Breakfast in Rosengrad
Jarik & King Archibald – cy 4822 Mar 11th
The ageing monarch sits comfortably at the breakfast table in the company of Jarik, The Dragonmaster (at least that is what Archibald’s chamberlain heralded him in with). A polite man in private he listens as the younger man recounts the battle in which Azael died, and then goes on inform Jarik of the relationship between the royal house of Rosen and the vampires that live within his citadel.
"There have always been vampires in Rosen; like a lucky talisman or an old statue that signifies the nature of a place. The relationship is not always one-way either – they serve a vital function here. Indeed as a king I have less crime and vagrancy here than any other city in Grayhawk.
"It started a thousand years ago. My ancestors knew there were several influential vampiric families in the citadel – their fractious nature meant that there was always trouble. Rosengrad is a stark city, stone walls and built for defence, but at night it comes to life in a way you would not believe. My forefathers, the old Rosen kings, bargained with the various factions to gain control of the crown. The vampiric houses were strong, and their politics were savage. Over the years the pact between royal line and vampiric one has wavered, it’s importance now merely a protocol that we observe out of nostalgia more than anything else.
"In truth if I wanted to I could wipe them out – the time has long passed where a Rosen king needed the favour of a vampire to reach the crown. But a good king does not easily dispose of a resource that is so clever and powerful. I have a good working relationship with the three main houses – their co-operation has made my citadel one of the safest (and paradoxically one of the most dangerous). In these times of demonic tidal waves it is good to have a force without souls.
You speak with the wisdom of many generations, as no doubt do they. And it was because of your family’s relationship with these vampires that brings me here today. I agree totally that this is a good time have soulless friends. To be frank I came here to ask if I might watch events on Rosengrad to establish the effectiveness of a vampiric defence. If it is not too bold I would be interested in how you are deploying them without this my analysis would deeply flawed.
"Regularly we meet; a formal dinner at the palace – a kind of vampire ball if you like. Some of the more stupid nobles actually believe it is just a fancy dress – hah – if they were only smart enough! Next time come along, Jarik, I will send you an invitation if the events of the world are not too pressing. You will find it most interesting.
Indeed I will, and I accept your invitation immediately for the next dinner. I hope that it is soon. One possible course action – if vampiric city defence is proven to work – would be actively encourage an enlargement of these families and the number of cities where they have influence. It is very possible that your city might prove to be a blue print for the future of urban defence. Think of the irony, one of man’s oldest enemies may become his newest ally.
"The demonic problem is one that will probably dominate all our thinking for the next few years. I take it you have been to Sarrik? Did he counsel opening the gate I wonder? I’m sure that line of discussion was put forward but even that is a tricky prospect – open the gate and ten thousand more may flood through. Go after them and you could be hunting the more persistent ones for centuries. Azael has left us a cruel legacy.
Jarik’s council is the same as mine – plug the hole for the time being until the implications of other courses of action are better understood. My suspicion is that we will discover a very important reason why Grayhawk is thus attached to the abyss. Dragons and the Glaennyn – who are very sensitive to demonic prescences – presently, police the gate. However that must be a temporary arrangement, perhaps the two faiths might be employed in this role eventually.
"In a way we can only hope that a figurehead emerges, a leader so powerful that he can unify them into a force – a force we can easily identify and combat. I suspect though that the demons will be as diverse as the many planes in which they inhabit. I have naturally put my demonologists on the case but they are an unreliable bunch at best, they are already in bitter disagreement about the best course of action.
The same steps are being undertaken in Gran Bretton and I guess every major city of Grayhawk in is undertaking similar research. But some will be considering how best to employ them rather than be rid of them. I suspect, no, I know that the Queen of Elenoria is in the process of manufacturing a war – be on your guard – and she might just turn that way.
"One bonus is the power of the Glaennyn, and that staff that keeps them in check, I can feel it vibrate the very stone of my palace! If I was a younger man, Jarik, I might be tempted to wrestle it from you but then the wisdom of my advancing years tells me that I wouldn’t stand a chance against Azael’s slayer. But you might wish to heed a warning my young friend, for there are those in this world that covet; and greed and jealousy may well be your greatest enemies at present. You will naturally harvest the friendship of kings and great sorcerers and amongst them will be the petty individuals I have mentioned. It would be crass of me to offer you protection – though a squadron of my palace guard are at your disposal should you wish it – but you must take heed of my advice. In the shadows there are greater threats than demons.
This is my major concern I need to plan for my death whether natural or violent. If the staff were to fall into the hands of a tyrant or psychopath then Grayhawk would have a problem.
"Your predecessor, Shadazaar I believe he was called, has followers in my citadel. They call themselves Children of the Dragon – many call them raving lunatics but in light of recent events their order is gaining a certain credence. I’ve had my spies keep an eye on them and they seem relatively harmless – I’ll let you see the reports if you like – but there is something of note to come from it. Amongst their number is a child, or at least that’s what she looks like. This young girl has been around for nearly forty years – never ageing, an innocent amid the other cultists – she rarely speaks and when she does it’s usually to ask for food.
"The obvious answer is that she is a vampire, but I’m assured she isn’t, for even vampire children can grow old. Her name is Chysu – it is perhaps time for the Dragonmaster to meet his children…"
I have met Shadazaar’s spirit, he was pleased that the staff had come to me. I agree that I should meet this girl – why don’t you invite her to your next dinner as well. My thanks for the offer a squadron of guards – I accept – let them know that one day soon they will begin their training – and a squadron the likes Grayhawk has not seen for years will take to the air!