Order of the Broken Skull

Order of the Broken Skull is an Official GemStone IV Document, and it is protected from editing.

Order of the Broken Skull

Outside the town of Solhaven, beyond the walls of Vornavis, sits a plain, enclosed friary surrounded by a lush vineyard basin edged with forest. The clay walls, bleached by the sun to a pale ochre hue, once had sharp lines that have rounded over time through exposure to the elements.

The timbered roof can barely be seen above the compound barrier, keeping eyes from prying both in and out, and a huge wood-planked gate masks a covered entryway big enough to accommodate carriages of impressive size. Soft carillon bells chime several times daily to signal a call to the chapel or the dining hall, as well as to greet the beginning and end of each day.

Crimson-robed friars can be glimpsed, from time to time, working the gnarled grape vines outside; trimming vines in the spring, examining and training vines in the summer, and harvesting the juicy clusters of fruit as autumn approaches.

Discovered in a ditch alongside the road, overgrown with thick and thorny vegetation, and stowed within what was perhaps at one time a handsome trunk meant to store precious belongings, was a faded tome filled with flowing script. The volume was turned over to a local archivist for the library in Solhaven, to repair and preserve it.

Some of the ink was so pale and transparent it was unreadable, though the pages toward the middle of the book were much more protected and in better condition. Therein was found an interesting recounting of events that occurred over a few day's time within the sequestered building nearby, and it can now be shared. Strong, deliberate, and assured strokes of the ink-lush nib or a pen fill pages and pages of thick vellum with the following words:

A New Beginning
Mid-Lormesta, 5108 (Archivist note: The actual date was slightly smeared)
Looking back, I recall when Brother Pawel first came to us. It was clear he was a charismatic of extraordinary skill. Though young by most standards, his gift was never questioned by us, and no elder brother openly objected to his contributions. Those who engaged in more speculative comments would find themselves befriended, with an almost clairvoyant talent, and thus would come to know Pawel better in their hearts after.

A short time after Pawel's arrival at the friary, so came a rush of notions of how to set aside our complacent and sedentary ways, that we might once more grow and continue to actively serve Onar. The old ways of keeping ourselves and our actions secret, even in serving as Blade and Shadow, had manifested within our sanctuary. Many felt Pawel's assignment here was akin to a renewal of our faith contract with Onar.

And so the talks and plans began one night, as we sat in the dining hall, cozy with firelight and warmed by good food and wine.

In recent weeks, the members of the Order had actively discussed adjusting the original mission we served, not only to ensure the friary remains viable, but also to reflect the changes that have occurred over time since its inception. Solhaven had grown, as had Vornavis, to the point where it was no longer a small fishing village along a slowly traveled trade route, but was now a large port city of strategic importance with highly active commerce. More of the curious would stop at our doors and seek entry – many not of our kind – and we would have to politely turn them away. The secrecy of our existence was becoming more difficult, the road beside us more traveled. Pawel surmised that there is a time to hide, and a time to reveal.

Thus, it began. First, "Brother" Limant would steal into Solhaven on his given quest, to serve as Shadow and find those of our ilk. For many months, he moved from town to town, carefully watching for those who serve the Blade.

Often, after absences of several weeks, he would return and spin tales of his adventures. The brothers who had remained cloistered for most of their lives would hang on his every word, as like children who listen to stories of fairy folk and great monsters. Those of us who have served in ways that bring the marvels of the modern era into our sphere were not as taken in, but enjoyed a reminder of the freedoms we could take.

One night, Pawel and Limant came to the body of the Order with a proposal for determining if there were any worthy outsiders we could consider for initiation. The goal was to discern potential brothers from the hordes of those who claim to worship Him, by inviting them to a retreat. Then, after observation, we would stage a simple test of faith and character — a test so deceptively simple that some might find it difficult. Discussion amid the Order was, at times, volatile. The fear was that our invitation would lead to the dissolution of our history, and perhaps our destruction. But the wisdom of the young charismatic resonated with the majority, so a plan was devised, and thus, carried out.

Returning to cities of the continent where we would find several worshippers, Limant and a few others of the Order engaged in what was to be Shadow behavior, but without entire precautions. Many references to a planned meeting were indiscreetly passed along… and pseudo carelessly dropped… so that our brethren could find them. We counted on their curiosity, especially at the hint of His affiliation, which was blatantly inked upon each crude invitation.

Slowly, Limant began the final step of infiltration among the uninitiated, and offered them our proposal — to come to the friary in retreat, that one might get closer to Him. The next night, more than a score of guests arrived at the appointed time, waiting at the Wage and Dagger Tavern in South'Haven for a carriage. When it arrived, they were ushered inside for the short journey, at an hour when many of the brothers were already off to their beds. Despite this, Limant and Pawel gave a brief tour of the property, and made sure all understood the rules which they would be living by for the next three days, chief among them the lack of ability or magicks with which to connect with society beyond the friary boundaries.

I'd prepared a small repast for the guests before they retired, and answered several of their questions. They were a suspicious bunch! Many of them seemed wary, which I suppose was to be expected. But the hour was late and morning would come way too early for those of us with chores. I excused myself and wandered off to my cell... but not without noting those of the Order shadowing the newcomers.

Day One
With the pink-gold rays of the sun barely washing over the garden, the last of the morning meal was prepared and set out for both guests and Brothers alike. I took some comfort in prayer before engaging our company who were still every bit as disbelieving and inquisitive as the night before. Some of the brothers filtered in, either already busy with chores or fresh from sleep. Brother Colian was busily trying his best to answer their myriad inquiries, and Brother Senrik was too entertained with his own attempts to confound them with dogmatic redirection to reveal much.

A complication arose. It seems the carriage driver thought that others would also be attending and he returned to the Wage and Dagger. Picking up a few more people, the footman brought them into the courtyard, and allowed them to enter the friary. They did not have a sworn fealty to the Blade, and this created conflict with the original visitors. Posing as an abbot, Pawel quickly resolved the situation, attempting to put everyone at ease. It was an uncomfortable arrangement, but nonetheless, the day still unfolded as we had planned. Pawel and Limant also spent time answering the relentless questions before inviting those who pledge to Him to attend standard evening prayer. In the end, all joined for the supper meal the Order staff had prepared.

The dis-ease among the invited and the unexpected continued to flare now and then, and just as the tempers seemed cooled, a crafty fellow poisoned me! Handing me a glass of water with an unnaturally sweet taste, I had barely taken more than a couple of healthy swallows when the ill effects came over me. I rose, to exit to the kitchen, rather than upset everyone, and barely passed through the doors before I was overwhelmed. Fortunately, a young lass said she knew of a cure and was able to quickly reverse the effects from me.

Our guests remained somewhat restless, but mainly curious long into the late hours. A lot of speculation was heard from the shadows, voiced by a small minority, while some delighted in the opportunity for true spiritual retreat. Very few sequestered themselves off, choosing to sit in either in the garden or withdraw to their sleeping cells.

Day Two
Another breaking fast meal awaited everyone, and though some of the brothers engaged with them further, more of us watched with discretion. And listened. At every possible opportunity, a handful speculated what lay beyond the locked cellar door, even going so far as to try to gain access when we were not obviously watching, though we'd clearly secured it by extraordinary means. I would hear their anxious footfall every time I mentioned heading down to get more provisions, and when I would exit back into the kitchen, there was barely room between them and the door closed at my back. Onar help me… it was all I could do to prevent my amused laughter!

Some suspicion about us was placed aside, and queries about the Order and Brother Limant took the forefront. I'm afraid my presence only confused some, and continued much of their skepticism. Firstly, being the only woman at the Order, and also the only woman with the honorific Brother — I took time out from my duties to explain how I came to be there, relating my abandonment near the Order when I was a babe. Brothers Colian, Senrik, Limant, and Pawel all spent more time with our guests, answering additional questions about the Order, addressing philosophy of worship — in particular and in general.

A few of our invited guests were still inclined to argue with the unexpected ones, but with less heat. The transformation of defending to teaching was pretty evident. In all, it was a wonderful opportunity for everyone.

And the obsession with the cellar door continued, much to my entertainment.

By nightfall we had slipped into a comfortable routine, and rang the carillon for Sabbath vespers. Those not pledged to Onar respectfully waited elsewhere, enjoying the comfort of the hearth in the dining hall, or the solitude of the gardens and library, while the Order and those of our faith assembled in the chapel. There was a difference in the air, more of a formality, in the grace and stature of Pawel's movements and speech. The rites were conducted with a solemn pitch, and one by one, each of us took a turn to speak of that which burdened our soul.

Remembrances of betrayal, a careless deed, a deception gone awry, and other tales filled the chapel, voices often heavy with emotion. Though many of us were spent after sharing our stories of how we served The Blade, or served ourselves in the name of the Blade, there was also an exhilaration, like the charismatic high point Pawel reached at the end of the prayers. The insight into each other we had gained was quietly kept as we filed out, heading back to the dining area for a late repast.

Interestingly, there was less sniping and arguing — any goading was pretty much put to rest. We spoke of the activities to come the next day, when they would attend a last invocation and then return home, before we retired once more.

Day Three – The Test
Morning felt different, as most had adapted to routine and surroundings — some were even talking of their disappointment in having to depart the friary. One in particular engaged Limant in conversation about possibly being allowed to stay.

With another healthy meal tucked away, everyone seemed to be in a joyous mood, some laughter was heard, and the conversation, though meaningful, was lighter than before. The brothers continued to prepare for the night's activities, while most of our guests remained unaware of what was about to unfold ahead — but suppositions were being voiced.

Once more, those aligned with the Blade were invited to join us in the chapel, where we performed our most holy mass. As a dispensation, we agreed to take a sacred artifact of the order and create from it a token of this special night for our attendant guests. Many of them participated freely and willingly, though some were hesitant. Distrust resumed for some, and one who refused to accept the offering was ejected from the ceremony by Limant. Many were marked, hidden upon their flesh.

I cannot further reveal what else took place during this high rite, beyond saying many took a sort of vow to honor both the Blade and the sanctity of this Order. But immediately after, when we went to break our fast together, the man ejected railed on about us being false brothers and hiding the real ones in the cellar.

And in a sense, he was right. It was true, there were brothers of the Order in a barred room below, but they were not jailed. We all piled into the kitchen to see what the commotion happening at the door leading down to the cellar was all about, the vociferous guest attempting to pick the lock. I "fumbled" my key, hoping someone would pick it up. It sat there on the floor for moments before anyone reacted, but the crafty fellow who had tried to poison me snatched it up and unlocked the door, pulling it open.

Down they fled, swarming about until they found the barred door with the "prisoners." Releasing them, they were confronted by Pawel. "Choose a side," he proposed when the jailed brothers claimed to be the real Order members. The guests had to pick between those they had come to know and those they did not — a test of trust. How much would serving the Blade and their own histories with lies and deception play into their decisions?

They were almost evenly split, but not quite… more chose the jailed brothers than those they had spent the last three days with. Then one of the jailed brothers attacked me, which only added to the confusion. Would a real brother of Onar kill another brother? Was I a real brother? As they stood there pondering, Limant stepped between us, and with his divine touch, I was brought back to life. The deception — by us — was revealed. Further, Limant was divulged as the true Abbot of the Order. Pawel, though still a gifted devotee, was just another brother… but some day, with Limant's guidance, he could likely serve the Order as Abbot.

Many were still confused, some did not fully understand the test, but for those of us dedicated to the Order, we felt we'd found potential in those who would be welcomed to become initiates into the Order... when the time was right. For now though, their participation remains confidential — unless and until they wish to reveal it themselves. Though, revealing the nature of our rites could eliminate them from consideration!

The Reveal
One final meal and a carriage ride back to town led to the last surprise for our guests. Entering the Wage and Dagger Tavern in South'Haven, we led the group to a hidden passageway leading into the Shrine of Onar. Explaining that both the friary and the Shrine had existed for quite some time, and that we were charged with maintaining both, we told those assembled that we were opening up its doors to them... and to the public, with the hopes they would use it as a means to educate the curious about Him and honor Him with their faith.

Shielded behind a block of shops, stores, inns, and warehouses, stands a building of holiness we have spent generations caring for — in the shadows for the Shadow and those who serve the Blade.

By my hand,
Nyarahie, brother of Order of the Broken Skull

OOC Information/Notes

• IC Summary created by GM Mariath
• The storyline was run/created by GM Andraste for the Shrine of Onar release in South Haven; GMs Itzel and Cirath were key in helping to develop both plot and roleplaying engagement with the players and key pivots during turning points.
  • Additional GMs were Auchand, Galene, Vesmera, Landark, and Thandiwe — and a few Hosts (Noiya and Valyrka) also joined in NPCing as "brothers" and engaged with the player "guests" who stayed at the monastery for the three days of seclusion.
• Many thanks to the numerous players who participated in this storyline
• Special thanks to GMs Itzel for QCing the document and for Xynwen for her many useful suggestions!
• Reminder: Just a reminder that this is an IC rendition of the storyline, so there may be some inherent biases and perspectives!