnans! I am going to do my best to get you the hard facts of everything that occurs, for only the truth may set you free! I am hoping you will all enjoy reading the stories I pursue and the leads I follow as much as I enjoy writing them and meeting all the different personalities that call our lands home. I hope to be able to dive head first in order to get you dear readers the most accurate information as possible! For this week's issue, we are going to focus on some rumors concerning our dear city; as well as the tale of Helheims up-and-coming groups, guilds, and citizens! Upcoming issues will explore the hottest rumors, as well as exclusive interviews with Helheim’s nobility and upper-echelons. If you are looking for a detailed account on any and all issues that pertain to the lovely city of Helheim, look no further than the herald! I had a unique opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with Helheim’s Master of the Hunt; the head of the esteemed clan House MacLeod! When I had first heard of the young huntsman and met him during the night he led us into the Woods to keep the monsters at bay; I was under the impression that the handsome fellow would be quite the stone-cold play boy. The man is quite the daunting figure, clad in a presence you’d have to see for yourself to believe! Yet how did my estimations of the man hold up? Is he indeed the stoic figure we are use to seeing at the head of Helheim’s battles with the darkness, or is there more to him than meets the eye? Well, read for yourself! Our first questions to the young-upstart were simple ones, Who is he? How did he find himself in Helheim; Who exactly are the MacLeod’s and how did they become a reputable family of Monster-Hunters? "Me name is Vigil MacLeod. I am th'last survivin' son and heir o' Clan MacLeod. Fer generations, Clan MacLeod devoted themselves tae th'documentaiton, study and slayin' o' supernatural 'n occult creatures that prey upon mortals." He explained. "I am th'Huntsmaster o' Helheim, as well as th'Chief o' House MacLeod, which is one o' Helheim's unofficial Households." Our dearest Vigil went on to explain that it is possible te MacLeod’s have crossed paths with Helheims borders before, but was unable to confirm if any of his ancestors had also called the city home. Regardless; it is clear that this lineage values honor, responsibility and the safety of those they care about. Unfortunately for our dearest Huntsmaster most of his family's history was tragically lost when he was young. Despite the misfortunes that have occurred, he remained devoted to their teachings and continuing the MacLeod legacy. I have to say; and by the end of this article you will likely agree, Vigil Macleod is quite the noble soul. There are few souls stalwart enough to remain devoted to protecting the meek when faced with so much hardship; This young-man being one of them. As for why he chose Helheim, or rather it chose him if not for a long line of sweat and blood poured into her streets? Well, he gave an answer I as a humble servant of Desna resonated with: "I just sort o'... Well, I just sort o' happened upon Helheim, I suppose. That's th'best way tae describe it." Fate, and whichever god or goddess you believe governs it, has a way of putting you right where you need to be, or in our case where one is most needed. While it may not be the exciting possibility of the MacLeaods having been protecting our city for generations, there is merit in being the first of the bunch. Furthermore, as you are likely aware our Vigil has already taken a hands-on approach to our cities defense not once; but twice now. Hunts he detailed and explained in this very interview! Yet, if they were not an already established clan in Helheims nobility; who were the MacLeods? How did such a unique lineage come to be? Well, luckily for us our Vigil was able to recall his family's history without the primary source accounts! A tale of heartbreak, struggle; and the rejection of divinity. Vigil explained his families saga as follows: "Well, accordin' tae Legend? Th'first MacLeods were part o' th'Tuatha Dé Danann, which translates roughly tae "Folk o' th'Goddess Danu". Th'story goes that one such individual fell in love with a mortal, howe'er said mortal was slain by Barghest. Thus this Tuatha Dé, in his grief, opted tae live among th'mortals. Th'last words they muttered before leavin' th'Otherworld is our clan's motto." He breathed in. "Gu bràth a' sealg na h-oidhche. Fore'er Huntin' th'Night." He paused for a moment longer, before shrugging. "This is just legend, though. Th'more likely story is that monsters kept on causin' grief fer villages. Lycanthropes would attack travellers, trolls would eat livestock, demons would bring havoc and chaos... /Someone/ had tae t ake up th'responsibility o' protectin' those who couldn't protect themselves. Thus me family swore tae do so." There you have it folks! The tragic tale of resolve and hardship that brought this paradoxical figure to Helheim. Who’d have thought a long line of apparent mortals could potentially have connections to such a legendary figure, as well as shouldering an age-old vendetta against the worst of the worst that stalk Sincadere. I don’t know about you, but I feel much more confident in our cities chances of thwarting the Creatures of the Night with such a committed man leading our efforts from the front lines. How does our man do it, you wonder? Well, he gave us quite an inspiring explanation. "We're Humans. Whot we lack in supernatural abilities, we make up fer in grim determination and resolve." Unless you live under a rock (Looking at you, Cabbalans!) You would have heard of Vigils recent exploits. Going head-to-head with the nefarious members of the Crimson Fang, as well as hunting one of the most sinister creatures one can encounter along the dark woods; a Wendigo! How did our Vigil fair against these threats, and which left a bitter taste in his mouth? The answer was given from a point of reason that dismissed any preconceptions I had of this man being a cold-hearted brute who simply took joy in the hunt. "... I /believe/, that ultimately? Th'Wendigo was th'greater threat as opposed tae th'Crimson Fang. Y'see--- Th'Crimson Fang, while formidable and numerous? They can be reasoned with tae a degree. They have loved ones--- Or th'closest thing their ilk has tae love. They have individual goals, aspirations, desires that go beyond eating, fucking and killing.... But that Wendigo?" He gave a firm exhale. "It was a creature without allegiance. A beast that was driven by naught but ravenous hunger alone. If we had failed tae stop it, it would move on tae th'next kingdom, and th'next. Th'Wendigo was a threat tae Sincadere as a whole, while th'Crimson Fang cared more fer those that wandered th'Forests alone." I know for some it is all too easy to forget our rivals beneath the ground are living beings with emotion, compassion; and even fears. Despite what some of our more Zealous comrades claim, the Cabbalans are not all unthinking brutes. They can show mercy, or even restraint if given the chance to prove even they possess a bit of light. A creature such as the one who terrorized the woods without reason? Not so much. While I am sure there are others who share my pity in the potential humanity that was consumed by the creatures metamorphosis; such a threat could not be left to continue in its wanton destruction. If you learn anything from this week's issue, I hope you can learn to appreciate your fellows; as Sincadere has proven time and time again that even the most loved or kind-hearted souls can fall to malevolence under unfortunate circumstance. While the young Huntmaster was unable to salvage that humanity, even he was able to choose a less definite end for the poor soul. How you may ask? "Wendigo are created when a Human is driven tae a point o' starvation, where they are forced tae eat th'flesh o' their fellow man. A Wendigo's spirit possesses them, 'n turns 'em in tae a ruthless beast.... It is possible tae imprison those spirits though, which I was mercifully able tae do." Not only is our Vigil a skilled tacker and foe of the dark, but a man who possesses the know-how and empathy to not lose himself in the moment. Able to choose the potential of salvation over the slaughter of a potentially salvageable soul, this was another point in the interview where one can see that Humanity is a fire burning bright in MacLeod’s soul. It’s not wonder that he has gotten to where he is, and is able to stare into the abyss without losing himself to madness. Yet not all possess the skills or drive that Vigil has honed. One man cannot defend us all, so how does the Huntsmaster plan to ensure all who may not be so fortunate as to have him save them in their moment of need have a fighting chance? Well, our dear Huntmaster is aiming to give training to all who are willing, as well as actively recruiting new members to the MacLeod Hunting Party. "Me plans are tae host lessons fer Helheim's populace. Educate them on how tae best handle supernatural threats. TH'more folk arei nformed, th'easier it will be fer us as a kingdom tae deal with that which would prey upon mortals." I for one am eager to learn under Vigil’s tutelage. Not only to better my own chances of survival, but to see how such a skilled warrior fairs in a more personable setting. Fighting beasts is grim enough; but teaching those without experience to be able not to freeze when the time comes? While it may seem daunting, I am confident Vigil will take the steps necessary to ensure that we as a city are not only equipped with the knowledge needed to defend who and what we hold dear; but to possess even a fraction of his nerves when staring the most grim of eyes face-to-face. We spent a lot of time speaking on the facts and tactical knowledge the man possesses, but surely such a specimen has more going on than just his war with darkness. Who is he outside of his profession, and what bonds has the man forged while living amongst us? We at the Helheim even had the chance to learn more about his personal life. If you are curious to know what Guilds you can expect to see Vigil assisting, or if you have a chance of snagging the young bachelor for yourself; then don’t put this article down! The Herald has the answers you seek! When asked what groups Vigil stands behind, I was pleasantly surprised to see all the big names; "Th'Shadows o' Helheim, th'Basilica, and th'Black Tusks?" He asked. "Those three guilds, and th'men in charge o' them, are admirable. I would fully endorse them. Granted, th'Tusks can be a bit rowdy. Their customs might come across as outlandish. But..." He cracked a grin. "All three o' those guilds, and th'men leadin' t hem, act in th'interest o' Helheim. They've th'support o' House MacLeod in all their endeavors, fer as long as they continue tae put Helheim first." If you needed further proof that our Vigil is able to distnguish “evil” and “non-human” then those of my brothers and sisters who call the Tusks home can put their worries to rest! With such a kind endorsement, Vigil has once again proved himself not only able; but caring towards all who call Helheim home. Yet I know there are readers who have patiently waited to see if our Vigil is single and ready to mingle, however I would caution those who expect the mans heart to be of stone to take a closer look. I for one had went into this expecting to meet quite the charmer with a varied number of partners amongst his burly arms, and yet the truth was perhaps more heartbreaking than his own clans history. I warn those who read on to have a handkerchief ready, as this is sure to rattle your heartstrings! Vigil fell silent, his expression turning to one of shock. His face actually seemed to go pale. Gradually, however, that expression of his went from shock, to one of sorrow. "... There are. Though they don't wait fer me. I wait fer them tae return." He admitted softly, as he came to cradle his left arm. ".... There are two women who I love above all else. THose bein' me then-Wife, Nora MacLeod, as well as Tsuiteru Akira, me partner.... And aye--- I am aware, havin' two lovers is a bit o' a tabboo. But I can explain." He breathed in softly. "Nora... Me beloved Nora. I met her years back. WE travelled taegether, huntin' that which lurked in th'dark. There came a time where I was forced tae cut off me left arm in order tae save her. E'en now I would do so in a heart beat. She was actually carryin' our child in her womb when we arrived here. But.... Circumstances beyond out control forced her tae leave Sincadere." He paused. "And Akira.... TH'daughter o' Derizael and Tsuiteru. She, she made me feel loved again. [13:45] Vigil MacLeod: She supported me. Brought out th'best in me. But her father--- TH'Emperor o' th'Jade Lotus Empire, refused tae approve o' our relationship. Fer I am but a Mortal, and she was a Dragon. I would die in due time, leavin' her with no one. Like Nora, she had tae leave Sincadere fer reasons beyond our control." He fell silent for a few moments longer, coming to look at the ground. ".... I long fer their return. I genuinely do. But more than that? Beyond seein' them again? Whot I want most is fer those two women tae be happy, where'er they may be..." Who’d have thought that a man who seems to take the hardships of battle right on the chin could carry such an open, yet battered heart on his sleeve? While I originally wanted to follow this question up with his thoughts on the Cabbala and the Jade Lotus, I believe this painted a rather clear picture. Sure, the Cabbalans prove a constant nuisance toward both factions; but only one has directly denied the most wondrous of human emotions. While I may be mistaken in this assumption, I am willing to bet Vigil has more sympathy for those who act in accordance with their nature than one so cruel as to deny the prospect of true love. Those who wish to court our Huntsmaster take note; There is a soft interior hidden beneath that grim visage! I couldn’t help but ask; and somewhat regretted it as well, due to how quickly this upbeat discussion left me mourning the mans troubled life; What is up with the eyepatch? Was it robbed of him from some grand hunt with a nemesis, or perhaps hides an arcane secret that grants the otherwise human vessel his prowess? If you thought our poor Huntsmasters love-life was rough, Batter down the hatches! This next story is quite the grim one, yet I believe further shows just how suited our boy is for his line of work, and will quell any doubts one may have on his tenacity. "... I was a boy when I lost everythin'. A boy o' eleven years old, when a great host o' Demons marched upon Glenkirk. On that night, I saw everythin' I cared fer put tae th'sword, 'n burned tae ashes. I, and some other children, were taken as captives. Tae be broken down mentally 'n used tae summon a greater Demon." He sucked in a gentle breath. "Me Gaoler was especially cruel, y'know. Took great delight in torturin' me. At one point, such torture came in th'form o' a thin blade bein' put through me eye. Not deep enough tae slay me, naw. But enough tae cause me unspeakable agony." He came to touch at his eyepatch. "... They broke me, a'ight. But not in th'way they wanted. They wanted me tae become catatonic with fear. But as that year o' torture continued, all I felt was rage. Sheer rage, tae those who took me world from me. I was twelve years old when I slew me Gaoler. I lured him in tae me cell, and when he leaned down tae see if I was alive? I lunged fer him. ME teeth found his throat. I tore his windpipe out." It’s important to remember that in a world of Werebeasts, Wendigos, and sinister beings of other realms; that sometimes the most dangerous and wicked of souls are human. Who’d have guessed of all the species and opponents our Huntsmaster has thwarted, it would have been his fellow man who left the greatest scar? For those of you who fear how this impacts his emotions, or that this week's article is going to leave you with a bitter taste stuck upon your lips; Raise your chins up high! For our Vigil has a word or two to tell you, and those who fear the future to come: "You don't /get/ tae give up." He allowed those words to linger in the air for a time. "Givin' up? Curlin' up and just dyin' when all is lost? Y'don't /get/ tae do that. And I will tell ya why; Because there are those around love ya fiercely. Whether they are here in th'present, back in th'past, or no longer among th'livin'? There are individuals who depend upon ya. Who love ya above all else. Tae simply give up, is th'greatest betrayal o' their trust. Th'greatest insult tae their investment in ya." He stood himself up straight, holding his head up high. "It isn't gonnae be easy. It is /ne'er/ easy. There will be pain. Physical. Mental. Emotional. Y'will have nights where yer lookin' down at yer knife, with th'idea o' openin' up yer own throat will become more and more appealin'. And at th'desicive moment? At yer [14:09] Vigil MacLeod: absolute lowest? Y'will remember those dear tae ya. Y'will remember how they made all yer grief, and pain, have /meanin'/ through th'happiness and joy you've experienced with 'em." He remained silent for a moment longer, before finally concluding. "WIthout pain, joy is meanin'less. So endure that pain. Endure th'absolute /worse/ that life can throw at ya. Because that is how you come tae appreciate th'good that life has tae offer." Sometimes it’s a firm hand we need, most times it is tough love that gets through where kind-hearted words or white lies fail. So, for my dear readers who struggle in the face of darkness, and those who wonder how one can ever face such horrors and move forward? Vigil has given you your clear answer. Life is a package deal, and for every storm there must be a rainbow. While times may look grim, and the future of Helheim remains uncertain, we must persevere. For those we hold dear, and those who will walk in our place tomorrow, we cannot afford to quit or wallow in fear and misery. There you have it! The Herald’s exclusive interview with Vigil Macleod is only the first piece of our upcoming stories, and a promising example of how we as a city will never surrender so long as such headstrong fellows walk alongside us. This is certainly a lot to take in, so tune in to our next article where we will deep-dive into rumors surrounding our city, as well as the exciting stories of our Queen and the other nobility! May the winds always blow favorably upon you, and may Desna and the Four continue to smile upon us all! Comments are closed.
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