EFUA Gossip, Major Events, and Rumors (IC Knowledge)

[Talir]

The invasion began upon the brink of the night. Simultaneously coming from both the Inner Ruins to the Docks and arriving at the Ziggurat, the defenders quickly found them under siege as they held strong against the waves. After but a few encounters, the faint sensation that foretold the shield to be lifted ran through the city. As Vess spoke that the settlement was safe once more, Forgotten Templar Grimfael interrupted and called for all valorous men to join him in the march upon the Nightrisers below. A large group descended into the Sewers.

As the majority had gone below to find the enemy leaders, the Nightrisers managed to disrupt the shield through their High Warlock and launched another attack upon the city. Before they could reach it, defenders led by Grimfael ascended from the Sunken Enclave to hold the line while another group went after the Sub-Warden. Hours passed as the valiant adventurers fought off the dead, then the tell-tale notion of the shield being raised was felt once more and not long in its wake, the remaining group arrived with victory.

After months of battling the increased presence of the Nightrisers, the city had at last preserved once more and with the aid of the Conclave, ensured that few more such strikes would present themselves. In the very end, all set aside their differences to ensure an end to an enemy threatening them all.

[Gippy]

Two Sons of Sabuth, a man and a woman, charged into the colony under invisibility and subdued a number of people before being captured by the hand of Lord D'Erlon and Duke Trenada himself. Most think they were mad, but the cause of the madness is the talk of the town... Some say it was mist essence, others say a Nightrisen curse, and still more say that they'd go mad just trying to live in the docks.

They were executed privately, and their heads formed the backdrop for a well received speech by Duke Trenada.

[Talir]

During the late evening of Hammer the third, the Black Hundred alongside members of the Armada and volunteers set out to bring the fight to the Stewards of Ymph. During a steady pour of rain in the darkness of the early night, they moved with torches and oil to the a tree standing at the mouth of Wyldwater. Left unopposed to their work, they set fire to the ancient tree and left it to burn into an ashy husk. As they left their place of violation, rumours say they were beset by two Stewards fiercely fighting this attack upon their tended domain. Bested by the city's advantage in numbers, they were later brought back to the city in chains. It is also said that Orgerribbit struck the forces of civilization only later to have to retreat, but not before mortally wounding two citizens.

Upon the top of the Ziggurat the two dead captives were paraded and humiliated by Floud of the Black Hundred as the Duke elevated Captain Gull to nobility. Under the oath to deal with the enemies of the Dominion once and for all, the Captain took on the mantle of a Lord to the approval of his companions. Drinks were shared in Kingsman afterwards in celebration. While citizens praise Gull's efforts against the enemies of the Duchy and against the savages of nature that have deprived them of two nobles, many speak with unease about the rumours of demon worship as well as public cruelty perceived in the streets.

Another rumour passing from mouth to mouth is that of an unsuccessful goblin insurrection within Squatter's Den. While the details are sparse, it is said that a goblin fraction attempted to overthrow Chief Pogglit and change their settlement's stance towards the rest of the city.

[Talir]

Hammer the fifth brings a foreboding event as a demonic emissary appeared before the gates of the city. The emissary spoke on his master's behalf, the Marquis of the Seven Terrors, bringing the offer of helping the city with its enemies for the trade of two citizens every second day. Representing the city, Infantryman Eldridge firmly refused this bargain even as the demon went on to explain his master would then forcibly take what he craved from them instead. Two waves of demonic invaders wrought havoc upon the main gates, leaving the defenders weakened but holding. Although the Marquis appeared to taunt the defenders, he did not take part of the battle and was not seen in the aftermath.

Replacing the Infantrymen lost at the gates, a pair of militiamen nervously took post by the outer defenses and held them without further events for the day.

[Letsplayforfun]

Rumors of strange mountain nymphs, Oreads, known as Daughters of the Mountain have spread through the colony. Some say it's traveller's tales, others swear they have rested their eyes upon the mountain beauties.

Lead by Zeulisad Vohm, Conclave members set out to the mountains in search of nature's spirits. What truly happened is known only to those that ascended the mountain slopes this day, but the group that set out came back scattered: some in panic, some carrying bodies of their companions. Some claim the mountain spirits crumbled the mountain upon them in anger, others claim the oread's servants ambushed the party, while others stake the reviled wild sorcerer known as Toad claimed yet other victims.

Although far away from the settlement, people murmur that the spirits might yet come closer. Other point out that should the mountain paths be closed, the ore supplies will dwindle. People start looking at their neighbour for clues of them being charmed by the Oread, and suspicion rises. The common folks murmur about the law enforcer's lack of pursuit of the Toad. Some sneer -ever so discreetly - at the Conclave's failed expedition, while others fear what may come next.

Only time will tell, but the mountain peeks are now viewed from afar with more fear and wonder, and only the very brave or foolish dare tread it alone.

[DeputyCool]

The Duchy so long terrorized by the vicious and vile Orgeribbit the Wanton, rests a little safer knowing he has been slain. What enraptures the minds of the Duchy even more however is that this demonic, foul, fearsome little Toad who killed High Lords, Ordermen, and acquired magnificent power was not brought low by a mob, or by even a single almighty hero. Rather, his corpse was returned to the Duchy devoid of its usual menace by a single woman, the somewhat renowned merchant and artist Patrician Alize di Perugia.

Her unlikely victory has sent a whirlwind of talk amongst the populace. The story gets even wilder, according to the talk of the commoners. The enormous bounty on the beast, ten thousand coins, enough for a woman to live the rest of her life upon, was gifted in it's entirety to the Velvet Mask Establishment, a subsidiary of the Kingsman Inn. Patrons and Fans of the Arts hail Patrician di Perugia as the greatest thing to happen to the cultured community since the inception of Ymph as a Civilized Society.

Still, some have doubts. How could such a modest statured woman have brought low the Wanton Orgeribbit? Many step lightly, now, unsure of her seemingly overpowering cunning.

[wcsherry]

Hammer 15, 1377:

A stunned audience watches on as Lord Stenton personally executes his own son, and another Son of Sabuth atop the Ziggurat. It's said the Lord even wept openly after the execution, declaring a similar fate, no matter what the family name might be, to any that would dare defile the Duke's peace upon the Duchy.

Though cries of anguish and rage poured out from the docks, no violence was had this day. Tensions rise between the Docksmen and the Ziggurat, especially following news of Lord Gull's inquisition.

Peasants sharpen pitchforks, fishermen look to their gutting knives, and all too eager Sons of Sabuth mutter to one another, looking for some way to take revenge.

Peace is a fragile thing. None can be too sure how long this treaty will last. Some say it will endure, some say it won't last through the tenday.

One thing is for certain, however, merchants and dealers of weaponry are seeing sky high profits as the moon begins to rise into the evening sky, and night falls upon yet another chaotic day in the Duchy.

[Letsplayforfun]

The Daughters of the Mountain and their dreaded Mother are no more. The mountains of Mist now seem as quiet as may be for the wary traveller.

Story tells of slaves freed from the spirit’s charms that stormed the mountain for revenge. As the rumor grows from telling to telling, it is told mighty savage barbarians fought their way all to the mountain tops, fighting of hordes of enslaved creatures, avoiding landslides and deadly magic. Little is known on how the witches truly met their demise, but one can only admire the courage of those who dared meet the creatures into their realm, or wonder at their folly.

The common man can only be glad such threat is over, but if it is true enemies of the Dominion have enough power to put down such mighty creatures, who knows what they hold in store for the settlement? Were Stygian or Conclave members helpful in anyway? These questions remain unanswered, and not openly asked.

[wcsherry]

Rumors persist of two terrible blasts of magic slamming into the docks this eve. Freemen are rumored to have been taken as slaves, kobolds as the culprits. Citizens of Ymph remain on edge. Where will these creatures strike next? With no warning, how can anyone feel safe?

[Caddies]

A public ceremony headed by Duke Trenada took place upon the Ziggurat peak today, with quite a crowd of citizens and adventurers showing to see the ascension of talented local artist Alize di Perugia to the peerage. Duke Trenada was said to have assured his subjects that the Duchy was growing in strength due to their contributions, before calling upon Perugia and exacting an oath of fealty. She then rose as a Lady, and gave a small speech herself, promising to work hard for the cultural enrichment of the Duchy. The Duke then finished with the assurance that any other person who distinguishes themselves in service to the Duchy can rise to similar heights.

Meanwhile, disturbing and confused rumors of Lord Albert Gull's demise at the hands of Docks-based forces fly through the city, some condemning his overzealousness and others grieving for the loss of this staunch patriot of the Dominion. The Dominion's official response as yet remains to be seen...

[wcsherry]

After a great deal of commotion is witnessed in the Starwood, a message printed on leaves is dispersed about the forested area for all to see:

"For invading our trees, and destroying the peace we work hard to preserve, along with the mutilation and murder of a beloved Satyr that we kept within our protection, the Starwood Stargazers hereby announce a bounty of 5000 gold coins and a treasure from our stockpile to the one that returns the un-named halfling in pink and black armor, wielding a hand axe to us, to face justice."

[Talir]

First of Alturiak was met with the last push of the Marquis of the Seven Terrors, a demon lord that had cast its eyes upon the city. Adventurers where drawn to the Western Cliffs Barrows, where red light illuminated the nightsky in what would be the presage to a terrible event. It is said that a group led by the dwarven lord Durgrim, an half-orc, Mortician Ghask and Bailey, Vittoria, Dirzin, Tomas, Caius and Sebastian of the Conclave led a noble effort to stave off a demon invasion by themselves, fighting tooth and nail for every inch of ground sacrificed. Overwhelmed and routed, the demons managed to push to the Main Gates where the defenders were pushed up to the rampart trying to hold off the masses. As the last numbers arrived, the Marquis himself appeared to lead his forces. Singed by fire and fear, defenders led by the Armada and Conclave fought against the intruders and managed at last to mortally wound the terrible spawn of evil. Its great hulk collapsing and shaking the earth heralded the end to the terror at work and the city breathes easier knowing that its demise has been met.

Yet many still wonder what events made it possible for the demon to begin its wake of destruction and who called the being forth to ravage the city.

[Talir]

Cries of outrage and calls for blood rise as the city wakes up the fifth of Alturiak to meet the desecration left behind of the night's events. A thick column of dark smoke stinking of scorched meat and hide rise from the stall of Butcher Jonny Btaerak. What meat and tools were present during the explosion of Alchemist's Fire now remain spoilt and broken, Jonny himself complaining loudly of an half-orc doing the deed. While none perished during the explosion, the act has put back the meat preparation for the Dominion and leaving the residents worried for the temporary loss of the considerable contribution to the city's stock of food. South of Warden's Gate, most of the rubble left in the wake of another explosion has been cleared out enough to make a passage for the Gates. Hunters have begun to wander out in greater numbers to hunt what they may to cover the loss, the meat crudely prepared to serve the hungry.

In the Dock volunteers have begun to shuffle the dozen or so bodies away from the dusty streets, removing the possessions the dead have cannot use and arming themselves with the dead's weaponry. A few have taken advantage of the dead to raise the call for retribution or announce their unfailing protection to take advantage of the fearing, using the event to stir the hatred against the Dominion and the Armada especially. Despite the proclamations, the eyes of the freemen watch the Sons of Sabuth for guidance. Hardest hit and with their arcanist of Fury returned maimed, the thirst of retribution is evident from their members but nothing decisive has been announced. The precipice of war has not been closer since before the treaty was made as the words of the nights events pass from ear to ear:

It is said that in the late of the night, Infantrymen Eldridge and Koji alongside Patrician Hatsworth snuck into the Docks and assaulted Karida Intisar of the Sons. Cutting down the opposition and managing to arrest the Son, they left the fallen and the broken in the wake of their assault but not without casualty. As forces massed against them, they left Patrician Hatsworth, famous from his Hatsworth's Herald, laying dead upon the streets. Not long after getting the captive and themselves to the Dominion, Eldridge himself was captured by the Consort Dirzin of the Conclave and brought to the Docks under assault by the guards of the Armada and Militia. Meanwhile two explosions rocked the city as barrels of alchemist's fire blew up in response to the murders in the Docks. It is said the carrier of a third was captured and brought to the cells, there to await judgement. As the morning approached, certain war was halted by the interference of the Conclave once more to stabilize the city, asking for an exchange of prisoners and halt of conflict.

The exchange was made near the Gypsy camp seperating the two parts of the city, Infantryman Eldridge for Son Intisar and a second Talossian. Although the exchange was said to happen without bloodshed, Eldridge was noted to return with little but the armor he wore and Intisar leaving her left hand behind in the Stygian Cells. While peace was restored for both sides, the true ramifications and response have yet to be seen and eyes of suspicion and rage have in full began to watch the Floating Conclave above from the Dominion citizenry.

[Talir]

A curious sight was seen 7th of Alturiak. From the Shrouded Isle Library, several members of the Conclave including Caliphar Ridgeway were escorted in shackles by members of the Armada and the Militia, the priestess of Talona known as 'Mother' walking with them in an injured condition. They were brought to the Citadel and sendings were made for Consort Bhonn to show herself with an object stolen. As minutes passed by, the members of the Conclave were released and the Consort brought back in shackles, later facing public humiliation in the Stocks for not heeding the Armada's calls.

It was not long after that three gargantuan wyverns struck the city, spewing forth bolts of lightning and descending to rip people apart. Despite the ferocity of the attack, few casualties were had and a wyvern was slain both upon the face of the Ziggurat and within the Docks, the last fleeing upon the death of its kin. Within the inns a few of the bolder citizens have announced that they will be the slayer of the last wyvern, people eagerly cheering them on and offering drinks of encouragement.

Meanwhile, the residents of the Docks have been hit with nightly raids from Sahuagin. The lethal encounters are met with unease and people shy away from the cliffsides at night, where the slopes to the sea are watched with increasing dread.

[Letsplayforfun]

Bugs.

Bugs and more bugs.

Many a people had stumbled already into nesting niches of these huge beetles, but today chaos erupted in the Docks as hundreds of bugs began to pour from narrowly dug out tunnels.

Anyone present quickly took arms to repell the creeping doom, and the bravest ventured down the tunnels to take care of any more remaining threat. Those who came back out spoke of unhatched eggs -quickly stompled -  and of enormous brood guardian beetles.

Although defenders say some kind of queen was slain, what of the thousands of unhatched eggs still hidden from the eyes?