York Journal/Issue 12
 The York Journal
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| Cost: 1 silver | March 08 | Editor(s): Relkin Sypher |
| The News |
| By Roxas Sypher | Moramroth joins Minas Ithil | March 27th '08 |
Moramroth has completed its transition to Minas Ithil governance. In celebration, a festival was announced in Barad Riel. The King named the lady Seria Marioneaux the Viscountess of Moramroth. Congratulations to our military success and to Viscountess Seria on her appointment.
| By Jearom Gaidin | Marriage in Elost | March 26th '08 |
It is an honor to report on the recent nuptials that were celebrated. During the recent liberation of Barad Riel and the defense of Elost, the realm of Minas Ithil and her soldiers were reminded of what we are fighting for, our loved ones. When two of Minas Ithil’s most distinguished and honorable families were united. With the marriage of the brave Sir Sidd Kingsley Earl of Lothruin and the beautiful Justiciar Katherine Yorke Countess of Cheltenborne. Their marriage was precided over by Father Devin a Priest of Anthonlaurism. On behalf of all members of the York Journal we offer our congratulations to the happy couple and wish them a long and loving marriage.
This marriage offers hope to us all of a brighter future.
| By Jearom Gaidin | Interview with Viscount Sandor Poire of Elost | March 26th '08 |
1) Do you have anything you wish to say about your recent appointment as Lord of Elost?
It was a great honour for myself, and my family name, to be entrusted with the care of Elost. I now look forward to repaying the honour that was bestowed upon house Poire through my continued service to the realm.
2) What motivates you in your implacable drive towards the defeat of the Northern Barbarians?
Bringing an end to any threat to Minas Ithil is what drives me. The safety of all Minas Ithils citizens is paramount, and while any danger remains I will be at the service of the crown.
3) Should we try to negotiate with Norland for a ceasefire? If not should the war end when only when Ithilian banners fly over all Norland lands?
I would like to believe that we could negotiate with Norland for their peaceful surrender. But realistically, looking at their past actions, I have no faith in an end to this war through words, it is more likely our swords will decide the outcome and personally, I am happy to trust in the honour of Norland's warrriors over that of their silver tongued diplomats.
4) How do you feel in regards to recent BoM transgressions in Lothruin?
The Barony of Makar is a devious foe. Like a snake looking for a way into a hen house. I am glad that our forces were able to halt them in Lothruin. Glad for myself and the realm, as BoM are widely known for their vulgarities of raping and pillaging. I have family in Lothruin and would not wish for them, or the local citizens, to suffer such indecencies. Hopefully this will be the last part they play in the war.
| By Roxas Sypher | Peace offer rejected and other news | March 23rd '08 |
The armies of Minas Ithil occupy Moramroth. Norland has shrunk to only a few regions and soon could find hostile forces surrounding Brackhead. Our King has once again offered peace terms to Norland. King Dead Angel3 has stated that he does not desire the destruction of Norland. The nobility of Norland however have once again rejected the offer of peace.
Talerium, upset with Falasan over allowing Protectorate of Magnus forces to attack them, have declared their intent to attack Falasan. The new King of Falasan, Jambo Lamonte, thus finds himself fighting the combined forces of Talerium and Cagilan Empire.
| By Roxas Sypher | Religion in Minas Ithil part III | March 21st '08 |
Religion in Minas Ithil remains a dynamic thing. Since the start of this series of articles a priest and priestess have joined Minas Ithil. The priestess who joined is the Priestess Shandra of the Way of the Hammer. With the Way of the Hammer and Athonlaurism both considering the others beliefs to be evil this was the first serious challenge to our King's policy of giving religious freedom to the nobility of Minas Ithil.
In fact, the King tried to arrest the priestess a few days ago but quickly apologized. The King stated that it was a mistake and would not happen again. He had not recognized Shandra's name and that she was a noble of Minas Ithil. Some protested allowing the priestess to remain while the King and Duke Relkin among others defended the right of the priestess to remain.
The York Journal has yet to see if any of this will make a difference in the military's actions in Norland's lands. In the past temples and shrines of The Way of the Hammer have been destroyed during the looting and takeovers of regions. It could be that this will even lead to a change in the views Athonlaurism and the Way of the Hammer have for each other.
| By Roxas Sypher | Reckless lion attacked by rabbits | March 18th '08 |
News has reached the York Journal that a lion recklessly picked a fight with the Atamaran wild long-eared hare. Unlike most docile bunnies this one is known to fight back. With its quick speed it can run circles around slower predators. When its home is threatened it has also been known to bite. Normally one bite like this wouldn't harm a large predator such as a lion, but the Atamaran wild long-eared hare is never far from the rest of its large extended family. Sticking your hand in a burrow belonging to this rabbit is a good way to lose a hand.
The lion is reported to have survived, but not unharmed. The rabbits are reported to have established new burrows in the mountains to the west after chasing the lion from their home.
| By Roxas Sypher | Religion in Minas Ithil part II | March 15th '08 |
In an examination of the religious beliefs of the people of Minas Ithil we found that Athonlaurism is still the most widely practiced religion in Minas Ithil. Athonlaurism is a major faith in 16 out of 17 regions here in Minas Ithil. Magna Serpaensism is quickly growing however and is a major faith in 10 different regions. The Way of the Hammer is a major faith in 4 of our regions, 3 of these being the newly conquered regions of Elost, Amriel and Barad Riel.
Paganism remains a major faith of the people in 3 different regions, including two of our cities. New faiths to Minas Ithil include The Way of the Warrior Saints and the Venerable Order of the Citadel. These two religions both have followers in Barad Riel.
Among the various region lords and ladies of Minas Ithil 8 are followers of Athonlaurism, 1 is a follower of Magna Serpaensism and the rest follow various pagan beliefs. Among all the nobility of Minas Ithil, perhaps a third are followers of Atholaurism.
The largest temple in all of Minas Ithil is in Shanandoah. Along with that temple, Athonlaurism has a total of 3 temples total. Magna Serpaensism and The Way of the Hammer both have one temple each inside Minas Ithil.
| By Roxas Sypher | Barad Riel | March 13th '08 |
Barad Riel is now part of Minas Ithil. In a ceremony the same day Lord Relkin Sypher, formerly Viscount of Winham, was named Duke. The future looks dim for Norland, with the loss of yet another vital part of their realm.
| Religion in Minas Ithil part I | By Roxas Sypher | March 12th '08 |
Even as the war continues between Minas Ithil and Norland many changes are taking place in Minas Ithil related to religion. This first part is an interview with Temperance Balthazar, a Priestess of Magna Serpaensism who has joined Minas Ithil. Temperance was banished from Tara after they took over her home city of Aja from the Ash Sea Islands.
How does Magna Serpaensism view Athonlaurism?
Although we do see the tenets of Athonlaurism to be ultimately misguided, we do not bear the followers of Athonlaurism any ill will.
The core of Magnua Serpaenism lies in belief in Magnus, the Great Serpent. He carved Atamara in the early days of the world and imbued the first kings with the power to rule wisely. In time, however, one of Magnus's most powerful lieutenant, Calamar, rose up against him. In the end Magnus was triumphant and he bound Calamar into the great central lake. Around the lake he erected the Barad fortresses as seals, such that that great evil might never again threaten his children. He then left Atamara to conduct his business elsewhere in the world.
Calamar's poison was not completely eradicated, however. Calamar's power was of manipulation, and the agents that were left behind shared some measure of this. In time, many of the great kings were corrupted and turned wicked. The Barad cities are no longer practicing the ancient rituals that keep the seals strong. The day may come when Calamar rises again to terrorize Magnus's children.
We can never be certain where the agents of Calamar lie. However, it seems that the people of Minas Ithil, Athonlaurists among them, remember honor and valor. It seems, then, that they remain uncorrupted by the inky-black stain that spreads from the west.
It is our belief that the followers of Athonlaurism can be brought back into the fold, so that they might be better equipped to fight back the agents of Calamar.
What about The Way of the Hammer?
While the Way of the Hammer has not been formally discussed among the elders of Magna Serpaensism, I can tell you my own views, and I believe they are widely held.
To the best of my knowledge, the Way of the Hammer is the predominate religion of Caergoth. Until recently, we were open-minded about these new neighbors, and were hopeful that we might work together with them toward a productive future. That was not to be.
The leader of Caergoth, who blasphemously styles himself Magnus, is an oathbreaker. Under the guise of friendship, he turned against the Protectorate of Magnus and even not conducts a takeover of one of their regions. I personally sent this "Magnus" a letter, asking for an explanation for his treacherous deeds, and received no response.
As such, I am forced to conclude that The Way of the Hammer is a tool of Calamar. This is reinforced by the long war between Minas Ithil and Norland. My brother Jonathan told me stories of when he traveled north to aid you under an ASI banner, and how nobly the knights of Minas Ithil fought against foreign aggression. I must conclude that the Way of the Hammer, which represents the beliefs of those selfsame enemies, is a corrupt influence: just one of the many tentacular arms of Calamar.
What is Magna Serpaensism's view of Minas Ithil and Norland?
I have touched upon these matters above. In a sense, Magna Serpaensism has no particular views of realms; only the people and religions they harbor within their borders. Minas Ithil seems to be made of noble warriors who have prevailed against significant odds, whereas Norland seems to be made of nothing more than slavering hordes. I have had only limited interactions with either realm, however, and my beliefs are based largely upon hearsay. I hope to become better acquainted both with my new realm-mates and my new enemies.
Also, on a more personal note, how do you view the wars to our south? Do you feel them to be of a religious nature?
I believe that they are most definitely religious in nature. Calamar's forces have united to strike at the very strongholds of Magnus, The Protectorate of Magnus stands firm, but there is no way of knowing how long that will last. Already ASI has lost the Stronghold Aja, to which I myself had sworn an oath of fealty. Even Falasan has entered into combat with the Cagilans, in a battle that promises to be the first of many. Rather than quail before these intimidating odds, the attitude in the south is one of grim determination, and in each warrior's eye and statute can be seen the glory of the first kings of men.
Time will tell whether those great realms will be able to withstand the tidal wave of putrescence that assails them.
| War opinions of Minas Ithil Nobility | By Jearom Gaidin | March 12th '08 |
Editor's Note: Jearom Gaidin joins the York journal staff this month and is conducting interviews with various nobles of Minas Ithil.
Interview with Sir Caius:
1) How do you feel about this war, personal opinions on the course of the war etc...?
I feel as though this war is going quite well, especially with our recent victories in Barad Riel and Elost. And with these victories we've shown the Vikings that we can fight, and fight we shall.
2) What motivates you in your implacable drive towards the defeat of the Northern Barbarians?
What drives me on in this war? My family used to reside in Mansbridge on a small estate. We hated living in Norland, but due to financial constraints we were unable to leave Norland. After Minas Ithil took over Mansbridge, we enjoyed more income and I started my career. When Mansbridge was taken by Norland, they murdered my father, mother, and 13 year old sister. I swore vengeance, and with every viking that gets killed I am one step closer to my family is revenged.
3) Should we try to negotiate with Norland for a ceasefire? If not should the war end when only when Ithilian banners fly over all Norland lands?
I would prefer that the war only cease when Minas Ithil banners fly over all of Norland's lands, but if a peace were to be signed, it should only be done when we have Norland in a strangle hold and if Mansbridge is back under our control.
Interview with Marshal Malcor:
1) How do you feel about this war, personal opinions on the course of the war etc...?
I came into this war after we had already been beaten down by Norland and the Barony. The people were terrified and the land was in ruins. Fortunately, the noble's spirits were still strong, and eventually we were able to beat them back. We had a lot of mistakes, as did Norland, and the war grew longer. Personally, I'm fairly pleased with how the war is going at the moment. We've been doing very well in the field, and our nobles have led their troops bravely. To top it off, Norland has made several errors that have hit them fairly hard.
2) What motivates you in your implacable drive towards the defeat of the Northern Barbarians?
I fight for the good of the people of Minas Ithil; we must protect our lands and our people. I've seen far too many homes, manors and villages alike, up in flames, torched by the enemy. I do not hate the vikings, they have been a difficult, but mostly honorable foe. However, I cannot withstand any more death and destruction. I have pledged my life to ending this war, and so I shall have it!
3) Should we try to negotiate with Norland for a ceasefire? If not should the war end when only when Ithilian banners fly over all Norland lands?
I am fine with a cease-fire, though not without a treaty soon after. My primary goal is that the war is ended and our people safe. I will see to it in battle, if I must, or if a truce can be made, I will welcome that instead.
| Western Campaign continues | By Relkin Sypher | March 11th '08 |
Another week, another victory. Norland has attacked Elost while Minas Ithil continues a takeover in Barad Riel. With almost 800 troops facing nearly 1,200 defenders Norland was outnumbered from the beginning. The palisade in Elost had been newly repaired so Norland met fierce resistance from the start and ended with nearly 700 dead and wounded. Minas Ithil dead and wounded was an estimated mid three hundred. Congratulations on victory to all the defenders.
The takeover of Barad Riel meanwhile continues uninterrupted. The York Journal is hopeful that the process will be completed in the next few days. The takeover is being personally overseen by the King.
| Now Hiring | By Relkin Sypher | March 9th '08 |
In order to keep up with events here in Minas Ithil as well as across Atamara, the York Journal is inviting interested nobles to apply for positions as reporters. The Journal is interested in both one-time contributors and ongoing writers. Those interested should contact Relkin Sypher, Viscount of Winham.
| War spreads thoughout Atamara | By Relkin Sypher | March 5th '08 |
Cagilan Empire has declared war on Falasan. Federated partners Ash Sea Islands and Protectorate of Magnus find themselves under attack from an alliance of Carelia, Darka, Tara, Suville, and Caergoth. Eston has also declared war on Ash Sea Islands and Protectorate of Magnus but has not attacked to the Journal's knowledge. Already the city of Aja has fallen to Taran occupation.
With war this widespread there will be many tales of valor and villainy. Sir Moses, Hero of Ash Sea Islands, Royal Treasurer of Ash Sea Islands, Duke of Wor'ight died in battle at Wynford. He died a heroic death, defending his comrades in the face of overwhelming numbers.
| Regions gained and lost | By Relkin Sypher | March 5th '08 |
Amriel has joined Minas Ithil. The takeover was mostly peaceful with many of the peasantry proclaiming their desire to join Minas Ithil. Meanwhile, the region of Melmoor has rebelled from our control. The heavy looting by primarily the Barony of Makar as well as being cut off from the rest of the realm contributed to the rebellion.
Field Marshall Francis has thus replaced the loss of Mansbridge and Melmoor with Amriel and Elost. The two new regions have the added advantage of being close to Shanandoah.
