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

[Howlando]

::[ Uktar 7th : Year 161 : 1383 DR ]::

The battle for the Canal Ward has been fought and decided, and although the Sanctuary Directorate was quick to claim victory it has been - at best - a tragic and bloody one.

The events of Ugly Uktar 7 began with a series of increasingly powerful earthquakes that shook the great vaults and caves of lower Dunwarren and the surrounding areas. Although the cause for these earthquakes is not fully understood, it is widely believed that it was the work of the mysterious allied Svirfneblin of Sapphire Isle who are understood to have acquired the mysterious Earth Wheel Relic.

Some hours after, there was the terrible, mournful, echoing sound of drowish war horns being blown from the Armada docked at the mouth of the Canal. A terrible assault soon followed.

Shambling undead emerged, crawling, from the murky waters of the Canal. Crude mercenary sloops and barges pushed through the Canal and, even as the ships were smashed by catapults and Spellguard Artillery Animatrons, the desperadoes swam to the shore and engaged with all the might of Sanctuary that awaited them.

The wave of mercenaries was followed by a great fleet of Snaphiss Kobolds in tiny canoes who, despite their bombs and wily kobold tactics, were slaughtered in great numbers.

At last came an old Traensyrian Naval Galleon covered with flags and imagery of Lolth. The Galleon swiftly became the target of choice, and was blasted with powerful artillery. Burning with flames, the Galleon crashed onto the Central Isle and disgorged various Lolthite Soldiers and - most terrifyingly - a massive eight-legged demon, some manner of servant of Lolth who proclaimed herself Nauzghana of the Webbed Pits. The demon rampaged through the forces arrayed against her, slaughtering many, until at last she came to blows with the most potent of the svirfneblin elementals, said to be the once tiny gnome Tomber Schnick empowered by mysterious earth magic. As the demon was slowly weakened, at last a powerful ritual succeeded in banishing her to the Pits from which she came. The battle was over - for the moment.

Of particular note in the fighting:

A war band of perhaps thirty Svirfneblin Warriors and their Stone Friends met their forces head on, and fought with great bravery, but very few are said to have survived.

Elsewhere in the Canal Ward such proud Lowersmen as the Scrapper Scamps, the Hundred Hounds Mercenaries, Jarik Blake, and righteous Hoarite Isma'il Al Hassaan fought bravely and well, defending the alleyways and road that led to Lower proper. Many old Lowersmen in the Crone were quick to toast the names of the brave and dead who fought for their home in the darks that followed.

The forces of Upper Sanctuary under the command of Director Abala Quickfeet set up a fortification in one of the ledges that overlooked the canal itself. Understanding that some manner of infernal visitor had joined the Armada, Prefect Narvis Naerfaine and Kennet Mercer, ably assisted by other arcanists, prepared the ritual of banishment that ultimately succeeded in ejecting the demon from the Prime.

Others groups such as the Spellguard (under the command of Agents Sykes and Robal), the Watchers (under the command of Sergeant Thrar and Inspector Duststone) and the House of Healing (Kellyn Carter among others) were instrumental to the battle's victory. It is said that even the mad-dancing halfling Drogor Splints was seen making an appearance to battle a group of particularly fierce Orog Mercenaries.

... when the fighting was at last finished, and the stench of death and brimstone cleared the air, some began to remark that only undead, mercenaries, ill-equipped drow, and Lolthites had been sent into the battle. Of the Corsairs under the command of Captain D'rul himself, only a single had been present - the feared Corsair Jaezril Baen`dar, who with wild suicidal bravado charged the fortifications on his own.

What had happened to the bulk of Pirates and Corsairs who made up the loyal members of Captain D'ruls fleet?


Alas, it was a question soon answered. A lone svirfneblin vessel soon sailed desperately into the Canal, and its single gnomish pilot proclaimed - with horror and tears - that during the course of the fighting, the Sapphire Isle illusory shield had faltered or failed or somehow been disabled, and that the island was under assault.

In a state of panic, the remaining Svirfneblin and uninjured Allies piled into three Svirfneblin War Barges and set sail to Sapphire Isle. Would it be too late to save the gnomish home?

The lumbering war barges, packed with Sanctuary's warriors, eventually came into sight of Captain D'rul's fleet, and so commenced furious naval combat. Grappling guns were fired, and brave warriors fought from deck to deck against the finest warriors and corsairs that made up the the Armada. It was a terrible slaughter and many brave heroes were slain. Even the great svirfneblin heroes Brocc Rockhewer and Gloik Schnepeck are said to have met their ends after courageously being the first to leap across to waiting drow vessels. Champions Wayfinder 'Madeyes' Booker and Ordinant Algarn Granitesoul as well as The Hundred Hounds Mercenaries are said to have made a great difference in the fierce naval combat that was at last won, slaying at last the feared drow 'Obliterator' who had been left in command of Captain D'rul's flagship.

With various Corsair ships fleeing the battle, the way to Sapphire Isle was clear.

The Island, no longer shrouded by the illusory veil so curiously similar to Sanctuary's own, was revealed. Smoke poured up from buildings, and half-drunken drow pirates staggered about the crudely slaughtered corpses of Sapphire Isle's defenseless gnomes. Cruel and insidious Captain D'rul's plan had to come to fruition - distract the gnomes and Sanctuary's forces by sending disposable mercenaries and unreliable allies into the Canal, while at the same time attacking the undefended island.

But he had not counted upon the retaliation that followed.

The war barges docked on the Island, and the remaining pirates were slain. Captain D'rul himself was found having taken the remaining gnomish Elder Skroanslunk hostage, and although an agreement was reached by which he could leave if he left the Elder unharmed - the cruel drow seemed to be unable to help himself to a final bit of sadistic cruelty, and slew the Elder before attempting his escape. Agent Sykes of the Spellguard used some manner of powerful device to destroy his little boat, and the lavender-jacketed Captain was pursued through waters and the island until, finally, he was killed.

But the fighting was seemingly not over. Although accounts are unclear, it's reported that the svirfneblin levied wild accusations against Sanctuary's forces, particularly the Spellguard, and there was a brief moment of fighting in between members of the two supposedly-allied groups. In the confusion, the svirfneblin hero Sidari Plickenstilt met his end by a sword blow not from drow, but by Sanctuary soldier...

Eventually, exhausted and mostly deeply confused by the wild accusations and fighting, Sanctuary's forces withdrew from the Island and returned to Sanctuary.

Perhaps as a final work from the earlier ritual of earth magic, a massive dome of elemental stone now covers Sapphire Isle. If nothing else, it seems the bones of dead gnomes and drow alike will not be disturbed. The fate of the few surviving members of Sapphire Isle or even the surviving drow members of D'rul's Armada is completely unknown.


Back in Sanctuary, Director Gould delivered a brief speech, declaring victory and congratulating the veterans for what was accomplished.

Although the battle's resolution has proved to be terribly tragic, if nothing else, Sanctuary has proven it has teeth.

[Jayde Moon]

::[ Uktar 10th : Year 161 : 1383 DR ]::

The wounds of war still seep when Sanctuary is suddenly gripped in a frenzy as a murderer rampaged through the streets.  Many people lost their lives as Dory McBlatt, the 'Sun Killer', expanded from murdering only her kin and their rivals into a seemingly haphazard slaughter of any innocent victim that presented an opportunity to her cursed blade.

It is said that she was captured more than once, but spirited away by men somehow enscorcelled to her bidding.  Her downfall came as yet another of her kin presented a target too enticing to pass up and she was lured into the relative open of the square.  Taken down and rushed to the cells of the Watchhouse, rumors proclaim that Director Abala Quickfeet had the woman executed on the spot.  Black Guild members were too shocked by the violence of the day to note any overzealous use of her power in the moment, though the following day saw tongues wagging.

The Mausoleum counted more than 10 bodies ripped apart by the Sun Killer's dagger and more families weep with the passing of their loved ones.

[Caster13]

::[ The 12th of Uktar, 1383 DR ]::

There is a buzz about Upper Sanctuary, centered about the House of Governance. Civil servants of various ranks whisper rumours of Director Kingsley having nominated someone for the position of Prefect.

In many of these whispered rumours, one name is constantly mentioned: Trudeau Dreyfus. While most newcomers to Sanctuary might not recognize the name. Many of the long-serving civil servants speak the name with fondness and nodding approvals.

A number of commoners who have lived in Sanctuary for years also say good things of the man, indicating that he was a popular figure who was key in keeping relations between the Sanctuary government and various factions. especially the Society of the Ordered Mind, amicable and smooth.

The rumours and whispers spread throughout Sanctuary like wildfire. With the upcoming Uktar elections on the horizon, many speak of Dreyfus' supposed nomination as the Red Guild scoring decent political points amongst the populace.

[Caster13]

::[ The 14th of Uktar, 1383 DR ]::

Confirming rumours that began circulating a few days ago, Chief Herald Penelope Castling announced that the Trudeau Dreyfus had been nominated for the position of Prefect by Director Rhiannon Kingsley and that a majority vote by the Directorate saw the nomination approved.

Prefect Dreyfus spoke a few words regarding his new position. Jesting with a few light-hearted words at first, he moved on to say that support and appreciation shown to him needs to be given to all of Sanctuary. For such  would make Sanctuary a strong city that did not need to fear what lies out in the Dark.

The crowd reacted positively to Dreyfus' appointment and speech. Though Black Guild supporters mostly held a stoic silence considering that Dreyfus wore the colours of the Red Guild. To some surprise amongst the crowd, Prefect Narvis Naerfaine of the Black Guild personally approached Dreyfus to exchange handshakes.

Some took heart in the Black Guild Prefect's public act. Others, however, murmured about how he subtly inserted a few political jabs into his words to Dreyfus before the two parted ways.

[Jayde Moon]

::[ The 15th of Uktar, 1383 DR ]::

A day following Trudeau Dreyfus' appointment to Prefect, Chief herald Penelope Castling made the announcement that the Uktar election cycle would see the Guilds vying for control of the Second Seat of the Directorate, currently held by Director Rhiannon Kingsley.

Black Guild supporters note with that Kingsley's appointment of yet another Ordinant friendly supporter to a powerful and visible position in the government is not coincidental, nor is the timing.  Red Guild supporters dismiss the claims of cronyism, confident that the popularity of Director Kingsley will hold.

None were surprised, then, when the Director announced her intention to keep her seat.  Neither was there any surprise when Director Murik announced that Prefect Narfaine would once again run for the opportunity to sit upon the Directorate.  There are some jokes that Prefect Dreyfus will continue the tradition of new Prefects taking Directorate seats by running against Crane in the next election cycle.

Not strangely, there was more excitement to be had at Castling's announcement that the Great Games would be held on the last day of Campaigning, on the 21st of Uktar.  Players for both guilds began to put in their names for a chance at the Championship.

[Jayde Moon]

::[ Uktar 21st : Year 161 : 1383 DR ]::

The games were the talk of the day, as citizens of Sanctuary eagerly awaited the contest, designed to boost the morale of the last survivors of humanity.  And a boost was indeed received for those citizens who identified with the politics of the Black Guild, as their team, led by the Wayfinder 'Madeyes' Booker, routed the Red Guild's team with seven goals over two.

Many Red Guild supporters grumbled dispiritedly at the poor performance of their team, most noting that the team felt like it had been scrabbled together last minute from a pool consisting of a field of schoolyard 'last picks'.  A few wondered that Director Quickfeet, who captained the Red Guild's team in the last game, chose not to return to the field of play.  Meanwhile, the Black Guild's team consisted of several well known, if not all well-liked, names, allowing their fans to identify more easily with the players.

Game analysts further noted that the Red Guild seemed more interested in hitting the opposing players rather than hitting the ball.  As soon as the game started, a one-armed halfling immediately attempted to tackle the Black Guild candidate, Prefect Narvis Naerfaine, only to be shocked when he quickly pulled up a major defensive conjuration which took her to the ground.

The Red Guild further made use of Earth Elementals conjured forth by their Goaltender's magic, technically not illegal by the game's rules, but a breach of the spirit of the games in the opinion of many die-hard enthusiasts.  However, the Black Guild took the brutality in stride and managed to shoulder through and score several goals, led by their Team Captain and the Prefects magic.  Holding spells guaranteed two points, one per each half, as near the entirety of the Red Guild's team was held immobile.

The highlight of the event, in the eyes of the Games most ardent purists, was a one in a million shot by Watcher Sergeant Thrar Latoneir, when from deep in his own defensive territory, in fact practically next to his own goal circle, he managed to launch the ball fully across the field, curving around the Red Guild's defenders, and into the goal circle on the other end of the arena.

In sum, the game was entertaining for all, though the seeming lack of sincerity from the Red Guild in the major event soured many to that political group.

[Divine Intervention]

::[ Uktar 23rd : Year 161 : 1383 DR ]::

Whilst in Upper Sanctuary the citizens buzz around, caught up in the hustle and bustle of the elections to the Directorate, strange rumours and whisperings begin to emerge in Lower.  Grizzled gangsters and destitute workers speak in hushed tones of sinister sightings in the back alleys and sewers below, of red glowing eyes in the dark and mysterious disappearances.  A pall of fear and suspicion hangs in the air, with many inhabitants of slum ever more cautious and hostile towards strangers.  Speculation as to what precisely is happening is rife, with many blaming anything from escaped Spellguard experiments to some new danger emerging from the long forgotten depths of the Machine.  One thing is certain, the darkness beyond the bonfires of Lower is more dangerous than ever...

[Jayde Moon]

::[ Uktar 23rd : Year 161 : 1383 DR ]::

On the day after the strange tremors and odd noises that reverberated throughout the chamber housing Sanctuary, rumor and speculation still circulated wildly with stories that ranged from entirely mundane to exceptionally fantastic.  The rumors were further fueled by an ominous sending warning the Spellguard against further intrusion against the 'Sojourners' before the Herald dutifully cut the sender off.  Attempts to capture the offending individual were unsuccessful.  Eventually the tales began to coalesce into a more cohesive and accepted story, though many details remained obscure, at best.

It is said with relative certainty that the events were related to an incursion of extra planar creatures that occurred over two months ago in Eleint and that those connected to that invasion were responsible for the strange happenings on the 22d of Uktar.  The prevailing belief is that a contingent of wizards and their minions have at their disposal a machine capable of manipulating planar energies, to summon extra planar monsters or create gates between worlds.  Some say they conduct sacrifices of Lowersmen to fuel their gate rituals while others insist that they have a ship capable of travel between realms, seen in Eleint.  Almost all agree that baublium plays a role in their dealings and wonder if they are responsible for recent difficulties in procuring the substance that fuels the Shield.

Given the threat posed by such mages, the Spellguard is said to have attempted to stop the group and word has further circulated that they were soundly rebuffed.  While the Serena Tower denies any casualties as the result of any meeting between the two groups, some claim that there was a spectacular magic battle between them that could not have possibly ended without grievous injury.  Many agree that the half-made sending is further proof that some entity of great arcane might, perhaps to rival the Spellguard, now resides in Lower Sanctuary.  If there were deaths, however, there has been no proof and all Agents and Auxiliary known to associate with the general population in Sanctuary seem to be accounted for.

Many worry at what this means for Sanctuary and the relations between Upper and Lower.  Some call for definitive action while others caution that moving against as yet unidentified adversary, if even they are adversaries, is rash and imprudent.  All agree that a more vigilant eye must be kept on Lower to ensure the safety of the survivors in Sanctuary and the strength of the Shield that protects them.

[Caster13]

::[ Uktar 25th : Year 161 : 1383 DR ]::

This dark is one of shock, scandal, and murder.

It all began with a shocking scream echoing through the caves of Upper Sanctuary. Moments later, a woman crashed upon the stone of Freedom Square, blood pooling beneath the broken form.

The scandal that followed was that Prefect Trudeau Dreyfus, the woman's grand-father, was brought to the Watchhouse in shackles. After a Watcher search of the Prefect's residence, the Prefect was formally charged with murder and an announcement of a trial followed. Commoners and supporters of both guilds filled the court room, their curiosity piqued by the trial of such an important figure.

When it was seen that Director Abala Quickfeet would preside over the trial, members of the Black Guild were quick to murmur and bemoan a biased trial, expecting the accused Prefect to walk away with--at most--a light sentence. This expectation was further reinforced when the prosecution, handled by Watch Inspector Hale Duststone, unraveled to be a weak one of conjecture, insinuations, and ineffective evidence.

However, cries of shock and disbelief came from members of the Red Guild when Director Quickfeet declared her verdict for the Red Guild supporting Prefect: guilty. The sentence? Exile, which was carried out swiftly: the Prefect stripped of his items of citizenship and forced out of the illusion.

As the court room emptied, whispers and rumour-mongering quickly changed topics to that of the Uktar Election. With Dreyfus' exiled, many spoke of how the Black Guild had a great advantage because of the damage done to the Red Guild's reputation--a Prefect raised to the position by Director Rhiannon Kingsley was not only guilty of murder but exiled from the city!

Those sporting Red badges, however, grumble and questioned just how loyal and dedicated Quickfeet is to the Red cause and to Director Kingsley's re-election.

[Divine Intervention]

::[ Uktar 26th : Year 161 : 1383 DR ]::

Following yet another incidence of violence, the mood prevails amongst many citizens of upper that the streets below are less safe than ever.  The latest occurrence according to the rumour mill of gossipers saw a bandit of Lower and his gang establishing a "toll booth" in the in-between ruins.  This "Big Dave" and various wanted criminals are said to have defeated a Watcher led attempt to stop their opportunism and made off with their ill gotten gains.  Many mutter about the failure of the Watchers to crack down on crime whilst in Lower cheers could be heard for this humiliation of the oft hated tyrants above.

Perhaps related, rumours also spread amidst the slums of Lower that a group of celebrants, in a state of extreme inebriation proceeded to vandalise and ransack the Temple of Hoar.  A few grim faced Doombringers have been seen stalking the streets with baleful for any suspects.

[LiAlH4]

::[ Late Uktar, Nightal 3rd : Year 161 : 1383 DR ]::

A series of sweeping changes and grand events have captured the attention of Sanctuary's war-weary, exhausted population.

The election of Director Narvis Naerfaine, called "Naeferious" by his political opponents, and the unseating of Rhiannon Kingsley of the Society of the Ordered Mind is without a doubt the most widely-discussed event of the past few darks. Men of the guilds both Red and Black blame an anemic effort on the part of former Director Kingsley's supporters to see her reelected, though some cast blame toward the woman herself, claiming that her talents were of better use in the field, amid Black taunts that despite her longstanding service, she was not cut out for political life. Men of the Society and Oathsworn alike rebuff such charges by pointing out the stalwart expertise of the leader of the Society, placing blame on the Black Guild and their efforts to defame her character, along with the war-weary mood in the wake of the conflict on the Dark Lake.

Whatever the case, the "Red Directorate" is no more; power resides once more with the Blacks, and many wonder just how the new Director will conduct himself in office.

Those of the Black Guild who had hoped for a return to Sanctuary's isolationism were sorely disappointed by the events of the 3rd of Nightal, however. Reports from the Wayfinders of Duergar slavers transporting a group of slaves toward Fort Mur prompted the rallying of a large number of men and women from Sanctuary to strike down the murderbandits and the threat they posed to the safety of travelers in the underdark. Lead by senior Wayfinders and men of the Society, including such figures as the blinded Wayfinder-Captain Zsigmond Kadar, Commander Idraen Markem, Wayfinder-Lieutenant Melanie Coppertop, and Ordinant Rallick Dess, the bastion the Duergar had ensconced themselves behind was overrun and the captive slaves returned safely to Sanctuary. Directors Abala Quickfeet and Narvis Naerfaine were both present for the battle that took place, to the elation (and amusement) of the Reds and the dismay of many in the Black Guild.

Some manner of intrigue was reported in all this, as rumors swirl among the adventurers who returned that artifacts of the Reformed Order of the Spellguard were found in the Duergar's possession, prompting accusations from Lower of the Spellguard's collusion with slavers. Most, however, suspect that an Agent was captured or slain in the past, but nothing whatsoever is confirmed...

Such rumors aside, there is near-constant activity at the Chapterhouse of the Society of the Ordered Mind, with deliveries of weaponry and armor arriving from the Workmill near-daily. Many report new Ordinants donning the blues, and both the Watchers and Wayfinders have seen a glut of recruits in the days following the peaceful transfer of power; the second in the history of Sanctuary-That-Is.

[Nuclear Catastrophe]

::[ Nightal 11th : Year 161 : 1383 DR ]::

Strange squishy flyers begin appearing outside of the Shield.  It would seem Intryzz has once again taken an interest in Sanctuary

[Mira]

::[ Nightal 18th : Year 161 : 1383 DR ]::


The streets of Lower are quiet with residents staying behind locked doors after a terrifying night of kidnappings on the 17th dark of Nightal, purportedly committed by the group of infernalists known as "The Cult of the Flesh Forge".

Some suggest that more than ten people were taken from their homes and the very streets of Lower, for what purpose no one can agree. Hit especially hard by these acts is the elven community, as one who escaped her potential captor confirmed that four of their number were taken, though whether by intent or sheer luck is impossible to know, as elves certainly were not the only race to bear the burden.

Though reports of Ordinants leading a charge against a discovered bolthole in the dark alleys of Lower persist, others state vehemently that Lower's own Harbingers chased the cultists away.  In either case, the cult is said to still operate and the people they spirited away are still missing.

[Jayde Moon]

::[ Nightal 24th : Year 161 : 1383 DR ]::

The terror experienced by Lower was inconceivably brought to Upper when the Cult of the Flesh Forge, apparently using rings stolen in past days, infiltrated into the Public Housing Vault and spirited away over twenty poor individuals, including two Watchers and an Auxiliary Engineer.  The daring raid was performed quickly, with over half a dozen cultists, half-orcs and humans and their demon winged leader at the fore, rushing through the streets.

Rallying quickly, it is said that Hamish of the Hounds offered to lend his aid and Spellguard Doatelu led a force to where Mari Galefist and Wayfinder-Lieutenant Coppertop knew the Cultists had holed up.  There, it is said they faced several demons summoned by the Cults wizard, a peerless infernal conjurer.  The survivors reported that a massive demon standing as tall as two men strode forth to do battle and was only brought down by the combined might of some of Sanctuary's greatest wizards and warriors.

All was for naught when they discovered the lair had been deserted, the demon guards a ruse to buy the Cult time to make off with their victims.

In the aftermath, many are demanding to know how the Cult had gained so many rings and if a Hero might be able to stop the Cult before they strike again.

[Halfbrood]

The eve of Nightal 24th was an abnormally tense one for those inhabiting the ruins of the Sanctuary Below. Strange sights of some manner of lizard, or shark-man roaming the district, bodies with slashed throats, and skirmishes amongst the alleyways are the rumours on everybody's tongue; words is that it has spoken and shouted, at times, with one common word from it's vile maw: "Hound...". The latest victim was a small boy, which has many of the usually grim-featured inhabitants a little more jaded - moreso than the apparent death of a drunk at the hands of the Upper district's officials, and an apparent surge of elementals from the Canal.