Category:The Inquisition of Baron Malwind

The Inquisition of Baron Dunrith Maldwin was created by GM Auchand and moved the story forward after events relating to the assassination of the Empress.

The story line took place from May of 2007 into June of 2007 until Baron Dunrith Malwind was exonerated in. It largely appeared off-camera in news announcements via the Official website.

This is that story, its events and key moments.

Imperial Inquisition

News of the Empire - 5/1/2007

Rumors have spread to the port of Solhaven this evening that the imperial inquisition surrounding the assassination of Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles, first cousin to the current Emperor Aurmont Anodheles, is about to conclude. At the core of the investigation is Baron Dunrith Malwind of Vornavis and his involvement in decisions which may have resulted in the Empress' death, and possible ties to the origination of the assassination plot. The inquisition was established by His Imperial Majesty a few years ago shortly after the incident in question happened in the town of Solhaven.

Supporters of His Excellency Baron Malwind have expressed solidarity with the embattled baron, but they have grown concerned of late by the lack of clear information out of the inquisition. Should the inquisition find the baron's actions suspect, and at fault for the assassination of the Empress, he would be stripped of all rights, titles, and privileges, and be sentenced to execution. Were this to happen, the baron's immediate family would be shamed into exile, and the seat of the barony of Vornavis would remain under the overlordship control of the Sentinel of the North, His Excellency Earl Eddric Jovery, permanently, or until such a time as a new baron could be established.

Further at stake in the inquisition is the future Free Port status of Solhaven. If His Excellency Baron Malwind is found at fault and sentenced to execution, Solhaven's status would likely never be restored, even at the behest of His Excellency Earl Jovery, and full imperial control would preside over the town. As a result, the initial "imperial crackdown" that was felt immediately after the death of the Empress would be returned to full force, and felt throughout all corners of Solhaven.

The baronial court of His Excellency Baron Malwind has released a statement that all pending appointments with the Baron and overlord Earl Jovery have been cancelled for the month as the two travels to Tamzyrr to await the conclusion of the inquisition.

In the coming weeks, sides will likely be formed over the decision facing the imperial inquisition. Those who support His Excellency Baron Malwind of Vornavis, and those who wish to seek further justice for the assassination of their Imperial Majesty Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles. But everyone in the Turamzzyrian Empire, and those with a keen interest looking in from outside, wait for the final decree from His Imperial Majesty Emperor Aurmont Anodheles.

Riots and Explosions in Vornavis

News of the Empire - 5/7/2007

Restday, late evening, the quiet night air was torn asunder by a disruption that took place in the marketplace. A local, elderly lady by the name of Agatha the Hagatha started expressing dissent against the embattled baron, His Excellency Baron Dunrith Malwind, in the center of the market, and exchanged heated words with those loitering nearby. After several moments of arguments, the dissention started to bleed into the crowd of listening onlookers and sides began forming.

It wasn't long after that that a full-scale riot began to sweep across the streets of Solhaven. Fists were flung, feet were kicked, and chaos consumed the city. Even the smallest of the small in Solhaven took place with children grouping together to assault older citizens. It wasn't long after that the city gates to Vornavis opened and the baronial guard flooded into the streets, horns being blasted and orders being shouted, in an attempt to restore order. Several hours went by and dozens of arrests were made before finally the streets of Solhaven began to once again resemble their peaceful nature. The whereabouts of Agatha the Hagatha, however, remain unknown. It is thought that perhaps she may have been caught up in one of the arresting groups.

And then, the loudest explosion rocked the streets--a dark, ominous plume of thick, black smoke rose up from somewhere within the Vornavian city. Cries filled the night air, and screams echoed through the city as the smoke continued to grow and turn even darker. Something, whether by accident or someone's hand, exploded within the protection of the Baron's castle. It took the combined effort of the citizens of Vornavis, and those from Solhaven who weren't too bruised to handle a bucket, to contain and then snuff the fires smoldering within the castle. Reports from Vornavis say that the explosion happened in the east wing of the castle, but what was in the east wing would not be said except that it contained some baronial records.

However, after the fire was extinguished and the smoke began to clear, something more devastating was soon discovered--Baron Dunrith Malwind's own son was missing. The Baron's personal guard, distracted by the fire, could not account for his whereabouts, and with the baronial soldiers tied up with the riots in Solhaven, the 21-year-old vanished. No group or person has come forward with a ransom as of yet, so it is not clear if the boy was kidnapped in the distraction, or if he fled from the fire. What is clear is that this demoralizing news from the barony of Vornavis surely could not come at a worst time for His Excellency Baron Malwind.

Summons to Tamzyrr

News of the Empire - 5/13/2007

A restless atmosphere encompassed Tamzyrr Feastday evening with the arrival of His Excellency Earl Jovery of North Hendor and His Excellency Baron Malwind of Vornavis' entourage. A heavily armed company of imperial soldiers provided security for both the Earl and Baron upon their entry into the city, and safely escorted them with no incident to the imperial palace.

According to a speaker for His Excellency Baron Malwind, there has been no further word surrounding the disappearance of his son, The Honourable Lord Salnim Malwind. All efforts are being put into place, both by the Vornavis baronial guard and a small platoon of imperial soldiers, to search for the whereabouts of the baron's son.

Word has come from the imperial inquisition stating that a small envoy of inquisitors will be traveling north sometime soon. They are expected to travel to the port of Solhaven and even further. Their travel surrounds the finalization of testimony and gathering of last bits of information regarding the incidents around the assassination of Her Imperial Majesty Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles.

Also coming from a speaker of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Anodheles, there will be a decree coming this week regarding the Barony of Jantalar. No one can say for certain what it will be about, but it is suggested that it involves the House of Hochstib.

An Inquisition continued by Imperial Decree

News of the Empire - 5/22/2007

On the evening of Volnes, a pair of imperial inquisitors arrived in Solhaven, and journeyed to the bridge that made history. Baron's Bridge, the location of the assassination of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles, was under intense scrutiny, and all those who gathered around the inquisitors began to feel the heat of being questioned.

There are reports that several members of the crowd were detained, dragged off by guards for further questioning, only to be later released. Some of them, however, fell under heavy suspicion and received fines for various transgressions. It is even reported that one individual assaulted both of the inquisitors and found himself under the weight of several fines and jail time.

The inquisitors left several hours after arrival, but made mention of further investigating needing to be done the following day.

Later that evening, a courier from Tamzyrr announced the arrival of an imperial decree:

By imperial decree of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Aurmont Anodheles, Baron Lerep Hochstib of Jantalar is hereby officially pronounced dead as no significant sign of his continued existence has been observed or proof of such provided within the predetermined time set forth by the imperial inquisitors. Therefore, all legal holdings, rights, obligations, etc, are forthwith placed under temporary stead of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Anodheles, until the investiture ceremony of Lady Delphinuria Hochstib, sister to the former Baron, as Baron Hochstib had no heir. At such time, Lady Hochstib shall be henceforth known as Baroness Hochstib of Jantalar, and attain all legal rights to former Baron Hochstib's holdings and possessions.

Further, His Imperial Majesty announces that Lady Hochstib has signed a writ of relinquishment, renouncing Jantalar's claim to the former Barony of Mestanir. Henceforth, the previous borders of the Barony of Mestanir shall be reinstated, and all rights, privileges, and duties of an imperial territory shall be granted to the newly reestablished barony. The investiture ceremony of a new Baron or Baroness is pending an appointee of His Imperial Majesty, which shall be announced within the coming days.

Celebrations Spread Across Turamzzyrian Empire

News of the Empire - 6/1/2007

Celebrations stretched across the Turamzzyrian Empire yesterday with the investiture ceremony of Baroness Delphinuria Hochstib. Upon receiving the baronial coronet, Baroness Hochstib of Jantalar has assumed all rights and legal holdings of her deceased brother, Baron Lerep Hochstib. In her speech to the people of Jantalar, Her Excellency espoused a positive attitude, and announced Jantalar's venture into a new era of imperial excellence and commonality.

In the newly re-established Barony of Mestanir, citizens were overjoyed with the news that His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Aurmont Anodheles, has picked a Baron to lead Mestanir to future prosperity. The investiture ceremony took place in Tamzyrr itself shortly after Emperor Anodheles revealed his appointee, Lord Seurdyn Chydenar.

Seurdyn Moraughton Chydenar was born on the 5th of Eoanatos, 5070 in the South Hendoran city of Waterford. His parents, Tydaen Chydenar and Delinea Moraughton, are still alive and living within his birth city. Seurdyn became interested in the arcane arts in the early years of his life, and was sent to Nydds to attend studies in the Hall of Mages. He aspired to be a member of the Imperial Drakes, and became an apprentice to one of its members for a short period of time. As he reached his adult life, his interest shifted slightly and he joined Chantry College, where he became a close confidant of the future Emperor Anodheles.

After he graduated from Chantry College, Seurdyn left his home barony and moved to the city of Mestanir--then under Jantalarian control. There, Seurdyn became involved with local politics and other organizations. Rumors suggest he became involved with an underground hedgewizard group and led several attacks against the Mandis Crystal, but no proof of this has surfaced. He also met a woman by the name of Sionwryn Nesbithe, a daughter of a prominent hedgewizard family. Shortly after the Jantalarian army was pushed from Mestanir, Sionwryn's exiled family was able to return, and Seurdyn asked her father for her hand in marriage.

Baron Chydenar of Mestanir spoke at his investiture ceremony of a new time for the Mestanir people. And while he understood the past of Mestanir, he stated that in order for it to grow, and be prosperous and unified with the empire, the time of secret spellcasting must come to an end. His Excellency is expected to ease the spellcasting community into the registration of the Hall of Mages, and, with the aide of Lady Sionwryn and her family, he is predicted to be successful.

Other news from Tamzyrr, the Imperial Inquisitors have finally returned home from their venture out into the empire. Their arrival was delayed due to treacherous weather on the main paths. The inquisitors are expected to draft their final report regarding the embattled Baron Malwind of Vornavis and hand it over to the Emperor within a few days.

Controversy Erupts in the Imperial Court

News of the Empire - 6/5/2007

The Imperial Court opened this Tilamaires morning, and everyone in attendance waited in anticipation for what was expected to be the final decree regarding the assassination of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles, and the fate of Baron Malwind of Vornavis.

The usual, and almost mundane, business commenced during the first several hours of open court, but as the morning went on, a messenger was announced as having just arrived--bringing news directly from Vornavis. His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Aurmont Anodheles, bade greeting to the messenger and asked him to come forward to share the news. Almost seeming reluctant, the messenger--whose name was announced as Thorian--stated he did not come alone, nor was it his place to share. A dull whisper rose from those within the court, and the Emperor, calmly though pointedly, asked whose place it was. It was at this time that a figure, enshrouded in a dark cloak, stepped forward and stated that right belonged to him.

The dull whisper turned into a low chatter that raced across the court, and Emperor Anodheles looked slightly annoyed and raised his hand. The chatter in the room ceased immediately, and Emperor Anodheles asked for the figure's name. In a deft-movement, the figure unclasped his cloak and removed it, revealing it to be none other than The Honorable Salnim Malwind! Someone let out a loud gasp, clearly heard by everyone in the room, and Emperor Anodheles stood from the sun throne, along with everyone else--including all of the imperial inquisitors--that were gathered nearby.

Taking Thorian's messanger bag in his hand, and talking in a clear voice, The Honorable Salnim Malwind spoke to the court, "Your Imperial Majesty," he paused long enough to bow, "Today I bring to you a great gift from which you can bestow justice to the people of the Turamzzyrian Empire, and especially to the citizens of Vornavis. It is in this simple bag that I hold the answer to the question that so many have found themselves at odds on this past month."

Again, the room broke out in a loud chatter that quickly came to an end as Emperor Anodheles raised his hand. Lord Malwind continued, "The night the baronial castle of Vornavis was set aflame, I escaped with the aide of my father's personal guard Captain, Gurbah, and have remained hidden until recently. It was that night that I learned that something foul was on the winds and that I needed come to my father's aide--because not only did the fire burn simple baronial records, and future knighting appointments, but it also burned records regarding the incidents around the assassination of Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles."

Salnim Malwind didn't wait this time for Emperor Anodheles to quiet the loud chatter, and chose to speak over the voices around him, "Your Imperial Majesty, it is my belief that my father, Baron Malwind of Vornavis, is being framed for the death of the Empress. I have in my possession evidence that will back this, and point clearly to the person who is at the heart of the conspiracy. If it would please Your Imperial Majesty, I would request that you review what I bring alone, and listen to what I have discovered."

The chatter continued unfaltering until the Emperor raised his hand once more, and spoke, "Honorable Malwind, why do you request it be reviewed alone? My inquisitors have been seeking evidence, and if what you state is true, it is them who should review the contents of that bag and add it to their report." But Salnim Malwind simply shook his head and looked towards the floor; his voice was soft at first, but it rose as he went on, "Your Imperial Majesty, I request you review it alone because the evidence will clearly show that the one who was behind the death of the Empress, and the framing of my father, is none other than Inquisitor Usyian Denturei."

The imperial court erupted in a whirl of noise; Inquisitor Usyian quickly pointed at Salnim, shouting, "How DARE you...", but the rest of his statement was lost in the endless cacophony from those attending the court. His Imperial Majesty Emperor Aurmont Anodheles quickly called for silence and attention. It was then that he demanded everyone leave the room, all except for Inquisitor Usyian Denturei and The Honorable Salnim Malwind.

Inquisition of an Inquisitor

News of the Empire - 6/5/2007

Word from the Imperial Court this evening states that His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Aurmont Anodheles, has agreed to review the new evidence brought forward today by The Honorable Salnim Malwind--against the advice of the imperial inquisitors--and would hear out the explanation told by the embattled Baron's son. His Imperial Majesty states that in order for justice to be served honorably, and within the confines of imperial law, all evidence must be exhausted before a ruling should even remotely be considered.

Further, His Imperial Majesty has sent out a written request for former Inquisitor Wurmth Murluth to appear before the Imperial Court this evening, and to offer his services to the Empire once more. Former Inquisitor Wurmth will be expected to question both Salnim Malwind and Inquisitor Usyian Denturei regarding this recent twist in what was considered by court-confidants as an easy inquisition. It should be noted that former Inquisitor Wurmth Murluth came under scrutiny in the last year of his service to the Empire before retirement for what some considered questionable tactics during questioning, but he held an impeccable record throughout all his years of discovering truth and facts.

There are also rumors that the widow of former Imperial Blades guard Terrune Metharnonne' is expected to arrive within Tamzyrr to the Imperial Court later this evening. If this is indeed true, she may also be facing a visit with the former Inquisitor.

The End, or the Beginning?

News of the Empire - 6/12/2007

Word from the Imperial Court today states that former Inquisitor Wurmth Murluth has concluded his week long inquisiton of Inquisitor Usyian Denturei and the Honorable Salnim Malwind, and has returned home. Further, it was announced that His Imperial Majesty, Aurmont Anodheles, will be releasing not one, but several decrees tomorrow evening.

The Honorable Salnim Malwind is currently staying with his father, Baron Dunrith Malwind, within the Imperial Palace, and seems to have handled the inquisiton by the former Inquisitor well. Inquisitor Usyian Denturei is still staying within his dwelling provided to him for being an inquisitor, and is only receiving visitors from the imperial inquisitors or other close confidants of His Imperial Majesty.

Fall of an Inquisitor - Malwind Restored!

News of the Empire - 6/13/2007

You see Baronial Crier Jilaro.
He appears to be a Human from Vornavis.
He appears to be advanced in years and taller than average. He has gold-flecked sea green eyes and fair skin. He has chin length, straight chestnut hair with a red streak running through it. He has an angular face, an aquiline nose and a trimmed goatee.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing an ornate silver-wrapped swan medallion, some layered pale green robes sashed with brilliant white silk, a small leather pouch, and a pair of ankle-wrapped leather sandals.

Jilaro yells, "The first official order shall be announced upon arrival, which is shortly. Do stay nearby for announcement."

A loud voice echoes through the streets, "Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Official Imperial decrees from the Turamzzyrian Empire! Open the gates!" And with that, the Vornavis gates part for but a moment before closing again.

A young boy runs into the market with a rolled up scroll and hands it off to Jilaro.

Jilaro yells, "Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Imperial news from the Turamzzyrian Empire!"

Jilaro yells, "The first of three decrees is as followed..."

Jilaro reads over the scroll carefully.

Jilaro yells, "By order of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Aurmont Anodheles, Inquisitor Usyian Denturei has been arrested and charged with the following counts:"

Jilaro yells, "4 counts treason, 4 counts conspiracy; 2 count high crimes against the empire; 1 count murder of one former imperial guard, Terrune Metharnonne'; 1 count murder of an unnamed co-conspirator; 1 count high murder and assassination of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles."

Jilaro yells, "Inquisitor Usyian Denturei has been stripped of all rights, privileges and holdings of an Imperial Inquisitor, and has had his signet rings and seals broken."

Jilaro yells, "In a brief statement, the Emperor explained that the evidence shown to His Imperial Majesty by the Honorable Salnim Malwind points to Inquisitor Usyian Denturei as the head conspirator and mastermind behind the assassination of Her Imperial Majesty, in a bid to increase the influence of the Chaston's Edict over the empire, and to influence the new Emperor or Empress into removing those not of full-human blood from positions of influence--such as Baron Malwind of Vornavis."

Jilaro yells, "Further, the Inquisitor placed himself in position for nomination for such investitures when one of them became vacant."

Jilaro yells, "Usyian Denturei will be held for judgment at a later date by the Emperor and his former peers, the Imperial Inquisitors. If proven guilty under the weight of the evidence, Usyian will face execution."

Jilaro carefully rolls up the scroll.

Jilaro says, "I will announce the other decrees when they are brought to me."

A young boy runs into the market with a rolled up scroll and hands it off to Jilaro.

Jilaro yells, "Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Imperial news from the Turamzzyrian Empire!"

Jilaro carefully unrolls the scroll in his hand

Jilaro yells, "The second of three decrees is as followed..."

Jilaro reads over the scroll carefully.

Jilaro yells, "By Imperial Decree of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Aurmont Anodheles..."

Jilaro yells, "Baron Malwind of Vornavis is not found suspect in the death of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles as a result of the evdience brought forward by his son, the Honorable Salnim Malwind."

Jilaro yells, "As such, Baron Malwind shall keep all rights, priviledges and holdings as Baron of Vornavis."

Jilaro yells, "Further, His Imperial Majesty is returning control of Vornavis back to Baron Malwind, and thanks the Northern Sentinel, Earl Jovery of North Hendor, for his help and assistance as Overlord of Vornavis when the Empire called."

Jilaro rolls up the scroll, and steps down from the platform.

A young boy runs into the market with a rolled up scroll and hands it off to Jilaro.

Jilaro steps up onto the wooden platform

Jilaro yells, "Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Imperial news from the Turamzzyrian Empire!"

Jilaro carefully unrolls the scroll in his hand.

Jilaro reads over the scroll carefully.

Jilaro yells, "By Imperial Decree of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Aurmont Anodheles..."

Jilaro yells, "The freeport status of the city of Solhaven will renewed, and the imperial blockade of its port will come to an end in the coming weeks."

Jilaro yells, "The Emperor cautions Baron Malwind of Vornavis that in light of the past several years, and in order for the freeport status to succeed, there will need to be changes."

Jilaro yells, "The first of many changes suggested includes a tighter control of Solhaven with baronial guard, and recommends that the Baron of Vornavis create a baronial naval force for inspection and portection of the port."

Jilaro yells, "Further, how much control is returned back to the Mercantyler's Guild would be up to the Baron Malwind, but it is suggested that too be restricted until in the past."

Jilaro yells, "His Imperial Majesty wishes great fortune onto the city of Solhaven, and while being a freeport means increased money for its citizens and the Empire, there must be a level of security, protection, and safety for everyone and everything. It is a hope that as these changes are implemented, the citizens will learn to adapt and prosper for a glorious future."

Jilaro rolls up the scroll and steps down from the platform.

Jilaro put a fine parchment scroll in his leather pouch.

A young boy runs into the market with a rolled up scroll and hands it off to Jilaro.

Jilaro carefully unrolls the scroll in his hand

Jilaro yells, "Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Baronial news from the city of Vornavis!"

Jilaro yells, "Under the final authority of Overlord Earl Jovery of North Hendor..."

Jilaro yells, "A re-investiture ceremony shall take place for Baron Malwind of Vornavis this coming weekend. All citizens will be invited to watch, and celebrate the return of its Baron."

Jilaro yells, "His Overlordship extends great wishes and thanks to the citizens of Vornavis, and states that he will indeed miss it on some level as he returns back to North Hendor."

Jilaro motions to a group of men, who quickly take up the wooden platform and carry it away.

Jilaro says, "Baring anymore unannounced news, I shall take my leave."

Official Press Release

By order of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Aurmont Anodheles, Inquisitor Usyian Denturei has been arrested and charged with the following counts: 4 counts treason, 4 counts conspiracy; 2 count high crimes against the empire; 1 count murder of one former imperial guard, Terrune Metharnonne'; 1 count murder of an unnamed co-conspirator; 1 count high murder and assassination of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles.

Inquisitor Usyian Denturei has been stripped of all rights, privileges and holdings of an Imperial Inquisitor, and has had his signet rings and seals broken.

In a brief statement, the Emperor explained that the evidence shown to His Imperial Majesty by the Honorable Salnim Malwind points to Inquisitor Usyian Denturei as the head conspirator and mastermind behind the assassination of Her Imperial Majesty, in a bid to increase the influence of the Chaston's Edict over the empire, and to influence the new Emperor or Empress into removing those not of full-human blood from positions of influence--such as Baron Malwind of Vornavis. Further, the Inquisitor placed himself in position for nomination for such investitures when one of them became vacant.

Usyian Denturei will be held for judgment at a later date by the Emperor and his former peers, the Imperial Inquisitors. If proven guilty under the weight of the evidence, Usyian will face execution.

The Return of Malwind

By Imperial decree of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Aurmont Anodheles, Baron Malwind of Vornavis is not found suspect in the death of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles as a result of the evdience brought forward by his son, the Honorable Salnim Malwind. As such, Baron Malwind shall keep all rights, priviledges and holdings as Baron of Vornavis.

Further, His Imperial Majesty is returning control of Vornavis back to Baron Malwind, and thanks the Northern Sentinel, Earl Jovery of North Hendor, for his help and assistance as Overlord of Vornavis when the Empire called.

The Freeport of Solhaven

By Imperial Decree of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Aurmont Anodheles, the freeport status of the city of Solhaven will renewed, and the imperial control of its port will come to an end in the coming weeks.

However, the Emperor cautions Baron Malwind of Vornavis that in light of the past several years, and in order for the freeport status to succeed, there will need to be changes. The first of many changes suggested includes a tighter control of Solhaven with baronial guard, and recommends that the Baron of Vornvas create a baronial naval force for inspection and protection of the port. Further, how much control is returned back to the Mercantyler's Guild would be up to the Baron Malwind, but it is suggested that that too be restricted, unlike in the past.

His Imperial Majesty wishes great fortune onto the city of Solhaven, and while being a freeport means increased money for its citizens and the Empire, there must be a level of security, protection, and safety for everyone and everything. It is a hope that as these changes are implemented, the citizens will learn to adapt and prosper for a glorious future.

Reinvestiture of Baron Malwind of Vornavis

Under the final authority of Overlord Earl Jovery of North Hendor, a re-investiture ceremony shall take place for Baron Malwind of Vornavis this coming weekend. All citizens will be invited to watch, and celebrate the return of its Baron.

His Overlordship extends great wishes and thanks to the citizens of Vornavis, and states that he will indeed miss it on some level as he returns back to North Hendor.