Wondrous Item

Rare

The Herald's Radiant White Quill is a large writing quill, fashioned from the feather of some whiteland's bird. It is stained with a deep, glossy black ink, contrasting with the natural white hue of the barbs, which remain smooth and unblemished despite its age. The quill’s nib is made of hammered ginelwa, fitted seamlessly. It is slightly tarnished, bearing faint striations from repeated sharpening, and a small crack near the tip, as though it had been pressed too forcefully onto parchment during a moment of intense use.   The quill is stored within a simple cylindrical case of polished white wood, capped with ginelwa. The wood is smooth and evenly grained, its surface adorned with an engraved helflinz (sunburst) at each end. Around the circumference of the case is an inscription in High Bohrnian, reading: “The Light’s rebuke is its truest gift.”   When used to draft official documents, decrees, or other written communications, the quill grants a +1 bonus to Charisma (Persuasion) checks made regarding the content of the text.

"Senator Orrumir: (Rising to his feet, his tone defensive) This is an insult! To be spoken to as though we are wayward children! Does he not understand the weight of our responsibilities? The tribute was necessary! The outer provinces have suffered raids and famine; their fortifications crumble! Shall we leave them to wither while the inner provinces grow fat?


Senator Raenand: (Leaning forward, calm but cutting) And yet, the Radiant hath spoken true. Thy decree was passed without deliberation, and thou didst not consult the inner provinces before placing the yoke upon them. Is that the harmony we claim to uphold?


Senator Sunfrith: (Slamming his fist on the table) Harmony? What harmony is there when the wealth of Raskirith is hoarded by those who sit closest to the Tree? The outer provinces bleed, and we are chastised for seeking their relief? It is easy for him to speak of balance from his far bastions, far from the chaos we endure here!


Senator Hrodania: (Raising a hand to quiet the room) Peace, brethren. The Radiant’s words are harsh, yet they hold wisdom. We must consider: did we act in haste? Did we let the clamor of immediate need blind us to the greater purpose?


Senator Eldglad: (Snarling) Purpose? And what of the people we swore to protect? Shall we wait for his distant guidance while they starve and perish? He speaks of balance, but where was he when the raids came? Where was he when the fields burned?


Senator Raenand: (Coolly) He was where duty called him, reinforcing the bastions to ensure such chaos doth not reach the heart of Raskirith. And thou wouldst do well to recall, Senator Eldglad, that the Radiant’s absence doth not absolve us of our own obligations to deliberate wisely.


Senator Frithand: (Stroking his beard thoughtfully) Yet his reprimand stings, does it not? For he hath revealed the truth: we have divided the Tree. In our zeal, we have demanded too much of the roots, and now they falter. He doth call us to humility, and we would be wise to heed him.


Senator Sunfrith: (Scowling) Humility? Shall we bow and scrape, undoing all that we have wrought? What then? Shall we let the inner provinces dictate our every move, for fear of their discontent?


Senator Hrodania: (Standing, her voice firm) Enough. Thou dost mistake his rebuke for weakness. The Radiant doth not seek to diminish us but to remind us of our purpose. We are stewards, not kings. The wealth of Raskirith is not ours to hoard or wield without thought.


Senator Orrumir: (Grumbling) Easy for thee to say, Hrodania, when thy province is untouched by the tributes. Tell me, what do thy people sacrifice for the outer lands?


Senator Hrodania: (Fixing him with a sharp gaze) They sacrifice as all under the Light must: willingly, and with trust that the Sun doth not fail to rise for any. Canst thou say the same of thy decree?


Senator Frithand: (Interrupting, his tone conciliatory) Let us not descend into quarrel, brethren. The Radiant hath given us his counsel, and we must now decide how to act. Shall we rescind the decree and risk appearing indecisive? Or shall we amend it to better reflect the balance he demandeth?


Senator Raenand: (Nodding) Amend it, aye. Let us reassess the tributes with care, consulting both the inner and outer provinces. Let the weight be borne equitably, and let our people see that we govern not with greed but with wisdom.


Senator Sunfrith: (Reluctantly) And when they see it as weakness?


Senator Hrodania: (Firmly) Then let them see it as humility, the strength of those who bow not to pride but to the Light’s truth."


- The herald's written response of the senate after having read The Radiant's 32nd letter

Weight: 0.2