EFU:R Gossip, Major Events, and Rumors (IC Knowledge)

[Caster13]

::[ Kythorn 24th : Year 163 : 1385 DR ]::

One dark after the Crystal forces of the Society of the Ordered Mind began its occupation of the illusion shielding Upper Sanctuary, Dunwarren was wracked by earthquakes. At first thought to be a natural phenomenon, the tremors proved to be the work of an opportunistic tribe of orogs who used explosions to bypass the Barbican and tunnel their way into the illusionary hazy ruins that were in reality Upper Sanctuary.

In response, the Crystal forces formed a defensive line in the ruins, bringing their crystal blades to bear against the orogs alongside a number of adventurers who decided to also fight the humanoid brutes. The battle was a brutal slog but was, for the most part, isolated to a minor portion of the illusion.

Chaos, however, quickly grabbed hold as a number of Spellguard Auxiliaries and a number of their allies joined the fray, attacking the defending battle line from behind while accusing those fighting alongside the Crystal forces as dissidents and traitors. With the defenders divided and distracted, orogs began to break through the lines, skirmishes began to bleed into different sections of the ruins.

Crystal warriors, orogs, and adventurers all fought one another in all corners of the illusion. And though the orogs were defeated first, the battles continued for some more time afterwards among the Crystal Warriors, Auxiliaries, and adventurers before the fighting eventually petered out. In the end, the most notable rumoured results of the messy melee included: the Ordinant dwarf Deoradhain Stonespliter being captured and dragged away by an Auxiliary; while War-Priest Gaius Calvo was last seen chasing Ordinant Rallick Dess into the Lower Ruins.

As word began to reach the ears of the commoners in Upper Sanctuary, the war continued but blades and bludgeons were replaced by conversations and arguments. Some pointed to the event as evidence that the Society of the Ordered Mind, along with their Crystal forces, were actually quite capable of being decent defenders of the city. Others, however, argued that the Crystal forces attracted the unwanted attention of the orogs in the first place and that a hidden city was a safe city.

Regardless of who the commoners voiced their support for, it was accepted by all that it would not be words that decided the outcome of this war.

[ShadowCharlatan]

::[ First of Flamerule : Year 163 : 1385 DR ]::

After the words of the Directorate and Commander Barkely, sentiment in the city of Sanctuary has solidified in favour of the Spellguard and the new promised world of Final Sanctuary. Brash new Aspirants, Auxiliary, and Watchers walk Upper Sanctuary gathering baublium and booming with adulations for the Spellguard and the Directorate. Citizens are more cautious than usual in what they say about the Spellguard and about Sanctuary.

Among the rumours about the ongoing battle between the Society and the Spellguard comes talk of baublium gained in mining operations on the Dark Lake, from omens of Mystryl, from Scrapper Conventions, and more.

Yet the siege upon Sanctuary's shield has made little progress. Distant battles in the Underdark are said to have favoured the adherents of the Society's Crystal - an entity which is coming to be known as "the Ordered Mind". But the Spellguard boast having strengthened the Shield, and speculations continue to mount about the form their retaliation will take.

::[ Third of Flamerule : Year 163 : 1385 DR ]::

Todark, the gates of Dunwarren were a strange spectacle indeed.

Commander Idraen Markem of the Society is said to have returned from the Lowerdark after many darks. Flanked by Malark Amblecrown and Tau Masemba, he beseeched the Directorate to grant entrance to he and his men and allow them to assume the rightful place of the Society of the Ordered Mind within Sanctuary.

After a tense exchange, the Directorate and Markem failed to come to agreement. Instead, it is said that a vote will be held to determine whether or not Markem and his followers will be accepted into the city. Some speak of this favourably, calling it a stroke of genius and moral fortitude from Austanias Glademore... others say it is another example of the spinelessness of the elf and the indecision of the Directorate.

The rumours speak of what this all means for the siegework of the "Crystal cultists", whether Markem can be trusted and whether he will fight his former friends, but most of all... they run wild with talk of the freaks - tentacled, many-eyed, inhuman, "aberrant" - that stood amongst the lost brothers and sisters of the Society. Sanctuary will soon stand to vote on what may be its most dubious allies yet.

In seven darks' time, Markem's Ordinants will return to have their answer.

[ShadowCharlatan]

::[ Flamerule 22nd : Year 163 : 1385 DR ]::

Commander Idraen Markem, Malark Amblecrown, and their followers returned to the gates of Dunwarren some darks past and were conditionally welcomed into Sanctuary. They have since been relegated to a section of the Public Housing Vault, where all kinds of rumours are spreading of strange occurrences, thralldom, and aberrations. Fear and anger among the poor folk of Starag's Rest has been directed at the Red Guild, and Finn Mouldercrest in particular, who had won the love and support of the common people there. But most of Upper Sanctuary go on with their lives largely unconcerned by the return of the Commander and the strange men in his midst. Some even celebrate it as a sure blow against the worshippers of the "Ordered Mind", though the Commander himself declines to spill the blood of his brothers and sisters.

Rumours also tell of a quest to the island of Ymph which has seen some rare old works returned to Sanctuary. But it is said that of the ten companions who set out - among them two noted Watchers Sergeant Iestryn Delvar and Ilythir Faelandlar, and a promising Spellguard Aspirant - only three returned: The late Spellguard Agent Nthras Nasvana, the Spellguard Auxiliary Tybalt L'Arcell, and the Disgraced Black Guild Prefect Isar D'Qur. The dragon is still believed to be alive, with many treasures yet unclaimed.

The darks ahead are uncertain. The Society and the Spellguard are each preparing for a great battle. The children of Sanctuary still wait in Mutulakt under the 'protection' of the Duergar. The Cults of Lower Sanctuary rest in the uneasy dominance of the bloated Ibrandulin.

Meanwhile, threats gather. News of Traensyr's buildup has been scarce, but Dread movements and spies have been increasingly sighted in the Underdark of late (most terrifying are tales of the enormous, enthralled Pride of Jultar loose in the 'dark). The Chosen, as well, have begun to grow bolder as the Watchers and Warders withdraw to reinforce Upper Sanctuary.

While the Dunwarren gates have been refurbished by the efforts of the Red Directorate, Sanctuary's own naval buildup has delivered only "The Jewel" (quickly commandeered for Spellguard projects) and the skeletons of a few other vessels. And no one dares to raise the spectre of what may happen in the event of a Dread invasion.

The alliances forged, the armies gathered, the betrayals committed, and the secret weapons found in the times ahead will prove decisive in the coming battle...

OOC: Posts will be made in individual faction and association forums about diplomacy & possibilities regarding coming events.

[ShadowCharlatan]

::[ Eleasis 4th : Year 163 : 1385 DR ]::

Many sights can be seen in passing in the city of Sanctuary...

The Sanctuary Watchers sharpening their weapons and drilling in the streets.

The Reformed Order of the Spellguard and their Auxiliary hard at work, firming up the defenses of Sanctuary's most important assets... busily chasing deals and ideas... collecting baublium... delving into the Machine... and in all ways preparing. The most intriguing rumours have been those of an enormous animatron recovered from the Machine, doubtless to be very quickly converted to Spellguard control and used in the coming battle.

It is said that the Mound of Magnatz the Red has transported a great cauldron of brew to Sanctuary, as a token of support. And tales of Idraen Markem's strange Society continue to come out of the Public Housing Vaults, with notes of fear, fury and resentment.

Other events in Upper Sanctuary, which have only come about very recently, are the terrible rages of Director Roaldhe Gould. A series of public outbursts and incidents have followed in his wake todark. Some say the stress of the war is getting to him, while others say there has been some more serious disagreement among Sanctuary's elite.

All throughout Sanctuary, preparations are underway for uncertain times...

In the Siegeworks, and outside of Upper Sanctuary, much else goes on...

The Crystal Spires which have long stood dispersed about the illusion have been dismantled and carted to the centre of the illusion... where they are being reconstructed together for some unknown purpose.

Some say there is some movement among the cults- Ascensionists, Ooze, and Hoarrans -though to what end is not known... for they are few and keep their heads down in the dark times below. Far more note the strange and out-of-control squatters and upstarts that the bloated Ibrandulin have attracted to their caverns and streets. Some even say they have added a pretend dark elf House to the list of bizarre sects in their midst.

Meanwhile, there are stirrings in the Boneyard, and in the colonies of the Myconids.

And strangest of all, there is talk among the druids of the dark about the coming of a Dragon.

[ShadowCharlatan]

::[ Eleasis 7th : Year 163 : 1385 DR ]::

The titanic battle between the Reformed Order of the Spellguard and the Society of the Ordered Mind is over. The Spellguard were victorious, and it is said that the promise of Final Sanctuary will now be fulfilled. But it has come at a cost. The aftermath of the war has left Upper Sanctuary in a battered state, if relieved.

While the war raged in a glitching, illusory battlefield somewhere between Upper Sanctuary and the Illusory Ruins, the emptied streets of Upper Sanctuary felt a flurry of activity. All over Upper Sanctuary, graffiti and property damage can be seen. Of most note, all public statues of Former Spellguard Commander Stephanos Simms have been broken. With fewer Watchers and Animatrons than usual on post or patrol- given the losses sustained in the battle against the Society -citizens freely gawk at the works of vandalism, which most put down to the Brotherhood of Ascension. Much laughter is heard...

Word says that in the illusion, the crystal spires have crumbled. Now and then, adventurers and wanderers claim to have seen scenes of the battle playing out... the final stands of the Society's finest warriors: Ritualists Rallick Dess and Algarn Granitesoul,

Meanwhile, the Baublium Gauge has taken a dramatic plunge...

A few items of business remain until this chapter of Sanctuary's history is over. The destruction of the Crystal, a Ceremony of Victory, and a grand feast to be hosted by Director Roaldhe Gould.

[ShadowCharlatan]

::[ Eleasis 18th : Year 163 : 1385 DR ]::

News spreads of a raid of the Chapterhouse, conducted by the Watchers and Warders and volunteers, which ended with the implosion of much of the Chapterhouse and the destruction of the storied Society Crystal.

A dim aftermath has continued to creep over Sanctuary, with the occasional candle-sputter of peripheral chaos to light up demons lurking in the dark. The Chosen. The Dread. The Cultists of Lower Sanctuary. And other fears.

The blows to Sanctuary still smart, and small humiliations linger and fester in the streets... but already a reaction is building. Mutterings of patriotic fervor, war widows cleaning off Ascensionist graffiti, questions and protests gathering over the children still far away in Mutulakt, and the first giddy sparks of expectation for the promises of Final Sanctuary.

They say that the Ceremony of Victory is to be held soon...

[hide="The Ceremony of Victory"]//OOC: About 12 hours from this post, the "Ceremony of Victory" event will be held in Sanctuary, rewards and medals will be bestowed to PCs from the recent events.

Surviving PCs from the final battle between Spellguard and Society... & PCs who raided the Chapterhouse are all invited to attend. But will receive their rewards regardless. More on this after the event.[/hide]

...celebrating the sacrifices of those living and dead who stood for Sanctuary, and paving the way forward for the city.

And all the while, somewhere buried in the rubble of the Chapterhouse, a shard of crystal softly glows.

[ShadowCharlatan]

::[ Eleasis 19th : Year 163 : 1385 DR ]::

The Ceremony of Victory occurred todark. It began with the remembrance of the sacrifices of those lost. Commander Duke Barkely and Sheriff Marshall Greer posthumously raised outstanding personnel to higher ranks... among them Operative Phaele Gedreghost, Chief Engineer Nelly Rustbucket, Operative Bartholomew Shaw, and Sergeant Amber Nettlefield.

Just as the awards were to be given, explosions destroyed the central monuments of Freedom Square and killed a number of citizens. Although disrupted, the Ceremony quickly shifted to the House of Governance. There, after the honours were bestowed, it is said that the Commander of the Spellguard made inspiring words about the future of Sanctuary.

The rumours tell that further cooperation between the Watchers and Warders is coming. Some insist wild-eyed that the Watchers themselves will soon become Animatrons... but most reserve judgement on the Commander's "special program", waiting to see if the promised new technology to revolutionize law enforcement will truly come to pass. Most celebrate the news, seeing tighter cooperation as necessary given the troubles of the recent darks.

Patriotic fervor has only risen with the explosive events... with many blaming Lower Sanctuary. Others name dark elves, and the traitorous Prefect Isar D'Qur as responsible. There are frenzied calls to "Gas Lower!" or invade the Sanctuary Below... crushing it once and for all under the might of Sanctuary. Calmer voices urge caution, that Sanctuary - although done with the Crystal War - is far from through with its full share of perils.

[hide="Ceremony of Victory - Notes for Absentees"]//OOC: For those PCs unable to get to the event... If you were a survivor of either the Meeting of the Minds or the Raid on the Society Chapterhouse, contact me for your reward. [/hide]

[ShadowCharlatan]

::[ Second of Eleint : Year 163 : 1385 DR ]::

As the darks go by... Rumours swirl of a large shipment of Baublium reaching Sanctuary, escorted by adventurers and Spellguard personnel aboard the Jewel. As it is gradually fed into the Refinery, the reserves reach heights never before seen in history. Word intensifies about the coming of Final Sanctuary, and what precisely it means for the city and its people.

Meanwhile, it is said that the victory feast of Director Roaldhe Gould is soon to be held...

//OOC: The Feast event is set to occur around 9 hours from this post.

[ShadowCharlatan]

::[ Third of Eleint : Year 163 : 1385 DR ]::

By most accounts a joyous occasion, there were to be but a few incidents which lingered in rumour about Gould's great feast. That was before the murders came to light. Now all has been forgotten, except for the two men dressed as Mouldercrest employees (whether they are genuine employees, or not, is hotly debated) who slew numerous accomplished chefs in cold blood.

The story from the ensuing trial is that the men claimed to be working for former Director Edgin Crane. They were trying to kill Director Roaldhe Gould, they were helping ruin the feast and remove the chefs so that a new restaurant could dominate the Red Lantern.

Many mutterings are heard about the murderers and their story. And many rumours fly about the status of Director Gould himself. Some say he is dead, and that an announcement of a new election will come soon. Others say that he left the feast perfectly alright - and is merely sleeping off one of the greatest meals Sanctuary has ever had (or is likely to have, in the future, with the murder of all the best chefs). Still wilder tales gain credence and crash - in waves - as the city waits for news on what really happened, and what is to become of the conspirators.

[ShadowCharlatan]

Some darks past, Watchers stormed the apartments of Former Director Edgin Crane. Crane, by all accounts drugged or drunk, squealed and hollered indignantly as he was dragged to the Watchhouse... there to await trial.

No one had seen Director Roaldhe Gould for over a tenday. The heart of the Directorate was beating slow and twisted... delivering no confidence, as talk of conspiracies amongst its members deflated celebratory and patriotic moods.

It is said that the trial, overseen by a grim and skeptical Prefect Hyram Synclair and prosecuted by the zealous Sergeant Odelstad, was never resolved in guilt or innocence. Instead, a Watcher betrayed the course of justice and led Red Guilders - baying for Crane's blood - into the courtroom. The corpses of Edgin Crane, and others, were taken away by Scriveners.

Still, though many darks have passed, Director Gould has not emerged. But throughout Sanctuary, something is afoot. Watcher ranks have begun to swell, while the sight of Auxiliary has dwindled in proportion. Rumours have begun to flow that the Sheriff has spoken to the Watchers of a temporary suspension of elections, and of war that awaits. Talk swirls about who was really responsible for Gould's disappearance, with strong denials of Crane's involvement uttered in many a quiet conversation.

Meanwhile, Majordomo Quintus Zhelk and other subordinates of Roaldhe's - including Director Finn Mouldercrest and his Prefect Yorrick Vanderbleu - now manage the vast Gould estate and industries.

The rumours continue to come out of the Public Housing Vaults of strange happenings among Idraen Markem's men - lingering from the darks of the Crystal War. Watchers patrol more often, and checkpoints are set up in Starag's Rest from dark to dark. Some say the government knows not what to do with these troublesome folk. Others believe none of it will not matter when, at last, Final Sanctuary comes.

[Divine Intervention]

::[ Eleint 22nd : Year 163 : 1385 DR ]::

Throughout Sanctuary notices go up and several sendings proclaim the imminence of an important announcement from the government of Upper Sanctuary this very dark. Citizens, eager for any news in the aftermath of Gould's feast and the troubles of the past few months are seen gathering to discuss what revelations might yet be to come. Helpful civil servants and employees of the state are seen informing any inquirers to assemble at the House of Governance in six hours...

//Approximately 6 hours from this post. 11PM GMT.

[ShadowCharlatan]

::[ Marpenoth 11th : Year 163 : 1385 DR ]::

Such tales have spread through Sanctuary...

The Reformed Order of the Spellguard has been seen making expeditions through Dunwarren, performing tests of Machinery. The arrival of Final Sanctuary drawing ever closer, according to Engineers and Agents close to the developments. Auxiliary, meanwhile, are said to be lining up to join the Sanctuary Watchers- as the words of the Sheriff and the Commander, the success of the 'Experimental Branch', and the wave of patriotism since the fall of the Society Crystal thrust new conditions upon the Watchhouse.

Animatrons sent to aid the mining works at the Mound of Magnatz the Red have been torn to pieces. The scrambled metal has been used to reinforce new bloody walls of the Giant's lair...

The Chosen are growing bolder.. their skulking forms darken the corridors of the Machine and the sewer pipes below Lower Sanctuary. Disappearances in the Sanctuary Below are on the rise. Gnawed bones, and bloody drag-marks herald the return of darks remembered only by the Lowersmen of old. The Watchers and Warders, having withdrawn their broad extermination campaign during the Crystal War, show few signs of reinstating it...

A number of Rebel Watchers are seen leaving Upper Sanctuary and joining the Brotherhood of the Ascension in Lower Sanctuary... unable to serve any longer with the Spellguard and their lackeys.

The Cults of Lower Sanctuary, meanwhile, linger under the uneasy and bloated dominance of the Ibrandulin. Little stirs in dark streets, but like a pile of rocks growing too tall, the many sects of the Dwellers cannot stand for much longer. Whatever dark powers battle invisibly in the bottom of that dreary cave, it is sure that one must rise to rule. Be it an earnest Ibrandulin, a Sharran puppet, or some still darker power...

Nothing has been so tumultuous and transformative for Sanctuary in recent times as the merging of the Sanctuary Watchers and the Reformed Order of the Spellguard. But the passing darks have changed Sanctuary, some parts slowly and others swiftly... like the creaks and groans, and then the sudden breaking of a dam.

Very early todark, Spellguard Agents and Engineers were seen wandering here and there, configuring machinery and coordinating with working parties. Then with strange trepidation, they returned to Serena Tower.

While the Warders beavered away, the rest of the city of Sanctuary rose to an inauspicious dark. But it was not an ordinary one. Soon came the words...

::[ Spellguard Broadcast : People of Sanctuary. I bring you great news. The greatest news. The Final Sanctuary is come. But to create this paradise, of which you have but glimpsed the palest shape, there is a grave and courageous thing that we must do. ]::

::[ Spellguard Broadcast : Todark we cast away our fear. We dare to be noticed. The Shield, and the Illusion, which have so protected us- so comforted us- are no more. Now... all of our devotion flows to Final Sanctuary. Todark we blaze with pride, with the dawning of a new world. ]::

::[ Spellguard Broadcast : Please stand by for messages from your Directorate. ]::

 ::[ City Sending by Director Finn Mouldercrest : It`s just what G-Gould would have wanted. Heh. Sanctuary is growing up n-n-now. We`re going to b-be getting m-more friends, and lots of... new stuff coming in. ]::

::[ City Sending by Director Austanias Glademore : I did say. And now you will all see. An age of beauty and divinity, it is upon us. I hope that I will see you in the next world, dearest friends and peoples of Sanctuary! ]::

::[ City Sending by Director "Ma" Murik : Dears, this is all very well and good. But what about the people of Starag`s Rest? Are they going to have a part in this Final Sanctuary as well? Will you be seeing beggars and orphans in Final Sanctuary, Austanias? I hope so. I hope so...  ]::

::[ City Sending by Sheriff Marshall Greer : All of you will remain SAFE. The Watchers and Warders have established CHECKPOINTS at every entrance to Sanctuary. The Spellguard have deployed trained apprentices, and are recruiting more, to bolster our magical defenses MANUALLY and perform thrall testing. ]::

Shortly following the words, the pylons maintaining the Illusion all powered down in sequence. And the Sanctuary Shield, too, fell.

Only moments afterward, the pylons powered back on. But it is strange... something is different. Where Serena Tower once stood, looming over Sanctuary, there is- Nothing?

[Divine Intervention]

::[Marpenoth 18th : Year 163 : 1385 DR]::

It began with a chill wind flowing off the Dark Lake.  Soon reports came flooding into Sanctuary that a vast fleet had taken to the waters, sailing forth from the Dread Empire occupied harbour of Traensyr.  Panicked and fearful sailors report at least thirty large warships, along with dozens of smaller skiffs, rafts and longboats in the armada.  From the shore onlookers watched helplessly as the huge naval force destroyed or captured any vessels foolish enough to be caught, the survivors of these wrecks dragged aboard barges for horrors unknown...

It is said that the larger ships of the fleet proceeded immediately in the direction of the Duergar City of Mutulakt where they formed a ring, blockading the city from the trade lanes of the Dark Lake and immediately began a pounding bombardment of the immense city walls.  Yet a potion of the armada was witnessed to have broken away from the blockade and made a rapid descent on the central island of Lobliibloop, barges spewing out scores of enthralled Drow soldiers and hordes of hideous aberrants.  Sailors who have since fled the island talk of the fury and speed of the Dread forces' advance, which quickly captured all but one corner of the island and began placing strange beacons upon the cliffs.  The purpose of these beacons rapidly became terribly apparent as hideous fleshy, pulsating masses out in the water began to drift towards the captured pirate and trading vessels sitting at anchor on the island.  Though many brave defenders of Sanctuary and a contingent of Lowersmen hastened to the island's defense, they were evidently unable to prevent all of these "living bombs" out on the lake from striking their intended targets on the piers, and explosions were heard far from the island.  

Though it seems from early reports that the islands natives, ably assisted by the adventurers of Sanctuary were able to repulse and defeat this landing, this hub of Dark Lake trade has suffered serious damage, and with the destruction of numerous ships on the Lake, the sea lanes of the Underdark are now firmly under the control of Ysinode.  Even more worringly, it is rumoured that the Mindflayers deployed some kind of implanted horror from the depths of the Lake in their attempts to break the defenses of Lobliibloop, many wonder what other terrible works of these alien minds may yet lay in wait...

[ShadowCharlatan]

::[ Marpenoth 21st : Year 163 : 1385 DR ]::

The Revelation of Sanctuary, as it has come to be known, has caused no shortage of visitors to hobble to the exposed checkpoints of Upper Sanctuary. From grovelling goblins and kobolds, to sly Duergar, to swaddled dark elves, to wandering beasts and animatrons, to some of the desperate peoples of Lower Sanctuary - running from some trouble below. The rumours tell of the surprising leniency of the gate guards. Those who ask entrance into Sanctuary are almost always permitted, so long as they pass the Test. Voices are rising for and against the "monsters" of the depths. Some have been indulged with food and water and sent on their way, or are given the healer's touch. Word is spreading fast throughout the Underdark about Sanctuary, a great and rich and righteous city which has finally dared to show its face. Unfamiliar folk are beginning to dribble in from far off places, and conversations are rippling through Sanctuary about the "dark races" or "the freeholds of the deep".

For their part, the Directorate meet the new darks with mixed feelings. It is believed that Director Mouldercrest is in heated exchanges with the "council of fat men" administering Gould's estate who have gone to great lengths to lock Finn out of all decisions. Numerous rumours of falsely advertised meetings and pranks played on Mouldercrest have filtered down, to the chagrin of the Director. However, on one thing the Director and the faceless council agree furiously (if at arm's length): and that is that Sanctuary must reach out and open itself to the freeholds. The Red Guild have ramped up their rhetoric, and in equal measure Director Murik has rallied the Blacks. Director Austanias Glademore is heard to speak his piece on permitting entrance to any creature virtuous enough to take up the worship of the gods. The Sheriff and Director Markem both keep a steely silence, though the most popular speculation among the scholars of the House of Knowledge is that these practical men must know that the coming of monsters to Sanctuary is inevitable if the Dread are ever to be fought effectively.

Rising as well are questions about Final Sanctuary, the promised paradise. There is talk that Serena Tower will soon initiate the next steps of its plans to migrate the population of Sanctuary to Final Sanctuary. Many openly wonder at who will be allowed inside. Angry and bitter words are heard throughout Upper, though others are optimistic that they will one day make it to the new world.

Even with the growing political battles, Sanctuary rests in an odd, stagnant peace. Many of the Watchers have been freed from beats and guard duties by the deployment of Emergency Panels. They have begun to spread to duties further afield, to protect Sanctuary's trade routes and holdings. Almost every dark now, patrols move out from the Barbican to tame the darkness.

Meanwhile, in Lower Sanctuary, tales tell of infighting among the Ibrandulin. The Feaster sect is no more, and the rumours say it was at the hands of two slayers from among the Darkmen. The Darkmen themselves are philosophical or fatalistic on the subject, barely bothering to utter denials.

[Tala]

::[ Marpenoth 23rd : Year 163 : 1385 DR ]::

Many skirmishes were held between the Watchers and Warders, as well as adventurers, against what can be seen at times, a united front of the cults of Lower Sanctuary. While the Watchers and Warders remain quiet about it, the rumors from Lower Sanctuary claim that in most of the battles, the people of Lower have emerged victorious. Citizens and adventurers are starting to speak fearfully about an increase of the goblin bandits in the Inbetween, as well as incidents of Watchers and Warders flee the scenes of battles, leaving others to fight for their lives.

With hushed whispers about the siege of Mutulakt, and the assault on Lobliibloop, can this new coalition of the Reformed Order and the Watchers really defend Sanctuary now that the Shield is gone?