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

[Talir]

First of Alturiak, 1381 DR

Villagers gather in secluded groups more and more around Mistlocke, hiding away from the newcomers. What few words eventually are imparted speaks of increasing worry, the chief concern being an ever-present thickening mist out of the forest.

[Talir]

Second of Alturiak, 1381 DR

At dawn the sun barely pierced the shroud of mist that covered Mistlocke. In fear of this sign, the mayor was roused from his slumber at Last Keep and to appease the nervous guardsmen and villagers, a lottery was held within the Keep. No explanation for this event was parted to inquisitive villagers, they could only watch in horror as the winner collapsed to her knees and was gently guided to the mayor's office. At nightfall, she had still not been seen again.

[Talir]

7th of Alturiak, 1381 DR

The election finally started in full in Mistlocke. The candidates for office were Ordio Althaus Quilby running again, along with Abigail Nightal the controversal minstrel of Mist's End and Aberdenn association and Giuseppe Mastro, a rising notable merchant and visionary.

Villagers hurried to vote at the voting stone near the mayor's office soon after the announcement.

[Halfbrood]

Last eve, the Order came in force to the Gates of Mistlocke. Before their arrival, scouts from the Watchers were seen making their way into town to bring word. The Muster was mobilised, and the Clans and their Bannermen sharpened their weapons and prepared for the worst.

A great blanket of Mist would Herald their coming, moving slowly from the Lake of Mist, across the Pass of Rabbanatha enshrouding the entire forest. The entire village held its breath, in anticipation. And then, a mournful warhorn was heard from the forests beyond as the people gathered. From the darkness, flanked by torches, and black-clad Knights of the Order Numinous, a great banner could be seen. Upon it, a Grey Questing Dragon, upon a black background shrouded in Stars and Mist. The personal banner of the Order's seldom seen leader.

The Master had come to Mistlocke.

Approaching with a small retinue from the woods, wherein the rest of the Order waited, came Jacques de Villiers, the infamous war-hero and Champion of the Order's Knighthood. He spoke to the Lord-Mayor upon the bridge, revealing that he heralded the Master's arrival. After a short conversation, the Lord-Mayor revealed that he would offer the Master an audience, and that he should come with three of his men to the Last Keep.

And so he did. Marching silently through the subdued village, many of its people awed by the mysterious figure, the Master made his way, alongside his Apostle, Nethzerim the Awakened, to the Last Keep.

Within, it is said, the Master spoke at length of the Apocalypse. He demanded that the people of Mistlocke submit to his leadership, and every last man, woman and child submit to the will of the Three. He demanded that stockpiles of food and weapons should be gathered, and that every effort should be made to prepare for the one, single End: WAR.

It is said that the Master was hardly surprised when the Lord-Mayor refused his requests, and instead asked two simple things of him; Nethzerim, the Master said, wishes to open the Priory for worship of the Three, and lead a congregation within the village, alongside a small detachment of Knights whom would be sworn to the village's protection. The Lord-Mayor accepted. And second, that the Grand Master himself be granted leave to inhabit the Tower closeby, which had seemingly already been prepared for this inevitable situation. Again, the Lord-Mayor agreed.

Afterward, the Grand Master departed silently, to take up residence in his new tower. Jacques de Villiers and his men broke camp, and disappeared into the forests, and back across the Pass, in search of the Agony which has not been seen for some time. Nethzerim spoke a few short words to the gathered, promising that he would speak at length to Mistlocke's people regarding the newly opened Priory.

Many of the people of Mistlocke speak worriedly, whilst many more whisper that it is a great boon. For no other of Ymph's peoples are more renown for their heroics in battle against the Dread Witch, H'bala. Whatever their thoughts, however, one this is certain.

The Order has come.

[wcsherry]

Alturiak 10th - 1381 DR

Whispers swirl and flutter from tongue to ear of a ring of wonderous power won by blood sport last evening in the very walls of Mistlocke. A blue glittering trail was left behind as a proud new owner staggered off from a motley gathering of sordid individuals.

Meanwhile ... travellers abroad mentioned a sickly sight about the roads leaving town. The assembled men of wealth responsible for the impromptu bloodsport purportedly checked out of Mistlocke in a hurry, wreatched in ceremonial gowns and chanting in a strange dialect.

[Talir]

14th of Alturiak, 1381 DR

The election period is swiftly drawing to an end, villagers eagerly rumouring about which of the three candidates are likely to win it. Many have voiced their support in old traditions, voting for Quilby instead of taking chances on any of the two newcomers to the village. The various patrons of the Mist's End has publically, roaring drunk, cheered for Abigail in the streets or within the inn, persuading through yelling persistence a few to go vote in her favor. A major favorite amongst the awakened, however, is rumoured to be the Coinlord Mastro.

While the two newcomers have vigorously made their stand known, only a few words in passing has been heard from Quilby. It's said he's preparing to hold his own speech sometimes soon, at last feeling his position as lord-mayor threatened.

[Mort]

Rumors that Quilby's support of the stargazer savages amongst the Muster has lost him many allies amongst the commonfolks volunteering as guardsmen in Mistlocke. Most can be seen handling their chains and deserting over a recent decision speaking that they may return to the Muster until a more patriotic mayor comes about.

[Talir]

16th of Alturiak, 1381 DR

As the Mist once more settled thicker around the village of Mistlocke shortly after the Lord-Mayor's speech, a call was made for a second lottery to be held at the Last Keep. Alongside nervous villagers, a few volunteers from the newest members of the community announced their intent to join the proceedings, something Quilby allowed them. To the newcomers he spoke of his mayoral duty to see a champion elected - the winner of the lottery - whenever the Mist called. A nervous villager was given the task to draw the number of the winner and with the watchful gaze of Captain Volaunt and another villager he drew the number one from the lottery hat.

To his great and immediate despair, Ordio Althaus Quilby was proclaimed the winner. Rumours say that a dozen guardsmen had to wrestle him down to the floor to hinder an escape, others say he accused each and every one of the gathered as a conspirator against him, some say that it was known he was not intended to be a part of the lottery group at all - regardless of what is the truth, the Lord-Mayor was last seen being escorted into his office by Captain Volaunt. Some time thereafter, a sending announced Quilby as the champion of Mistlocke and the Captain taking over his duties in the mayor's absence until the day after.

For as the villagers rose at dawn to the empty seat of their beloved mayor, a new concern had risen alongside them.

The last day of the election had finally come.

[wcsherry]

Alturiak 20th : Year 159 : 1381 DR

As dusk gave way to darkness, a man, wreathed in magical protective spells and cowled by a black hood casually sauntered into Mistlocke's Town Square.

Smelling of potent oils, strange incense, and spattered with bloodstains, the stranger posted a simple message plain for all to see. It read:

"
Gaze upon my words and know them to be true.

Fair citizens of the town called Mistlocke, two tendays past, a rogue or scoundrel broke into my treasure vaults and stole an object of tremendous value.

This chicanery must be repaid in kind.

Rumor has reached my estates of a blood match held within these city walls. The prize received was rumored to have been the very ring I lost.

Furthermore, I have reason to believe collusion was at play, and the 'winner' of this bloodsport was no more than a peccant collaborater of the thieves that plundered my estates.

I am placing a bounty. You will know my ring by its distinctive blue glow, and ability to ward off all magical dispelling.

It is not enough that the ring is simply returned to me, however. For any individual that is willing to take the necessary initiative of killing this foul villain and bringing me proof of his death, I shall reward this paragon of justice further, by ameliorating the ring with a new magical boon.

-- Vizier Caldun Cressius, of the Mounded Keep "

[Iron Oligarch]

Alturiak 25th, 1381 DR

All of the village is abuzz at the news that a man named Herust Caspary, a self-proclaimed Admiral of Old Port, made a speech that the "Ruby Army" of Count Zarono Senuspur, after years spent battling the Grey Mist Raiders on the open seas, had come at last to join forces with the defenders of Mistlocke and see an end to the power of H'bala forever under the leadership of Viceroy Ignacio d'Arthido, scion of the famous (if one gives credence to the warm memories of House Caermyn) -- or infamous (if one rather believes Aberdenn mutterings) -- House d'Arthido.

Opinions on the speech vary wildly, but all expect the Lord-Mayor Giuseppe Mastro to make a statement on the circumstances soon. Until then, hopeful talk of winning back the West finds ample room among paranoid fears that the Count means to make a new dominion in the East. This day, every man and woman of Mistlocke is a political philosopher.

[Germain]

Alturiak 25th : 1381 DR

Amongst the denizens of Mistlocke, hushed rumors spread of the Agony of the Hunt returning once more. The news comes upon the lips of a Footman of the Numinous Order, " If you can hear this, the Agony is in the Foothill Paths heading northwest. All civilian personnell, avoid that area." Many discount them as mere rumors and hearsay. While others ,that had seen the creature those years ago, are filled with unease of the possibility of it's return.

[Iron Oligarch]

Alturiak 28th, 1381 DR

Days of conjecture about the motivations of Viceroy d'Arthido and his army reached new heights after a dramatic speech by the fiery Gadyw Aberdenn, the blustering and heavy-drinking uncle of clan patriarch Arthur, in Mistlocke's square. Claiming to have survived a comital ambush in the Ymphian wilds, he proceeded to level accusations of treachery at Clan Caermyn and the Lord-Mayor over protests by the Caermyn men present. Thus Gadyw:

It is SIMPLE! Senuspur wishes his Crown, d'Arthido wishes his name and MENASTER CAERMYN wishes for ever-flowing coin!

The old warrior then stalked off into the wilds, but not before tossing the severed head of a comital soldier at the feet of a particularly squeamish Caermyn retainer as proof of the Viceroy's plans. While Arthur himself was not present to hear the speech, an Aberdenn bannerman set off after Gadyw shortly afterwards. Gadyw himself has not been seen since.

[Nuclear Catastrophe]

Alturiak 29th : Year 159 : 1381 DR

Arthur Aberdenn took to the dais in Mistlocke to announce that one of the retainers of House Aberdenn is to be married to a landed knight owner of a mercenary company called the lucky seven.  

There has been no word as to the date that it has been set, nonetheless, the hushed whispers suggest that Abigail looked if not unhappy, then a little beleaguered by the whole business.

[Iron Oligarch]

Ches 8th, 1381 DR
 
A daring company of Mistlocke's warriors returned home, battered and bloodied, as Selune reached her zenith this evening, the remnant of Lord-Mayor Giuseppe Mastro's daring raid on the camp of Viceroy d'Arthido. Many are thought to have died assaulting the Ruby Army's fortifications, including the Lord-Mayor himself -- at least, until a comital messenger delivered a treaty signed by Mastro that surrendered Mistlocke to the rule of the Count.

By order of the elder council, a swift electorate of the village was taken to decide whether Mistlocke would wage war or sue for peace. No more than an hour later, the treaty was rejected by a vote of fifty-three to four and the unfortunate Lord-Mayor Mastro relieved of his office by the fiat of the village's elder council as further evidence of the treaty's nullification. With the impending war on everyone's minds, it is no surprise that the council has also stated its intention to appoint a temporary commander from the ranks of the village's factions at a meeting in the upcoming days.

This alone would be more than enough for Mistlocke's rumor-mongers, but wagging tongues have been even further loosened by the miraculous reappearance of the ex-Mayor and his pledge to protest the council's decision. To say that Mistlocke's politics are currently fluid would be an understatement.

[Iron Oligarch]

Ches 10th, 1381 DR

Considering the prevalent attitude of Mistlocke in the aftermath of Giuseppe Mastro's inauspicious attack on the Viceroy's camp, it came as little surprise to the population of Mistlocke that the elder council refused to reinstate him as Lord-Mayor. Much more shocking, in the moments after the conclusion of the council's meeting, was the revelation that Mastro was not a Waukeenar at all, but a hierophant of Mask that had taken the opportunity to steal more than thirty thousand ducats raised by the efforts of prominent Ilmateri Father Mororn Glaemril and his flock.

Fear of this deadly intriguer and what he might plan next runs rampant, and merchants especially are hiring on additional mercenaries and ever-more complex security measures to guard their valuables.