News and Rumors

News and Rumors are posted on a weekly basis by Alliance and Estate Leaders on the wiki. Other rumors generated from actions done in RPCSS is added to the in-game town crier and sent via the in-game postal system. Upcoming events can be found on the Message of the Day (.motd) in game. Further there is a #looking-for-role-play channel in our Discord Server. We encourage you to use the information provide in your role-play as this information is readily accessible to any one.

July 2020

Week One (RPCSS Turn 5)

Shad'ahan

The ruler of Andus, who sits in the Palace of Shad'ahan mysteriously disappeared from the palace. Her attendants and guards have been very hush-hush on what has happened and no real news is available. It is reported that the other estate owners have been gathering to discuss what is to be done if the Queen does not return in a timely manner.

June 2020

Week Five (RPCSS Turn 4)

Midrvegr Summer solstice

On the 28th of June Queen Brea Wynne Wistari held a great feast in Midrvegr. All who attended where seen leaving her hall with less clothing then they arrived in or very merry. But they had reason to Celebrate, sacrifice was provided by Gallad the last knight of the Thorn king. He was hung at the tree and many where given the opportunity to place a spear into his body. The fist being Lady Victoria Rose who made sure he felt every inch of the wood in his body.

The Second being a lone Searess who had gained Brea's permission to use his blood to gain a chance to see into the future.These reading have been kept private to those who must know what lays ahead. Seeing as for now the threat has fallen celebration was indeed called for and the great feast hall was over run with joyous crowds. Making the Midrvegr Solstice ritual something to talk about for a long time to come.

Unease at Meissa

Visitors to the Great Library of Andus have noticed a much larger military presence in the Meissa region. Ordinarily protected by a small contingent of guards, which are largely ceremonial, the Library and surrounding region now have several camps of armed militia cropping up. Citing several threats against the Library and her own person, the Library's Headmistress has recruited local fighting men to help protect the world's greatest storehouse of knowledge. The Headmistress herself is rarely seen nowadays.

Week Four (RPCSS Turn 3)

Carigsay

The populace of Carigsay seems on edge this week, as news reached them from Tarasinau of their lord falling in battle, receiving grievous injury at the hands of the false prophet, Gallad Farseer. While Lord Taelarys' survival was not immediately assured, the care he received at the hands of Guardian Lilitu and Emlyn's own hearthmistress, Maeve Ellis, allowed a speedy recovery. Some are even murmuring that his draconic heritage helped speed his healing along, though this remains unconfirmed.

As such, Carigsay officially sent word denouncing the actions of Farseer, and supporting Midrvegr's imprisonment and subsequent execution of the man. While the city remains a monument to Cernunnos, officials state that all faiths are welcome, provided they do no harm to others in their practice.

Tarafeyn

The capital is a buzz as summer swells in heat with balmy breezes in the capital of Raeyithia, Tarasinau. Festivals have been on going the last three days in Tarfeyn in honor of the return of the Hearth Mother, Elliana. She was gone missing - later to be understood - kidnapped by the Unholy Knight Gallad, Preacher of the Thorn King.

It has been a subtle detail for quite some time that the Guardian Lilitu was germinating a seed, but on the eve of Solstice it is said there was a sudden growth spurt, and Lilitu looks about ready to bare her child. Preparations are being made by the temple and holy grounds where weeks ago one of the Great Trees of Tarafeyn died, poisoned by enchantment. Midwives and Priestess have been smudging the area with burning sage, sprinkling salt over the consecrated ground as a barrier to ward off evil.

Week Three (RPCSS Turn 2)

Meeting of the Council of Emlyn

A public meeting of the council of Emlyn was convened on order of the King, Cynric Degenhard. Cynric was not in attendance however, and his councilor Aradel, a long standing Aelfeyn advisor under both Damien and Nyre, sat in the Regent's chair. After convening the council, Aradel shared with the estate holders and public that Cynric Degenhard had left earlier that day on a quest for a mysterious object of unknown purpose or power. With relatively little warning, Aradel was asked to convene the council and elect a regent. With only three voting members of the council left, Taelarys, Maeve and Aradel elected Aradel as the succeeding regent.

The discussion soon moved to the rumors of war emanating from Midrvegr. The council unanimously agreed to withstand the brunt of any assault by Brea's forces and to stand as mighty bulwark should war be brought to their lands. Aradel could be heard defending Brea's virtue despite her hawkish tendencies, to the shock of some attendees.

Tarasinau

Word of mouth spread quickly of Raeyithia's first royal assembly in court. Many gathered, even from other kingdoms, to hear what the Guardian Lilitu had to say. Calling the Hearth Mother, Elliana, to her side as close council, she explained to those gathered of a terrible enchantment, a pestilence upon the Great Trees of Tarasinau and possibly further. Broken shards of dark crystals were found at the base of each afflicted tree, among roots so twisted and black that the very trunks were rotting away.

After informing those present of the recent tragedy, Lilitu made a plea to those gathered for aid, knowing that this was beyond her own means to remedy. The Heroes were quick to lend their aid, setting out to purge the blighted trees on the outskirts of Tarasinau. Serving as guardians to each tree, swarms of corrupted fairy dragons attacked any who drew near, but were similarly dispatched with fire and steel.

But this was not the last to be heard of the fairy dragons, for not a day later word spread of a messenger arriving in Tarasinau. Upon his arrival, he sought the Guardian and Hearth Mother, explaining to them that he was the Dragon Keeper, and that he had been the former charge of the corrupted fairy dragons. While he was saddened by their ultimate fate, he assured the gathered Heroes that all was not lost, for hope remained. Ever esoteric, he lead the group on a treacherous path into the centermost region of Underhill, where several nests of fairy dragon eggs lay dangerously close to the encroaching lava.

The heroes gathered the eggs, carefully transporting them to an underground cave, nestling them among thick mats of lily pads. And not a moment too soon! For the eggs, no longer in distress at the unbearable heat, began to crack, and the cave echoed with the cries of dragon hatchlings.

Though some remain curious as to the Guardian's sudden departure, most were overwhelmed by witnessing the new generation of fairy dragons born anew. It is rumored that the great gold dragon and the hearth mother herself left with bonded hatchlings, though both have remained rather secretive regarding the matter.

Week Two (RPCSS Turn 1)

Shad'ahan

Sylise has been absent from the world stage for two weeks, sparking concern and questions from the populace: Did she abandon us? Was she kidnapped? Perhaps she's given up and is just soaking up the glory of the title and estate. Why are the attendants covering for her? But I saw her! She was fighting the drakes not long ago. And it goes on....

However, Sylise has remained within Shad'ahan but cloistered safely from curious eyes - save one elderly Shadiyan woman. It is said the elderly woman is a midwife and has been bringing food and many bucketfuls of water to the Herald while keeping others out and away with stern maternal demeanor and a voice that commands obedience. Reports say the Herald is recovering from her ordeal and is fine, apart from a somber mood.

Tragedy in Tarasinau

The city of Tarasinau is still reeling from yesterday’s events, with discussion of little else on the lips of the populace.

The day started quietly, with Guardian Lilitu making her way through the fields, tending the crops as they swayed in the summer breeze. But the peace of the morning shifted to an uneasy quiet, and townspeople soon reported feelings of dread, some even breaking out in rashes and boils!

News quickly spread, and heroes gathered at the hearth, defending it against diseased animals and tiny, vicious dragons. As the corrupted animals thinned, the heroes set out to find the tree to which Lilitu had bound herself; to their horror, it too was diseased and poisoned by enchantment. Lady Kitty, head of the City Guard was seen attacking the tainted tree, only to be thrown back by its thrashing limbs. As Lilitu and Caelestia, Lady of Raedoria, were drawn into the entangling roots, Caelestia called out for the goddess Mebh, causing the tree to recoil and release them. But the damage to the tree was too great to undo, and a combination of iron and fire rendered it to smoldering ash.

It was Cicily of Novochebay who noticed a connection to the clues left behind, and opened a portal to her city for answers. There, Dia rapped into the crystal formations left behind. A metallic echo bellowed to those present, sending them to seek a Great Tree. The heroes then traveled to Raedoria, whose Tree bestowed upon them a vision of what may come.

Upon their return to Tarasinau, the Guardian was escorted to the castle by a large golden dragon, who had been seen fiercely protecting her throughout the day. Only time will tell what lies in store for Raeyithia, if not the entire continent, and our heroes have a great deal of work ahead of them.

~A letter arrives from the Guardian of Raeyithia, sent to every Estate and known Forte in the Mainland. Messengers dispatched with request for assembly in Tarafeyn Royal Courte. Saturday, June 13th at 2pm EST~

Week One

Carigsay

The rhythm of hammers and saws upon wood echo from the mountain of Carigsay, as the horselord Jhasato makes good on his end of the bargain to mount ballistas to use against the dragon Abraxes. While some citizens heeded his order to evacuate, others stayed behind, willing to fight for the lives they've made, and assisted in preparations. The work came to an uneasy halt as great wings blotted out the sun, and dragons soared overhead. What was once feared to be agents of Abraxes were actually dragons from Emlyn, led by a large golden male. The dragon and the horselord retreated to discuss secret matters, the details of which they remained mum on, but upon their return, both began renewed work to prepare the city, with the dragons lifting the mighty weapons into place upon the towers. Even without knowing the agreement made, the townspeople seemed visibly relieved to see allies in these troubling times.

Molvernia

The Hunters of the North have been busy, especially in the region of Molvernia, stock piling the ice rooms under the fort with wild game. Yet they can not live on meat alone. The hunters have been moving south to explore more deeply the forests and fields looking for places that have grains and fruits. Led by Skorgi, scouting parties have been ranging further and further into neighboring estates lands. Trade alone will not feed the North.

Port Leon

After a rumor went out that the Lord of Raedoria was gathering forces to check on the well-being of Emlyn, who's dragon leadership had seemingly disappeared, a crowd gathered at Raedoria castle. Sure enough, the Lord of Raedoria, Cynric Degenhard, was advocating a march ahead of small column of forces directly to Port Leon to establish whether the uneasy peace between dragon overlord and human knights had been broken. Some voices raised alarm at the idea of an armed incursion to assure the peace, among them the Queen of Kraestret, but all present agreed to go to witness the proceedings.

Upon arrival, the city was in chaos, the knights of Port Leon, chaffing under draconic rule, attempting to dislodge the dragons from the city. Fires burned but a dragon, Taelarys, was seen leading Cynric's group through the city to the throne room of Emlyn's capital. On the way, a loud burst of sound was heard and the dragons of the city appeared to be losing their ground to the knights. Upon arriving in the Arcanium, apparently the crystal housed in a stone behind the throne of Emlyn, the group learned that the place had been visited by a figure, wreathed in light and bearing a great sword, who had plunged his weapon into the stone of the Arcanium.

After some hesitation, the dragon leading the group into the castle deduced that Cynric may be the one called to pull the sword, owing to Cynric having sensed the distress of the city from as far as Raedoria. Cynric proceed to pull the sword out with one swoop, during which a great light burst forth from the sword and the stone. The voice announced the ending of the time of dragons and the ascendancy of man in Port Leon. In fact it announced the city the "City of Man" and that Cynric was it's king. No one knows to who this voice belonged. Perhaps a god that had replaced Io as the patron of the city?

Soon after, the party retrieved a great horn resting in the boughs of a tree, rumored to be the horn of a great god of man. The horn was used by Cynric to signal the arrival of a human sovereign to the city, ending hostilities with the dragons. Taelarys was granted protection for his recognition of the will of the Gods to exchange the city to humanities hands. In return, he was followed by the rest of the dragons out of Port Leon and given land in Emlyn to call their own instead of facing annihilation. Cynric promised to give them his aid and protection, upsetting some of the formerly occupied humans.

Much has happened but much abides. Humanity now rules Emlyn and the knights appear primed to shake the balance of power in the land.

A Caravan from Tarafeyn

A caravan of guards, herders and scouts was seen leaving Tarafeyn under the cover of night. The pack-mules were strapped with large loads of lumber, making a trail to the gates of Carigsy.

As the city of Tarafeyn recovered from the drake attacks, things seemed to be getting back to normal on the surface. With summer rolling in on a warm breeze, street fairs and festivals were a daily occurrence with parading street performers.

The last of repairs were being made on the castle and defenses, along with gates, were being reinforced.

It wouldn't be a surprise to hear a hum near the fields of the south gate, bee keepers were tending to the little honey workers, keeping Tara's mead stocked for export!

Infirmary at Meissa

Darkmane stands in the infirmary at Meissa, looking around at those he had left to destroy the idol without him. Embarrassed and dis-honoured, he swears to Queen Daciana, that he shall seek the best healers he can find, returning with haste.

Around the Hearthfire in Tarasinau, he sits with Guardian Lilitu and Lady Elliana, known for their healing abilities, convincing them to travel with him to Meissa and lend assistance.

May, 2020

Kraestret, week of May 24-31

• Queen Daciana and Lord Skorgi spent most of the beginning of the week, along with the city guard, trying to rid the streets of Drokkburg of the seemingly unending waves of drakes, that seemed determined to overtake the temple. Unfortunately, at least one seems to have made it to their goal...

• With the drakes finally having receded, the streets hum with the sounds of hammer and saw and chisel, as repairs are set in motion.

• Likewise on the docks, activity is high: shipments of both fresh and preserved meats bound for Midrvegr; and shipments of wood from Drokkburg along with the through-going shipments of lumber from Estervern both bound for Carigsay.

• After the calamity of the false idol, neither the Queen or Lord Molvernia have been seen in town; rumor has it that they wewre whisked away to Meissa and there remained for the moment.

• Whispers run rampant as always. Some speak of the Lord of Estervern, either coming to court the Queen, or alternately to scold her for something. Others mutter about the Queen rather being suddenly enamored of Raedoria or its newly appointed Lord. There is an undercurrent of righteous fury, however, any time Midrvegr or Queen Brea are mentioned, on their behalf.

May 30, 2020

An urgent call rose up from Drokkburg; the people of the city abuzz with a dark and unpleasant energy greeted the heroes as they convened on the Drokkburg temple. Within they found the head priest, his hand badly burned, gibbering in distress; the likeness of Yrsa-as-Hel had at some point during the drake invasion been replaced by an evil idol to Abraxes upon the Arcanum Crystal! In a flurry, the heroes ventured to the Great Library of Meissa, and there learned of a tale concerning a similar occurrence in history, and were finally given a shred of hope. In the possession of the king of the Jotunn, a race of giants, was Thordenheim's Hammer, which might have the power to destroy such a false idol. But, according to the tale, great sacrifices would be needed in order to win the Hammer from them: the rarest fur, the finest mead, an epic tale, and 'the fairest slave-girl in the land' to entertain the King of the Jotunn.

Thus began a whirlwind dash across the lands, gathering what was needed; a rare tiger pelt from the throne of Andus, the sweetest mead Tarasinau had to offer, and then the party voyaged to Andalstad to beg help of Queen Brea on the matter of the slave-girl, it having been decided that a Northern slave would be more to the liking of the Jotunn King than one of those of the Southern deserts.

This, dear readers, is where plans went awry; owing to a vow to see none of her slaves tortured, Queen Brea offered herself into bondage, to be given to the Jotunn as his gift, much to the horror of all those assembled. In the end, it proved the best move they could have made, for it was only the temptation of knowing her station and heritage that brought the giant King to agree to the trade. The exchange was made, and with heavy hearts amid vows of rescue, the heroes returned to Drokkburg to remove the false idol from the Arcanum Crystal.

Though ultimately successful, the cost was beyond heavy, and rumors abound that several of those present had to be rushed to Meissa once more seeking the urgent aid of the healers there...

May 27, 2020

The Drakes, in service to Abraxes, seem to have been called away -- did they simply suffer to much at the hands of our heroes or is Abraxes planning something new? We don't know, but the numbers in the city have seriously dwindled.

May 24, 2020

Once more, the estate holders of Cuiviénen convened at the fairgrounds, this time with few thoughts besides the threat of Abraxes. Queen Daciana of Drokkwald and Khal Jhasato of Carigsay relayed the events of the previous night, stirring those present into a whirlwind of queries and speculation as to the great dragon's motivations.

While his end goal remains unclear, at least some rumors were put to rest, as Queen Nyre of Caerleon assured all present the dragons of her lands were in no way connected to Abraxes, for her city had suffered the same attacks as the others. Without a way to ascertain his motives, the discussion soon turned to how to stop him instead, with multiple suggestions bandied about, from hunting down his nest, to waiting and facing the attacks as they came.

It was not until Baene Thorrstad spoke of holding a festival to draw Abraxes out, did a light of hope seem to shine on our heroes. It was his hope that celebrating the two world dragons, Ancalagon the Black and Jormungandr, would pique Abraxes' jealous rage and draw him out of hiding. But where to hold such a dangerous mission? Khal Jhasato suggested his own city of Carigsay, asserting that its remote location would hopefully prevent any collateral damage. Other estate owners quickly volunteered for the tasks at hand: either supplying wood for the great ballistas to bring down the creature, or offering room for the civilians that must be ushered from the city.

With a plan in place, the meeting drew to a close, each hero returning to their homelands, with the understanding they could very well meet their dooms within a week, but with the hopes they would rid the land of this menace once and for all.

May 23, 2020

Our heroes gather in Al'Shadiya supposedly to deal with the Abraxes threat. It would not take long before they realized that the organizer of the event hadn't shown. They began discussions, bring others up to speed as to what had been happening, when the wind began to blow. It would not be long before the wind resolved into the whomp-whomp of great leathery wings. A dragon as large as the palace itself would land on the roof and bathe the royal residence in fire. Our heroes, clearly unable to fight such a great beast with but a handful of soldiers began to consider their options.

The sky darkened as other dragon minions set fire to the city, and landed in the streets to confront our heroes. The great black dragon would set the market square and trade hall on fire. Quick thinking would have a fire brigand organized and the lesser drakes and the roaring fires would be brought under control. The great dragon took to the skies with a mocking cry of laughter.

But the attack did not end there, for all of the five great cities were attacked, and drakes even now continue to land and harry villagers and farm animals. What will be done to push this incursion back?!

May 4th

East Meets West ... and changes places

It has been long months of civil and martial unrest all over the mainland. Changes were bound to happen. When attacks from the northern borders in Emlyn overwhelm the Knights of the Black Lion, they turn to their allies, the Dragons of Miðrvegr. The dragons were able to help stabilize the kingdom, and when the Knight Reagent, and his inner circle, went missing Queen Nyre stepped in to lead the ancient stone citadel. One might think that she would have tried to keep control of both Emlyn and Miðrvegr but the Dragon Queen must have found something more suited to her tastes in the west. Was it all the stone or the rumors of underground treasure?

No one will likely know, for the last of the Emlyn knights, Mithril Moorbane and Lara Ox, left under cover of night. It would be a few week before the rumor of them would make it farther than a boy might go for a loaf of bread. When the finally surfaced it would be in the Miðrvegr capitol of Åndalstad. They were a voice of calm within the fiercely independent northerners, and some structure would remain intact.

They waited to hear word from either Queen Daciana or the intrepid Daliya Morskaia of Valdrdómr. Rumors say that Queen Daciana was forced to flee the capital and trying to run the kingdom from a remote estate. It would be more long weeks before Daliya, having left by sea to find her beloved commander Audolfr, would herself wash up on the shores of Åndalstad, right at the very feet of two people she never expected to find in her homeland.

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