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

[Letsplayforfun]

Swarms in the skies!

Swarms upon swarms of tiny insects pourred down from the heavens upon the crops of the settlement, and within minutes those unlucky farms in their path were left stranded of any kind of life.

Upon the dismal cry of farmers, defenders rushed to defend the outter farms, and thanks to their timely help, the swarm plague stopped before reaching the major farmlands, and the threat of famine has vanished.

Now, many farmers speak in thanks the name of the Lady of Poison, for in the absence of militia or stygian help, it was her priest who successfully took charge of the defense of the farms...

[Caddies]

Rumors spread like wildire in the city of a confrontation between emissaries from the Transcendant Conclave and the Sons in the Docks, which quickly spiralled out of control. Apparently spurred by events earlier, in which a Patrician of the Duchy died, it seems like the Conclave moved to enforce the vague treaty agreed to months ago by Grouse and Trenada and bring in the culprit. A fight erupted, and while the few magicians and their consorts led by a seemingly unstoppable halfling, as well as a fearsome brawler who got involved, intially scored heavy victories, the home field advantage eventually saw them lose the fight, with many Sons and locals rallying to the battle over time.

Bystanders outside the Sons fort claim the halfling and his wizardly consort were eventually let go, but nobody has seen either Zeulisad Vohlm or Consort Bhonn emerge yet...

Once again, the city is on edge, with wild talk of war from some and hoarse opposition to more blood from others. Only time will tell what the future holds in store for the beleagured denizens of the Nebedzzos ruins.

[DangerousDan]

In the early morning of Alturiak 26, something unprecedented happened. As the sun rose over the Ymphian Archipelago, a swift cutter could be seen to be emerging from the thick shroud of Mist which prevents stellar navigation when travelling within. At first, it appeared to be following the worn path to Old Port- possibly to trade silks, or to offload a cargo of chattel fresh from the New World.

Instead, however, the vessel turned sharply away from the Old City and made directly for the Nebedzzos, and Ymph. As it approached, many of the oldest residents recognised the ship as The Bright Breeze, the vessel that bought Zyphaem Fassaud and his entourage to the mythallar two years past. Once berthed, a flurry of explorers, scholars and colonists departed for the shore, ready to breathe in the majesty of this Island. Her Captain told the small assembly of citizens gathered that this vessel is the first of many- that rumour of the crumbled city has spread far and wide into the Shining Sea. Ymph, it seems, has the hand of providence leaning upon it's shoulder once more.

A mildly concerning rumour, however, arrived along with the vessel. Several of the passangers tell of surviving elements of the Ixpadian Navy that stalk the waters beyond the Shroud, preying on trade bound for Old Port. No one is certain just who leads this fleet, although reports vary from the vengeful lover of the fallen Queen, to an Elven exile who had thought to make Ymph his fief when the Queen conquered Old Port.

Tangencially, some of the more savy touts wandering the narrows of the Docks have noticed the appearance of a curious, odd line of verse carved into stone here and there. Amongst those in the know, the scrawlings are largely believed to be  the work of one of the Dock's many poets of questionable quality:

"All the Queen's horses, and all the Queen's men. Treason by treason, ten by ten."

[DangerousDan]

Rumour spreads around the Dominion that a vessel carrying a cargo intended for the Duke's Household was set upon by unknown saboteurs yesterday evening, as it sailed to Ymph from the Old City. Whilst the Armada has been quick to throw any survivors with loose tongues into the dungeons, rumour has emerged from the voyage that the merchantman was set upon by bizarre figures that hold the likeness of a rat, but stand upon their hind legs in the manner of a man.

No speculation has been permitted regarding the lost cargo, by order of Duke Trenada himself.

[Secutor]

Beggars and the infirm swarm the church of Ilmater, gangs are more aggressive than ever, and Rubies are rumored to be operating freely and openly right under the noses of the Sons of Sabuth. The Docks are becoming a dangerous place to be as its economy gradually suffers. The merchants are muttered against and muggings are more frequent than ever as coin seems to become more and more scarce and drugs more plentiful - some speculate that if not for the reputation of the Sons there would be murder in the streets. As conditions worsen, those who are able make surreptitious plans to move into the Duchy, and some of the more desperate speak of a truly free society somewhere within the vast and dangerous forests of Ymph.

[Letsplayforfun]

A strange sighting at the gates this day: a huge minotaure claiming to be the herald of a larger force.

It is said the beast demanded that a huge and unlikely ransom be delivered deep into the Bogs, for fear of retaliation. Upon it's demand being mocked, the raging beast entered a fight with the reknown dwarven Thane, Durgrim, Blood of Argrim. The dwarf was promptly crushed by the beast, which in turn was promptly put down by the gathered crowd.

With the death of a supposedly messager, rumors of what's to come abound. Many think the crazed beast was alone and bluffing, but but if it was not, the coming days might bring some dire foes to the fragile and divided settlement.

[Talir]

In the aftermath of the Conclave's ultimatum, a forum was held in the Wanton Wastrel where the day's events spoken heatedly of. Many berate the Sons of Sabuth's Captain Sternov for killing a Ladderman who insulted them and the Conclave's manipulations by the standing treaty. The arguments continued for some time until Lazare called out who would stand for the Docks and lead the way for prosperity.

Istisha Priestess Cacey Mac Conmara, Ladderman Vernon Farwood, bravo Jacobi of Old Port, Son of Sabuth Derdric Psalms, Meric Vaska, Ladderman Mulciber Half-hands and Willy Tukei all answered the call, and so made their promise. The names and words spoken from each of them are slowly being spread among the destitute of the Docks, uncertain what these men and woman will mean for the future.

[Letsplayforfun]

On this night, emissaries from a duergar mountain mine came to the Dominion, claiming to be willing to negociate the ownership of the trading outpost known as Fellhammer Hold, presently under control of the dwarven kin.

The negociation never took place. Lead by the dwarven Thane, Dugrim Blood of Argrim, a large and powerful war band dispatched the incoming emissaries in a short and bloody fight on the foothill path.

Soon after, the Thane was escorted to the Stygian Citadel, to answer for this action against peaceful, if untrustworthy traders. Dwarven kin praise the Thane for putting his people's interests before that of the Dominion, but it is likely the Duke may not see it that way. Gossipers now await both the Duke's reaction, and that of the duergar clan...

[Talir]

Chest 17th 1377 DR:

A ship bearing the flags of the Manchakan Enclave approach Ymph and dock within the Inner Piers. Coming from the vessel is a Manchakan Ambassador who greets the arrived gathering with words of promise, proclaiming his intent to stay within the Dominion for the coming time. He was escorted to the Stygian Citadel and remained there for the day. It is unclear what impact this visitor will bring the city.

[Letsplayforfun]

Each day has brought it's load of danger and dreadful apparitions, but today was a day of joy and happiness. To honor the Thane's recovery of the Duke's trust, the dwarven people of the Fellhammer Hold invited all those who would come to a mighty dwarven feast.

Sharing moments over roast meat, dwarven ale, and fireworks, many guests came in peace to share a moment of tranquility.

Although the feast was disrupted by goblin-kin and other creatures taking advantage of an outdoor event, everyone came home with a full belly, and tales to tell.

[ScottyB]

Following an attack by gnolls, who abducted six docksmen, the Barrow Wights acknowledge the Crew of the Sea Mares Folly, led by Stormer Mac Conmara, accompanied by Dr. Lircan, Olaf, and a bare-chested wildman who declined to take pride in his heroics. All sorts of wild rumors spread about what kind of demon-worship, animal experimentation, and flesh-feasting was stopped, but an undeniable fact is that they carried the bodies of the stolen back from the gnoll camp.

[Talir]

Rumours spread of a solitary druid warning the city's defenders before the gates to the city, promising death and decay to all who would march upon the wilderness again. This message was met with a solemn promise from a Specialist of the Armada that more cats would perish before he was through, before the two parties went seperate ways. Citizens speak of the events with light dread, many fearing that a new Herald has risen from the Bogs.

[Talir]

A lone halfling was seen dragged up the Ziggurat late 11th of Tarsakh, accompanied by two members of the Armada and various citizens. At the place of execution, he was brought to halt as his executioners kept a careful distance to this servant of Rot, to some known as Kanjo. It's said that the halfling had earlier demanded the hand-over of the Sanctuary refugees still within the Colony or he would unleash plague and disease upon them, and he was brought low near the Sloped Road after having infected a mule at the Lumbermill. Scouts have confirmed the strange presence of black-veined and mutated creatures seen roaming within the wilderness at times, speculated to be the work of the Darkbringer's followers. As rain fell down, this rotbringer came to an end by Infantryman Haldricks, who at a safe distance away from the plague-ridden halfling sent a fiery arrow in Kanjo's back.

[Letsplayforfun]

Kobolds !

Under cover of thick mist, tens of small rafts approached the dock’s outter reef, unloading hundreds of scaly yelping kobolds. Meeting them on the reef, mighty defenders blew and cut the creatures to pieces, while waves of them poured off the rafts. The docks people now speak in high praise of the Laddermen and of the Golden Alliance that defended them, while the Armada sat idle.

Less than an hour later though, a second battallion of the creatures emerged from the woods to attack the front gate, and was met by a Stygian-lead group of defenders, that pursued the creatures futher into the island till none where left standing.

Although the attack of the weak creatures was disorganized, and easily thwarted on both fronts, the presence of yuan-ti witches amongst them has people now wondering where and by whom the next blow will come from…

[Talir]

22nd of Tarsakh, 1377 Dale Reckoning

The Docks are growing dangerous for all seen in the presence of Dominion spokesmen. Accosted by Laddermen and the Son Halender for her presence alongside Banite Vrintak, a woman was quickly beat and dragged into the Laddermen Hall by the priestess of Istisha Cacey and held captive there in the hopes of negotiating for the release of Dominion slaves. She was eventually let out, battered and cut, alongside a priest of Lathander in a torn condition. Craftsmen and traders taking advantage of the animosity between the city districts shy away from going near the north of the Docks and the presence of the Laddermen in the fear that they too are to face the horrors within for their work, while other Dock inhabitants support the cruelty against Dominion tyrants.

The cheers of the Laddermen rose further in the next series of events, as two members of the Armada were captured in the act of assassinating Vergil Halender. Taken to the Sons headquarters and later released against slaves of the Dominion and the voiding of bounties upon Dock inhabitants, many applaud the victory made in the Docks just as the Dominion started to turn upon itself.

Dozens of bounty hunters, fortune seekers and adventurers of all affiliations left the Stygian Citadel determined to be the one to get the newest bounty, of the sum of seven thousand or another object of desire. The reasons and crimes committed by the man are widely speculated but the name remains all too clear to the shock of the Dominion.

Lockwood.