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

[Caster13]

::[ Mirtul 17th : 1386 DR ]::

A few minutes towards the fifth bell of the dark, a strange phenomena seemed to affect all living, sentient beings in the Underdark. Some people experienced a strange sensation of deja vu, as if they relived the same ten minutes twice in a row. Others, however, recall a harrowing vision or hallucination: an explosion out in the wilds of the Underdark triggering a monstrous earthquake cracking Sanctuary into falling rubble--the High Apartments crashing into the major landmarks of Upper Sanctuary, causing Freedom Square to subsequently collapse into a Lower Sanctuary below with whole portions of itself drained of slime.

The phenomena ended as suddenly as it began. Confused people found the streets of Lower Sanctuary to still be inundated in slime and Upper Sanctuary stood where it always has.

A few inquisitive types, however, wondered if the loud explosion heard originating from out in the Underdark did or did not happen...

[Blue41]

::[ Mirtul 18th : 1386 DR ]::

Explosions rocked the landscape deep in the further reaches of the Underdark. Battle raged within the Lava Pits, and rumors soon fly disseminating the tale of dwarves and adventurers invading the home of a Fire Giant, eventually emerging from the cavernous chamber bloodied and battered but weighed down with gold. The wild and belligerent exclamations via sending of one dwarf in Sanctuary suggests a more sinister motivation to the attack than racial grudges or Dwarven expansion. Nature abhors a vacuum, it seems, and but one cycle later, a grim contingent of armor-clad Duergar made their way towards the Lava Pits, bearing the sigil of the eye of Ormulax. Soon, the sounds of bellows working and hammers pounding echoed once more through this region of the Underdark as the new residents made themselves at home with practiced ease.

 But not all dwarves within the foundry bore skin of coal and snow-white beards. A regiment of dark-eyed Duergar heralded the arrival of the newly named Liason-Lord Vulkan Highhearth, ambassador of Barom Ormulax. The ambassador and his entourage saw a mixed reaction from Sanctuary, the most hostile from what would appear to be the former laborers of the "Slagspire", who hurled vitriol at the former exile for his tolerance of the Duergar. Undeterred, the procession made their way into the city proper, to the ambassadorial embassy of the High Apartments.

Red Guild merchants and craftsmen are already rubbing their hands together at the potential influx of arms and armor flowing in from the far reaches, while Black Ravens are quick to bring up the questionable history of the former Thane, and the untimely fate of the last emissary of Ormulax.

[Blue41]

::[ Second of Kythorn : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

Mounting tensions between the Black and Red Guilds came to an explosive head this dark. It began in the Public Housing Vaults, where the construction of a sculpture crafted entirely from dung by goblin 'artisans' drew the attention of Red Guild Prefect Jamren Sabreen. A spirited argument between the "goblin prefecture" and Markem's representative soon devolved into name-calling and threats. It was not until the arrival of Ma's Boys that the gathering turned violent-- though no one is quite clear which side drew first blood. While the Boys were repelled by the united forces of the Vault-- Eagles, Exiles and in-between-- explosive devices carried by the Ravens detonated as the survivors searched among the corpses, wounding several and immolating Prefect Sabreen.
 
Sabreen's body was ferried to the mausoleum by friends, admirers and inhabitants of the Vault. Many of his well-wishers, with narrowed eyes and clenched fists, swore vengeance on the Black Guild for this grievous blow, while others preached of turning this tragedy into an opportunity, to unite the Guild and honor Sabreen's spirit. Drinks were had in the man's memory-- his preferred brand of wine passed from hand to hand.

Some believe this attack may have been inspired by a Red rally held outside the workmill by a priest of Tempus who called for the expulsion of 'Craven Ravens' from the city. Others whisper that the late Prefect brought down the ire of the Guild himself, with his decision to change parties late into his tenure as Prefect. Whatever the case, it seems clear that it has become riskier than ever to carry a badge of the wrong shade.

[Ironside]

::[ Kythorn 4th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

Throughout the flooded channels once called Lower, the burbling slimes are shot through with ruddy crimson. The gutters are slick with sanguine gore and grime, and the scorched and mutilated corpses of once proud warriors float waterlogged - bobbing along on their journey to join with the Source. The Ancients and the Anarchists yield to the dead a dirge of slurping and shuffling.

Above, in "Middle" Sanctuary, a solemn and private ceremony is held for the fallen of the Watchers and Warders - never again to take up their post - and for the adventurers who stood at their side. Higher authorities have yet to issue a statement, and what dregs of the Covenant below who still dare the streets glower darkly over their cups in the corners of the Grotto.

Wounds are nursed. Grudges are sworn. And another dark begins...

[Tala]

::[ Kythorn 15th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

The citizens and residents of Sanctuary tell of the successful mission carried by the adventuring population of Sanctuary where they destroyed a band of Orog slavers, all while managing to free dozen of human slaves. Shortly after the operation, a series of new rumors can be heard of large groups of humanoids patrolling next to Sanctuary, and judging by their tracks, these creatures don't frequent Dunwarren's surroundings.

// Edit: Postponing it to tomorrow. Time will be about 4-5 from the original post time

[Ironside]

::[ Kythorn 28th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

An envoy garbed in the tarnished colors of Kingsley's Swords arrived at the Barbican Gate of Sanctuary soon after the midday's meal. Boldly standing before the defenders there, it announced the latest phase of the Dread's twisted machinations in Dunwarren: Overseer Rhiannon Kingsley has made it the prize of hundreds of the Empire's lesser champions. Whosoever among these macabre multitudes grinds Sanctuary to dust shall be granted dominion over the ruin, and - or so it is claimed - a place of honor within the Hierarchy of the Empire.  The Crusade of the Solitary Mind had been declared.

Naturally, defenders of all stripes balked at the notion that they could be defeated - the city, they claimed, had already resisted the Overseer herself. What chance had any of her subordinates?

That is when the Dread Envoy grinned, and made his second proclamation:

That the Empire was intimately aware of the brewing divide among Sanctuary's denizens. That any who betrayed their loathed kindred would receive amnesty from the Dread, when their inevitable conquest came... but whilst Covenant, Warder, and Exile eyed their neighbors, the first would-be warlords of the Crusade appeared to claim their prize.

What follows is chaos - a score of disparate Dread-loyal forces fell upon the Barbican and the Canals of Dunwarren. Maniac Drow leading packs of mutant hounds, cabals of gibbering mentalists, rapacious rat-speakers and their hordes, and a score of other horrors came swirling down.

And death came marching after...

[Ironside]

::[ Shieldmeet : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

As new quotas and calibrations were enacted by the Watchers and Warders, the assorted freaks of the Vault murmured and griped amongst themselves of "the latest oppression". Tensions rode high during the week prior to this once celebrated holiday, and as panels were pried apart and knives were sharpened all knew trouble would come sooner rather than later.

Starag's Rest, and the Warder checkpoint there-in, would play host to the first catastrophe to follow on the heels of the late Spellguard-led containment efforts. Members of the Knights of the New Path, led by the Knight of Flies, clashed with Watchers and Warders under the command of Agent Elaine Vadrell. As these two captains of their respective forces battled, the elven lord Ikharias Lareth and his retainer entered the fray - slinging spellfire and high sorcery in ten-thousand directions, and slaughtering friend and foe alike.

As the Vaultsmen and Watchers struggled to diffuse the situation, the elven cadre quit the field - and a confused manhunt began, ending in the deaths of two notables of the dwindling number of the Tel'Quessir who remain in Sanctuary...

While this upset seems to have stalled the heightening conflict between the long-time authorities of Sanctuary and the newly risen devout of the Great Journey, most believe it only a matter of time until blood is shed once more.

And all the while... something stirs below...

[Ironside]

::[ Eleasis 4th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

The Street of Gods was the site of a "miracle" this dark... renowned Priestess of Mystryl, Ophelia Ashmar, was seen to enter the humble alley after an announcement that her fickle Goddess would reveal her powers to any who came to witness. Unfortunately for the Priestess, few came to hear her sermon... few among the mortal, that is. While the tales vary, all agree that the Street of Gods was soon rocked with a terrific and powerful outpouring of sorcery. Blinding multicolored lights, galloping phantasms, explosive balls of flame, and choking crimson clouds filled the lane and set to flight or to the grave many of the petty "Spellbeggars" who had for so long called this little corner of Sanctuary their home...

After the catastrophe ended, the Priestess was dragged away by the Watchers and Warders... and what little sorcerous residue remained was quickly dissipated by the diligent Warders and Agents on scene...

The strange grew even stranger though, in the hours after... as a crimson light is now seen to burn within the once empty Temple.. and curious scholars, inquisitive magi, and the odd madman find themselves taking up shop in the stalls abandoned by the clergy of old...

In the Grotto, patrons in their cups begin to murmur that perhaps t'is time the Spellbeggar's Lane had a change of name...

[Ironside]

::[ Eleasis 8th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

A routine arrest became something far more sinister this evening, as prominent Watcher Atreas Vatrath and the esoteric priest Dratheqkos Iso came to blows.  The Watcher was quick, but the Priest and his flunkies were stronger at-arms, and carted Vatrath off into the Housing Vaults...

The crowd that gathered would be witness to a terrifying sight, as the Watcher was - to the shock of the gathered - revealed to be a Thrall to powers unknown.  Amidst false accusation, confused accounts, and perjury, the Watcher escaped first the custody of the Vaultsmen and then the shackles of his brothers-in-arms...

A manhunt was called and the Underdark was combed for the suspected Dread Thrall, and rumors abound that he has sought asylum with distant settlements... or perhaps brokered a deal of some sorts, winning amnesty from the shadowy Exiles.  Reports fly in from all directions, of sightings in the slums below, the Vaults, and even one crazed explorer claiming to have seen the Thrall boarding a ship bound for the Shaggalands...

Paranoia abounds.  Warders are seen to double their posts at the Checkpoints, and random screening of citizens recommences to a degree not seen since the advent of the Crystal War...
 

[Ironside]

::[ Eleasis 23rd : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

It began with a somber occasion - Prefect Zaresh of the House of Trade held a 'going away' sale within the city, but this evening his store contained a quite strange curio indeed! A clutch of Illithid Imprisonment Bubbles, which hatched within their container and flooded the House, resulting in a catastrophic and hectic melee that saw several men of the Exiles, Watch, and Covenant making their rounds upon the cold floor. The Dark continued, as the mayhem spilled into the streets of the city proper and her Public Housing Vaults - the hectic brawl culminated (as so often these things do) with the taking of hostages, and a duel betwixt a self-proclaimed Knight of the Covenant and Ser Malark Amblecrown...

Just as things seemed to be settling, the Dread Forces of Kingsley's Crusade came a-calling at Sanctuary's gates. Amidst blood-slicked cobbles and a rather bizarre mutiny among the aberrant ranks as Ser Amblecrown struck their rear flank, the city endured - though one of her defenders was found curiously missing when the smoke cleared. As perplexed defenders formed a search party, the infamous bandit and Pilgrim of the Great Journey, Kalin, stole away with a woman of the city...

As the braying hounds of the growing manhunt closed in around him, Kalin was said to have cursed his pursuers and former friends... before being executed for his many crimes by the combined forces of Middle Sanctuary...

[Halfbrood]

Late into the evening, Prefect Zaresh's voice was heard over the sending system speaking of a coming important announcement. He bid all to gather at the House of Governance, where himself, Prefect Miriam, Ophelia and Mub'slp'slyss'op were to speak on current events.

The House of Governance filled with people, all eager to hear what announcement might bring such varied minds together as one...

​The announcement was brief and to the point, speaking of how the current Lawbook of Sanctuary was declared void and that the Prefects in attendance would instead be dictating a new one in the days to come, divorced from the rule of law of the Watchers and Warders.

​There was very little time for these words to sink in with the attended, as in a flourish of light and sound, Chief Herald Penelope Castling appeared upon the stage, and after a duelling of wits and words with the Prefects, they were ushered into the House of Governance offices, where they remained, for some time.

​Little is known about what was discussed, however the Prefects later emerged with expressions of grim determination. Many believe they were dressed down by the Chief Herald, on behalf of the Reformed Order of the Spellguard, but none know for sure.

​Soon afterwards, a number of fights broke out throughout Sanctuary, and with the Watchers and Warders quite unsure about where they stand, they were met with very little resistance.

The days to come, for certain, will be days to remember...

[Gippy]

 ::[ Eleint 4th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

Rumors fly in the dark after a series of sendings... and the whispers in the streets that followed them... of Prefect Jaysef Tyura's brutal death at the hands of some nameless Drow at the very gates of his prefecture.


.

::[ Unauthorised Dunwarren Sending by Jalynfein Khalazza : To the Rivvil who defile the underdark in Dunwarren, I am Jalynfein Khallaza, the Blade of Nyxae. My sister and I came to these lands because of her lover, Jhalan Arkveniir, who had been missing for far too long to her liking. It`s apparent they have both been slaughtered by you insolent creatures. ]::

::[ Unauthorised Dunwarren Sending by Jalynfein Khalazza : Now you will feel the agony they endured, one hundred fold. Any allegiances forged on her behalf are hereby severed. My frenzy will not be stopped until I cover and drape one hundred of your faces for each of them upon my cloak. ]::

::[ City Sending by Jaysef Tyura : Well then. I`ve had myself a fair share of amusement at Prefect Miriam`s spectacles. Perhaps it`s time I aught return the favor- ]::
::[ City Sending by Jaysef Tyura : I`ve crashed the gates of my territory at Traensyr to pike enough Dhaerrow skulls. If it`s war you want on Sanctuary I`ll take first swipe, Nyxaen. I shall be before the Barbican. Lay siege to my gate at your peril. Let us see how I do against the free-minded. ]::

The people of Sanctuary are left with unease and hopelessness, stirred by an ineffective and incompetent Watch, the Prefect Miriam's rebellious tearing apart of the institutions of Sanctuary, and the general sense that justice and law no longer exists in Dunwarren save for those strong enough to look after their own. Some flee to the ooze soaked streets of Lower, or petition the Knights of the New Path for retribution or the powers to defend themselves, but more simply go silent and hope that something will change for the better...

[Ironside]

::[ Eleint 5th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

The peace of the evening was broken by the shrill screech of a compromised sending todark, as a man proclaiming himself to be a Seeker of Old Sanctuary announced that this hour would play host to a 'Freedom Raid' - a practice unheard of since the fall of that storied institution.

When curious adventurers arrived in the In-Between, they found a strange sight indeed - 'Seekers' with their iconic leathers stained ooze green, flanked by the fanatical members of the Covenant of the Pure. The leader of the band, one "Johnathan Hayseed" claimed that he and his surviving 'Seekers' had thrown in their lot with the Covenant - and that the assembly of anarchists unified under the Ooze was the most free of all folk in the world.

Utilizing the newfound powers of the Slime, the Seekers tore open a portal into another expanse of the Underdark and led the Covenant (along with a few mercenaries) into the breach... returning a few hours later with a score of wounded, several dead, and with two-dozen confused looking former slaves of Ysinode on their heels.

The brave 'Freedom Raiders' were then seen to lead their prizes down into the flooded, stygian depths of Lower... what became of them there is anyone's guess.

[Ironside]

::[ Eleint 7th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

It began with a proclamation - that Sheriff-Director Marshal Greer would soon arrive at the House of Governance, there to give a speech addressing the civil unrest that has shaken Sanctuary to its very core these long months. Standing atop the central plinth, flanked by the entire officer corps of the Watchers and Warders and supported by Operative Kyros Miller IV, Greer openly denounced the actions of the Prefects of Middle Sanctuary.

The account of what follows is hotly debated...

The Watchers and Warders claim that the unanimous mandate of the Directorate came smashing down upon the heads of these traitors to Mother Sanctuary, and the nullification of the lawbook so doggedly sought after by the Prefects was declared void. The Prefects were shamed before their people, their bloody campaign to destabilize the city was condemned, and the Watchers and Warders were re-confirmed as the SOLE enforcers of Law within Middle Sanctuary. The official report claims that the Prefectural forces (led by a malcontent named Wulfric the Red) struck at the Sheriff as he made to depart, in an attempt to claim by force what was denied them by law.

Various malcontents would contend otherwise - that the Prefects and the crowd, spurred on by Dame Miriam Staudenmaier, Dermott Helmsworth, Zaresh Al-Shahrok and Ophelia Ashmar rejected outright the legality of the Sheriff's claims. They call into question the unanimity of the decision, and decry the Spellguard as shadowy manipulators pulling Greer's strings. They go on to say that the Dame and the People held against the Watchers and Warders, who attacked them in a bloody attempt to enforce their new edict.

The climactic struggle of the evening, when recounted, holds no contradiction...

This evening the doors of the House of Governance closed shut, after admitting a crowd of the curious and the bereaved...

And when those same doors opened anew, out washed a tide of spattered gore and arterial spew... and the iron-shod jackboots of the Watchers and Warders soon came marching triumphantly after.

They are calling it the "Night of Crimson Cobbles"

Those who survive lick their wounds - the rebels regroup behind closed doors cowed by their defeat, while the Watchers boast proudly of fresh wounds and gather to the banner of the now-maimed Sergeant Yodert Pond.  It is said that Warder Wyatt Janderson, for standing valiantly alongside his superiors, is to be granted a full pardon for previous missteps... and a commendation, for his service.

[Ironside]

::[ Eleint 8th : Year 164 : 1386 DR ]::

As the last remnant of Watcher support was forced to withdraw in order to combat the growing rebellion in Sanctuary, the men of Resistance Row made their final stand within the Public Housing Vaults. Cut off from their allies in the City, the Militia under Captain Arty Vale sealed their own escape in a daring taunt to the Pilgrims of the Great Journey and their Emissary.

For five long hours, the Vaults were silent... those dwelling in Starags Rest could see nor hear what occured within the vast labyrinthine tunnels. When the Vaults were unsealed, it was already over... the starving men of the Row had given in, and now sported the freakish mark of the Exiled. Captain Vale was nowhere to be seen: when adventurers from the City came calling, they found only the infamous Ser Malark Amblecrown... cleaning his bloody blade in the street.

The Resistance - long defiant - has finally and fully capitulated.