Issue 5
Saturday, September 4th, 2004

Research and Exploration (II): The expeditions sent to the gorge now permanently titled as the 'Great Divide' have turned up various strange discoveries, including traces of powerful magics worked upon the area, ranging from vile types, to the tamer uprisings of the earth. Though the scholars remained puzzled by this, they determined that it was not a natural occurance, but neither was it an act of the Primes, others were not quite as intelligent in their assumptions.

A wide range of cult-style religons have arisen, some worshipping the already known deities, others cited the return of Tallus, not believing the explanations of the educated in that part of the Prime of Fate had not fallen to Feanor. Others still believed that it was some form of attack by the dark elves, and had promptly changed their beliefs to accomodate the spider goddess. All of these however had one common understanding, and that was the belief that Feanor would soon be destroyed by powers beyond their control, this thought has gained a steadily rising rate of crime throughout the eastern portions of the Freelands.

A lost ship: Word has been circulating about the loss of a cargo ship in the Tabernian Ocean. Apparently, very stormy seas forced the ship to take a detour southwards on its way to Pirostia... there, some of the veteran sailors say, lurks the Leviathan, the sea-devil, and the bane of sea captains.

Other information is scarce. Whether or not the ship was attacked by pirates, was wrecked in the storm or suffered the fate of the legendary sea monster, it disappeared from the oceans without a trace.

How might you respond?
-Most: Hmm. Seafaring seems to be a little dangerous nowadays.. first the pirates, now sea monsters? I'm rather glad to be far away from all that.
-A possible few: Wait a minute...

Seasons (II): The skies over the Northeastern region of Tigath now lie in a perpetual overcast, threatening heavy rains any day now for any foolish enough to remain within it's range, echoing this is the dramatic failing of the normal heat. Merchants that typically traverse the area have long since departed, for they had no inclination to stay and see what storms might rage across their trading grounds.

West run the Beefalo: Those who have been out on scarhawk patrols will have recently seen the beefalo herds migrating westward and perhaps a bit south. Following behind them, the Tigahrrim would be seen. Should any decide to visit the Tigahrrim, they would find nothing but the plains. The entire north eastern corner of Tigath appears to have been vacated and abandoned with the exception of the tiny garrison, leaving them to fend for themselves in the middle of no where.

Rumours become reality: What had previously been an unconfirmed rumour, now was evidently true, plague had struck at the heart of New Austia, attacking the mind of it's victims first, twisting it in such a fashion as to first prevent restorative, conjurative, or creationist styles of magic, before afflicting the senses of the afflicted. Delusions and nightmares were only the first of the effects, and after this point, the diseased were typically coinsidered beyond aid. At first it might have been treated, but due to overcrowding, the disease had spread throughout the less reputable regions of Ponce Du Lac, and had evolved.

Now, with the signs still barely noticeable for any but the magically inclined that are struck, a high fever would strike at the heart of the victim, along with a subtle change to the makeup of the creature causing a very poor reaction with healing magics. The first spontaneous fireball created by attempting to heal one of those afflicted by the plague had started a mass panic, the following violence levelling a small portion of the city, and was enough to permit them the thought that magical healing would certainly not work. Following the fever, paralysis would slowly creep over the diseased along with feelings of severe influenza, with this stage also comes a gradual rotting of the flesh.

Finally, comes severe pain throughout the body, for nearly a week before finally allowing the afflicted the release of death.

Undertakings (II): Apparently the Republic was succesful in finding enough volunteers for whatever task they had set forth, for people now speak openly of how many groups of furres had entered into the desert, obviously in a group, other more informed individuals claimed that they had then dispersed at Thamrivol, each group going it's differant way into the blasted plains. The Council had not stated what it's plan for these people was, despite the fact that so many already knew a small fraction of the happenings, they simply called it the 'Liberator's Project' and would speak no more of it.

Recently some inventive souls have connected this new occurance to the Great Divide, and were quite insistant on proving to any who would listen, that the Council had ound some way to remain safe from the apocalypse, by going into the desert. It is also said that tourism has also increased in the hellish region, though the reason can only be guessed at.

Domestic Ailments (II): Clustered within the capital city of Ponce Du Lac, walked many of those exiled from the Republic, this everyone knew, but now word of rioting had begun to seep out, despite attempts to quell the news. Those of New Austia tried desperately to quell the rising violence, but travellers obviously do not think well of their success. Some believe that many of those brought to the capital are actually later, seriously harmed, or put into what basically equates as slave labour as they try to find food.

Faux Wares: With clans on the move and the repairing of Caeseal, merchants have been swarming the plains as of late to try and make some last-visit deals before their usual supply line changes location. Sadly, not all of these traders are bartering with authentic goods, some of the more gullible or unaware Tigahrrim finding themselves with fake magical jewelry, flea infested clothing and weapons and armor that fall apart or break after only one or two uses in battle.

How might you react?
-Merchants: How disgusting, a direct violation of the Calenndorian Merchant System. These bastards should have their cards ripped from their pockets for putting our business to shame. / Why didn’t I think of doing that first?
-Mages: A little divination here and there and it should point out which goods are real and which are fakes. Nothing for me to worry about, as long as I keep my eyes open.
-Everyone Else: If they know what’s good for them they’ll keep their scams for the more idiotic. After all, what currency we can manage to part with we can’t afford to waste. If we catch them, though, we actually have a reason for taking over their entire cart...

The Swordmaster's return: In the freelands, rumors of the Elflands are heard by tavern dwellers and royal scribes alike. After the fate that befell the City of Towers, it was uncertain what happened to the inhabitants; most specifically, that was, were the Swordmasters, greatest of the warriors of Valanthas.

Recent rumors place them in Westernesse. Highwaymen along the roads to the west speak of a large force of armoured elves that bore with them slender greatswords of magnificent craft. Elves hearing this news would find some relief in the fact that the Swordmasters have returned to their ancient home; the warrior-scholars initially left because of political reasons. The High Council of Westernesse seems to have put aside their differences with the Loremaster, Eleomyr.

How might you react?
-Elves: It is good to see that, in these dark years, the Swordmasters have returned to Westernesse. Not only do they represent the pinnacle of elven warfare, but they are among the most favorable of allies to fight alongside in battle.
-Most others: While this is of no great concern to you, it is slightly disheartening to hear of the Swordmasters' depart; as the Empire of the Dwarves rises once again, and the high elves have reconciled with Eleomyr and his warriors, perhaps this age belongs once again to the elder races.

The Ghost Puball: Late at night, on the horizon, there seems to be lights that shine as if there was a gathering of Tigahrrim out in the far distance. However, if that site is checked the next day, it appears as if nothing has disturbed the ground at all. The lights change position as the days go by, but no explaination seems forthcoming.

Possible reactions?
Fear, wonder, is someone watching? Are we being haunted? Has too much beefalo rotted our brains?

News from the North!: Assorted travellers through the plains have brought news about the reformation of the Kingdom of Launcia under the title: The Holy Launcian Empire. It seems as if there is going to be a massive ceremony to mark the occassion, and representatives of the exiled peoples of the Freelands will be in attendance. With many other prestigious indviduals from New Austia and the Empire also in attendance, it promises to be quite the event.

Possible reactions?
Perhaps we could go up and visit Launcia? Maybe even be guests of honor.

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