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

[ShadowCharlatan]

News begins to filter into the outskirts of the village of Mistlocke, and indeed to Mistlocke itself, of an unusual multitude of vessels skirting the shores of Ymph- dropping anchor at Murdertown or by some quiet section of coast only to have a few figures row to shore to disappear into the brush before once again departing...

Though some bluster is heard of the return of the Comitals, and a second war, most dismiss this... More persistent is a subtler, and darker explanation. It's said the price of slaves in the city of Old Port has risen steeply- doubling, or even tripling. More slaves than ever before are pouring through the Last Gate of Old Port, to the dark city below.

And so, say the gossipers over their cups, desperate or plain foolish bands of slavers and bounty hunters are descending upon Ymph, braving the curse in the hope of making a tidy fortune...

[ShadowCharlatan]

Eleint 17th, 1382 DR

Two months from the day Cameron Falltower was elected as Mayor, several of the remaining Elders of Mistlocke met today in the Last Keep along with privileged villagers, the Lord Captain Ronald Fryth, and the Numinous Order's Inquisitor Gildenberg, to discuss the future of the village. The tales vary, but most speak that Major Hood refused even to attend... and that Old Muskroot there delivered words, and a prophecy, that unsettled Gadyw Aberdenn. Chief Hamilcar was seen leaving the Last Keep in a fury, and the Argenti camp bristles on the edge of the village as Aberdenn Bannermen begin gathering the materials to finish their palisade.

Works can be seen throughout the village, as well... as, in the wake of disaster the Last Keep begins to see renewed excavation, and villagers that remain continue to pick up the pieces of broken buildings.

Meanwhile, Clan Caermyn begins to uneasily welcome a slow stream of family members from across the seas, in preparation for the funeral of Menaster Caermyn.

[Iron Oligarch]

Eleint 26th, 1382 DR

After several days of increasingly violent troll raids from the Morass, a large warband -- led by Lord-Captain Ronald Fryth and Inquisitor of the Numinous Order Edvar Gildenberg, and including several Wyrm Watchers and a whole column of dwarves among others -- is said to have finally scattered the tribe responsible. Only time can tell if the attacks shall cease, however, for as every adventurer knows, trolls and their kind are notoriously difficult to exterminate.

[Iron Oligarch]

Eleint 29th, 1382 DR

On the heels of a storm that shook the trees in the Veil, word spreads of a party of adventurers returning from the deeper parts of the forest bearing several brutally mutilated corpses. Rumours fly as huntsmen and wildwalkers come bearing reports of individual trolls frantically moving about the land, strange movements of the trees of the wood, pushed against the wind, and even of thunderous crashing from the deepest reaches of the Mist-laden East ...

[ShadowCharlatan]

Marpenoth 4th, 1382 DR

With Menaster Caermyn's funeral over and done with, the Caermyn family has descended into projects and intrigues. Though none have dared truly claim the mantle of the former Patriarch, factionalism is thought to be rife among the Clan. Where before the Associates and Retainers of the Clan competed to impress the old man, now they navigate a simmering mire of internal struggle... uncertain to who they should pledge, and who will come out the new leader of the Clan.

Notable was the return of the disowned son of Menaster, "King" Drystan Caermyn, a band of withered pirates and brigands in tow. Though despised by his fellow family members, an aura of mad mysticism surrounds the petulant self-proclaimed King. The many say he has a misty jewel for an eye, and even speak of powers of prophecy possessed by the former potion merchant... that led the Laughing Skull Pirates to great wealth and plenty in their time at sea.

Meanwhile, in Mistlocke proper, works continue on a monument to Gadyw Aberdenn. Tensions with the Argenti have risen, and risen as time has gone on... and the Aberdenn await only their Warlord's whimsical order to erect the last stretch of the village walls so protested.

[wcsherry]

Marpenoth 21, 1382 DR

The announcement of Warlord Gadyw's five days of games and festivities have been met with great fervor and excitement by the villagers and adventurers that call Mistlocke home. Each day, a new event passes, and a new champion is crowned.

It is said that on the first day of festivities, contests of strength were held, in which the Bullbreaker, true to his name, emerged triumphant. A peculiar sight was witnessed this day as well. Many tell stories that include a Stargazer that was nearly fed alive to a giant, shackled bear. Only after the pleas of a single attendant was the Stargazer spared this grisly fate, to be given the option of a trial by combat.

The second day of games was marked by contests of magic. Several competitors flocked to the Mist's End Tavern to compete for the praise and treasures of the fabled Aberdenn Vaults. After several rounds of magical combat, a single woman emerged triumphant. The victor, Seer Eliza, is rumored to be the newest apprentice of Muskroot, and a rising star in the field of magical knowledge and arcane lore in the village.

The third day of games included the hunt of fearsome, giant beasts. One was said to be an enormous troll queen, the other an ogre, and the last a giant lizard. Two groups emerged victorious from the affair. One was led by a group of Aberdenn's latest recruits, the other led by a young female caster.

The fourth day of games included a contest of songs, stories, and wits. After several hours of competition that included several bizarre interruptions, an unlikely champion emerged. Often called "DULL" for his slow wits and strange speaking patterns, Durwyn was deemed champion of the event, and the new "Master of Songs" within Mistlocke.

As the final day of games approaches, adventurers and sellswords gather supplies in anticipation of a grand finale.

[ShadowCharlatan]

Rumour has quickly spread of the conquest of the Dwarven citadel known as the Delving by two tremendous Giant Kings. It was a victory heralded by booming laughter, and assured by the treachery of some of the Delving's own. The gnome Efrain Widdlytink, former Master Merchant and Caermyn Associate, is now said to be directing affairs in the Delving. Whereas Thane Longbeard is kept alive and imprisoned while his people slave away for his giant captors.

Though terrible news for the Delving, the news is not good for Mistlocke either. Though the exodus of some citizens to the Caermyn shanty town in the outskirts, as well as the provision of feasts and the works of Gareth Caermyn for Menaster's funeral relented somewhat the appetite of the population of the divided village, trouble looms over Mistlocke in the form of the two 'Noor' Giants.

With their ascent to royalty, the forests are beginning to utterly empty of game, and though the village granary rests with some precarious stocks yet, the future looks bleak.

Meanwhile, it has come to some attention that- following their capture of Carden Caermyn -food shipments between Sis Liman and the Numinous Order's Castle have quietly resumed. Yet the route most frequently used in recent times... through the Delving and down the river... is bound for new complications.

More peripheral rumours speak of strange happenings on Sis Liman and along the coast of Ymph... it's said bizarre -fish people- are beginning to surface, extremely withered and decayed, on the shores...

[ShadowCharlatan]

Rumour spreads of an enormous attack on Sis Liman by armies of withered Diluvians and various H'balan monstrosities on which rumours vary... from a veritable undead Kraken, to the kelp forest itself writhing toward the shores of Ymph.

After the attack, a Diluvian Mythkeeper inside a protective bubble emerged to speak to the defenders... and his words proved even more terrible indeed than the attack. The Withering Curse, he said, has begun to infect his people at a truly alarming rate. That if something isn't done- the Maiden shall possess the seas, with an army of Diluvians five thousand strong.

He made two demands of those present, to see that this does not happen:

The first, that those on the surface destroy the servants of "the Veneroida". Whether or not they are responsible, he claimed, they are a destabilising influence on the mysterious underwater city of Hyrelican's Seat that undermines the authority of the Mythkeepers to do what is necessary.

The second demand was that the village of Mistlocke send, by vessel, as many humans suitable for labour as it can spare within the next few days. To work and find imperative resources in the Lower Sectors of the city.

The Mythkeeper's final words of his warning spread throughout the village:

"This must be sent within the next several tides. Consult your Elders and see that it be done. Lest we are all doomed."

[Jayde Moon]

Rumours begin to circulate that the Steward Arch Druid Emlyn ap Taliesin led a band of men, women, and Stargazers in a strike against the forces of H'bala.  After his Stargazer cohort, called by some the 'Chosen', managed to kill several H'balan cultists, including a savage werewolf known for terrorizing the island, the wildlings and their allies rallied for an assault on a hidden base used by the cultists for nefarious purpose.

It is said that more than a dozen attended to the call of the Arch Druid but that at least half perished in the ensuing battle.  While none who were not there can truly say what was accomplished in the strike, Rovers report that the withered lands are quieter... at least for the moment.[/i]

[wcsherry]

Uktar 11, Year 160, 1382 DR

Aberdenn corpses are dragged to gates of Mistlocke in bloodied bags, some mauled by giant looking claws, others slashed to pieces by blades and daggers. As commoners gather to witness the spectacle, one word is on the tip of everyone's tongue: "Stargazers"

Amidst a bluster of sendings made by Muskroot, a heated exchange is said to have taken place just beyond the gates of the city. Few are certain on the details, but some claim five, others say ten, and the outlandish in the city even claim that twenty rabid Stargazers assaulted the Lord Captain and captured the Inquisitor amidst some kind of negotiation.

It seems there was a slaughter this night. Several perished, Ordermen and Aberdenn bodies counted heavily amongst the dead, yet the villagers of Mistlocke insist that no Stargazer corpses were found...

At the head of the Stargazer pack, a lone woman with a longsword is said to be the primary antagonist, a powerful Stargazer that laid the Inquisitor low with a single swipe of her deadly blade. Tales of her thirst for violence and chaos spreads through the city like wildfire. Many wonder who she is, what she wants, and why she attacked the Lord-Captain. Worse yet, they wonder if the Lord-Captain will survive her terrible wrath.

[Howlando]

:[ Uktar 14th : Year 160 : 1382 DR ]::

An extraordinary night has transpired in Mistlocke. It all began on an otherwise calm evening, when a bizarre vortex of Mist coalesced above the central square of Mistlocke and started to display a series of visions to its frightened people.

The image of the Lichess, the Maiden, the great enemy H'bala... smiling in smug gloating pleasure. A skull servitor clasping a frosty ring in its jaw was shown, giving this Ring to its Queen. And then H'bala was shown putting on the ring.

Following this was a terrible blizzard and frost, terrible chunks of withered ice forming to make mighty elementals that stamped through the town. Drifts of sickening snow piled high in the streets of a place that had never before seen so much as a morning's frost.

But in time the blizzard ended, and once more the Mist above revealed a vision... this time, the Lichess being handed a fresh ring: one in which a small flower sprouted... the flower dying as the ring was, in turn, placed upon her finger.

What followed was a terrible storm, withered yellow lightning crackling down upon the battlements and rooftops of Mistlocke. Huge sheets of driving, greasy rain melting the snow and soaking the corruption into the earth...

And then once more there was a vision, this time of the Maiden accepting a Ring of Summer.

And so following was a terrible heat and storm of choking dust, withered clouds of it settling across the Island.... the earth cracking in the dry heat, and countless trees collapsing or burning in a terrible conflagration of corrupt fire.

And, finally, the Lichess accepted an autumnal ring. And then there was a terrible decay all across Ymph. The leaves of much of the Island's remaining vegetation blown away... sickening corruption seeping nearly everywhere. A cold wind even blew away much of the Mist that warded the areas near Mistlocke...

What has followed the Withered Storm is an island that had slipped that much closer to utter ruin. The Crossroads and large sections of the Underwood are mist-warded no longer, and H'bala's creatures have been spotted a bow's length from Mistlocke itself.

In some desperation, a Lottery was called immediately after the storm and no less than three "champions" of the Mist were chosen. Following the Lottery the Mists returned in their mysterious strength to ward Mistlocke, but the niggling itch of the Withering can be felt all throughout the nearby forests.

It is a sorrowful autumnal Uktar for Ymph. And many of Mistlocke's inhabitants are heard to be murmuring among themselves of how Accursed Hammer 23rd - the anniversary of the Lich's release from her prison - is steadily approaching.

[Dash]

What began as an unprecedented meeting, between none other than Warlord Gadyw One-Eye and Gareth Caermyn himself, took an unexpected turn that has taken the village of Mistlocke by surprise.

Amidst heated discussions on the newly repaired bridge into Mistlocke, the two famous leaders were interrupted by the notorious and drunk Myfynwy. After a showing including vomit and belching, the strange and outcast young Aberdenn revealed his "true colors" so to speak, as none other than the elusive Prince of Thopsee Shee. Tellings of the what followed differ, but the meeting has left the village astir with rumors of the Warlord bing killed, eaten, maimed, replaced as a fetch, or enthralled.

Whichever version is true, it seems the Prince's eternal revel has come to Mistlocke. The Prince spoke briefly of a coming a war before retreating to his newly claimed Mayoral chambers to "redecorate."

[Howlando]

Tales are told of the "Convocation of the Gallants" and how, sponsored by Major Hood, they successfully destroyed a horrific withered beast lurking in the seas near Sis Liman.

Elsewhere, a sad tale is told of a peaceful holy man who sailed to Ymph with the intent to bring reprieve to its withered inhabitants, but instead found his way to the dungeons of Murdertown. It's said he was forced to try his luck at Father Michael's infamous Wheel of Misfortune.....

[ShadowCharlatan]

Nightal 6th, 1382 DR

Word filters through the village of late, of the destruction of a Corrupted World Tree at the hands of- most say, the Convocation of Gallants. And yet, rumours in the village quickly emerge... disputing this, and asserting that it was the Prince of Thopsee Shee and his court that were responsible. The Prince himself, no less, declaring it on horseback in the village square.

As further declarations of the fey usurper begin to be known, the battered and beleaguered village slides into - if it were even possible - deeper despair.

- The walls, it is said, will be stacked with Alchemist's Fire and set alight in a grand day of fireworks, at the suggestion of a local gnome of the village.

- A crone the name of Rotberries, is to be bathed, and whosoever does the deed... will be named the official Bathmaster of the Prince's Court.

- Some glimmers of hope come out of it all, though... The Prince and the smiling Warlord Gadyw declared also that "games" would soon be had, and from them would emerge new "village planners" who would determine improvements and new buildings to be constructed.

And after naming Auigan, a local Aberdenn Bannerman, his newest (six hundred and thirty fourth) Herald of his Court... the Prince and Gadyw returned to the Last Keep to race snails.

[ShadowCharlatan]

Nightal 9th, 1382 DR

Today, the rumble of many barrels being rolled toward the village sent Mistlocke into a panic. Little fey creatures placed huge barrels of Alchemist's Fire all around the village perimeter... along the walls and atop the keep...

Adventurers and commoners alike headed out, leaving the village all but abandoned as the Prince called for a volunteer to detonate the barrels and create his desired 'fiery bloom' to bathe the walls.

Ronald Fryth stood to do it... adding Official Detonator of the Summer Court to his titles. Only two noble dwarves stood between him and Mistlocke's seeming fiery doom. After much suspense and deliberation, Fryth detonated the first barrel... sending a chain reaction of huge explosions across the perimeter of Mistlocke.

As the smoke and fire cleared, however... the walls, to some surprise, still stood and were covered indeed in a fiery bloom:

Of roses.