Dom Gheorigu Radulesc Burial Chamber

 

The burial chamber of Gheorigu Radulesc is designed to serve as a representation of the throne room from which he would govern his holdings in the afterlife for all of eternity. Murals on the walls surrounding the chamber depict Gheorigu’s many accomplishments.

One mural depicts Gheorigu Radulesc in full armour, with a lance, fighting against a basilisk, and staring fearlessly into its eyes - his steel breastplate with gold filigree seemingly turning to stone.

CHALLENGE

21C using History or Literature skill

The fable of Gheorigu Stone-Heart tells of a knight who stared into the eyes of a basilisk as he drive his lance through the beast’s chest, slaying it. Rather than being killed, his heart was turned to stone, making him even more powerful, knightly and stoic. This story predates Gheorigu Radulesc life by several centuries, but it would not have been uncommon for nobles in the Imperial Era - or even after - to attempt to co-opt myths or legends and attempt to associate themselves with them in order to inflate popular opinion of them.

Another mural depicts Gheorigu leading a heavy cavalry charge into a major battle. There is nothing fantastical about this painting, the details on the faces of several secondary characters, and on the flags and banners of the forces arrayed, suggests a lot of effort has been made to accurately represent history here.... or at least a certain interpretation of history.

CHALLENGE

21C using History or Politics skill

It is possible that the battle scene depicted is of the Battle of Garagalo from 1202; the final battle of a peasant uprising that started in and around Dileniu and threatened to spill over into the Bulostioi region. Following the collapse of the Kingdom of Tulosz there were many such uprisings across the continent, as peasants seized lands and holdings from former nobles such as the Radulescs would have been. The Battle of Garagalo saw the slaughter of several thousand peasants under relentless charges from heavy cavalry led by former nobles from the Bulostioi region who did not want the uprising gaining momentum and coming to them.

Another mural depicts Gheorigu overseeing of the construction of an important fortress. It is a classical 'slices of life' painting, depicting many workers from different trades diligently and happily doing their daily labour. Gheorigu himself is very small in the painting, but all of the compostional lines are focused on him, creating an impression of great impact and power, but also of humility and wisdom.

CHALLENGE

21C using History or Architecture skill

The fortress depicted in the mural is probably the keep at Fort Stalwart, a historically and strategically important fortification from the Orcish Conquests that was sacked and mostly destroyed in the unrest following the dissolution of the Kingdom of Tulosz. The keep was rebuilt between 1196 and 1200, mostly using forced labour from the Order of Alcinette - many of whom were imprisoned for speaking out against nobles who sought to appoint a new regent and re-establish a new Tuloszian monarchy.

The 7x7 meter chamber is decorated with exquisitely carved wooden furniture, gilded with gold leaf and inset with sulphur and lapis gems. The upholstery is silk and remains in fine condition after over two centuries. Two canopic jars presumably intended to contain his organs rest behind the throne but these are empty. In the east wall is an iron gate leading to his treasure room.

n the center of the room the sarcophagus of Dom Gheorigu Radulesc is open. His body, half buried in sulphur powder, has turned completely yellow and is leathery and desiccated. Flat circular imprints over his eyes suggest that coins were placed over them at the time he was interred - these are missing.

CHALLENGE

21C using Alertness

Anyone who specifically look carefully, with adequate light, may discern imprints of what was stamped on the side of each coin that rested against the eye; one coin left an imprint of the bust of a man, perhaps with a spiked crown or perhaps with halo-like rays emanating from his head suggesting holiness or perhaps sainthood. The imprint on the other eye is of a crossed shovel and scythe - the symbol of Golmongarion, the God of Death.

CHALLENGE

21C using Theology Skill

If the imprints can be discerned by succeeding at the 21C of Alertness mentioned above, anyone with the Theology skill can roll a 21C to know what Coins of Golmongarion are. Members of the Order of Golmongarion (Mariara Stoica) get +5 on this Challenge.