OOC: The information below is intended as an indicator to anyone living in Sanctuary as to the current state of things within the city. It will be updated periodically.

Lower Sanctuary's gangs are quieted for now. The spirit of revoulution is subdued, a terrible fear of the way that the Watch and Spellguard brutally put down the last band of revoulutionaries grips the hearts of many once brave men. The vast majority of the poor ex-slaves driven off the streets of Upper Sanctuary and forced into Lower Sanctuary are indiferrent, and continue to struggle on with their lives hoping things get better. Gangs and gangsters continue to earn their dirty gold off the poor, hoping that the good times of anarchy continue but fearful that the Watch and Spellguard may come for them next... The grim, hard, and dangerous life of Lower Sanctuary goes on. There is however an air of suspicion over the occupation of The Canal Ward by Watch troops. Some Lowersmen grumble at the possibility that they might not stop just with the docks, though most seem content to let their new neighbors defend the gates for them.

The Canal Wards are filled with a giddy enthusiasm. Work and hope go hand and hand. The more cautious investors warn that this is not the first time the Canals have been free to be used, and go on to say that everyone's efforts will once again be in vain as the dark fey, the Unseelie, those assassins in the night still linger along the shores of the Canal, slurping at the thick green substances being excreted by the Machine. Yet the hopeful continue to work and continue to invest their time and energies in something, eager, at last, to have something to work for, some hope and some distraction from the pains in their stomachs.

Upper Sanctuary too is somewhat content. The re-unification with the Spellguard pleases the many who frequent the Hold. They murmur and whisper that after the last two years of quiet degradation that their city has suffered things are finally returning to the stability that Starag's time brought. A banner crop of beetles served to keep the rich, and the poor, well fed. A few exclaim loudly that if they cook it right it tastes just like chicken. People are optimistic that perhaps they'll have a few years of quiet, with no invasions, or wars. A few years where they can grow content, even fat, and love their women. Though even in Upper Sanctuary there is some discontent with the execution of Seeker James Lysik. Some of the smarter folk saw that the law that brought him to 'justice' was very oppressive. Worrying was how readily the Watch and Spellguard used it to issue a large number of warrants... though it is no longer a law, a small few look at their defenders with suspicion. Yet even will full bellies and secure gates there is still some discontent. Unemployment still remains an issue for many in Upper, and it is a problem which is steadily rising. With some businesses that once relied on trade with other settlements closing down, and with the council cut back on civil spending, jobs both within the government and about town are scarce indeed. Lately some of those unlucky enough to not find work have either moved into the Canal Ward or Lower, where they might live more in their means.

In all the districts of Sanctuary new slaves continue to pour in. Bringing more news of strife amongst the Drow, pirates plaguing the Kuo-Toa, or Duergar being accosted by aberrations. They bring tails of tragic captures and daring escapes. Many tell of the bravery displayed by blue clad warriors who seemed to tackle improbable odds in order to bring them to safety. The escaped slaves often look around for their heroes, but they are nowhere to be found. They're helped to assimilate into Sanctuary as best they can, yet most eventually find their way down into Lower Sanctuary looking for some manner of shelter that they can afford. The weak never make it to Sanctuary, and these strong willed people, from all backgrounds, lend themselves to every manner of task and profession.

With the Seekers all but gone the darkness surrounding the city seems thicker then ever. The reports by these former slaves are eagerly listened to by members of the Watch, who try and often fail, to piece togeather what is happening beyond the walls of their city.

The older children brought into Sanctuary by a Seeker expedition a year or so back begin to put on their man growth. They begin taking up the mantle of adventurers, craftsman, and rat hunter. They are in every way a boon to the city though a great deal of them have turned to crime and other illicit activities.

In the area now commonly known as Old Sanctuary, life continues as it always has. Councillors come and go, are assassinated and retire, yet with the scant few luxuries that are afforded inhabitants of the great darkness, they endure. Recently, a pair of trackers discovered a large pack of Rothe in a previously unexplored cave, resulting in many of Old Sanctuaries poorest beginning to dine well. However, some of the more conservative members of society begin to warn that Rothe grow dangerously sparse. The elderly still speak with distaste back to the days when food was tightly rationed, and Mushrooms the main cuisine. The jobless continue to rise, with the middle classes of the City seemingly cutting back on much of the extravagance they had grown accustomed, citing in private circles to the trade policies of certain Councillors. Trade Caravans grow rarer at the gates of the City, and some of the harder hit citizens have taken to begging. However, for the most part people seem satisfied, and are optimistic about the fragile status quo that has been reached with the Watch and the Spellguard, with people beginning to openly discuss a new Golden Age of Watch and Spellguard cooperation, with the citizens looking on excitedly at the new Law Enforcement Animatrons. Some folk, in the more radical wings of society are beginning to openly call for Commander Simms to return to the eye of the public once more, now the threat of dangerous radicals has all but subsided. With the destruction of House Donrick, Alexander Archibald is now assumed to remain the sole living scion of the Council of the Founders, and there have been calls, growing steadily louder for him once more to step up to the mantle of leadership. Of late, Citizens have been casting their eyes with concern to events in The Sanctuary Below. Whilst some of the more militant sections of society welcome the subjugation of seditionists, others speak hushedly and in fear of the rise of a tyrant within their very walls, pondering when his eye will turn towards more lucrative targets.

In the Sanctuary Below, a muted air of fear has once more settled over the bedraggled common folk. After a bloody battle with men who openly dared to speak the name of Albert Ubel, the hopes of the common people once more seem dashed in the face of tyranny. Many speak hushedly in dark corners of the ease with which one man has laid claim to a land for which so much blood has been spilled. The Brotherhood of the Ascension and the Hoarans remain muted in the face of the self proclaimed Prince, and the few remaining veterans of the Great Revolt of 151 having slithered away, unable or unwilling to commit themselves to yet another long struggle. The Gangs sharpen their blades cautiously, uncertain as to whether this new Prince is a threat to their trade or not. As ever, the Pissing Crone functions as a nexus of rumours within the Lower Ward, with the general consensus standing that everything will be all right, along as Cyrus remains open for business. For a population depleted by war, the few remaining people seem horribly apathetic to goings on, being content to live quietly, or drink themselves unto the end of the troubles.

The Canal Ward, conversely, is filled with newfound optimism. The residents speak of the tenacity of the Watch Garrison, which successfully took the battle to the Court of the Unseelie, defeating them decisively. A few darks past, a small ceremony was held in which the first ship departed along the Canal, holding the woollen cloaks crafted by the womenfolk of the City. It is the hope that travellers will purchase them as a novelty, if not for their durability and warmth.

Noticeably, Seekers are seen less and less about the City, with many beginning to speculate that only five or so now remain from the City’s once proud Defence Organization. Even as the darkness seems to close upon the walls, people remain whimsical, even positive about their absence from the City. And yet, there still remains those few who welcome the weary wanders when they stop for respite, if only for a little while.

State of Sanctuary

It is Mirtul 5th, and the political structures of Sanctuary lie in ruins. Two days past, Councilor Edward Raymus was assassinated by the Order of the Spellguard. His death lead to a bloody reprisal, and the proclamation of the upstart Werner Sheps as Overseer of Sanctuary lead to two days bloody fighting, at low intensity. Enraged Gangmembers stalk the streets, looking for Watchmen to square off against. Traitorous Watchmen are paraded into the streets and shot. Whispered rumors surge across the City that the rebel forces ordered several massacres of Spellguard and Watch captives. Brother fights brother, and all the while rumors spread of a newly reunified Traensyr- Ysinode awakening from its long lethargy, and they are readily reminded of the creeping ascendancy of the Chosen every time a terrified, inhuman cry rises from the ruins before settling into a terrible silence.

Two days later, and the much of the initial fighting has grown subdued. Sheps and his men seem to have made good their seizure of power, with Watchmen swarming onto the streets in number. Any resistance in the centre of Town has been quashed, save for the unruly refugees from the Sanctuary Below, who have been successfully herded into a small corner, with filth and squalor becoming commonplace. The Hall of the Seekers stands alone in defiance against the Order, although with precious few men, it remains questionable whether they can hold out if the Watch fully commit to taking it. The trouble began in the early hours of the dark after the fighting had begun, when a small cadre of Watchmen moved to surround the Hall, following the news Michael Bresley had openly declared for Reynolds. Being taken by surprise, rebels sprawled from the doors, and drove back the Watch in a bloody sortie. Setting up a perimeter, they have heavily trapped the approach to the Hall making passing nigh impossible. A large force of Watchmen and Animatrons immediately moved to surround the embattled rebels, but have so far not deigned to begin an offensive. It is whispered that Michael Bresley lies within, and the Watch anticipate the popular revolt that would occur as a result of the death of the last scion of the Founders. Nevertheless, the now-Lieutenant Krown has taken a liking to parading prisoners outside the battlements, and executing them within plain sight of the defenders. Rumors are abound about foreign intervention in the latest conflict. It is said a company of Duergar Mercenaries are gathering at Fort Mur, and plan to march to Sanctuary to sell their swords to the highest bidder. Ambassador Claw of the Shadow Tribe has remained ominously silent of late, with people speaking of the favor recently won by Sergeant Everard of the Watch at the Shadow Drake’s great tourney. For which side this bodes well for, none can say.

The dejected dregs of the Sanctuary Below have finally made camp within the city proper, and bring with them all the squalor and depravity for which their ward is renowned. Gangs loiter upon the streets, and the odd patrol of Watchman has been said to disappear entirely. Citizens no longer walk there, even if the route is shorter and word is abound the gangs are close to openly declaring for the rebellion. Nevertheless, the Watch have elected not to stir the hornets nest as of yet, when so many threats present themselves. However, a growing minority begin to demand that the entire district be crushed to prevent the seeds of sedition from spreading.

In the absence of the Council, the Watch has been increasingly reveling in their newfound law enforcement powers. On the spot executions are becoming further prevalent as time progresses, although only known rebels fall prey to their worst excesses. Rumors spread that the Overseer soon plans to put out word of mandatory conscription, and the young and strong of the City fear that they soon will be upon the front lines of the fighting. Finally, the promotion of the former Chairman of the Council Illario Dentra to Lieutenant of the Watch has not gone without notice. He has become a common figure, stalking the halls of Dunwarren in his imposing grey armor. Rumor has it that he’s been given command of the efforts to flush out the rebels, although with the majority remaining so elusive it is difficult to imagine how he will succeed in his task. The disappearance and reputed assassination of Inquisitor Isania Symbaern at the critical moment during the opening hours of the battle has reportedly caused disarray amongst the Spellguard. Lacking their most important field Agent, it has taken them some days to recover and reform. It is said the Machine Zone lies abandoned, and that the Order had taken more time to fortify their own position than offering aid to the newly entitled Overseer. Nevertheless, following the initial struggle to maintain control of the Upper Ward, the Order has become instrumental in subduing the isolated pockets of resistance that continue to plague the Watch. Despite the early victories of the rebels, and the admittedly depleted number of loyalist Watchmen, the position of Overseer Sheps and Commander Simms appears stable, if open to challenge.

The outlaws themselves are something else entirely. Followers of Ubel, dissident Watchmen, rowdy gang members and Seekers all follow the banner of rebellion, yet it has become difficult to ascertain who is in charge of the entire effort. It is clear Michael Bresley in the Seeker Hall has been an obvious target, yet his actual garrison appears to be very few in number. Folk tales already tell of the Sergeants Keel and Antonov along with the Half Orc Murien and their column of irregulars wrecking great havoc upon the Order of the Spellguard and the Watch, and Sergeant Keel’s dramatic standoff with Lieutenant Krown over prisoners has become something of a legend. Lieutenant Reynolds himself, the fugitive and reputed thrall remains an enigma. By anyone’s estimates he now commands a sizable contingent of hardened Watchmen, but his men themselves have rarely been seen deployed. Fearful loyalists speak openly in questioning where exactly the Lieutenant is, and what he is planning. It is clear to any casual observer that the rebels have yet to deploy their most seasoned veterans.

Whichever side eventually triumphs, it is evident to all that the City they shall inherit shall be in tatters. Some cry bloody vengeance for the murder of Edward Raymus. Others demand that this unlawful sedition be ended before it can begin. The city is divided in two, and has finally turned upon itself. Whilst the scars of the Ubel Rebellion had ample time to heal, it is clear that following the bloody conclusion of this war, there shall be no going back. Rumors spread that the Order of the Spellguard has been experimenting with the old defense systems of Dunwarren, and will soon have the ability to seal off the City from the outside world entirely. However the coming days play out, it is clear that Sanctuary is broken, and shall not be remade in the image of it's past.

OOC:Credit to Dan, the author.