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 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 treating with another to modify or expand upon those details. 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

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.

June 2020

Week Five (RPCSS Turn 4)

Brighwell

A curious orange glow was spotted illuminating the night sky, the dark clouds of the night being bathed in this peculiar light throughout the entire evening! The light, presumably coming from a fire in the Brighwell area, was accompanied by rolling black clouds giving prudence to the fire theory. A company of Emlish soldiers and militiamen were seen heading that way earlier in the day, reportedly to deal with the infestation of trolls and despots that had overrun the destitute keep. It cannot yet be determined if the assumed burning of Brighwell was intentional or not! The Emlish soldiers will certainly have to make amends for what damages they have wrought to the area if found to be true.

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.

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.

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