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.

November

In the month of November and December we ran a winter quest. The news and rumors of the quest are recorded here.

Friday, Nov 20,2020

Late in the afternoon, word was received from scouts that they had finally located the fugitive known as Ariana, the child-eater, and by the early evening, a woman in red stood upon the platform of the town square and bellowed the news. The busy din of the square hushed for a moment as the woman spoke further, calling for the seekers of justice and what is right to join her in bringing the fugitive back. Though not many volunteered, likely out of fear of the tainted magic possesses by the fey, those that rallied with the woman set off quickly towards the cave to Underhill.

The trek was long and winding, with numerous stops to search the area and check their bearings. Finally, they reached their destination: a cave with dark, decorated arches. The team entered carefully but to their surprise were met immediately with hostile dark fey! The battle ensued and the group pressed on, searching for their quarry. Each corridor held a new skirmish, and cries of the dark fey echoed down the halls and alerting others to arms.

Before long, shadows bounced from the walls and a child-like giggle could be heard amidst the clangs of metal and shouts, leading the party deeper and deeper and facing stronger foes. The woman in red leading the party fell before they could reach their quarry, a blast of dark magic taking her life. It was soon after this that the Queen of the Winter Court emerged.

With a demanding tone, she questioned the group and their reason to invade her home and attack her people. Corbin stepped forward to answer the queen, stating they came to retrieve the child-eater. When told they would not, he stressed that the Good Brother's reach was far and that it included all of Underhill. The enigmatic queen merely laughed and made it clear that Ariana was protected by the court and that no one else had dominion over her land.

The heroes left empty-handed, leaving the people of Evervale, once again, at the mercy of Ariana the Child-Eater.

Tuesday, Nov 17,2020

At the Red Festival, only one voice spoke out against a deafening wall of compliance: that of the well-known bard and clown, Myrddin Emyrs. Ever quick to silence those who would defy their cause, the Brotherhood had quickly arrested him and taken him into custody.

He was brought to trial and charged with the crimes of sedition, harboring criminals, and speaking falsehoods about the King. Amidst the poorly-timed jokes, attempts to juggle and sarcastic jabs the defendant made at the prosecution, Myrddin managed to claim, as his defense, ignorance of the laws of the land. When countered that ignorance was no defense, the clown managed to find snippets of clarity and spoke of Justice, of defending those without voice, and of failing in his effort to rouse the crowd to his side.

However, this was not enough to sway the perceptions of the prosecution. When Queen Caitria asked those of the public that gathered if any would speak for the man on trial, only one stood; the sheep known as Noemi. She claimed that confusion was likely the cause of the clown's poor judgements and that he had meant no harm. Myrddin quickly reassured her, and the court, that confusion was not the case.

Myrddin Emyrs was found guilty on all three counts charged and released into the custody of the Brotherhood. A red robed Brother escorted him quickly from the court, leaving the attendees solemn and quiet.

Sunday, Nov 15, 2020

*The population of Evervale seem to move in a wave of propoganda -- Traveler's have forgotten their time on Sanctuary prior to their arrival -- and Native memories also seem to have revert nearly 200 years to a time when the Thorn King was the religion of Cuivenen from Raeyithia and north. Only Andus has keep their memories of Acrab, but all other gods are lost to memory.

The lingering effects of the tranquility spell are beginning to fade, heads are clearing, but memories are gone. New travelers, which nearly all are again at this point, realize they have landed in a world where humans and the Thorn King are the dominant power -- magic is only allowed by the priests and non-humans are second class citizens who need to be very very careful

It is not surprising to find posts near the entrance to Underhill which include bounties on the heads of muiri and hoggur.

(This is the big event that starts our Winter Story Arc ... The people of Summer Isle seem to have lost all that they have gained in the last 70 years ... religious freedom is threatened and a human-first doctrine has been once again adopted. What will you do? Are you Muiri -- will you glamour and hide? Are you hoggur -- will you retreat to Underhill? Are you Aelfeyn -- will you try and pass as human? Or will a revolution build in secret - who can you trust?)

As dawn broke, waves of excitement radiated from the many residents of Evervale: the day of the Red Festival had arrived! Throughout the village, people hurried about, making last minute preparations and ensuring that all was in proper order. The festive atmosphere only grew as the day progressed, with food aplenty and robes of rich crimson handed out to the townsfolk.

By midafternoon, the festivities reached a crescendo at the arena, where Brother Thomas addressed those gathered. He gave thanks to the Good Brother, the one true god who looked over all who dwelled upon the island, and offered a prayer for his protection. But the festivities took a dark turn as a pixie was led from the nearby guardhouse in chains. Her crime, Brother Thomas explained to the onlookers, was the brutal and unprovoked attack against members of the brotherhood. While most largely accepted the explanation, one voice rang out in defiance of the order, that of the clown Myrddin, who stood between Brother Thomas and the captive. While he protested loudly, and repeatedly, the crowd remained unmoved, and red-robed guards stepped forward to bind him in chains, removing him from the archery pitch. Without further delay, Brother Thomas released the arrow from his bow, striking down the bound pixie for her crimes, but this was only the beginning.

A second captive was also brought forward, a centaur, bound similarly and charged with the worship of false gods. Clearly eager to avoid further protests from Myrddin, Brother Thomas felled the creature with a single arrow between the eyes. But he saved perhaps the worst transgressor for last, for no sooner had the centaur been slain than a third individual was brought forth: the child-eater Ariana, who had plagued Evervale for months. Though clearly troubled by her own childlike appearance, the crowd agreed that the law must be upheld, and Queen Caitria sentenced the creature to death. As Brother Thomas loosed his third arrow, something unexpected occurred, and before the arrow could hit its mark, the child-eater vanished, leaving behind a pile of sticks in her place. The Brotherhood scattered throughout the city, searching for the fugitive, while Myrrdin was taken away to await trial.

Later that eve, a murderous swarm of pixies descended upon the city to enact vengeance against their fallen sister, but they were hastily subdued by the faithful. Let this be a lesson to all who would foresake the true word of the Good Brother! Treachery shall be met swiftly, and retribution shall be absolute! For the Brotherhood!

Friday, Nov 13, 2020

Our heroes trapped on Summer Isle have been dazed and confused by what likely amounts to a very powerful spell cast by a full circle of practitioners - at the very least. At the minute after midnight this morning -- insult would be added to injury and a powerful mind wipe would descend upon the populous. Yet mind wipes are tricky spells, for the natural mind is complex -- this spell has been carefully crafted ....

(The spell will effect the last 200 years of memories of this world - but no other. Travelers will loose all memories back to the time of their arrival on this world. They will keep all prior memories, as well as any muscle memories or deep emotional memories and connects. So while you may not remember your new friends you've made since arriving you will feel the emotions of that friendship.

For natives, especially old ones, the spell is trickier -- all natives should report to Lara for personal instructions.

If you are unwilling to play with memory loss and have a valid reason why it would not affect your character, please DM Lara.)

Thursday, Nov 12, 2020

For those on the main land with missing friends, the story continues ... or rather no story continues. There is no information and no one has returned. Many attempts have been made to get onto the island and return information or contact those already believed to be there. The only item of note is that the mines of Andus have been collapsed, and no one has yet opened them up. Those of Andus are waiting to hear from Mithrandes on the topic.

For those on Summer Island, everything seems peaceful and they are anticipating a festival on Sunday. See the update for Wednesday evening below.

(OOC Info: The "effect" begins nearly immediately when someone sets foot upon Summer Isle. There are one or two pockets where the effect is slower -- contact Lara for details if you are attempting something. By 5 mins the effect is strong, by 30 mins the effect is nearly complete. Characters will feel lethargic, disoriented, generally unconcerned about issues, and open to suggestion -- otherwise they busy themselves working or watching the clouds go by.)

Wednesday, Nov 11, 2020

Those in Evervale pass the word that there is to be news of a Festival for Sunday announced this evening. The Red Festival has been greatly anticipated by those who are busily working in and around Evervale. More and more men and women in red have been seen -- it must be the new fashion! The crowds begin to gather early to socialize -- most not having much else to do.

(Status so far: If your character has gone to Evervale at any point since Monday -- they have forgotten their reason to leave and should still be on Evervale. This effect takes place quickly. The effect is similar to a mind-altering tranquilizer where people are open to exceptions and recent memories seems fuzzy. You are not obligated to have your character "go along" with the crowd, BUT, you should be prepared for the consequences. If you have questions, DM Lara. Additional roleplay updates from our players can be found in the #looking-for-role-play channel of our discord server.)

As evening fell last night, the townspeople of Evervale gathered at the town square, with palpable excitement in the air. At the appointed hour, a pair of red-robed individuals stepped upon the central dais, catching the attention of all gathered.

They spoke of the famine that had swept the land, as well as the plague, drawing sympathetic murmurs from the crowd. But the broad smiles returned as their speech turned to giving thanks to He who had led them safely through such hardships. In order to give proper thanks, a festival was to be held in the coming days - a Red Festival, to celebrate and give sacrifice.

Hands shot up and calls rang out as the people gathered quickly volunteered for the many tasks ahead, and the robed figures concluded the gathering with a prayer before the crowds dispersed, eager to make ready for the promised Festival.

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2020

As "no news" progresses into the second day, people at home become more worried. Search parties, primarily comprised of those who can magically travel, are sent to Evervale to search for the lost town folk and known heroes. When these scouts fail to return at all, the news is pushed up to the lords and rulers. A call goes out for a gathering of land based lords at the Fair Ground this evening.

(If you have gone Summer Isle/Evervale -- you will not be returning. A sense of over riding introspection and lazy regard infuse you. If this is your second day, you are no longer wondering what you forgot to do, but rather are becoming interested in the upcoming festival for Sunday everyone is speaking about.)

Late night urgency will spread in the cities of Caerleon and Andalstad as neither queen returned from the meetings at the fair grounds. Some report that they saw the Emlyn queen with two guards -- but no one can confirm that. Another dock hand reported seeing Queen Brea near the rune library in Andalstad. By the wee hours, the estates of Novochebay and Carigsay send word that their lords have not returned either.

Monday, Nov 9, 2020

The travel time from Summer Isle to Cuiveinen can be made relatively quickly, especially if one has access to magical travel. Concern has swept throughout most of the larger cities and towns, as friends and family have not returned home to the mainland. Its only a few people talking in the street as the late fall sun dips below the horizon, but as full dark approaches -- true worry is discussed in local watering holes. No one has returned from Summer Isle -- ALL day.

(Any who travel to Summer Isle forget why they needed to return to the main land of Cuiveinen -- all sense of urgency to leave the island quickly diminishes. Hunting trips to Underhill seem reasonable, but no player should "return" to the main land ICly once they've gone to Summer Isle. Expect new updates every day)

OOC Intro to Story Arc

We are in the process of developing a Winter Story Arc!

It will involve a whirlwind of fun plot developments that will allow everyone a chance to explore new aspects of their characters; time travel, mind wipes, evil magicians, oh my! The plot line will need nearly everyone to agree to play an Andal character, or by as of yet undefined means convert to the worship of the Thorn King. We are taking a page from the recent TV shows; Carnival Row & Cursed for our ideas.

Introduction posts will begin right away.
A newsletter regarding the Winter Story Arc goes out on Friday.
All players of NATIVE characters MUST DM me to get special information.
All players are STRONGLY requested to reach out and sign up to play on the Andal side of the storyline. You are welcome to DM me and pick my brain.

Read More

I've got a seer team ready to go! I need players willing to commit and play. Our plans are to have seer support during a US afternoon noonish, US Evening 8 pm-ish, and US Weekend 2pm ish. REACH out by DMing @Lara now!!

October

Week Two (RPCSS Turn 14)

The following notice is sent to all non-allied estates in Cuiveinen from Queen Brea of Midrvegr.

Whomever has the army bearing the mark of thistle knights is adviced to move their army immediately away from the estate of Westleeuw and back behind their own kingdom lines. We are advancing armies on that hexacre as we speak and will engage this army with in less then three days with the full support of the other armies in the area. There will be no further warning.

Week One (RPCSS Turn 13)

A Truce

Rumor has it that a truce has been declared between the Great Northern Army alliance of Midrvegr and Kraestret and that of the Avalon Accords of Emlyn. After what appeared to be a numerous attempts and failures to come to some agreement, the Dame Lara Ox, ambassador to Emlyn, was conscripted to handle the negotiations. The details of the truce are not public knowledge, but those in the know say that Kraestet will keep the Westleeuw estate, that a clear border between Emlyn, Kraestet and Raeyithia was drawn, 40 children of fostering age will be sent from Emlyn to Midrvegr to be fostered, and that bards and skalds are being call to witness an special battle who's details are not yet set. The truce is said to hold until the Winter Solstice.

Who is to be High Jarl

Not long after Queen Brea declared that Valaar would be named High Jarl, another of her Jarls, the Jottun Thoradin declared his challenge to this decision. As is traditional in Midrvegr, peace is not expected amoung the Jarls when the war arrow has not be cast. Consequently, the far eastern lords will turn their eye to internal battles for title, lands and glory. Who will back the newly named High Jarl, and who will stand with the Jottun for another outcome? Many look to Baene Thorstad, also a Jot, and the betrothed of Brea ... who was not named High Jarl as tradition typically dictates, who will he support?

Rumors put to Rest, sort of..

There's been a gentle calm washed over Raeyithia's Kingdom. Queen Lilitu and her daughter Princess Leilani Rose have been dormant from the public eye for some time, just emerging the other day for public assembly of Royal Courte.

She announced the reception of Brightwell in Raeyithia's borders once more gaining control from the release of Emlyn upon negotiations.

The promise of a ball at the end of the Month has been revised to an intimate gathering of mystery and thrill!

A discussion of the reformation of the alliance "Order of the Sacred Rose" was announced. Wanting a more cohesive Order for the people in the kingdom as a whole.

Although it wasn't an official announcement and not real details were given, the Guardian Lilitu did touch lightly on the subject of gossip revolving around King Julian and her self, revealing a vague truth to her kingndom and people and those gathered from the mainland.

September

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.

All criminal slaves will be accounted for, their original crimes reviewed, and where if necessary, they will be returned to their seven year sentences.
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.
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?

News and Rumors

From Sanctuary Shard

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