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War of Nations
Summary
Tools, background info
and fun toys related to the "War of Nations."
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"History is written with the blood of fallen
heroes."
TENSIONS RISE BETWEEN HUMANS
AND ELVES
V'reen Morphs Continue To Ravage Continent
Day 22 of Koaratos, 5103
It is every parent's worst nightmare. Calling her child in from
the darkening yard, a mother spies not one, but two children racing
to greet her... both with subtly distorted forms, and both utterly
silent except for the strange, high-pitched keening they emit. She
cannot bring herself to slam and bar the door, because
her true child is still outside somewhere, but these creatures have
no knowledge of motherly love, and they are only here to consume
the parent as they have already consumed the child.
This image of horror has been played out hundreds of times through
human and elven lands alike as the v'reen morphs savage innocent
citizens. Halfling settlements, giantman villages, and dwarven cities
have reported attacks as well, some seen, some only suspected --
people vanish overnight and are never seen again, but v'reen morphs
taking on their likenesses flow up from the ground to terrorize
people hours or days later. Preying upon isolated, unsuspecting
victims, the morphs sow fear wherever they manifest.
Some insight into their origin has come from Lord Morgult of the
House of Kestrel. The Hall of Mages dispatched Lord Morgult to investigate
a disturbance in the flows of mana that occurred in the area of
River's Rest, a backwater village in Torre long known to harbor
smugglers and pirates. According to Lord Morgult, an elven mage
known as Lirou inhabited this region for some time prior to the
first appearance of the morphs. According to local inhabitants,
Lirou claimed that his presence was sanctioned by Emperor Aurmont,
and that he was researching the Mandis Crystal to aid the Emperor
in case Baron Hochstib of Jantalar should turn rogue and attack
the Empire. Supposedly, this was sanctioned by his home city of
Ta'Illistim as well. Lord Morgult confirmed that there was a crystal
within the elven mage's destroyed workshop that outwardly resembled
the Mandis Crystal, but reported as well that the artifact was obviously
flawed, as its incredibly weak anti-magical effect encompassed only
a space of ten feet or so, and as the crystal did not display any
of the Mandis Crystal's other known properties. After discovering
that the crystal could not be moved from its location, Lord Morgult
erected a protective shield over the area and left to report to
his superiors. Apparently, the morphs were created or released in
a magical accident related to the crystal's creation.
Lord Morgult's report has been of great concern to the nobility
of the Turamzzyrian Empire, and, some whisper, to the newly coronated
Emperor, Aurmont Anodheles. Ever since the magical catastrophe that
created the Wizardwaste, the use of magic has been
strictly regulated within the Empire by the Hall of Mages. Since
the Mandis Crystal is technically a possession of the Emperor, having
been loaned to Baron Hochstib by the late Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles,
then elven research into the artifact's workings would suggest that
the elves meant to destroy or replicate the Mandis Crystal. Neither
option suggests peaceful intentions. If Lord Morgult's report is
accurate, and if Ta'Illistim supported Lirou's illegal experimentation,
then this may be taken as an act of war.
Thus far, Ta'Illistim has denied all knowledge of the elven mage
Lirou. Although elven diplomats have expressed their desire to settle
this matter peacefully, they have also implied that "Lirou"
may be a fiction concocted by the House of Kestrel in order to redirect
blame from its proper position, and expressed their distaste at
being used as a scapegoat. Alternately, they point out that Lord
Morgult is a junior investigator and may have misunderstood the
evidence, or may have been misled by the scurrilous natives. Unsurprisingly,
the Hall of Mages is most displeased with these accusations.
Determining the truth of the matter is particularly difficult because
River's Rest is currently occupied by a powerful krolvin force.
For representatives of the Turamzzyrian Empire, dealing with the
marauding v'reen morphs is more important than fighting off krolvin,
and any evidence suggesting elven involvement may already have been
destroyed by the invaders. Although the Imperial Navy has engaged
and destroyed much of the krolvin fleet, a portion of the group
is firmly entrenched upon the isle, representing a serious danger
to anyone who would investigate Lirou's destroyed workshop.
While nations wait breathlessly to see how this crisis will unwind,
some of those who are least involved with the diplomatic situation
are suffering the most heavily beneath the brunt of the threat.
Barely an hour passes in Icemule Trace without the report of another
v'reen morph materializing from the snow. While the forces of Jantalar
storm the gates without, the morphs steal people away from within,
and the cost to this small halfling town has been terrible. An aura
of gloom seems to shadow this normally-joyous
gambling retreat on even the most sunlit of summer days.
For the safety and protection of Icemule's residents, a voluntary
sunset curfew has been suggested, and the mayor has also advised
that no one travel alone even on city streets so long as this threat
continues. The outpost of Pinefar has also suffered grievously,
and
there is even talk of closing the buildings in Pinefar and abandoning
the place entirely until some way is found to deal with this devastating
menace.
TROLLS KIDNAP PRINCE EREGREK BORTHUUM
Day 12 of Koaratos, 5103
While on a diplomatic mission to Ta'Illistim, Prince Eregrek Borthuum
and his Dwarven Honor Guard were attacked by a large party of trolls.
During the attack a large grey troll slugged Prince Eregrek in the
face with a blackjack, picked him up, slung him across his shoulders
and carried him off. As of this time it is not known if the Prince
is dead or alive.
Searchers are combing the hills and forests outside the city, but
large parties of trolls hinder the search.
THE JANTALARIAN PERSPECTIVE:
Early Successes in the West
Day 9 of Koaratos, 5103
As the battle to free Wehnimer's Landing continues, immediate positive
results are visible. In an earlier report, we described the effort
to free Wehnimer's Landing, a small port town to the west. Now,
after only a few weeks of fighting, the efforts of our soldiers
are already being evidenced in the region. The use of our special
tactics and the presence of our troops have greatly improved the
safety of the surrounding areas. People can now walk freely and
safely through the area known as "Danger Land" by the
local inhabitants. Our forces have cut short the abilities of many
of the indigenous population, making the paths safer for merchants
and townsfolk alike.
Another benefit of the noble Jantalarian effort has been the driving
of Trolls from the region. As is well known in the Empire, the humanoids
classified as Trolls have long been a plague on intelligent peoples
everywhere. They are summarily murderous, dishonest,
and self-interested. Due to the efforts of the unstoppable Jantalarian
forces, the Trolls in the vicinity have abandoned their decades-old
siege of the town of Wehnimer's Landing, and have journeyed to parts
unknown.
"I can really feel proud of what we're doing here," remarked
one of our halberdiers. "We're making the world a better place.
I know the fighting has been hard, and there have been times when
my faith in our mission has been all that has kept me going, but
when I see a child playing in safety in a stream that was once overrun
by Trolls, then I know we're doing the greatest works of our time.
For Jantalar!"
The battle is close to being over. The local citizens were ready
to welcome our troops into their town when the humanoids laying
siege to the town employed large numbers of mercenaries to attack
our troops. "The rescue of the town has been delayed due to
this influx of mercenaries, but is still inevitable," remarked
Baron Lerep Hochstib, who is personally leading the efforts. "We
are even now erecting special barriers and siege machines which
will allow us to reach and rescue the town in relative safety. I
will not abandon the people of the region to the harsh cruelties
of their oppressors."
Jantalar is now on the verge of victory in the west, and will immediately
use the port in this town to transfer several artifacts to the south
in support of the Throne and the new Sentinel of the North, Earl
Eddric Jovery. "Making the northern border safe and secure
is the duty of everyone in the Empire," remarked Lord Holswort
Niffelheim. "We in Jantalar
happen to be lucky enough to be in the direct vicinity and are therefore
able to lend more aid. Some of the citizens of the Landing have
also expressed concerns regarding the safety of their town. To them
I say, rest assured, we will be there soon, and all will be secured.
Hold on to your faith that has brought you so far, and we will deliver
you from your current plight."
Once Wehnimer's Landing is secure, Jantalar will turn its attention
to the north and the ice dwellers that live there. Recent excursions
have uncovered a small town called Icemule where once again, a poorly
defended town is under siege by the brutal denizens of the area.
"We will not rest until the north is secure and safe for all
to live in the light of freedom," said Lord Holswort. "The
day of peace and freedom is at hand, and, as usual, the people of
Jantalar are ready, willing, and able to pay the price."
THE JANTALARIAN PERSPECTIVE:
Safety and Freedom for a Small Frontier Town
Day 26 of Lumnea, 5103
The battle to tame the wilds surrounding the small port of Wehnimer's
Landing is under way. Several weeks ago, the Noble Jantalarian Army,
under the direction of the Loyal Baron Lerep Hochstib himself, began
an assault on the region, seeking to wipe out fierce beasts and
clans of murderous humanoids that make life there so dangerous.
Wehnimer's Landing, a small, relatively unknown port town in the
wilds west of Jantalar, has recently undergone repeated invasions
and incursions by all manner of humanoids, beasts, and even undead
creatures. The town has been repeatedly sacked, with high loss of
life and property. It is for this reason that Baron Hochstib decided
to intervene and bring peace to the beleaguered region.
"The region has been war-torn for too long. The peoples of
the region deserve better treatment, more opportunities, and the
right to live out their lives in peace, should they so wish it,"
stated Baron Hochstib in a court address on the subject. "We
will bring peace to the region, and give the people the correct
environment in which to prosper."
The Jantalarian Army has seen heavy resistance from humanoids in
the region, but has been welcomed by the townsfolk of the surrounding
areas, many of whom had been forced into the wilds and are now under
the care of our forces. They are now enjoying Jantalarian foods,
medicines, and protection.
In spite of the resistance encountered, casualties have been very
light due to the expert training of the Jantalarian forces. The
humanoids, on the other hand, have fallen in droves, and the work
of clearing their corpses has become a major undertaking. "It's
hard to find a place to get your evening meal," claimed one
Jantalarian Armiger. "There's so many of them, they seem to
just keep coming without regard for their lives or the lives of
others. This is what makes me sure that what we're doing is right
and is the will of Kai. For Jantalar!"
Nothing has slowed the steady advance of Jantalarian forces into
the area. Combat with the humanoids of the wilds has been constant,
but has not deterred the mission. Early problems with supply lines
and logistics were quickly overcome, and supplies from the citizens
of the Landing themselves will soon be available to our troops.
With the current rate of advancement, the liberation of the Landing
could take several more weeks, but would still be one of the shortest
engagements ever for the Jantalarian Army.
With the objective in sight, planning turns toward the eventual
maintenance and security of the region over time. Jantalarian troops
will be stationed in the area long enough for the local citizens
to recuperate and eventually establish sufficient defenses to keep
their town safe by themselves. "We have no interest in a continued
presence in the region," stated the Herald of Jantalar, Lord
Holswort Niffelheim. "We seek only to make the area safer for
those who live there, and to ensure that they are capable of fending
off incursions of the type they have been plagued with in recent
years. We feel deeply for those caught in the middle of this struggle,
and have high hopes for the most positive of outcomes."
Lord Holswort has undertaken several missions of aid and diplomacy
to the region over the last decade. His knowledge of the region
and its inhabitants has been core to the success of the efforts
there. Lord Holswort seemed exuberant about the entire operation.
"Soon, the wilds surrounding Wehnimer's Landing will be safe
for all! The day of true freedom for all citizens of the Landing
is fast approaching, due to the diligent efforts of our noble fighting
forces."
Whatever the outcome in the region, the efforts of our army have
already benefited the peoples there immeasurably. In support of
the new Sentinel of the North, Earl Jovery, Jantalar continues to
make the northern borders of the Empire secure against external
threats. And in support of our new Emperor Aurmont, the taming of
the region will serve as a sparkling jewel in the crown, an example
for all Territories of the Empire, and a source of Jantalarian pride
for many years to come.
RED ROT CURED!
Day 31 of Ivastaen, 5103
Dwarves everywhere rejoice! After months of study and labor, dwarven
alchemists have triumphed over the lethal disease plaguing their
people.
The cure is a magical potion that augments the soul and strength
of the dwarven people, so powerful in its qualities that the rot
cannot keep its grasp. Not only does the curative potion immediately
heal a victim of the disease, but it apparently prevents the victim
from ever contracting the disease again -- once gone, the Rot stays
gone.
Stores and shops in the dwarven city of Zul Logoth have reopened,
now that the threat of contamination is gone. The elves of Ta'Illistim
and Prince Borthuum of Kharam-Dzu have also expressed their congratulations
(and their relief) at dwarven victory over the plague.
A SCHISM AMONG KROLVIN
Day 14 of Olaesta, 5103
For months now, Teras Isle has struggled against the force of an
invading krolvin army. Led by the Czag Dubra Moragda, backed by
the weight of the krolvin nation, and guided by the power of the
blue comet overhead, the brutal krolvin slavers died by the dozens
-- for Teras had assembled an army of its own, an army of brave,
steadfast adventurers who could hold the city of Kharam-Dzu against
the attackers. It seemed that, despite all odds, Kharam-Dzu would
survive the onslaught.
Then, an emissary from the krolvin nation arrived to give new instructions
to Bloodfist Sankir, second-in-command to the Czag. The emissary
informed Sankir that Moradga had been put to the question over her
failing to secure the island with sufficient speed, and, as a result,
she would not be returning to Kharam-Dzu. In appreciation for her
reports about the failings of Moradga, Stormcrow Akhri was designated
temporary Czag -- an act that infuriated Sankir, because Sankir
believed Akhri to be traitorous to the krolvin people. The emissary
commanded Sankir to return with him to the war council and undergo
the question as well, for Sankir had been accused of dealings in
black magic forbidden to the krolvin.
Angered by the fate of Moradga, and outraged by the appointment
of the traitor, Sankir went berserk. He murdered the emissary and
slaughtered Czag Dubra Akhri, whereupon the krolvin fell to battling
themselves -- the council loyalists versus the followers of the
Bloodfist. The accusations of the krolvin war council were shown
true when Sankir used Akhri's corpse and the corpse of a council
loyalist in some perverse, soul-tearing ritual. The body of the
emissary was dismembered beyond repair, and none of the council
loyalists survived the massacre.
Krolvin troops still hold the western half of Kharam-Dzu, but Sankir
and his troops have abandoned Teras Isle. Sankir swore after he
slew Akhri that he would lead those loyal to him off to the mainland,
there to establish a new krolvin domain.
The brutality and bloodlust of the krolvin are recorded at length
by legions of dead citizens from every existing nation. The krolvin
are so vicious that they will put their own people beneath the question,
a process only mindless hulks survive. What manner of magics are
so evil that the krolvin forbid them?
If reports from River's Rest are correct, and blue-skinned scouts
have been seen in the vicinity, then the human empire may soon find
out.
BY THESE THINGS EMPIRES RISE...AND
EMPIRES FALL
The Defeat of the Sea Wolves
The cruel pirates known as the Sea Wolves have long been feared
and hated in the area around Solhaven Bay for their cruelly imposed
blockade. Upon the evening of Olaesta 12, the Sea Wolves sent a
massive invasion force to loot the port city of Solhaven, but the
town was prepared for their onslaught -- powerful magic users becalmed
their seven troop ships within the harbor, trebuchets bombarded
the Sea Wolf vessels, and a trireme laden with enraged volunteers
set sail to fight the pirates face to face. Within minutes, three
of the ships were sunk, and the remainder were successfully captured
by residents of Solhaven and assisting adventurers from surrounding
cities.
The surviving Sea Wolves have retreated to lick their wounds and
regroup, for this colossal failure has left the pirates with barely
enough crew to sail their ships, let alone attack again. Merchant
vessels still avoid the area, not willing to risk their livelihoods
so swiftly, but, by and large, the citizens of Solhaven are relieved
to foresee the end of the pirate
dominion.
This evidence of Solhaven's strength has, perhaps, finally earned
the respect of Baron Hochstib of Jantalar. Despite his long-standing
record of war with Baron Malwind of Vornavis, Hochstib has turned
his attention elsewhere. Hochstib's troops have begun to repair
the roads leading northwest from Mestanir...
...which prepares a path for war that leads directly to Wehnimer's
Landing.
The Struggle of the Dwarves
The dwarves of Zul Logoth are dying, and many of their kin abroad
have been stricken as well. Terrible earthquakes released a strange
red dust into their ancestral homes, and a virulent plague has followed.
The plague causes coughing, sneezing, pustules and boils, and unavoidable
death in those who contract it. At this time, most dwarves accept
that the plague is indistinguishable from the Red Rot of Despana's
age. In the Age of Chaos, over half the population of the great
dwarven city Kalaza died to the Rot, and the gates of Kalaza were
hidden and sealed forever to contain the foul disease. Quarantine
is impossible, now -- innumerable cases of the disease have been
recorded outside Zul Logoth. If this is the Rot, it will not be
contained a second time.
Yet, the gods often grant a shining ray of hope to pierce the stormclouds
of despair, and such a ray has come now. An alchemical lab has been
established in Zul Logoth, and dwarves and non-dwarves alike have
volunteered countless hours of work to search for a cure to the
disease. Further hope comes with the arrival of several hooded strangers,
who have indicated great knowledge of botany and healing, and some
people believe their aid can conquer in this modern age what could
not be conquered in the past.
But who are these strangers? Where are they from, and what is the
meaning behind their timely arrival? Secretive and seemingly shy,
they divulge no personal information, leaving even their very appearance
unknown...
...and perhaps their mission is not one of peace, after all.
The Fury of the Krolvin
Upon Teras Isle, doors are locked and windows barred against the
incursions of the fearsome krolvin. Led by the Czag Dubra, the bloodthirsty
slavers have assaulted the dwarven city of Kharam Dzu in a rampage
of torture and slaughter. The krolvin fight with savage skill, and
they claim to draw their power from the blue comet blazing through
the sky, calling upon it as they summon magical energy. Distracted
from the troubles of their kin in the east, dwarves and visitors
have joined forces in order to protect their homes and the famous
glaes mines of Kharam Dzu.
Upon Ivastaen 18, the good ship Glaesen Star was attacked by krolvin
raiders during a routine voyage between Wehnimer's Landing and Kharam
Dzu. The passengers rallied under the leadership of the dwarven
prince Eregrek Borthuum, and they succeeded in repelling the invaders,
but the Glaesen Star suffered structural damage as a result. For
most of a week, travel between the isle and the mainland had to
be suspended for repairs. Some say that Borthuum's intent was to
set an ambush for the krolvin, but this ambush resulted in the five-day
estrangement of Borthuum and the brave defenders of the Glaesen
Star from Teras Isle.
The krolvin kill for the joy of killing, torture for the pleasure
of hearing the screams, and take slaves indiscriminately, working
them cruelly until they die. They are noted for their skill upon
the sea, and, before the Sea Wolves were vanquished, only the krolvin
were feared more. With the blockade of the Sea Wolves scattered
to the winds, perhaps there is a vacancy in power...
...and, with the Red Rot crippling the strength of the dwarves,
perhaps it is time for a new master upon Teras Isle.
While the fate of nations hangs suspended in the balance, and while
thousands wonder whether the next day will bring life or death,
a blue light still shines in the heavens. Aurmont sits newly crowned
on the Turamzzyrian throne, the trolls of Elanith march in the name
of G'bruk, Borthuum worries for the fate of his people, a giantwoman
in River's Rest warns of an ice-filled apocalypse, and astrologers
stare up at the sky -- ignorant, for once, of the future...
...for the comet has not left Elanith's skies, and the worst is
yet to come.
In fact, it is only beginning.
MYSTERIOUS PLAGUE SWEEPS DWARVEN
CITY
Day 17 of Charlatos, 5103
Zul Logoth has been devastated by a fierce plague blazing through
their ancient home. At this time, no cure is known, though herbalists
and scholars of all kinds are frantically searching for a way to
help the afflicted. Neither herbs nor empathic treatments have proven
useful, nor has any spell, including the old empathic standby of
Cure Disease. Rumors of many kinds regarding the plague have spread
through dwarven lands, and there is great concern among dwarves
and non-dwarves alike regarding the matter.
No confirmed cases have been recorded among non-dwarves, although
there have been several false scares. Among dwarves, however, the
plague is both swift in dealing death and highly contagious before
death arrives -- and it is no longer limited to Zul Logoth: victims
of this mystery plague have been found in Wehnimer's Landing and
Ta'Illistim, and at least one person has travelled as far south
as River's Rest before succumbing.
The symptoms of this disease are harmless enough at first: the
victims sneeze and cough, often experiencing a sore throat as well,
but they suffer no more than they would when afflicted with a common
cold. As time goes by, the symptoms grow more severe, and victims
develop small sores on their skin that will not heal properly. As
the sores develop into greyish pustules and boils, the coughing
grows worse and worse until the victims begin to cough up blood.
At this point, it is difficult for the victims to speak or to breathe,
and death follows not long after.
Dwarven healers agree that instituting a quarantine would be futile
as well as cruel at this point. Prince Borthuum of Kharam Dzu has
expressed his sincere sympathy to the victims and offered to send
aid in researching a cure, but hopes are not high at this point.
In darker corners and despondent moments, some dwarves whisper
that the incurable Red Rot of Despana's age has returned, and that
this will be the end of the dwarven race...
THE EMPRESS IS DEAD -- LONG LIVE
THE EMPEROR!
Day 3 of Charlatos, 5103
On Charlatos 3, thousands of people knelt in Tamzyrr
to honor His Imperial Majesty, Aurmont Anodheles, as the imperial
crown first graced his head. The time-honored rites of the coronation
were completed without any mishap, and Phoen's golden orb shone
down from a cloudless sky as His Imperial Majesty swore to lead
and guide the united Turamzzyrian Empire for all the days of his
life. May the blessings of Koar be
forever upon him!
The only son of Turallos Anodheles and Ayibma Chandrennin, Aurmont
Anodheles was born in the city of Elstreth on Imaerasta 27, 5070.
Despite being born beneath the Trident, Aurmont has shown little
predisposition toward violence. As an adolescent, he
served as a squire on the Demonwall, but his position was largely
the product of his family influence, and a few years were ample
time to demonstrate to young Aurmont that he was not destined for
a martial vocation. He has spent the last ten years of his life
within the walls of Chantry College in Nydds, studying the histories
and tomes describing the Turamzzyrian Empire's past.
At this time, His Imperial Majesty is unmarried, leaving the line
of succession in doubt if anything should happen to the new Emperor.
While many young noblewomen hope to remedy this situation shortly,
His Imperial Majesty's attention clearly lies far more
with determining why he is Emperor than determining who else will
be Emperor next -- the issue of Mynal'lyanna's death and the responsibilities
of his new position lie at the forefront of the Emperor's attention,
and more personal matters will simply have
to wait.
As chroniclers race to search the histories for information about
His Imperial Majesty's heritage, the nobility of the Empire studies
the record of his life for indications of his political leanings,
but little is to be found. Despite Aurmont's distaste for his enviroment,
he served nobly and well in his time as a squire. His best-known
essays from his time in Chantry College are strictly limited to
examinations of the motivations and effects of actions taken in
Turamzzyrian history; they contain none of his own
views upon political matters, and so they serve very poorly as fodder
for those who seek to know him better.
Between his upbringing in Aldora, his maturity in South Hendor,
and his mother's own worship, it is understood that His Imperial
Majesty holds an accustomed respect for the temples and monestaries
of Voln, but his private religious feelings are unknown. Some have
speculatively noted that the cities of Elstretch and Nydds share
a similar attitude of acceptance toward ordlyn and hathlyn, accepting
them as near-equals, which is rare among the southern territories.
Others dismiss this as coincidence, pointing out that any wealthy
scholar would seek out the scholastic center of the Empire regardless
of personal views on foreigners and half-breeds.
The comet still glimmers in day and night sky alike, just as it
shone over Emperor Aurmont's coronation. Some secretly whisper that
heavenly grace has left the Empire with the death of Koar's chosen,
but others say that Mynal'lyanna's death was guided by the will
of the gods. At this time, Aurmont himself seems to be setting the
question of Koar's will aside in favor of uncovering the secular
answers to his cousin's death.
Some of the more superstitious citizens of the Empire have taken
to wearing lockets containing the Emperor's miniature as a way to
ward off any curse the comet may bring. Others have taken to wearing
all black as they live "in mourning for the Empire," or
marking themselves with tattooed or painted blue patterns in order
to "draw the comet's blessing into their minds." The lockets
are generally approved-of by lawmakers and authorities, but the
tattoos and the mourning garb are not. Several of the black-robed
mourners have killed themselves or others, and at least three blue-painted
citizens of the Empire have gone mad.
TA'NALFEIN OFFERS AID TO THE HUMAN
EMPIRE
Day 23 of Fashanos, 5103
A diplomatic emissary from Ta'Nalfein arrived in Vornavis yesterday
and presented herself to Baron Malwind. With all appropriate ceremony,
the emissary expressed her regret at the assassination of Mynal'lyanna
and offered the aid of Ta'Nalfein in the search for the assassin.
Baron Malwind thanked the emissary for this offer and invited her
to enjoy the hospitality of Vornavis for the interim, but the diplomat
declined, saying that her responsibilities in Ta'Nalfein would not
permit her to remain. She thanked Baron Malwind for his civility
and hospitality before departing early this morning.
TA'ILLISTIM REGRETS THE DEATH OF THE HUMAN EMPRESS
Day 22 of Fashanos, 5103
A diplomatic emissary conveyed a message from Ta'Illistim, expressing
the regrets of Ta'Illistim's queen in regards to the untimely death
of Mynal'lyanna Anodheles. In part, the message read, "The
citizens of Ta'Illistim mourn the passing of Mynal'lyanna Anodheles,
and we fear that the planned renaissance of her reign will die along
with its creator. We invite Aurmont Anodheles to accept the available
opportunity to usher in a more civilized way of life for his people."
The emissary left as soon as the message had been delivered. No
official response to the emissary's message was available, but tensions
between Ta'Illistim and the Dwarven clans are expected as a result.
PARKSHNUUM CLAN CONDEMNS THE DEAD EMPRESS
Day 21 of Fashanos, 5103
The leaders of the Parkshnuum Clan issued a statement regarding
the death of the Empress Mynal'lyanna. The statement condemned regicide
as a whole, but condemned the choices of Mynal'lyanna's rule as
well. In part, the statement read, "While the murder of any
legitimate ruler is an undeniable crime, the legitimacy of a ruler
who permits and encourages the enslavement, degradation, and murder
of a free people must be questioned. Her successor should learn
from this example and be more intelligent in his actions. When no
mercy has been offered, no mercy can be expected. We do not condone
regicide, but Mynal'lyanna's death can only serve as a lesson to
the rest of the world." The Parkshnuum dwarves are known to
be particularly bitter toward the Turamzzyrian Empire due to the
actions of Baron Hochstib of Jantalar, who enslaved the dwarves
living in the province of Talador and killed hundreds of their number
in 5094 as a show of his power.
TURAMZZYRIAN SUCCESSION
Day 18 of Fashanos, 5103
After a detailed and careful examination of the late Empress's
lineage and all appropriate potential successors to the throne,
the identity of the next Emperor has been determined. Surrounded
by all appropriate ceremony, Aurmont Anodheles will accept the crown
of the Turamzzyrian Empire at a date yet to be determined. Considering
the circumstances surrounding the late Empress's death, the coronation
will be held at a time and place fitting to the new Emperor and
to all considerations of security. (Needless to say, it will not
be the city of Solhaven.)
Aurmont Anodheles is the first cousin of the late Empress. Considering
the circumstances of his position, it is not believed that he has
any relation to the assassination of Mynal'lyanna Anodheles, and
his surprise and grief over his cousin's death are widely believed
to be genuine.
Aside from an appropriate respect for the Church of Koar, Aurmont's
religious inclinations are unknown at this time, and he is not noted
for strong views regarding Chaston's Edict. His intentions regarding
the late Empress's desire to expand the reach of the Turmzzyrian
Empire are also unknown. However, there is no doubt that all will
become clear as the new Emperor's reign progresses.
Thy Empire hails thee, Aurmont Anodheles, and the new era marked
by your reign!
AN EMPIRE MOURNS
Day 4 of Tilamaires, 5103
The Turamzzyrian Empire was plunged into grief with the untimely
death of Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles.
The Imperial Blades, Baron Malwind's personal guard, and the Mercantile
Guild of Solhaven are all engaged in the search for the assassin.
It is certain that the guilty party cannot evade the eye of justice
for long.
Upon the eve of Niiman, Fashanos 6, barring other developments,
Baron Malwind will hold a memorial service for the fallen Empress
at the site of her death. All who share in the grief of the Empire
are permitted to attend, but those who show disrespect will be swiftly
removed, with severe consequences.
The Empire grieves for the fallen Empress, but the Empire itself
lives on, and the wrath of the Arkati shall surely befall those
who would think this a time of weakness. Representatives of all
appropriate parties are gathering in Tamzyrr to determine the Empress's
successor, as there is no designated heir at this time.
After its use in this terrible crime, the Imperial ban against
the prohibited herb Luukosian deathwort has been reinforced, and
there is an extremely lucrative reward available to anyone who can
offer information leading to the capture of those who deal in deathwort.
A far greater reward is available to anyone who offers information
leading to the capture of the assassin, so long as the assassin
is alive and sensate.
NEWS FROM THE HUMAN EMPIRE: A TIME
OF CELEBRATION!
Day 29 of Lormesta, 5103
A time of wonder, marvel, and celebration has come to the Empire!
In Her Imperial Majesty's obedience to the wishes of Koar, King
of the Gods, the Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles continues Her tour
of the Turamzzyrian Empire. After receiving crowds of adoring subjects
into Her presence in both Fairport and Brisker's Cove, the Empress
is advancing overland toward the northern apex of her journey, from
which She will travel south in alignment with the voyage of the
blue comet.
In accordance with divine will, the Empress and her entourage will
arrive in the Barony of Vornavis on Lormesta 31. Barring inclement
weather, Her Imperial Majesty will address the assembled citizens
of the Free Port of Solhaven upon the evening of Feastday, Fashanos
1.
Let there be rejoicing and celebration!
REPORTER'S INITIATIVE
Dateline 1/17/2003
With the arrival of the War of Nations, rumors are sure to be flying.
In order to keep fact straight from fiction, and to make sure everyone
has access to the facts, we at Simutronics are pleased to present
the Reporter's Initiative.
The GemStone News site will
be hosting information about the upcoming War of Nations. To demonstrate
how much we appreciate it when people give their time and effort
to make other people aware of events in Elanthia, we will be rewarding
people who write summaries of news events for the War of Nations
with small experience awards. These awards will be very much like
standard roleplaying experience awards: they will combine a small
amount of experience with a temporary multiplier to enhance your
experience gain. Joe Axe may be off smiting ogres while you participate
in a roleplaying event, but you could gain even more experience
than he does, and having twice the fun too!
Whenever something occurs related to the War of Nations, write
a summary of the event within 24 hours of the occurrence and submit
it through the GS3News website. The organizers of the website will
search through the submissions and select the two most detailed,
best-written summaries. Those two summaries will be edited for grammar
and spelling and then posted on the GS3News website, and then the
authors of those summaries will receive experience awards. What's
not to like about it? Nothing!
So, get out there! Keep your eyes open, your ears pricked, and
your pen ready, because the next War of Nations event, whether it's
big or small, could be right around the corner... and then you could
be the one sitting smug and happy with an experience award to boost
your learning and brighten your day.
NEWS FROM THE HUMAN EMPIRE: MAJESTY, GRACE AND
MIRACLE
Day 20 of Volnes, 5103
To celebrate over a decade of the reign of Her Imperial Majesty
the Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles, the king of the gods has sent
a sign of His approval -- a wondrous blue comet, displayed before
all eyes as a beacon of His will in the heavens above.
In humble acceptance of the will of the gods, Her Imperial Majesty
will embark upon a tour of all lands in the Turamzzyrian Empire
so that all citizens of the Empire may share in the blessing placed
upon her. As the comet travels from north to south through the sky,
Her Imperial Majesty will visit each of the duchies, earldoms, baronies,
and counties in turn. Her Imperial Majesty will meet in council
with the head of each of the noble families in the Empire, and She
will permit Herself to be viewed by the people of each of the capital
cities.
Prepare for celebration and revelry in the streets! A wondrous
time of great joy and blessing has come to the Turamzzyrian Empire!
NEWS FROM THE ELVEN NATIONS: THE BLUE RIDER RETURNS
Day 20 of Volnes, 5103
The Observatory in Ta'Illistim has noted the arrival of an interesting
astronomical phenomenon -- the Blue Rider, a large blue comet which
returns to the northern sky once every 1,047 years. Over the next
three months, the Blue Rider will continue to brighten as it travels
slowly from north to south across the heavens. Amateur astronomers
are invited to visit the Observatory in order to inspect the comet
more closely.
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