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Region: The Fallout Wasteland

LodgedFromMessages
The Knights of Polaris of Ardentus

The Second Schism. Original Sin

Yew

The leaves crunched under hoof as the group walked through the woods. Unlike other the Outlands, the trees here were not gnarled and tainted by radiation, but tall pine trees that reached into the sky.
“You should see this place in the spring,” Dawn remarked as Silverhawk and Isaac looked up at the trees.
“I did,” Isaac responded. “My dad and I stayed here back when we first fled the Scorch. I had something of a bond with his daughter.”
“OHhhhhhh..” Sliverhawk leaned over towards Isaac. “Did you now?” Isaac scowled and shoved Silverhawk back, nearly off his horse.
“We were friends, nothing more.” A shadow passed overhead, so fast they would have missed it if it wasn’t for the sheer force of the wind that shook the trees and nearly knocked them off their horses. Dawn looked up.
“They know we’re here.”
“How would they…” Silverhawk stopped as he and the others looked up, mouth agape at the sight before them. A massive bird, dark brown with razor sharp talons the size of swords and clad in armor, a golden sigil emblazoned on it’s chestplate of a cross whose sides turned into horns.
“Halt,” a voice said as the bird lowered onto the path, bowing it’s head forward to reveal a knight in black armor with a green cloak holding a set of reins. “You have entered the diocese of Yew. Identify yourselves.”
“I am Lady Dawn, Archbishop of Western Oregon. I am here to speak with the Bishop Rose.” The knight paused, then nodded.
“Very well. Continue on, she will be waiting for your arrival once you arrive.” The knight snapped the reins and with a flap of it’s massive wings, the bird took to the skies again.
“That….” Silverhawk gaped, “was impressive. Can’t believe I forgot about those things.” The group rode onward towards the settlement, finally exiting the dense forest and seeing it. Trees towered over decrepit and ancient buildings, and at the center of it all stood a great tree across a river. Above it all were dozens of the massive birds, some sitting in the branches of the tree, others flying around in groups. The group rode onward towards the tree itself, and the cluster of ancient buildings around it. As they rode, they passed trees and houses, actual houses built after the war from scavenged concrete and wood. They crossed the river, passing a pair of knights on either side. They reached a wall around the tree, a pair of wooden doors opened to let them enter. They dismounted, and carried on into the compound that surrounded the tree, ancient brick buildings and massive birds seeming to be guests in the area rather then the central focus. A knight came forward, bowing his head and directing them to follow him. They walked, passing flower beds and trees that had yet to bloom, people tending to them until they came upon a woman with short red hair in a green cape emblazoned with the same cross and horns pattern they had seen on the bird’s armor.
“Bishop Rose,” Dawn began, “I…”
“The knight you met on the trail informed me of your arrival.” Rose said, her voice cold and distant. She turned around, revealing smooth features and green eyes.
“Rose,” Isaac said, his voice trembling, “it….it’s good to see you again.” Rose looked over to Isaac, giving off a small smile as she did.
“Isaac. It’s been a while.” Silverhawk nodded his head and rubbed his chin in thought, drawing Rose’s attention.
“And who might you be?” Silverhawk stood at attention.
“Silverhawk. My name is Silverhawk. I’m from the White City.” Rose raised an eyebrow.
“I remember you now. Your name used to be Micheal,”
“Yeah…long story. Short version is their under a lot of pressure and about to fall.”
“And Cain is dead,” Dawn added. “His son has taken over and is determined to wipe us out.” Rose looked out at the flower beds.
“Isaac,” she said, “walk with me.” The group looked at Isaac, an expression of shock on his face.
“O….ok.” Isaac shrugged and followed her, quickly catching up before the two carried on at a steady pace.
“You remember my father?” Isaac nodded. “He taught me to be restrained, to never let anyone know how you feel. You know what my petitioners call me? The Thorn Knight. At least my father’s training paid off.” She sighed, letting her emotionless mask slip. “More then that he explained to me why he wanted me to continue Yew’s policy of neutrality. I’m sorry Isaac, but I doubt Dawn and Silverhawk will be able to shake me from that.”
“So….” Isaac was slightly confused, “why did your father want you to maintain Yew’s neutrality, even at the risk of falling to Cain?” Rose sighed
“Because of the great tree,” she raised her hand towards it, it’s bare branches blotting out the sun in places. “The tree is the heart of Yew, and a symbol of life. During the war Cain marched on the city, determined to burn the tree.”
“I remember.”
“Then you’ll remember after the Schism ended, my father dedicated himself to protecting life, taking in refugees from the south. He swore off violence of any kind and made me do the same.”
“Why me?” Rose turned.
“What?”
“Why did you ask me to come with you?”
“Because you know what it’s like to want to fulfill your father’s wishes but also feel trapped by it.” Rose sighed. “My father did not want Yew to become the heart of a new conflict. I have an obligation to honor that wish, but I cannot stand by and risk the South undoing all his work. I don’t know what to do.” She lowered her head, and Isaac stepped in front of her, taking her hands in his.
“I struggled with my father’s legacy for a long time. I wanted to honor his wishes, and still do, but I also know now that I can’t let that dictate my life. I have to live on my own terms instead of his. How’s that for what to do?” Dawn looked into Isaac’s eyes.
“That…. That helped more then you could ever know Isaac. Thank you.” She leaned in, embracing Isaac in a surprise hug. After a moment of indecision, he returned it. After a minute, they parted and walked back to the rest of the group.
“Well,” Dawn asked, “have you made your decision?”
“Yes. Archbishop Dawn, Yew shall stand by your side.” Dawn sighed with relief and shook Rose’s hand.
‘Thank you. I promise you will not regret this decision. You should know there is to be a war council in Salem in two days. I hope you’ll be there.”
“I look forward to it.” Dawn turned to leave, Sarah following her and Isaac moving to catch up, but Rose caught his arm.
“Before you go, I want you to have this.” She put a small rectangular object in his hand.
“It’s a flip lighter. I know it’s not much but I thought it would remind you of home.” Isaac held the lighter for a moment before putting it into a pouch.
“Thank you Rose. This…means a lot.” She turned away, and Isaac did the same after a moment, moving to catch up with the rest of the group.
“Sooooo,” Silverhawk said, “how did it go?”
“Shut up,” Isaac glared. Silverhawk raised his hands.
“Yeesh. Alright, keep your secrets.” As the walked out of the city, Isaac couldn’t help but look back, turning the lighter over in his hands.

Eugene annexed
3,000 people gained
500 Thunderbirds (giant birds that can be ridden) gained
1,000 suits of metal armor gained
1,000 1903 Springfield snipers gained

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