Documents of the Cathedral of Precision
Funeral Schedule
19 Ring Day, Cerbancos III 137A State Funeral is to be held for the five Landsknechts who died on 22 Ring Day. Due to their supreme sacrifice, they will all receive a full hero's honours. It will be conducted with closed caskets, and the Knights will be subsequently interred. On each day following the funeral, an individual mass will be held for Sir Patri, Sir Amruk, Sir Bardolf, Sir Meinrad, and Sir Steinhardt. This service will be a private one for the families of the deceased, so that the individual efforts of the knights will not be lost in the honouring of them as a group.
The body of Ruthven will be cremated without ceremony, and the ashes transported beyond Chronotopia's borders so they will not contaminate the soil.
Item #1115 Storage
20 Ring Day, Cerbancos III 137Blood-Drinker, a two handed blade that has a strange organic composition and shape which resembles twisted bone, has been placed in the secure storage of the Cathedral set aside for Bosch perversions. Normally such an item would be destroyed, but it has seen honourable use during the slaying of the Corrupted Lord Ruthven, and there may be another future need. Until the time that it is required, the blade will remain in the holding crypt, surrounded by timepieces. The clocks are intended to balance its magical nature, and a quantometer will also be present to warn if the strength of the weapon does increase.
Summaries of Criminal Investigations and Resulting Punishment
File: Sir Hehner Silberglascht
14 Ring Day, Cerbancos III 137The investigation against Sir Hehner Silberglascht would not have proceeded so quickly to resolution without the full cooperation he provided. Several of the matters he was involved in were sufficiently obscure, and in such a fine legal gray area, that his true motives would have been difficult to determine in the absence of his consent. Intentions however, are only side considerations to the judgment on Sir Hehner's actions.
His actions were the removal of a prisoner from the Gaol, and attempting to present a false heir to the Parliament. As a Landsknecht, Sir Hehner is permitted to have prisoners remanded into his custody. Additionally, while the legal authorities were not fully informed of his actions, there was sufficient cover-up being undertaken by other lords that the knight's involvement can be excused; Sir Hehner had informed members of the Parliament of his possession of Mage Talia, and is guilty of not aggressively promulgating this information, instead of actively concealing it. His substitution of a false heir was in part inspired by his promise to produce the real one by a date, that he was unable to achieve. The corollary is that as he was unable to produce the real heir due to actions by other individuals, he was also unsuccessful in substituting the actor due to the interception by a Bosch doppleganger.
This is where the confession of Sir Hehner sheds light on the events he was participant to. Sir Steinhardt's death has impacted heavily on his conscience, and he didn't wish the knight's death to be a convenient shield to hide behind. Sir Hehner was aware of the existence of a heir, and decided to position himself conveniently should the heir be elected, and a mentor required. While there is no guarantee he would be selected as such, his safekeeping of Talia, and proximity to her son would have placed him in a good light. Additionally, while his idea to use an actor was prompted because he was unable to produce the real heir, he would have been willing to continue with the farce, if the committees were unable to uncover the substitution.
Sir Hehner is then guilty of attempting to deceive the Parliament, and failing to distance himself from politics according to his vow as a Landsknecht. In light of his confession, exemplary service record, experience, and participation in revealing a greater conspiracy, his sentence is light. Instead of being banished to Bosch, he will be reassigned to one of the Auchslander Keeps where his organizational skills, and interest in politics, will better serve Chronotopia by confounding her enemies.
File: Jonas McAlister
4 Ring Day, Cerbancos III 137Jonas McAlister of Black Watch, and Exile, was investigated for the following crimes: Failure to obey the duties of his commission; Gross disrespect to members of the nobility; Terrorist acts, through kidnapping, Impersonating an officer of the law, and misuse of Landsknecht property; Fleeing from lawful agents of the law and resisting arrest; violation of the Underground Passenger Carriage safety guidelines; and petty vandalism of Ventilation shaft NWW34.
Several of these crimes were committed as a direct result of interaction with the Bosch-Influenced Ruthven. However, as there was no evidence of his corruption at the time, and Jonas McAlister's suspicions were roused simply due to 'exile intuition', there is the good possibility that he would have behaved in a similar manner towards a legitimate official issuing those orders. Several eye witness accounts of condescending statements and rough man-handling of the various lords present after Ruthven's slaying further supports this view. Additionally, McAlister's terrorist activities were initiated after Ruthven's departure, and so any temporary influence from the presence of a Bosch creature can be discounted. McAlister therefore willfully kidnapped the Healer Buran, threatened her life to resist arrest, and then evaded pursuing officials through the streets of Blitzheim in a vehicle he was no longer authorized to use. His Subsequent attempts to evade capture resulted in the endangerment of passengers, and vandalism of the Underground Passenger Carriage System.
Jonas McAlister has therefore been found guilty of all accused crimes, though several sentences have been mitigated due to the surrounding circumstances. The total jail terms, served consecutively, come to 32 years.
This sentence is suspended, due to the appeal of Sir Gergesene St. Germain, and the present treaty with Rephidim Sky Island covering the treatment of unprocessed Exiles. Jonas McAlister will therefore be imprisoned until the next available Airship, at which point his custody will be transferred, and he will be conveyed to his Processing. A full detail of his crimes will accompany him, to ensure the Temple is properly prepared. Once his processing is complete, McAlister is free to return to Chronotopia; the assumption is that he will be better adapted to life on Sinai, and his sentence will remain suspended with the understanding that it will be reinstated and added to any additional crimes he may commit on Chronotopian territory.
File: Baron Phelan
1 Reckoning, Cerbancos III 137Investigation of Baron Phelan was pursued due to his peripheral involvement with the cover-up of the Kaizer's son. While his actions were suspicious, they were all found to be in response to moves by Ruthven. Evidence of this has been confirmed through memos from his observers at the houses of Parliament, that indicate he was informed of that individual's actions. Also, he is only indirectly responsible for one of his guards acting against his orders, and murdering a civilian. No criminal involvement greater than this could be established with the Baron.
It must also be taken into account that Baron Phelan did not hesitate to bring the perpetrator of the murder to justice as soon as he was informed, and paid for the medical treatment of the individuals harmed by his orders. It should also be noted that the Baron was entirely absent from the legislature and Einheimische Keep #1 on the day Ruthven was exposed. This strongly suggests he was not cognizant of the Lord's corruption, or his plans. A full and intrusive examination of Baron Phelan's estate confirmed no presence of any Boschian devices or influences. Therefore it is concluded that his methods, while not of a particularly open nature, were in accordance with Chronotopian guidelines of conduct between competing nobility, and that the Baron is, and always has been, a loyal Chronotopian citizen.
His resulting fines for misconduct should total no more than one month's operating budget of the Emergency Response Services of Blitzheim.
File: The Bosch Agent that was Lord Ruthven
Reckoning 9, Cerbancos III 137A complete investigation was conducted on everyone in contact with Lord Ruthven to determine the extent of his influence. It was discovered that his statement that his corruption was a recent occurrence was false. Sir Gergesene is not responsible in any way for the former Lord's condition.
Ruthven's estate showed heavy evidence of a long association with Bosch. Additionally, the Palace occupied by Ruthven upon the Kaizer's death also evidences ritual sites of an unknown magical nature. Several residents there report strange dreams, and a confused sense of time, both of these have since vanished. Ruthven's personal servants exhibit a more extreme version of this, akin to a waking trance, where they are unable to distinguish between the unusual and the normal. The news that their former master was a Bosch Agent, and slain, provoked no reaction from them; since his death, they are starting to escape this conditioning.
The full amount of Ruthven's crimes are unable to be determined, as much of the information died with him. However it has been established that he was very deeply involved with Bosch, and the agents in collusion with him have been found and executed. His property has been turned over to the state, and his status as a lord revoked. This will prevent problems if an unknown heir of his is identified.
Records of the Celestial Order
Patient Record: Mage Talia
Harvest Tide 20, Cerbancos III 137Mage Talia has almost fully recovered from the wounds, and from the mysterious ailment that was sapping her strength. Her primary caregiver was the Healer Buran, who it should be noted, was skilled enough to recognize critical internal injuries during a subsequent examination once the patient had been relocated to the Palace Infirmary. A novice might have missed the signs, and assumed that once the external injuries were stabilized, the patient was safe.
The patient is a healer herself, and so has caused the usual problems that medical personnel do when they are on the receiving end of their profession. She has however, abided by the treatment which required no unnatural healing be involved. This prescription has helped, and as her mysterious malaise seems to be magically induced, it has prevented any of her rituals from inadvertently extending it. Her condition has improved to the point where she has been released, and will only require a weekly visit for the next month.
Patient record: Sir Vandenberg
15 Landing, Cerbancos III 137Sir Vandenberg was the most badly wounded of the surviving Landsknechts who faced the Bosch Instrument that was Lord Ruthven. His treatment required magical assistance, as no normal therapy could restore his arm to a usable condition.
The details of the wound are as follows: Severe burns resulting in the destruction of most of the pelt, dermal, and sub-dermal layers. Burns on the muscle tissue resulting in total loss of mobility to the limb, and exposure of bone in multiple sections. Temperature was sufficient to cause contamination of the wounds by the covering armour and clothing, which was totally consumed.
Therapy involved repeated application of pain reduction poultices and ingested formulas, followed by multiple magical rituals in accordance with the Celestial Order's precepts, designed to regenerate tissue. The procedure was successful, the patient presently in remission and adhering to a program of exercise designed to increase coordination and strengthen his new arm. Details of these specific procedures follow…
Healer Record: Buran
12 Landing, Cerbancos III 137Technopriest Buran of Rephidim Sky Island has successfully completed her internship, and has been indoctrinated into the Celestial Order. Throughout her training she has demonstrated exceptional concern for her patient's condition, and an excellent bedside manner. She has been educated in the techniques of a generalist healer, and the principles of Golden Hour response. The accompanying certificate authorizes her as a supporting nurse in a controlled hospital environment, and as an emergency field physician.
The following document summarizes Healer Buran's caseload while in Chronotopia, and the results of her treatment. Additional appendices are included which cover her involvement with the Landsknechts regarding the succession problems. That section is cross referenced to other relevant documents which include the details of her actions, and those whom she associated with.
Excerpts from The Hanserd of Chronotopia
Transcript of Brother Gergesene's address to Parliament
Harvest Tide 5, Cerbancos III 137Lords and Ladies, friends and interested parties, I am honored to speak before you all. I pray that you will forgive my small mistakes, as I am a simple Korv unused to the ways of high diplomacy and speeches. May the Star illuminate my words with a touch of its grace.
Indeed, there is much for which to ask forgiveness. I realize now my many mistakes, and I can only say in my defense that I have always strived to do what is best for Chronotopia, and for my true companions, all gears of the Grand Machine. I was taken in by the deceptions of Bosch, and only through Sir Steinhardt's brave sacrifice did I – did we all realize the truth, that Lord Ruthven was truly a pawn of Bosch. It is a great temptation to wonder, if I had realized earlier, whether many lives might have then been saved. But I know that I can only live with my mistakes and go on trying to do my best, as do we all, milords.
So then – where should I begin? I could start with the funeral for the Kaizer, when Lord Ruthven's words moved me to believe that Bosch had begun a new campaign against fair Chronotopia. I was right, as it turned out – but in a way I hadn't dreamed of, when at that moment I pledged my swords to a crusade against that land. And yet, my fight would never leave our borders.
I think that the tale truly begins when, advised by Mage Talia, I and my companions, Sir Rainscroft and Brother Salvatori, may his name be forever inscribed into the Manifest, went to the College of Practical Mechanisms to seek out a young boy named Jael… Our mission was not then to bring him forth so that he might be accounted as a candidate by Parliament, but to protect him from those who would, and those who would believe him a threat to their own candicacy.
And as it turns out, we did indeed run into parties of both sides, palace guards sent to fetch Jael, and what appeared to be assassins trying to stop this process. I wish at this point to credit Guardsman Shem, who respected the authority of the Landsknechts and the moral wrongness of abducting a fawn against his own will. As it turns out, the guardsmen had been ordered by Ruthven to seize the boy, and the supposed assassins, Baron Phelan's men trying to prevent Jael from being abducted, though they went about their orders overenthusiastically. Sadly, Brother Salvatori fell to Phelan's men's bolts.
At this point, Brother Gergesene made the sign of the Star and bowed his head in brief remembrance.
Jael held up well through this trial, though untried, and willingly aided us as we then went about our second part of our mission, that of hiding him until we had determined the correct moral and legal path to take. We did not know at the time whether Chronotopia's enemies believed it better that Jael be known, or that he be hidden, and so we hid him ourselves from both sides – as a squire, Devon, to Sir Rainscroft. Perhaps the Star guided us to this choice, for he took very well to this training, both physically exercising to grow strong, and mentally educating himself with our histories and accounts of battles.
We continued to search for evidence, and through a succession of events, beginning with the discovery that Mage Talia had been moved to Einheimische Keep #1, then with the attempted assassination of a Khatta upon Lord Ruthven with what has now been identified as Sir Tihbs's blade, and finally with the movement of a carriage with Talia, a false Jael, and a Boschian doppleganger – yes, a true simulacra of Sir Steinhardt, perhaps a foreshadowing of his later death that day – believed that we had gained enough information to condemn Sir Silberglascht. At this point, I had been warned against Lord Ruthven by Mage Talia and Baron Phelan… And still I did not believe. It was arrogant of me, I believe, and only the Star's mercy ensured that I was yet doubtful enough to keep looking for the true agency behind this twisted plot.
It was only in the rapid sequence of events immediately thereafter, with the challenge that Sir Silberglascht issued against myself, and which Lord Ruthven then took for himself, that we learned the truth, for in that fateful hour, Sir Steinhardt then championed Hehner… And struck the blow that revealed the Boschian monstrosity that laid in Ruthven's heart. Words cannot describe that thing, nor shall I attempt to do so, for it has haunted my nightmares enough that I should not wish to inflict the fate upon any of you all. It was unnatural, and nothing availed against Ruthven, not my steel, nor the weapons of any of our companions, nor flame nor holy oil – nothing save for the Boschian blade that Jonas had brought with him from that land, which we know now to be a drinker of blood. While Kensington, my cousin, provided a vital distraction and defense, I struck that fateful blow… And thus it was that Lord Ruthven was truly slain, not in Bosch but in the halls of Einheimische Keep.
But that moment also led me to realize, milords, miladies, that where I had naively believed Boschian powers to be as an army encamped outside of Chronotopia, defeated with simple steel, it was within Chronotopia where we must devote our care, and within Chronotopia where we must first purify ourselves, and arm ourselves to be a shining nation under the light of the Star, before we can then turn to other lands. What avails it to us if in conquering Bosch, we become like it, hateful and deceptive and afraid to reveal the truth lest it be used against us?
Many changes took place in these events, my friends. From the shining-eyed Landsknecht I was, I have taken holy orders, so that I may defend not only the physical substance of our fair land, but also the spiritual one. Lord Ruthven was exposed for the true corruption in his soul and body.
And I believe, Jael has gone from an unworldly, bookish student whom, I judged at the time would have been a disaster or a pawn to be pushed about by a manipulative regent, to an honorable young Cervani bound for a great destiny. He has been well educated; indeed, he has a Mage for a mother, and though we are bred to distrust magic, I think now that it is an art that we should be aware of, so that we may be better able to counter it when used against us. In short, whether as a Landsknecht or as a statesman, Jael has much potential.
Lords and Ladies, politics are not my sky. I do not speak with the voice of the Church, nor with the voice of the Landsknechts; I can speak only for myself, and with the wisdom that I have painfully gathered from these past experiences. But I ask you to not dismiss Jael from consideration merely because of his age. With training and able hands to show him the way, he may yet become the leader who can tune the land of Chronotopia into the fine Grand Machine that the Star would show us.
Thank you all for listening, and may the Star light your way, my friends.
Gergesene signs the Star again and bows his head, then walks off stage
Transcript of Kensington's Address to Parliament
Harvest Tide 6, Cerbancos III 137[Gestures of this unique speaker to the house have been included in an italicized form.]
Kensington strides through the doors of the ancient Parliament building, toward the podium. He's dressed (probably at someone else's insistance) in a black tailcoat and white shirt with frilled cuffs, and crushed white zolk spilling down from his collar, garb appropriate to the place he sets foot in. He looks too resolved to look uncomfortable. A few sheets of parchment with hastily scribbled notes is clutched firmly in one wing-claw. The corsair takes his place at the speaking stand, smooths out his notes, and coughs a few times.
Ahem…
P'raps I 'aven't been around fer a while, an' as sure as Procession wheels o'er air-hands 'eads, I 'aven't set claw in Bosch. No cap'n with 'is wits intact can be paid enough to. Still, in these past days, I seen enough t'know that th' wound in Chronotopia be closer t' the heart than ye thought before.
The Korv clears his throat again, surveying his audience as if looking over the heads of a crowd of deck-hands.
As ye may well know, one o' the blokes runnin' fer Kaiser don't be runnin' no more. One o' yer very own high-born rack-heads bore corruption in 'is chest like some plague wit' a mind of it's own. Ruthven o' Chronotopia returned from Bosch, aye, but 'e returned changed. I seen a lot o' things in the sky 'afore… islands made o' flyin' plants, lightnin' that touches a crewman an' does naught more'n frizz 'is fur, gigantic beasts that roam th' clouds an' devour airships. None o' that prepared me fer a beast of Bosch. Evil so real, so solid, that ye could cut it with yer blade, and yet 'twouldn't die. 'Twere a miracle it got dealt with finally. This be why ye need yer new Kaizer as soon as possible, an' this fight showed where that Kaizer should come from.
One wing makes a wide sweeping gesture. The Landsknechts. 'Twere they what purged the cancer Ruthven became. A wall o' devoted men, encased in armour, that stands 'gainst th' dread tide that be Bosch. They've 'ad their troubles, but without them, Bosch woulda stormed o'er Chronotopia like a swarm o' vermites on ships stores. Within their circle be the Kaizer's son. In the safest place Chronotopia could 'ave fer 'im, Jael were raised wit' the spirit o' these knights. By the crosswinds, none I've met are stouter, more capable o' fightin' fist to claw, sword t' sorcery with this menace. Safe from the corruption o' Bosch, bearin' the Kaizer's own blood, an' guided by the mightiest and purest of Chronotopia, Jael ain't just the best choice to be Chronotopia's future.
*Snap!* The noise of Kensington's wing abruptly returning to his side is followed by a brief silence. Kensington's gravelly rasp is all the louder for it. He be the only choice.
With his head held high, the corsair turns from side to side to look at the collected members of parliament, then nods. "That be all I got t'say." He turns and stalks away, already tugging at the itchy coat, and muttering to himself, Bah, croakin' all that rot dried me throat out. East and West-wind, I gotta get outta here, or I'll start soundin' e'en more like Gerry.
Black tailfeathers disappear out the door to Parliament.
I need a drink.
Clipping from the Blitzheim Gazette
Election Results
17 Landing, Cerbancos III 137Parliament has finished deliberating, and both houses have finally had the majority results necessary to select the successor to the throne. The House of Commons' votes were 83% in favour of Jael Pitavl, championed by the Landsknechts, and seen as a local boy with a break among the populace; The House of Lords' votes were less, with only a 67% support for him.
Jael, directly related to Kaizer Heinrich, but not a legal heir due to extenuating circumstances, is now able to rightfully assume the throne of his father. Due to his young age, and on the recommendation of Brother Gergesene, Baron Phelan and Lord Steinhardt have been appointed his advisors. They will serve in that capacity until Kaizer Jael reaches adulthood. Order has now been restored to Chronotopia, and the coronation celebrations will commence on Landing 4, to welcome our new leader.
Quarterly Reports from the Auchslander Keeps
Auchslander Keep #5
8 Landing, Cerbancos III 137The replacement knights have been adapting well to the conditions of this watch. The high levels of activity during the spring and summer months have declined during the fall to historical levels. The few Bosch Monstrosities that have escaped have been dealt with. A list of necessary supplies follows, along with a request for an additional LuftRitter for scouting purposes.
Sir Fadyr Rainscroft, and Feskh Chocke were guests for four days. Keep #5 was their last Chronotopian contact. They will continue on from here into Bosch, as their sentences indicate. The Knight and soldier were advised of the likely dangers they would face, and the procedures which would assist them in resisting the wild magic inside the mountain ranges. They were also provided with directions to the Sanctuary of Order. The official date of their entry into Bosch is 13 Landing, Cerbancos III 137; the duration of their exile should be measured from that day.
Auchslander Keep #8
6 Landing, Cerbancos III 137The lull of activity reported in the Titanian region is over. Aerial scouts and ground forays have confirmed this. While there was a brief period of heavy conflict early in the year, there was a significant period of security where no Titanian Contraptions were sighted, and no ground assaults were made on the Keep. Recently however, many of these devices have been moving. The lack of any subsequent engagement of forces implies that some unity has been established amongst the local tribes. It remains to be seen if they turn their attention towards Chronotopia, Bosch, or inwards to the more centralized Titanian Holdings.
In anticipation of future problems, I request a wing of LuftRitteren, and a hand of Landsknechts to join with the present allocation, along with the following supplies:…
