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

[ScottyB]

(( Only DMs may reply to this thread. Almost everything here will be fairly common knowledge for PCs, as they are major events and rumours the word of which should spread like wildfire. ))

[Howlando]

What was once an abandoned Ziggurat has been slowly filling up with a regular stream of people. Although many have wandered away from the ruins, there to meet an almost certain death, many have banded together towards the base of the structure, and begun to erect a sort of camp within one of the ruined halls. Slowly, but surely, a kind of amorphous settlement is forming.

[wcsherry]

Several elves garbed in azure and blue tinted armor are seen skulking about the Ziggurat amidst the recent population explosion and teleportions. Word travels of a large gathering that took place, led by a narrow framed moon elf female, and several powerful wizards. Rumors of portals opened by the elven mages have many wondering exactly what these elves are doing so close to the Ziggurat, though many dismiss it as yet another oddity of the strange island called Ymph.

[Howlando]

As the population of the Ziggurat gradually increases, rumors speaks of conflict between the recent crop of Amauntori and some of the fierce men who've made their home in the Gobsquat.

[DeputyCool]

Those who spend an extended amount of period observing the oceans begin to note a strange presence. While none have spotted anything specific, large corpses of odd fish are said to be turning up, mostly stripped to the bone.

What is for certain is that whatever is haunting the waters nearby, is not something one would wish to encounter alone.

[Mort]

A rumour circulating amongst the people of the Ziggurat that a large contingent of mercenaries from Old Port, referred to as the Stygian Armada, have docked and installed themselves near the Gobsquat. Some speak that this group has established a peaceful agreement with the current militia in order to fortify the city against the many threats of the Island. Others look upon these new arrivals with suspicions and fear.

[Howlando]

Residents of the Ziggurat speak of an enormous minotaur appearing at the top of the the structure. Apparently the beast bellowed and stamped about with confusion for several seconds before running away, flattening several in the process.

[Howlando]

Rumors speak of a large naval battle being fought in the sea just beyond the "docks" at the utmost height of a powerful, dangerous storm. Shortly afterward representatives from the damaged yet victorious ships arrived on shore, and began to make inquiries. Supposedly they call themselves the Fleet of the First Bolt, and are a fleet of privateers who predominantly prey on pirates and slavers. Opinion varies as to their true nature and trustworthiness.

Supposedly these mariners are looking for men and women to fill out their crews, and there is general interest among many of those who dwell within the ruins.

[Mort]

Rumors spread of a large contingent of men reuniting in the hunt for some heretic cult and subsequently burning the Amaunatori temple down. Citizens of the ziggurat overseeing this apparent senseless destruction are appalled that a civilization so young would simply destroy its resources or structures the ruins may provide over mere rumors...

[Howlando]

As the day breaks and night ends, the people of the Ziggurat hear the sounds of a large group of newcomers arriving into the ruin. Led by Gaeseric and groups of men clad in blue and silver, a large population of pale men, women, and children who say they are from a place called Sanctuary arrive. Their attitude is joyous and celebratory, tinged with sadness at the many they have lost in the long journey behind them.

They say that their Underdark town was destroyed, and that they were clinging on to survival in an ancient and hidden ruin, until druids, Gaeseric, and others descended to rescue them.

The people of Sanctuary have spread out throughout the ruin, settling into different cleared chambers within the Ziggurat, or trying to find a new home as best they can.

[wcsherry]

Kythorn 19th, 1375 DR...

The nights feel longer, and the air is remarkably and noticably more frigid in the evenings. Nightrisers are out in force, and powerfully so. Travellers notice particularly loud noises erupting from the nearby Nightriser Barracks. Though no one is certain of exactly what is happening, many wonder who will protect the newly arrived citizens of the Ziggurat in times of duress, panic, and unrest.

[Mort]

Several small groups of citizens living around the Ziggurat start to organize themselves into small fledgling organization with the goal of handling the basic needs of the community. At this moment, constructions are underway, but it seems that the rise or fall of these small entreprises involving most of the unrepresented population of the Ziggurat will be largely dependent on the help they receive.

[Ladocicea]

A large Sembian merchant family calling themselves The Malatestas arrive at the Ziggurat, the morning after a fierce tempest; fragments of their host continue to arrive some days thereafter. Little is known about the household or their staff, but the Ziggurat is rife with conjecture. Hopefuls claim their expertise in economics and trade will revivify the fledgling community, but doubters speak of extortion and greed.

[Mort]

Rumors fly through the Ziggurat of a legion of goblins, led by a lone goblin chief calling himself Sergeant Spittlefire, massing themselves at the gates and demanding the sum of 5000 gold coins to be delivered to them or they would trample the fledgling civilization. Despite this, a brave group of adventurers took arms and repel the threat with minimal casualties. A terrible and macabre image of death and warfare could be seen from the gates as hundreds of goblin corpses littered the ground.

[Mort]

Following the words of a strange and enigmatic figure that appeared over the top of the Ziggurat declaring that the period of grace granted by the Nightrisen had ended. The refusal of the population to leave the ruins declared the beginning of a deadly and costly invasion that lasted throughout the entirety of the Night. Nevertheless, the defenders fought on bravely, repelling each and every wave of the massive amounts of Nightriser soldiers that were summoned forth against them and managed to hold the line as the sun came back into view and symbolized the end of this threat.

Hundreds of the Nightrisers' bones littering the Ziggurat proceeding to turn to ashes under the warmth of the sun's rays. The defenders of the Ziggurat had certainly won this day and bought the settlement much needed time against this mysterious threat, but many wonder... how long the settlement would last against such an uncanny foe if no one would step up and organize the defenses.