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

[core]

As the sun set upon the horizon last eve, fishermen returned from their boats to sell their catch, bringing with them word of the Mists clinging more heavily to the water's surface than was usual. Soon enough the eldritch fog lapped at the shores of the Docks, gang leaders and local elders taking it for an omen, barricading themselves inside or melting away into the ruins.

Soon enough, their fears were answered. The Mists shrouded the streets of the hovel, bloodcurdling screams heralding the arrival of grey-clad Mist Raiders, terror in their wake. While the defenders were embattled in the center of the district, more raiders stalked the alleyways enacting grisly displays of cruelty upon whomever was misfortunate enough to cross their path, the young and the very old especially.

As quick as they came they were simply gone, beating a fighting retreat to their boats. They leave a few score dead in their wake, though rumour has it that a few brave souls ventured out to one of the raider vessels to enact a vengeance of their own...

[Talir]

... yet the perils of the city of Nebedzzos did not stop there. In hindsight a few recall seeing a hooded figure walking amongst the streets of the Docks seeking help for some nefarious purpose. Who now knows what assistance she got while the turmoil of the Docks raged but it is clear she achieved her intentions.

Mere hours after the raid and before the break of dawn, the city again cried out in terror as lizardfolk assassins started their macabre work upon the citizenry of the Dominion. Frantically coming to the defense against the unseen invaders, reputed citizenry such as Samuel Blake and Adrian Mendazona accompanied by other brave individuals stood firm against the onslaught and drove the invaders back wherever they appeared.

The last battles were had in the bloodied streets of the Docks as the invaders descended upon the streets in number, in close pursuit by the valiant defenders of the city. A final stand was had in the market plaza, where the hooded Yuan-Ti finally reappeared alongside a dozen lizardfolk warriors. Little is known of the exchange of words had or their meaning before battle erupted, yet it is rumoured the Mist was mentioned before the end.

As more bodies pile up in pyres or are hidden away in dusty graves, dawn greets an archipelago increasingly more wrapped in the Mist's embrace.

[core]

Last duskfall saw cloudless skies and a pale full moon, bathing the Colony in its cold glow. The night was bitter cold, Mists lapping at the Docks' shores giving rise to worries of another raid, many locking themselves within their homes.

Their worries were unfounded, though the gossip amongst Colony militiamen certainly was not; an ill portent they called the cloudless sky, and it seems they were right. Not an hour after darkness fell, an orcen warband assailed the gates only to be turned back by a party of adventurers and militia standing in defence...

Their triumph was short-lived, however, as the warband returned with tenfold strength, beastmasters holding great slavering lizards achain by their side. The defenders were routed by the sheer ferocity of the assault, many a man falling dead or gravely wounded, the field littered with corpse both man and beast, orc and human.

Orcen control of the gates was not brooked for long by the powers that be, however. Soon enough, a squad of Stygian soldiers marched for the gates, jaws grim set and steel in hand. Though they dismissed talk of a renewed orcen offensive in the vein of Red Eleint as premature, there was clear concern evident in their manner after being told of enormous orcen champions screaming of the "Spirit's wrath". Rushing forth into the breach with what defenders still lived at their backs, they routed the warband wholly, driving them off into the wilds.

Shortly after, a group of Specialists supported by a pair of Infantry were seen heading off into the forests. Rumour has it they were spotted several hours later marching home, wounded, bloodied and battered but their heads held high despite carrying with them the lifeless form of a fallen comrade. A rag-tag group of adventurers led by an elf of the Militia and a Templar of the Order followed in their wake, said to have been carrying the corpse of an enormous orc believed to be a warlord. They murmured amongst themselves of a champion grafted with undead flesh, of a curious wizard who fled the scene and of eldritch magicks raising corpses in support of the orcs.

Whatever the case, the Colony takes some amount of satisfaction - for now - in knowing that at least one of the myriad warbands roaming Isle Ymph has been made extinct, though it is scarcely enough to distract most from the rumbling pains of hunger in their guts.

[Talir]

Nightal 27th, 1377 DR

Every day in increasing frequency farmers, guards and other workers can be seen moving to the burned farmlands to salvage what they may. Guarded by soldiers from House Stenton and overseen by Provost of the Fields Karrin Connell, work has begun to see the farms rebuilt. Although many remain sceptical to the success of this pursuit, citizens allow themselves to hope for the best in an increasingly darker time.

Recent events in the Docks have set fire in the eyes of many. In broad daylight the leader of the Freemen, Cyrus Doors, was abducted from the streets. In a desperate search for the missing halfling, a group made their way throughout the Docks asking for his whereabouts. The wake of this group has led to many a hushed conversation among patrons of the Wanton Wastrel. Some say that the group spoke with both Lazare of the Fishermen and the Sons of Sabuth about slavers in the Docks, repeatedly mentioning that the one responsible was a 'she' and a powerful figure upon the streets.

Cyrus Doors eventually returned, ragged and beaten but with a passionate call for the Docks. Claiming that his capturer was a Stygian Specialist and the time of oppression from the Duke's tyrants was at an end, he was seen approaching the Longshoremen hall determinately. Shortly afterwards, the Freemen could be seen walking side by side with the Longshoremen supporting Jim Dowd.

[core]

Many in the Colony murmur of a Manchakan grain barge being hijacked from the Inner Pier, purportedly by a group of Docksmen. The Enclave themselves are rumoured to be utterly infuriated at the loss of their ship and apparently a number of men, particularly given that the Duchy already owes them a great deal of coin...

For the moment, however, the Armada remain tight-lipped.

[Halfbrood]

Selûne glowed brightly above Ymph, when the Order came to Nebedzzos. Addressing the people of the Colony atop the Ziggurat, Enzo the Seer spoke of a declaration by the Order's Grand Master. Since the mist-shrouded beginnings of the Order upon the Isle, there has always been a Champion, chosen by the Master to lead the Island's peoples against the lingering darkness of the Apocalypse.

With the death of the Last Champion, the Grand Master has ordered the Trials of Fate to begin anew. There is much rumour and hearsay amongst the populace, but it is generally agreed that these Trials shall be open to any who would pledge themselves.

Ranging far and wide across the isle, the prospective champions will be required to recover a sacred stone from three Sacred Shrines. Upon collecting all three stones, those pledged to the Champion's quest will have to undergo the Final Trial; he who emerges victorious from this trial shall be named the Grand Master's Champion and, rumour has it, will be granted immortality and great power.

The crowned Champion, it is said, will be instrumental in the release of Nethzerim, an Order Acolyte currently imprisoned in the Targus Arena.

Seven days have been given for those whom would pledge themselves to offer their names to the Numinous Brethren, after which the Trials shall begin.

[core]

The Temple District was the scene of rampant violence today. A motley crew from the Docks, it is said, made to sack the Siamorphan Temple reportedly for the purpose of satisfying the demands of some divine being.

Though their assault failed, word was brought to the Duchy by a group of Ordersmen after they encountered the raiders moving through the ruins. A squad of Stygian Infantry accompanied by the Militia swiftly moved to cut the Docksmen off, facing off against them outside of the temples. Most were brought to their knees, the last few routing to the Temple of Targus. The Infantry did not pursue, believing their point amply made.

Accounts of what occurred inside are varied, but one thing is universally agreed upon; the paladin Horace Highwall was felled after facing off against a massively powerful spirit, trying to gain time for his allies to flee. It is said that he was raised back to life against the wishes of Numinous Order representatives.

Whatever the case, most worry that this is only the beginning of renewed hostilities between the Docks and the Dominion, particularly when elements of the former seem driven by divine purpose...

[9lives]

Rumour makes its way through the docks most hurriedly. Mouth to ear and hand to hand. Spreading slower throughout the region's surrounds.

A band of The Order's black-armoured Templar are said to have stormed The Wanton Wastrel to apprehend a man of the Docks. Demolishing the Wastrel in the process, rumour would have it these Ordermen laid low Dull Bluto before being run off by Johnny Lazare to drag the unfortunate docksman, kicking and screaming, beyond the region's ramshackle borders. The goodfolk of the docks now speak in fearful whispers, asking if The Order mean to seize them, too, in the night.

[core]

Word spreads like wildfire amongst both Duchy citizen and Docks freeman of the return of the much-reviled "Spirit that Sings", an orcen warleader of legend, having mustered a great Host into battle against the Colony during what is now known as Red Eleint. Though his purpose is not known, some say it is a portent of the coming End - that a tribal leading a raiding party spoke to a band of adventurers in the Webbed Wood of dreams, of bloodshed and of Apocalypse, all the while hailing the Spirit as a prophet.

Though unrelated, many speak worriedly of a Ruby being seen inside of the Colony, disappearing for some time into the Stygian Citadel. He is said to have been incensed, one particular Colonist claiming to have overheard something about a Stygian officer and his allies badly disrupting relations with House Jultar - a drow slaving house of some reknown as well as an ally of old to the Count.

[core]

More rumours from Old Port filter across the Isle Ymph telling ominously of drow agents being seen inside of the city - not unusual were it not for a few recent occurrences. The one most spoken of would be the sack of a holding pen just a few streets from the Last Gate by a group of drow said to be accompanied by a powerful evoker, himself guarded by a number of enormous slimes. They are said to have slain the Manchakan guardsmen within seconds, slipping the slaves free of their bonds before melting away into the city.

The Count's forces replied quickly, however. Comital Guardsmen are said to have arrived within minutes, subduing those either too weak or too stupid to have fled immediately and outright murdering those desperate enough to fight back. Those few who remained were hunted through the streets of the city, conspicuous in their rags and melted manacles. At last count, it is said that the Guardsmen were missing only one. Even he is said to have drowned in the churning waters off the coast.

In the alehouses of the Colony drunkards murmur, too, of an enormous aquatic beast being seen upon land. Fishermen speak of it reverently as though it was 'the one that got away', but some who seem to have their senses about them recognise it as something far more threatening than a mutant fish...

[Nuclear Catastrophe]

Mother Mabnel is dead, assassinated by an armored figure in the middle of one of her prophecies.

The barrow wights, upon losing their leader, have now declared all out war on the Sons of Sabuth.

The Longshoremen are also extremely displeased with the lack of unity being shown.  Jim Dowd has professed his displeasure publically.

The Docks seems to be on the verge of chaos once more, though the single unifying factor, their hatred of the Dominion and their wariness of the Order, remains.

[Talir]

Hammer 22nd, 1377 DR

Following the speculation the last days of Munt being involved in slavery, as witnessed and confirmed from several individuals including the Order, a group led by Adrian Mendazona and other noted individuals paid the guild house of Munt a visit. It is said that a large force met them in the basement of the Craftsmen's home and reinforcements had to be gathered from the Docks before all became quiet. The warriors left the building soon thereafter, wearied and dismayed. Carrying the burnt bodies of fallen friends they sought help from the shrine of Umberlee and left the guildhouse abandoned in their wake.

As for the rumours about slavery, no proof was shown. Despite countless searches from thieves, beggars and freemen of the Docks; no signs were had of any children hidden away in Munt's forge. Despite the protests of several and the public announcement of Wavelord Rus that proclaimed Munt a slaver, many have begun to speculate whether this has all been a ploy. Some of the same individuals refer to visions late Mother Mabnel made, of dark warriors coming to kill....

With the craftsmen disbanded, the power shifts in the Docks and people speak of several meetings between the Longshoremen, Merchant Guild, Freemen and now even the Barrow Wights.

[Howlando]

Recent events have rocked the Island of Ymph to its very core.

After rumored days of preparation, a great host of stargazers, druids, and wildlings descended into the lonely Tower rumored to be a Prison for the greatly feared lichess, H'bala. Other wildlings are said to have set up a great camp around the exit of the Tower, watchful and ready for anything that might escape.

After several hours of unknown events, a cursed and screaming stargazer emerged from the depths to croak the Doom that occurred. As the frightened wildlings prepared for battle, it is said that.... something emerged from below. Every rumor has it as something different, but all agree that it was larger than a house and possessed a dozen distinct screaming voices each pleading for its own destruction.

As flocks many thousands strong of undead ravens rose and circled above the woods to the west, panic soon erupted in the Dominion and Docks of Nebezzdos.

Duke Antoine Trenada is said to have ordered his Stygians to take every defensive measure, but - as yet - none of H'bala's creatures have been sighted in the territory surrounding the Ziggurat and nearby lands.

[Mort]

Upon this already dire day, a savage group of Sabuthans and members of the Church of Umberlee assaulted the farmlands murdering all but one of Lord Stenton's man, and leaving for dead and wounded many a adventurer that came to aid. The subjects of Lord Stenton fled in fright back to the Ziggurat.

The group took hostage a member of the Armada whom they exchanged against a slave, a recent member of their church, captured by Baron Khavenko and sold to a Patrician due to her lack of citizenship.

It turns out that the savage attack was the work of the Patrician Sanny Leonald, at the behest of Lord Durjure who coveted the subjects of Lord Stenton thinking that the farmlands were too dangerous for the commoners to remain with the lurking threat of the minions of H'bala. A request that Stenton had refused, ready to raise his blade against the other House. Lord Durjure admitted to requesting the help of the Patrician, but not his methods, condemning the entire event and sentencing the man to death after a group of rebellious dock vagrants tried to rescue him.

Due to these developments, Lord Stenton challenged Lord Durjure to a duel to the death so that justice might be served for the death of his retainers and the eradication of the farmlands. Durjure tried to dodge the duel, but agreed at the end, sadly being defeated at the hands of the superior fighter in Joseph Stenton.

Jerziah, the sole heir and now Patriarch to House Durjure, was seen leaving the Arena carrying his father's body in hand to be buried...

[Howlando]

The terrible howling screams of the Agony of the Hunt fills the western parts of the Island as it pillages the forests and wilderness, slaying all it finds and dragging their remains back to the great tower of its mistress H'bala. Entire family groups and small tribes of Stargazers are said to have gone missing, and the woods fills with the anguished cries of corrupted, undead animals. Even the very trees seem to be changing...


Meanwhile, rumors among those scattered groups of peoples who live in the wild lands say much is afoot. Another grand moot has been called, this one larger than all the more recent ones, with the Elders from nearly all the Stargazer tribes traveling to come in attendance.

Sailors report seeing tiny flotillas of swiftly paddled canoes bringing many of the little pale-skinned halflings from other Islands. Travelers note great swooping eagles above.

The ancient village in the Starwood fills with Stargazers from across Ymph and beyond, as all prepare for the moot in the coming days - it is said that, at last, the Elders of All the Tribes will reform the Ancient Order of the Zodiac, and so muster themselves to destroy the Betrayer Lichess once and for all.

Grand Moot is tentatively scheduled for this May Friday the 13, Afternoon GMT. Feel free to contact me in IRC or forum PM if you have a nature-oriented PC that would be interested in being involved.[/b]