Heen (Realm)/Heenite Highlights/June '07
 Heenite Highlights
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| Price: 1 gold | Creator: Thrydwulf | June '07 |
(This editor realises that it is not yet the month of June, but after the events of the last couple of days, he realised the repercussions of todays acts by the Arch Priest (explained later) would continue for a number of days, and thought it was time to start up the next issue of the Heenite Highlights. And so we start with a very important piece of news.)
| A Foiled Rebellion | |
Today in Heen, a plot to rebell in our Capital City was foiled. There had been much discussion within the Queens Council about a group of nobles who had recently left Toren on the South-East Island after their failed rebellion to join the realm of Heen in Beluaterra. Their plan was slightly clever, as they did not arrive in Heen as one large group; instead they came in pairs, about a week apart and all swore allegiences to local lords immediately. However, they did not take into account that many of the nobles already belonging to the realm, had family members in other realms, warning their brothers or sisters that the new nobles they were making friends with had just rebelled against their own realm. The council were immediately alerted to their suspicions, and a silent investigation was conducted. While nothing had been said in public, the so called "underground movement" had been sending messages to each other ever since their arrival on our sandy shores. They even had a leader, AND a plan. They did not bank on a couple of their nobles betraying them though, as it seems that the spirit and friendship of the Heenite Nobles had got into a couple of their hearts. And so, while suspicions were there, no hard evidence could be found. Until the day when two of the underground movement approached individual members of the council. One "noble" approached the Queen herself, describing the exact plans of the rebellion, and how he had intended to be a part of it, but since moving to Heen had changed his mind when he saw the delights our realm had to offer. His message to the Queen can be found here: Rebel Message to Queen. Another of the rebels had also been in contact with the High Marshall Thrydwulf, warning him of an upcoming rebellion, and how he wanted no part of it as it was "unjustified and had no real meaning". His message to the High Marshall can be found here: Rebel Message to Marshall. The Queen and High Marshall of Heen then put forward all the evidence to the Queens Council, including all the names of the rebels (supplied by the rebel who messaged the Queen), their plan to overthrow the city, and their ringleader. The evidence was put before the judge, after one day was given to the rebel leader to explain his whereabouts (he had not been following orders for over a week), to which the Arch Priest decided that enough evidence had been given in order to ban the nobles in the Underground Movement in Heen. So from today, 3 nobles have been banned. The two nobles that came forward with the plans have been issued a Royal Pardon from the Queen herself for owning up and confessing. Today shows that the Heenite Spirit can break even some of the hardest nobles. |
| The Plotters Unveiled | |
Finally, the names of the Rebels can be revealed, as all the evidence has been collected, and the Arch Priest has put the bans into effect. Immediately, the nobles banned were declared rebels, and immediately caused trouble in the regions they were in - attacking the villagers and nobles in the nearby vicinity. Their efforts were fruitless however, and their units were quickly slaughtered, leaving the nobles to flee. The head of the band, the so called "assassin" has apparantly slipped into the shadows somewhere and joined with our Federation allies Vlaanderen to become an Infiltrator. The final piece of evidence was sent to our Arch Priest Medium, and can be found in the following insert: Message to Medium. The outcome of all this, is that Tanis and Hericus were issued Royal Pardons for coming forward with their knowledge of the Rebellion. The nobles Fenrir, Larkin and Zellion were banned from the realm with immediate effect, and left to find their own way in the world, forever labelled as rebels. |
| Ambushed in Naraka | |
As the sun rose on the 3rd of June, the Heenite army that had been travelling from Watto to Naraka on their way to Reeds to aid their allies Vlaanderen, suddenly heard the sound of many footsteps approaching at pace. Unready and slightly unorganised, the Heenite army were being ambushed by half of the Mesh force than had earlier this morning completed a successful TO of the region of Bajit. Charging towards the quickly assembling Heenite army were over 500 Meshian soldiers, mainly infantry, but with about 50 horses cantering behind. While the 10 Heenite soldiers and their units straightened their armour and quickly readied their weapons, preparing for the assault, they saw a horde of Vlaanderen peasants weilding a makeshift red and white banner rushing to join them from the town of Naraka. Each peasant with a fork or other implement, eager to aid the Heenites in the early morning light. The battle began in half-light, it was clear that the Heenite's were vastly outnumbered. Their soldiers numbered just under 370 men, while the Meshian ambush party had over 500 men. Not only did Mesh have the men advantage, but they also had the element of surprise as the Heenite's were disorganised in their lines. Despite this, the Heenite soldiers, inspired by the courage of the Vlaanderen peasants put up a great fight. Swords struck shields, and arrows flew straight in the calm winds as the battle raged, but it soon became clear that Mesh were not to have the obvious victory as it had seemed at first. They did not count on the individual strength and courage of the Heenite's. Their teamwork in battle in well reknowned, and their physical strengths from the harsh conditions in the desert puts them above most soldiers. Their equipment and armour then improves their chances greatly. Despite a staggered cavalry charge, and many losses on the allied side, the Meshian forces were driven from the battlefield in a heroic victory. Yet another victory for Thrydwulf as High Marshall, and his loyal Heenites. Sadly, all the Vlaanderen peasants were slain, but their spirit will be remembered for many days to come. The full battle report can be found here: Ambushed in Naraka. |
| Reinforcements from Reeds | |
Another battle took place in the region of Naraka this evening but this time the peasants decided to stay out of it. A batallion of soldiers had been alerted after the ambush this morning - Thrydwulf having sent a messenger to High Marshall Vigil as soon as he realised they were being attacked. Vigil gave the command for his troops to march from the city to aid the Heenite's in Naraka against the remaining Mesh soldiers. Having taken many casualties in the morning, the Meshian soldiers stood no chance against the fresh soldiers arriving from the Vlaanderen Capital. As the two allied forces grouped, the front line a large row of Archers and Infantry, with Cavalry firmly placed at the rear this time, the Mesh soldiers wearily advanced towards the allies. After a rather quick skirmish, the battle was over having wounded 2 more Meshian nobles. The full report can be found here: Reinforcements from Reeds. |
| No News from Vlaanderen | |
It seems that all has gone quiet in the realm of Vlaanderen. Nothing has been heard from them in over a day. A recent scouting party sent to Bajit discovered that High Marshall Vigil was currently unconscious in the Vlaanderen healers tent after a vicious first battle to free the people from the Mesh opression. Not only was the High Marshall out of action, but it seems that King Valhalla has disappeared somewhere in Naraka. Rumours say that he has just been taken in by a horde of naked women, but this editor has seen the face of that man...and well...i suppose he's rich?! There were plenty of other male troop leaders around in Naraka at the time, what does Valhalla have that they don't? He is a King I suppose! Anyway, back to the story... With two of the most important figures in Vlaanderen out of action, it seems that the troop leaders will have to fend for themselves atleast until the High Marshall has recovered from his wounds, and the healers would not let on to the scouts how long that would be. |
| A Freeman Informs | |
The Duke of Tahgalez today was approached by a freeman in Watersdown. While talking to the local, he managed to find out what they thought of the other realms in Beluaterra. * Most people seem to be a bit distrustful and wary of Melhed. * Most people seem to be a bit distrustful and wary of Fronen. * They see Luz de Bia more or less apathetic, not caring one way or the other. * The people have only cold words for Mesh. It's not quite hatred, but a deep dislike. * The people have only cold words for Plergoth. It's not quite hatred, but a deep dislike. * Most people seem to be a bit distrustful and wary of Riombara. * The people have only cold words for Irombrozia. It's not quite hatred, but a deep dislike. * Almost everyone is devoted to Heen. * The people have only cold words for Khthon. It's not quite hatred, but a deep dislike. * They see Kingdom of Alluran more or less apathetic, not caring one way or the other. * The people have only cold words for Vlaanderen. It's not quite hatred, but a deep dislike. * They see Caras Galadhon more or less apathetic, not caring one way or the other. * Most people seem to be a bit distrustful and wary of Valentia. * The people here are pretty neutral to all other realms. It seems that the Heenite nobles are extremely loyal indeed, and very wary of foreigners, especially in the middle regions of the realm. |
| Panic and Unity | |
In the early hours of last night, when nobles should have been asleep, dreaming of their future conquests, or perhaps the woman they were hoping to impress while drunk at the next local tournament; a large group of undead were gathering in the southern regions of the continent. Lead by a mysterious Necromancer (who were thought to have all been "removed" after the last undead invasion), who appeared to some of the local outlaws, demanding they return some prized artifacts. Rumours have it there there is also a large group of monsters somewhere to the North, apparently with similar demands to the undead lords. This editor had been wondering why the deserts of Heen had been so quiet in the past weeks, and it was obviously because the monsters were travelling to their meeting up North, and the undead to the South. While the Heenites have not heard much about the undead, and indeed less about the monsters, a wave of panic is spreading the nation. However, following this wave of panic, is the understanding by the rulers of the realms that perhaps they should put aside their human differences while they are under threat, and unite to fight against the creatures from other worlds. This editor will try and keep you informed. |
| Attila and Scion Back! | |
After what seems like an age, two important nobles of our realm have returned from a great journey. They did not tell us where they were off to, or when they were to be back, and they have been gone so long it seems. Attila left not long after the former King Scion the Skilled. This editor can only imagine that King Scion had to get away from the realm he had worked so hard for, and was overcome by his emotions in seeing the realm he loved finally become something he had dreamed. Then by stepping down, he coould be free and say that he had achieved what he had planned. Duke Attila on the other hand, probably had similar reasons for leaving. He had turned coat and brought his Duchy under the control of Heen at a crucial time in the civil war, had taken up a role as Chief Administrator for the Duchy, and even began his own religion, so i guess things may have gotten too much for the chap. All the nobles of Heen are glad to see them back. And hope that they enjoyed their adventures (wherever they went) and can now commit themselves fully to the glorious realm they helped to create. It seems they have come at a good time to aid (see article to the left!).
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| An Old Face and a New One | |
Two nobles were seen leaving the same ship today. It was the usual ferry to Heen delivering sea trade. Today however, it delievered two nobles to the desert realm. One of the nobles, a Melerion Livingstone has travelled all the way from the War Islands apparently. His family are from Atamara, and his brother Enveld currently fights for Carelia. His papers say he is a trader, but apparently that is a mistake, and he was meant to change it before arriving on Beluaterra but forgot the paperwork until the last minute, so a trader he will stay until we can sanction his return to the army. But the second of the two faces caused more of a stir. A giant of a man, with bright ginger hair, wearing some sort of cloth material around his waist was the last to step off the boat onto the shore before it pulled away. Erin had arrived back in Heen. Immediately he searched out his old friend Thrydwulf, who bumped into him outside the council offices. A lot of catching up was on the cards, but always the front of Monsters and Undead was approaching the realm. |
| Finished Fortifications | |
In a small ceremony the other day, the final block in the new walls of Latlan was placed, and the Duke's name etched into the stone. Latlan could now be classed as a Stronghold. Duke Fror (newly appointed since Attila's absence) had spent a very busy week surveying the walls as they increased in size, making sure each block was placed perfectly. The task took just under a week. With the new walls Latlan stands a much greater chance against any unwanted assaults. Within the same week, Duke Kagurati managed to survey the repairs to the defences in Tahgalez. He has also found time, and ingenuity to design the next level of walls, but the realm will have to see if they have any gold spare fromthe raised taxes this week. Things have been pretty hectic, as Militia has been relocated, and all cities fortified to protect Heen against the rising undead. This editor hopes it will not prove fruitless!
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| Population Landmark | |
After a lot of heavy paperwork, involving a general census of the populations of each individual region in the realm of Heen, the numbers were left to our Banker Wolfgang to add up. Many hours were spent counting, checking, re-checking and confirming the populations of all our regions. Surveys of the population are not an easy thing to do in our times. Sandstorms in the desert mean that travelling to certain towns proves difficult, and actually accounting for everyone is much harder than it seems. Wolfgang was then able to announce to the realm that the population of the realm of Heen had finally reached a grand total of 40,000. This was an undreamt about figure during the years of the civil wars that scarred the regions. Today, despite the news of even bigger monster/undead armies sighted in Beluaterra, Heen has good spirits, and a real sense of achievement - The unity of the desert. |
| Rousing Speeches | |
Queen Martana gave an inspiring speech today to all the nobles of Heen. As well as informing the realm that Sint and Vlaanderen were almost sure to survive the recent attacks by unearthly beings, she helped to raise our spirits - and hopefully our game. She informed the nobles that the preparations for the defence of our realm have been going very well. Cities have been fortified, militia has been redistributed, and our position next to the ocean has been noted as an added benefit. Heenites have been urged to work as one, in order to be as effective as possible against the oncoming invasion. In order to defeat the undead, our relatively small army (compared to many of the other nations) must work as a coherent force. With our good position, and 3 well enforced Strongholds, Heen hopes to survive the impeding attacks, just like their neighbouring friends. |
| A Call for Aid | |
In a viscious and unexpected move, four of the undead commanders invaded the lands of Mesh today. The defenders were caught unawares in Ofengail. Many units were attempting to rally in Poitra, and half of the mobile forces of Mesh were surrounded by the hordes of undead. Gallantly fighting to the death, they stood no chance, but realised that if they were going to die, then they might as well take as many corpses with them as possible. The morning was indeed a sad morning for Mesh, with the battle leaving them very short of soldiers, and stuck in Poitra, the undead headed straight for Twillen.
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| Skirmish in Hcallow | |
On a similar, but much lighter note; a smallgroup of 8 monsters were reported by the local population of Hcallow to be rampaging through the villages. Despite wanting to defend the region themselves (peasants and pitchforks...), the High Marshall of Heen called for any Heenites within range to head for Hcallow immediately. An organised battle took place, with everyone following the line settings, and despite a couple of casualties, the monsters were driven from Hcallow. While the Heenites chased the monsters out of the village, they talked about how much stronger the monsters had become since the invasion, and how much harder they were to kill. The latest reports show the 4 monsters that were left, headed straight for Heen City. What they plan to achieve trying to scale the walls of our Capital this editor will never know. The militia could certainly do with some target practise - it has been a long time since many of them shot a bow! |
| Another Old Face | |
Yesterday, another recognisable face was seen departing a ship recently docked at the port in Heen and entering the gates of our Capital City. The man was a noble Heen had met before. Lively and a smooth talker, Naal O'Hlomhair had returned to the lands of Heen less than a week after his close friend and neighbour Erin had arrived. Heen now has many old faces back serving under its banner, and spirits remain high as all the regions have returned back to prime condition since the lowering of the taxes. It seems that Naal has definitely come at the right time to aid our realm, and indeed Beluaterra alongside many of his old friends. A brief greeting was exchanged between Thrydwulf and Naal just before Thrydwulf set out for Watersdown after repairing his cavalry's equipment, and changing his tax bonds. Thrydwulf was in a hurry to assign a militia unit of cavalry to Joan, and pick up some more scouts from Ling. Just in time too, as it seems they will be useful in the very near future! |
| Arcane Annihilated | |
Things had been a little quiet over the past few days for the realm of Heen. After reports of massive undead hordes swarming all over the realm of Mesh, the army had been mobilised. They were first to rally in Apokh, and then when information changed they headed for Watto and on to Reeds. An army of Heenites were left to set up camp just inside the walls, with no welcome from any Vlaanderen Nobles. They had been stopped at the gates it is assumed by newly placed militia who were obviously wary of the nobles they had never seen before. Especially because some of them rode on the backs of beasts they were told were called Camels. Thrydwulf went to see the King the following morning to complain about the lack of hospitality, and comment on the fact that the South Tower had no scout on it, when there was clearly trouble headed their way. After amends were made for the lack of a welcome, the rest of the Heenite army had finally arrived in the city as reinforcements. And it seems like they were just in time, for only a day after their arrival, the newly placed guard on the south tower screamed down into the town "The Daimons are coming, the Daimons are coming!!!" And so they were. An army of atleast 100 flying Daimons were approaching quickly from Haffemet, lead by a particularly large winged creature, calling himself "Arcane". The winged beasts were not allowed to come within the vicinity of the city, and as soon as they got close enough to fire, all the infantry in two waves stormed from the gates and charged bravely into the pack of Daimons. It was at least 20 men to one evil being, and still they held strong. Naal was wounded by a flaming arrow in the early stages of the battle, and an eager Shiela was captured by the Daimons almost at the same time. This spurred on the defenders of Reeds, with a few cavalry managing to reach the crowded battlefield. Many hours passed as the Daimons were slain, until finally there was only one left, who took Lady Shiela, and despite the best efforts of the Heenite and Vlaanderen Nobles, flew away to wherever it had come from. The battle was an astounding victory. There were not too many casualties for the defenders, considering the strength of the Netherworld Warriors. The full battle report (as accounted for by the scout on the south tower) can be seen here: Arcane Annihilated. |
