Prince Ekot of Kerrak announces that his coronation as King of Kerrak will be held on Sunday, Feb. 27. All citizens of Kerrak, Ambassadors to Kerrak, and other dignitaries are invited to attend, although no weapons will be allowed at the ceremony.
A number of cities and towns have noticed that the priests of the Gatherer of Souls have been vacating their temples. Rumor has it that the priests are gathering in Ald Miles for some sort of convention.
The nation of Ceczo has begun its five-day tournament to determine the new Queen of Ceczo. The winner of the tournament will sit on the throne for three years. The favored contender is Ilyani Nassar.
Rumor has it that the Syndeche have summoned the Justiciars to Syndic to deal with "a sudden emergency." The nature of that emergency has yet to be revealed.
The King of Grivllos has sent political emissaries to all the countries of the Empire, offering to open diplomatic relations.
The tournament in Ceczo is over; Ridanna of Cziban (southern village in Ceczo) is the new Queen, succeeding in a blinding display of axework against popular favorite Ilyani Nassar. Ilyani Nassar's ashes are being plowed into the fields this coming morning.
The race in Pavane is tomorrow. The three favorites are Silver Dancer by Thumper out of Mist Bay, Second Opinion by Red Bird out of Steam Derby, and Will o' the Wisp by Dream King out of Goldbug.
The Syndic problem with rampaging hordes of undead seems to be under control. Timlin Blue Winslop is offering mementoes of the Undead Invasion for the low price of six yellow chits, with a 10% discount if one of the yellow chits has a star guildstamp. Heinrich Freedmanson, Lord Justiciar, was awarded the Gold Chit of Valor, for the first time in generations that the chit has been awarded outside of Syndic itself.
The coronation in Kerrak is still Sunday. All potential assassins please mention this to the GMs.
Lord General Devrim Akkat and his first lieutenant travelled in a great hurry to Yakut, Hviviveros, to meet with Ghoras today. At least, the Hviveran who says he's the new Tyrant, having swapped with Ghoras not long before his death. Sources say he is now planning on marching his army past Tzalmir and into Tavat Mien.
A rash of suicides has hit Soren; details are sketchy.
A gentleman appeared in the Arbyt of Triel not long ago claiming to be a new Listener. Things started shaping up nicely, until someone whispered something to the Arbyter and he was unable to say what had been said. He was stoned to death shortly thereafter, and the Triellienas have expressed confidence that their Hero will solve the problem soon.
Prince Ekot was crowned yesterday, amid much spectacle. The rumor says that Geskekelud Himself came to the coronation, and caused the horses to sing, and King Harad to appear behind King Ekot on his dragon. In addition, a great and terrible mage appeared and tried to kill Ekot with a DeathStick, but was cut down by Ekot and the Necromancer.
Another fraud showed up at the Arbyt of Triel and tried to convince people that he was a listener; when they tried to stone him, all their rocks turned to daisies and he escaped, and the dogs in the vicinity of the Arbuter have been howling since then.
Gee, the sun looks a little dimmer today.
Will'o'the Wisp won the Pavane horse race.
In Tzalmir, panic over the lack of a king has been steadily mounting. Yesterday, a mob of peasants stood outside the Great Palace chanting "Where is the King?!" This did not help materialize one. Hushed rumors about the implications of a vacant Tzalin throne abound; some speculate that the prophecy of the ending of the Tzalin line and the supremacy of one god over all is coming to fruition. Others suggest that the vacant throne simply signifies the end of the world.
The Ladysblood River ran red last night.
This past week in Regros, a number of strange flying things have been spotted: Ariels, Rocs, Wyverns, and strangy wormy white things.
The Grivllos ambassador to Mounch was badly beaten in a peasant riot recently. Rioters were not at all clear what the problem was, but they were sure it was his fault.
The number of stillborn infants this week has been unprecedentedly high.
Vendilon has closed its borders, not allowing travellers to enter. Vendilon residents are also refusing all incoming nonnig gates.
Berke Sweetwinde, the new Bard of Ro Palis, began his new post today. His Inaugural Ballad was interrupted by a sudden attack on the city by a pack of wraiths. His first official action was to contact the Justiciars.
The Fracc Archipelago of the Isle of Verne has declared war on every other island. It seems that the high command, a bit disorganized by the surprise death of their Commander-in-Chief, have chosen to play it safe, avoiding sneak attacks from other islands by attacking first. Upon being asked his tactical objective, the new Commander-in-Chief was said to have replied, "Arrrr!"
NOTES FROM THE GMS
Starting tomorrow (saturday) we will by SLOWING DOWN GAME TIME. Here's how it will work:
And lastly, make sure any game mail you send to one GM is sent to both. I'm feeling neglected :)
-- MAHK
The OTHER Tzalmir GM
Prince Alphonse has returned to claim his throne in Cliffsfall, and been crowned King Alphonse. Morlan Blanca has agreed to take the post of Warleader.
Alkynia has crowned a Queen, Eliza of Holbar, wife of the late King. Eliza is the first queen in Alkynia's history.
Aaric di Mosoli has been declared Duke of Ald Miles.
the Arbyt of Triel has a Listener or two, supposedly a mother and daughter team that has been commuting from Tzalmir. Kelkyag, their Hero, found them.
Terese and Borric il'Drake are proud to announce the birth of their son, Niron. (for those just joining us, everyone in the past two weeks has been stillborn).
Lots more people are dying in Ro Palis, including the recently created Bard.
A great big meeting of church people (as well as, supposedly, the ubiquitous bard Ilan, the Necromancer, the head librarian, and a nonnig trapper) took place recently. Ingram, the librian, also had a squad of his own Justiciars. Whether he mind controlled them or was in their custody was not clear.
Hecaia, the high priestess of Anz, has been trimming all the trees in Tzalmir, into orderly shapes. She hasn't gotten very far, there being many trees...
The mobs shouting about how they want a king have quieted, having heard that Ghoras is back.
The trees of Tzalmir that Hecaia has been trimming have been behaving oddly, such as growing strange fruit (such as lettuce), making odd noises (such as a wet snuffling sound).
On the equinox, at night, lots of six-pointed stars were seen to flash on and off on the sides of buildings in Tzalmir. Investigation revealed them to be camouflaged flashing starfish...
Ilan the bard has been wandering the streets of Tzalmir searching for descendents of the Tzalin King Rashir, or any of his line, which is believed to have been rendered extinct by Ghoras the Conquerer.
The wraiths in Ro Palis have left as quickly as they arrived, leaving behind the lifeless corpses of countless Ro Paliteans, including that of their recently-chosen Bard, Berke Sweetwinde. The contest to determine the new Bard will begin tomorrow; it is expected that dirges and requiems will dominate the performances. It is rumored that the wraiths have moved to the other edge of the world, and are wreaking havoc amongst the warring Isles of Verne.
An unusually large number of priests of Nirian have assembled on the Neffik side of Dern.
GM NOTES
People who save at least five of their experience points will earn 20%
per month in interest, within reasonable limits. See a GM for details.
I note that I have now accumulated close to 700 pieces of Tzalmir mail since the beginning of the game. I also note that the VAST MAJORITY of these messages have "Tzalmir" as their subject line. This is, needless to say, highly ambiguous, and it would help us GMs out greatly if people could have more descriptive subject lines. Using the abbreviation "Tz:" at the start of every message would also help us greatly, as it will convince laura to write an emacs macro to auto-collate our mail :)
- MAHK
The rumor of wraiths in the Fracc Archipelago has been confirmed. It seems that a battle between Fracc and the neighboring war-state of Kaneis was joined by an army of about eighty wraiths. The battle became a three-way fight.
In the Dalos side of Dern, an army of Men of Valor has been forming for the last week or so. The Men of Valor have pilgrimaged from villages and cities all over Dalos and the surrounding region. The army appears to be under the command of the Red Warrior of Shagras. Needless to say, the Ladysblood has been running red for the last few weeks.
Several more live births have been reported (despite the efforts of priests of Nirian to halt pregancies), all in rich or royal families.
The Sages of Ammon in Sioden have set up a large parliament, which has some arcane procedure to condense into a monarchy and a parliament.
Baron d'Asol of Ithyra has passed away after a short illness.
The sun has become even dimmer. It's still brighter than the moon, but not by much.
Ithyra has erupted into civil war, after a supporter of the Baron di Quaban let slip in a tavern that he had arranged for the assassination of the Baron d'Asol. Originally Asoli supporters killing Quaban supporters, the fight has turned more mutual.
Sorry for the much-delayed rumors...
About a week ago by now, the sun didn't appear to come up at dawn as scheduled. Instead, about an hour later, it appeared, back at its normal brightness (but seemingly less warm) at about ten degrees up in the sky. Since then, it's been at this new level. Rumor says that a team of Herbam mages is creating bushes nonstop and throwing them into nonnig gates up to the sun, where they're thrown in the sun's furnaces. The head of the herbam mage team, a "landscape sculptor" named Kevillin, says that any new heads of state who would like him to redesign their courtyards need only contact him via nonnig after the sun is taken care of. Rumor also says that an unnamed nonnig trapper had something to do with this entire project.
In Ithyra:
Last week, a lieutenant of the Baron di Quaban had a little too much to
drink in a tavern and admitted to hiring the Cabal of the Shattered
Mirror to kill the Baron d'Asol. A brawl ensued, which spread to a
riot, which has spread to civil war. The Asoli have not been able to
deny rumors that a body turned up four days before the Baron's death.
Since then, fighting has begun to spread to among all four factions,
not just the Asoli and Quabani; suspicion is beginning to be thrown
around more liberally, due to some ballads popping up that hint at a
different faction being behind the whole thing. In addition, the Baron
di Quaban has announced that he is deeply ashamed of those actions
which supporters of his have taken, albeit without his knowledge, and
has renounced any and all claim to the Ithyran throne.
The Tzalin army (that's Tzalin as in Kings, not as in the seat of the Empire) in the Dark Forest is said to be gaining supporters daily, and will probably be marching to defeat the Empire soon. Other rumors speak to a tie with Kerrak, who they no doubt helped support in their thirty-year war.
The Army of Shagras has taken Neffik Dern, after taking prisoner the Neffik army which opposed them. A subsequent battle with a division of the Imperial Army has left substantially more casualties.
The "temporary king" of Senliat has been thrown into a volcano, and a new king chosen by the volcano, rumor says.
So the sun came up last thursday/friday looking normally bright, normally warm, and with this trailing semi-transparent sail thing extending for about four sun widths behind it.
Everyone should send us, when they have a chance, how many ep's they think they have, and how many they have spent, and on what. There have been a total of eleven ep's given out since the run started.
(note that if you still have all eleven, you have fourteen due to interest rates; ask me about blue and red eps if you're confused, or are non-standard. :) ).
The Baron di Farak of Ithyra, with the support of both Grivllos and Ald Miles (and some mercenaries) has been acknowledged as Duke by both the Baron di Quaban and the (very young) Baron d'Asol. The civil war has ended, though the supporters of the Baron di Rhyx are back in his barony, rather than under Farak.
On Thursday the 12th of May, many countries all over the land saw their citizens begin to speak uncontrollably, both in unknown languages, and small prophesies and truths.
Also on Thursday the 12th, a riot began in Tzalmir, with crowds gathering and then storming towards the Great Library, brandishing torches and various weapons, shouting for Ingram, the curator of the Library. The riot was eventually quelled by priests of Nirian, Hecaia of Anz, and Ilan the Ubiquitous Bard, with some help from a bunch of Justiciars who seemed to be hanging about in the library, and the Imperial Militia.
Miravelle of Rhi Miles has been crowned Queen, to the acclaim of the populace.
The Necromancer is said to have lured a number of powerful priests and mages to his dread lair, to speak of dark and terrible rituals.
The Necromancer is also said to have wiped out a small village in the Lower Darnelles, between his own sorcery and a pack of wolves he brought with him.
Rhyx of Ithyra has slain an envoy from the Red Warrior for "unforgivable insults" (further rumor says Rhyx is now toast...)
The Sifters of Gosseg Run have found a strange floating black rock in the Gosseg.
The Tzalin Army in the Dark Forest has entered an alliance with the Grey Forest militia.
The part that said "Miravelle has been crowned" should instead be parsed to "Miravelle's going to be crowned real soon now"
And Rhyx of Ithyra has been slain in single combat with the Red Warrior.
Miravelle of Rhi Miles was crowned Queen recently. Many important people attended the coronation. No dragons or mages with DeathSticks appeared.
In Asaen, nonnig trappers found the ruins of an ancient temple of Nirian in the southernmost region of the nonning forest. It is believed to be almost 2000 years old.
The trade council of Granite Holt has decided to lower its tariff on prisoners imported to that country. Council members were responding to a complaint from one of the head jailors of the Granite Donjon, who claimed that their prohibitive tariff was discouraging foreigners from enlisting its services.
Rumor has it that the inside of Glasscastle is shrinking. To some vociferous Leblinese, this is yet another sign that Glasscastle should be stormed, and re-established as the seat of the Leblinese throne.
In Rianne, quite a furor has arisen over the possible cancellation of this year's Harvest Festival. The VineLord announced today that he fears the recent anomalies in the sun's behavior will result in an inferior grape crop. It is rumored that the Rider of Pavane, who enjoys the festival greatly, has offered the VineLord thousands of gold talents to insure that the festival succeeds. It is also rumored that the Rider plans to invade Rianne if the festival does not happen.
War broke out in Ngth this week as troops spilled out of Vendilon in an apparent attempt to invade the southern neighbor. Rumor has it that the Vendilon army is made up of not only humans, but also wraiths, and that the wraiths and the Vendilonians fight side-by-side. In any case, casualties are heavy on both sides; it is said that vultures circle over the field of battle constantly. To no one's surprise, the Ladysblood river runs red.
The Vendilonian invasion of Ngth ended abruptly today when the remaining invasion force (rumored to number five-thousand men and an equal number of zombies) suddenly put down their swords "in the name of the Unnamed." The troops were then cut down by Ngth militiamen and Church Knights of Shagras. No living prisoners were taken.
In Tavat Mien, a new type of tholl tile has been discovered which yields mentem vis. Unfortunately, the citizen who discovered it was found in twelve pieces (a number of Geskekelud, people are quick to point out), and his samples and notes were apparently taken by the murderer.
The mage Dianora is attempting to take the throne of Pdallar by slaying Ember, despite an offer from Ember to settle the matter via a magical duel. So far, Dianora has only managed to kill a number of castle guards.
The Tzalin army in the Dark Forest has finished training and is expected to descend on the Arbyt of Triel shortly to field-test its new battle doctrine. The Arbyter has instructed its people to fight to the death.
Six separate attempts have been made to steal the Gold Chit of Valor from Heinrich Freedmanson, none succesful. The only attempt that came close was the one that involved a shapeshifter disguised as a young Grey Woman.
Travelers from the far west report that a light was visible from the top of the Blue Tower continuously for about a week.
A sifter on the Gosseg River has found a large glowing sapphire while plying his trade recently. He has since retired from sifting, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
A plague of giant snails has descended on Tzalmir, and all the trees will shortly be eaten.
The evening of Friday, July 29, a great wave swept up the Ladysblood River from the Sea of Storms, overflowing its banks with blood.
As of Saturday, July 30, the Red Army in Neffik issued forth at dawn and engaged the Imperial Army.
And, in more mundane news, Ember of Pdallar was slain under mysterious circumstances. The Necromancer, also in Pdallar, has raised her as a zombie and she now still rules as the Necromancer's pawn.
The Imperial Army is retreating from Neffik, having lost more that half of its troops stationed in that country to the Red Army of Shagras. Ghoras has called an emergency meeting with the leaders of Hengmir, Gal Sidar, and Pirtos.
Rumor has it that Vendilon has been struck by an epidemic of murders and suicides.
Yentzil Sandcloak, an Ammon Sage in training, is said to have returned from a trip to Lesser Mosk in awe that they have been able to breed mice.
Ember of Pdallar has died under mysterious circumstances. A state funeral will be held next weekend. Rumor has it that the Necromancer visited Pdallar a short time after her death, summoned and interrogated her ghost, and subsequently stole all her valuables (including the crown of Pdallar).
The moon rose last night with a great half-circle on its face, and as the night progressed, a line was slowly drawn across it next to the curve (i.e. it looks kind of like "C1" if you face south, or "D" if you face north).
The Tzalin Army in the Dark Forest is said to have cancelled its invasion of Arbyt, and to be turning its attention to the defense of Tzalmir against the so far victorious Red Army.
On Nirian's Holy Day, August 5 (and I don't want any sort of grousing about how Midsummer's Day is June 21. It isn't. It's the Middle Of Summer, do you hear me?), the White Church declared that the Cathedral of Nirian in Tzalmir is henceforth open to all who come in peace, is sanctuary for those who need it in the coming time, and is inviolable.
Rumor has it that Vendilon is no longer keeping foreigners out. Rumor also has it that this is because every last citizen of Vendilon is dead.
Over the past few days, the moon has gotten more writing on its surface, and got up to "CHA" before stopping.
Residents of Ngth, Mounch, and Belid have been reporting terrible nightmares about Vendilon, and speak of dreadful fates that will happen to any who enter.
The Red Army, after smushing the remains of the Imperial Army that had lately been in Neffik, has entered Tzalmir, and is in conflict with the Tzalmir militia and divisions of the Imperial Army stationed in the city.
Shortly before the army entered Tzalmir, a huge earthquake shook the city, and a great chasm was seen to open up and swallow several companies of the Red Army.
Tzalmir has fallen to the Red Army. The last of the Imperials were killed, after a lot of property damage, especially in the Summer Quarter. The White Cathedral is currently surrounded by a battalion of the Red Army. Several days ago, an announcement was made to the refugees hiding in it that all non-priests should evacuate or face destruction. After no one left, three catapults were launched, to no obvious effect save for that of the catapults falling apart. The other battalions of the army have left the city.
The Red Warrior gave a great Pontification (see below).
Some say that General Akkat and Ghoras have taken up residence in the White Cathedral. Others say that Akkat is in Aravy, but do not mention where Ghoras is.
Last week, the entire populations of Yanuk and Yanuk switched places.
A Prophet of Nirian has come to Soren, to lead them out of their cursed, miserable country, and to the bright promise of the happy land of Vendilon. Further rumors clarify this, and a speech of the Prophet is given below.
Yentzil Sandcloak, back in Lesser Mosk again, retracts his previous enthusiastic claims about the mice he thought they were breeding, but instead states that they have succeeded in producing motile plants.
The Smith Havelan's shop in Tzalmir saw a number of strange occurrences today. After an unnamed bard gave a public concert outside, a renegade tree (possibly one of Sandcloak's motile plants) began fighting with the tree that neighbors say always stood outside the smith's. The Archmagus arrived, and turned both trees into old men, and slew one.
Harias Pullman, a known member of the Cult of the AllFather, and common fixture in the Imperial Square for the past decade, was arrested during one of his speeches (pontification below) by soldiers of the Red Army, promptly tried, and executed.
The body of Ingram, Librarian and Curator of the Great Library of Tzalmir, was recently found dead in his office, his wrists having been cut by a ritual dagger used by worshippers of Shagras. Ingram's body was found with a suicide note addressed to "Jasper" (see below). His last work, a spell titled "Unmake the Soul," was found on his desk. Ingram will be succeeded by his once-assistant, Edgar.
Those who found themselves staring up at the moon during a particular three minutes of September 23rd (the equinox) observed the words "Surrender Anz" written on the moon in giant glowing letters. The letters faded shortly thereafter.
New News on the War Front:
The Red Army has conquered the last of the Ring Kingdoms, rolling straight over the small local militias.
The Justiciars have stormed the front gates of the Granite Donjon.
New EP policy:
In our continuing quest to frustrate players (well, that's what rumor
seems to say sometimes), there is a new policy in place for spending
EPs. You may allocate one imaginary EP per week to any particular
thing (that is, any week you can allocate lots of eps, but only one
point to any one skill...). You may only spend the amount of EPs you
have allocated to something, without a very good excuse. You may
de-allocate EPs at any time. You may not allocate more EPs than you
have without a very good excuse ("I'm about to write the war mechanic
in C and get lots of eps for it..."). What this means is that you can
spend as many points per week as you like, one per thing. If you want
an N-point thing, start planning ahead. You may allocate all the EPs
you currently have immediately; after this, you have to follow the
one-per-week. Any questions, feel free to ask, and feel free to
consider imaginary EPs purple. :)
The Red Army has been congregating in Tzalmir again. The battalion stationed outside the White Cathedral has begun playing loud marches and battle hymns, and building great smoking bonfires.
The Tzalin Army is planning on engaging the Red Army nigh-immediately, and is setting out from the Dark Forest under cloak of the Forest's mystic aura, such that they cannot be spotted.
A large percentage of the population of Soren has been marching southwards, crossing the Gosseg Run on pontoon bridges, and heading around through the countryside towards the Arbyt. A second contingent has been passing through nonnig gates to outside of Vendilon, and scattering throughout the country to organize the bodies for burial. The nightmares troubling the neighbors of Vendilon have been steadily ceasing.
Hauntings, possessions, and other sightings of ghosts have declined precipitously in the past few weeks.
There's a persistent rumor that Ingram did not, in fact, commit suicide, but was assassinated. By who is unclear, though popular candidates are the priests of the Unnamed, the priests of Shagras, and the Tzalin heir's younger brother (the swordsman one).
The following was quite a while ago, but we forgot to mention it:
"Announcing the funeral services for Tybole e'Nedras, Commander of the
Guard of the Temple of Shagras in Dern, Pusak Ramshorn, noted scholar
and theologian of the Church of Shagras, and Black Cap Mitchell, who
died in their defense, at daybreak on Sunday, October the Sixteenth,
in the first year following the passing of the Tyranny of Ghoras, at
the Temple of Shagras in Dern. All followers of Shagras are invited
to pay their respects."
Aramintha of the Seven Marches, the Ald Milesian widow of Rhyx of Ithyra, has been kidnapped by a Rhi Milan priest of Nirian.
The Red Diocese of Ngth has invaded Vendilon. Exactly who they're fighting is unclear - either the Sorenese, or the remnant minions of the Demon Wraith are popular guesses.
A battalion of the Red Army has marched on Loulan, but is being held at the border by the Loulanese army.
Half the population of Soren is now marching through Kerrak (peacefully).
The invisible Tzalin army is using the fourth type of nonnig for its transportation from the Dark Forest to Tzalmir...
Kelrim Akkat (the son of the Lord General Akkat) has been murdered in an attempt to overthrow the Akkat family claim to the throne of Aravy.
The Necromancer has bound the soul of Cirenas, and has traded it to the priests of Nirian in exchange for his use of the White Cathedral on Halloween for a day and a night, where he performed a terrible ritual...
The Lord Justiciar has given up Glasscastle to the Leblinese and has become a tholl farmer in Tavat Mien.
(note on in-character conversations - if you don't want another player/character to overhear you, don't talk in character in front of them. On an opposite note, you don't get to hear other people's answering machine messages, though you should be wary of leaving incriminating messages at either my or Mahk's number, for example, as they both have multiple player roommates there).
An Underman prophet has been speaking in the Maw about the Return of the Dark, and has been said to have had visions.
Miravelle of Rhi Miles has been engaging in secret negotiations with the Syndeche in order to gain financial support for her planned invasion of Ald Miles.
A funeral was held for Ingram the Mad, Destroyer of Gods. The Necromancer was seen in attendance, for dark reasons of his own, and the Red Warrior was also said to have been there. The funeral was also crashed by members of the Cult of the All-Father, glorifying and praising "Saint Ingram Demonsbane", but they were shortly thereafter captured and taken away by the Red Warrior.
General Madrid, commander of the Red Diocese of Ngth, has pulled back his forces invading Vendilon. Sources speculate that he has been seduced by the western wiles of the Sorenese present in Vendilon, while others wonder if there is any connection to the next rumor...
The Prophet of Soren has beaten the designated champion of the Red Army in single combat, in a duel taking place in Bivik, the Shifting City. The reason for this duel is unknown, though some say it secured the right of the Sorenese to settle in the East, while others claim that it was for the hand and honor of Ilan (the ubiquitous bard), who was rumored to be present.
Xabanese merchant traders complain of increased pirate activity in the Sea of Storms.
The Bard of Ro Palis has fallen ill.
A civil war looms on the horizon for Aravy, between Kelrim Akkat's troops (rumors of Kelrim's death appear to have been exaggerated), and those of SubGeneral Noden.
The Red Army force invading Loulan retreated into Gal Sidar after wiping out most of the Loulanese defenders (as well as some supporters from neighboring countries) and taking only moderate casualties itself. Several generals of the army are said to have been slain by the Red Warrior himself; stories are unclear on whether this caused the retreat or was a result of it.
A church of Epiarch (the 26th name of the Fount of All Life) in Kerrak has been destroyed, along with a number of its resident priests, when its mountain volcanically erupted.
The star in the left elbow of the Dragon (a constellation) faded and went out a week ago. The next night, one of the horns was missing at sunset and the other horn went out at about 3 am. Astrologers speculate wildly about what this means, but the consensus is that it isn't good...
Tzalmir is experiencing severe food shortages. Meat is rare, and fruits and vegetables have for the most part stopped entering the city due to the closing of the Farmer's Market in the Summer Quarter (most of the Summer Quarter is hard to breathe in in general, due to the continually-burning smoky bonfires outside the White Cathedral), though the smoke has been getting less troublesome lately, and almost florally incesnse-scented.
Very recently, sparks from the bonfires spread to a number of buildings in the Summer Quarter and set them afire. Peachtree and Watermelon Streets were particularly hard hit.
Several of the statues of Ghoras scattered around Tzalmir have been mysteriously transformed to a green meatlike substance. A few brave souls who have ventured to taste the statues claim that it tastes like "burnt mint."
The bonfires around the White Cathedral have gone out, been rebuilt, gone out again, been combined into one big bonfire, gone out, been rebuilt, and finally doused by the people working the fires. As of today, the fires are out...
The Red Army has finally conquered Loulan.
The Tzalmir contingent of the Red Army has been selling fresh produce at bargain prices, ameliorating much of the complaint about shortages.
A small Loulan City, Erilen, has been hiring workers by the score to help in the construction of the World's Largest Salad.
The Alkynia Masquerade was a rousing success, marked by a rousing fifty-seven choruses of "I Married a Spatula" in the Main Pavilion
An army of wraiths and zombies has invaded Ngth from Vendilon, and fighting is fierce.
The Sorenese marching across the southlands have reached the Vendilon border (not quite at the same place as the undead army).
This afternoon a huge slightly shining fog rolled in, covering Tzalmir. Shortly thereafter, the occupying Red Army seemed to be having some sort of troubles, and began moving towards the central area of the city. Late tonight, a large number of people plummeted through the fog from the sky, bouncing wildly about in the streets and through windows. They recovered fairly promptly from their fall, and engaged the Red Army in battle.
The Sorenese have finished their task of burying the dead of Vendilon, except for those most recent corpses caused by the war between Ngth and Vendilon. The border war seems to have ceased, though wraiths have still been spotted in the area.
The battle between the mysterious invading forces (which seem to be comprised of a number of fighting companies, a smaller number of battlemages, and a larger number of pirates) has raged through the city. Substantial property damage has ensued, and there are reports of looting, especially by the pirates.
More recently, the Justiciars have joined the invading forces fighting against the Red Army.
The population of Neffik Dern has been enslaved by the occupying Red Army to build earthworks of some sort.
The fog covering Tzalmir has rolled away, revealing blue skies and some small black specks off to the west.
A fleet of "haunted flying boats" has passed over southern Loulan. One boat, which was reportedly smushed between the two next to it, has crashed in a field of wheat, and is causing much comment due to the clouds nailed to its hull. Other reports of the boats mention "itty bitty bug wings" and blue flying carpets.
Xaban and Gri-Ennis have invaded Cliffsfall. Xaban has marched on the port cities and northerly land, claiming it as recompense for "a hundred years of piracy", while Gri-Ennis has moved in on the larger southern area, including at least part of the Disputed Lands. The Pdallan Home Guard, mostly comprised of young recruits, is heading towards the Disputed Lands to hold the border, which they claim is now north of the Siodari.
The Bard of Ro Palis is said to be recovering, though he has not touched his harp since he fell ill.
Most of the Sorenese have started marching back to Soren from Vendilon, though some remain.
The earthworks in Neffik Dern, as well as a construction crew and some soldiers, was flattened and paved by a mysterious force. Construction has started anew at a new site, and priests of the Gatherer of Souls and of the Shatterer have begun excavating for the bodies.
A popular new tavern song, of at least fifteen verses, has been heard
in the Ring Kingdoms, with a chorus of:
"So Mourn for the Great Queen of Honor
Dethroned by a handmaid of gore
Who cares not if a fight is a fair test of might
She wants blood on the sands, nothing more."
The war continues in Tzalmir -- some report invisible hands forcing Red troops away from their foes, and others say that many of the Justiciars have gone over to the other side, supporting the Red Warrior.
Cliffsfall has been conquered by Xaban (citing "a hundred years of piracy") and Gri-Ennis (citing "land up for grabs"). The remnants of the Cliffsfall home guard have fled into Pdallar, where they were met by the Pdallan defense forces, as well as a division of troops from Regros, which the Duke had personally led to Pdallar to protect it from invaders. Rumor also suggests that the Duke of Regros has demanded the hand of Dianora of Pdallar in return for this dubious favor.
Pdallar was invaded, on Shagras's Holy Day, by Belidan forces claiming that they were celebrating in Her name. The invasion was soundly trounced by the combined Pdallan/Cliffsfall/Regros army.
A temple of Nirian has miraculously appeared in Greensward (the capi of Loulan), replacing the temple torn down by the occupying Red troops.
The Red Warrior's Pontification
Plagues have been reported in Neffik, Dalos, Tzalmir, and Gal Sidar.
Arivale has been invaded by wraiths, who are slaughtering both the local militia and the civilian population.
Eldrik of Whitecrest denies that he has succeeded in breeding nonnigs.
A number of flying boats have crashed in Sabat, near the town of Byrne. Byrne has since been massacred by vampires, and not a resident remains alive.
Hengmir has been invaded by Justiciars.
Brigadier Kirloch of the Red Army has stated, through clenched teeth, that Tzalmir will prove a pyre for their fallen leader, so cravenly assassinated.
Civilian deaths have already begun to mount, and, under the impact of ten thousand torches, the city is beginning to burn.
Tzalmir was fairly determinedly set on fire, despite attempts of the Invasion Alliance soldiers (plus residents) to put it out, for the greater part of a day. A storm menaced for a few moments, but as quickly fled. However, about twelve hours after they started, all the flames turned into oddly shaped vegetables. When fires began to be set again, they again turned into vegetables. Since then, fire-lighting has been sporadic.
The vegetables have been widely considered a miracle from Geskekelud, leading to the incongruity of Anz's Holy Day being spent by many in praise of the Broken Lord.
The Glass River has been flowing upstream for the past day.
The vampire plague in Sabat has been attributed to the Necromancer, whose twisted minions have already stolen all the bodies slain by the vampires in order to raise them for his own.
Alphonse has responded to the Red Warrior's death curse with a pontification of his own.
Brigadier Kirloch has responded
Sporadic fighting broke out between the Tzalin army and the Kerraki militia, with minor casualties on both sides. Apparently a Tzalin army unit was inviting the residents of a Lubak village to a friendly buzkashi tournament, when they were spotted by a Kerraki border patrol. Fearing a Tzalin invasion, King Ekot has ordered his troops on search-and-destroy missions, until the Tzalin army retreats back to the Dark Forest, or declares war on Tavat Mien.
Civil war has broken out in Aravy, between forces loyal to Kelrim Akkat and forces loyal to General Nodin against the Akkats. Ceczo is supporting Nodin.
A priest of Shagras in Skye's retinue challenged Skye to a duel over his calling of the Red Lady a Whore. The winner is unclear; the priest was slain, but Skye surrendered.
Skye has subsequently apologized profusely to the Red Church for his foolishness in maligning both Shagras and the Red Warrior.
Several nights ago, everyone was plagued by terrible nightmares of death, despair, destruction of the gods, no life ever ever again, and so on.
The funeral of Aramintha of Ald Miles was marred by the body rising from the coffin and damning the funeral-goers. The Necromancer is wanted in Kranoj for questioning in the incident.
Two posters have been seen scattered around the Land. The first:
Archbishop of Executive Recruiting
Cathedral of Shargas
Dalos Dern
THE END OF THE WORLD IS NIGH! With the almost total cessation of new births in the land and the wide-scale extinction of various plants and animals, it is clear that the time of life in this land is reaching an end. The increasing amount of petty squabbles and wholesale bloodbaths among the countries and the role-models of our nations show a distinct inability for the races of the world to get along. In times like these, it is clear that only one course of action can save our world and restore peace to all the lands. While those of a self-sacrificing nature steer themselves along this course, clearly the rest of us should hold a party.
To wit, you are cordially invited to a party to celebrate Geskekelud's birthday. The party will be held on Friday, March 31 primarily in the throne room of Castle Grivllos (*), though the party will probably extend out into the surrounding city and countryside. The festivities will commence at 7:12 pm and will probably continue through the night,. Should you not be able to attend the main party, be sure to honor Geskekelud in your own way. I'm sure that the most impressive act of randomness will be rewarded by Geskekelud as only HE can conceive.
Skye has been murdered by a conspiracy of his generals, who took offense at his words on the Red Lady. The generals then slew themselves in ritual suicide.
There's a reward for information on the murderer of the Lady Aramintha being offered by the Encil Magus of Grivllos. Rumor has it that when he finds the murderer some Very Nasty Things are going to happen.
Skye, Heinrich, and the Archmagus have all been slain by the Necromancer in an Evil Ritual.
Soon after the dreams of depression and hopelessness, everyone in the Land got dreams saying something to the effect of "come on, we can make it through this tough bit, don't give up now!"
Skye has been assassinated by the Red Church, in retribution for the death of their leader.
The Necromancer has led an army of zombies and skeletons out of the graveyard in Tzalmir to take the city for himself.
The Duke of Regros has had Skye "removed" to better press his suit with the Lady Dianora.
The Red Army has finally pushed the invading army out of Tzalmir.
Skye has deserted his army and gone home to retake Cliffsfall in single combat.
The Brotherhood of the Black Hand, the "assassin department" of the Kranoj Thieves' Guild, has slain all of the diplomatic envoys sent by Grivllos to anywhere else (except for Kranoj).
Thamil, of the Tzalin line (rumor will neither confirm nor deny that this is the same Thamil who was heir to the throne when Ghoras came to power, though he looks neither old nor dead), has been declared Regent of Tzalin by the Archmagus and Brigadier-General Kirloch of the Red Army. Exactly who he's Regent for is unclear.
Kirloch made a short speech giving official control of the City of Kings to Thamil, and the Archmagus made a much longer speech exhorting the crowds into enthusiasm. Thamil spoke briefly, praising the Red Army for having overthrown the final hold of Ghoras's Empire, but condemning their subsequent destructive actions.
The Justiciars have invaded Gal Sidar, and retreated again.
A great bonfire was seen to burn atop the Blue Tower several nights ago.
The Brotherhood of the Black Hand has vigorously denied several of the recent deaths associated with their sigil, and plan on retaliating against the pretenders encroaching on their territory.
The Necromancer has rained fire, and loosed earthquakes, upon the combined armies fighting outside Tzalmir, while his zombies, immune to both fire and earth, slaughter soldiers on both sides.
The Sorenese, under the leadership of the Young Prophet of the Darnelles, are nearly back to Soren...
The Lord Justiciar has lost favor with Anz again because of his collaboration with the Geskekeloids in Tzalmir. As a result, he has been "blessed" by The Chaos Lord and is under a quest to lose a battle in every nation in the land. Once he has done that, he will be declared a Touched Man in a public ceremony.
A massive hurricane is sweeping westward from the Sea of Storms.
The Justiciars have abandoned Skye's army, and it is falling to the Reds.
Dun Areg, the capi of Regros, has been terribly cursed. The Duke of Regros pontificates:
Put a file somewhere that's boojum/mleblanc readable, which has a reasonable-sized list of all the places you're spying on or living in or have friends in who report to you daily. If you really think you're paying attention to everywhere, you can put "everywhere" in your list, though we reserve the right to ignore it when it's a little piddly event.
Then let me know where the file is. The plan is to make a directory with links to all of them, so we can just grep for "Xaban" or whatever, and as you bip around the country, you can update the file as you go. If you don't have an athena account, I'll just make a file for you, and you should send me mail when you want to change it. (Note that the file should contain sensible, correctly spelled words like the names of landmarks or countries, not "the east" or "home")
The civil war in Aravy is over, and the rebels have won, and have taken the Akkats captive.
A great hurricane swept in from the East, over the battlefield in Tzalin, shrouding the entire fight in storm. By the time the storm cleared, only the Red Army was left, amidst the corpses of Justiciars and Skye's troops.
The Assassins of the Black Hand are actually minions of the Duke of Regros, who have sold their souls to the Necromancer in order to barter eternal life for their Duke (which is why the bile-worm didn't kill him).
Tzalmir is being rebuilt again, by a horde of craftsmen and volunteers, in part funded by the repatriations made by the Red Army to the city.
Stillborn births are on the upswing again, as many of the year-long miracles provided by Nirian to halt pregnancies have expired. Some pregnant women are said to have received secondary miracles from Anz in order to again halt their terms.
Dunlaak of Grivllos pontificates (fairly well, for a nine-year-old): "Men of Grivllos - my friends - cruel Regros has made another attempt on our honor and our family. He has killed our diplomats, even though they were protected by truce. He has killed my cousins, my uncles, my aunts. He has killed, and he must be stopped! My friends: we can make an answer to this deed! Will you follow me?
The rivers of the Land are mysteriously going silent, one after another - first the Siodari, then the Ladysblood, then the Gosseg. Plus the Ladysblood is running red, for obvious reasons.
The Queen of Ceczo has marched on Aravy, at the head of her army, taking advantage of the weakened stated of the Aravian militia after their civil war.
Belid has invaded Regros, issuing a public statement: "Anyone else who's in on this better hurry, or we're not sharing."
The Red Army has marched on Aris, and the Aris defenders have sent out a call to the rest of the North to help repel the Eastern Menace.
A fifth column in Pdallar is attempting to overthrow the Regros occupation force, as well as the Pdallan government that they claim has "sold out"
Duke Aaric, Lord of Ald Miles, has been slain! A young girl, said to resemble Aramintha of the Seven Marches, is rumored to have chewed out the hearts of Aaric and his immediate family, as well as Baron Jeraes of the Seven Marches and his family. The girl's whereabouts are currently unknown.
The Necromancer, with his legions of undead, has marched upon Ald Miles, in the wake of Duke Aaric's death, and all who dare to stand against him have been turned to ash.
Kelrim Akkat has been released by the Aravian army after negotiation with his father, shortly before the Ceczo invasion of Aravy.
The Red Army has been setting up a Ruling Council in each of the Ring Kingdoms. Each Council (specifics depending on the country) has had invited a couple of leading citizens (merchants, nobles, notable scholars, etc) to form the Council and restore order. A priest of Shagras will have one seat on each Council.
Red begets red,
Then turns black and blue.
Stop while you're ahead
or this day you'll rue.
My mind has forseen it.
The Chaos is clear.
The heart will be split.
The head on a spear.
Four daggers with poison,
Four daggers with lies.
Four daggers slay tinkers,
tailors, soldiers and spies.
The Justiciars have deserted Heinrich, in outrage over his association with Malachi, the prophet of the AllFather.
There was a great celebration in Dern to mark the first anniversary of the opening of the offensive that broke the armies of Ghoras the Usurper. Hopefully many bottles, glasses, and ale mugs were were drained in honor of the army and its commanders, and in memory of the late Red Warrior and E'Neldras (the commander of the garrison, who was slain by the ghost of the Demon Wraith)
Aravy has surrendered to Ceczo. Aris is still under attack and being squished by the Red Army. Regros is defending itself from the Belidan invasion competently.
The empty land of Vendilon has been announced as the New Homeland of the Church of the AllFather, following the conquest of the Necromancer's zombie forces by Malachi, Prophet of the Allfather, at the head of the Justiciar armies
Soren also had a great celebration, to mark the first Midsummer Celebration in several hundred years attended by priests of Nirian. The Prophet Irran was in attendance, and made several cryptic pronouncements regarding roses and wine.
The Regros ambassador to Belid, held prisoner since the Belid invasion started, has escaped in a daring jailbreak, mysteriously slaying his captors.
A small group of AllFather cultists were prevented from searching through a temple in Asaen only recently restored from ruins. They claimed variously to that they were "lost and looking for the Grey Forest," "Nonnig hunters," and "Bringing Death to Demons and the Demon-Consorting Masses!"
The late Red Warrior has been resurrected by Malachi of the AllFather, and is leading the Red Church to a new, more enlightened era.
The undead army in Ald Miles has been chased into the maw by the forces of Surden of the Eighth March, soon thereafter declared Duke of Ald Miles.
Much of the south of the Land has been deluged in a thunder and rain, the fringe effects of what seems to be a huge storm over the southwest Kraerkorags.
Ihren, Prophet of Soren, is the new Red Warrior.
The inhabitants of Tjunklet, a village in Southern Kranoj, have all been turned into statues.
Aris has fallen to the Red Army, which is now marching on Tavat Mien.
Barnabas, a priest of Shagras, is the new Red Warrior.
The war between Belid and Regros is heating up; while Mounch has withdrawn, troops of the Red Army have been noted on the field, and Grivllos and Ithyra have also joined the fray.
Chthon, priest of the Red Church, is the new Red Warrior.
A bazaar in Hviviveros has been entirely emptied by thieves.
September 6th saw a large celebration with many tankards of ale, commemorating the first year of freedom from the bondage of the Eternal Empire, and the fall of Tzalmir.
General Madrid, of the Red Diocese in Ngth, is the new Red Warrior.
The Black Hand himself has taken the field in the war between Regros and Belid, slaying the battalion commanders in single combat. The battalion commanders of Belid, that is, not all the commanders.
Abstract of The Further Report of Hezdrubal, Ammon Sage, Regarding Martially-Related and Derivative Effects of the Absence of Wolgan, Lord of Parturition:
The Encil Magus has brainwashed selected commanders in the Regran Army and is working with the Necromancer to overthrow the Black Hand.
Rainbows have begun appearing in clear blue skies over the capi cities of many countries throughout the Land.
A big tournament is being organized to choose a new King of Vendilon.
The Grivllos troops have gone over to join the Black Hand.
Glasscastle has been spattered with blue paint.
A big contest is going to happen to give away all the farmland in Vendilon.
The war in Tavat Mien is escalating; the Tavat Mien army has been augmented by incredibly powerful wraiths, after the Tavat Mien government sacrificed several of their own to the Necromancer. In addition, the Justiciars have taken the field against the Reds.
An explosion rocked the temple of Shagras in Hieran (the capi of Belid).
The Cult of the AllFather is going to be given rule of Vendilon.
Armies of the Dark are pouring out of the Maw towards the Grivllos border.
A battalion of battlemages have joined the Regran side in the Eastern War (as opposed to the Northern War) - the sides are now Regros + Pdallar v. Belid + Grivllos + Ithyra + Mooris
Vendilon is about to be parcelled out between all its neighboring countries, who have agreed to split it evenly now that its defending Justiciars have left for Tavat Mien.
A huge temple to the Dark Lord is being constructed in Mellos (the capi of Grivllos).
"Citizens of Tzalmir, Heed my warning! An insidious power beyond your comprehension has recently appeared among you. The purpose of this power remains veiled, but its methods make it clear that the destruction of the land is a necessary step towards its goal, if not the goal itself.
The power chooses not to act directly, rather, it relies on the unknowing assistance of many of the more powerful residents of the Land. The former (and future) Red Warrior is a willing agent of this power. Malachi, the Prophetess of the All Father, as she calls herself, knows of the existance of the power, yet takes no action in opposition. The Encil Magus, a man known for his manipulation of others through words or magic, is a marionette to this power, sadly unaware of the strings pulling him towards destruction. The Dread Necromancer dances to this powers tune, best described as a funeral dirge. Even the Red Lady herself lies in thrall to the unseen master.
The Duke of Regros is playing his role as an unwitting scapegoat with honor, but he should be recognized as the catalyst that will start an unstoppable chain of events that will lead to the success of this power. The bile worm that spared his life may not have been so kind to the world, not through any actions of the Duke, but rather the implications of his still being around as a focus for powers.
Citizens of Tzalmir, look to the source! Don't be blinded by the apparent. Your survival depends on redefining reality and reacting accordingly. It is time to take responsibility for your own destinies.
You have been warned."
Then the old man vanishes in a puff of flame, leaving behind a smear of ashes.
Ald Miles has invaded Rhi Miles, against the wishes of Surden, its Duke. An unidentified official in Ald Miles says that it was all an accident, a training excercise that took a wrong turn. An advisor to the Queen of Rhi Miles says that it was no doubt an accident Ald Miles will come to regret bitterly.
The entire population of the Cult of the AllFather has been killed by assassins of the Red Church to prevent the Red Army from losing their war in Tavat Mien to the Justiciars.
A fleet of flying manta rays were spotted over the Arbyt of Triel, heading purposefully west.
The heretic Malachi was slain by Justiciars loyal to the true gods.
The Lord Justiciar has been transformed into a pig by a jealous lover.
Dorell, the Prophet of the Maw, has begun to gather a large following in the Maw, speaking of the coming darkness, and the return of the Lord Below.
Battlemages from Pdallar tried to kill Malachi, but the power of the AllFather protected her from their fireballs.
Mirrors all over the Land shattered, with something dark laughing about freedom from behind the broken shards.
The Archmagus has recruited an army to take back the Ring Kingdoms and place them under Tzalin again.
The Demon Wraith of Vendilon was never destroyed, only bound by the Necromancer, who sent it to slay Malachi.
Black Priests are looking for people willing to make sacrifice to restore the Unnamed God. Any interested parties should contact Ejar, Priest of the Last Doorway, in Ald Miles.
Adric and the Black Hand assassinated Malachi to prevent her from being named ruler of Vendilon and ushering in a new age of peace and enlightenment.
Belid has fallen to Regros, and the Queen of Belid has been captured and forced to wed the Duke of Regros.
Malachi the Prophet was assassinated by the Cabal of the Shattered Mirror.
Flying manta rays dropped large vats of blue paint on Glasscastle.
A cabal of priests from each of the six gods killed Malachi, to keep the people from finding out the Truth about the AllFather and the Six Gods.
Hecaia, High Priestess of Anz, has forged a cease fire in Tavat Mien.
Malachi was killed by members of the nobility who were offended that she was preaching equally to peasants and nobles alike.
The Red Army is retreating from Tavat Mien.
Twelve demons were sent to attack Malachi and transform her companions to animals. Before falling, she slew all the demons.
The Belidan prisoners taken by Regros in the war have rebelled against their captors.
The Dragon of the Maw was sent to slay Malachi, but she spoke to it and it turned to her favor.
The Justiciars are retreating from Tavat Mien.
An earthquake in the capi of Ald Miles knocked down the Ducal Palace and killed Duke Surden.
Malachi was killed by Justiciars mind controlled by the Encil Magus.
The Belidan prisoners taken by Regros in the war have been set free.
Malachi will return.
The Queen of Morn Valan has committed suicide.
A piercing scream was heard from the Donjon.
Handbills have begun appearing in Regros accusing "Adric the Traitor" of ordering the assassinations in Grivllos without the Duke's knowledge, and precipitating a war of attrition. Why is this man still in the Duke's employ? Save Regros! Punish Adric!
Thamil of Tzalin and Ilan the No Longer Very Ubiquitous Bard are getting married on November 18. Most everyone (except a few of the people still on this list who are both out of town and dropped out) should have gotten mail about this already inviting them to a public meeting get-together at Twinkie Towers.
The Archmagus has turned the population of Tzalmir to pigs, in a fit of rage.
Fireworks went off over the Tzalmir Imperial Plaza to celebrate the death of Malachi the Heretic.
Thamil, the Tzalin regent, and Ilan, the Slightly-More-Ubiqutous-Again-Bard, have been married.
Fireworks went off over the Tzalmir Imperial Plaza to celebrate the return of Malachi the Prophet.
General Akkat appeared at the wedding of Thamil and Ilan and tried to slay Ilan but was cut down by her protective band of invisible assassins.
There was a great big mess in the Tzalmir Imperial Plaza, involving ring wards, flying mages, fleeing Justiciars, and a riot. Lots of Justiciars and other people were arrested by the City Guard.
The Archmagus declared that no one in Tzalmir shall eat ham until Llewelen, daughter of George Cartwright, has been found.
Adric has slain the Archmagus.
The Archmagus has thrown Adric in the dungeon.
Kalki, Kerraki antique dealer, has slain Adric in defense of the honor of Dianora, Queen of Pdallar.
The Archmagus has stolen the left eye of the Necromancer, and placed it in his own head to learn the Necromancer's dark secret powers.
The text of a competing song:
** Administrivia at the bottom, don't skip... **
The Western Bardic Collegium has switched its tactics from its fairly successful satire and mockery of the Red recruitment effort, and is now supporting it. Levis Piresle, a noted balladeer, suggested that the change was caused by a dearth of rhymes for "cannon fodder," due to the lack of a Lord of Poetry.
Dvelinhurzt's troops have been arming heavily in the past month. Speculation that it is planning on invading Tavat Mien, Aris, the Vath, or whoever looks least heavily armed. Speculation also suggests that the huge lack of game animals in the Dvelinhurzt forests will require them to conquer a neighbor who actually grows edible plants, or sell half of their populace to the Donjon to purchase imported foodstuffs.
Ald Miles has fallen to the armies of Miravelle of Rhi Miles. The Ithyran army massing on the Rhi Miles/Ithyra border along the Siodari leads some to wonder if Rhi Miles may have fallen into the classic Cliffsfall lose-your-homeland trap, though. Says Commander Icarid, general of the Rhi Miles forces, "Ald Miles thought to cross our borders in enmity, and they have seen what consequences that brings. Should Ithyra choose to do so, the results will be little different."
The Duke of Regros has mysteriously vanished. The "he's been slain and/or kidnapped" theories are running neck and neck between Adric, the Encil Magus, and the Necromancer as the culprit, but several members of the Regran Court have intimated that the Duke is actually carrying out part of a plan to thwart Grivllos, and that all will become clear in time.
Grivllos's allies have increased, with Mooris again taking the field on their side, and the Lich Ghoras reputed to be using his powers to help his old allies against his old thorn-in-the-side, Regros.
All around the Land, ceremonies by the Church Below were held to commemorate and mourn the passing of Vendilon, most beloved of the countries of the Land by the Dark Lord. Most closure services were widely attended, though many were marred by protesters outside chanting "Vendilon Must Not Die."
Forces from Ngth and Belid stormed into Vendilon near the close of the year, and were met with earthquakes and potholes in their path. Their quarry, alleged to be the camp of the AllFather cultists and Justiciars, fled to parts unknown, leaving the Reds in undisputed control of the empty country. Except for the earthquakes.
Erin, the Chosen of the Light presided over the ceremonies opening the year in all the capi cities of the Land on the Creator's Holy Day. This massive feat of scheduling was primarily organized by Erin, the Prophet of Soren. Some confusion resulted from the discovery that these were, in fact, separate people.
The king of the magmatics has woken up on the wrong side of the bedrock...
The Church of the Ender of All Things, on the New Year's Eve, celebrated great Midnight Masses all over the Land, which included a large amount of rather undignified shouting and cheering. One unnamed Unnamed priest in the Mounch Lower Church bell tower was spotted doing a victory dance, waving his arms and shouting "woo hoo!"
On this the final day of the year 4018, I, the Archmagus, Mayor of Tzalmir, City of Kings, do dedicate this land in Yellow Circle [a Tzalmir street] for the building of a temple in honour of the Unnamed.
Let it be known that the Ender is returning to the Land, and that I will personally undertake the construction of His place of worship in Tzalmir.
Signed on this, the Unnamed's Holy Day,
The Archmagus
"People of Tzalmir. The immediate threat from the new power has been averted. The focus of its plans has been removed before their fruition.
"The conflict that was to engulf the East and eventually all the land has been sidetracked, and ultimately neutralized. Even now, the land breathes a sigh of relief for the respite.
"But don't let your guard down, for the power has not been defeated, only delayed. The snake has changed its skin, and with it its venom. It has recruited new minions to do its bidding, and patiently waits for the opportunity to spread its poison. In darkness, it's power grows unopposed, and will do so until the Tzalin throne is occupied by the Land's true champion, not by a resurrected shade of the past.
"Until that time, people of Tzalmir, remain ever vigilant. The power will show its fangs again. This has been your third warning ..."
Does anyone have a web server that can run a cgi script for the thresh scry reader?
A reminder: if you want to be paying attention to specific places in the Land (i.e. you want to know that your home country has been devastated by locusts and fallen into the ocean before it appears in the rumor mill) then set up a places file in your athena account or mail me where you want to be keeping track of.
Rumor Mill 36
January 2, 1996
The sun is dimmer now than it used to be. In fact, it's probably been dimmer since about New Year's.
Hauntings, possessions, and various sightings of ghosts have taken a sharp upswing since Sunday, leading to speculation that the new Lord Below has had some terrible fate befall him. Again. Ejar, prelate of the Ald Miles church (which has been rebuilt since the earthquake that hit it several months ago) has stated only that "This shall pass in time" and "It's about time."
The 12th of January saw a spontaneous celebration in that-which-was-Cliffsfall commemorating King Alphonse (aka Skye) and his Flying Pirate Ship attack on Tzalmir. Much beer and wine was consumed, and several in attendance claim that the Ballad of the Sky-Blue Knight sung there rivaled any ever heard in Ro Palis, except that no one can quite remember it, due to their subsequent hangovers.
Marek Wrathblade was canonized St. Marek on January 27th, now St. Marek's Day to the Red Church. The significance of the 27th is hotly debated by those not present (though Elboreth Silverbeard has stated categorically that "After Peace" is a perfectly reasonable description for a time to set for a Red Saint, no matter when his great battles were during his life...). In attendance were (at least) Thamil of Tzalin, Miravelle of Rhi Miles, the Flying Red Guy, and a Flying Purple Guy (who rumor speculates is the new archrival to the Flying Red Guy, now that Skye, the Flying Blue Guy, has been properly laid to rest.)
A huge army of Undermen, undead, and giant bugs has come out of the Maw to defend Ald Miles from Rhi Miles. The Rhi Miles army has pulled back to ten miles in from the border, and the lines there seem stable. In addition, a combined small force from Ithyra and Grivllos has crossed the Siodari into Rhi Miles, heard that there was a civil war starting, and crossed the Siodari back again.
The Red Warrior has slain Ridanna, Queen of Ceczo, and Nodins, Warlord of Aravy. Rumor has it that Ridanna acquiesced in this as a sacrifice to Shagras, though as there were very few witnesses, and those said to have been hand-picked by the Red Warrior, the truth of that is debatable.
A brigand named the Grey Wolf has declared himself in rebellion against Duke Farak of Ithyra, slain the local garrison, and retreated into the hills.
Priests of all sorts in Gri-Ennis have been falling off cliffs, out of windows, onto swords, drinking bad mead, burning themselves to death, and so on.
The monument to the Collector of Skulls in Arivale has been nearly covered by flowers.
Announcement by the Red Church on the Holy Day:People of the Ceczo, Aravy, and surrounding lands: It has been revealed to me that the being claiming to be Ghoras has once again risen. In a nefarious plot to seize control of the kingdoms, he has bile wormed a number of leaders and is again reaching tentacles across all boundaries. Queen Ridanna of Ceczo and General Nodin gave their lives in order to help stop this plot. Honor their memories and sacrifices. Many others in this area have also already succumbed to his vile machinations. They too must decide on how they will conduct themselves in their last hours.
I encourage all leaders to voluntarily submit to an examination by a recognized church authority. Those who fail to do so will deal with the repercussions among their fellow leaders and from our Lady of the East.
The Gri-Devlin Diocese of the Church of Shagras has been undergoing a schism in the past weeks; after the Gri-Devlin Archbishop had a heart attack, his two sub-bishops dueled and since then, it's just gotten worse. Rumors of one faction intending to tax "inferior products" highly have run rampant, where the definition of "inferior product" is alleged to be related to who is close kin of the members of one faction.
Rumor Mill 37
March 30, 1996
Vendilon and its neighbors have been reporting serious earthquakes in the past few weeks, causing many of the farmers who have moved there to leave in consternation. "I brought a whole flock of cashmere sheep here, heard the grazing was good and the land was open," says farmer Johan Van Engele. "But six of them have fallen into chasms and two broke legs during the last quake, and I really can't take such a high casualty rate. Even if this is the East, they're just sheep..."
A new cathedral to the Dark Lord in Tzalmir has been raised in the dead of night via a dark magical ritual. One rumor speculates that the Archmagus has become the New Necromancer in return for this sacrifice, and that the Mages' College will be looking for a new head.
The Ithyran rebellion has been put down by Duke Farak, and the Grey Wolf and his followers are in hiding in the Ithyra mountains being pursued by the Ithyran Home Guard.
Dvelinhurzt troops are making substantial inroads into the Vath, and invading troops now hold the upper northern counties.
This happened a while ago, but I think a rumor about it never appeared: the Red Army has relinquished the government of Loulan back to the Loulanese King. Speculation on who sold them what in exchange for this has been rampant, and include: granting of the new Red Warrior eternal youth by Nirian, the founding of a corp of Loulanese Bards campaigning for the Red Army, and the trading to the Red Church of Ihren, previously a priest of Nirian, in addition to two first-round draft picks. Note that this leaves the Red Army currently holding the Ring Kingdoms (which now have council governments) and Aris, as well as with a several-tens-of-thousands man garrison in Rhi Miles, though it is ostensibly still under the control of Queen Miravelle.
Priests have finally stopped dying in Gri-Ennis. The claim that the deaths were caused by "flying octopuses" has not been confirmed, but the fact that none of the priests who survived ran into any flying octopuses has been taken as proof of the hypothesis.
Rules and various important announcements:
A group of mages and priests in the Upper Darnelles is working to magically preserve several specimens of each known (non-extinct) species. Yorbit Fifth Echelon Fondele is calling for rare and hard-to-catch species to be brought to the team by any volunteers who can do so.
A cartload of turnips were donated to the starving peasants of Grivllos by anonymous do-gooders.
The Wrathblades, a prominent Belid noble family, urged all Easterners to boycott the founding of Jondular, due to the affiliation of Heinrich the Forsworn as the judge, and warned that allowing the False Prophet to be so closely tied to the nation's founding would endanger the Chosen of the Light's attempts to rebirth the Creator.
A shield volcano has appeared in the tholl fields of Tavat Mien, upon the place where the Red Army clashed with the Tavat Mien defenders, the Necromancer's forces, and the Justiciars.
A huge moutain rose on the border of Jondular and Ngth at the beginning of the Jondular festival. At the end of the festival, twin rivers ran out of the mountain along previously-concealed riverbeds, and to the ocean around the borders of Jondular (and the haunted remnant of Vendilon, allegedly occupied by its new King, Alamir Durand).
Tidbits on the festival:
Referees for the Monarch contest included Thamil, Hecaia (with a small
group of Justiciars who came with her, who are glaring at the group of
Justiciars who came with Heinrich, who are glaring at the group of
Justiciars that came with Hecaia, etc etc), Barnabas (a Red priest),
and possibly or possibly not Heinrich (that latter seems to be
somewhat confused). Other famous people around were Erin, Erin (the
other one, the Prophet of Soren), Kelkyag (the other Prophet of
Soren), a snow-globe salesman, and several sightings of Miravelle.
Some entries for Monarch, in no particular order:
The last round, which includes Dahling and Rhyx Feleran, draws to a close as only the two of them are left, neither able to penetrate the other's defenses. Rhyx offers that if Dahling surrenders, he will make her his queen. Dahling counter-offers that if Rhyx surrenders, she will make him her warlord. Neither offer is taken. After more futile sparring, Rhyx suggests that they put down their weapons and wrestle. Dahling accepts, and after a few minutes of wrestling, Rhyx has Dahling in a firm lock, whereupon Dahling kisses Rhyx, he boggles, and she thwacks him.
Erin renames Dahling "Carwyn" and gives her bronze hair, renames the Changing Beast "Rafe" and gives him golden eyes, and renames Chamai "Divech" and gives him copper skin.
The next day, around what might be noon, it lights very faintly (about the brightness of the moon at quarter and waning), and a strange bluish-cream color.
A tournament has begun for Queen of Ceczo, to replace Queen Ridanna, slain by the Red Warrior for being a minion of Ghoras.
The sun is still dim, though it has grown gradually brighter since its untoward putting-out. It is now a little brighter than the full moon, and has been changing colors each day (though as it gets brighter, all the colors are converging on yellowish sun-colored). For several days, it was also trailing wisps of smoke, speculated to be an attempt to rebuild the "ramscoop" that it used to have, but the smoke has faded agian.
Eleanor (the vampire) and Alamir Durandt (ruler of Vendilon) were married in a secret ritual. They have made a comfortable home in the capi of Vendilon, as Eleanor has turned the wraiths into a powerful army.
Ghoras was the mysterious helmeted knight in the recent Jondular Festivals who competed for the position of Hero.
Shadowere (the irradiant self-proclaimed thief), and Erin Silvertongue (the tri-colored priest) have been meeting for secret romantic weekends. Erin is attempting to become Touched to round out his set.
Erin (the other one) of Loulan (reputedly Chosen of the Light) is:
The river from Jondular is running dry. Johan Van Engele, local sheep farmer, was heard to mutter "First earthquakes, now drought. If this is as long as the river lasts, why should we expect the country to stand much longer?"
Malachi has been going from village to village dressed as a peasant, giving out apples which brainwash the recipients to believe her heresies.
Daia, the widow of the Unnamed, has been finding the position somewhat depressing and has begun to prefer the company of Hecaia, High Priestess of Anz.
Magnus John Vulkayne has been cursed by the Church of Shagras to become a Summer Woman. According to unnamed sources, turning him into a "wussy girl" was the worst thing any of the Red priests could think of.
A series of limericks have become immensely popular in the ale-houses and inns of the Land.
Dvelinhurzt has conquered the Vath. Theron Irongrip, the Governor of the Vath, has surrendered to Ebilon, the Lord of the Hunt, and his husk armor has been symbolically confiscated. That is, it's really been taken by Ebilon, but that's primarily for symbolic purposes rather than because Ebilon needs it. Tribute in farm produce is being arranged by each Huntsman individually.
The tournament for Queen of Ceczo has concluded, and Dathanni Soli, a fighter with sword-and-chain, has won.
Tyrone, a Pdallan battlemage, has issued challenge to the Archmagus for his position. Should he win, rumor suggests that the College of Mages in Tzalmir will be (at least temporarily) devoted to more "practical" magics, and the Imagonem mages will be fired.
The sun is a lot brighter (though still not quite normal levels), and the color changes are now much closer to light pastel washes over the normal "sun color". The Ammon Sages have stated that this should be sufficient for basic plant function. However, they do still express some caveats about the lack of seasons and start digressing into technical details regarding seed cycles and winter freezes...
A hollow-eyed man (that looks slightly younger than the one(s) that have appeared before) shuffles into the main square of City (the capi of Lesser Mosk). He looks ready to speak, then seems to realize something. He looks around with more awareness than he has shown before. He grumbles, "This isn't Tzalmir square. Barry, bring me back. You blew it." He then disappears in a puff of white powder.
The lowest portion of a tiny valley in Sioden has become filled by darkness, through which no sunlight penetrates and torches and lanterns shine only shallowly. The Ammon Sages are said to be studying the phenomenon closely.
The Plains of Volan seem to be undergoing a very strange thunderstorm, principally near its borders, in which the rain is falling upwards. Observers also report seeing a few small fish in the rain (also falling upwards) but his is considered unlikely.
The squirrels, mice, songbirds, and other small animals (not that there are too many left) in Tzalmir seem to be behaving oddly, travelling mostly in straight lines and along what might be imagined as lines of a large imaginary hex grid.
In other news...
The Grivllos army has withdrawn from Regros. Veteran Grivllen sergeant Pfuil Woodnik says "It was getting to the point where we was tired of living just in tents. Some o' the boys was putting up little houses, others was starting to plant gardens. Seemed ta' me that that woulda been a decent way to invade and take over da land we had camped on, but it wouldn't a made a very good battleground any more. Guess somebody got paid off somewhere."
The withdrawal of Grivllen troops from Regros has served as something of a trigger for a play for the Ducal Throne by several distant relatives of the late (well, it's rumored that he's late, at least) Duke: Andron i'Soldin, "Black" Webster Burchart, and Rillis i'Donoval. Rumor also says that Queen Dianora of Pdallar is allied with one of the throne-contenders (though rumor is not clear on which one), and which way General Iskander, head of the Regros Army, will jump, is still up in the air.
Derindal of Blacklock has climbed the Mount of Tyr, a mountain in the Siodari that (by legend) has a shrine to one of Shagras' first lovers at the top, and stolen the holy artifact that should reside there.
Lanthet Drescol of Grivllos and James Carter Vulkayne were secretly wed three months ago, much to the displeasure of their respective parents, who have been competing viciously for trade routes in various parts of the east.
A mysterious illness is sweeping through Morn Valan. The Queen has been heard to say that it is a punishment visited on the land for her crimes, but no one knows what she means.
Xabanese patrol boats, originally hired to protect merchant vessels from competing merchants and/or pirates, have begun to skirmish with each other. Whether this is an indication of some of them going rogue, or a schism in Xaban soon to lead to a civil war, is not clear to non-Xabanese observers.
Some longer tidbits:
A report on a magical duel between Erin of Loulan and Tyrone of Flambeau of Pdallar.
And, yet another pessimistic Ammon Sage report: On the Effect of Recent Upheavals on Trading Along the Siodari
And, finally, everyone's favorite, the Syndic Economic Report!
The dead of Syndic are rising as zombies, stalking the locals and rending them to pieces. There are several camps of opinion on the cause of the plague of undead. First, the Necromancer is being blamed for it on general principles, though the Syndic priests of the Lord Below state unequivocally that this nonsense. Second, agents of Gri-Ennis are being accused of creating the whole thing as a hoax, though to what ends is unknown. Third, there are rumors of a "Necromancer of the Donjon," the successor to the "Necromancer of the Kraerkorags," possibly the wife of the previous Necromancer, who is clearly behind it all.
In addition, Syndic seems to be undergoing a schism in the Syndeche, and those in the know suggest that a civil war is likely to follow. Many investors are beginning to convert their chit holdings into other commodities, thus weakening the Syndic economy further, and Erger Singreal, Ammon Sage and political speculist, ventures that the economic stability of much of the North and northeast will suffer greatly, no matter what happens.
Scientists from Lesser Mosk have announced that they have begun work building the AllFather out of gears, cogs, and baling wire. Due to safety considerations, the construction work is being done in Gri-Ennis instead of Lesser Mosk itself.
Heinrich and Malachi Freedmanson are pleased to announce their marriage and the birth of their daughter, Dorothea, weighing in at 8 pounds 9 ounces. Mother and daughter are alive and well.
The Red Army has begun maneuvers in the Ring Kingdoms. Speculation on why and who is going to be invaded have been unconfirmed by any official press releases on the part of the Red Army itself, and Brigadier General Kirloch has said only "An axe becomes dull and rusty if all that it is used for is wall decoration."
Lower Tythwall, a village in Sabat, has been attacked by the wraith forces of Daia, the Unnamed's widow and now the new Necromancer. All who tried to resist were slain, and several buildings, including the chapel of Nirian were razed. In addition, many fields were burnt, with two in particular having the axe of Shagras, and a large "E" burnt in. Some of the survivors express dubiousness that Daia was the one responsible ("Why did all the wraiths have big 'E's on their chests, instead of 'D's, then?") but this has been ascribed to trauma.
Anti-pirate Xabanese patrol boats running the Ladysblood River have been staking out their own "territories" and taking exception to other patrol boats that venture onto their turf. A few competing patrol boats have engaged in skirmishes, though no ships have yet been sunk. Piracy is down, though merchants, unaccountably, do not seem to feel safer. In addition, a few brave merchants still travel unescorted, despite all attempts by the patrol boat captains to insist that their protection be sought. Captain Jarl Hekvold, one of the few merchants to not seek patrol boat protection, was heard to have said "I'm supposed to be afraid of petty thuggery? Not in *this* lifetime..."
The sun rose today surrounded by a white hexagon. Initial panic that this was some prelude to the sun going out yet again seems to have died down, but much speculation on the phenomenon remains. Snogth Rushwillet, a priest of the God of Practical Jokes, has claimed that the apparently new practice of the devotees of the Lord of Boring to "hack" Geskekelud's Holy Day is a most promising sign.
In more normal (in some sense of the world normal) news for Thursdays the 12th, swarms of purple butterflies were observed almost everywhere in the Land. The Ammon Sages, questioned about where any butterflies came from (butterflies all being extinct in the present day), have said that these are "the dreams of children, of butterflies."
The Red Army has begun marching east, back towards Dalos. Popular rumor speculates that they have become confused in this Day of Confusion, and that soon they'll get their bearings again. A less well-believed rumor indicates that the army was ordered to cross the border into Tzalin and refused.
Richard of Mosk has constructed a great shrine to St. Ingram Demonsbane at his Clockwerk. In addition to a huge Chair, said to be modeled after the chair Ingram sat in while researching his prismatic magics, the shrine contains a mural of Ingram standing atop the College of Mages in Tzalmir, colored rays shooting from finger. To comments that perhaps homage to a man who had destroyed two gods and caused two years of stillbirths was not necessarily advisable, Richard is said to have replied, "It's my college, and if I want to have a mural of the Allfather sleeping with Shagras, I'll have one!" Enthusiastic speculation on whether there is a second, hidden shrine containing this other mural is high, but tourists wanting to see the Heretical Shrines have been turned away by clockwork soldiers.
The Artisans' Guild in Syndic was burnt to the ground late at night by zombies. No sooner had the ashes cooled than the Chosen of the Light had constructed a new, stone hall. Above the main entranceway, "Chenoa Guild Hall" is engraved. Exactly who or what Chenoa is has not yet been answered. While there is a small town in Hviviveros named Chenoa, it does not appear to be missing a guild hall, though an expedition to "Bring the Hall Back" is said to be being massed in Yanuk by stalwart explorers with nothing beter to do.
In addition to the troublesome tendencies of arson-minded zombies, the Syndic Artisans' Guild has been plagued by demons, who show up at midnight, loot their houses, and threaten them. Exactly why the Artisans have incurred the "wrath of the dead," as the demons introduce themselves, has not been explained either by the local priests of the Lord of the Dead or by the demons themselves.
A number of brass spinning tops engraved with the message "Richard is grateful to Yignis" have been distributed to the children of Gri-Ennis.
Dirge Sorenson, the Bard of Ro Palis, has passed away. Known originally for his moving composition and rendition of "Penultimate Requiem" with which he won the Bardic Competition after his predecessor was slain by wraiths, Sorenson more recently had composed nothing for several years, and the pilgrimages of many healers throughout the Land have proved futile. Recently, Sorenson had appeared to regain some of his energy, though not in a musical fashion, and had begun to arrange for the renovation and refurbishment of the palace, but this burst of enthusiasm appears to have triggered a relapse and he was found dead early on the morning of the Year's Eve by palace servants. A state funeral has been held, and the Bard's epitaph left blank; traditionally such an epitaph is composed by the Bard, but Sorenson was unable to do so.
A flying Whirligig of Death was found in the fields over Xaban, attacking, well, mostly plants. Some initial speculation that this was a sending of the Red Lady, expressing her animosity towards her White counterpart (also the Goddess of Plants), but this speculation was hotly denied by the delegation from the Red Temple in the City of Gates who led an ambush of the Whirligig and destroyed it.
Erin of Loulan has destroyed the tholl fields of Tavat Mien with a rain of fire that lasted for a week and a day, after the government of Tavat Mien refused to let her preside over their Year's Opening ceremonies. Some sources in Tavat Mien claim that the fires destroyed only a forest and a village, not the entire countryside, while others condemn her for plunging town full of innocents into an inferno.
Tzalmir has been infested by iron centipedes, which have nested under the Hill and devoured all pipes to be found there. The Archmagus has stated that any sewer problems will shortly be resolved by capable workmen who aren't him, damn it.
For the past several days, a fleet of, um, well, flying glass onions has been traveling across the Land from east to west.
The Variegated Mage, new resident of the Hill in Tzalmir, is visiting Dvelinhurzt and organized several Unhunted Feasts, featuring magically created venison and buffalo, as well as something he calls a Constructed Elephow.
Lesser Moskians have created a steam demon, a monstrosity of patched-together flesh and leather tubing, and released it to stalk the East. It is said to catch its victims and throw them into a huge steaming pit, from whence strange and terrible creatures rise to do its bidding.
A mysterious fast-growing vine with large pink flowers has been spreading throughout the forests of Jondular, Mooris, and Belid. Blooming in the mornings and evenings with a pleasant spicy scent, there is some suspicion that anything so pervasively nice in the East must be up to no good.
For several days, the clock in the large clock tower in Tzalmir, of renowned lesser Moskian design, which hasn't lost more than a few minutes a year since it was installed several hundred years ago, is running backwards. An enthusiastic adjunct to the rumor is that this is a miracle of the Archmagus's, and that all residents of the city are getting younger by the day. A slight increase in tourism has resulted.
The Invost Hills in Gri-Ennis appear to be haunted, or at least become the lair to something mysterious. Loud, eerie moans have been heard from the top of one of the hills, and a few brave investigators have reported seeing a giant creature with huge, glowing eyes squatting near the top.
The second anniversary of the Flying Pirate Invasion was celebrated in the Gri-Ennis annexed portion of Cliffsfall on January 12. In addition to various binges of drinking, dancing, and grabbing after available wenches, a few items of note include a plethora of small, wind-up pirate ships being played with by the now well-pampered children of Gri-Ennis (while being wound, they make "arr" noises, and after being wound, they hop about on the ground), and a rowdy drinking song:
"Sproing" goes the pirate
Twirling in mid-air
A-hail of rubber figures
Pirates! Everywhere!Clouds stormed in a-noontimes
And blocked the sun-sail's shine
Shagras' own pelted by the Skye
Immortalized in rhyme!They struggled on the rooftops
They fought in Tzalmir Square
Should the city Cheer or Flee?
Pirates! Everywhere!
Tzalin Heralds have been posted to all corners of the Land, and most capital cities or other important places have now seen these colorfully dressed musician/diplomats (rumor has it that the Clockwerk in Gri-Ennis has two clockwork heralds instead, and that the two attached to the Red Army have begun to fight on their side...)
Last rumor mill forgot to mention that Erin of Loulan performed New Year's Day ceremonies in all the capitals across the Land, to celebrate the Opener of the Year.
The Red Army invaded Alkynia, on Shagras's holy day, to be met with only token resistance. A joint tournament sponsored by the Red Church and Queen Eliza of Alkynia was held to make up for the lack of a war. The lack of a war was taken badly by some Alkynian citizens, who formed a drunken mob and attacked the Red Army encampments, but this uprising was quickly quashed.
A border of crimson poppies has again grown around the Plains of Volan. Not seen since Ghoras sowed the poppy-fields with salt after he took Volan, the poppies are said to be the true Western flowers, which are sopoforic to all but SummerFolk.
The Flying Red Guy has been seen in Tavat Mien, flying towards the Glass Desert. Various speculations on whether he planned to battle Anz, perform a pilgramage, or just gather some of the glass water from the northernmost section of the Glass River, have been very muddled.
An attack by the Justiciars on the Red garrison in Gal Sidar was fended off, principally by the large number of crack reinforcements who showed up to defend the emplacement.
The Ladysblood ran red to predict the previously mentioned attack in Gal Sidar, but during that time a woman in a small boat travelled downstream, placing white water lilies. The boat was observed to have a large white parasol and a flag of Nirian, as well as a big cursive E on the back of the boat.
Sordovan, priest of the Creator in Kerrak, has been killed and the wall by his body marked with an E.
Huge bonfires were built, approximately every several miles, in a line from the coast of Xaban to the Maw. The bonfires were supervised by priests of Shagras or priests of the Lord of the Maw, and will say, if asked, that the Halls of Valor have been destroyed by the Necromancer Elenor, and that the bonfires are to light the passing of the ghosts who now travel towards the Lands Below.
The temple of Shagras at the head of the Ladysblood has been invaded, and the priests and other residents killed. The bodies were found floating down the Ladysblood (and tangling with the new water lilies).
The following flyer has been posted in many major cities. The ad is ornately caligraphed on fine parchment in a midnight blue ink; the ink appears to have silver flecks in it.
__________________________________________
| ARIVALE ANTIQUES |
| |
| Mordan Cooper, Proprietor |
| |
| We Buy and Sell Historical Antiques. |
| Estate Sales our Specialty, |
| Special Orders Welcome. |
| (Nonnig enquiries to Mordan Cooper, |
| burgiel@geom.umn.edu, ) |
__________________________________________
Many people in the Land have been converting to the path of the Church of the AllFather, listening to traveling philosophers and proselytizers, and taking advantage of the healing clinics offered in the country areas by Church members. The following rumors are all predominantly concerned with religious conversions...
Travelling bards espousing the traditional religions, and mocking those who follow the AllFather, have been spotted in a number of countries, though they are most prevalent in Soren, Sabat, Loulan, Jondular, Gri-Ennis, and Kranoj. Alas, some of the more strident bards have met with tragic accidents, though no foul play has been proven.Those countries controlled by the Red Army (Dalos, Hengmir, Pirtos, Gal Sidar, and Neffik; later, Alkynia) have declared the Church of the AllFather to be heresy, illegal, and punishable by death. Those suspected of espousing the heretical religion have been rounded up for questioning by priests, and those who failed to pass the questioning satisfactorily, or who have failed to recant, have been executed. This tactic has had somewhat more success in the Eastern Rings than the Western Rings; priests of Nirian have been accused of lying to shield heretics, and priests of Geskekelud have been accused of lying just on general principles.
Several travelling pedlars in Arivale have gotten into arguments with the travelling proselytizers. One striking exchange was noted by a passing Ammon Sage as having included the frustrated cry "What are you, *sheep*?"
Rumors of a "Little Duchess" have begun to spring up in Ithyra, in conjunction with a movement being termed "Ithyran Pride." Ithyran Pride seems to, in part, consist of great stubbornness and a tendency towards self-reliance, though a respect for their heritage. While the attendance at the services of the Six may have dropped, Ithyrans seem to be turning to the AllFather less than might be expected.
An AllFather elder in Dyvik, Mooris was torn to pieces by local parents for molesting their children, and similar incidents elsewhere in the Vath and Belid have begun to come to light. Many followers of the AllFather have been chased away by association, and tempers are running hot.
The priests of Geskekelud in Morn Valan have gone on a crusade to convince the Visionbound that Geskekelud has not, in fact, abandoned them.
A revolt against the Warlord of Aravy led by followers of the Cult of the AllFather was quickly put down, and repercussions against other Cult members have been severe.
Followers of the AllFather have had a number of mysterious accidents befall them in Ceczo, Dvelinhurzt, Granite Holt, Gri-Ennis, Misambokia, the Isles of Verne, Pdallar, and Xaban.
Granite Holt has formed a Committee on the Redemption of Heretics, and declared practicing the religion known as the Church of the AllFather to be illegal.
Many people in the Lower Darnelles and Ro Palis have been shaking their heads and saying "What the heck was I thinking?"
Thamil, the Regent of Tzalin, has spoken to the people of Tzalin and told them to stop being such nitwits. Most of them have listened. In addition, the armies of Tzalmir, under the direction of Miron Tal, have begun to say morning prayers to Shagras and Nirian to grant them strength in the defense and protection of their homeland.
The fine wines and brandies of Rianne have become less sweet recently, though those vintners who ask the blessing of the Lady of Vines and the Lord of Inebriation when the beverages are made seem to still have the high quality expected from Rianne.
Followers of the AllFather have purified Dun Areg, the capital of Regros, of its pernicious curse.
A large part of the armies of Richard of Mosk have left the Clockwerk and gone to enforce a sort of martial law in Gri-Ennis, primarily throwing people in rivers and ponds who are becoming violent over religious disputes. For a few days last month, the soldiers began to pull back into the Clockwork (sources cite a possible invasion by the Red Army, though how it would plan on crossing all the intervening countries is unclear).
Stone golems are working to overthrow the Red dominion over Alkynia and replace it with a council of non-humans.
Henry Tzalin was crowned King of Tzalin on April 26, in a ceremony attended by many notables. Speeches were made by the Regent Thamil (who was appointed Prime Minister) and Henry, and an agreement was announed with the Red Army over the currently occupied Ring Kingdoms. A speech to be given by the Archmagus was cancelled, as that worthy is believed to have been investigating rumors of gold centipedes in the Tzalmir sewers.
A set of crown jewels were presented by priests: In the name of Inos, the Maker of Kings, a Gold Ring; in the name of Shagras, the Source of Strength, a Sword; in the name of Anz, the Setter of Laws, a Scepter of Law; in the name of Nirian, the Dispenser of Mercy, a Chalice; In the name of the Ender of the Interregnum, a Obsidian Ring; in the name of Geskekelud, the Lord of Insight, a Mother of Pearl Pie Pan. At the moment of the crowning, all five Gods appeared behind Henry for a brief moment.
A corn field in Dalos has been invaded by steam badgers stealing the dirt.
On March 31, three jugglers and four tumblers invaded Northern Yanuk, Hviviveros, and declared that the country should surrender to them in the name of Eleanor. They were met by the Minister of Seals, who declared all of Hviviveros willing to surrender the name of Eleanor to them (though it would take a short while to notify everyone of that name in the country.) The invasion force said no, no, that wasn't what they meant, the country had to surrender to them, but that they were conquering in the name of Eleanor. The Minister tried to clarify whether that meant they were supposed to surrender to *them* or to Eleanor, to which the answer was given "Um, both." A closed meeting was held for some time, after which it was announced that the seven acrobats were to be given the post, jointly, of Minster of Eleanor, and that the King and the King were willing to listen to all advice given by the Minister, and to follow it one time out of seven.
A very shiny clockwork hippo with chrome ears later showed up in North Yanuk and demanded that they surrender in the name of Bert. After some negotiation, the hippo was declared to be the minister of Bert the Amphibious, the duties of which are to provide watercress to the Minister of Eleanor and the Minister of Seals. In addition, the Minister of Eleanor was instructed to follow the advice of the Minister of Bert the Amphibious one time out of seven. The hippo apparently took this poorly, and was arrested after throwing much watercress through the windows of the Ministry of Seals. The King of Hviviveros, on the advice of the Minister of Eleanor, has declared the sixth Monday of June to be a holiday honoring the Minister of Bert the Amphibious.
Clockwork diplomats are asking all over the Land about ``the people who stole Richard of Mosk's Creator Project Prototype...'' Apparently, Richard wants to recover a couple of pieces or data (it's unclear) to finish the second generation model.
The sun has gradually been growing brighter, though it's still dim.
Strange blimps have been sighted rising from the eastern Land to the moon and returning again. Rumors that Richard of Mosk plans to convert the moon to a clockwork of some sort are being widly bandied about, as are claims that Xabanese merchants plan to use the moon for cross-Land travel.
Regarding religious stuff: Actual stats will be put off until after my thesis is done (mid-June). Any parties for which I don't have a statement of intent on what points are being exerted where will be assumed to be at home talking to each other rather than having an effect on the mechanic. After this point, retroactive stuff will *not* be accepted.
So there was a holy day of Geskekelud ages back in June. It wasn't actually forgotten, I just failed to send out mail for a while. The Siodari River, starting a short distance upstream of the Maw, appears to be full of "scrubbing bubbles" (you know, those little white guys with brushes on the bottom, but without the happy faces) about the size of oranges. Much of the Maw, at least along the river, appears to be squeaky clean. The bubbles appear to mostly be gone by the time the river exits the maw, though the few that survive pop quickly.
A new contest for the Bard of Ro Palis is in progress. Erin of Loulan was given a role in opening the contest, though it's said that the organizers denied a request to let her judge. Particularly depressed pundits speculate that Ro Palis has fallen in with a plot of the Ender of All Things to sabotage Erin's attempt to become the Creator, but the more practical speculate that it's jus that she's not a professional musician.
The moon has been visited numerous times by a really large blimp with daisies painted on the side. The blimp appears to be launched from the East coast, travel to the moon, and then undock just before moonset. After several rounds of blimp trips, the equatorial belt of the Land has been pelted by clumps of daisies with small parachutes, which plant themselves in the soil they land on. A few observers have noted small machines flying away from the daisies shortly after planting.
There seems to have been some sort of fuss in the main temple to Shagras in Dalos Dern on September 9th; rumors vary between a pack of killer dogs invading the temple, and the entire temple population having ben replaced by dopplegangers. The priests of Shagras have made no comment.
Something strange went on with a large black horse in one of the mid-eastern countries, but the details are very fuzzy. The most commonly told version is presented as an appendix to this rumor mill.
On Anz's Holy Day, the Eastern Church Knights, under the command of General Madrid, staged a masterful strike against the South, involving the assassination of several of the top (inasmuch as you can tell these things) of the Southern Church Knights and capture of their sigils of office, followed by a "vote" on behalf of the "South" to relinquish control to the East. A brief battle in the Seventh Sanctuary was easily put down by the Red Church Knights, as many of the Southern Church Knights had been diverted to the Western Diocese to help support them against a (not-very-large) insurrection organized by one Lovin Erlak. Rumors of help from the Black Diocese are unconfirmed; their political support was not noted (though not necessary), but some say the assassinations were accomplished by Lower Demons.
The political situation in Syndic is becoming shakier my the week. While the Kerner's faction has issued a statement warning that if the Artisans do not destroy their automatic Chit machines once and for all by the Holy Day of Shagras, then there shall be war on that day. The statment may be too late, however, as there have been several bloody skirmishes between the Syndeche factions already, and civil war may come far sooner than the Red Holy Day.
A cabal dissatisfied with Erin of Loulan has kidnapped her, in order tap her power, steal her Talisman, and make their own creature into the Creator. This does appear to clash with reports that Erin presided over the ceremonies at the Opening of the Year in each country again.
Bureacratic announcment: People may have noticed Tzalmir waking up a bit recently. This is in great part due to the efforts of Mike, who has defeated Mahk in single combat and taken his place as "GM type that things should get cc'ed to."
Syndic has been embroiled in a messy civil war. Fighting began between the factions of the Kerners and the Artisans, apparently in a dispute over who gets to make chits. The main military strength was originally that of the non-factionated Syndeche, which continues to hold the capital. Additional zombie forces have been rising to combat, principally, the Artisans, and rumor speculates that a top Red general is supporting the Artisans to take over the entire country. Additional speculation suggests that the Syndeche has its own necromancer in the forces, though whether that means the zombies are theirs or are being turned by them depends on whose reports you listen to. The appearance of Richtel on the side of the Syndeche has also been noted with great interest by war-watchers.
A plague of volcanoes has erupted, including one in Belid, one in Mudwallow, and several in the Siarlani mountains, including one said to be very near the (no-longer-)Empty City. The Ammon Sages are said to have complained that "someone has been mucking with Fate," but have not offered further clarification.
White short-sleeved tunics have been being sold in major cities throughout the Land, bearing printed slogans:
On the front:
"Have you ever read a shirt?"
On the back:
"You will."
and in smaller letters:
"And the person who'll bring it to you:
Richard of Mosk"
Durak, a warrior chieftan in the Isles of Verne, sent out a great sailing ship on Midwinter. The ship, Red Solute, intended to travel first to the Throne of Valor (to ask for their ship to travel underwater), and then to the King Under the Sea, to demand worthy sea-flora to fight. The ship has not been seen since, and Durak has since vanished. The name of the ship has later been thought to be singularly improvidential.
One of the stars in Hozni, the Hawk, has split into two (one larger and one smaller). The driftage of both star fragments is said to be higher than normal, and astrologers are watching closely to see if a new constellation name is in order. More careful astrologers have noted that the star of the Extra Wick in Naba the Hermit seems to have extinguished.
The Red Army has taken the Vath, moving from Alkynia and defeating the Dvelinhurztian Border Force in less than a week. Vathian peasants have thronged the highways to cheer their liberators; more wary Vathian sages have muttered about exchanging one master for another (though this one, the sages expand, will want more armor and less food). Other pundits point knowingly at a map of the Land, and draw straight lines from Alkynia through the Vath through Dvelinhurzt to Syndic.
A small lake in the Plains of Volan has become poisoned, killing a herd of prize racehorses and several families, before the cause was determined.
A pen-pal program between Siarlani and humans has been increasing in popularity over the past year. The favorite correspondents appear to be large giant otter-type creatures named "Ottars", who are both voluble and entertaining.
The lovely white lilies in the Ladysblood river have grown somewhat thicker over the past several weeks due to the Syndic civil war and the Vath invasion. Very recent and shaky reports mention some strange goings-on at the mouth of the river, described by onlookers as "a fight between the lilies and a bunch of seaweed."
Several dozen retired? renegade? just plain quit? Justiciars have been camping in front of GlassCastle. They have refrained from comment to reporters, but various observers claim that they are waiting for a new Champion, asking for Hecaia to let them in, or waiting for Heinrich to join them.
Nobody has heard anything from Thearos in ages.
Rumor Mill 49
May 13, 1998
According to its Sabatan neighbors, the northwestern country of Thearos has vanished, and a greyish-ivory dome surrounds it. The more inquisitive nearby farmers report that one can throw pebbles at the wall, which either pass through or disintegrate, but that people cannot pass through. ("Nor dogs neither, even if you flung them!" reports local miller Greattheck).
The Vathian government-in-exile, including Theron Irongrip, has been sworn in as the new leaders of the Vath. Exactly what they have promised their liberators of the Red Army is unknown, but the attitude towards those who promote the Cult of the AllFather has grown markedly grimmer.
Hecaia has made an announcement to the Justiciars camping outside Glasscastle, and they have all departed for Tzalmir. Some speculate that this is part of an expected Choice of the Tzalin (though rumormongers are divided over whether this means he'll be choosing Anz or the AllFather), while others say they are looking for an Anzian relic.
The Red Army has entered Aravy, and General Kirloch has dueled with Kelrim Akkat, the Warlord. The duel was marked by skill on both sides, but Kirloch's armor proved much superior. The duel was disrupted by an Aravian soldier who tried to interfere, and by appearance of the ghost of St. Marek (who, accounts say, was either trying to stop the Aravian soldier, or provoked her). Warlord Akkat was slain, and Warlord Kirloch has been granted dominion over Aravy. The funeral of Warlord Akkat will be held on May 25, once his skin has been properly tanned and treated.
The Syndic civil war has ended; the withdrawal of the mysterious Black Guard from the support of the Kerners swiftly led to their defeat by the Artisans. The Artisans and the centrist Syndeche have agreed to a joint cease-fire and alliance, to defeat the zombie army, though preliminary rounds indicate that it will be a drawn-out process, as the non-zombie casualties keep joining the zombie side.
Strange explosions and building-demolishings have been reported in the Clockwerk owned by Richard of Mosk. Normally, this is considered by the (few and brave) neighbors to be business as usual, but this time a significant activity of clockwerk men has been reported, supposedly searching for the perpetrator. When of Mosk was asked to comment, he replied "It runs better every day. Buy a bicycle, you'll like them."
Ebon, the holder of the Mentam chair of the Tzalmir Council of Mages, is dead. Foul play of some sort is suspected; investigators are looking into a possible rift between Ebon and his apprentice