GM Ronin - The Shadows of Aris

[Acheron - The Keeper of Truth]

"The city of Ren has always dotted the landscape majestically, with its crystalline towers smiling upon many of the less-civilized kingdoms. From the Age of Tyranny to the Reign of the Paladin King to the present day, Ren has always stood as a beacon of light against the coming dark. Now it is the Era of Arcanum, with the Imperium leading Ren into an age of industry never before seen amongst the world of Aris. Under the Imperium, Ren continues to thrive, proving itself yet again to the realms."

"But a darkness has fallen over the world once again. An alliance of thieves, scoundrels, and rogue spellcasters has risen from the shadows to oppose the peace wrought by Imperial rule. Through intimidation, subterfuge, and political assassination, this alliance has developed into more than a simple nuisance, sowing seeds of rebellion in the smaller cities. Small pockets of resistance are even starting to crop up in the larger cities - Ren included."

"Amidst this dissidence, adventurers from all corners of Aris have come to Ren, summoned by the newly-appointed Chancellor of Justice, Aranor Baal. I have been summoned to these proceedings myself, charged with the record-keeping of their exploits and guiding them on their way. As Ren's foremost expert on all manner of legend and lore, I, Acheron Halcyon, consider this a request impossible for any bard in my position to refuse."

CHAPTER ONE: A KINGDOM IN NEED
The Stairs of Council, a large staircase with exactly 1000 stairs leading up into the Grand Hall of the Arisan High Council, were an imposing sight to everyone that stood in front of them. The building itself rivaled in magnificence even that of the Imperial Palace. From the outside, its ivory walls, embedded with star tears, miniature crystals that shiny only at night, reflect the Soleil's warmth down onto those who marvel at its beauty. When dusk approaches, however, and the Heart of Natal rises, the star tears ignite, bathing the Grand Hall in an eerie yet breathtaking glow.

The sound of footfalls - distinctive of boots to stone - signal the ascent of heroes into the Grand Hall. The smell of blood, bile, ichor, and sulfur fill the Grand Hall for only the second time in history - the first being the War of the Gates when heroes, like those gathering within the Council House, were called to war for the first time under a unified Arisan banner. Armored boots clank against stone and robes sway to and fro as heroes walk fervently forward, entering the Hall of Councillors where gargantuan statues of Ren's past councillors stand, carved in rememberance of a history long forgotten by most outside these walls, directing those wandering its halls towards the Grand Council Chamber.

The entrance to this chamber is guarded by a massive door of gold and platinum - a door large enough to allow the passage of dragons and which at one point had. A hospitalier greets heroes as they enter, dictating to each that Chancellor Baal will take the stand soon. Around the room, armed guards of Ren patrol, keeping the peace amongst the varied adventurers present. No weapons ordances are in effect now as would be on most normal days. Emerging into the Grand Chamber, the first thing of notice is the black marble floor - sheened to such an extent that it mimics as a mirror, reflecting the identities of those who now grace its presence. Looking around, the chamber walls are decorated with tapestries depicting the history of Ren. These walls give way at various intervals to reveal alcoves where the Altheiri, master archers loyal to the Imperium, stand guard over the proceedings below, bowstrings at the ready and arrows nocked. At the far side of the chamber, five oversized thrones rest comfortably, signifying the seats of the five High Chancellors - the Chancellor of Justice included - who make the decisions that are for the good of Ren and its people.

Those heroes gathered take the time remaining before the Chancellor's speech to survey their surroundings and mingle with each other - sharing tales of epic derring-do and comparing battle scars both old and new.