Dwilight Daily/2016/October

Priest of Sanguis Astroism Spotted on Southern Shores, His Intentions Uknown	October 19, 2016
A day and a half after the closure of the temple in North Divide, Priest Ayn, Light of Sanguis Astroism, was spotted disembarking in the Desert of Silhouettes. After his arrival, several rumors started circulating with some maintaining that he was sent by Sanguis Astroism to spy on Swordfell and assassinate the Lord Imperator. When it was mentioned that it would be impossible to travel from the Morek Empire to the Desert of Silhouettes in only a day and a half new rumors began flowing through the region that he was a holy man with super powers that allowed him to teleport great distances. Other rumors suggested that he was looking for an ancient and mysterious item, while there were others saying he went because he likes the spicy foods for which the Desert is famous. One thing is certain, he was at the Desert when he received a report of Priest Mariah being beaten while preaching in West Divide. It was said that he chuckled when he heard it, though he insists it was a cough. The truth may never be known, but the amount of rumors coming from the 11 inhabitants of the Desert of Silhouettes is astounding considering their numbers. The rumors have spread across the continent via ships that pass by the region. No reports were received as to whether the Pike of the Stars was used by Priest Ayn when he preached his message. The Pike’s magical properties have been the talk of the north, where he recently resided and was given the name Wielder of the Pike. A day after the sighting in the Desert, Priest Ayn was noticed in Sallowwild, in D'Hara. Reports have him delivering a letter to the estates of one of the nobles of the region. His intentions in D’hara are uncertain at this time. Soon afterwards he was seen boarding a ship to the Shattered Shores, amidst theories circulating in Sallowwild that he was going back to Morek after being threatened of execution if he ever set foot in Swordfell. While on the more salacious side, some said he was going to kill the daimons in the huge volcano in the west. Others maintained that he didn’t take a ship at all, but instead just walked above the waters. In the end the motives for his presence in the south remain a mystery. The Dwilight Daily will continue to cover this story as it develops.
Comment on this story.	by anonymous

Waves of Monsters Assault Madina, King Wounded by Poisoned Blade	October 18, 2016
In an effort to represent the news as it occurs all across the continent of Dwilight, the Dwilight Daily has contacted the King Ulfang Mormont for an update on affairs in the exotic southern lands of Madina. Both Madina and Fissoa have experienced significant difficulties in recent years that have seen their realms dwindle to a single region in some cases. The tides have seemed to turn for Fissoa, though Madina still regularly receives onsluaghts from hords of monsters coming in from Occidens. King Ulfang Mormont has personally experienced the deadliness that comes with the instrusion of these hordes. He recently received a wound from a poisoned blade which left in incapacitated for days. Fortunately, he has made a full recovery. He wrote to me shortly after the fateful blow and explained "Realms on the Frontier with the West are under constant attack and perhaps keep these creatures from overrunning the entire continent. Our hopes are to control more western regions but it is a struggle holding onto what we have". He furthermore noted that, while Madina has made some important gains against the monstrous hordes, "all Madina's resources are put into the west. There is still much strength in monsters there... our forces keep the monsters at bay but barely". As for interrealm relations, King Mormont claims that the drama and politics of the North is naturally beyond the immediate concerns of the southern realms but "I do watch developments [in the north] carefully though". The relationship with their immediate neighbor, Fissoa remains strong, and King Mormont mentioned that he had detached a force of nobles to assist Fissoa in their own fight against the monsters. This assistance was likely the primary reason for Fissoa's recent expansion and reclamation of their former territory. The Editorial Staff of the Dwilight Daily wonders at what cost Madina sent those troops, as it would have certainly made the defense of his realm even more difficult. King Mormont failed to comment on his relations with his maritime neighbor, D'Hara, or his next closest neighbor, Luria Nova, but we must assume that they all share the bond of a realm on the brink of destruction from monsters.
Comment on this story.	by Garimberto Mercator, Editor-in-Chief

Sanguis Astroism Temple Closed in Swordfell, Causes Interrealm Incident	October 18, 2016
On Friday, followers of Sanguis Astroism responded with outrage after Viscount Leonid Castillo, of Swordfell, unilaterally closed a small temple of that religion in his region of North Divide. The incident came as a shock to the Astroist community as well as the followers of Ut Trutina, who have denounced the act. The Lord Imperator of Swordfell, Garimberto Mercator (yours truly) issued this statement to the rulers of Dwilight shortly after the closing of the temple: "The actions of Leonid Castillo, Viscount of North Divide, are not representative of the people of Swordfell nor the established government. I do not, nor will I ever, condone his actions. Our government is currently assessing changes to our religious laws and what protections are extended to religious institutions... I am ordering that Leonid make reparations to Sanguis Astroism... I have made it clear that no noble may close a temple in Swordfell without the joint permission of myself and our judge". Despite the claims from Swordfell, the rulers of both Astrum and Arnor reacted quickly, calling for further punishment of Viscount Leonid as a lesson to Ut Trutina that Sanguis Astroism is not to be attacked without consequence. Raven King Helm Altenahr claimed "The actions of Ut Tutrina in Swordfell are now forming an unfortunate pattern of aggression with no serious consequences. The traitor priestess Mariah has escaped banishment for her aggression, and now Leonid is achieving his objective with this aggression". Light Ayn Starfall, one of the highest members of Sanguis Astroism, has decided to move to Swordfell, with approval from northern rulers, to assess the situation and look for ways to improve relations between Swordfell and Sanguis Astroism, while hoping to curtail the growing influence of Ut Trutina in the region. While Light Ayn has stated "I will certainly be keeping track of Mariah's movements" he claims that any further interference from norther realms is "politics, and to be honest it is the last thing I want to meddle with, I just want to be able to preach, I want the followers of my religion to be safe and fed, I want the temples of my religion to be left alone". The primary demands from Light Ayn regarding this latest incident include reparations made to Sanguis Astroism for gold taken from the treasury in North Divide as well as a promise to rebuild the destroyed church. As of print time, Viscount Leonid has repaid 300 gold, but remains lord of his region. Whether or not he will remain as lord of North Divide will depend on the actions of Duke Bohan Commagene, who has yet to comment. Check the Dwilight Daily regularly for updates on this developing story.
Comment on this story.	by Garimberto Mercator, Editor-in-Chief

Rumblings in Astrum as Titles come into Question	October 15, 2016
Astrum is the martial leader of northern Dwilight. With a combined combat strength double that of any of their neighbors, Astrum stands poised to enforce its will on any surrounding realms. That power was nearly put to use against Westgard earlier this month when Lord Archon Aarn Hemmings pushed his realm's claim on Eidulb after Astrum had taken it from rogue forces. Astrum was prepared for war, and began marching to their border, when the Lord Archon suddenly disappeared under mysterious circumstances. With Westgard's rambunctious leader gone, relations between the two realms settled into an cordial peace. It seemed like the perfect ending to a near disastrous event, but is everything as obvious as it appears? Questions have been raised over the realities of Astrum's military might. Whether or not they could attack Westgard at all was brought into question by former Lord Archon Hemmings, claiming that Astrum could not hope to travel the wilds of Occidens in pursuit of Westgard's lands due to the hordes of monsters residing there. Westgard faces regular assaults from masses of monsters whose combat strength is estimated by scribes to approach 30,000. Even with a realm-wide strength of nearly 60,000 Astrum would be hard pressed to make it to Westgard with their army intact. Similar concerns have been raised regarding their neighbors to the East, regarding their travel times and the subsequent drop in morale. However, as Astrum is on good terms with their neighbors, it is a moot point for the moment. What appears to be Astrum's greatest strength, and perhaps their greatest weakness, is their recruitment centers which are widely known to be the best on the continent. The downside, however, is the price these elite soldiers demand for their services. It is unclear how long Astrum could last in a prolonged war, considering the drain on their coffers these soldiers would cause. The discussion over Astrums abilities also leads to concerns among their nobles internally. While rumor has it that certain nobles within that realm seek to unleash their dormant military might, others have questioned the titles of their realm council. Although Vasilif Dragomir Aurelius dismisses the proposed changes as more of a "brainstorm", change is often laden with discord and underlying disunity. While discussions over realm titles are not necessarily the fuel that ignites rebellion, one can never be too sure. This is certainly not an indication of immediate change in Astrum, but the Dwilight Daily will certainly keep a close eye on things in the oldest theocracy on Dwilight.
Comment on this story.	by Garimberto Mercator, Editor-in-Chief

In Surprising Twist, Mariah Greyson Declared Innocent!	October 14, 2016
In a surprising turn of events today, the nobility of Swordfell acquitted Mariah Greyson of her crimes by a vote of 8 to 6 with 7 abstentions. The decision is meant to be the deciding factor in the long, turbulent debate surrounding her introduction of Ut Trutina to Swordfell. Legal questions were quickly brought forward by Duke Crixus Domitius, who questioned the validity of a vote with a third of the realm abstaining and a significant minority incapacitated due to injury. He also brought up the question of Ut Trutina temples, claiming that this decision has no relevance to the construction or destruction of buildings. Furthermore, he banned Mariah from being in his duchy, on pain of arrest. Mariah has not offered a response to these declarations. The Chancellor (judge), Adrianna Drago, has also not responded to Duke Crixus request for another vote, but it is unlikely that she will accede to his request. Immediately after the vote, discussion began in the Fellish Assembly as to a potential change in the realm laws regarding religion. Discussion between the Lord Imperator, the Chancellor, and Mariah Greyson has resulted in some major headway towards a revised set of laws. The new laws would protect existing religious buildings and followers, while allowing new religions to exist without punishment. A series of checks and balances have been proposed regarding the closing of an established temple, preventing the quick destruction of temples if there were a regime change. Sangio Astroists will certainly not appreciate the change in their privileged position in Swordfell, but it should not prevent their already well established Fellish following from flourishing under the future laws. More on this story as it develops.
Comment on this story.	by Garimberto Mercator, Editor-in-Chief

Grand Duke Gary Ketchum Talks Expansion, Conflict in Exclusive Interview	October 14, 2016
The Morek Empire has a long history on Dwilight. From its rise and fall in the north, it has long held a special place in the hearts and minds of the people there. Now, however, they have been reduced to a few small regions squashed between the two military giants of Arnor and Astrum. Their recent arguments with Avernus nearly resulted in an all-out war where their survival was anything but certain. Now that the dust has settled, I took the chance to catch up with the leader of the Morek Empire, Grand Duke Gary Ketchum, and discuss the state of his historic realm. Garimberto "How are the internal affairs of Morek right now?" GD Gary Ketchum "After our ally Arnor helped us takeover Aegir City and transferred it back to us, we have been working hard to restore our lands. Avernus has transferred Nidhogg's Mark to us too in good faith. As your readers may be aware, our capital Aegir City became rogue during my predecessor's time. I am proud to say that Aegir City has been restored to good condition. I have reorganized the councils to ensure our realm's noble voices can be heard. We are still looking for a Region Lord for Nidhogg's Mark. Our young knight, Sir Auric, still does not have the required Honor to assume the lordship. I am sorry to disappoint him on this matter." Garimberto "How goes your plans of reconquest and expansion?" GD Gary Ketchum "We are taking over Ymer's Fall and the takeover will be completed tomorrow. We have claims to a few northern regions, so we are starting with Ymer's Fall for now. We are going to get back our former lands, Muspel and Muspelheim from Avernus, one in Summer and another in Winter. Garimberto "Do you anticipate any conflict with your neighbors over your proposed expansion?" GD Gary Ketchum "There could be some conflicts due to claims in the north. As some of you may be aware, Avernus has relocated its capital to Storms Keep, which is located in the north. As they expand in the north, they are likely to near our claims on the northern regions." Garimberto "Are there any external conflicts between Morek and other realms that the rest of Dwilight might not know about?" GD Gary Ketchum "We have claim on Taishan. It was a gift from our ally Arnor to my predecessors, which was lost due to Daimon attacks. We are currently discussing with Helyg Derywddon's Ruler as to whether we can get the region back peacefully. In my humble opinion, it is better we resolve such claims in a peaceful manner by sitting down and discussing it." Garimberto "Are there any realms you would like to improve relations with? Distance yourself from?" GD Gary Ketchum "D'Hara, Westgard, Arnor and Astrum have been nice to Morek, they lend us some help in different forms, for which I am grateful. So far no realm leaves an impression on us [where we would want] to distance ourselves from [them]. It could change in future."
Comment on this story.	by Garimberto Mercator, Editor-in-Chief

Mariah Greyson Goes to Trial	October 7, 2016
After multiple days of debate, the trial of Mariah Greyson is finally underway in Swordfell. Much controversy has surrounded the priestess of Ut Trutina, Dwilight's newest religion, since she forcibly removed many followers of Sanguis Astroism from their church. Many claimed her to be mad, a claim for which she later agreed and apologized. According to her testimony, she snapped under the weight of political stress and domestic turmoil. Because of the ouster of Sanguis Astroism faithful, realms all across Dwilight called for her arrest and execution. Fortunately for Mariah, she has been able to find temporary sanctuary in Swordfell until she is tried by her peers. According to Fellish Law, a noble must be accused of the same crime by 3 of his or her peers before a trial may commence. The trial is led by the Chancellor (judge) who weighs the evidence and arbitrates between sides. Ultimately, the conviction will come from the defendants peers via a realm-wide vote on his or her guilt. There have been multiple legal arguments surrounding the trial itself, as influential members of Swordfell claim that the Chancellor can make a verdict without trial in some cases. Duke Crixus Domitius, Mariah's chief political opponent claims a "Temple is not a Noble... so the Article on Civil Court does not apply to it (sic)", claiming that the Chancellor of Swordfell could close Mariah's temples without need for a trial. In response, the Chancellor, Viscountess Adrianna Drago retorted "There’s no other phrase, no other kind of court, no other kind of 'legal process' not even an 'unless', nothing". The court quickly reached the required number of accusations, and the Chancellor has promised a quick, but fair, trial by the usual process. The future verdict is tough to determine, as many in the realm are sympathetic to the new religion and Mariah's plight. Her opponents are certainly preparing their arguments, but it remains to be seen how the jury will vote. Continue to check the Dwilight Daily for more news on this developing story.
Comment on this story.	by Garimberto Mercator, Editor-in-Chief

Avernus Finds a New Home, Has its Ups & Downs	October 6, 2016
The realm of Avernus finally made progress in their relocation further north on Thursday, as the conquest of Storms End came to fruition. The harsh cold of the north and the constant monster hordes were no match for Avernian resolve to take the ancient city. I was able to catch up with King Dekon Coldwater about the move, who told me "I love the cold and the sea" but noted "It is not wealthy, by any means". It is certainly a shift from their fairer, and richer, home of Muspelheim, but due to political concerns and a potential 3-vs-1 war, Muspelheim has been promised to the anachronistic Morek Empire. Thanks to the diplomatic skill of King Dekon, he was able to save his realm from utter destruction and work out a deal whereby his people may survive to fight another day. The one good thing about the move? According to King Dekon, it's the ale. Talk has always surrounded that nectar of the gods, and it seems King Dekon has been caught up in that love as well. I also asked him about rumors that claim he built multiple statues in Storms End in his own honor. The fervently dismissed the claims, saying "My large black and red banner flies high over The Keep, but no statues have been erected. Vanity isn't one of my weaknesses" yet talk still circulates in certain corners of the continent that the statues do, in fact, exist.
Comment on this story.	by Garimberto Mercator, Editor-in-Chief

Aarn Hemmings Mysteriously Disappears	October 6, 2016
Talk is cheap in the north, but events have finally come to light regarding the mysterious disappearance of Lord Archon Aarn Hemmings of Westgard. What began as a discourse on his new religion, "The Virtues", turned into a verbal brawl 3 days ago as Astroist realms began to question Hemmings on his new faith. Westgard's ruler quickly put their unease to rest however, as Raven King Helm Altenahr exclaimed loudly "Thank you for the information. I understand it much better now". In a shocking twist of events, Lord Archon Hemmings revealed that he had been attacked via witchcraft and accused followers of Sanguis Astroism, more specifically Astrum, of trying to assassinate him. In a brief declaration, Lord Archon Hemmings put forth that "[n]o noble or Commoner of Astrum may enter Westgard, on fear of Arrest". Evidentally upset by the proclamation, the Vasilif of Astrum derided Lord Archon Hemmings, claiming "I know for a fact that you spent more time at the academy then helping the rest of your realm mates get everything in order". Events then spiraled out of control, and concerns over a potential holy war against Westgard were voiced. The Raven King of Arnor has since denied these claims, though others are still skeptical. Then, without warning, Lord Archon Hemmings disappeared. The Banker of Westgard, Lady Rosalind Foxglove, informed the rulers of Hemmings' mysterious disappearance 2 days ago. His entire palace was empty, and his personal belongings are still missing. After a thorough inquiry, it was determined that he had slipped by the guards unnoticed and made his was to the mountains on a sojourn into the wild. Some claim he was driven by madness, other have reported that he desired to find Truth. Diplomacy in the north has quieted substantially after his disappearance, but whether the dispute over lands in the West has been settled remains to be seen.
Comment on this story.	by Garimberto Mercator, Editor-in-Chief

Dwilight Daily Reopens it Doors	October 6, 2016
In an announcement to the rulers of Dwilight today, Lord Imperator Garimberto Mercator of Swordfell informed the rulers that he would be reopening the Dwilight Daily (DD). He announced that the revitalized paper would host "interesting stories about the times and trials of our continent, the dark forces that inhabit it, and the lighter stuff that reminds us why we live here" but gave no reference to the truthfulness of the new publication. This announcement was followed by general quiet and more-or-less apathy from other rulers, with the exception of one well-wisher. Early reports indicate that crickets could be heard in the background after the announcement. Reports coming from Swordfell show that the Lord Imperator was very upset by this turn of events and he supposedly cried a little bit. These reports have not been verified, and the editorial board is still investigating the allegations.
Comment on this story.	by Garimberto Mercator, Editor-in-Chief