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

[Caddies]

Word spreads around the Docks of the arrival of Bimpwocket Bozworth. Purportedly a renown gnomish researcher specializing in rare and exotic marine creatures, he has taken up residence and apparently even begun recruiting bravos and street toughs, presumably for protection amidst the chaos that grips the district. A cacophony of strange 'industrial' noises, such as hiss of steam pumps and routine grinding of metal cogs, can be heard from the confines of his large building...

[DeputyCool]

The Transcendent Conclave is said to have announced themselves more fully today. Their proceedings were interrupted, when General Drexia is said to have arrived. He and the Prophet Razul exited to the Floating Enclave, briefly, and when the two returned, the General wore the Conclave's colors. Many panic at being left once again without an overseer, but others say Trenada is not far...

Many are uncertain what this means, but all are positive there is at least one clear meaning: Drexia has defected.

[Talir]

An eventful day has passed on the 22nd of Eleasis. It began early in the morning when House D'Erlon threw open their doors and marched upon the Ziggurat in force, quickly securing it in the absence of any Rubies there. As their patron, lord Michel D'Erlon decleared himself the regent of Ymph, a ragged, dirty but proud caravan with Duke Antoine Trenada at the head finally arrived at the former Colony. After a short exchange of words between the two, they parted ways to prepare for a duel which would determine who would rule the city.

As hours passed, Trenada held an announcement within the old Sharboneth Citadel. There it was revealed the Michel D'Erlon had fallen to the blades of a Ruby for his House's treacherous act against the will of the Count, his house fallen and all of his family dead. It was also decleared that the Armada would renew their efforts as protectors of the city and taking on the law enforcement that the Armsmen previously did, although as they said: faster and more efficient. A ruling body consisting of the nobility, the elite of the city, would form a Court to advice Trenada on governmental matters; and colonists were offered to send him a letter should they think themselves eligible for this position. It was expected of the nobles to already be a recognized figure, lead a group and have some influence already.

As the day waned, the night was slightly less dark and foreboding for the Colonists of Ymph.

[Daemonic Daz]

As the sun began to sink below the horizon, The Colony was on edge as various Stygians, militiamen and envoys entered and exited the Citadel in large droves. Colonists and adventurer alike speculated on the cause of this sudden burst of activity but its intent was soon shown.

A herald surrounded by numerous Stygians and Militiamen made their way across the ziggurat to the rowdy and utterly chaotic "free" haven that was originally The Docks District, standing atop the walls as he addressed the thugs, beggars and brave commonfolk that still made their homes there. The herald read out a proclamation, penned Antoine Trenada that The Docks district was to rejoin The Colony proper and that any false claims to the territory was to be considered boid, the gangs and thugs were also ordered to lay down their arms as Stygian forces were to promptly begin occupying the area and restore order.

It was not without bloodshed however, the notorious gang known as "The Sons" attacked the Stygian Party led by Remy Crallet and his men. Amongst them however was another man, a man whispered by many throughout The Colony had shown his face before.

Horton Grouse, whispered to be the ex Admiral of Ixpadia Sabuth, conquerer of Ymph and the man to give the order for her fleet to abandon Ymph stood tall alongside Remy Crallet before descending into a small speech regarding Duke Trenada's ridiculous claims over The Docks, he urged for those of The Docks to support him against his "Crusade" against Tyranny and to continue the resistance against The Stygians before departing with his men in tow.

Many speculate what Duke Trenada's response will be to the slaughter of his men and resistance of his rightful rule.

[Sternhund]

On this day, the notorious rebel, Jackin Hoxie, approached the city gates with two members of the Stygian Armada as his hostages. Specialist Kedrian approached Jackin and attempted a peaceful negotiation. Word has it that Jackin requested a man in prison in exchange for the two members of the Armada. Specialist Kedrian left the scene and returned later with the man. The two spoke further. Members of the colony say that Jackin did not uphold his end of the deal, and after promising the trade of one-for-two, he demanded five thousand coins. Specialist Kedrian did not agree to this deal. Jackin then threw a fire bomb on the scene. He and the rebels quickly killed their hostages. Stygian Crossbowmen on the city gate opened fire on Jackin. Infantrymen swarmed him. Jackin Hoxie was killed within seconds. Many of the remaining rebels were killed by the Stygians. No prisoners were taken. Those who survived had to retreat to safety.

Later in the day, Specialist Kedrian made an announcement to the colony. He spoke of how the rebels, not the Stygians, spilled first blood, and that those who supported the rebellion followed Jackin's example of bloodshed, murder, and chaos. At the end of his announcement, he declared that the Stygian Armada won this day, and that the day's events will serve as an example to those who consider disrupting the harmony of the colony with violence.

[Daemonic Daz]

The Colony saw more bloodshed this day as the infamous group of Garagosians known as "The Legion" threw their lot in with the Rebels of The Docks as they attacked a Stygian who approached the group.

Rumours are abound that the incident occured when a member of The Legion challenged a Aspirant of The Armada to mortal combat, the challenge was declined and two Stygians went to the outskirts of The Docks to taunt The Garagosian for his cowardice in attempting to face weaker challenges then he could grasp. Angered by this, The group attacked but The Stygians quickly made a swift retreat and made calls for The docks and Temple District to be barricaded with the already strained Stygian forces from last nights conflict.

A few moments later, a bounty of 1000 ducats for every head of The Legion taken and 1500 for everyone brought in was announced and said to come from the pocket of Lord Antoine Trenada himself.

Dark clouds gather over Ymph.

[Caddies]

On this day a group of 'Dock rebels' and various other criminals were said to have milled about outside the gates, drinking a dizzying array of potions magical before rushing the gates and killing a few Stygian defenders and some random citizens that happened to be passing the area, before retreating as the gates were locked.

Duke Trenada is said to be furious, and mentioned he will personally be on the battlefield next time they attempt such an opportunistic and unimaginative murder spree.

[Caddies]

An explosion in the night was the talk of the town this morning. For those residents of the Docks and the Ziggurat both, it became clear that somebody had apparently destroyed the convenient and narrow passage connecting the two areas. Gossips put forward a variety of suppositions, ranging from bolts of lightning thrown down by the wizards who reside above the city to noblemen paying saboteurs to collapse the passageway to send away the stink of the slums. The most common rumor, however, and the one apparently backed by the only alleged witness, was a team of Sons of the Sabuth deliberately setting off a blast there with alchemist's fire.

Either way it appears the desolate and ruinous section of the old city, northeast of the Ziggurat, is the only ticket to and from the Docks for those who wish to avoid the interesting aroma of the Sewers...

[Daemonic Daz]

Meanwhile, most people still seem to be talking about yesterdays events that saw the end of The Targusian Cult that had recently sprung up in The Colony alongside the Wereboar known as Farrow.

Reports are varied depending on who you ask but most people agree that the beginning of the end came when fighting was heard at the entrance of The Temple District. Militiamen, Stygians and adventurer alike took arms to the area and eventually brought them in to face justice. Farrow was also quickly felled within the Temple of Divine Right when he attempted to ambush the citizens of The Colony.

Many question their reasoning for blatantly attacking the ziggurat, some say they were nothing more than frenzied fanatic's that had nothing to lose, other's say that they were involved in a ritual that marks their attack as only the beginning of things to come.

Whatever their motives, the few that were taken alive were sentenced to exile amongst the rabble and "oppressed" in The Docks district. Curiously enough however, they have seemed to disappear all together, some whispers saying they were slain on their arrival in the docks by a heavily enchanted, equally crazed individual.

[Talir]

News spread around the city that just yesterday, Duke Antoine Trenada called out Admiral Grouse to come to the Inner City Ruins. Both present there with their own followers, the boy Razul and Drexia as a third party arriving later, it is said they spoke of the recent tumults and the precarious position that had befallen the city.

Among the citizens of the Duchy, it is said that Trenada demanded the cease of hostilities from the Docks or he would bring his elite mercenaries to the place to establish order once and for all. Faced with the threat of a final confrontation, Grouse relented and the Duke allowed them to dwell within the Docks until the time came for the city to be rejoined once more, as long as the promise was kept not to continue the recent attacks from their volatile gang community members. This was met with the immediate approval of a large part of the residents who are eager to let the Docksmen squabble among themselves, instead of forcefully having to contend with such a portion and resource-drain among their own populace. In the Duchy of Trenada, people speak eagerly of the future and the promises the rule of the Duke brings.

In all corners of the Docks the news spread that their charismatic patriot, Horton Grouse, was able not only to deflect an imminent invasion of the Blue Shark devils but also to secure the freedom and indepence of the Docks from the rule of Trenada. It is said that he stood before Trenada with not a doubt or concern upon him, and his manner caused the battleproven duelist to falter. Booze is eagerly spread in large quantity among the patrons of the Wastrel, much of it paid by the man of the hour himself. Among the dwellers, many look forward to what intentions Grouse will say when he speaks of the future of the Docks soon.

Yet for all the words spoken that rings more favorable for their own home, the more unbiased will tell that it was the Transcendant Conclave and Razul who were the decisive factor for the agreement to happen. At the perilous grounds of a war that would completely shatter the whole city, the boy under the watchful protection of the former Ruby General announced that should aggressive actions occur they would side with the defendant to protect the stability and future of the whole city. A tense agreement was finally reached and each party went to their own seperate section of the netherese ruins.

War was evaded for the sake of preservation and peace, and the parts are content. For now.

[Talir]

The Nightriser entrance into the Inner City Ruins two days ago still pass from mouth to mouth, citizens speaking fearful of the renewed interest from the undead below. Most believe the respite since the Veil of Selune has come to an end and they dread what this means for the future. They are anxious and eagerly looking to their protectors, some even beginning to look upwards to the Floating Conclave where it is said its wizards can protect the city from ever being struck by Nightrisers again.

[Talir]

The recent assaults from the dwellers below has the Duchy on its edge. In increasing numbers the Nightrisers have struck the city again and again with no foretelling of a cease to come. As night falls, more and more barricade themselves within their homes or enter the Kingsman's for shelter in numbers, their host seen to draft the more regular visitors for guard duty. As the numbers of militia-men thin, so do the ranks of volunteers seeking to defend their home. The few more determined citizens and veterans of Red Eleint or the Ixpadian War have been seen to approach the Pallid Masks and subsequently entering the depths below clad in the pale outfit. For all ventures below, they are always fewer in number or badly injured when they return.

[Caddies]

Words spreads around the Docks and beyond of the movements of an elderly man amongst the destitute back alleys of the slums. Shuffling along on his cane, Father Michael the Pauper as many have come to know him administers to the poor of the district, offering his healing touch and hopeful prayers. The ascetic elderly cleric of Ilmater is also rumored to be one of Admiral Grouse's most trusted advisors, and regularly provides spiritual guidance to the Sons. Talk in the Docks is that he will be installed within the soon-to-be-completed Ilmateri temple as its senior priest, where the godly man may better tend to the concerns of the poor and forgotten.

[Talir]

An eventful day passes upon the Archipelago. During the twilight hours towards the night, a Caliphar of the Transcendant Conclave called for mercenaries to protect him as he descended into the Sewers to check the state of their undead repelling shield, raised a few days ago. Talk was had of stretching it further to encompass pieces of the sewers. Whatever the thoughts were, they were quickly silenced as a ragged group left the Sewers a bit later, carrying the broken body of the Caliphar to the Mausoleum. Nothing has been mentioned of the cause yet.

[Talir]

Dust settles the morn of Marpenoth 17th. After being warned of an impending Nightriser invasion, the city immediately began preparing for the eventuality that would happen during the night. A gathering was held within the Mythallar chamber where possible actions were discussed. Some say House Harvix suggested the use of undead against the risers, others say Stenton proposed to make use of his slaves. None of these measures were taken as the people put their trust in the Stygian Armada, the militia, the Pallid Mask and the Transcendant Conclave.

The attack began upon the slopes of the Ziggurat where a small force of Nightrisers initiated what would be a drawn-out trap. Eventually, the defenders pursued the risers into the Inner City Ruins, where they were quickly secluded off from the rest of the city as Nightrisers portaled in to make a decisive strike against them. Many brave warriors fell within these ruins before they managed to escape through the Sewers. The battle was taken from the Ziggurat up at the Conclave before the defenders moved to the aid of the Docks. As the final hours of the night passed, the entirety of the city had once more been made safe.

While most of the Ziggurat appears to have been spared due to the preparations made, the streets of the Docks have been painted dark. For the first time in a year, Nightrisers once more stamp upon the soils of freedom. Caught off guard by a foe they never thought would threaten them again, the sheer numbers were stopped short of genocide by the Sons of Sabuth, rallying the people and less fearful gangmembers against the undead menace. Nothing save the broken bones of both the living and the unliving tell how hard they were pressed in the battle, those surviving unwilling to part with many words in its wake. Forced back into a brutal reality, preparations are being made to ensure a lesser extent of destruction for any subsequent attacks.

The Conclave, hitherto unreachable by any hostile forces, found themselves under siege as their celebrated shield was torn apart. The Nightrisers struck hard but were held off by the Conclave's wizards, quickly reinforced by the defenders below. Despite the aid, a few of their numbers fell to the undead.

Shaken from the breach and numbers of the risers, citizens are barricading themselves within their homes, fearful for what the night will bring. For in the aftermath of the invasion, a Commander of the Nightrisers showed himself on top of the Ziggurat with the dreaded message:

It is only the beginning.