Difference between revisions of "Dubhaine Family/Brigdha/Roleplays/2020/August"

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: The local population is requesting help and fears that the monsters will eat their food and destroy their houses.
 
: The local population is requesting help and fears that the monsters will eat their food and destroy their houses.
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
 +
 +
== 12th August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Evora]] ===
 +
==== Tax Change for Evora ====
 +
Baroness Brigdha Dubhaine has changed the tax orders. The tax rate has been changed from 10 % to 7 %.
 +
 +
== 13th August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Evora]] ===
 +
==== William Armsworth ====
 +
; War journal day 22, night.
 +
: With Karbala in sight, I finally stopped looking over my shoulder. My fears finally materialized and it was even worse than I suspected.
 +
: Both Nivemus and Sirion joined in on the attack on Commonyr by Eponllyn unprovoked. They have yet to even declare war!
 +
: We were wiped out in the first charge and half my men lay dead with very little to show for. This calls for vengeance!
 +
 +
==== Tournament Announced ====
 +
: Eros Harte, Royal of Yssrgard, Duke of the Horde, Margrave of Itorunt, Priest of The Way of the Aethir has announced a Tournament of Joust and Swordfight to be held in Itorunt 7 days from now.
 +
: The winner will be rewarded with 1200 gold in addition to the honour and prestige that his victory will earn him. There will also be a reward of 800 gold for the runner-up.
 +
: All nobles of the continent are welcome on the tournament grounds on the day of this event. Make sure you announce your participation in time.
 +
 +
=== Summer Evening - [[Evora]] ===
 +
==== Monterys Velaryon ====
 +
Monterys painfully moaned as the cart rolled over a bump in the road. The wound suffered in battle for Commonyr reminded him of foregone events.
 +
 +
Flashback hit him as he saw the Thunderborn valiantly defending the last banners of Shadowdale under a massive hail of arrows and a savage charge of enemy cavalry. "Hold the line!" He bellowed, seemingly exhausted from a long and painful melee. Thunderborn stood their ground amidst confusion and commotion of a bloody encounter. Captain Donario came rushing to his side "My Lord, the ninth banner has fallen! Shall I sound the retreat?!". "Hold the line, Donario! No retreat, we fight till the last man!" Monterys was persistent, a trait of his father Tahaerys, a trait which usually was productive but not in this particular situation. A mighty northern steed then came charging right at him, deflecting his shield before delivering a powerful blow. His plate mail cracked, he struggled for air and then fell into blackness and unconsciousness.
 +
 +
The battle was over, a solid and clear defeat, he was told as he laid bandaged in a cart. As the battered unit travelled on he reminisced the events that unfolded in the last few weeks. He received a letter bearing the crest of House Velaryon, an invitation by his sister Dynys to arrange a meeting in Avamar. I can't wait to finally meet you, brother. I have so many things to tell you and show you, the letter wrote.
 +
 +
Monterys found himself torn betwixt mixed allegiances. Will he honor his pledge and oath of fealty to Evora and the Shadow King, or will he answer his sister's call? He was eager to finally meet his sister as he has never seen her before. On the other hand he was well aware that leaving for Avamar will brandish him a traitor in Shadowdale and his House will forever fall from grace of the Shadow King. In the end, the blood oath prevailed. Family was family and the Boreeans usually stuck with one another.
 +
 +
Open grasslands were slowly being replaced by pine trees and forests as the unit traversed onward. A messenger then arrived from the north. A tall and gallant rider spoke with a stern voice "My Lady Lyanna Arylon invites you to her estate. The Duchess is eager to meet Your Lordship."
 +
 +
Arylon, Monterys whispers, Gheric's little sister. This was a twist of fate, he was sure of it. He heard so many tales of her beauty and her stark character when Gheric and him shared the northern hearths in the wild of western Dwilight. "Inform your Lady that I will gladly meet with her. House Arylon and House Velaryon stand side by side in many lands. I would gladly see this pledge honored."
 +
 +
==== Region Allegiance Changed ====
 +
Dana Blackstone has changed the allegiance of An Najaf to the duchy of The Shadow's Citadel. The region used to be part of the duchy of Shadow's Bluff.
 +
 +
==== Region Allegiance Changed ====
 +
Robin Shepherd has changed the allegiance of Viseu to the duchy of The Shadow's Citadel. The region used to be part of the duchy of Shadow's Bluff.
 +
 +
== 14th August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Evora]] ===
 +
==== Region Allegiance Changed ====
 +
Maccio Aurelle has changed the allegiance of Akesh Temple to the duchy of The Shadow's Citadel. The region used to be part of the duchy of Shadow's Bluff.
 +
 +
==== Siren Song ====
 +
A missive with a faint glow and a thin blue seal comes into your hand. As you open the letter there is a poem:
 +
 +
: Two relics of power,
 +
: One found in a tower,
 +
: From a corpse one fumbled,
 +
: From a beast I rumbled,
 +
 +
: The [[Ancient Band of Zedd]],
 +
: Wield to keep your foes dead,
 +
: Its condition pristine,
 +
: Many Sages I've seen,
 +
: A boost in prestige,
 +
: Fit for any liege,
 +
 +
: The [[Cursed Nightblade of Oligarch]],
 +
: A blade for whom many would march,
 +
: To assert claim over a city,
 +
: Which has a history not pretty,
 +
: The blade is battered and damaged,
 +
: Repairs I have not yet managed,
 +
 +
: For nobles they are,
 +
: available for claim,
 +
: To boost your prestige,
 +
: and variable fame,
 +
 +
: Offer's I am taking,
 +
: All shall be considered,
 +
: But at my discretion,
 +
: Shall they be delivered.
 +
 +
You are startled as a beautiful female sing-song voice echos through your head as you read the missive. As the last line resounds through your head, the missive dissipates into water that runs through your fingers and splatters on the ground. What sorcery was this?!
 +
 +
== 15th August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Braga]] ===
 +
==== New Ruler Elected ====
 +
; The realm of Sirion has elected Ivo Mersault Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: combat as its new Prime Minister.
 +
; The realm of Nivemus has elected Brian Wilde Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: inactive as its new Kronogos.
 +
; The realm of Eponllyn has elected Godric Tórrarin ka Habb Player experience level: new Player play preference: unsure as its new Blood King.
 +
 +
==== Taxes Received ====
 +
As the Baroness of Evora, you earn 478 gold. Since you're within your realm borders, you receive your taxes in gold.
 +
 +
==== William Armsworth ====
 +
; War journal day 24, morning.
 +
: We were first to arrive in Krimml so I rewarded the men with some heavy training. They will thank me later.
 +
: Hit a slight bump in the shape of some monsters in Oporto. One of them gave Frank a nasty cut before we dispensed with them.
 +
: I expect to have some time to get the new recruits in shape as many of our units are only now refitting in Karbala. Fortunately this city has all I need.
 +
 +
==== Siren Song ====
 +
A familiar faintly glowing missive with a blue seal arrives in your hands. You open the letter and once again hear in the same beautiful sing-song voice:
 +
 +
<blockquote>
 +
: My greetings from the sea good knight,
 +
: I sing this song bathed in moonlight,
 +
: Many seeker's of the blade now fight,
 +
: To call the cursed item their's by right,
 +
 +
: In the night I choose to hunt the lairs,
 +
: Fulfilling peasantry holy prayers,
 +
: Slaying the evils that plague the land,
 +
: Protecting all worth created by hand,
 +
 +
: Many requests have now come to me,
 +
: But consensus among all I see,
 +
 +
: To repair the blade,
 +
: Prior to trade,
 +
: So now I stay,
 +
: My considerable rage,
 +
: To seek a sage,
 +
 +
: For now please enjoy my open stage,
 +
: May the war of bids continue to wage,
 +
: Allow me a moment to summarize,
 +
: The [[Cursed Nightblade of Oligarch]] the prize.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
Like before as the the last melodic word resonates the missive dissipates into water and splashes to the floor.
 +
 +
== 16th August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Braga]] ===
 +
==== Strange Lights - [[Evora]] ====
 +
Rumours spread of unusual lights being seen within mountain caves.
 +
 +
==== Strange Lights - [[Eldoret]] ====
 +
Rumours spread of weird lights being seen within mountain caves.
 +
 +
==== Plentiful Drinking Water - [[Krimml]] ====
 +
Drinking water becomes more abundant throughout the city as wells seem more full than usual.
 +
 +
==== Increased Customers - [[Perdan]] ====
 +
Pubs and coffeehouses note an increase in their clientele. Many establishments are becoming accustomed to standing room only.
 +
 +
==== Siren Song ====
 +
A familiar faintly glowing missive with a blue seal arrives in your hands. You open the letter and once again hear in the same beautiful sing-song voice:
 +
 +
<blockquote>
 +
: In Sir Temple I am,
 +
: Where two Sages be,
 +
: To repair a relic of power,
 +
: A Giant Eagles Feather I need,
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
Like before as the the last melodic word resonates the missive dissipates into water and splashes to the floor.
 +
 +
==== Tyrann Thrane ====
 +
There was a strange feeling in the air, a presence seemed to move about the face of the continent. Tyrann had been patrolling the streets of Karbala and noticed the wells, they seemed to be more full than usual. The pubs and eateries too seemed to swell with patrons.
 +
 +
Reading over the missives of the day there was one in particular that caught his attention, the strange lights in Evora.  His heart began to race, all the strange occurrences flashed before his eyes and now this.
 +
 +
“Donar!” His shout was soon followed by the entrance of a stout man with salt and pepper hair and sword drawn.
 +
 +
“What is it me lord?” Donar scanned the room quickly. Tyrann rose and handed him the parchment.
 +
 +
“Hire a few extra hands and ride for Evora at once, “ Tyrann began to pack as he continued, “ and be sure they are hearty and able to wield a pick axe. I will see about acquiring the proper permissions once you leave.” Tyrann frantically shoved parchment where he could and closed his trunk. Then turned to Donar and handed him a pouch of gold, “This should do it.”
 +
 +
“Aye me Lord, I’ll see to it.” Donar bowed his head and left with haste.
 +
 +
Tyrann stayed behind and began to dictate to his scribe while pacing.
 +
 +
== 18th August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[An Najaf]] ===
 +
==== Takeover ====
 +
Perdan has taken control of Troyes. The region used to belong to Eponllyn.
 +
 +
==== Takeover Initiated ====
 +
Shadow King Lindow Moonsun has initiated a takeover in Commonyr. The region currently belongs to Greater Eponllyn.
 +
 +
==== Wandering Stranger - [[Itorunt]] ====
 +
A Stranger from an recognized origin excites the city with his petty illusions. Soon he has gathered a small, but intensely fanatical, following, while incensing the greater majority of the city. Before blood can be shed, the Stranger and his followers travel onward.
 +
 +
But when it comes time to take account of the population, no one can name anyone who left to follow the Stranger. Most credit this to the surplus population due to the tournament, but others...wonder
 +
 +
=== Summer Evening - [[An Najaf]] ===
 +
==== Court Astromancers - [[Castle Ubent]] ====
 +
Yesterday, the Royal Astromancers were scurrying around court engaging in hushed whispers with one another. Tonight, they've been staring at the skies with intent interest, penning copious notes.
 +
 +
==== Duck Flock - [[Dimwood]] ====
 +
A flock of ducks descend upon Salem Belmont. One pair land upon his shoulders, while the remainder land upon the ground. They follow his every move.
 +
 +
== 19th August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[An Najaf]] ===
 +
==== Geese Flock - [[Commonyr]] ====
 +
A flock of geese descend upon Luna Tempest. One pair land upon her shoulders, while the remainder land upon the ground. They follow her every move.
 +
 +
==== Shoulder Fox - [[Commonyr]] ====
 +
Without noticing it sneak up on him, a fennec fox jumps upon William Armsworth's shoulders. Regardless of his reaction, the creature is relentless in following him. And preferring his shoulder as a mode of transit.
 +
 +
==== Lindow Moonsun ====
 +
; Geese and foxes band
 +
 +
Lindow was in the market street on the Talon's Nest estate. His Grey Guards guarded the area while Lindow and a group of Shadowdale merchants traded goods, performed into business deals, and convinced the population of the benefits of being part of the Shadowdale Kingdom.
 +
 +
Walking through the street, he saw Sir William Armsworth in the distance with an orange and white ball on his shoulder.
 +
 +
"What is that on his shoulder ... is it a fox!" Lindow thought, as William disappeared down the other streets of the town.
 +
 +
Lindow stopped to talk to other locals, when in the distance he began to hear the sound of many geese. He looked and saw Duchess Luna Tempest passed and followed by and a column of geese behind her.
 +
 +
"What the hell is going on here ?!" Thought Lindow confused
 +
 +
==== Sailor Tales - [[Abadan]] ====
 +
Recently arrived sailors report choppier seas than typically seen.
 +
 +
==== Shoulder Chinchilla ====
 +
While travelling under a tree, a chinchilla jumps upon Lindow Moonsun's shoulders. Regardless of his reaction, the creature is relentless in following him. And preferring his shoulder as a mode of transit.
 +
 +
==== Maccio Aurelle ====
 +
Maccio was walking around the entrenched encampment deployed by the Shadow Legion in Commonyr from where to perform the disuasive actions to try and convince the local population to abandon their allegiance to Eponllyn. Some animals seemed to be scared and jumping on top of soldiers and nobles alike, a very strange occurrence, even stranger knowing the many reports of strange events around the continent.
 +
 +
Maccio lied down, placed one ear on the floor, and tried to listen. His brother Mandolyn, always the wisest of the three, usually sent his way many books of varying matters - sometimes cookbooks, even - that he considered interesting, and Maccio had been using them to improve his reading and writing skills. A very old treaty said very unnerving things, about entire continents sinking into the ocean, never to be seen again. Atamara and the Far East, both suffered this tragic end.
 +
 +
==== Court Astromancers - [[Sirion]] ====
 +
Yesterday, the Ministry of Astromancers were scurrying around court engaging in hushed whispers with one another. Tonight, they've been staring at the skies with intent interest, penning copious notes.
 +
 +
==== Shoulder Ferret - [[Kazakh]] ====
 +
While travelling under a tree, a ferret jumps upon Hallvar Schancke's shoulders. Regardless of his reaction, the creature is relentless in following him. And preferring his shoulder as a mode of transit.
 +
 +
==== William Armsworth ====
 +
; War journal day 28, noon.
 +
: The weirdest thing just happened; a fox jumped on my shoulder and is refusing to leave.
 +
: Fortunately for it I'm quite taken with the little bugger and he's nice and warm to boot.
 +
: Several other strange and noteworthy events are also taking place. I'm not sure what to make of them.
 +
 +
=== Summer Evening - [[Aureus]] ===
 +
==== Mass Migration - [[Oporto]] ====
 +
Reports arrive of a large cluster of tarantulas, as far as the eye can see, migrating towards Akesh Temple.
 +
 +
==== Silent Nights ====
 +
No one notices quite at first, yet there's an eerie sense that something is different. Even after becoming conscious of this unease, no one can quite put their finger on what's unusual, at first.
 +
 +
But soon someone finally hits upon the source of anxiety. Crickets, and any other bugs, have been silent tonight. The entire night has been eerily silent.
 +
 +
And so it would remain. As would following nights.
 +
 +
==== Luna Tempest ====
 +
Luna pondered why now of all times a flock of geese would be following her around the encampment. The newly appointed Duchess had always had a way with birds but the current situation was quite the farce. How was a Lady to get any work done with a goose on either shoulder and a flock in tow.
 +
 +
Lady Tempest accepted the circumstance, clearly such a unexpected arrival of these random geese could only be viewed as a favor of the gods.
 +
 +
"Well it better be the favor of the gods," Luna muttered to herself, "Otherwise the Shadowdalians will enjoy a nice feast of stuffed goose tomorrow night."
 +
 +
==== Tyrann Thrane ====
 +
Tyrann traversed the dense growth of willow trees lining the perimeter of Evora’s massive pool. Through the dangling branches, illuminated by the moonlight, Tyrann could see the lonely tower he had only ever heard about; it was beautiful.
 +
 +
Flashes of strange lights, faint turquoise and purple, from several caverns caught the young Viscount’s eyes. As he approached he noticed an odd stillness, the crickets had gone silent. How long has it been since they last made their music? He did not know, but the entire night seemed to be waiting.
 +
 +
Another bright flash demanded his gaze and a chill rolled down his spine. The light seemed to pulse hypnotically, Tyrann felt himself consumed and began to step closer and closer through no thought of his own. His eyes widened as he drew closer and, with each step in unison of each pulse, he descended into the depths of Evora...
 +
 +
==== Surprise Bear - [[Ar Mosul]] ====
 +
A hunting party is both surprised by and surprises a bear, normally hibernating at this time of year. Startled by the hunters, the bear mauls one of the hunters to death.
 +
 +
==== Jumping Catfish - [[Ar Mosul]] ====
 +
Reports arrive that Raqqah River is thrashing with jumping catfish, from the river's source to its mouth.
 +
 +
==== Sea Invaders! - [[Salta]] ====
 +
Beaches are lost to foreign invaders rising from the depths of the sea as crabs congregate upon the beaches and rocky cliffs, aggressively shooing humanity away.
 +
 +
==== Surprise Bear - [[Braga]] ====
 +
A hunting party is both surprised by and surprises a bear, normally hibernating at this time of year. Startled by the hunters, the bear mauls one of the hunters to death.
 +
 +
==== Exhausted Fishermen - [[Avamar]] ====
 +
Bringing in the morning's catch, fishermen seem far more exhausted than typical. There are few words, but one manages to learn that today's catch fought back far more fiercely than is normal.
 +
 +
==== Surprise Bear - [[Scio]] ====
 +
A hunting party is both surprised by and surprises a bear, normally hibernating at this time of year. Startled by the hunters, the bear mauls one of the hunters to death.
 +
 +
==== Report from Luna Tempest ====
 +
; Letter from Rogos V'Orlan
 +
: Margravine of Fontan Luna Tempest,
 +
: Grey Exarch of Shadowdale,
 +
​​​​​​
 +
: ​​​​​​I write with disturbing news from Perdan and Eponllyn. Animals are acting unnaturally, shores are flooded with crabs and the corpses of whales, and the night is flooded with a profound silence. Our astronomers speak in hushed tones about ill omens but make no further sign of their portents. Have the lands of Shadowdale been similarly afflicted?
 +
 +
: Rogos V'Orlan
 +
: Knight of Perdan Mines
 +
 +
; Letter from Luna Tempest
 +
: Sir Rogos
 +
 +
: Indeed there has been odd reports from our way as well. Just this morning there was reports of schools of trashing catfish in Sirion River.
 +
 +
: Before this morning strange lights were observed coming from the caves of Evora, a horde of tarantulas in Oporto heading towards Akesh and a random assortment of animals making friends with nobles.
 +
 +
: Personally two geese landed on my shoulders with the rest of the flock following me like little ducklings for the rest of the day. My own Vice-Marshal gained a shoulder Fox and the Shadow King himself gained a shoulder chinchilla.
 +
 +
: Strange times indeed.
 +
 +
: From the Shadow, 
 +
: Lady Luna Tempest
 +
: Grey Exarch of Shadowdale
 +
: Duchess of The Shadow's Citadel
 +
: Margravine of Fontan
 +
 +
== 20th August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Aureus]] ===
 +
==== Tournament Report ====
 +
: The tournament in Itorunt is over. 36 nobles from 8 realms fought and drank. There was a swordfighting and a jousting contest.
 +
: Tsingu Orobar, Earl of Clermont won the swordfighting tournament (Barthogan Starck, Ambassador of Perleone, Duke of House Liberty, Margrave of Castle Ubent came second place).
 +
: The jousting contest was won by Theodius Goldhammer, Count of Dolmbar (Second place: Niall De La Fere, Knight of Mines of Isadril).
 +
 +
==== Jumping Catfish - [[Montijo]] ====
 +
Reports arrive that Sirion River is thrashing with jumping catfish, from the river's source to its mouth.
 +
 +
==== Rotten Eggs - [[Isadril]] ====
 +
Emanating from the Mines of Isadril is a stench akin to as if the entire system of mines had been filled with rotten eggs.
 +
 +
==== Rotten Eggs - [[Evora]] ====
 +
Emanating from Evora is a stench akin to as if the entire cave system had been filled with rotten eggs.
 +
 +
=== Summer Evening - [[Abadan]] ===
 +
==== Rotten Eggs - [[Eldoret]] ====
 +
Emanating from Eldoret is a stench akin to as if the entire cave system had been filled with rotten eggs.
 +
 +
==== Drinking Water Warmed - [[Krimml]] ====
 +
The wellwaters of Krimml have noticeably warmed over the last day. It wasn't immediately perceived, but now it was impossible to deny. What was once slightly cooled water from the depths is now not even just lukewarm; the wellwater is now warm to the touch.
 +
 +
==== William Armsworth ====
 +
; War journal, day 29, evening.
 +
: The multitude of changes in our immediate surroundings are beginning to worry me.
 +
: I still have no idea what's cooking but I don't like the smell of it.
 +
: Especially not if the reports from Evora are to be believed.
 +
 +
== 21st August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Leibo]] ===
 +
==== Tyrann Thrane ====
 +
Deeper and deeper Tyrann did delve into the caverns of Evora and a foul stench began to exude from the walls. His eyes began to water and he felt short of breath. The complex tunnels of the Evoran depths were vast and uncharted, he knew not if it was day or night nor the hour. The smell of sulfur grew thicker and now carried a message that hissed and echoed through the deep...
 +
 +
“Di noaam Vasqu entir Isuin”
 +
 +
“Di noaam Arkonom wyn entir Akesh”
 +
 +
==== Dustiria Noire ====
 +
Dustiria pushes open the doors of the Bloody stump with black gauntlet covered hands. Bruce smile wide as he sees her. She goes up to the bar. An Orange and white cat looks at Bruce from her shoulders where its doing its best imitation of a fur scarf.
 +
 +
Bruce goes to say something and she holds up a hand, "Poor me a mead and get a bowl of water and some meat for Burr. Its been a long ride." she looks around to see if anyone she knows is there too
 +
 +
==== Isana Everlight ====
 +
Isana arrives back at the Imperatrix's Tower in late morning. She knows Alyssa will likely be busy with meetings somewhere, especially with the strange goings-on, but takes a good look around for her just the same. Her darling nowhere to be found, she leaves a note on the bed (to avert another Chaos Temple adventure) and changes into a clean shirt and travelling skirt in uncharacteristic blue and brown before departing for the Stump.
 +
 +
The familiar red-and-black sign swings on its hinge as though waving hello to the tall knight. She grins. The doors are already slightly ajar so she pushes them both and enters the dark tavern in a haze of sunlight. As her eyes adjust to the interior she makes her way to the two figures by the bar. Wait...  three? She calls out greetings as she approaches.
 +
 +
"Dustiria, hey! Since when does the Stump have a cat, Bruce? I'll have what the Countess's having, and something for lunch too if cook's got some on the go?"
 +
 +
==== Gold Transfer ====
 +
: A foreign noble, Brigdha Dubhaine, Ambassador of Shadowdale, Baroness of Evora, Priestess of The Shadows has brought 1950 gold for you to the main bank in Isadril. The bank has sent you the equivalent sum in bonds.
 +
: A foreign noble, Brigdha Dubhaine, Ambassador of Shadowdale, Baroness of Evora, Priestess of The Shadows has brought 100 gold for you to the main bank in Isadril. The bank has sent you the equivalent sum in bonds.
 +
 +
==== Brigdha Dubhaine ====
 +
"What do you mean you've only credited two thousand crowns to His Majesty's account?" the elderly Ambassador seemed to grow in stature as her temper flared.
 +
 +
"You made ''two'' transfers Ma'am," the nondescript teller tapped his quill against the ledger nervously, his usual cultivated contempt for the ''mere aristocracy'' whom he and his masters allegedly served struggling to resist the psychic onslaught of an enraged Balancewalker. To his credit he held his own with considerably more courage than many a battle-hardened knight, "And as you can clearly see the ''fee'' for the Bank's considerable efforts on your behalf is two hundred gold crowns."
 +
 +
"Two transfers to ''your'' King!" Brigdha's eyes blazed with righteous indignation, "Since when has defrauding a reigning monarch been an acceptable practice in banking circles!"
 +
 +
"Well I wouldn't know anything about that Ma'am. The Bank of Isadril has an impeccable reputation for fiduciary rectitude and client confidentiality. Might I direct you to our ''privacy'' policy as well as our schedule of charges? You'll find them all in order."
 +
 +
"I should bloody well think you have a reputation for more than that if you defraud defenceless old ladies out of their hard-earned gold," a gambit which might have carried considerably more weight if the woman now fuming at the shuttered counter did indeed look or sound defenceless, or for that matter old.
 +
 +
"Then I'll damn well speak with your manager now!" and far above in the High Firmament, a force determined to distract the Ambassador from more urgent matters thrilled to see her glamours so elegantly undone. Such a powerful facie needed a name. No, not just a name, a personality.
 +
 +
And thus was Karen, the facie of outrage, birthed from the High Firmament. A curse to generations to come...
 +
 +
=== Summer Evening - [[Xavax]] ===
 +
==== Dustiria Noire ====
 +
She smiles as she sees Isana.
 +
 +
"It's not his I think the cat is mine. Here watch." She gently sets the orange and white fluffy cat down. It immediately jumps back to her shoulders and settles down imitating a fur scarf again.
 +
 +
"So many odd things have been going on not sure if this is connected. Anyway I call him Burr. I just stopped in to check things with Bruce and have a mug of Belmont mead. Troyes mead cannot compare, before I head back to Troyes. How are things with you?"
 +
 +
Bruce sets down mead before Isana  and water with a bit of raw fish infront of Dustiria. Burr good down eats and drinks then goes right back to Dustiria's shoulders soon loud purring can be heard
 +
 +
==== Letter Aila Storme ====
 +
Forgive my haste;
 +
 +
Whales wash upon the shore, crabs chase men from beaches...Our King sailed the sea many years; I feel the roiling of the ocean has finally caused him true unease.
 +
 +
The bells of Perdan City are ringing, and I don't know why.
 +
 +
: Lady Aila Storme
 +
: Dame of Aix
 +
 +
== 22nd August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Aeng]] ===
 +
==== Taxes Received ====
 +
As the Baroness of Evora, you earn 254 gold. Since you're not within your realm borders, you receive your taxes in bonds.
 +
 +
==== Tyrann Thrane ====
 +
Tyrann dragged his hands along the cavern walls and could feel what he assumed to be ancient glyphs. He stumbled further and as he did the temperature began to rise and sweat began to bead on his brow.
 +
 +
A roar pierced through the silence and a dread unlike any other Tyrann had known overcame him. A second thunderous roar was then followed with same voice carried upon the sulfur. It began spoken in an unknown tongue but soon the words soon became recognizable. An older dialect, one of early man, but still widely known.
 +
 +
“Halt ye who delves into this accursed pit! Hear my Voice and submit your flesh!”
 +
 +
The voice spoke with a fiery snarl, and shook the ground with each vowel. With a frenzy growl it spoke once more.
 +
 +
“I am Akesh, First of Arkonom, High Sovereign of Shadow. Your eyes shall I take, so that you may see!”
 +
 +
----
 +
 +
A searing pain struck the eyes of Tyrann, he screamed and fell to his knees clutching his face scratching as his vision went black. He could feel the burning of his lungs and throat as he continued to bellow, his screams then began to audibly vanish.
 +
 +
“Long have I been sealed by the molten stone and flame deep within Evora, and for long have I waited.” The Voice of Akesh roared.
 +
 +
Tyrann’s body began to heat and found himself overlooking the swirling pit of vibrant orange and red magma. As he peered into the vast sea of raw earth a whirlpool formed and at it’s center a pair of massive purple eyes that seemed to emit from them black smoke. Akesh then roared once more and began weave through the magma, causing pieces of the cavern to plunge into the molten sea.
 +
 +
In awe Tyrann watched as glimpses of Akesh could be seen as surfacing and diving. A large, thick tail with black scales and razor sharp talons that seemed as if they were formed of obsidian. Jagged horns the size of siege engine began to rise and so too the smoking purple eyes...
 +
 +
== 23rd August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Semall]] ===
 +
==== Egg Shortage ====
 +
In markets across East Continent, an acute shortage of eggs is beginning after several days of chickens, and any other birds, failing to lay eggs. A run on eggs and subsequent egghoarding only amplifies the shortage.
 +
 +
Display, and especially consumption, of eggs has become a show of ostentatious wealth. Nobles talk not of the Wealth List, but of the Egg List.
 +
 +
==== William Armsworth ====
 +
; War journal, day 31, evening.
 +
: The men are distraught. No eggs for miles. All chickens appear to have gone on strike. Most peculiar.
 +
: It is as if a great spell has been cast on the continent, which purpose is to create upheaval in weird and unusual ways.
 +
: James didn't come back from the scouting mission. I've sent a post-mortem medal for bravery to his next of kin. You couldn't buy an egg with it.
 +
 +
=== Summer Evening - [[Zamor]] ===
 +
==== Full, Warming Wells ====
 +
With everywhere's wells being unusually full, and the wellwater already warmed, the Ewerer's Guilds have been receiving many complaints from nobility of their ewerers lounging around from the lack of work.
 +
 +
==== Tyrann Thrane ====
 +
Akesh eyed Tyrann, perceiving his thoughts.
 +
 +
“Dare you mistake my Majesty as a mere winged reptile?! Crude are the tongues of men. I have existed before entirety and unto me shall entirety submit! I shall consume the sun and maul earth! The Reams of Men will be plunged into darkness!” He roared and again shook caverns once more.
 +
 +
“Kaos the Usurper deceived my court and sealed me within the depths of Evora.” Akesh huffed and his purple eyes brightened with rage. “Piece by piece did he dismantle the empire I had built and laid waste to my temple.”
 +
 +
Akesh then began to thrash about, creating enormous waves of magma.
 +
 +
“And for what?! To Rest in Peace?! As he slumbers in his temple our sovereignty was forgotten, reduced to myth and legend! Men no longer bow and bend to our will! But so too has his essence waned, and my liberation will soon be at hand. I need...”
 +
 +
Akesh pondered for a moment then peered at Tyrann and grinned, exposing his razor sharp teeth; gnarled and protruding.
 +
 +
“You...” Akesh laughed menacingly. “Return to your kin, your beloved Realm of Shadows. As my Harbinger gather souls and rebuild my temple!”
 +
 +
With a mighty roar of Akesh Tyrann’s vision went black. His body lay lifeless beneath the rising sun, in the shadow of Evora’s lonely tower.
 +
 +
==== Strange Tales ====
 +
Strangers mumble about raining seahorses and kitties blowing in the breeze in the local bars.
 +
 +
==== Priests Quiet ====
 +
Less available to attend to your spiritual needs, the lay priests have been unusually busy, silent in their focus upon whatever has their attention.
 +
 +
==== Roaring ====
 +
Deep low-pitched roaring is heard echoing from Scio's caves. It goes on. And on. And on. And on. And...well, you get the idea.
 +
 +
== 24th August ==
 +
=== Summer Evening - [[Al Arab]] ===
 +
==== Region Taken ====
 +
: We have successfully convinced the people of Commonyr to raise our banner and abandon their old allegiance to Eponllyn.
 +
: The region joins the duchy of Shadow's Bluff. The region now needs a lord.
 +
 +
==== Alliance Forged ====
 +
The realms of Eponllyn and Sirion have joined into an alliance.
 +
 +
==== War! ====
 +
; Sirion has declared war on us! They gave the following reason:
 +
 +
<blockquote>
 +
The Republic of Sirion hereby declares war on the Kingdom of Shadowdale.
 +
 +
Our former allies have seemingly renounced all bonds of kinships recently, warring with each of their neighbours in turn. Caligus and Nivemus have both been beaten into submission and now only tiny Eponllyn stands defiant in their path.
 +
 +
If Eponllyn falls, it will only be a matter of time before Shadowdale turns her gaze north. Sirion marches to support our allies Eponllyn in the face of King Lindow’s greed and avarice.
 +
 +
Since this is purely a defensive war on Sirion’s part, we will not be looking to gain any land from Shadowdale.
 +
 +
Hostilities between Sirion and Shadowdale will end under the following circumstances.
 +
 +
# Shadowdale sues for peace with Eponllyn, dropping all claims to Eponllyn regions or reparations
 +
# Shadowdale admits they are at blame for the war and agrees to pay 10,000 gold reparations each to both Sirion and Eponllyn.
 +
# Shadowdale posts a public apology in the Ruler Channel
 +
 +
Alternatively, circumstances 2 and 3 can be avoided if:
 +
 +
: 4. Shadow King Lindow abdicates and promises not to hold any government positions for the period of three calendar years.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
==== Letter from Aila Storme ====
 +
<blockquote>
 +
Lady Brigdha,
 +
 +
I have travelled to bastad in regards to the Kalmar business, I have a view of Chaos temple from which a massive plume of black smoke is rising. I can only assume an eruption is imminent. The King has halted our travel in order to survey the situation from Bastad. I will inform you of further changes.
 +
 +
Did you man ever reach Evora?
 +
 +
Other this the only updates are
 +
: A lack of eggs, very strange
 +
: Fluctuating temperatures.  When I left Perdan it was cold as ice, here Bastad it is as if it was still the mid summer.
 +
: Talk of lizard people has a 50% upstrike among the nobles
 +
 +
 +
Aila Storme
 +
 +
Dame of Aix
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
==== ''Current East Continent Event'' ====
 +
''As heralded by the RP events around the island for the past several days, changes are coming to the East Continent. By the nature of such changes, some people will gain, and others will lose. This is, to some extent, intended, as the reason for the changes is to improve the balance and overall fun.''
 +
 +
''Any loud wailing that the admins are just trying to hurt Realm X, or help Realm Y, will result in temporary account locks, and potentially the loss of positions. Such accusations of corruption are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. If you are interested in the specific details of why we made the choices we did, please ask respectfully. If you have specific criticisms of the changes we made, please state them concisely and respectfully and we will seek to address them in the same spirit.''
 +
 +
''We know that these changes will result in temporary frustration and struggles as people adapt, but we firmly believe that for the long-term health of the East Continent, these changes are necessary—and have largely been in planning for months or years.''
 +
 +
==== Foxen Carmine ====
 +
While the man remained in his tent with his army the messengers continually brought news about the strange events that were taking place on the continent. Too many strange things and it all seemed to be related to the great mountain ranges of the continent. Foxen, intrigued by the future of the kingdom, summoned one of his chamber assistants.
 +
 +
- Has my lord called me? - Said the young man with a bow.
 +
 +
- Yes, there is a minor noble family in Krimml that is interested in science. I want you to carry a message to them to investigate the events that are happening in the mountains of Evora. - Carmine ordered while keeping his gaze fixed on some maps.
 +
 +
- As you wish. - The servant answered, leaving in a hurry.
 +
 +
----
 +
 +
''A FEW DAYS LATER...''
 +
 +
A soldier enters his lord's tent carrying a small collection of scrolls and a letter. The scrolls contained information about volcanoes and tectonic plates along with maps of what they were believed to be. The letter, in a summarized way, explained the concerns of the men of science, fearing a great earthquake or a volcanic eruption that would obscure the sun on the continent. Concern settled on Foxen's shoulders. Will we be prepared to face it? A continent marked by war would hardly be united to avoid a catastrophe… Carmine threw all the maps and papers from the table to the floor, frustrated.
 +
 +
- Captain Friebald! Send messengers to each town of Al Amarah, to prepare supplies and ensure enough water for a while, in case the wells run dry or the water gets hotter than it is.
 +
 +
- Yes my lord. - With a bow, the experienced captain leaves the tent.
 +
 +
If a great earthquake hits the continent we will not be able to do anything, but maybe the magma can be stopped continued thinking the man while writing on a blank letter.
 +
 +
==== Landslide! ====
 +
A landslide in Eldoret destroys and blocks a vital roadway.
 +
 +
==== Soothsayer's Warning ====
 +
A soothsayer is travelling through Negev warning of doom and destruction. The only comforting words are to, Gather and Take Shelter!
 +
 +
==== Seer in Vision ====
 +
Rumours spread of a Seer in Akesh Temple who has become stuck in a Vision.
 +
 +
== 25th August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Woolton]] ===
 +
==== Huge Battle Fought ====
 +
Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Mashhad:
 +
 +
; Perleone vs. Caligus
 +
: Estimated strengths: 490 men vs. 1550 men
 +
: The Blazing Swords (Perleone), sponsored by King Gaheris Camlann, were led into battle by Marshal Faridithous von Hammersmark.
 +
 +
: Attacker Victory!
 +
 +
==== Takeover in Montijo ====
 +
: Commander Elric Altenahr of Sirion has initiated a takeover of your region Montijo.
 +
: Troops of Sirion will try to remove this region from your realm and turn it rogue through their actions over the next days.
 +
 +
==== William Armsworth ====
 +
; War journal, day 34, morning.
 +
: Sirion allied to Eponllyn and invaded Montijo.
 +
: Come what may, we should make them reconsider their impudence.
 +
: Fortunately the army is ready for action. I exchanged bonds and feel confident another refit is affordable.
 +
 +
=== Summer Evening - [[Dimwood]] ===
 +
==== Rise of Prophets ====
 +
In each religion, prophets arise bringing new teachings to their religion. Some talk of rebirth. Others talk of unity. Yet others talk of doom. These prophets have visions they share, but none of them make sense.
 +
 +
==== Strangers Approach Court ====
 +
Strangers attempt to have audience with Shadow King Lindow Moonsun. They insist on finding safety in numbers, possibly with other realms. The guards turn them away, but report the interaction to their sergeants.
 +
 +
==== Ground Rumbles ====
 +
The ground rumbles, knocking everyone to the ground. A popping noise is heard every so often, alongside ever-present hissing. Jets of steam are visible upon the mountain above Chaos Temple.
 +
 +
==== Choking Smoke ====
 +
The island of Kalmar is filled with choking smoke from the west, burning eyes and throats, causing constant coughing.
 +
 +
==== Peculiar Happening ====
 +
A flock of dead three-legged crows was found on the steps of the royal palace this morning. There was no apparent cause of death.
 +
 +
==== Strange Tales ====
 +
Weird stories and weird tales are being told in the bars.
 +
 +
==== Strange Noises in the Forest ====
 +
Strange beasts are rumoured to roam the forests these days, many more than there used to be.
 +
 +
==== Strangers Approach Court ====
 +
Strangers attempt to have audience with High King Preston Greer. They insist on finding safety in numbers, possibly with other realms. The guards turn them away, but report the interaction to their sergeants.
 +
 +
== 26th August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Dimwood]] ===
 +
==== Huge Battle Fought ====
 +
Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Mashhad:
 +
 +
; Perleone vs. Caligus
 +
: Estimated strengths: 540 men vs. 550 men
 +
: The Lion's Guard (Caligus), sponsored by High King Preston Greer, were led into battle by Marshal Jimminy Pantucket.
 +
: The Blazing Swords (Perleone), sponsored by King Gaheris Camlann, were led into battle by Marshal Faridithous von Hammersmark.
 +
: King Gaheris Camlann is spotted reading from the Mysterious Essay of the End Times.
 +
: Royal Daedalus Dogsbody is spotted wearing the Shiny Ring of Soliferum.
 +
: King Gaheris Camlann is spotted wearing the Bathrobe of Perleone.
 +
: Countess Shorloc Soul is spotted wielding the Elemental Warblade of the Grand Lodge of Lunaria.
 +
: Royal Daedalus Dogsbody is spotted wearing the Giggling Codpiece of Necromancy.
 +
 +
: Defender Victory!
 +
 +
==== Chaos Priests ====
 +
The Priests of Chaos Temple preach warnings of Doom and the Rise of Flame. They are hostile to non-locals, by which they mean anyone not born in the region.
 +
 +
==== Landslide! ====
 +
A landslide in Bastad destroys and blocks a vital roadway.
 +
 +
==== Choking Smoke ====
 +
The island of Kalmar is filled with choking smoke from the west, burning eyes and throats, causing constant coughing. All life on the island suffers.
 +
 +
==== Choking Smoke, Ground Rumbling, Peasants Fleeing ====
 +
The island of Chaos is filled with choking smoke from the mountain, reducing visibility. Everyone squints as its impossible to keep one's eyes open in the burning air. Many are leaving the island while others swear to never leave until their last day. Some emigrants are attacked by nativists.
 +
 +
The ground shakes, knocking everyone to the ground. This occurs every few hours.
 +
 +
Animals are rarely seen and domestic beasts are disobedient. Many household pets go missing.
 +
 +
Ferrymen are agitated, more curt and snappier than usual.
 +
 +
== 27th August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Perdan]] ===
 +
==== Takeover in Commonyr ====
 +
: Earl Alarin Castillo of Greater Eponllyn has initiated a takeover of your region Commonyr.
 +
: Troops of Eponllyn will try to remove this region from your realm and turn it rogue through their actions over the next days.
 +
 +
==== A New Lord ====
 +
Duke Lindow Moonsun of Shadow's Bluff Duchy has appointed Mordred Pendragon to the vacant lordship position in Commonyr.
 +
 +
=== Summer Evening - [[Perdan]] ===
 +
==== Aila Storme ====
 +
'''An Uncommon Meeting'''
 +
 +
Through time, the Bloody Stump had become a familiar place for Aila. Over the months she had come to know staff and regulars, and felt a true ease when resting there. News of Lady Brigdha's arrival had reached her and she sat sipping a drink in the commonroom with an uncommon excited buzz within her. She hadn't seen the Lady of Evora for a long time, not since Aila was just nineteen and exchanging letters with the mysterious Lady had only brought more and more curiosity about her...
 +
 +
The young Dame watched the door closely, when the Ambassador arrived she would be there to show her the way to a room that was Perhaps not as splendid as the King's private rooms but secluded and restful. The common room was a Ruckus of guests and music, a fine atmosphere for a drink but not much of one for a conversation, which was what she was really after.
 +
 +
"A refill milady?" A maiden with a large jug of wine asked loudly over the bards singing, and Aila raised her cup. "Your meal is ready when you are Milady" She informed as the last drop fell into Aila's cup.
 +
 +
Aila was in such a nice mood, she even thanked the girl before she left.
 +
 +
== 28th August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Perdan]] ===
 +
==== Lord temporarily absent ====
 +
Maccio Aurelle, Margrave of Akesh Temple, Marshal of the Shadow Legion has been seriously wounded during the battle in Montijo.
 +
 +
==== Huge Battle Fought ====
 +
Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Montijo:
 +
 +
; Shadowdale vs. Eponllyn, Sirion
 +
: Estimated strengths: 1180 men vs. 2200 men
 +
: The Army of Sirion (Sirion), sponsored by Duchess Lyanna Arylon, were led into battle by Marshal Brian M. Cameron.
 +
: The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal Maccio Aurelle.
 +
: Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wielding the Glowing Sabre of Little Ogre.
 +
: Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.
 +
: Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.
 +
: Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted reading from the Ancient Book of War.
 +
: Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wearing the Bizarre Helm of the East Continent.
 +
: Maccio Aurelle, Margrave of Akesh Temple, Marshal of the Shadow Legion was seriously wounded by Doc Bootstrap's unit.
 +
 +
: Defender Victory!
 +
 +
==== William Armsworth ====
 +
; War journal, day 37, morning.
 +
: I think I've broken a rib. It hurts when I laugh.
 +
: Fortunately there is not much to laugh about.
 +
: I hope it will have healed before we go in for round two.
 +
 +
=== Summer Evening - [[Perdan]] ===
 +
==== Lord temporarily absent ====
 +
Mordred Pendragon, Earl of Commonyr has been captured in a skirmish with Sirion forces.
 +
 +
==== Knight temporarily absent ====
 +
Elio Solaris, Knight of Negev has been captured in a skirmish with Sirion forces.
 +
 +
==== Brigdha Dubhaine ====
 +
"You're in a surprisingly friendly mood today," Brigdha said with a breezy familiarity which wasn't entirely merited by their relationship, but the Ambassador had never been one to stand on formalities and she knew that Aila was a plain-spoken woman - sometimes disconcertingly so. She placed her half-empty tankard of ale on the table and settled herself into a convenient chair, stretching her toes in her travel-stained boots as she eased the knots from her calves.
 +
 +
In recent weeks she'd criss-crossed the southlands, one non-descript wanderer amongst the many clogging the roads, watching and listening as peasants and nobility alike discussed a rash of increasingly strange occurrences. Few, if any, would have recognised her as the personal emissary of the Shadow King. Certainly not in the chill hamlets of Priotness or the dockside stews of Al Arab where her order rarely travelled. Everywhere the omens were the same. The waters were warm and rising, animals were terrified, and there were strange tales of lizards in the form of men manipulating events behind the scenes.
 +
 +
Brigdha took a long sip of her ale and let the warm ambience of the Bloody Stump soak over her, studying Aila over the rim of her tankard. As she did so the many small glamours she routinely shrouded herself in began to fall away, revealing an elegant woman with the barest hint of grey in her raven black tresses. Even then it was difficult to discern her true age, though it was widely rumoured that she'd been Lord Speaker of Sirion before the Southern Duchies seceded, and long before that a Duchess of Fontan during the Great Northern War.
 +
 +
==== Tyrann Thrane ====
 +
Tyrann paced frantically, still covered in soot and smelling of sulfur. Construction of the temple had been underway since his return to Oporto. Scribes have been dutifully writing the words spoken by the Seer from Akesh Temple as she thrashed and screamed. The whole region seemed to be on edge with army of Sirion approaching and a vast expanse of dark smoke creeping ever closer from the west.
 +
 +
Cultists had already assembled a small handful of young women from the minor nobility of Oporto to participate in the commencement of the first temple. Once all were prepared and their virginity verified they would be separated further. A few chosen as potential Seers and Akeshal Virgins. Those not chosen would still have an important role in the ceremony.
 +
 +
“We’ve caught a deserter me Lord, out near Taur Doron. Says his name is Sir Munice Le Johns? Johs?” Said Captain Donar with pride, “Any or odd, what would you have me do me Lord?”
 +
 +
Tyrann looked preoccupied and vaguely remembered the name. An idea then came to him that he did not intend and the voice of Akesh whispered.
 +
 +
“BLOOD NEEDED, NOBLE AND PURE, FOR FREEDOM FROM EVORA’S DOOR!”
 +
 +
The young, disheveled Viscount began to nod, “Yes, yes…it shall be done!” He then told Donar to place Munice with the others within the temple and have the Cultist prepare his body. Tyrann looked to the west and the thick smoke, though barely visible, had creeped further. There he would stay for hours envisioning what is and has yet to come.
 +
 +
==== Aila Storme ====
 +
Brigdha is as Aila remembers, disconcertingly beautiful in her opinion and ageless in an ethereal way; with no true concept of the abilities of the Ambassador, she is a proverbial babe in the woods before this woman. In the private room of the guildhouse there was a table and chairs of course for their meal, set promptly with drink and a few different meals. A hearty pie, some greens cut into a dainty salad and a pile of berry tarts; secretly Aila's favorite. Unlike the King, or his ambassadors Aila's means were meager, her offerings were fine yet fewer redeemed only though having been prepared with skill by the establishment the King and Lady Dustiria took such pride in. The casualness of the greeting does much to ease Aila's nerves, and she finds it easy to settle beside the other woman and to avoid having attendants milling about; she serve them both a meal.
 +
 +
As she does, the young knight addresses her mood "Of course My Lady...I've not seen you for near on a year. I hope this suits you." She says, in reference to the rich meat pie and salad she's just slid in front of the Ambassador. Across from her, Aila sits and takes the first bite happily.  As Brigdha has noted, she was unusually personable smiling sweetly in her simple but fine Azure tunic- Famous golden mane of hair pinned back modestly.
 +
 +
"I hadn't expected to see you during my visit in Shadowdale, and then the Duke, now King" She waved her spoon in an exaggerated 'Of course' gesture "...took all of your attention with business". It was his right, and also his job but his young knight often left that part out conveniently "I'm happy you granted me the time, that's all. Your writing has been distributed in perdan- I loved it I wished for more and more. It's exciting to sit with someone who commands so much knowledge."
 +
 +
== 29th August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Perdan]] ===
 +
==== Knight temporarily absent ====
 +
: Gudhlek Kuriga, Knight of Negev, Priest of Fides In Morte has been imprisoned by Sirion patrols while travelling through Avamar.
 +
: Marcus Amontillado, Knight of Commonyr has been captured in a skirmish with Eponllyn forces.
 +
 +
==== Taxes Received ====
 +
As the Baroness of Evora, you earn 249 gold. Since you're not within your realm borders, you receive your taxes in bonds.
 +
 +
==== Omens ====
 +
Across the island, strange creatures and the living dead are seen more frequently. Animals everywhere appear to freak out. Horses are in panic, bovine look confused, even the sheep are edgy.
 +
 +
The tides have become erratic, no longer predictable by those annoying bureaucrats tasked to such mundane matters. Astromancers prophesy a rain of flaming stones. Some nobles receive letters from their mothers to seek safety. Court scholars urge gathering the realm together; perhaps even multiple realms. Minor religious prophets of all kinds implore everyone to unite. Madmen suggest cooperating with one another.
 +
 +
==== Repent ====
 +
Lay priests are urging everyone to make right with the Shadows, confess where they have failed one another, and repent of their misdeeds.
 +
 +
==== Continental Grapevine ====
 +
Rumours are spreading of a Scholarly Seer in Akesh Temple experiencing visions of the future. His prophecies are arcane and nearly nonsensical, but they attract many to gather around him. Hearing news of Akesh's Seer, Evora's Cultists grow angry at their Cult Leader and throw him off a cliff, then join the gathering and declare the Scholarly Seer their new Cult Leader.
 +
 +
Tales travel of a Redheaded Sibyl in Chaos Temple lamenting and weeping prophecies of doom, destruction, and the fall of discord. She is taken most gravely by passersby, who heed her impassioned cries, and share her dire warning with all they encounter.
 +
 +
News flies of an Insane Bard in Sir Temple singing prophetic epics about the island's history leading to its salvation. The legends mesmerize listeners, who memorize his words, repeating the good news to others as they travel onward.
 +
 +
==== Roleplaying Event - Akesh Temple ====
 +
The Third shall be sacrificed.
 +
 +
Scholarly Seer
 +
 +
==== Ambrose Peregrine ====
 +
A young squire in black livery, carrying a crescent moon and a tower, arrived in Akesh by dawn. It was apparent that the entire night he spent riding. His eyes were bloodshot, his feet unsteady, his tongue numb. He dismounted way before approaching the Seer. While he did represent the metropoly, he decided to show modesty and obeisance. The Seer was surrounded by a throng of people at all times and in Oporto they said it almost looked like a cult of sorts. Quite sinister.
 +
 +
The Tormentor tasked the squire with only two missions. To pass a message and to listen to what the Seer is preaching and how the crowd responds.
 +
Showing deference, as if the Seer was not just a peasant but a peer of the realm, the squire approached the Seer at an opportune moment, offering him a scroll bearing Tormentor's personal seal. 
 +
 +
: To a man known to us as the Akesh's Seer,
 +
 +
: In this strange time of uncertainty, we recognize your leadership and your instrumental role in calming down the peasantry.
 +
: I invite you to Karbala to speak at the royal court. So that the entire realm can partake in your wisdom.
 +
 +
: Serving the Shadow,
 +
: Tormentor Ambrose.
 +
 +
==== Scholarly Seer ====
 +
The Seer was an old man, some would say at the end of his life. His skin showed his age. But one almost didn't notice due to his beautifully bright blue eyes that captivated one's imagination, penetrated one's soul with their fierceness, and yet reassured one with their kindness. Sitting upon the bare stone of the Temple, his brow bore a light shine of sweat, despite the mountain air.
 +
 +
As the squire approached deferentially, the Seer responded in such respectful fashion as to place the squire above himself. Accepting the scroll, yet laying it aside without looking, "Rest yourself. It is here I am. And it is to here you have come. And it is to here that the Four shall visit, One after Another. And it is to then that there will be no bar."
 +
 +
=== Summer Evening - Perdan ===
 +
==== Fiery Geyser - Chaos Temple ====
 +
Spurting red-hot lava a mile up into the sky, the mountain scattered fiery deposits across itself, Wasteland, Chaos Temple, and the waters surrounding the island. Even with the choking smoke, all were now certain that the mountain was bulging. Jets of steam regularly hissed from the summit.
 +
 +
Within Chaos Temple, those who had not already left now sought shelter, wherever it was nearest.
 +
 +
Upon the waters, volcanic bombs struck and killed the ferryman Daizen Tideweaver and the Water Weavers were relying upon. A fiery emission landed upon the ferry, tearing through the sails, burning the rudder before the fire could be put out. Now dependent upon nothing more than the current, the ferry began to drift out to sea.
 +
 +
==== Tyrann Thrane ====
 +
; Excerpt of Origins
 +
 +
It is known that before the Realms of Men and the manifestation of earth, sea and sky there was but Arkomon, First of the Djinthuzul and Sovereign of the Abyss. It was through the word of Arkonom that Akesh, Kaos and Syr came into being. Created in his image they too were they endowed with the Voice of Arkonom in separate but equal tone and were hence forth called The Triad.
 +
 +
The Triad of Arkonom began to speak in unison and from their words were created the Djinthun; lesser wingless deities. As the Triad came to harness their Voice the Host of Arkonom grew in number and thus his essence began to wane. No longer able to bear the . He therefore called upon the Triad to stay their tongues. Arkonom then removed of himself his eyes and called them Isuin and Arev, Moon and Sun, placing them high above his Host. Arkonom then spread his wings, stretched forth his limbs and laid to rest in silence.
 +
 +
As Arkonom lay dormant his scales began to degrade and turned to stone, of his veins blood ran from his peaks and pooled as a great sea and countless rivers. Then, with a thunderous clap, Arkonom released a final breath and with it brought about the boundless sky, cradling Isuin and Arev. In time the Djinthuzul moved upon the vast remains of Arkonom and began to claim for themselves plains, woodlands and mountain tops.
 +
 +
The Triad then divided Arkonom into three separate but equal kingdoms and made for themselves great temples from which they would reign...
 +
 +
==== Daizen Tideweaver ====
 +
; The Erupting Tides II
 +
 +
A bottle washes up along the shore. Within the bottle contains a letter written in neat noble handwriting:
 +
 +
<blockquote>
 +
For any who read this, this letter is penned by Daizen Tideweaver. While attempting to return to the mainland safely, the volcano at Chaos Temple erupted. A volcanic bomb killed my ferryman and the rudder is shot. We are difting along the waves. The sky is darkend by black smoke and I am unable to navigate in a single direction as even the stars hide behind this curtain of black.
 +
 +
But fear not! My men and I have not lost hope! If it is safe seek us out along the waters. We shall do what is necessary to survive. To make it back to Perdan and the colony, Alexandria. My dreams still burn bright, and the fire in my heart has not yet been extinguished. I shall overcome this tribulation and become stronger for it!
 +
 +
I have seen the sky explode into fire and survived its overwhelming wrath. I shall return!
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 +
==== Zodarion Farquaad Brickenden ====
 +
Hello
 +
 +
I am Zodarion from house Brickenden, I have come to this land seeking honor and glory!
 +
 +
i am a friend to whoever wants my friendship, and an enemy to whoever wants to be my enemy, but do know that my arrows never miss a target!
 +
 +
==== Roleplaying Event - Akesh Temple ====
 +
The Seer had been sitting in silence, unmoving, lost in vision. Blinking, he stood far quicker than one expected for a man of his years. His followers gathered around him, expectedly:
 +
 +
: Plenty. Decay. Poverty. Rebirth.
 +
 +
Scholarly Seer
 +
 +
==== Ambrose Peregrine ====
 +
Unlike the boring cities of the west, Karbala did not feel dead asleep at night. Its twisting and narrow streets always seemed to have perked ears hiding in the dark. There was always a lit window nearby, like an eye of a hungry cat that only pretends to be dozing. Tormentor Ambrose was standing alone in one of the countless alleyways outside the royal castle, still awake and busy in the small hours of the night. A man he was having a meeting with wore a black flowing garment and a black turban on his head. A piece of cloth covered the lower part of his face. They seemed to be engaged in a conversation. First the man in black talked for a while in a soft rustling voice, impossible to discern only a few paces away. Finally Ambrose chimed in.
 +
 +
"He did not break the seal? And just.. ignored the scroll?" The figure in black nodded silently.
 +
 +
"And young Ronnel remained in Akesh? He will not be coming back?" The other man whispered something back, something that made Ambrose slam his right fist into his left palm.
 +
 +
"So it shall be. If the mountain won't come to Ambrose, then Ambrose must go to the mountain. And raze it to the ground."
 +
 +
==== Tax Change for Evora ====
 +
Baroness Brigdha Dubhaine has changed the tax orders. The tax rate has been changed from 7 % to 10 %.
 +
 +
==== Brigdha Dubhaine ====
 +
Brigdha effortlessly sliced the piecrust with her fork, savouring the heady aroma of the honeyed gravy mingled with the richness of the tender poached meats. Dining was a mainstay of her diplomatic duties, often accompanied by much pomp and ceremony as the petty nobility sought to impress her with their wealth and power. All fuss and manners and words cloaked in vanity. That was how she imagined her own distant ancestors, the great grandparents who'd paved the way for the Dubhaine dynasty as minor functionaries at long-drowned Cagil's Imperial Court, filled with pride that their granddaughter Sorcha had risen to aristocratic status. How much prouder would they be to know their name was now famed far and wide? that their blood was an inheritance of Queens and Generals and Legendary Heroes. Had they dreamed such dreams as they worked long hours for those they doubtless despised? Always ready to serve... Always looking for their chance...
 +
 +
"You can't imagine how welcome a decent meal is Aila after a fortnight on the road eating hard tack and drinking rainwater," the Ambassador chewed the meat and pastry with relish, washing it down with a mouthful of ale from her refilled tankard, a dark porter rich with the flavour of slow-roasted barley and thick brown sugar. Truth be told she had little ''need'' for food, living so much in the High Firmament, and the routine of eating mostly acted to ground her in a reality she felt increasingly distant from. This was always the fate of a Balancewalker. But a good meal with pleasant company? Well that was a treat to be savoured to the fullest.
 +
 +
Several more mouthfuls of pie and ale followed in comfortable silence as Brigdha weighed recent events and pondered Aila's words.
 +
 +
The breach with Sirion was unwelcome but not entirely unexpected as the Elflords were nothing if not stubborn. They'd never valued the Southern Duchies, a conquered people with a very different culture who couldn't be expected to understand the lofty schemes of the Heru Mellen.
 +
 +
The same however couldn't be said for events in the Isles. True, she'd been concerned something evil was brewing there since the fall of the Obsidian throne, visiting herself when the peace with Perdan had first opened the roads west, and then sending dear Etain more than once to keep a watch on the Chaos Temple. The girl would one day make a fine heir unless Moira would finally give up on her exile and come home...
 +
 +
These recent wars might have been a welcome distraction had that damn volcano not started purring. Instead they were a damned inconvenience. Still, she understood why His Majesty had to deal with the Circle now when so many young knights of Shadowdale risked destitution. And it wasn't like this showdown hadn't been building for several years. However it wasn't the affairs of men which troubled her. Fresh tidings from Akesh Temple, carried by the cawing of every bird and in every burbling stream, were enough to threaten even her resolute composure.
 +
 +
The Dragon slept no more.
 +
 +
Three times before she'd felt The Dragon shifting in its slumber and each time ruination followed. First when Jon Paul Ogren betrayed Fontan, then when Armstrong Ironsides seized Oligarch, and lastly when Ecthelion became its Avatar. Three heroes fallen to its hateful idyll. Three wars without remorse.
 +
 +
She'd long suspected its awakening was near, siting in the Inner Circle and hearing the discord between former allies. So deep had her conviction been that she'd shared her fears with Smiddich and Ivo in the only way she could, by gifting them the flood of images Meristenzio in his turn had gifted her when he entrusted The Sword to her keeping. A sword which lacked a hero to wield it. Now all she could do was watch and pray.
 +
 +
"And the Bloody Stump can always be relied upon to serve a good meal, which is worth much in this uncertain world. More perhaps than all the knowledge of the wise," she took another sip of her ale.
 +
 +
"I know we didn't have much opportunity to speak when you visited General Luna, and truth be told I wouldn't have attended in the first place if King Smiddich hadn't been there. It seems the King and I share a penchant for appearing where we're not expected! But still, I'm glad I did as it's rare to meet a woman of our stature who isn't scheming schemes for the advancement of her family. As someone who schemes schemes professionally for my King I find that honesty very refreshing."
 +
 +
==== Aila Storme ====
 +
: "You can't imagine how welcome a decent meal is Aila after a fortnight on the road eating hard tack and drinking rainwater,"
 +
 +
Aila wrinkles her nose, a sweet way of masking disgust at the dinner table "You'd think an Ambassador would be given more hospitable rations then that...Nowhere you visited saw you given good things to travel with? Not even a jar of something sweet for your hard tack? Not in Perdan..." She made a note to see the poor woman off with more than rainwater to drink, as well.
 +
 +
Reminded, she stood to reach the sideboard, and topped up Brigdha's ale before returning to her place.
 +
 +
Often she was tough with people; It was the way her father had been and for all his success as a courtier she had mimicked him as closely as she could for as long as she could remember. He was gone now, and situations like these always made her think of him. This woman Brigdha was a mysterious thing, a serene face that masked a mind racing with information young Aila could never even guess at. Still, there was an uncommon ease to sitting with her that Aila found rather charming. Her agreeable demeanor was altogether disarming to a dame who uses intense gazes and terse words to bend the resolve of those who stood in her path.
 +
 +
Aila nodded along as Brigdha complimented the stump, it was no surprise to the knight that it pleased her. The King and his Countess Dustiria had poured a lot of love into the place; Even surly Aila had warmed to the staff thoroughly.
 +
 +
: "I know we didn't have much opportunity to speak when you visited General Luna, and truth be told I wouldn't have attended in the first place if King Smiddich hadn't been there. It seems the King and I share a penchant for appearing where we're not expected! But still, I'm glad I did as it's rare to meet a woman of our stature who isn't scheming schemes for the advancement of her family. As someone who schemes schemes professionally for my King I find that honesty very refreshing."
 +
 +
That word honesty.
 +
 +
It rung in her ears like a bell when spoken by a Shadowdalian. Many of the letters she traded over that border contained that word and it was always, always a trap. Aila's lip twinged- threatening a frown but she quelled instantly "You are kind, my Lady. I for one am extremely grateful for your penchant for appearing...Both of you in fact. I love Perdan, and it's King. I serve them gladly."
 +
 +
The normally appetite-less Dame took a bite of pie heartier than strictly necessary, using the seconds she had bought herself to choose her path carefully. Her father had never gotten into anything like this-not where she could take note anyway. More, Brigdha was smarter; even someone with an ego as robust a "Golden Lion of Perdan" could see that she stood no chance at even bending the truth before the Ambassador who had been parsing lies long before Aila was even thought of much less born.
 +
 +
She went with her talent, sitting tall Aila proceeded with feigned confidence- beneath the table manicured nails gripped the fabric of her skirt like a vice... Here I go...this was the gamble. "So... How much did Lindow tell you?"
 +
 +
== 30th August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Perdan]] ===
 +
==== Brigdha Dubhaine ====
 +
"Enough to cause you embarrassment I suspect," the Ambassador had finished pie and was neatly arranging her cutlery on her plate, the salad discretely uneaten, "But that's between you and His Majesty, and certainly none of my business."
 +
 +
Brigdha allowed herself a knowing smirk, catching Aila's gaze for minutes... hours...? It must have felt that way to the young Dame whose eyes had never looked deeper than the facia and whose mind lay unguarded if only the Balancewalker chose to probe, but really no more than a few heartbeats passed before the smirk turned to genial good humour and Aila was left with her memories untouched.
 +
 +
"What I will say Aila is this. The game of thrones isn't your game. Neither intrigue nor deceit sit well with you and I think you know that. An honest heart may rule a realm in peaceful times and do so to the benefit of all, but frankly it takes a roguish one to hold things together when trouble presses on all sides. Trust me, I've been on first name terms with many a ruler in my time, and even the best of them had a hint of lawlessness."
 +
 +
Brigdha turned her attention to the dessert tray with its selection of wild berry tarts and fondant fripperies. A jug of custard would have been welcome but she often felt that way. Why was custard such a rarity? It made sense right now with the egg shortages but she could only assume that some private compact had been reached between all the chefs of East Continent to deny that most succulent delicacy to those not of their guild. At home she made it herself, just as she did all her own cooking in the privacy of her private chambers.
 +
 +
==== Sky Darkening ====
 +
Across the continent, what had first been a hazy sky over the last week has now darkened. Throughout the entirety of the last twelve hours of day, it has felt dusk. While not preventing vision, the gray has obscured the clarity of distant images, reducing visibility.
 +
 +
Fishermen report the sea being unusually low today.
 +
 +
Some nobility receive letters from their mothers urging them to take shelter and be safe, inquiring as to whether they are safe.
 +
 +
Peasants throughout East Continent have begun to migrate in increased numbers, whether out of fear of impending doom, or a desire to reconnect with family or old comrades, friends, and other close relationships.
 +
 +
==== Aila Storme ====
 +
Brigdha's words had stung. Frigid Aila wavered between lashing out and leaving altogether before setting on something different, something she had never done before. Looking somewhat defeated; the knight finally told the truth, a whole truth, the core of all of her efforts. The words escaped her in form of a hoarse whisper - matters of the heart were not matters she spoke of often. "I love Luna, I just want her to be safe."
 +
 +
She couldn't look at the Ambassador "Everywhere I turn I am painted as ambitious and hungry, yet I have never asked for a thing for myself. WHEN I saw the reports of Sirion's forces, the battle moving ahead regardless, Luna reported wounded... I was also reading letters mocking her, as well as your King"
 +
 +
Now Aila was struggling - thinking back to those reports made her stomach flip "I had an idea of what needs to be said but only Moonsun could say it. I put my neck on the line I withstood insults, even an accusation of wanting to marry him but I persevered and just asked for silence in return ...He couldn't even give me that."
 +
 +
Aila's plate was well neglected, for her dinner was long over. "Luna is loyal to a fault. She will die for him. I have no desire to deceive, or, tame Kings. All I have wished for is to help her and fight beside her but I am just one ''stupid'' girl with a bow. Have you not ever been powerless to help someone you love? Can you blame me for trying?"
 +
 +
Telling her side had made her feel better but had changed nothing, she sat in her truth as long as she could before throwing the towel in. "I said I would leave you to your rest and I will. There is little to be done now; and so thank you for listening."
 +
 +
=== Summer Evening - [[Perdan]] ===
 +
==== Dastan Rueda ====
 +
The days  in prision have change me, for the better or worst. I can't sleep anymore, the paranoia is too much to handle, I just wish for some piece. But at times of war the only wish I can ask is for take some Sirion heads and bring them back as souvenirs
 +
 +
==== William Armsworth ====
 +
; War journal day 39, evening.
 +
: We will show those bastards why it is a bad idea to invade us.
 +
: Truth be told, we don't stand a chance.
 +
: Unless the wind shifts.
 +
 +
==== Scholarly Seer - Shadowdale ====
 +
Ronnel listened as the Scholarly Seer spoke of another vision, "The Forgotten walk amongst us. It rises. It falls. It shifts to and fro. Our chains are released! There will be days of plenty and days of poverty. Days of abundance and days of scarcity. Their bar is no more!"
 +
 +
==== Daizen Tideweaver ====
 +
; The Erupting Tides III
 +
 +
It had been over a full day since Daizen and his men had been set adrift. The sky had remained so thick with black smoke that it continued to make any form of navigation through the raging sea impossible. While the sky had remained black as night, the sea was full of life. The many coral reefs emitted an eerie translucence glow in various colors. From a soft blue to a vibrant green. Silhouettes of many shapes and sizes could occasionally be seen darting to and fro. Occasionally there would be a bright streak of red flare through the sky and sometimes even from within the bowels of the watery abyss. The events on the island seemed to be stirring everything within its area of influence into a frenzy. Daizen was determined to see the morrow.
 +
 +
His 35 remaining men had grim looks on their faces, many realizing just how dire their situation was. Fortunately, every man on board was a true sailor. Many of these men had been with Daizen since his arrival to the East Continent many moons ago. Having been prepared to siege the walls of Kalmar, his men had been wielding long pole-arms, many of which had been rigged into makeshift paddles by firmly tying broad planks from various damaged parts of the ship to them. They had developed 3 rotations: rowing, resting, and guard duty in groups of 12. Daizen did not exclude himself these duties. Despite his men's insistence that a future ruler, the first royal line of a nation yet unborn, should not lower themselves to the hard labor the fact remained that there were exactly 36 men left upon this vessel. He refused to shy away from his bearing his equal burden. He ate when the 11 men in his rotation ate, he slept when they slept, he rowed when they rowed. His hands blistered and bled like the rest of them. Food and water were plenty as there were still provisions from the journey, but even when those became exhausted there was plenty of scrap wood to distill the salt out of the sea water and every man on this ship knew how to spear fish. While the situation looked grim, it was not impossible.
 +
 +
It was coming to the end of a particularly brutal session of rowing. The sea had been choppy and he and his men were constantly fighting against the powerful currents from carrying the ship beyond the reach of salvation. Daizen was shirtless, sweat dripping down and glistening on his toned chest. His arms protested in agony and he continued to row. When his replacement came to relieve him his "oar", Daizen sighed as he rubbed and felt the relief this respite provided.
 +
 +
Then he heard it. A cawing. Looking in the direction of the noise, he could barely make out the shape of a dark bird flying towards the vessel. One of the men on guard duty leveled his bow. The men were irritated enough by the seagull infestation they were dealing with on and off. "Air rats" many of his men called them. Daizen waved the man off indicating not to shoot. The raven flew strait for Daizen and landed on his shoulder like it was the most normal thing in the world. Lifting his leg, which has a small piece of parchment attached to it, he seemingly looked Daizen in the eye expectantly and cawed again.
 +
 +
If Daizen was not in the situation he was in now, it would have been an odd sight. But oddities were now becoming the norm, so it seemed. He took the parchment from the bird, who then immediately took off. The note read: "Destiny is yours". Daizen smiled, his vigor renewed.
 +
 +
Suddenly the there was a loud crash and the ship lurched to one side. He heard an indistinct yell coming from the opposite side of the ship behind the cabin. Had they struck a rock? He grabbed a spear and quickly ran to the other side of the cabin to see one of his men lying unconscious on the deck. He saw nothing along the wooden planks and no cause as to why one of his men were flat on their ass sprawled across the deck.
 +
 +
There was a burst of water near the edge of the ship, and large serpentine head emerged from the deep. Its eyes were as large as a melons and its head the size of a plump boar. There was a terrifying hissing noise was coming from is silver scaly maw and not even a second had passed when another head emerged less than a foot to its left, then another to its right. Its middle head locked eyes with the young noble and everything else seemly came to a stop. In this moment in time, all Daizen could do maintain eye contact with the creature of the deep and hear a single shout from somewhere behind him.
 +
 +
"HYYYYYYYYYRDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
 +
 +
==== Brigdha Dubhaine ====
 +
"Once, long ago, I was that same stupid girl with a bow," Brigdha touched Aila's arm tenderly, the caloused fingers of a practiced archer feeling the beating pulse of the girl's pain and frustration and anguish, "The father I could never acknowledge? Murdered. The sister I was unworthy to serve? Exiled. The niece I was sworn to protect? Murdered. Her daughter? Murdered."
 +
 +
As she spoke her eyes seemed to focus elsewhere, reliving once more the moments from which fate had spun the threads of her life, and as she did so the opening lines of Kelwyn's ''Toxophilite'' came unbidden to her lips: "An archer aims; an archer shoots; an archer reloads. That is the way of war. But the Toxophilite waits. He holds his breath and studies his surroundings: the wind swaying through the grass; the sun or moon reflecting from the clouds; he picks his target and he draws it to him as the lodestone draws a needle. Only when the target fills his mind and his heart does he loose the arrow, and as the arrow becomes death so the Toxiphilite becomes the destroyer of worlds."
 +
 +
== 31st August ==
 +
=== Summer Day - [[Perdan]] ===
 +
==== Huge Battle Fought ====
 +
Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Montijo:
 +
 +
; Shadowdale vs. Eponllyn, Sirion
 +
: Estimated strengths: 580 men vs. 1260 men
 +
: The Army of Sirion (Sirion), sponsored by Duchess Lyanna Arylon, were led into battle by Marshal Brian M. Cameron.
 +
: The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Vice-Marshal William Armsworth.
 +
: Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wielding the Glowing Sabre of Little Ogre.
 +
: Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.
 +
: Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted reading from the Ancient Book of War.
 +
: Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wearing the Bizarre Helm of the East Continent.
 +
: Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bloody Plate Mail of Avamar.
 +
 +
: Defender Victory!
 +
 +
==== Lord Absent ====
 +
Margrave Maccio Aurelle has been absent from his position for a long time. If he does not return soon, his title will be assigned to someone else.
 +
 +
==== Region Lost ====
 +
: Sirion has convinced the people of Montijo to raise their banner and abandon yours. The region is no longer yours.
 +
: Flavia Arindal and his knights have lost their home and estates.
 +
: (rogue) has taken control of Montijo. The region used to belong to Shadowdale.
 +
 +
==== William Armsworth ====
 +
; War journal day 40, morning.
 +
: The wind did not shift.
 +
: 12 braves will be immortalized in history.
 +
: I need 30.
 +
 +
==== Aila Storme ====
 +
A realization came as the older woman reached out to her, and the young Dame held her breath as she tried to recall the last time anyone had consoled her so tenderly.  Listening to Brigdha's words always had an effect, the effect this time being as she went on Aila saw clearly that a loss is not just a loss when the word murder is involved.
 +
 +
For the first time, she feels grateful that the one she loved so dear simply drop dead of his own accord, and not someone else's.
 +
 +
Her companion falls uncommonly quiet, taking in what she thought was Brigdha's own wisdom. When she is done nothing has changed, little has improved and Aila is no closer to helping Luna. "Thank you, Lady Brigdha." finally she replied, her voice thick with emotion "I think I've taken up enough of your evening"
 +
 +
Aila's spoon clinks against her plate as she moves their settings to the sideboard, "I'll be in touch if I hear anything interesting regarding the isles".
 +
 +
The instant Aila opens the door an attendant is there to take away the dishes. She steps aside as they move into clear up and offers Brigdha a sincere, thankful smile before disappearing further into the guild house.
 +
 +
----
 +
 +
When it is time to leave, the Ambassador will be given a parcel by the staff of the guild house. It is a neat box covered in a linen cloth, tied into a knot at the top to keep the contents safe and together. There is some neat handwriting on a scrap of paper pinned to the linen on the outside. It says simply "Something for your tack".
 +
 +
When opened there is a neat collection, two jars arranged beside a wedge of Perdanese cheese wrapped in waxy paper and a pint of Bescanon mead corked and sealed in a brown bottle. Within the two jars, spreads. One of sweet, slightly tart purple jam made from wild berries picked in Dimwood, the other a tomato chutney - a savory treat.
 +
 +
==== Tyrann Thrane ====
 +
Through the crowd Tyrann approached, his thoughts scattered and each beat of his heart filled his body with anxiousness. He knew not if he should speak. The eyes of the Scholarly Seer captivated Tyrann. His presence demanded respect and his words were spoken with conviction. The young Viscount stood before the Seer, waiting...
 +
 +
=== Summer Evening - [[Akesh Temple]] ===
 +
==== Lord Absent ====
 +
Margrave Maccio Aurelle has been absent from his position for a long time. If he does not return soon, his title will be assigned to someone else.
 +
 +
==== Daizen Tideweaver ====
 +
'''The Erupting Tides IV'''
 +
 +
The hydra struck. Its middle head racing towards Daizen in a rapid strike. Daizen jumped to his left and rolled. The serpent's gaping maw striking wooden deck with a loud thunk. Daizen did not have much time to react before having to dive to the side again as its second head struck, then the third. The exhausted man was doing all within his power to keep the sharp fangs from piercing his unprotected torso. Large gouges were made in the deck as the three headed serpent failed to latch on its prey as Daizen jumped and rolled again and again.
 +
 +
Daizen was no snake charmer. No, he much preferred playing with clams. But the best way to combat a hydra was to work it against itself. With only 3 heads this was an adolescent hydra at best, and the more he forced the heads to strike, the easier it became for it to lose its equilibrium. But Daizen still had no desire to get struck, even in adolescence the venom of a hydra was a potent thing.
 +
 +
As Daizen dove ever closer and the overboard hydra's left, he heard it hissing in frustration as its heads began to dizzy. With spear still in hand, he saw from the corer of his eye as several of his men were approaching from its now blind right side with a massive net. Daizen was breathing hard and sweat was pouring from body, but he could not relent. He had to keep the creatures attention long enough for his men to net the heads. But alas, the physical toll of the rowing and constant jumping and rolling made him pay its price. As the men threw the heavy netting over 2 of the hydras 3 heads Daizen stumbled forward, too close to the edge, and went flying overboard with the third head following.
 +
 +
SPLASH!
 +
 +
Daizen hit the usually warm salty water. His body arching into a natural diving position from years of being at sea. The hydras free leftmost head followed quickly, and being a natural predator of the sea, latch upon Daizens exposed chest. He felt its fang pierce him deep within his right shoulder. He screamed in pain but only bubbles of precious air came out. Still grasping his spear in his left hand, he gripped the polearm and with the skill of a master spear fisherman thrust barbed serrated tip into the fleshy underbelly of the hydras head. He felt it thrash powerfully in pain. Feeling his body being jerked to and fro throughout the water as it spasmed even slamming him once into the bow of the ship. Daizen began to repeatedly rip the tip of the spear out of the great serpent only to thrust it back in even further, ripping flesh and blood away with each thrust.
 +
 +
As man and beast had been struggling beneath the waves, his men on the ship had not been idle. They managed to fully net the beast's torso by spearing it with additional harpoons attached to the netting. They began pulling the beast onto the ship proper. Some of his men had even dove into the sea after their liege to search for him beneath the waves.
 +
 +
After what seemed like an eternity of struggling, but had in reality only been about 90 seconds, the head latched to Daizen went limp. He could feel himself being tugged upwards and fought his way to the surface. After emerging from under the waves, he greedily gulped own air. He felt himself being drug up the side of the ship. His injured and bleeding arm stinging as the salt within his wound began to burn and the exposed flesh was scrapped along the rough wooden planks.
 +
 +
After he was finally pulled back onto the ship, the now dead hydra splayed across the deck. He was helped to his feet and the hydras jaw pried open and off of Daizen's shoulder. Its fang had pierced him clean through his shoulder leaving a hole about half an inch diameter. As his men bandaged the wound, Daizen looked at the creature. 3 heads, silver scales, probably weighed 2 tonnes. Not a full adult but definitely not a baby, old enough to be on its own so there was no immediate threat of a larger brood hydra nearby. Daizen's legs began to quiver. His men looked at him concern in their eyes. His shoulder patched, poultice on his scrapes, they had done what they could. Daizen just patted his makeshift medic consolingly. He then reached into the maw of the hydra, and broke off the very fang that had pierced him. He was in for a hell of a ride. He would have this fang as his keepsake.
 +
 +
Suddenly there was foam at the corner of Daizens mouth. The spasms spread to his arms and his whole body fell to the deck and began to thrash. His pupils dilated as he began seeing the world in bursts of explosive color. After minutes of violent thrashing his body went stiff as he succumbed to the hydras venom.
 +
 +
Everything went black.
 +
 +
==== Rain of Flaming Stones ====
 +
As the astromancers predicted, a meteor shower graces the night sky. Despite the smokey sky, the streaks of light are still somewhat visible due to their large number.
 +
 +
==== Daizen Tideweaver ====
 +
'''Oopsy-Daizen'''
 +
 +
Daizen and his men had been drifting and paddling across the sea for a few hundred miles. Regardless, attempting to row, especially through stormy waters, had worn their energy levels low. Even with the wise leadership of Daizen breaking the work into shifts, ensuring rest, the rest was fitful under the conditions. Little food did not help, though the prospects of meat. Though the source of that meat might cause some to question if Daizen and his men had not started to become delusional after days of rowing under apocalyptic conditions on little food. Still, stranger tales had come from the sea before. Who could be certain what embodied the unknowns even if sailors were known for tall tales?
 +
 +
Daizen's condition was dreadful, but it wasn't the only problem the beast had inflicted upon the ship. Its weight was causing the pitiful ferry to list and take on water. And without Daizen's leadership, infighting was to break out amongst the stressed, poorly-slept about what actions to prioritize.
 +
 +
Fortunately, Daizen's captain was able to assert their leadership and keep the situation under control - for now. Setting some men to urgently attend to Daizen while others salvaged food from the beast before pushing it back into the depths, order on board the ferry resumed, and prospects were at least looking hopeful for most, if not Daizen.
 +
 +
A Weaver later spots the carcass still floating, at a short distance...
 +
 +
==== Scholarly Seer ====
 +
The young lord approached and stood, waiting. The Seer too waited, mostly out of a bemused testing of the young man. Eventually though, he decided to let the young man off the hook and spoke,
 +
 +
"Curiousity brought you to me, yes?"
 +
 +
The Seer paused in such a manner one was not certain if he had finished speaking or was about to continue.
 +
 +
"Your ear lobe will deceive you in this."
 +
 +
When he continued, it no longer felt as personally addressed to the Viscount as to the whole crowd, though his voice had not shifted in any discernible manner,
 +
 +
"Evil shall be buried. One is arriving. The Small Circle will be broken. But a Large Circle shall replace it."
 +
 +
==== Roleplaying Event ====
 +
The time has come for the Third to fall and the One to rise! For the Whole to be Four! For Trees to Transition! For the Circle to be born!
 +
 +
Repent your sins. If you have no sins to repent, then go and sin, for you shall not be saved without repenting your sins.

Latest revision as of 13:11, 3 September 2020

Contents

Dubhaine Family
Fame 40
Wealth 19485
Home Region Ashforth
Home World East Continent

1st August

Summer Day - Fontan

William Armsworth

Caligus campaign day 10, noon.
Getting the unit in tip-top shape again left me exhausted.
Fortunately taxes was leveraged and I was able to exchange the bonds from last week.
I think I can afford another battle this week, should it be desired.

Brigdha Dubhaine

Brigdha emptied the pitcher into her companion's tankard and signalled to a passing serving girl for another. It seemed that Tormald, fourth of his name of the respected Tanners dynasty, was intent on drinking himself into the same dreamless stupor as her other guests, but the famed stubbornness of his bloodline had so far kept him conscious even if not sober.

"To hell with Rowan and his cronies," it had been a very long night and Tormald slurred his words badly, "What good have they ever done us anyway?"

"There, there my friend," Brigdha had a hand on his shoulder, as much to keep him upright as to console him. This was the mainstay of her service to the Shadow King, mixing with those ranks other nobles considered beneath their dignity.

Anagridh cast a critical eye across the littered remains of the night's drinking, surrounded by a bulwark of snoring, unconscious flesh. She snorted and shook her head slowly from side to side in disgust.

"Not up to the standard of your father's soirees?" Brigdha released her grip on Tormald and he slowly slumped on the wooden trestle, the last of his fight drowned in ale.

"You'd be a better judge of that Lady Ambassador," the Elven princess chuckled, a surprisingly warm and earthy sound, and clinking cups the two women toasted the memory of Erik Eyolf Serpentis, by far the most extravagant of his name.

The Ambassador had established herself in the Smugglers' Den, a favourite haunt from her days as a blockade runner and her regular base of operations in the city. Three generations had grown to manhood since the Caligan conquest. Three generations! And what had they to show for their coopted loyalty? Not much. Not much at all. The city prospered well enough from the trade between Karbala and Hamadan, but it had somewhat understandably become an afterthought since the restoration of Domus. And it stood to reason that a city so close to the capital of Shadowdale, with long ties of blood and faith to the lands of Old Fontan, should feel more in common with their northern neighbours than with a distant government focused on southern adventures.

Thus it was that for the past two days Brigdha had held court in the common room, paying host to a succession of old friends and acquaintances struggling to make sense of the recent turn of events - and to turn them to their own advantage if there was a profit to be made.

Some like Tormald had longed for a past which never truly existed, back before the Civil War and Gregor's treachery. She well remembered a day many years ago now debating just that point with him, upstairs in the private lounge when the young burgher was a hot-headed voice for democracy. Though older and wiser he still dreamed of suffrage and a franchise which included men of his station. As if the nobility would ever agree such an absurd notion...

Those were the days when King Rowan's banner had flown over the city, seat to his government in exile whilst the Vix and their allies despoiled the soft furnishings and priceless heirlooms of his lost palace in Domus. The radicals had made a good job of overrunning the rest of his realm, useful idiots for the King of Perdan, and Brigdha had spent most of her time behind the enemies' lines, organising resistance wherever her gold and reputation could open the necessary doors, freely spending the Shadow King's gold to save His southern neighbour.

To say His Majesty had been poorly repaid for His investment was an understatement. The very same King Rowan who owed his throne - and quite possibly his life - to the unstinting generosity and support of the Shadow King had proven himself no ally at all when put to the test. Brigdha had rarely misjudged a man more, and the sense of betrayal cut deep. There were limits even to the forgiveness of a Balance Walker and Rowan was now as dust to her.

Of course there were those in Fontan who wanted to blame the Shadow King for bringing war to their settled lives. And more than a few Caligan loyalists, men and women whose families had either moved here from the south or risen to prominence under Rowan's rule and were now justifiably terrified that conquest meant penury or worse. Allaying their fears would take time and gold and the good governance which in recent years they'd gone without.

Karbala, Krimml, Fontan, Akesh Temple. How many years had she laboured in the shadows to reunite them? Hoping beyond hope for the restoration of her people. It was so close now she could taste it! But Brigdha refused to let hope cloud her mind. There was still so much work to be done if the lands of dearly departed Basilius were likewise to be returned to their rightful owners.

2nd August

Summer Evening - Fontan

William Armsworth

Pacing slowly up and down in my study in my families mansion while reading a local report before dinner, I am interrupted by 3 knocks on the door.

"Yes?" I inquire distractedly.

"A letter from high command, Sir." the muffled voice of Osmona answers.

"Ah, thank you, captain. Please come in."

She enters and hands me an envelope with the mark of the Grey Exarch imprinted in the wax seal. I open it with anticipation and read it quickly.

"We're not marching for An Najaf, are we, Sir." she asks with downward intonation after I put the orders on my desk.

I shake my head, my lips briefly compressed in regret and make a mental note not to play cards with her.

"Not yet, captain. You see," I say as I beckon her to come closer to the map covering three quarters of my desk, "our forces here in Fontan have been ordered to refit. It will be a few days before they are all ready."

She nods thinkingly.

"But the main reason for our standoffish attitude, I think, is that there is some high level diplomacy going on with Caligus. I suspect that if they do not give in to our demands by the time we are good and ready, we will be getting marching orders," a gleeful smile appears as I speak the last two words.

Osmona smiles in return. "Understood, Sir. Any orders for us?"

"Errrr, yes." I say as I glance over the orders again. "Have the men do some light training after dinner. Make sure they are well rested for tomorrow. Just in case."


Caligus campaign day 11, evening.
I stationed the men around the house and told Osmona to get them fit for a full days work.
Marshal Tempest asked for volunteers to guard Fontan but by the sound of it she didn't get enough.
I can't blame them. Who wants to babysit a city when there is honour to be gained?

3rd August

Summer Evening - Fontan

William Armsworth

Caligus campaign day 12, evening.
I can hardly contain my excitement. I got the news this morning while at home and was able to share it with my relatives: I was promoted to Vice-Marshal!
My mother was so happy, she cried. I made her promise to write Hendrick, who I heard made Lord in a distant realm overseas.
He will not be the only one to bring honour to the name Armsworth.

4th August

Summer Day - Fontan

New War Breaking Out

Perdan has declared war on Eponllyn. They gave the following reason:

Rulers of the East Continent,

The Kingdom of Perdan hereby commits to a war of passage against the Kingdom of Eponllyn.

Accordingly, Perdan will:

  • achieve and fortify a land-bridge to Nivemus, denying these lands to the Eponllyn war machine
  • capture Eponllyn assets in order to restrict their capacity to retaliate and force capitulation
  • pledge to conduct only goodly takeovers, attack only war assets and denounce unwholesome looting options.
  • consider the war completed in their favor when Eponllyn concedes defeat and requisite treaty conditions are signed (which must include a mandatory safe period for the Alexandrian colony).
  • agree to consider provisional return of Eponllyn assets;
    • once the colony has been safely established
    • on the condition that Eponllyn and its allies conduct themselves with nobility and
    • neither betray this agreement or impede the establishment of the colony.
    • consider the war lost when Perdan concedes defeat and signs to mutually agreeable conditions for ceasefire.

Perdan has no interest in permanently diminishing Eponllyn unless they continue to block access for the colonial effort.

Summer Evening - Fontan

William Armsworth

War journal, day 13, evening.
More excellent news today as Perdan finally decided to join the party.
We will tear Eponllyn apart and take the regions their greed prevented them from parting with by force!
The men are itching for a good fight but I am not sure Eponllyn will oblige us. We should know soon enough.

5th August

Summer Evening - Fontan

William Armsworth

War journal, day 14, night.
Excitement builds as we are about to cross into enemy territory once again.
Circumstances appear to be in our favour but at least one unknown remains:
What is Sirion planning to do now that their presence is no longer required to counter Perdan?

6th August

Summer Day - Fontan

William Armsworth

War journal, day 15, noon.
The board is set and the pieces are in motion. Now Perdan threatens Westmoor and Perleone keeps our southern flank secure, we have a shot at what is widely considered the biggest prize of the campaign.
With diplomatic relations interwoven as they are, our attack on Fontan likely sparked a continental war, which means there still is Sirion to consider. They are my main source of anxiety as they can take several routes and their armies composition and strength is still unknown to us. Regardless, it is a great time to serve and I am quite content with the position I managed to secure, for now.

7th August

Summer Day - Evora

Region Changes Allegiance

Gadlock has changed its allegiance to the realm of Eponllyn. The region used to belong to Nivemus.

Summer Evening - Evora

William Armsworth

War journal day 17, evening.
Not much to report today.
The takeover is proceeding as expected.
We should be done here relatively soon.

8th August

Summer Day - Evora

Family Investment

Brigdha Dubhaine, Ambassador of Shadowdale, Baroness of Evora, Priestess of The Shadows has initiated an investment of 430 gold in the region of Evora. Production soars to 88 %.

Summer Evening - Evora

Calvin Carson

Calvin walking around the city of Karbala, he meets some young commoner children.

"Hey there everyone, it's good to see you all again hahaha. Do you all wanna hear a story?"

The children gather around Calvin.

"Yes, uncle Cal tell us tell us!!" They all chanted together.

"Ok ok hahaha, well it wasn't too long ago I battled an interesting creature, not exactly sure what it was. It had 2 heads and there were 3 of them. I was completely surrounded. I sprinted to the first target, it attacked, but I managed to cut its arm off. Killed it and then the others. They weren't very strong."

"Uncle Cal, were you scared?"

"HELL YA!! Hahaha I thought I was going to die."

Kids started to laugh. Calvin still laughing wipes tears out of his eyes from laughing so hard.

"Well kids I have to go for now. I'll come back another time."

"Ok uncle Cal."

Calvin waves to the kids goodbye and walks away to his Captain.

"Sir, might i ask. Why do you waste time with commoners."

"Well that's easy, I used to be one of them."

"WAIT SERIOUSLY?!"

"Why are you so bent out of shape for?"

"Well... it's just hard to believe--"

"Oh just relax captain."

"As you say sir."

They ride away back to the camp where Calvin's unit is.

Family Investment

Brigdha Dubhaine, Ambassador of Shadowdale, Baroness of Evora, Priestess of The Shadows has initiated an investment of 430 gold in the region of Evora. Production soars to 158 %.

9th August

Summer Day - Evora

William Armsworth

War journal day 18, morning.
The takeover is around halfway done and though Eponllyn and Nivemus are thoroughly entertained, one threat remains.
Where are they? What are they up to? Much worse is the devil you fear than the devil you know the saying rightly goes.
I'm looking forward to the next stage of the campaign. Action guaranteed.

Diplomatic News

Shadowdale and Caligus have ended their hostilities and agreed to a cease fire.

Summer Evening - Evora

Region Joins Realm

Basileus Anax Preston Greer has handed over the region of An Najaf to your realm; the lord was banished from your realm previously and was thus forced to give up the lordship before the exchange. However, any troops and unbanished knights are now also formally part of Shadowdale.

10th August

Summer Day - Evora

William Armsworth

War journal day 19, morning.
As peace was signed with Caligus, my first campaign resulted in a glorious victory for Shadowdale.
The second campaign appears to be similar in nature as we have yet to be opposed.
I'm starting to worry we might run out of enemies soon.

Tax Change for Evora

Baroness Brigdha Dubhaine has changed the tax orders. The tax rate has been changed from 12 % to 10 %.

11th August

Summer Day - Evora

William Armsworth

War journal day 20, morning.
Eponllyn has made a move I do not pretend to understand:
They have the nerve to attack with an army that appears to be less than half our forces strength while we are prepared.
Sure, Nivemus is waiting in the wings but they have yet to even declare war. Can an uncoordinated attack hope to dislodge us and prevent us from achieving our aim? I don't think so.

Luna Tempest

Lady Tempest arrived in Karbala once again at the summons of the Shadow King Lindow Moonsun. Luna wasted no time making her way towards the districts of the palaces for she knew that both her own time and Lindow's was extremely valuable as of late.

Upon arriving at the royal palace the guards would quickly grant the Grey Exarch entrance for the Grey Guard were present and were well aware of the Lady's position. Luna would scale the grand stairs and enter through the massive ornate doorway protecting the Shadow King's Palace.

Once inside the magnificent atrium Lady Tempest announced herself to the attendant, "Inform the Shadow King of my arrival and that I shall be waiting for him royal library."

Luna set off down the hall to explore some of the grand palace while thinking about all the rare books she had likely never even heard of before accessible in within the palace.


The First after the King

Lady Tempest was once again reading numerous a books when the Shadow King entered the library not even noticing his arrival as she was once again buried within a book. However this time the tome was something more abstract, Legends of the Ocean was its title.

As Lindow came alone he approached quietly and Luna near jumped when she heard him speak,

- Entertaining between books again, Grey Exach Luna? - Luna would quickly stand and bow before her King before addressing his question,

"At every opportunity your Majesty. This world is filled with so much knowledge I cannot hope to learn it all, not with several lifetimes so anytime I find myself is such a spectacular library I cannot help myself."

The Grey Exarch turns back towards the table to grab a different book and present it to Lindow,

"Have you had chance to read this tome my King? It's titled the history of the Spider Queen of Shadowdale. It's quite a riveting read."

Luna studied the Shadow Kings face before returning the book to the table then continued, "Oh but you likely have not summoned me to the Grey Palace to discuss books with a girl. I assume you wish to speak with your Grey Exarch. As always I live to serve tell me what it is you require and I will see it done your Majesty."

The Grey Exarch awaited for instruction with baited anticipation. Did Lindow wish to alter the Eponllyn Campaign or was he going to congratulate Luna's efforts against Caligus now that they had peace. Her mind ran ripe with the possibilities that were to come.


Lindow extends his arm and looks at Luna

- Let's walk for a while, I have to tell you something -

Lindow took Luna's hand and they began to walk through the Grey Palace.

- Did I ever tell you that when I was young I was a knight in the reign of the Spider Queen? It was a time of learning, where I learned important values ​​such as patience and control of the favor of your nobles. The Spider Queen was a master at controlling the favor of the nobles but she had little patience. When a king treats you disrespectfully you start to stop loving him and that's what happened, a group of disgruntled nobles dethroned her - Lindow met one of his heralds on the way Lady Tempest listened to the Shadow King intently for this conversation was surely another stroke of Destiny. If could be no coincidence that she had just been reading of the Spider Queen when Lindow asked that fated question.

Hand in hand Luna would reply, "No your Majesty I don't think you have ever told me this story. It seems despite all her knowledge the Spider Queen lacked wisdom. Thankfully you have both in spades my King. The Shadowdalians both love and respect you dearly and I know none that wish to depose you."


- Boy, tell the butler Sebas to go to the palace porch -

-Yes, your highness -

- This way, M'lady. You know, seeing you there in the library has reminded me how much has happened since the first day we met at the Grey University of Karbala, I honestly never thought that little bookworm was going to become the Grey Exarch of Shadowdale's armies. - Lindow said smiling as they reached the porch.

Luna followed Lindow to the porch that was prepared stopping only for a moment to have a private word with the Shadow King, "My King, no Lindow. I honestly never thought I would be your Grey Exarch either. All those many years ago when I came to Shadowdale as a refugee from Beluaterra I had no idea what my future would hold. That day we met and you asked me to join the Shadow Legion as a knight has been without question one of the best days of my life. I have devoted my life to your reign and your realm and if I could take the time back I would do it all over again. Again and again. Serving such a wise and kind Monarch has given my life purpose more than you will likely ever understand."

The Grey Exarch would resume her path towards the porch, "Whatever you require of me my King, now and always I will answer whether in the light or the shadows I will always be yours to command."

A New Lord

Duke Lindow Moonsun of Shadow's Bluff Duchy has appointed Dana Blackstone to the vacant lordship position in An Najaf.

Summer Evening - Evora

Knight temporarily absent

Lancer Hamor Hamor, Outlaw has been imprisoned by Eponllyn patrols while travelling through Commonyr.

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Troyes:

Perdan vs. Eponllyn
Estimated strengths: 580 men vs. 570 men
The Perdan's Golden Lions (Perdan), sponsored by Imperatrix Lady Alyssa Kingsley, were led into battle by Marshal Ulric Hawk.
Knight Octavian Schwarzherzig is spotted wearing the Emerald Ring of Battle.
Viscount Ulric Hawk is spotted wearing the Dragon-Scale Jacket.
Countess Dustiria Noire is spotted wielding the Splendid Sword of Alex.
Knight Greg Derik is spotted wearing the Ducal Suit of the Father.
Attacker Victory!

Knight temporarily absent

Marcus Towerfall, Knight of Karbala has been captured by Sirion forces during the battle in Commonyr.

Huge Battle Fought

Eponllyn, Nivemus, Sirion vs. Shadowdale
Estimated strengths: 1610 men vs. 980 men
The Army of Nivemus (Nivemus), sponsored by Dame Sandra Jimenez, were led into battle by Marshal Hallvar Schancke.
The Phoenix Hussars (Eponllyn), sponsored by Talon Lionel Kinsey, were led into battle by Marshal Lionel Kinsey.
The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal Maccio Aurelle.
Duke Hallvar Schancke is spotted wearing the Bone Cloak of Good.
Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.
Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted wearing the Lich King's Chain Mail of Sorcha.
Duke Godric Tórrarin ka Habb is spotted wielding the Old Buckler of Obsidian Islands.
Noble Jaques Talos is spotted wielding the Adorned Shield of the Queens.
Marcus Towerfall, Knight of Karbala was captured by Brian M. Cameron's unit.
Attacker Victory!

Takeover Stopped

The takeover attempt in Commonyr has been stopped.

Tyrann Thrane

As Tyrann crossed into the small plains of Visue the sun sank into the peaks of Evora and the winds eerily exhaled from the foothills. A sensation had overcome the young Viscount, one he had not felt since the mysterious disappearance of Lord Zenta. He turned to face the mountain, as he did his vision began to tunnel and then became consumed in darkness.

He saw the still waters of Evora teased by the tips of the ancient swaying willow trees. The ripples reflected the moon and from these small slivers of light a dense fog began to spew. The wind exhaled once more, but with a chilling bite and pale figures began to rise from the thick fog; shrieking...

Monsters!
Monsters have been seen in the region of Evora.
The local population is requesting help and fears that the monsters will eat their food and destroy their houses.

12th August

Summer Day - Evora

Tax Change for Evora

Baroness Brigdha Dubhaine has changed the tax orders. The tax rate has been changed from 10 % to 7 %.

13th August

Summer Day - Evora

William Armsworth

War journal day 22, night.
With Karbala in sight, I finally stopped looking over my shoulder. My fears finally materialized and it was even worse than I suspected.
Both Nivemus and Sirion joined in on the attack on Commonyr by Eponllyn unprovoked. They have yet to even declare war!
We were wiped out in the first charge and half my men lay dead with very little to show for. This calls for vengeance!

Tournament Announced

Eros Harte, Royal of Yssrgard, Duke of the Horde, Margrave of Itorunt, Priest of The Way of the Aethir has announced a Tournament of Joust and Swordfight to be held in Itorunt 7 days from now.
The winner will be rewarded with 1200 gold in addition to the honour and prestige that his victory will earn him. There will also be a reward of 800 gold for the runner-up.
All nobles of the continent are welcome on the tournament grounds on the day of this event. Make sure you announce your participation in time.

Summer Evening - Evora

Monterys Velaryon

Monterys painfully moaned as the cart rolled over a bump in the road. The wound suffered in battle for Commonyr reminded him of foregone events.

Flashback hit him as he saw the Thunderborn valiantly defending the last banners of Shadowdale under a massive hail of arrows and a savage charge of enemy cavalry. "Hold the line!" He bellowed, seemingly exhausted from a long and painful melee. Thunderborn stood their ground amidst confusion and commotion of a bloody encounter. Captain Donario came rushing to his side "My Lord, the ninth banner has fallen! Shall I sound the retreat?!". "Hold the line, Donario! No retreat, we fight till the last man!" Monterys was persistent, a trait of his father Tahaerys, a trait which usually was productive but not in this particular situation. A mighty northern steed then came charging right at him, deflecting his shield before delivering a powerful blow. His plate mail cracked, he struggled for air and then fell into blackness and unconsciousness.

The battle was over, a solid and clear defeat, he was told as he laid bandaged in a cart. As the battered unit travelled on he reminisced the events that unfolded in the last few weeks. He received a letter bearing the crest of House Velaryon, an invitation by his sister Dynys to arrange a meeting in Avamar. I can't wait to finally meet you, brother. I have so many things to tell you and show you, the letter wrote.

Monterys found himself torn betwixt mixed allegiances. Will he honor his pledge and oath of fealty to Evora and the Shadow King, or will he answer his sister's call? He was eager to finally meet his sister as he has never seen her before. On the other hand he was well aware that leaving for Avamar will brandish him a traitor in Shadowdale and his House will forever fall from grace of the Shadow King. In the end, the blood oath prevailed. Family was family and the Boreeans usually stuck with one another.

Open grasslands were slowly being replaced by pine trees and forests as the unit traversed onward. A messenger then arrived from the north. A tall and gallant rider spoke with a stern voice "My Lady Lyanna Arylon invites you to her estate. The Duchess is eager to meet Your Lordship."

Arylon, Monterys whispers, Gheric's little sister. This was a twist of fate, he was sure of it. He heard so many tales of her beauty and her stark character when Gheric and him shared the northern hearths in the wild of western Dwilight. "Inform your Lady that I will gladly meet with her. House Arylon and House Velaryon stand side by side in many lands. I would gladly see this pledge honored."

Region Allegiance Changed

Dana Blackstone has changed the allegiance of An Najaf to the duchy of The Shadow's Citadel. The region used to be part of the duchy of Shadow's Bluff.

Region Allegiance Changed

Robin Shepherd has changed the allegiance of Viseu to the duchy of The Shadow's Citadel. The region used to be part of the duchy of Shadow's Bluff.

14th August

Summer Day - Evora

Region Allegiance Changed

Maccio Aurelle has changed the allegiance of Akesh Temple to the duchy of The Shadow's Citadel. The region used to be part of the duchy of Shadow's Bluff.

Siren Song

A missive with a faint glow and a thin blue seal comes into your hand. As you open the letter there is a poem:

Two relics of power,
One found in a tower,
From a corpse one fumbled,
From a beast I rumbled,
The Ancient Band of Zedd,
Wield to keep your foes dead,
Its condition pristine,
Many Sages I've seen,
A boost in prestige,
Fit for any liege,
The Cursed Nightblade of Oligarch,
A blade for whom many would march,
To assert claim over a city,
Which has a history not pretty,
The blade is battered and damaged,
Repairs I have not yet managed,
For nobles they are,
available for claim,
To boost your prestige,
and variable fame,
Offer's I am taking,
All shall be considered,
But at my discretion,
Shall they be delivered.

You are startled as a beautiful female sing-song voice echos through your head as you read the missive. As the last line resounds through your head, the missive dissipates into water that runs through your fingers and splatters on the ground. What sorcery was this?!

15th August

Summer Day - Braga

New Ruler Elected

The realm of Sirion has elected Ivo Mersault Player experience level
experienced Player play preference: combat as its new Prime Minister.
The realm of Nivemus has elected Brian Wilde Player experience level
mentor Player play preference: inactive as its new Kronogos.
The realm of Eponllyn has elected Godric Tórrarin ka Habb Player experience level
new Player play preference: unsure as its new Blood King.

Taxes Received

As the Baroness of Evora, you earn 478 gold. Since you're within your realm borders, you receive your taxes in gold.

William Armsworth

War journal day 24, morning.
We were first to arrive in Krimml so I rewarded the men with some heavy training. They will thank me later.
Hit a slight bump in the shape of some monsters in Oporto. One of them gave Frank a nasty cut before we dispensed with them.
I expect to have some time to get the new recruits in shape as many of our units are only now refitting in Karbala. Fortunately this city has all I need.

Siren Song

A familiar faintly glowing missive with a blue seal arrives in your hands. You open the letter and once again hear in the same beautiful sing-song voice:

My greetings from the sea good knight,
I sing this song bathed in moonlight,
Many seeker's of the blade now fight,
To call the cursed item their's by right,
In the night I choose to hunt the lairs,
Fulfilling peasantry holy prayers,
Slaying the evils that plague the land,
Protecting all worth created by hand,
Many requests have now come to me,
But consensus among all I see,
To repair the blade,
Prior to trade,
So now I stay,
My considerable rage,
To seek a sage,
For now please enjoy my open stage,
May the war of bids continue to wage,
Allow me a moment to summarize,
The Cursed Nightblade of Oligarch the prize.

Like before as the the last melodic word resonates the missive dissipates into water and splashes to the floor.

16th August

Summer Day - Braga

Strange Lights - Evora

Rumours spread of unusual lights being seen within mountain caves.

Strange Lights - Eldoret

Rumours spread of weird lights being seen within mountain caves.

Plentiful Drinking Water - Krimml

Drinking water becomes more abundant throughout the city as wells seem more full than usual.

Increased Customers - Perdan

Pubs and coffeehouses note an increase in their clientele. Many establishments are becoming accustomed to standing room only.

Siren Song

A familiar faintly glowing missive with a blue seal arrives in your hands. You open the letter and once again hear in the same beautiful sing-song voice:

In Sir Temple I am,
Where two Sages be,
To repair a relic of power,
A Giant Eagles Feather I need,

Like before as the the last melodic word resonates the missive dissipates into water and splashes to the floor.

Tyrann Thrane

There was a strange feeling in the air, a presence seemed to move about the face of the continent. Tyrann had been patrolling the streets of Karbala and noticed the wells, they seemed to be more full than usual. The pubs and eateries too seemed to swell with patrons.

Reading over the missives of the day there was one in particular that caught his attention, the strange lights in Evora. His heart began to race, all the strange occurrences flashed before his eyes and now this.

“Donar!” His shout was soon followed by the entrance of a stout man with salt and pepper hair and sword drawn.

“What is it me lord?” Donar scanned the room quickly. Tyrann rose and handed him the parchment.

“Hire a few extra hands and ride for Evora at once, “ Tyrann began to pack as he continued, “ and be sure they are hearty and able to wield a pick axe. I will see about acquiring the proper permissions once you leave.” Tyrann frantically shoved parchment where he could and closed his trunk. Then turned to Donar and handed him a pouch of gold, “This should do it.”

“Aye me Lord, I’ll see to it.” Donar bowed his head and left with haste.

Tyrann stayed behind and began to dictate to his scribe while pacing.

18th August

Summer Day - An Najaf

Takeover

Perdan has taken control of Troyes. The region used to belong to Eponllyn.

Takeover Initiated

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun has initiated a takeover in Commonyr. The region currently belongs to Greater Eponllyn.

Wandering Stranger - Itorunt

A Stranger from an recognized origin excites the city with his petty illusions. Soon he has gathered a small, but intensely fanatical, following, while incensing the greater majority of the city. Before blood can be shed, the Stranger and his followers travel onward.

But when it comes time to take account of the population, no one can name anyone who left to follow the Stranger. Most credit this to the surplus population due to the tournament, but others...wonder

Summer Evening - An Najaf

Court Astromancers - Castle Ubent

Yesterday, the Royal Astromancers were scurrying around court engaging in hushed whispers with one another. Tonight, they've been staring at the skies with intent interest, penning copious notes.

Duck Flock - Dimwood

A flock of ducks descend upon Salem Belmont. One pair land upon his shoulders, while the remainder land upon the ground. They follow his every move.

19th August

Summer Day - An Najaf

Geese Flock - Commonyr

A flock of geese descend upon Luna Tempest. One pair land upon her shoulders, while the remainder land upon the ground. They follow her every move.

Shoulder Fox - Commonyr

Without noticing it sneak up on him, a fennec fox jumps upon William Armsworth's shoulders. Regardless of his reaction, the creature is relentless in following him. And preferring his shoulder as a mode of transit.

Lindow Moonsun

Geese and foxes band

Lindow was in the market street on the Talon's Nest estate. His Grey Guards guarded the area while Lindow and a group of Shadowdale merchants traded goods, performed into business deals, and convinced the population of the benefits of being part of the Shadowdale Kingdom.

Walking through the street, he saw Sir William Armsworth in the distance with an orange and white ball on his shoulder.

"What is that on his shoulder ... is it a fox!" Lindow thought, as William disappeared down the other streets of the town.

Lindow stopped to talk to other locals, when in the distance he began to hear the sound of many geese. He looked and saw Duchess Luna Tempest passed and followed by and a column of geese behind her.

"What the hell is going on here ?!" Thought Lindow confused

Sailor Tales - Abadan

Recently arrived sailors report choppier seas than typically seen.

Shoulder Chinchilla

While travelling under a tree, a chinchilla jumps upon Lindow Moonsun's shoulders. Regardless of his reaction, the creature is relentless in following him. And preferring his shoulder as a mode of transit.

Maccio Aurelle

Maccio was walking around the entrenched encampment deployed by the Shadow Legion in Commonyr from where to perform the disuasive actions to try and convince the local population to abandon their allegiance to Eponllyn. Some animals seemed to be scared and jumping on top of soldiers and nobles alike, a very strange occurrence, even stranger knowing the many reports of strange events around the continent.

Maccio lied down, placed one ear on the floor, and tried to listen. His brother Mandolyn, always the wisest of the three, usually sent his way many books of varying matters - sometimes cookbooks, even - that he considered interesting, and Maccio had been using them to improve his reading and writing skills. A very old treaty said very unnerving things, about entire continents sinking into the ocean, never to be seen again. Atamara and the Far East, both suffered this tragic end.

Court Astromancers - Sirion

Yesterday, the Ministry of Astromancers were scurrying around court engaging in hushed whispers with one another. Tonight, they've been staring at the skies with intent interest, penning copious notes.

Shoulder Ferret - Kazakh

While travelling under a tree, a ferret jumps upon Hallvar Schancke's shoulders. Regardless of his reaction, the creature is relentless in following him. And preferring his shoulder as a mode of transit.

William Armsworth

War journal day 28, noon.
The weirdest thing just happened; a fox jumped on my shoulder and is refusing to leave.
Fortunately for it I'm quite taken with the little bugger and he's nice and warm to boot.
Several other strange and noteworthy events are also taking place. I'm not sure what to make of them.

Summer Evening - Aureus

Mass Migration - Oporto

Reports arrive of a large cluster of tarantulas, as far as the eye can see, migrating towards Akesh Temple.

Silent Nights

No one notices quite at first, yet there's an eerie sense that something is different. Even after becoming conscious of this unease, no one can quite put their finger on what's unusual, at first.

But soon someone finally hits upon the source of anxiety. Crickets, and any other bugs, have been silent tonight. The entire night has been eerily silent.

And so it would remain. As would following nights.

Luna Tempest

Luna pondered why now of all times a flock of geese would be following her around the encampment. The newly appointed Duchess had always had a way with birds but the current situation was quite the farce. How was a Lady to get any work done with a goose on either shoulder and a flock in tow.

Lady Tempest accepted the circumstance, clearly such a unexpected arrival of these random geese could only be viewed as a favor of the gods.

"Well it better be the favor of the gods," Luna muttered to herself, "Otherwise the Shadowdalians will enjoy a nice feast of stuffed goose tomorrow night."

Tyrann Thrane

Tyrann traversed the dense growth of willow trees lining the perimeter of Evora’s massive pool. Through the dangling branches, illuminated by the moonlight, Tyrann could see the lonely tower he had only ever heard about; it was beautiful.

Flashes of strange lights, faint turquoise and purple, from several caverns caught the young Viscount’s eyes. As he approached he noticed an odd stillness, the crickets had gone silent. How long has it been since they last made their music? He did not know, but the entire night seemed to be waiting.

Another bright flash demanded his gaze and a chill rolled down his spine. The light seemed to pulse hypnotically, Tyrann felt himself consumed and began to step closer and closer through no thought of his own. His eyes widened as he drew closer and, with each step in unison of each pulse, he descended into the depths of Evora...

Surprise Bear - Ar Mosul

A hunting party is both surprised by and surprises a bear, normally hibernating at this time of year. Startled by the hunters, the bear mauls one of the hunters to death.

Jumping Catfish - Ar Mosul

Reports arrive that Raqqah River is thrashing with jumping catfish, from the river's source to its mouth.

Sea Invaders! - Salta

Beaches are lost to foreign invaders rising from the depths of the sea as crabs congregate upon the beaches and rocky cliffs, aggressively shooing humanity away.

Surprise Bear - Braga

A hunting party is both surprised by and surprises a bear, normally hibernating at this time of year. Startled by the hunters, the bear mauls one of the hunters to death.

Exhausted Fishermen - Avamar

Bringing in the morning's catch, fishermen seem far more exhausted than typical. There are few words, but one manages to learn that today's catch fought back far more fiercely than is normal.

Surprise Bear - Scio

A hunting party is both surprised by and surprises a bear, normally hibernating at this time of year. Startled by the hunters, the bear mauls one of the hunters to death.

Report from Luna Tempest

Letter from Rogos V'Orlan
Margravine of Fontan Luna Tempest,
Grey Exarch of Shadowdale,

​​​​​​

​​​​​​I write with disturbing news from Perdan and Eponllyn. Animals are acting unnaturally, shores are flooded with crabs and the corpses of whales, and the night is flooded with a profound silence. Our astronomers speak in hushed tones about ill omens but make no further sign of their portents. Have the lands of Shadowdale been similarly afflicted?
Rogos V'Orlan
Knight of Perdan Mines
Letter from Luna Tempest
Sir Rogos
Indeed there has been odd reports from our way as well. Just this morning there was reports of schools of trashing catfish in Sirion River.
Before this morning strange lights were observed coming from the caves of Evora, a horde of tarantulas in Oporto heading towards Akesh and a random assortment of animals making friends with nobles.
Personally two geese landed on my shoulders with the rest of the flock following me like little ducklings for the rest of the day. My own Vice-Marshal gained a shoulder Fox and the Shadow King himself gained a shoulder chinchilla.
Strange times indeed.
From the Shadow,
Lady Luna Tempest
Grey Exarch of Shadowdale
Duchess of The Shadow's Citadel
Margravine of Fontan

20th August

Summer Day - Aureus

Tournament Report

The tournament in Itorunt is over. 36 nobles from 8 realms fought and drank. There was a swordfighting and a jousting contest.
Tsingu Orobar, Earl of Clermont won the swordfighting tournament (Barthogan Starck, Ambassador of Perleone, Duke of House Liberty, Margrave of Castle Ubent came second place).
The jousting contest was won by Theodius Goldhammer, Count of Dolmbar (Second place: Niall De La Fere, Knight of Mines of Isadril).

Jumping Catfish - Montijo

Reports arrive that Sirion River is thrashing with jumping catfish, from the river's source to its mouth.

Rotten Eggs - Isadril

Emanating from the Mines of Isadril is a stench akin to as if the entire system of mines had been filled with rotten eggs.

Rotten Eggs - Evora

Emanating from Evora is a stench akin to as if the entire cave system had been filled with rotten eggs.

Summer Evening - Abadan

Rotten Eggs - Eldoret

Emanating from Eldoret is a stench akin to as if the entire cave system had been filled with rotten eggs.

Drinking Water Warmed - Krimml

The wellwaters of Krimml have noticeably warmed over the last day. It wasn't immediately perceived, but now it was impossible to deny. What was once slightly cooled water from the depths is now not even just lukewarm; the wellwater is now warm to the touch.

William Armsworth

War journal, day 29, evening.
The multitude of changes in our immediate surroundings are beginning to worry me.
I still have no idea what's cooking but I don't like the smell of it.
Especially not if the reports from Evora are to be believed.

21st August

Summer Day - Leibo

Tyrann Thrane

Deeper and deeper Tyrann did delve into the caverns of Evora and a foul stench began to exude from the walls. His eyes began to water and he felt short of breath. The complex tunnels of the Evoran depths were vast and uncharted, he knew not if it was day or night nor the hour. The smell of sulfur grew thicker and now carried a message that hissed and echoed through the deep...

“Di noaam Vasqu entir Isuin”

“Di noaam Arkonom wyn entir Akesh”

Dustiria Noire

Dustiria pushes open the doors of the Bloody stump with black gauntlet covered hands. Bruce smile wide as he sees her. She goes up to the bar. An Orange and white cat looks at Bruce from her shoulders where its doing its best imitation of a fur scarf.

Bruce goes to say something and she holds up a hand, "Poor me a mead and get a bowl of water and some meat for Burr. Its been a long ride." she looks around to see if anyone she knows is there too

Isana Everlight

Isana arrives back at the Imperatrix's Tower in late morning. She knows Alyssa will likely be busy with meetings somewhere, especially with the strange goings-on, but takes a good look around for her just the same. Her darling nowhere to be found, she leaves a note on the bed (to avert another Chaos Temple adventure) and changes into a clean shirt and travelling skirt in uncharacteristic blue and brown before departing for the Stump.

The familiar red-and-black sign swings on its hinge as though waving hello to the tall knight. She grins. The doors are already slightly ajar so she pushes them both and enters the dark tavern in a haze of sunlight. As her eyes adjust to the interior she makes her way to the two figures by the bar. Wait... three? She calls out greetings as she approaches.

"Dustiria, hey! Since when does the Stump have a cat, Bruce? I'll have what the Countess's having, and something for lunch too if cook's got some on the go?"

Gold Transfer

A foreign noble, Brigdha Dubhaine, Ambassador of Shadowdale, Baroness of Evora, Priestess of The Shadows has brought 1950 gold for you to the main bank in Isadril. The bank has sent you the equivalent sum in bonds.
A foreign noble, Brigdha Dubhaine, Ambassador of Shadowdale, Baroness of Evora, Priestess of The Shadows has brought 100 gold for you to the main bank in Isadril. The bank has sent you the equivalent sum in bonds.

Brigdha Dubhaine

"What do you mean you've only credited two thousand crowns to His Majesty's account?" the elderly Ambassador seemed to grow in stature as her temper flared.

"You made two transfers Ma'am," the nondescript teller tapped his quill against the ledger nervously, his usual cultivated contempt for the mere aristocracy whom he and his masters allegedly served struggling to resist the psychic onslaught of an enraged Balancewalker. To his credit he held his own with considerably more courage than many a battle-hardened knight, "And as you can clearly see the fee for the Bank's considerable efforts on your behalf is two hundred gold crowns."

"Two transfers to your King!" Brigdha's eyes blazed with righteous indignation, "Since when has defrauding a reigning monarch been an acceptable practice in banking circles!"

"Well I wouldn't know anything about that Ma'am. The Bank of Isadril has an impeccable reputation for fiduciary rectitude and client confidentiality. Might I direct you to our privacy policy as well as our schedule of charges? You'll find them all in order."

"I should bloody well think you have a reputation for more than that if you defraud defenceless old ladies out of their hard-earned gold," a gambit which might have carried considerably more weight if the woman now fuming at the shuttered counter did indeed look or sound defenceless, or for that matter old.

"Then I'll damn well speak with your manager now!" and far above in the High Firmament, a force determined to distract the Ambassador from more urgent matters thrilled to see her glamours so elegantly undone. Such a powerful facie needed a name. No, not just a name, a personality.

And thus was Karen, the facie of outrage, birthed from the High Firmament. A curse to generations to come...

Summer Evening - Xavax

Dustiria Noire

She smiles as she sees Isana.

"It's not his I think the cat is mine. Here watch." She gently sets the orange and white fluffy cat down. It immediately jumps back to her shoulders and settles down imitating a fur scarf again.

"So many odd things have been going on not sure if this is connected. Anyway I call him Burr. I just stopped in to check things with Bruce and have a mug of Belmont mead. Troyes mead cannot compare, before I head back to Troyes. How are things with you?"

Bruce sets down mead before Isana and water with a bit of raw fish infront of Dustiria. Burr good down eats and drinks then goes right back to Dustiria's shoulders soon loud purring can be heard

Letter Aila Storme

Forgive my haste;

Whales wash upon the shore, crabs chase men from beaches...Our King sailed the sea many years; I feel the roiling of the ocean has finally caused him true unease.

The bells of Perdan City are ringing, and I don't know why.

Lady Aila Storme
Dame of Aix

22nd August

Summer Day - Aeng

Taxes Received

As the Baroness of Evora, you earn 254 gold. Since you're not within your realm borders, you receive your taxes in bonds.

Tyrann Thrane

Tyrann dragged his hands along the cavern walls and could feel what he assumed to be ancient glyphs. He stumbled further and as he did the temperature began to rise and sweat began to bead on his brow.

A roar pierced through the silence and a dread unlike any other Tyrann had known overcame him. A second thunderous roar was then followed with same voice carried upon the sulfur. It began spoken in an unknown tongue but soon the words soon became recognizable. An older dialect, one of early man, but still widely known.

“Halt ye who delves into this accursed pit! Hear my Voice and submit your flesh!”

The voice spoke with a fiery snarl, and shook the ground with each vowel. With a frenzy growl it spoke once more.

“I am Akesh, First of Arkonom, High Sovereign of Shadow. Your eyes shall I take, so that you may see!”


A searing pain struck the eyes of Tyrann, he screamed and fell to his knees clutching his face scratching as his vision went black. He could feel the burning of his lungs and throat as he continued to bellow, his screams then began to audibly vanish.

“Long have I been sealed by the molten stone and flame deep within Evora, and for long have I waited.” The Voice of Akesh roared.

Tyrann’s body began to heat and found himself overlooking the swirling pit of vibrant orange and red magma. As he peered into the vast sea of raw earth a whirlpool formed and at it’s center a pair of massive purple eyes that seemed to emit from them black smoke. Akesh then roared once more and began weave through the magma, causing pieces of the cavern to plunge into the molten sea.

In awe Tyrann watched as glimpses of Akesh could be seen as surfacing and diving. A large, thick tail with black scales and razor sharp talons that seemed as if they were formed of obsidian. Jagged horns the size of siege engine began to rise and so too the smoking purple eyes...

23rd August

Summer Day - Semall

Egg Shortage

In markets across East Continent, an acute shortage of eggs is beginning after several days of chickens, and any other birds, failing to lay eggs. A run on eggs and subsequent egghoarding only amplifies the shortage.

Display, and especially consumption, of eggs has become a show of ostentatious wealth. Nobles talk not of the Wealth List, but of the Egg List.

William Armsworth

War journal, day 31, evening.
The men are distraught. No eggs for miles. All chickens appear to have gone on strike. Most peculiar.
It is as if a great spell has been cast on the continent, which purpose is to create upheaval in weird and unusual ways.
James didn't come back from the scouting mission. I've sent a post-mortem medal for bravery to his next of kin. You couldn't buy an egg with it.

Summer Evening - Zamor

Full, Warming Wells

With everywhere's wells being unusually full, and the wellwater already warmed, the Ewerer's Guilds have been receiving many complaints from nobility of their ewerers lounging around from the lack of work.

Tyrann Thrane

Akesh eyed Tyrann, perceiving his thoughts.

“Dare you mistake my Majesty as a mere winged reptile?! Crude are the tongues of men. I have existed before entirety and unto me shall entirety submit! I shall consume the sun and maul earth! The Reams of Men will be plunged into darkness!” He roared and again shook caverns once more.

“Kaos the Usurper deceived my court and sealed me within the depths of Evora.” Akesh huffed and his purple eyes brightened with rage. “Piece by piece did he dismantle the empire I had built and laid waste to my temple.”

Akesh then began to thrash about, creating enormous waves of magma.

“And for what?! To Rest in Peace?! As he slumbers in his temple our sovereignty was forgotten, reduced to myth and legend! Men no longer bow and bend to our will! But so too has his essence waned, and my liberation will soon be at hand. I need...”

Akesh pondered for a moment then peered at Tyrann and grinned, exposing his razor sharp teeth; gnarled and protruding.

“You...” Akesh laughed menacingly. “Return to your kin, your beloved Realm of Shadows. As my Harbinger gather souls and rebuild my temple!”

With a mighty roar of Akesh Tyrann’s vision went black. His body lay lifeless beneath the rising sun, in the shadow of Evora’s lonely tower.

Strange Tales

Strangers mumble about raining seahorses and kitties blowing in the breeze in the local bars.

Priests Quiet

Less available to attend to your spiritual needs, the lay priests have been unusually busy, silent in their focus upon whatever has their attention.

Roaring

Deep low-pitched roaring is heard echoing from Scio's caves. It goes on. And on. And on. And on. And...well, you get the idea.

24th August

Summer Evening - Al Arab

Region Taken

We have successfully convinced the people of Commonyr to raise our banner and abandon their old allegiance to Eponllyn.
The region joins the duchy of Shadow's Bluff. The region now needs a lord.

Alliance Forged

The realms of Eponllyn and Sirion have joined into an alliance.

War!

Sirion has declared war on us! They gave the following reason

The Republic of Sirion hereby declares war on the Kingdom of Shadowdale.

Our former allies have seemingly renounced all bonds of kinships recently, warring with each of their neighbours in turn. Caligus and Nivemus have both been beaten into submission and now only tiny Eponllyn stands defiant in their path.

If Eponllyn falls, it will only be a matter of time before Shadowdale turns her gaze north. Sirion marches to support our allies Eponllyn in the face of King Lindow’s greed and avarice.

Since this is purely a defensive war on Sirion’s part, we will not be looking to gain any land from Shadowdale.

Hostilities between Sirion and Shadowdale will end under the following circumstances.

  1. Shadowdale sues for peace with Eponllyn, dropping all claims to Eponllyn regions or reparations
  2. Shadowdale admits they are at blame for the war and agrees to pay 10,000 gold reparations each to both Sirion and Eponllyn.
  3. Shadowdale posts a public apology in the Ruler Channel

Alternatively, circumstances 2 and 3 can be avoided if:

4. Shadow King Lindow abdicates and promises not to hold any government positions for the period of three calendar years.

Letter from Aila Storme

Lady Brigdha,

I have travelled to bastad in regards to the Kalmar business, I have a view of Chaos temple from which a massive plume of black smoke is rising. I can only assume an eruption is imminent. The King has halted our travel in order to survey the situation from Bastad. I will inform you of further changes.

Did you man ever reach Evora?

Other this the only updates are

A lack of eggs, very strange
Fluctuating temperatures. When I left Perdan it was cold as ice, here Bastad it is as if it was still the mid summer.
Talk of lizard people has a 50% upstrike among the nobles


Aila Storme

Dame of Aix

Current East Continent Event

As heralded by the RP events around the island for the past several days, changes are coming to the East Continent. By the nature of such changes, some people will gain, and others will lose. This is, to some extent, intended, as the reason for the changes is to improve the balance and overall fun.

Any loud wailing that the admins are just trying to hurt Realm X, or help Realm Y, will result in temporary account locks, and potentially the loss of positions. Such accusations of corruption are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. If you are interested in the specific details of why we made the choices we did, please ask respectfully. If you have specific criticisms of the changes we made, please state them concisely and respectfully and we will seek to address them in the same spirit.

We know that these changes will result in temporary frustration and struggles as people adapt, but we firmly believe that for the long-term health of the East Continent, these changes are necessary—and have largely been in planning for months or years.

Foxen Carmine

While the man remained in his tent with his army the messengers continually brought news about the strange events that were taking place on the continent. Too many strange things and it all seemed to be related to the great mountain ranges of the continent. Foxen, intrigued by the future of the kingdom, summoned one of his chamber assistants.

- Has my lord called me? - Said the young man with a bow.

- Yes, there is a minor noble family in Krimml that is interested in science. I want you to carry a message to them to investigate the events that are happening in the mountains of Evora. - Carmine ordered while keeping his gaze fixed on some maps.

- As you wish. - The servant answered, leaving in a hurry.


A FEW DAYS LATER...

A soldier enters his lord's tent carrying a small collection of scrolls and a letter. The scrolls contained information about volcanoes and tectonic plates along with maps of what they were believed to be. The letter, in a summarized way, explained the concerns of the men of science, fearing a great earthquake or a volcanic eruption that would obscure the sun on the continent. Concern settled on Foxen's shoulders. Will we be prepared to face it? A continent marked by war would hardly be united to avoid a catastrophe… Carmine threw all the maps and papers from the table to the floor, frustrated.

- Captain Friebald! Send messengers to each town of Al Amarah, to prepare supplies and ensure enough water for a while, in case the wells run dry or the water gets hotter than it is.

- Yes my lord. - With a bow, the experienced captain leaves the tent.

If a great earthquake hits the continent we will not be able to do anything, but maybe the magma can be stopped continued thinking the man while writing on a blank letter.

Landslide!

A landslide in Eldoret destroys and blocks a vital roadway.

Soothsayer's Warning

A soothsayer is travelling through Negev warning of doom and destruction. The only comforting words are to, Gather and Take Shelter!

Seer in Vision

Rumours spread of a Seer in Akesh Temple who has become stuck in a Vision.

25th August

Summer Day - Woolton

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Mashhad:

Perleone vs. Caligus
Estimated strengths: 490 men vs. 1550 men
The Blazing Swords (Perleone), sponsored by King Gaheris Camlann, were led into battle by Marshal Faridithous von Hammersmark.
Attacker Victory!

Takeover in Montijo

Commander Elric Altenahr of Sirion has initiated a takeover of your region Montijo.
Troops of Sirion will try to remove this region from your realm and turn it rogue through their actions over the next days.

William Armsworth

War journal, day 34, morning.
Sirion allied to Eponllyn and invaded Montijo.
Come what may, we should make them reconsider their impudence.
Fortunately the army is ready for action. I exchanged bonds and feel confident another refit is affordable.

Summer Evening - Dimwood

Rise of Prophets

In each religion, prophets arise bringing new teachings to their religion. Some talk of rebirth. Others talk of unity. Yet others talk of doom. These prophets have visions they share, but none of them make sense.

Strangers Approach Court

Strangers attempt to have audience with Shadow King Lindow Moonsun. They insist on finding safety in numbers, possibly with other realms. The guards turn them away, but report the interaction to their sergeants.

Ground Rumbles

The ground rumbles, knocking everyone to the ground. A popping noise is heard every so often, alongside ever-present hissing. Jets of steam are visible upon the mountain above Chaos Temple.

Choking Smoke

The island of Kalmar is filled with choking smoke from the west, burning eyes and throats, causing constant coughing.

Peculiar Happening

A flock of dead three-legged crows was found on the steps of the royal palace this morning. There was no apparent cause of death.

Strange Tales

Weird stories and weird tales are being told in the bars.

Strange Noises in the Forest

Strange beasts are rumoured to roam the forests these days, many more than there used to be.

Strangers Approach Court

Strangers attempt to have audience with High King Preston Greer. They insist on finding safety in numbers, possibly with other realms. The guards turn them away, but report the interaction to their sergeants.

26th August

Summer Day - Dimwood

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Mashhad:

Perleone vs. Caligus
Estimated strengths: 540 men vs. 550 men
The Lion's Guard (Caligus), sponsored by High King Preston Greer, were led into battle by Marshal Jimminy Pantucket.
The Blazing Swords (Perleone), sponsored by King Gaheris Camlann, were led into battle by Marshal Faridithous von Hammersmark.
King Gaheris Camlann is spotted reading from the Mysterious Essay of the End Times.
Royal Daedalus Dogsbody is spotted wearing the Shiny Ring of Soliferum.
King Gaheris Camlann is spotted wearing the Bathrobe of Perleone.
Countess Shorloc Soul is spotted wielding the Elemental Warblade of the Grand Lodge of Lunaria.
Royal Daedalus Dogsbody is spotted wearing the Giggling Codpiece of Necromancy.
Defender Victory!

Chaos Priests

The Priests of Chaos Temple preach warnings of Doom and the Rise of Flame. They are hostile to non-locals, by which they mean anyone not born in the region.

Landslide!

A landslide in Bastad destroys and blocks a vital roadway.

Choking Smoke

The island of Kalmar is filled with choking smoke from the west, burning eyes and throats, causing constant coughing. All life on the island suffers.

Choking Smoke, Ground Rumbling, Peasants Fleeing

The island of Chaos is filled with choking smoke from the mountain, reducing visibility. Everyone squints as its impossible to keep one's eyes open in the burning air. Many are leaving the island while others swear to never leave until their last day. Some emigrants are attacked by nativists.

The ground shakes, knocking everyone to the ground. This occurs every few hours.

Animals are rarely seen and domestic beasts are disobedient. Many household pets go missing.

Ferrymen are agitated, more curt and snappier than usual.

27th August

Summer Day - Perdan

Takeover in Commonyr

Earl Alarin Castillo of Greater Eponllyn has initiated a takeover of your region Commonyr.
Troops of Eponllyn will try to remove this region from your realm and turn it rogue through their actions over the next days.

A New Lord

Duke Lindow Moonsun of Shadow's Bluff Duchy has appointed Mordred Pendragon to the vacant lordship position in Commonyr.

Summer Evening - Perdan

Aila Storme

An Uncommon Meeting

Through time, the Bloody Stump had become a familiar place for Aila. Over the months she had come to know staff and regulars, and felt a true ease when resting there. News of Lady Brigdha's arrival had reached her and she sat sipping a drink in the commonroom with an uncommon excited buzz within her. She hadn't seen the Lady of Evora for a long time, not since Aila was just nineteen and exchanging letters with the mysterious Lady had only brought more and more curiosity about her...

The young Dame watched the door closely, when the Ambassador arrived she would be there to show her the way to a room that was Perhaps not as splendid as the King's private rooms but secluded and restful. The common room was a Ruckus of guests and music, a fine atmosphere for a drink but not much of one for a conversation, which was what she was really after.

"A refill milady?" A maiden with a large jug of wine asked loudly over the bards singing, and Aila raised her cup. "Your meal is ready when you are Milady" She informed as the last drop fell into Aila's cup.

Aila was in such a nice mood, she even thanked the girl before she left.

28th August

Summer Day - Perdan

Lord temporarily absent

Maccio Aurelle, Margrave of Akesh Temple, Marshal of the Shadow Legion has been seriously wounded during the battle in Montijo.

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Montijo:

Shadowdale vs. Eponllyn, Sirion
Estimated strengths: 1180 men vs. 2200 men
The Army of Sirion (Sirion), sponsored by Duchess Lyanna Arylon, were led into battle by Marshal Brian M. Cameron.
The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal Maccio Aurelle.
Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wielding the Glowing Sabre of Little Ogre.
Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.
Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.
Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted reading from the Ancient Book of War.
Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wearing the Bizarre Helm of the East Continent.
Maccio Aurelle, Margrave of Akesh Temple, Marshal of the Shadow Legion was seriously wounded by Doc Bootstrap's unit.
Defender Victory!

William Armsworth

War journal, day 37, morning.
I think I've broken a rib. It hurts when I laugh.
Fortunately there is not much to laugh about.
I hope it will have healed before we go in for round two.

Summer Evening - Perdan

Lord temporarily absent

Mordred Pendragon, Earl of Commonyr has been captured in a skirmish with Sirion forces.

Knight temporarily absent

Elio Solaris, Knight of Negev has been captured in a skirmish with Sirion forces.

Brigdha Dubhaine

"You're in a surprisingly friendly mood today," Brigdha said with a breezy familiarity which wasn't entirely merited by their relationship, but the Ambassador had never been one to stand on formalities and she knew that Aila was a plain-spoken woman - sometimes disconcertingly so. She placed her half-empty tankard of ale on the table and settled herself into a convenient chair, stretching her toes in her travel-stained boots as she eased the knots from her calves.

In recent weeks she'd criss-crossed the southlands, one non-descript wanderer amongst the many clogging the roads, watching and listening as peasants and nobility alike discussed a rash of increasingly strange occurrences. Few, if any, would have recognised her as the personal emissary of the Shadow King. Certainly not in the chill hamlets of Priotness or the dockside stews of Al Arab where her order rarely travelled. Everywhere the omens were the same. The waters were warm and rising, animals were terrified, and there were strange tales of lizards in the form of men manipulating events behind the scenes.

Brigdha took a long sip of her ale and let the warm ambience of the Bloody Stump soak over her, studying Aila over the rim of her tankard. As she did so the many small glamours she routinely shrouded herself in began to fall away, revealing an elegant woman with the barest hint of grey in her raven black tresses. Even then it was difficult to discern her true age, though it was widely rumoured that she'd been Lord Speaker of Sirion before the Southern Duchies seceded, and long before that a Duchess of Fontan during the Great Northern War.

Tyrann Thrane

Tyrann paced frantically, still covered in soot and smelling of sulfur. Construction of the temple had been underway since his return to Oporto. Scribes have been dutifully writing the words spoken by the Seer from Akesh Temple as she thrashed and screamed. The whole region seemed to be on edge with army of Sirion approaching and a vast expanse of dark smoke creeping ever closer from the west.

Cultists had already assembled a small handful of young women from the minor nobility of Oporto to participate in the commencement of the first temple. Once all were prepared and their virginity verified they would be separated further. A few chosen as potential Seers and Akeshal Virgins. Those not chosen would still have an important role in the ceremony.

“We’ve caught a deserter me Lord, out near Taur Doron. Says his name is Sir Munice Le Johns? Johs?” Said Captain Donar with pride, “Any or odd, what would you have me do me Lord?”

Tyrann looked preoccupied and vaguely remembered the name. An idea then came to him that he did not intend and the voice of Akesh whispered.

“BLOOD NEEDED, NOBLE AND PURE, FOR FREEDOM FROM EVORA’S DOOR!”

The young, disheveled Viscount began to nod, “Yes, yes…it shall be done!” He then told Donar to place Munice with the others within the temple and have the Cultist prepare his body. Tyrann looked to the west and the thick smoke, though barely visible, had creeped further. There he would stay for hours envisioning what is and has yet to come.

Aila Storme

Brigdha is as Aila remembers, disconcertingly beautiful in her opinion and ageless in an ethereal way; with no true concept of the abilities of the Ambassador, she is a proverbial babe in the woods before this woman. In the private room of the guildhouse there was a table and chairs of course for their meal, set promptly with drink and a few different meals. A hearty pie, some greens cut into a dainty salad and a pile of berry tarts; secretly Aila's favorite. Unlike the King, or his ambassadors Aila's means were meager, her offerings were fine yet fewer redeemed only though having been prepared with skill by the establishment the King and Lady Dustiria took such pride in. The casualness of the greeting does much to ease Aila's nerves, and she finds it easy to settle beside the other woman and to avoid having attendants milling about; she serve them both a meal.

As she does, the young knight addresses her mood "Of course My Lady...I've not seen you for near on a year. I hope this suits you." She says, in reference to the rich meat pie and salad she's just slid in front of the Ambassador. Across from her, Aila sits and takes the first bite happily. As Brigdha has noted, she was unusually personable smiling sweetly in her simple but fine Azure tunic- Famous golden mane of hair pinned back modestly.

"I hadn't expected to see you during my visit in Shadowdale, and then the Duke, now King" She waved her spoon in an exaggerated 'Of course' gesture "...took all of your attention with business". It was his right, and also his job but his young knight often left that part out conveniently "I'm happy you granted me the time, that's all. Your writing has been distributed in perdan- I loved it I wished for more and more. It's exciting to sit with someone who commands so much knowledge."

29th August

Summer Day - Perdan

Knight temporarily absent

Gudhlek Kuriga, Knight of Negev, Priest of Fides In Morte has been imprisoned by Sirion patrols while travelling through Avamar.
Marcus Amontillado, Knight of Commonyr has been captured in a skirmish with Eponllyn forces.

Taxes Received

As the Baroness of Evora, you earn 249 gold. Since you're not within your realm borders, you receive your taxes in bonds.

Omens

Across the island, strange creatures and the living dead are seen more frequently. Animals everywhere appear to freak out. Horses are in panic, bovine look confused, even the sheep are edgy.

The tides have become erratic, no longer predictable by those annoying bureaucrats tasked to such mundane matters. Astromancers prophesy a rain of flaming stones. Some nobles receive letters from their mothers to seek safety. Court scholars urge gathering the realm together; perhaps even multiple realms. Minor religious prophets of all kinds implore everyone to unite. Madmen suggest cooperating with one another.

Repent

Lay priests are urging everyone to make right with the Shadows, confess where they have failed one another, and repent of their misdeeds.

Continental Grapevine

Rumours are spreading of a Scholarly Seer in Akesh Temple experiencing visions of the future. His prophecies are arcane and nearly nonsensical, but they attract many to gather around him. Hearing news of Akesh's Seer, Evora's Cultists grow angry at their Cult Leader and throw him off a cliff, then join the gathering and declare the Scholarly Seer their new Cult Leader.

Tales travel of a Redheaded Sibyl in Chaos Temple lamenting and weeping prophecies of doom, destruction, and the fall of discord. She is taken most gravely by passersby, who heed her impassioned cries, and share her dire warning with all they encounter.

News flies of an Insane Bard in Sir Temple singing prophetic epics about the island's history leading to its salvation. The legends mesmerize listeners, who memorize his words, repeating the good news to others as they travel onward.

Roleplaying Event - Akesh Temple

The Third shall be sacrificed.

Scholarly Seer

Ambrose Peregrine

A young squire in black livery, carrying a crescent moon and a tower, arrived in Akesh by dawn. It was apparent that the entire night he spent riding. His eyes were bloodshot, his feet unsteady, his tongue numb. He dismounted way before approaching the Seer. While he did represent the metropoly, he decided to show modesty and obeisance. The Seer was surrounded by a throng of people at all times and in Oporto they said it almost looked like a cult of sorts. Quite sinister.

The Tormentor tasked the squire with only two missions. To pass a message and to listen to what the Seer is preaching and how the crowd responds. Showing deference, as if the Seer was not just a peasant but a peer of the realm, the squire approached the Seer at an opportune moment, offering him a scroll bearing Tormentor's personal seal.

To a man known to us as the Akesh's Seer,
In this strange time of uncertainty, we recognize your leadership and your instrumental role in calming down the peasantry.
I invite you to Karbala to speak at the royal court. So that the entire realm can partake in your wisdom.
Serving the Shadow,
Tormentor Ambrose.

Scholarly Seer

The Seer was an old man, some would say at the end of his life. His skin showed his age. But one almost didn't notice due to his beautifully bright blue eyes that captivated one's imagination, penetrated one's soul with their fierceness, and yet reassured one with their kindness. Sitting upon the bare stone of the Temple, his brow bore a light shine of sweat, despite the mountain air.

As the squire approached deferentially, the Seer responded in such respectful fashion as to place the squire above himself. Accepting the scroll, yet laying it aside without looking, "Rest yourself. It is here I am. And it is to here you have come. And it is to here that the Four shall visit, One after Another. And it is to then that there will be no bar."

Summer Evening - Perdan

Fiery Geyser - Chaos Temple

Spurting red-hot lava a mile up into the sky, the mountain scattered fiery deposits across itself, Wasteland, Chaos Temple, and the waters surrounding the island. Even with the choking smoke, all were now certain that the mountain was bulging. Jets of steam regularly hissed from the summit.

Within Chaos Temple, those who had not already left now sought shelter, wherever it was nearest.

Upon the waters, volcanic bombs struck and killed the ferryman Daizen Tideweaver and the Water Weavers were relying upon. A fiery emission landed upon the ferry, tearing through the sails, burning the rudder before the fire could be put out. Now dependent upon nothing more than the current, the ferry began to drift out to sea.

Tyrann Thrane

Excerpt of Origins

It is known that before the Realms of Men and the manifestation of earth, sea and sky there was but Arkomon, First of the Djinthuzul and Sovereign of the Abyss. It was through the word of Arkonom that Akesh, Kaos and Syr came into being. Created in his image they too were they endowed with the Voice of Arkonom in separate but equal tone and were hence forth called The Triad.

The Triad of Arkonom began to speak in unison and from their words were created the Djinthun; lesser wingless deities. As the Triad came to harness their Voice the Host of Arkonom grew in number and thus his essence began to wane. No longer able to bear the . He therefore called upon the Triad to stay their tongues. Arkonom then removed of himself his eyes and called them Isuin and Arev, Moon and Sun, placing them high above his Host. Arkonom then spread his wings, stretched forth his limbs and laid to rest in silence.

As Arkonom lay dormant his scales began to degrade and turned to stone, of his veins blood ran from his peaks and pooled as a great sea and countless rivers. Then, with a thunderous clap, Arkonom released a final breath and with it brought about the boundless sky, cradling Isuin and Arev. In time the Djinthuzul moved upon the vast remains of Arkonom and began to claim for themselves plains, woodlands and mountain tops.

The Triad then divided Arkonom into three separate but equal kingdoms and made for themselves great temples from which they would reign...

Daizen Tideweaver

The Erupting Tides II

A bottle washes up along the shore. Within the bottle contains a letter written in neat noble handwriting:

For any who read this, this letter is penned by Daizen Tideweaver. While attempting to return to the mainland safely, the volcano at Chaos Temple erupted. A volcanic bomb killed my ferryman and the rudder is shot. We are difting along the waves. The sky is darkend by black smoke and I am unable to navigate in a single direction as even the stars hide behind this curtain of black.

But fear not! My men and I have not lost hope! If it is safe seek us out along the waters. We shall do what is necessary to survive. To make it back to Perdan and the colony, Alexandria. My dreams still burn bright, and the fire in my heart has not yet been extinguished. I shall overcome this tribulation and become stronger for it!

I have seen the sky explode into fire and survived its overwhelming wrath. I shall return!

Zodarion Farquaad Brickenden

Hello

I am Zodarion from house Brickenden, I have come to this land seeking honor and glory!

i am a friend to whoever wants my friendship, and an enemy to whoever wants to be my enemy, but do know that my arrows never miss a target!

Roleplaying Event - Akesh Temple

The Seer had been sitting in silence, unmoving, lost in vision. Blinking, he stood far quicker than one expected for a man of his years. His followers gathered around him, expectedly:

Plenty. Decay. Poverty. Rebirth.

Scholarly Seer

Ambrose Peregrine

Unlike the boring cities of the west, Karbala did not feel dead asleep at night. Its twisting and narrow streets always seemed to have perked ears hiding in the dark. There was always a lit window nearby, like an eye of a hungry cat that only pretends to be dozing. Tormentor Ambrose was standing alone in one of the countless alleyways outside the royal castle, still awake and busy in the small hours of the night. A man he was having a meeting with wore a black flowing garment and a black turban on his head. A piece of cloth covered the lower part of his face. They seemed to be engaged in a conversation. First the man in black talked for a while in a soft rustling voice, impossible to discern only a few paces away. Finally Ambrose chimed in.

"He did not break the seal? And just.. ignored the scroll?" The figure in black nodded silently.

"And young Ronnel remained in Akesh? He will not be coming back?" The other man whispered something back, something that made Ambrose slam his right fist into his left palm.

"So it shall be. If the mountain won't come to Ambrose, then Ambrose must go to the mountain. And raze it to the ground."

Tax Change for Evora

Baroness Brigdha Dubhaine has changed the tax orders. The tax rate has been changed from 7 % to 10 %.

Brigdha Dubhaine

Brigdha effortlessly sliced the piecrust with her fork, savouring the heady aroma of the honeyed gravy mingled with the richness of the tender poached meats. Dining was a mainstay of her diplomatic duties, often accompanied by much pomp and ceremony as the petty nobility sought to impress her with their wealth and power. All fuss and manners and words cloaked in vanity. That was how she imagined her own distant ancestors, the great grandparents who'd paved the way for the Dubhaine dynasty as minor functionaries at long-drowned Cagil's Imperial Court, filled with pride that their granddaughter Sorcha had risen to aristocratic status. How much prouder would they be to know their name was now famed far and wide? that their blood was an inheritance of Queens and Generals and Legendary Heroes. Had they dreamed such dreams as they worked long hours for those they doubtless despised? Always ready to serve... Always looking for their chance...

"You can't imagine how welcome a decent meal is Aila after a fortnight on the road eating hard tack and drinking rainwater," the Ambassador chewed the meat and pastry with relish, washing it down with a mouthful of ale from her refilled tankard, a dark porter rich with the flavour of slow-roasted barley and thick brown sugar. Truth be told she had little need for food, living so much in the High Firmament, and the routine of eating mostly acted to ground her in a reality she felt increasingly distant from. This was always the fate of a Balancewalker. But a good meal with pleasant company? Well that was a treat to be savoured to the fullest.

Several more mouthfuls of pie and ale followed in comfortable silence as Brigdha weighed recent events and pondered Aila's words.

The breach with Sirion was unwelcome but not entirely unexpected as the Elflords were nothing if not stubborn. They'd never valued the Southern Duchies, a conquered people with a very different culture who couldn't be expected to understand the lofty schemes of the Heru Mellen.

The same however couldn't be said for events in the Isles. True, she'd been concerned something evil was brewing there since the fall of the Obsidian throne, visiting herself when the peace with Perdan had first opened the roads west, and then sending dear Etain more than once to keep a watch on the Chaos Temple. The girl would one day make a fine heir unless Moira would finally give up on her exile and come home...

These recent wars might have been a welcome distraction had that damn volcano not started purring. Instead they were a damned inconvenience. Still, she understood why His Majesty had to deal with the Circle now when so many young knights of Shadowdale risked destitution. And it wasn't like this showdown hadn't been building for several years. However it wasn't the affairs of men which troubled her. Fresh tidings from Akesh Temple, carried by the cawing of every bird and in every burbling stream, were enough to threaten even her resolute composure.

The Dragon slept no more.

Three times before she'd felt The Dragon shifting in its slumber and each time ruination followed. First when Jon Paul Ogren betrayed Fontan, then when Armstrong Ironsides seized Oligarch, and lastly when Ecthelion became its Avatar. Three heroes fallen to its hateful idyll. Three wars without remorse.

She'd long suspected its awakening was near, siting in the Inner Circle and hearing the discord between former allies. So deep had her conviction been that she'd shared her fears with Smiddich and Ivo in the only way she could, by gifting them the flood of images Meristenzio in his turn had gifted her when he entrusted The Sword to her keeping. A sword which lacked a hero to wield it. Now all she could do was watch and pray.

"And the Bloody Stump can always be relied upon to serve a good meal, which is worth much in this uncertain world. More perhaps than all the knowledge of the wise," she took another sip of her ale.

"I know we didn't have much opportunity to speak when you visited General Luna, and truth be told I wouldn't have attended in the first place if King Smiddich hadn't been there. It seems the King and I share a penchant for appearing where we're not expected! But still, I'm glad I did as it's rare to meet a woman of our stature who isn't scheming schemes for the advancement of her family. As someone who schemes schemes professionally for my King I find that honesty very refreshing."

Aila Storme

"You can't imagine how welcome a decent meal is Aila after a fortnight on the road eating hard tack and drinking rainwater,"

Aila wrinkles her nose, a sweet way of masking disgust at the dinner table "You'd think an Ambassador would be given more hospitable rations then that...Nowhere you visited saw you given good things to travel with? Not even a jar of something sweet for your hard tack? Not in Perdan..." She made a note to see the poor woman off with more than rainwater to drink, as well.

Reminded, she stood to reach the sideboard, and topped up Brigdha's ale before returning to her place.

Often she was tough with people; It was the way her father had been and for all his success as a courtier she had mimicked him as closely as she could for as long as she could remember. He was gone now, and situations like these always made her think of him. This woman Brigdha was a mysterious thing, a serene face that masked a mind racing with information young Aila could never even guess at. Still, there was an uncommon ease to sitting with her that Aila found rather charming. Her agreeable demeanor was altogether disarming to a dame who uses intense gazes and terse words to bend the resolve of those who stood in her path.

Aila nodded along as Brigdha complimented the stump, it was no surprise to the knight that it pleased her. The King and his Countess Dustiria had poured a lot of love into the place; Even surly Aila had warmed to the staff thoroughly.

"I know we didn't have much opportunity to speak when you visited General Luna, and truth be told I wouldn't have attended in the first place if King Smiddich hadn't been there. It seems the King and I share a penchant for appearing where we're not expected! But still, I'm glad I did as it's rare to meet a woman of our stature who isn't scheming schemes for the advancement of her family. As someone who schemes schemes professionally for my King I find that honesty very refreshing."

That word honesty.

It rung in her ears like a bell when spoken by a Shadowdalian. Many of the letters she traded over that border contained that word and it was always, always a trap. Aila's lip twinged- threatening a frown but she quelled instantly "You are kind, my Lady. I for one am extremely grateful for your penchant for appearing...Both of you in fact. I love Perdan, and it's King. I serve them gladly."

The normally appetite-less Dame took a bite of pie heartier than strictly necessary, using the seconds she had bought herself to choose her path carefully. Her father had never gotten into anything like this-not where she could take note anyway. More, Brigdha was smarter; even someone with an ego as robust a "Golden Lion of Perdan" could see that she stood no chance at even bending the truth before the Ambassador who had been parsing lies long before Aila was even thought of much less born.

She went with her talent, sitting tall Aila proceeded with feigned confidence- beneath the table manicured nails gripped the fabric of her skirt like a vice... Here I go...this was the gamble. "So... How much did Lindow tell you?"

30th August

Summer Day - Perdan

Brigdha Dubhaine

"Enough to cause you embarrassment I suspect," the Ambassador had finished pie and was neatly arranging her cutlery on her plate, the salad discretely uneaten, "But that's between you and His Majesty, and certainly none of my business."

Brigdha allowed herself a knowing smirk, catching Aila's gaze for minutes... hours...? It must have felt that way to the young Dame whose eyes had never looked deeper than the facia and whose mind lay unguarded if only the Balancewalker chose to probe, but really no more than a few heartbeats passed before the smirk turned to genial good humour and Aila was left with her memories untouched.

"What I will say Aila is this. The game of thrones isn't your game. Neither intrigue nor deceit sit well with you and I think you know that. An honest heart may rule a realm in peaceful times and do so to the benefit of all, but frankly it takes a roguish one to hold things together when trouble presses on all sides. Trust me, I've been on first name terms with many a ruler in my time, and even the best of them had a hint of lawlessness."

Brigdha turned her attention to the dessert tray with its selection of wild berry tarts and fondant fripperies. A jug of custard would have been welcome but she often felt that way. Why was custard such a rarity? It made sense right now with the egg shortages but she could only assume that some private compact had been reached between all the chefs of East Continent to deny that most succulent delicacy to those not of their guild. At home she made it herself, just as she did all her own cooking in the privacy of her private chambers.

Sky Darkening

Across the continent, what had first been a hazy sky over the last week has now darkened. Throughout the entirety of the last twelve hours of day, it has felt dusk. While not preventing vision, the gray has obscured the clarity of distant images, reducing visibility.

Fishermen report the sea being unusually low today.

Some nobility receive letters from their mothers urging them to take shelter and be safe, inquiring as to whether they are safe.

Peasants throughout East Continent have begun to migrate in increased numbers, whether out of fear of impending doom, or a desire to reconnect with family or old comrades, friends, and other close relationships.

Aila Storme

Brigdha's words had stung. Frigid Aila wavered between lashing out and leaving altogether before setting on something different, something she had never done before. Looking somewhat defeated; the knight finally told the truth, a whole truth, the core of all of her efforts. The words escaped her in form of a hoarse whisper - matters of the heart were not matters she spoke of often. "I love Luna, I just want her to be safe."

She couldn't look at the Ambassador "Everywhere I turn I am painted as ambitious and hungry, yet I have never asked for a thing for myself. WHEN I saw the reports of Sirion's forces, the battle moving ahead regardless, Luna reported wounded... I was also reading letters mocking her, as well as your King"

Now Aila was struggling - thinking back to those reports made her stomach flip "I had an idea of what needs to be said but only Moonsun could say it. I put my neck on the line I withstood insults, even an accusation of wanting to marry him but I persevered and just asked for silence in return ...He couldn't even give me that."

Aila's plate was well neglected, for her dinner was long over. "Luna is loyal to a fault. She will die for him. I have no desire to deceive, or, tame Kings. All I have wished for is to help her and fight beside her but I am just one stupid girl with a bow. Have you not ever been powerless to help someone you love? Can you blame me for trying?"

Telling her side had made her feel better but had changed nothing, she sat in her truth as long as she could before throwing the towel in. "I said I would leave you to your rest and I will. There is little to be done now; and so thank you for listening."

Summer Evening - Perdan

Dastan Rueda

The days in prision have change me, for the better or worst. I can't sleep anymore, the paranoia is too much to handle, I just wish for some piece. But at times of war the only wish I can ask is for take some Sirion heads and bring them back as souvenirs

William Armsworth

War journal day 39, evening.
We will show those bastards why it is a bad idea to invade us.
Truth be told, we don't stand a chance.
Unless the wind shifts.

Scholarly Seer - Shadowdale

Ronnel listened as the Scholarly Seer spoke of another vision, "The Forgotten walk amongst us. It rises. It falls. It shifts to and fro. Our chains are released! There will be days of plenty and days of poverty. Days of abundance and days of scarcity. Their bar is no more!"

Daizen Tideweaver

The Erupting Tides III

It had been over a full day since Daizen and his men had been set adrift. The sky had remained so thick with black smoke that it continued to make any form of navigation through the raging sea impossible. While the sky had remained black as night, the sea was full of life. The many coral reefs emitted an eerie translucence glow in various colors. From a soft blue to a vibrant green. Silhouettes of many shapes and sizes could occasionally be seen darting to and fro. Occasionally there would be a bright streak of red flare through the sky and sometimes even from within the bowels of the watery abyss. The events on the island seemed to be stirring everything within its area of influence into a frenzy. Daizen was determined to see the morrow.

His 35 remaining men had grim looks on their faces, many realizing just how dire their situation was. Fortunately, every man on board was a true sailor. Many of these men had been with Daizen since his arrival to the East Continent many moons ago. Having been prepared to siege the walls of Kalmar, his men had been wielding long pole-arms, many of which had been rigged into makeshift paddles by firmly tying broad planks from various damaged parts of the ship to them. They had developed 3 rotations: rowing, resting, and guard duty in groups of 12. Daizen did not exclude himself these duties. Despite his men's insistence that a future ruler, the first royal line of a nation yet unborn, should not lower themselves to the hard labor the fact remained that there were exactly 36 men left upon this vessel. He refused to shy away from his bearing his equal burden. He ate when the 11 men in his rotation ate, he slept when they slept, he rowed when they rowed. His hands blistered and bled like the rest of them. Food and water were plenty as there were still provisions from the journey, but even when those became exhausted there was plenty of scrap wood to distill the salt out of the sea water and every man on this ship knew how to spear fish. While the situation looked grim, it was not impossible.

It was coming to the end of a particularly brutal session of rowing. The sea had been choppy and he and his men were constantly fighting against the powerful currents from carrying the ship beyond the reach of salvation. Daizen was shirtless, sweat dripping down and glistening on his toned chest. His arms protested in agony and he continued to row. When his replacement came to relieve him his "oar", Daizen sighed as he rubbed and felt the relief this respite provided.

Then he heard it. A cawing. Looking in the direction of the noise, he could barely make out the shape of a dark bird flying towards the vessel. One of the men on guard duty leveled his bow. The men were irritated enough by the seagull infestation they were dealing with on and off. "Air rats" many of his men called them. Daizen waved the man off indicating not to shoot. The raven flew strait for Daizen and landed on his shoulder like it was the most normal thing in the world. Lifting his leg, which has a small piece of parchment attached to it, he seemingly looked Daizen in the eye expectantly and cawed again.

If Daizen was not in the situation he was in now, it would have been an odd sight. But oddities were now becoming the norm, so it seemed. He took the parchment from the bird, who then immediately took off. The note read: "Destiny is yours". Daizen smiled, his vigor renewed.

Suddenly the there was a loud crash and the ship lurched to one side. He heard an indistinct yell coming from the opposite side of the ship behind the cabin. Had they struck a rock? He grabbed a spear and quickly ran to the other side of the cabin to see one of his men lying unconscious on the deck. He saw nothing along the wooden planks and no cause as to why one of his men were flat on their ass sprawled across the deck.

There was a burst of water near the edge of the ship, and large serpentine head emerged from the deep. Its eyes were as large as a melons and its head the size of a plump boar. There was a terrifying hissing noise was coming from is silver scaly maw and not even a second had passed when another head emerged less than a foot to its left, then another to its right. Its middle head locked eyes with the young noble and everything else seemly came to a stop. In this moment in time, all Daizen could do maintain eye contact with the creature of the deep and hear a single shout from somewhere behind him.

"HYYYYYYYYYRDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Brigdha Dubhaine

"Once, long ago, I was that same stupid girl with a bow," Brigdha touched Aila's arm tenderly, the caloused fingers of a practiced archer feeling the beating pulse of the girl's pain and frustration and anguish, "The father I could never acknowledge? Murdered. The sister I was unworthy to serve? Exiled. The niece I was sworn to protect? Murdered. Her daughter? Murdered."

As she spoke her eyes seemed to focus elsewhere, reliving once more the moments from which fate had spun the threads of her life, and as she did so the opening lines of Kelwyn's Toxophilite came unbidden to her lips: "An archer aims; an archer shoots; an archer reloads. That is the way of war. But the Toxophilite waits. He holds his breath and studies his surroundings: the wind swaying through the grass; the sun or moon reflecting from the clouds; he picks his target and he draws it to him as the lodestone draws a needle. Only when the target fills his mind and his heart does he loose the arrow, and as the arrow becomes death so the Toxiphilite becomes the destroyer of worlds."

31st August

Summer Day - Perdan

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Montijo:

Shadowdale vs. Eponllyn, Sirion
Estimated strengths: 580 men vs. 1260 men
The Army of Sirion (Sirion), sponsored by Duchess Lyanna Arylon, were led into battle by Marshal Brian M. Cameron.
The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Vice-Marshal William Armsworth.
Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wielding the Glowing Sabre of Little Ogre.
Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.
Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted reading from the Ancient Book of War.
Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wearing the Bizarre Helm of the East Continent.
Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bloody Plate Mail of Avamar.
Defender Victory!

Lord Absent

Margrave Maccio Aurelle has been absent from his position for a long time. If he does not return soon, his title will be assigned to someone else.

Region Lost

Sirion has convinced the people of Montijo to raise their banner and abandon yours. The region is no longer yours.
Flavia Arindal and his knights have lost their home and estates.
(rogue) has taken control of Montijo. The region used to belong to Shadowdale.

William Armsworth

War journal day 40, morning.
The wind did not shift.
12 braves will be immortalized in history.
I need 30.

Aila Storme

A realization came as the older woman reached out to her, and the young Dame held her breath as she tried to recall the last time anyone had consoled her so tenderly. Listening to Brigdha's words always had an effect, the effect this time being as she went on Aila saw clearly that a loss is not just a loss when the word murder is involved.

For the first time, she feels grateful that the one she loved so dear simply drop dead of his own accord, and not someone else's.

Her companion falls uncommonly quiet, taking in what she thought was Brigdha's own wisdom. When she is done nothing has changed, little has improved and Aila is no closer to helping Luna. "Thank you, Lady Brigdha." finally she replied, her voice thick with emotion "I think I've taken up enough of your evening"

Aila's spoon clinks against her plate as she moves their settings to the sideboard, "I'll be in touch if I hear anything interesting regarding the isles".

The instant Aila opens the door an attendant is there to take away the dishes. She steps aside as they move into clear up and offers Brigdha a sincere, thankful smile before disappearing further into the guild house.


When it is time to leave, the Ambassador will be given a parcel by the staff of the guild house. It is a neat box covered in a linen cloth, tied into a knot at the top to keep the contents safe and together. There is some neat handwriting on a scrap of paper pinned to the linen on the outside. It says simply "Something for your tack".

When opened there is a neat collection, two jars arranged beside a wedge of Perdanese cheese wrapped in waxy paper and a pint of Bescanon mead corked and sealed in a brown bottle. Within the two jars, spreads. One of sweet, slightly tart purple jam made from wild berries picked in Dimwood, the other a tomato chutney - a savory treat.

Tyrann Thrane

Through the crowd Tyrann approached, his thoughts scattered and each beat of his heart filled his body with anxiousness. He knew not if he should speak. The eyes of the Scholarly Seer captivated Tyrann. His presence demanded respect and his words were spoken with conviction. The young Viscount stood before the Seer, waiting...

Summer Evening - Akesh Temple

Lord Absent

Margrave Maccio Aurelle has been absent from his position for a long time. If he does not return soon, his title will be assigned to someone else.

Daizen Tideweaver

The Erupting Tides IV

The hydra struck. Its middle head racing towards Daizen in a rapid strike. Daizen jumped to his left and rolled. The serpent's gaping maw striking wooden deck with a loud thunk. Daizen did not have much time to react before having to dive to the side again as its second head struck, then the third. The exhausted man was doing all within his power to keep the sharp fangs from piercing his unprotected torso. Large gouges were made in the deck as the three headed serpent failed to latch on its prey as Daizen jumped and rolled again and again.

Daizen was no snake charmer. No, he much preferred playing with clams. But the best way to combat a hydra was to work it against itself. With only 3 heads this was an adolescent hydra at best, and the more he forced the heads to strike, the easier it became for it to lose its equilibrium. But Daizen still had no desire to get struck, even in adolescence the venom of a hydra was a potent thing.

As Daizen dove ever closer and the overboard hydra's left, he heard it hissing in frustration as its heads began to dizzy. With spear still in hand, he saw from the corer of his eye as several of his men were approaching from its now blind right side with a massive net. Daizen was breathing hard and sweat was pouring from body, but he could not relent. He had to keep the creatures attention long enough for his men to net the heads. But alas, the physical toll of the rowing and constant jumping and rolling made him pay its price. As the men threw the heavy netting over 2 of the hydras 3 heads Daizen stumbled forward, too close to the edge, and went flying overboard with the third head following.

SPLASH!

Daizen hit the usually warm salty water. His body arching into a natural diving position from years of being at sea. The hydras free leftmost head followed quickly, and being a natural predator of the sea, latch upon Daizens exposed chest. He felt its fang pierce him deep within his right shoulder. He screamed in pain but only bubbles of precious air came out. Still grasping his spear in his left hand, he gripped the polearm and with the skill of a master spear fisherman thrust barbed serrated tip into the fleshy underbelly of the hydras head. He felt it thrash powerfully in pain. Feeling his body being jerked to and fro throughout the water as it spasmed even slamming him once into the bow of the ship. Daizen began to repeatedly rip the tip of the spear out of the great serpent only to thrust it back in even further, ripping flesh and blood away with each thrust.

As man and beast had been struggling beneath the waves, his men on the ship had not been idle. They managed to fully net the beast's torso by spearing it with additional harpoons attached to the netting. They began pulling the beast onto the ship proper. Some of his men had even dove into the sea after their liege to search for him beneath the waves.

After what seemed like an eternity of struggling, but had in reality only been about 90 seconds, the head latched to Daizen went limp. He could feel himself being tugged upwards and fought his way to the surface. After emerging from under the waves, he greedily gulped own air. He felt himself being drug up the side of the ship. His injured and bleeding arm stinging as the salt within his wound began to burn and the exposed flesh was scrapped along the rough wooden planks.

After he was finally pulled back onto the ship, the now dead hydra splayed across the deck. He was helped to his feet and the hydras jaw pried open and off of Daizen's shoulder. Its fang had pierced him clean through his shoulder leaving a hole about half an inch diameter. As his men bandaged the wound, Daizen looked at the creature. 3 heads, silver scales, probably weighed 2 tonnes. Not a full adult but definitely not a baby, old enough to be on its own so there was no immediate threat of a larger brood hydra nearby. Daizen's legs began to quiver. His men looked at him concern in their eyes. His shoulder patched, poultice on his scrapes, they had done what they could. Daizen just patted his makeshift medic consolingly. He then reached into the maw of the hydra, and broke off the very fang that had pierced him. He was in for a hell of a ride. He would have this fang as his keepsake.

Suddenly there was foam at the corner of Daizens mouth. The spasms spread to his arms and his whole body fell to the deck and began to thrash. His pupils dilated as he began seeing the world in bursts of explosive color. After minutes of violent thrashing his body went stiff as he succumbed to the hydras venom.

Everything went black.

Rain of Flaming Stones

As the astromancers predicted, a meteor shower graces the night sky. Despite the smokey sky, the streaks of light are still somewhat visible due to their large number.

Daizen Tideweaver

Oopsy-Daizen

Daizen and his men had been drifting and paddling across the sea for a few hundred miles. Regardless, attempting to row, especially through stormy waters, had worn their energy levels low. Even with the wise leadership of Daizen breaking the work into shifts, ensuring rest, the rest was fitful under the conditions. Little food did not help, though the prospects of meat. Though the source of that meat might cause some to question if Daizen and his men had not started to become delusional after days of rowing under apocalyptic conditions on little food. Still, stranger tales had come from the sea before. Who could be certain what embodied the unknowns even if sailors were known for tall tales?

Daizen's condition was dreadful, but it wasn't the only problem the beast had inflicted upon the ship. Its weight was causing the pitiful ferry to list and take on water. And without Daizen's leadership, infighting was to break out amongst the stressed, poorly-slept about what actions to prioritize.

Fortunately, Daizen's captain was able to assert their leadership and keep the situation under control - for now. Setting some men to urgently attend to Daizen while others salvaged food from the beast before pushing it back into the depths, order on board the ferry resumed, and prospects were at least looking hopeful for most, if not Daizen.

A Weaver later spots the carcass still floating, at a short distance...

Scholarly Seer

The young lord approached and stood, waiting. The Seer too waited, mostly out of a bemused testing of the young man. Eventually though, he decided to let the young man off the hook and spoke,

"Curiousity brought you to me, yes?"

The Seer paused in such a manner one was not certain if he had finished speaking or was about to continue.

"Your ear lobe will deceive you in this."

When he continued, it no longer felt as personally addressed to the Viscount as to the whole crowd, though his voice had not shifted in any discernible manner,

"Evil shall be buried. One is arriving. The Small Circle will be broken. But a Large Circle shall replace it."

Roleplaying Event

The time has come for the Third to fall and the One to rise! For the Whole to be Four! For Trees to Transition! For the Circle to be born!

Repent your sins. If you have no sins to repent, then go and sin, for you shall not be saved without repenting your sins.