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.

September

Week Four (RPCSS Turn 12)

pending

Week Three (RPCSS Turn 11)

Nobles return to Raeyithia

After the Autumn Equinox Festival, the weather has recently become more tolerable and the Nobles have returned home to Raeyithia. Samurai Asajiro was put in charge of the Gatekeeper of Golmeuse and Varamyr was given the Fort Essendell to look over. Yesterday was a ceremony at the Kingdom's Royal Courte in Tarafeyn Castle. The Guardian Lilitu made a blood Oath and named Asajiro as Champion of Raeyithia, should war ever call upon a Champion, Asajiro would be the Hero. Varamyr was named Hand of the Queen and Warden of the Forests.

With each estate in Raeyithia's traditional borders under control, it is no wonder rumors' have been spreading like wildfire that The Guardian is looking west for the next turn of adventure.

Week Two

What in the World

The words flowed from the mouth of Lara Ox, Knight of Midrevar and frustrated scholar, freely at a meeting today. Her topic was the recent events that are going on in our world. She did her best to be fair and impartial, as a member of the Great Northern Army. However, some things had to be taken with “a grain of salt.”

Several hot topics were discussed. Such starting out was that the post office is hiring reporters! Have a knack for the written word? Contact Lara Ox for further details!

So what exactly, in the world of Sanctuary is going on? We're currently in the middle of our Quarterly festival. The entire world of Sanctuary takes part in these festivals. We celebrate the “cross quarter days”, which is two equinox and two solstices. The Central fair grounds is a traditional location for these festivals, but they do move around. The Summer festival was held in Andalstad.

There is usually some degree of competition for where the festivals are held. Sometimes it's won by the group willing to do the work of arranging it. Sometimes it's just the Kingdom that has the guts and balls to enforce their right to hold the festival. When no one 'wins' this competition, events can happen all over the various kingdoms.

This festival is being held at the Fair Grounds, a central and neutral location just northwest of Raedoria. For those interested in taking part in the festival, any wagon driver can take you to the Fair Grounds.

Lara's next topic was that of a Heat Wave, that has driven the nobles from their homes on the main land to Summer Isle. Last year it was unexpected storms, which brought the conversation around to the issue of Abraxes.

Abraxes is a great, black crystal dragon that was the cause of the storms last winter, and is believed to be the cause of the heat wave now. He showed up in Sanctuary about Yuletide of last year. He has been fought dozens of times and no one is close to defeating him. However, the study of Abraxes has lead to many great strides in the studies of Magic, something that has not been done in almost a century in Sanctuary. Defeating him has been nothing but attempts and the ideas to defeat him...well, let us just conclude that they aren't the best.

And finally, the topic that makes this reporter -very excited-, was at that of the war between the east and the west. It is by far, the most crucial of elements to our world politics today. The armies of Kraestret and Midrvgr are intending on making war with the kingdom of Emlyn. While the Kingdom of Raeyithia has stood nutral and hasn't chosen a side, the Kingdom of Andus has been reported with siding with Emlyn.

There has so far, been nothing but a skirmish or two over the lands of Westleeuw, but after the festival, it is suspected that war will ensue.

There was an explanation included, about how to get an Estate. The answer was rather simple. Many elements come into play, such as a persons loyalty, dedication and available. Then there must be an estate available to be granted. Unless a Ruler is absolutely desperate, the best of the 'lot' will be selected. Leaders who are not as dedicated or available, will find their appointments given to others.

As for rumors, there were several rather delightfully juicy ones mentioned today. One of them, might be just as to who Queen Lilitu takes to with her to bed...Because those things do often go hand in hand. This reporter, certainly wants to know!

Week One

As the cycle of life moves on

News passes from the mainland to Summer Isle as the heat wave begins to end. The harvest has been gathered and the soliders are returning to their posts as were previously assigned. Queen Daciana and Skorgi have retired from public life to their estate, Izvorul, south of the city of Drokkburg. The rulership of Kraestret has been passed to Julian Isenhart who is said to be crowned king in the coming weeks. The Grand Vizier of Andus, Tyrseus is said to have received urgent news regarding his family on the isle of Thule. He bid his closest friends goodbye and set off on a trecherous journey. He is also not expected to return anytime soon, the kingdom council begins its search for new leadership.

August 2020

Week Four

A Regent in Kraestret is Named

Word is sent from Queen Daciana of Kraestrat that she and Lord Skorgi of Dornear will be summering elsewhere for personal and political reasons and that Julian Isenhart of Molvernia will be acting Regent until the next festival. It is commonly beleived that Queen Brea of Midrvegr carries more details and a private message for Jullian.

Druidry Refound

Rumors circulate in the magical community that the lost art of Druidry will return to the world. History suggests that the magical ley lines that allow for the Druid art were diverted more than a thousand years ago by the Thorn King Priests attempting to align the magic with their own religious site. As such, Druidry was transformed into what was known as Spellweaving and perverted so badly that the dragons, Ancalagon and Jormungander took the power form the people. Its been at least 80 years since Spellweaving was truly a magical art. What caused these rumors to start? Do they hold any merit? Is it the birth of the Raeyithia princess, a native wood spirit, born of its traveler and dryad mother and queen? None really know what drives the portents but will this be the key they all need to send Abraxes packing and stabilize the mainland weather?

An unexpected heat wave

Storms crossed the continent of Cuiveinen continually over the last few days finally bringing an unexpected heat wave. Is this the work of Abraxes, our dragon nemesis, or simply an unfortunate weather effect. As has happened in the past when such conditions occurred the nobles of Cuiveinen escape to the cooler and more stable weather of Summer Isle and the peaceful boroughs of Evervale. In addition, the harvest is just around the corner, and by mutual agreement, all soldiers are released home to their farms and estates to assure the people of the mainland that there will be food for the coming harvest.

((We will be taking a month-long siesta from RPCSS and Mainland (Cuiveinen) role-play and focusing our role-play energies into Evervale that we might all welcome our new batch of arrivals and allow parents to negotiate the challenges of school starting. RPCSS will be taken offline, and kingdom stories will be hosted on Summer Isle instead of in their individual mainland kingdoms.))

Week Three

Westleeuw Re-taken

Rumors of a battle for the estate of Westleeuw begin to spread with the news of a victory for the Lady Regent's forces. Once again the royal banners of Emlyn fly from Westleeuw's walls. During a recent royal court the Lady Regent quickly established Lord Jadan Va'Renn of Brekka as protector of the estate.

Once and again a slave

“The one whose hand is in fire is not like the one whose hand is in water.”

Social change is rarely simple nor easy. Those who are subjugated are not able to walk in the shoes of their oppressors - either figuratively or literally. The recent upheaval in Andus is such a situation. Recent investigation reveals a ring of Andal slavers who have been illegally targeting non-humans has been in operation for decades. Their crimes are horrific and include the whole sale enslavement of non-humans for no reason other then they are not human, pejorative treatment that exceeds the punishment allotted by law, the separation of families and the refusal of a slave’s basic right to eventual freedom under Andus law.

Our Grand Vizier, and his company of rebels acted without forethought yet with inspiration. Surely, this illegal slave ring would have been discovered under the careful hand of Protector Sylise, but her bout of lengthy illness allowed the slave ring to become bold. Quick and decisive action brought justice and unfortunately chaos.

Our people have a tradition of slavery — a tradition of upholding the “legal and spiritual personhood” of those who are taking another turn on the wheel. When all slaves were released as part of the uprising it cataloged the value of our practices and highlighted the superior manner in which Andus deals with criminals and those who Acrab has placed into our care.

It has been five long weeks as our priests and leadership scour the archives for understanding, debate law and tradition, and finally and truly bring the true criminals to justice. It is with great pleasure that I announce the following changes to our Enlightened Leader’s rule.

1. All criminal slaves will be accounted for, their original crimes reviewed, and where if necessary, they will be returned to their seven year sentences.
2. All born slaves will also be accounted for, their own purchase prices reviewed and granted their freedom where it has been earned or returned to their masters where they might, should they wish, continue to purchase their freedom as Acrab so wills it.
3. All prisoners of war will be documented and their homes contacted to arrange ransom or exchange.

We stand proudly along side all people of Andus under the gaze of the three, and thank those of our middle and noble class for reaching out to any slave who was unfairly enslaved and offering them free apprenticeship within local guilds or households.

Week One (RPCSS Turn 9)

Failed Raid near Brighwell

A raid has occurred near Brighwell that ended poorly for the attackers. During a nighttime assault on the manor house, a local shepherd boy roused from sleep as his flock stirred nervously. Spying the would be assailants, the boy took off and warned the manor lord in time to fortify their position. The raiders tried in vain to pry their way into the house, but a sudden storm was the final sign of a failed attempt and the attackers, suffering a few causalities they carried away with them, fled into the night. (Contact Ovadya|Ethan in discord if you wish to pursue this line of RP)

A Raid near Dornear

News remains quiet out of Dornear, but rumors appear in Evervale that a manor belonging to the Dornear region was raided and the entire estate's family and retainers missing. Gold and a few valuable resources were also said to be missing. Little evidence remains to point at the culprits. While no official acknowledgement has been forth coming, the rumors swirl as to the sudden commencement of so much raiding in the world. Who could be next? (Contact Ovadya|Ethan in discord if you wish to pursue this line of RP)

The Hospital, the Temple, and the Imaret

The city of al-Shadiya, rocked by two major bouts of violence in the past month and a half, now turns to the arts of healing and prayer to mend its broken spirit. The Hospital of al-Shadiya, headed by the head tabib Ovadya al-Shaanan, opened not long after the turmoil began. It's rumored to have helped cure the Vizier of poisoning and lent assistance to both Brea of Midrvegr and Maeve of Emlyn in their time of need. It continues to offer healing services supported by Tyrseus and the palace.

Likewise, a new temple has opened in al-Shadiya: The House of the Sun, the Moon, the Starry Sky. It is headed by the esteemed priestess Qheela Aslani, tirelessly dedicating the actions of the temple toward charity to the poor and honoring the Acrab, Cassia, and Hekanani. Many have flocked to her temple in search of aid and respite, including the attentions of a woman of remarkable grace seen frequenting the temple of late.

Lastly, the hospital of al-Shadiya has sponsored the opening of an alms kitchen, known locally as an imaret, in al-Shadiya next to the hospital itself. While ostensibly supported through the vizier and donations to the hospital, the kitchen is likewise supported by selling gahwa to the public at large as well. Eskewing the deep fabrics and cushioned seats traditional of the rest of the city, the gahwa house is unusual for employing the use of wooden chairs and high tables: perhaps a sign of the tabib's more ascetic style?

July 2020

Week Four (RPCSS Turn 8)

Abraxes in Andus: A Sign of Divinity

After the fall of the slaver regime in al-Shadiya, the remnants of those defeated escaped into the deep desert to raid and bide their time. Through a vision received both by Maeve, Regent of Emlyn, and Qheela, Priestess of Andus, it became apparent that Abraxes would attempt to utilize these remnants to attack al-Shadiya in a bid to topple the new Vizier and develop a foothold in Cuiviénen.

Through the brave acts of heroes and the troops of Andus, the mixed army of raiders, slavers, and crystal abominations were thrown back after two separate and intense fights on the bridges to the west. Qheela lead the defense and rallied the heroes and soldiers onward into the desert to root out nests of crystalline horrors. While this band fought bravely, it was tracked by Abraxes, circling in the sky. The paladin Lara Ox was seen to accept custody of the crystal shards found at three separate camps, and secreted them away.

As the last camp fell, the dragon Abraxes encircled the heroes and prepared to wipe them out in retaliation. But before this could be completed, a vision of gods appeared in the desert! A man wearing read, wreathed in power, and a woman perfect purity stood on top of a mountain beside the city of al-Shadiya. They were seen to raise their hands and conjure a great sandstorm that drove off Abraxes and saved the heroes. This is the first great display of power by the Gods of Cuiviénen, will more follow?

Concerning the child in Cuige Uster

Last night our heroes found the body of a young girl who had been missing from the Cuige Ulster district in Evervale. Like the girl from Emlyn, this girl was found just inside the entrance to Underhill, in a shallow pool in the forward cave. The leadership of the borough took possession of the body, performed an autopsy and arranged a closed casket pyre on the folkmoot attended by all of the locals. Suspicion still follows the traveler Aianna as it is rumored she "found" the body. Autopsy results are expected to be given to both the Grey Rider and Queen Maeve of Emlyn later today.

Warding the Great Hall of Karrendal

Brea is said to have slept the entire afternoon, awakening only when the sounds of the city's children returning in droves to the long hall. She called for a young Svartalmane who has been in her company non stop since his arrival a week ago, lovers? friends? she has not seen fit to explain his situation to anyone. She is dressed in only the thinnest of robes as the hall is warm in the summer with hundreds of children, guards, and parents inside. She walks the outer edges of the hall from the lowest level to the highest peak. She moves slowly, praying and chanting. Whatever it is she is singing is familiar to all of those in the hall, for every child raises their voice along with her, the words sound Alvdalen. The Svartalmane walks by her side, holding her upright as she touches more than 80 bindrunes carved on the posts and beams of the hall. When she is done, nearly retching in exhaustion and her companion looking little better off, the doors of the hall are closed and barred.

Varðmaðr

Candlelight flickers in the upper floor of Andalstad's smithy, as a lone figure sits upon a balcony overlooking the street to the the great Long House. There is much speculation as to why Jarl Dokharr is here. Does he sit in vigil for the return of his Queen? Or does he watch over Brea's seat of power, defending it in her absence? What is known, he rarely leaves only on short trips to collect supplies, or to walk the perimeter of the great house.

An Interrogation Gone Wrong

Following the successful defense of Emlyn, Maeve and Lara agree to the reanimation of the witch of Abraxes in order to interrogate her. To power the ritual, Jadan of Brekka and Aianna Mhuir were tasked with a delicate job to help empower the ritual. Jadan is rumored to have approached it with some hesitancy while Aianna accomplished with gusto.

However, unknown to our heroes, the crystals recovered from Raeyithia and housed beneath Emlyn in the catacombs, were close by and the ward around them failing. As the magic of the ritual commenced and the interrogation proceeded, it was clear that both the witch and a darker voice spoke through the same person, responding concurrently. Little information was gleaned save that the crystals were precious to Abraxes for reasons the witched guessed as a "Fear of forgetting himself."

Soon after this information was gleamed, the ritual took a dark turn. Just as the ritual was completed, the power of the magics caused the warding of the crystals to fail, and they bobbed up to the surface of a pool where they had been stored, close to where the ritual took place. These crystals dissolved and disappeared, perhaps spent to fuel what came next. The witch in the center of the ritual blew up in a fiery display of hostile magic, severely injuring Brea and Maeve in the process. The witch was burned to a crisp and the ritual ended.

Abraxes Attacks Emlyn

What began as a mysterious storm that settled over the city quickly grew into a fight for survival for the defenders of Caerleon. The Regent, Maeve, marshaled the defense and repealed three separate attacks that originated from the sky. First, the west of the city was hit by a large ball of fire and invading enemies, then the southeast of the city. Fires were contained before any permanent damage was done. After these attempts, a powerful force of attempted to march down the center of the city and take down the defenders and the castle, but were repealed when Maeve ordered a counter attack by the knights of Emlyn.

Soon after the bonfire summoned the players to itself and warned of an intruder below the city. After scrying and other methods to locate what turned out to be a witch of Abraxes, the defenders quickly captured her. The catacombs were warded to defend against such intrusion and the witch was seen to be confused and lost below the city. After a successful suicide attempted, Lara OX was seen to bind the spirit to the body and a group of mages brought in to sustain the binding until a later time.

Brighwell and Essendal

Rumors of a raid on a minor noble family has been reported. The manor house is on the borders between Essendell and Brighwell. The raiders were said to have moved in quickly, giving the family little warning. The lord attempted to flee at the last moment, but the raiders were able to overtake them, and both the family, its retainers and their gold was captured. No one knows the fate of the family, and the raiders were seen heading off to the west. Is the family with them? Sent to the slave markets? Dishonored and killed on route? (Estate owners may contact Ovadya/Ethan in discord if you want to respond to this action.)

Week Three (RPCSS Turn 7)

From Brea

A politely worded notice will be delivered by messenger to each Estate Owner.

Dear Sir/Madam

We have, hopefully, reached a general accord as to what the reach of one lord's area of rightful law and obligation is -- those hexacres directly under their control. We have acknowledged any lord's right to enter into treaty with another to modify or expand upon that simple premise. We have agreed that it is a lord's right to determine and enforce the laws in their own lands. In short, we have made a great deal of progress. I applaud each of you for your part in these discussions.

There will be, I am sure, many more points that will come under consideration, but one I think must be addressed sooner rather than later. What if someone commits a crime within your borders but then flees to another's lands? What then is to be done or what if anything can we expect? We each come from a wide variety of worlds and a plethora of legal systems. Enclosed, you will find an introduction to one solution, the concept of wergeld. It is a simple concept and it is my hopes that it will serve as a possible solution -- easy to implement and with reduced need for courts and arbitrators.

I look forward to discussing this, or other proposals, at our regular gathering, mid-week.

Yours in service,
Brea Wynne Wistari
Queen of Midvegr

On the transitions in Emlyn

Three times in fewer months, the leadership of Emlyn has been thrown to a new regent, the stalwart Maeve Ennis, tender of the Hearth Home. Rumors abound of the unstable nature of the former Regent, Aradel Loren, who stepped down mysteriously after appearing in poor health. The knights and councilors, as well as the active estate holders, hold Maeve in high regard and look to support her in the face off with Emlyn's enemies. Soon after Aradel stepped down, Maeve granted Carigsay to him as custodian, though few have seen him outside the estate's bounds.

Tarafeyn Erects a Grove around Princess Leilani

Stones were being blessed and consecrated in the name of Druantia and Herne, building pillars representing the eight holy days in the year. Lilitu was seen praying, warding each pillar in clockwise fashion around the grove protecting her daughter Leilani. With the presence of the mystical stones in place, Princess Leilani had shown a swift growth spurt within the last week and almost over night as candles were brought by villagers to honor the young dryad princess.

Gossip is spreading with mirth as many who have come to bring gifts say they have heard gentle cooing and sometimes crying of an infant on the rustling leaves around the young tree.

Week Two (RPCSS Turn 6)

Turmoil in Andus

There appear to be two versions of this news spreading. The first is:

Decades, no, centuries, of oppression in Andus have been brought to an end! A coordinated uprising, spearheaded by slave-gladiators and a band of escaped slaves, swept through Al Shadiya this week. The heroes fought their way through the city, freeing slaves and bonded servants as they went. Slave masters and traders were executed for their crimes against the people, and any buildings that supported their hateful practices were destroyed. The Liberators were aided by warriors and benefactors from several other kingdoms, who will be honored by having their names etched on a stone displayed proudly above the throne of Andus. The uprising's leader, Tyrseus, has been ordained as Vizier of Andus with the approval of the people. May he rule with a fairer and more compassionate hand than the former "masters" of the city.

The second version is:

The feelings of uneasiness and unrest in Al Shadiya finally exploded into violence this week. "Discontented" slaves, probably spurred on by Al Shadiya's enemies, rose up in a bloody attack against the city's upstanding citizens. Innocent people all over the city were brutally murdered, and this beautiful jewel of a city was left bloodstained, ransacked, and burned. The mob's leader, a great brute of a minotaur, took the golden throne by force and now styles himself "Vizier". Those of us who escaped the city fear to return while the Usurper continues to terrorize our once-beautiful home.

Princess of Tarafeyn, Leilani! "Welcome to the World!"

A great hunt left Tarafeyn in bulk of venison and rabbit meat. Offering opportunity to host a giant feast inviting other kingdoms to join in the feast. Aianna the Brave helped usher in the peasants to the food line behind the stew bubbling with potatoes and sweet carrots feeding the hungry.

Cora Silverleaf entertained the villagers as they all broke bread, celebrating the season of the honey bee. She was seen doing acrobatic flips in the air flipping and twirling with ribbons about her, even gifting some of the colorful ribbons to patrons for good luck!

Amidst the feast, the Guardian had reported having contractions through out the morning, she actually gave birth with the aid of the midwife Aianna, and the encouragement of Cora, both making sure she was safe with the holy men and woman around the consecrated grounds before running off to share the details with those left at the feast.

Good News travels fast, as all come to see the new sapling being guarded at the hallowed grounds near the temple in Tarafeyn. It is said the Guardian has not left the saplings side as she wait's for her daughter the princess Leilani to emerge from her anchor in this world.

Week One (RPCSS Turn 5)

A Question of Law

At the fairgrounds there gathered a number of landed Lords and four of the five kingdom rulers to discuss just how far one's rule and law extended. The debate hinged between only as far as ones occupied hexacres or until its border met another's. There was no agreement reached but the topics ranged; who has jurisdiction if a crime is committed? Who is responsible if visitors are harmed within one's borders? Who has a claim on unoccupied estates? Some claim that might makes right and only the fittest survive. Others that we have a responsibility to all the people and lawlessness benefits no one.

As then gathering ended, a compromise was proposed for discussion and consideration. It is rumored that another discussion will be hosted this evening.

Celebration at the Tarafeyn Vineyard

This Saturday was enjoyed at the Vineyard giving dessert samples out to the villagers and party goers coming to try the new sweet wines and dessert meads. It was a quiet affair and the Guardian spent time with the Hearth Mother of Emlyn enjoying a calm evening.

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