Ye Morning Poste

[The news as contained in this post you can take as IC knowledge. However any posts it links to are purely OOC information, unless you happen to have a good explanation why you would know about them IC.]

From the shaken but not stirred - Hooded Claw.

Umbra University Night Review

Last night witnessed a truly marvelous lecture by one of Umbra University?s most renowned professors ? Professor Abronsius.

He lectured the enthralled select visitors to the exhibition on the archaeological trip to Montor and the items which have so far been recovered and are on display for the next seven days and nights.

Items include:

A snowy globe which is a representation of Montor
A Map of the expedition route
A large Vase
A large stone plate ? now this curiously seems to hold the secret to something but scholars are yet to decipher it or spot any deeper meanings in its cryptic writings and markings
A statue of Ilshen herself
An ancient scroll



Professor Abronsius addresses the small crowd

The assembled crowd was treated to a history of Ilshenar and much was told of the Shattering and other events of past history. More people turned up as the lecture went on to explain about the movements of the peoples across Ilshenar and the history of its more famous places.



The Crowd looks at a Large Stone Vase excavated from Montors Ruins

Earlier on in the week it is reported that a caravan of Umbrans and Kaldorians had set out from the City of Trinsic bound for destination unknown ? and were last seen heading towards the Solen ant tunnels.

Sources close to Umbra tell me that a rare moonstone ? possibly an old fellucan moonstone ? has recently also been recovered from Trinsic by one of the University?s lecturers.
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Ye Morning Poste

The Big Trinsic Heist!
Bank robbery rocks the City of Honour

From an anonymous correspondent!

As we have just been informed Vesper not only freed their comrade Lance Sanders from the stocks, but also boldly robbed the Trinsic bank.

In a daring coup about ten Vesperian troops sneaked into the town and despite being wanted by the Duchy, managed to enter the West Trinsic Bank building and hold the employees hostage.

This well planned manoeuvre was lead by the militia leader Hanse Davion, but there is hardly any doubt that only a devious mind like Baron Twothumb could have devised such a cunning plan.

Such a hold up at the bank did not go unnoticed and it only took a short time until the Duchy guards were alarmed and tried to solve the situation by force.
Despite bravely charging the thugs in the bank, the Guards did not manage to get the upper hand and were knocked out or badly hurt, giving the Vesperians ample time to flee with a large sum of gold.

The bank does not tell us how much was stolen, but assured that only a few bank boxes are concerned and that the damage does not exceed 300.000 gold coins.

Another source inside the bank though told us that the Vesperians took lots more than the claimed 300.000 and that the Duchy might face bankruptcy or at least severe financial difficulties because of this theft.

It is rumoured that among the things stolen are the Duchy jewels, which are very dear to Lady Caroline and that she is in a fit about it and refusing to show until her jewels are returned to her.

Neither the Lord of Trinsic nor his ex Wife were available for comment, but we managed to gather some information from the current Duchy Guard Captain Kaelyn.

She informed us that the thieves only had had a few minutes before the Duchy arrived and that their interference avoided that much more was missing. She assured that Trinsic was still a safe town and the Duchy was in no way in any financial danger and that the gold of each person was perfectly safe on the bank.

She could not tell us what more was planned to get the gold back and said that ?Now it is time for the diplomats to have their turn and solve that matter, else it will probably mean war.?

Below a picture of the West Trinsic Bank.


We managed to snag an interview from Brett who works as Banker and from Carroll who is employed as Minter at the West Trinsic Bank.

R: Could you tell us what happened on that day from your point of view?

B: It all happened so quickly. One moment it was quiet the next there were a dozen armed people in the bank, forcing us to lie down and to be quiet.

C: Yes, I was in the vault when it happened and it all went so quickly that the only thing I managed to do was to lie down and be quiet.

R: What happened next? Were you forced to hand out the bank boxes or the gold?

B: No, we were ordered to lie down and the bank robbers took strategic positions in the bank and then all the fighting started. I just tried to get away with my life and threw myself under a table and I saw lots of other people do the same.

C: Aye, it was pure chaos and all we could do was to save our lives in the mayhem around us. No one knew if we would live to see another day.
Some employees like James Kerr are so traumatised that they have been absent from work since after the robbery.

R: Could you tell us what was stolen and what your estimated worth of the stolen property might be?

B: As far as we have determined we miss only three bank boxes and each of these is insured with a value of 100.000 gold coins.
So our estimation of the loss of the bank is 300.000 gold, but the loss of reputation to our fine house weighs at least as heavy.

C: Aye, we are not allowed to tell you any more of who the owners of the bank boxes are or what was in it, but you can rest assured that we have taken up new measures to ensure that such a thing can not happen again.

R: Can you tell us about these new measures and is there a bounty on the return of the stolen goods?

B: As you can imagine we cannot talk about our improved safety measures, but as for the bounty. If the bank boxes are returned with all their things intact the Bank will pay a fee of 30.000 gold coins and the Duchy will award a medal for special services done for the Duchy.

R: Thank you for the interview and I hope that your bank will be spared form any further troubles.


With this interview we finish our special edition of the Ye Sosarian Morning Poste and will tackle the questions if there will be war between Vesper and Trinsic and is Henry Winter really dead or did he manage to escape in our next editions.


Baron Twothumb leads charge against bandit camp
Heroic leader makes brave effort, but fails!

Thanks to another anonymous writer for this story

Last evening Baron Twothumb himself could be seen mobilising his army and marching them half way across Britannia to lead them to glory as they heroically charged a criminal encampment in a brave attempt to clear the lands of the criminal menace. Alas after three charges the criminal group proved well equipped and ready to die in large numbers. Let?s hope the brave Baron is not put off by one failed victory and keeps up the good effort to make these lands safe for us to walk. I say three cheers for the Baron!



Rumours

Man the lifeboats, and stockpile the hankies!
After several years of misery, following her cruel abandonment by her worthless husband, Trinsic's resident weeping willow, the lachrymose seamstress, Sally Buttons has been finally reunited with her long-lost man. The missing-presumed-dead Thorien made an explosive return to Trinsic and was immediately threatened with arrest by the vigilant guards. However, confusion reigned when the gentleman's faithful and long-suffering wife (or not, depending on whether you ask Lord Ikus), came into town to do some shopping.
The poor lady was almost rendered unconscious with shock at seeing the man whom most had thought dead, on the bridge, as large as life and twice as threatening!
While the guards were attempting to accompany Thorien to jail for questioning, his good lady flung herself into his arms, sobbing with joy. A passer-by described it as a "touching sight", while others were somewhat more cynical.
It was felt that justice would best be served this day, by allowing the returning traveller to go home with his ecstatic wife, since she clung to him like a limpet, and would have had to be put in the cells with him.
It remains to be seen what shaggy dog story the former cultist has told Mrs Buttons, to account for his long absence, but we await it with bated breath!

Vesper has also been busy, of late. What are they up they up to, we wonder? Despite their recent ban from Trinsic, a large caravan of goods recently left the Elven Quarter of Trinsic under what is said to have been particularly heavy guard by Vesparian forces. When questioned, Militiamen dodged detailing exactly what was in the caravan, saying it was simply a large exchange between Vesper and the Elves. Just some clothes for the Baron's luxurious tastes? Or are the Vesparians seeking elven-forged arms and armour to fuel their conflicts with Cove, Yew and Trinsic itself? Either way, rumour says it was saw more than a hundred thousand coins line the Elves pockets in return.


They?ve also been busy in the Covetous Mountains, according to a reliable source. Hearsay in Vesper is that the Red Republicans have uprooted a string of Covian outposts along the valuable mines of Covetous, and have been turning away those who are not Vesper citizens from the shiny gems and tough metals locked away in the hills. Cove and Vesper have disputed each others ownership over these particular mountains ever since Cove's rise to power, but this reporter hasn't seen either side gain total control of the mining rights before, could the Covians be in trouble - or are they simply pulling back like the tide, ready to wash over the Vesparians with their infamously large army?



What?s on?

TONIGHT:

The Trinsic Rose 2nd Anniversary, 19.00 - late




Letters

Dear Sir or Madam.

Please print the attached Legal Notice in the Poste.

Thank you.

To those I know, knew, loved or lost

It regrets me to inform you that I feel it no longer suitable for me to live in Trinsic. With this current war that surrounds us I feel this is not a place for me to continue to raise my children, especially since I believe this conflict could have been totally avoided.

It is no secret that Duke Irvyn and myself haven't always seen eye to eye, but any true believer and follower of the King must see just how wrong he is. I truly believe it is his ignorance to the 'bigger' picture and his blind hate for certain forces that has led us to our current situation. The support, weaponry and aid he (and thus the guards of Trinsic) gave to the Vesperians and the rebel forces during the war for Minoc have directly resulted in them being armed, strong and in large force against us now. Our 'good deeds', which go against the King?s wishes, directly resulted in heartache and more of the King?s land being in the control and the hands of rebel forces.

Not only this, but his support and welcoming of rebels in Trinsic (a supposed Loyalist City) and refusal to hand over rebel sympathizers, supporters and even the rebels themselves led us into the war against Yew. Though even I am not foolish enough to say that Yew are perfect, good or even right, they are one of the only forces that stay true to the King's cause. The Church of Yew and their teachings are, even to me, a little odd and even aggressive at times, but that is not reason to go against them and support rebels in previous wars. Personal views should not stand in the way of The King's will. Had we done what we are employed to do, that being protect the King and the King?s land, we would have the support of loyalist forces now the rebels have turned on us. The actions of Lord D'Gar may oft have seemed selfish, harsh or even at times vicious, but I truly believe that everything he and the Militia there do has been for the good of King and all of Britannia.

I wish no ill doings on anyone in Trinsic and I do hope you defeat the rebel forces, but that you also learn from this and do what is right.

Sincerely,

Tanya Brethian (Retired Sergeant)

[Oh dear, another victim on Yewish brainwashing ? Ed]



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Ye Morning Poste

Vesparian Farmers Criticise Militia!
There have been some rumblings in Vesper lately about the Militia's previous use of livestock in their defences of the Republic, and farmers are said to have still not yet received the money the cows are worth, promised to them when the cows were taken to be (literal) meat shields. This news comes as there are murmurings in Vesper about an election coming within a few months.




Is this conveniently timed propaganda against the Militia to be brought back up for someones election campaign use? We shall see, when the cows come home at the next Vesparian Elections.

Vesparians threaten Trinsic!

Your handsome, well connected and information prying reporter has heard that Vesper has stepped up its threats against Trinsic, with warnings of harbouring the Republic's enemies possibly being met with a violent response. With the Vesparians currently at war with just about everyone, is the Republic prepared to strike back at Trinsic also? Or is their manpower too far stretched on their various campaigns?


Either way, word is that there have been talks between leaders to discuss the violence. We'll give you the news as soon as we scoop it.


Rumours

Some Vesparian soldiers have been seen roving around Vesper riding something much more cumbersome than a horse. There have been murmurings that these smaller, many-limbed dragons might be more of a danger to the rider than an aid, though thesedays who can say whether or not the Vesparians would try to use it to their advantage?




Letters

Empty..


Adverts

Inventor needed for aide Covian Scouts! Contact Scout Sergeant Mela Arkay to enquire (283-033-984)..


Whats on?
Captain Hoagies wedding - Monday, 8:00PM GMT

Ye Morning Poste

Feeling Unwell and Ran Out of Ink!

Yes - sadly the Claw himself is in bed ill with a raging fever picked up on late night drinking binges. He is also out of ink and has sent me instead to the press with this request.

Please send some news items in to the Editor!

Ye Morning Poste

[quote=Ye Morning Poste;27932]
A rumour of daemonic possession in Vesper!

Yesterday evening (as in 5th of February) some of the Vesperian militia, along with members of the Dragoni Temple, witnessed a gruesome act as Kiran the bar manager of the Swagger's Inn was apparently possessed by daemons and subsequently forcibly taken to the Dragoni Temple to be excorsised and cleansed. It would seem that Kiran is now all right but whispered talk about something even more vile cooking up is carried from lip to lip around Vesper...

Muldran Skully "Getting too Old"

Yes the green-haired wizard has finally admitted that he cant keep up with the youth of today. Recently seen racing around Trinsic he was soon running out of breathe. But what is he up to? Ands what are these rumours of persistent boxing matches about?

Brigands or Mercenaries?

It seems as if infamous brogand Henry Winter is waging a war againt the Yewish Guards with a rag tag bunch of thieves murderers and cutpurses. It seems as if the Brigand leader sees himself as more of a Warlord and is desperatre to extend his power to the North - into Yew. Having suffered several defeats at the hands of the mighty Guard it migh tbe more appropriate for the Brigands to try some new tactics perhaps?

Vesper Continues To Impress

Recently the Vesperian forces have become one of th emajor world powers, their alliance with a group of shady Draconis and of course the Hospitallers has given TwoThumb occasion to flaunt his political muscles.



An Artist's Impression of the Moment Vesper met Kaldor

Ye Morning Poste

Umbra University to close down?

Last nights lecture and expedition planning session was cancelled at the last minute due to a lack of anyone interested in attending. Stalwarts of The Shadow Court , Decardo and Cherry were in attendance as was Callum Fitzhugh sporting a ridiculous hairstyle that resembled a patch of snow more than a real hair cut , as well as Trinsic Cook Stewan Seagull.

Aryala is rumoured to have spent the night talking with Cherry and Decardo who this author hopes have persuaded the Mistress of Umbra to continue her wonderful lectures.

For those who wish to learn ? Umbra University is the place!


Cheeky ?

The Poste has received this:

Dear Poste.
As you are behind with your rent for seven months now and seem to be unwilling to pay the missing rent I see nay other option than to confiscate your printing presses and all the other things belonging to you at the tinkers.

You have one week to come up with the money, else the Duchy will claim all your belongings in Trinsic and sell them to get some of the missing money back.

Kaelyn

Can our dear readers petition the Trinsic Guards and ask them to allow the press to continue to publish?

Or is this an attempt by the tyrants in Trinsic to stifle the free press?

Shall we up sticks and leave for a City where we can print and be damned?

Seems Kaelyn is throwing her weight about elsewhere as well!

The following people listed have a week to renew their licenses, before the buildings are rented to anyone who wishes to.

Arakasi Kioshion - Trinsic Fine Skins ? Tanners / The Trinsic Cut - Butchers
Lady Gwyn Quaintly - The Trinsic Pearl- Jewellers
Milo Blitz - Sons of the Sea / The Rusty Anchor & adjoining stables
Tifa Lockheart - Honourable Arms - Weaponsmiths and the adjoining Brotherhood of Trinsic
Balthazar Den?Var - Shining Path Armoury
Trade's Men Guild - Barracks building in East Trinsic near east bridge, both rooms

The following buildings are available for rent

036
Baked Delights- Bakers
Rent a month 200 gold
Rent paid until end of
Leaseholder ?

037
The Travellers Inn ?
Rent a month 500 gold
Rent paid until end of
Leaseholder ?

039
The Tinkers guild including the Poste office
Rent a month 600 gold
Rent paid until end of
Leaseholder ?

042
Trinsic Stablery
Rent a month 200 gold
Rent paid until end of
Leaseholder ?

Kaelyn responsible for trade in Trinsic

Another Public Notice from Trinsic

I, Pierre Vikor, Paladin of Honour,

Hereby give notice to the Citizens of Trinsic of the newly appointed Paladins.

Mathias Janus and Lothalann.

I hope you will join me in congratulating them in their new posts and wishing them all the best in the future as they serve the Duke and people's of Trinsic.

*A purple and white ribbon is attached by a seal showing a Serpant on a Chalice*

Something for the ladies?

Organised by the Guardsmen Militia

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- special thanks to Kaelyn, Pierre and Bladius for their input

Ye Morning Poste

Competition Time!

Name the Tavern and Win Big Prizes!

Answers nailed to the wings of a pigeon please - where is this?

Ye Morning Poste

Heartache and Hexes?
[i]Shadow Court misplace Muldran on Valentine's Day[i]

Favourite trouble-monger Muldran Skully has been misplaced after being placed in custody 'for his own protection'. This follows rumours (but no official charges) following his apparent assault on a merchant in Trinsic a week ago. There are no details on his whereabouts following his departure from the Armoury building, although a rescue staged by the Shadow Court's more violent members (white-haired Decardo Imier, and sinister self-styled Lord Bertrand) would not be outside the realms of possibility. Trinsic Guards are investigating these rumours, but lack of actual evidence may prove tricky.


Exclusive: Interview with the Duke
Lola gets her man...

Darlings, your intrepid reporter got the scoop of the month, by quizzing everyone's favourite noble - dishy Duke Irvyn Middlethorne. Feast your eyes as the Duke tackles the issues that matter to you!

(As a slight amendment, the delay of a week in printing this interview was due to the final interview being held-up at the printers.)

Lola Rennt: Could you tell our readers - just in case there's a new one... how long have you been serving the people of Trinsic?
Irvyn Middlethorne: Irvyn: For many years, since my cousin Ikus handed over the Duchy to me .. I believe in 357, by some calendars.

LR: And has it always been your aim to achieve this position in life?
IM: Not at all, I had no thought of it. I am the son of the younger branch of the family. I had expected to spend my life running the family estates. But Ikus had no heir, and with the Regent's blessing, handed the Duchy to me instead. It was quite a shock at the time. I have always done my best.

LR: What do you view as your best achievement?
IM: That is quite hard...I believe that the integration and acceptance of many people, leading to peace and prosperity for many years, has been something I have always striven for. I would, however, not necessarily say that I have always achieved it.

LR: About that policy... You receive much criticism from other leaders about it. How does that make you feel? How can you make them see your point of view?
IM: That is true. I pursue what I believe is the best policy to serve my King. I hold this land, this city, in trust for him... I do not own Trinsic, I merely serve and care for it. To maintain it in security and prosperity is, I feel, the greatest service I can do. Both for the people and the King. Other leaders may have different views... all of us must answer for them in the end.

LR: In the end? You are a spiritual person?
IM: I was thinking temporally rather than spiritually... I try to follow and uphold the Virtues, but as to what happens after life, I remain agnostic.

LR: Our readers are concerned about recent... fallouts with various places. As in, how do you see Vesper's policies matching with Trinsics'? To provide the best fit for a working relationship.
IM: We have had trade between us for a while, I hope that will continue. Trade is good for both parties... it is the lifeblood of our land, in a way. Each supporting each other. It binds people, rather than separating them over matters of dogma.

LR: Cove's recent actions have provided some people with concern. Indeed tonight, i heard the Baron talking openly about burning people alive. As part of your inclusive society... Where exactly does Cove fit in?
IM: The Baron is a flamboyant character who likes to be controversial. Again, we have trade, and overall good relations... Trinsicians are free to visit Cove, Covians free to come here, as you observed.

LR: There' a difference between controversial and dangerous. For example... Is there anyone in Trinsic you'd set on fire?
IM: No Miss Rennt, that is not a policy I am likely to pursue, or encourage.

LR: So, which feature do you admire most in the Poste?
IM: I admire the way in which news is gathered from so many different places and viewpoints.

LR: And on that subject, the Poste had a letter from Tanya recently. She announced her defection to Yew? What are your thoughts on this?
IM: I saw it, yes. Klion early on announced a policy of .. I suppose amnesty is the closest word ... for anyone who wished to renounce Trinsic and its works and go to Yew. I said at the time I would have no quarrel with anyone who did so. Tanya is the only one out of all the many people who live here to have chosen that route... I fear she has been unstable for a long time, ever since her husband's death... I would not say she was necessarily making a good judgement, but I wish her well in her new life there. I hope she does not come to regret the decision.

LR: So, the question on everyone's lips. You're a well respected leader of one of the most civilised settlements in Sosaria. Are there any special ladies in your life at the moment?
IM: I live alone with my son. I am sure you would have picked up any rumours or gossip, if there was any. It is hard to live other than a public life, as a Duke. Few actions ever go unobserved... if there was a woman I am sure it would be widely known.

LR: Trinsic has had quite a history with the Kaldorians... Our readers don't know if you're handholding, bankrolling, or arguing with the men in green from day to day. What's your current assessment of the relationship?
IM: The Kaldorians have chosen to settle here in the south of Britannia and adopted part of the land as their own. I am glad that they have chosen to look on Trinsic as something worth defending and grateful for their help in doing so. They are members of the Trinsic council, and have the right to participate in decision making in the city. I do not pay them, nor am I paid by them, nor do I do any handholding. Although I believe several relationships have grown up between Kaldorians and Britannians. So there is undoubtedly some handholding going on!

LR: And I'll be sure to feature *that* in a future issue... Finally, sir.... I have a few words to say to you... I'd like you to respond with the first word that comes into your head?

LR: Wine
IM: Glass.
LR: History
IM: Truth.
LR: Magic
IM: Reagents.
LR: Future
Irvyn: Past.
LR: Paladin
IM: Pierre.
LR: Caroline
IM: Duchess.
LR: Moongate
IM: Blue.
LR: Festival
IM: Trinsic.
Lola Rennt: Charity
IM: Compassion.
LR: Aspidistra
IM: I am sorry, I have no idea what that is.

Thank you, Your Grace for giving the Poste the time of day, and some interesting answers.

Do you want your Poste reporters to put others on the spot? Write in, and tell us who do go for next...


Letters

A note that found its way into my possession,

We have heard about the bank robbery in Trinsic and also that one of the employees has been missing for some days now.
I am sad to inform you that we have found the corpse of a man we believe to be James Kerr yesterday in the woods near Spiritwood.
He was found with stabbing wounds in his back this morning by a woodworker and brought to the constable office for identification.

We found several papers with his name on his body and also a diary.
A more detailed report about the body is in my office and can be looked upon there.

If someone that knows him personally can visit and identify him for us, so we can return his body then to his family.

Tom Mandrake, Constable of Spiritwood


What's on?

Tonight - Sunday - 8:00pm - Umbra University
Tonights Lecture: The Gargoyle Race.
Know of anything else happening? Let the Poste announce it to all and sundry! Or Monday, or Tuesday!

Ye Morning Poste

[The news as contained in this post you can take as IC knowledge. However any posts it links to are purely OOC information, unless you happen to have a good explanation why you would know about them IC.]

From the day late Hooded Claw


Umbra University Special!!

The Professor strode into the lecture hall with a flourish and stood at the lectern - quickly he removed his hat gloves and scarf. He looked around the room scanning the faces of the crowd. Then began to speak in that rattling fashion academics use to make themselves heard.

"Well, welcome all we should begin then. Tonight’s topic shall be about the Gargoyles I am sure that most of you have already seen one. However, what few realise is that these creatures have quite an interesting culture. Today in Sosaria we meet usually two types of Gargoyle. The first is the civilised ones that currently reside in their own town in Ilshenar, They speak, they are peaceful and civilised, work, have beliefs and so on. Nice fellows, really. Lovely town too, if you make it across the desert. The second type is a more feral one, usually lurking in the woods and attacking strangers. We are still unsure as to why this is. Who knows anything about gargoyles?"

Dorian looked around the room hopefully. Cerys Slowtree as ever began to apply her thinking power to the exercise. This could at times look painful and the University knew well that she was capable of ... well thinking almost anything. Dorian Abronsius asked “Well?”


All of a sudden the audience erupted hurling helpful comments to and at the Professor who seemed a little overwhelmed.

Tammy shouted, “ They have wings. and They wear no clothes!”

Brynhild stated evenly “They use magic.”

Ravelyn Noire added, “They have a reddish tinted skin” to which Tammy corrected “They're pink...?”

Ravelyn Noire thought and said, “They make good slaves” whilst Taryn added finally “Gargoyles like to dance”

Professor Dorian Abronsius' eyes flickered from face to face and finally he stated happily "Aha! Very good. Magic!"

By now Cerys Slowtree's brain had come to a conclusion "Some of them are like Angels!"

"Angels?" replied the Professor.

Cerys Slowtree nodded thoughtfully."Those ones in the temple". Decardo Imier joined in at this point "They do bear resemblance to the Eternals on Reg Volum" The Professor was genuinely surprised "Most usually compare to daemons rather than angels. But, possibly. Yes, why not."

The Professor unrolled a large picture on the wall of the University Lecture room.


Dorian Abronsius continued his lecture looking back at his notes. "The common gargoyle has a red skin..." Lord Bertrand chimed in with "More like a tough hide" Which was acknowledged by the Professor "As I tried to say... a red skin. It is very strong, leathery and tough. Which makes some people believe that they are creatures made of stone...like those nasty little statues sitting on some buildings, bearing the same name. But... they are not. Their skin makes them very resistant to heat and fire, as well as to physical attacks. In fact, they prefer warm or hot areas to live in. Some researchers claim that they are like frogs and just turn inactive in the cold...a theory we could not yet verify."

Cerys chimed in "They are not really like frogs, professor. Frogs don't have wings!"

The Professor looked down at his notes with a slight sag of his shoulders the only noticeable sign of his slight frustration. “That Slowtree really does try hard” - he thought to himself as he prepared to continue "Err, yes. Of course not. Who here has visited the gargoyle town?" he continued looking up at the crowd. A few hands shot up. “Very good. What did you notice there?" he asked.

Tammy suggested “They have stone beds..” for some reason and Muldran Skully: made the observations, “Very finely crafted city... Very elegant... for a race considered monstorous.” Meiko adding, “Stone everything”

Cerys Slowtree added something which perhaps the others had avoided in their haste: “There are lots of gargoyle people!” which Crowley Noire also noted “Gargoyles!” It seemed Cerys wasn’t finished “Oh, and they make statues!” with Ravelyn Noire adding “They give instruction on the art of masonry and glass making.”

Dorian Abronsius took the crowds suggestions and summed it up saying, “They enjoy crafted things of all kinds, statues, and decorations, even glass. We have established that they enjoy crafting of all kinds. But something else is there that they excel in.” Stewan Seagull the cook from Trinsic who has attended a few lectures in order to better himself said simply “Magic...”

“Ha. Indeed. Very good.” Replied the Professor and he continued, “Any mages here?” a few hands were raised , “Name a random magical spell. Preferably one that will not make anything explode.” Mad mage Muldran Skully stood and uttered a few words of power “Vas Ylem Rel” The professor grew more animated “What do we learn from that?”

Cerys Slowtree spoke “Writing is magic?”
“No.” replied Dorian.”Magic is gargoyle !All the spell words are in fact gargoyle words.” Decardo Imier leaned forward and asked “You are saying they are a race born of magick?” “Either that, or... they might be the founders of magic, so to say”, replied Dorian adding “or the first to employ it.”

The Professor looked down at his notes then across the room “The spellwords that mages use employ this language. Another example, maybe. The spell for healing. Who knows the words?” Muldran Skully spoke “In Mani” Dorian extraploted further “Greater healing ... Vas in Mani ... just adds a big in front. An on the other hand is a negation. An mani meaning harm. The whole language is constructed out of these single short words.”

Dorian Abronsius continued his lecture to the crowd "That we cannot say for sure. As an old race they might have been the ones to invent the spells that we use now. So to say. Or they might have other origins. One more addition to complete the language studies though. It is a very interesting useage of words and bits that form the final words. This makes it both hard and easy to understand. Agra, for example, means fighting. Char is a tool. Agrachar is what...?"

Brynhild the Duchy of Trinsic guard quickly replied "Weapon."

"Yes. Weapon." the Professor seemed please "Lem is always a person. Who knows what agracharinlem is ? It is someone that invokes, creates a weapon. The weaponsmith. This is a very important lesson for all that wish to talk to the gargoyles For most of them bear a name that is simply their profession. And they take pride in their profession. So never fail to investigate their name and their profession"

Dorian Abronsius continued “Together with the language comes a set of runes used for writing” he then rolled out a poster on the wall. “There are 30 different characters
arranged in a rectangle of 5x6 characters. But that only on the side. Maybe it is time now to let the other one speak... I am not sure about the name... the one with the odd hair.”

Muldran Skully green haired extravagant spell caster and arcane mage of The Shadow Court stood, moved to the lectern and began to speak "I received a letter from the Professor about Gargish matters... And I found something written about Gargish beliefs. I must stress that this is mostly conjecture, though. You'll notice that even the Gargoyles in the centre of Ilshenar refuse to talk about Spiritual Matters... Despite the similarities. Between the Virtues and the Gargoyle Beliefs."


Muldran Skully shuffled his notes studiously and continued, "Beliefs...This is what I managed to find out when I overheard a Gargoyle talking about something called the 'Circle of Belief'.All begins with the three principles: Control, Passion and Diligence.From Control springs Direction. From Passion springs Feeling. From Diligence springs Persistence. But these three virtues are no more important than the other five. Control combines with Passion to give Balance. Passion combines with Diligence to yield Achievement. And Diligence joins with Control to provide Precision. Please bear with me on this. The absence of Control, Passion and Diligence is Chaos. Thus the absence of the principles points toward the seventh virtue, Order. The three principles unify to form Singularity. This is the eighth virtue, but it is also the first, because within Singularity can be found all the principles, and thus, all the virtues.”

The crowd seemed puzzled – some scratched their heads some simply looked out of the windows briefly and thought of far off warm days and pleasant pastures – Skully continued “As you can hear from that... the Gargoyles are deep thinkers. Their system of belief is complex, as complex as their language...But Singularity is the centre of all. It is the point at which everything and nothing meets. Perhaps there is a song at that point, the song of the Universe... I'll finish with something that I heard when a young gargoyle spoke to the elder beside him. I think it summarises the gargoyle race perfectly. A circle has no end. It continues forever, with all parts equally important in the success of the whole. Our society is the same. It too continues forever, with all members (and all virtues) equal parts of the whole.”

Muldran Skully looked around and paused dramatically at this point. He then continued "Much more different to us, and our shattered notions of only upholding certain virtues, eh? Perhaps that tells us something of the state of the land?" He gathered his notes up and left for his seat in the audience.

The audience clapped loudly.


The Professor stepped up clapping and smiling at Muldran "Very good. thank you." Then an odd question "Has someone here seen a ... um... female... gargoyle? Anybody?" At this there were a few blushes and some bewildered looks and a slight smattering of giggles. Lord Decardo Imier spoke "Or maybe they are not male and female as we are?" he seemed half questioning half certain.

"No, I think not." Dorian replied "It is generally assumed that they are like...ants." This caused a stir and some consternation. He continued "I mean, not like ants, but compareable to ants. Yes? There have been reports about a queen that...lays eggs who are Hidden away in underground caves with Whole cities However, this information leaked out from the time when the gargoyles were enslaved under Exodus and his minions. Otherwise, no gargoyle would ever reveal anything of such importance.So we cannot verify the truth of that." He paused and looked around smiling slightly."Any final questions? ..." he waited "No? Very well. I guess we are finished then for tonight I thank you all for attending."

There was a buzz of excitement and the usual post-lecture debates began and it was generally decided to try and visit the Gargoyle City to see what could be found of them.

Ye Morning Poste

Poste booted
Woe is us!

You read the topic right Lady's and Gents that horrible duchy Captain has kicked us all from our Offices and is selling a great handful of our stuff! The monster has my favourite quill and ink one which was given to me when I was a new writer.
So now us poste writers bask in the warmth of Nujelm where we were offered several Offices (though I think the fact they couldn't understand me helped) for only a few gold coins a month. Who needs Trinsic?!



That's right folks, there are murmurings in the north-east of the mainland that say that there's a possibility the notoriously angry (with eachother and their enemies) Northern Alliance could be reforming again. Whispers in both Vesparian and Covian watering holes say that the two sides have stopped letting their swords do the talking, and are verging on not only an end to the seemingly unstoppable Vesparian conquest of the Covetous mountain range, but rekindling that flame that took Minoc (renamed West Vesper, according to sources) back from the Kingdom.

Covians fearing further loss of land? Vesparians running out of steam in their lengthy campaign of raids and land seizure? Who knows. The real question is that if the two sides settle their differences, and Minoc is already devoid of Royal troops, who will they be aiming their martial might towards? Both Vesparian and Covian leaders have been unavailable or declining to comment on their future together, if any.

Talent Contest and fancy dress in Cove.
Orc costume favoured!

Late last evening, Cove had its first Talent Contest and Fancy Dress for this year! People from all over travelled to indulge in the marvellous free food provided by Regular Scout Kelly Sanderson, and watch the amazingly extraordinary Talent Contest! One of the most favoured costumes this year was the Orc! There was around three of them all together by the end of the Contest.


The evening was peaceful until Tiberius got on stage and managed to start a short and meaningless brawl with one of the Vesperian contestants! After the Talent Contest was over the Best Costume was picked, and of course it was a scantally clad Eve, going as some form of Ice Savage. Well done to Eve and well done to the Winner who was Trinsic's own Drisdra! Third place was Tiberius Kane with his really awful Fire Juggling act and fourth was Keiran Vale, which his Templar Impersonating. In last place came Vesperian Arius with a short joke which didn't impress the crowd or the judges much..


Rumours

The Death count in Cove recently seems to be tipping in the scales as Covian Sergeant the newly wed stumbled into Cove last night beaten almost to death! According to my sources Yewish brutes took him in hope of gathering information. But that's not it, oh no, Regular Grenadier Conan Darkmoon was seen by our shadow eyes jumping off the roof of the Covian barracks. It was said to be a suicide, but what for?

Speaking of death Dexius Brutus known thug was almost beaten to death in the stocks not long ago and suffers from bad trauma to the head. But this is where its ever sweet Lady's and Gents. He was beaten by Kaelyn of the duchy guards! Is Kaelyn going off the deep end?!

Gerek, a swaggers barman was seen attending the Covian Talent contest in nothing but an apron! Was he auctioning off his warn body to some desperate women? (or men), who knows.

Ear flopped heart broken half drow Arliana was seen entering a cast gate yesterday late in the evening with none other than Giggly Gwyn's ex Talewin Ironfist! Wonder what their up too?



Letters

To the "Ye Sosarian Morning Poste",


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Whats on?

Twisted Sunday at Swagger's Inn Twisted Sunday - 25.02 at 20:00 GMT

Ye Morning Poste

"Trinsic's new approach to childcare"

The "City of Justice" has taken another leaf out of Yew's "100 ways to bring up your children" book. This reporter has heard rumours and indeed hard facts from eye-witnesses about this new style of child rearing.

The new craze is to lock the little darlings in a cell, battered and bruised until they work out their problems it seems, corporal punishment is the new fashion ...as demonstrated more and more recently on Trinsic's finest criminals.

If it works on the thugs then surely it will work on those little monsters, one wonders if the Duke of "Justice" implemented these tactics on his own delightful son?

Rumours From Cove

Who you gonna call? The Dragoons! Finally the Covian 'elite' the dragoons are starting to pick up but with Ex Sergeant Joey Lanai and the current Sergeant in full active duty do I smell rivalry?

And is the Covian army getting desperate for members? From what I've seen and heard not only is there a one eyed and one handed elf working but a deaf and mute lass! Good luck with yelling out orders there. Also these two seem to be latching on together, ah well, stick with your own kind I guess.

Ex Captain now Dragoon Sergeant Hoagie Grayner was supposedly beaten to a pulp by Yewish waywatchers yesterday as an attempt to gain information from him. Warning to all married Officers out there, they will use your husband/wife as a threat!

Speaking of love, whats up with Darkmoon? From what I've heard he dived off the barracks roof in an attempt at suicide recently because the only he loves doesn't love him back! Blimey.

Rumours!

Sally Buttons - who has her kidnapped? Where is she? And speaking of kidnappees where the dickens is serial victim and Black Widow Tabbitha of the Knights Hospitaller?

Answers on a ransom demand please.

Ye Morning Poste

A special report
from Polly Patterson

This is a special report from Polly Patterson.Ask yourself citizens of Sosaria, what has become of our beloved towns? With the disappearance of Lord British those highest in our Loyalist towns are taking over but never for the better. What will become of those who can't afford to dine at a marble table? Those who can't afford to shower their kin in expensive clothes and gifts like The Trinsic Duke Ivryn and Lady Caroline & Ikus.
Those who have sworn to protect and care for the citizens of Trinsic, do so little and are slowly slipping to become our number one enemy. Ask yourselfs those of you sleeping on the streets where was the duke when you were removed from your meager home because you missed one tax payment to feed the fat nobles of Trinsic? Where was the duke when you were robbed and almost killed by rogue drow with blood lust? Your injuries and woes don't matter anymore and the city is no longer the city of Honour but the city of sin, those who can pay for the bill will survive and anyone else is meaningless just another pebble on a rocky road. I will not take the constant abuse from patrolling Kaldorians who have beaten on many citizens in the past and the duchy guards who couldn't fight their way from a paper bag. I, Polly Patterson will have no more! From here forward I give you the truth and will no longer write what I have to please those who are funding me. Common workers of Cove, Yew, Trinsic and whatever other town must unite! For its only the word of your baron or duke which is keeping you apart and should no longer do so.

A heart breaking tale

As tumbleweed blew passed in Cove and Trinsic I took a lovely trip to Yew to perhaps find some story's to entertain my dearest readers. On arriving at Stonekeep I started chatting to a dashing man named Nathaniel Hawk who told me a heart breaking tale of two love struck women who left the Militia with shattered hearts.
Amethyst of the Marksmen's heart was broken when her husband Ditriteous Longbane told her that he no longer cared for her, shortly after he went missing. My heart goes out too you Miss Amethyst who is now on a journey to find her long lost husband. "Love is blind." Says Nathaniel Hawk a marksmen for the militia and it most certainly is. But dearest Amethyst isn't the only one with an arrow pierced heart Abigail was also said to have the same story except over a man named Lucius. Good luck on your journey too!




Rumours

Nothing except, where has everyone gone?! Give me some news, some rumours - Anything!


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Ye Morning Poste

Hooded Claw - Slim and Shady

Stunning victory!
________________________________________
After the recent ceasefire with the Vesperian forces things had been quiet up North. Peace was returning, commerce was flourishing and the populace seemed more happy then usual. Thanks to this, the Covian Army had taken the liberty to invest more time in securing the western border. Loyalist forces had once again taken an interest in pillaging Minoc so securing the western border was quite important. For a few weeks now, Covian forces had conducted successful raids deep into Yewish territory. The object of these missions was to remove any offensive capabilities towards the North.

Unwilling to relinquish their stranglehold on the Free North, a Yewish Army led by none other then 'Lord' Protector Klion D'Gar made it's way around our outposts in Altmere this sunday . Undoubtedly the recent defeats and the signing of the ceasefire between Cove and Vesper had led D'Gar into a desperate gamble to break through the Northern Lines.

Covian Scouts soon picked up the trail of such a huge host however. But instead of harrying them along their path, the Covian Military Command decided to lull the Yewish into believing their raid had gone unnoticed. At the Covian Barracks, preparation for the oncoming army were well underway. The Covian defenders were outnumbered, but they were defending Northern soil and they were prepared for anything!



Brave Covians await the Yewish invaders with determination!

The Lord Protector of Yew advanced towards the organised Covian formation, confusion about his foiled plan evident upon his face. He began uttering the words: "Ideally I'd like to converse before...". And at that exact moment his trusted bodyguard released a barrage of explosives into the Covian ranks. Covians immediately retaliated and unhorsed the Lord Protectorate.



Explosives and firebombs used to no avail by the Yewish invaders

Wave after wave of Yewish soldiers threw themselves at the determined formation to no avail. Clearly the fumbled attack sequence had caused chaos and bodies piled up high at the feet of the defenders. The attack must have lasted for hours, but in the end the determined and outnumbered Covians guards had dispatched almost the entirety of the Yewish invading force. Klion D'Gar and several of his highranked officers were seen scurrying off the battlefield, badly wounded in body and pride.

Wounded Yewish soldiers, after receiving the proper treatment, claimed an overeager Besieger had foiled the perfect battleplan. Be that as it may, Covian Veterans could scarcely remember such a one-sided and humiliating victory over the Yewish Oppressors in the North. Surely this would sap Yew's desire to invade again and the North can once again be secure and peaceful!

Knights Hospitaller

Due to the lack of good will across the land the Hospitaller Order has taken it upon themselves to reform into a monastic warrior order and strive to show themselves to be an example of righteousness and virtue.

Many of our towns and cities, long since having fallen from the path of Virtue,and no longer great powers, show no signs of quelling the growing troubles across the lands between the growing factions and large armies of Cove, Vesper,Yew and Trinsic

REWARD

For the person that can prove the death of the drow Nil’tyr the Duchy offers a reward of 10.000 gold.

The drow was last seen badly hurt with probably bad burn wounds south of the Trinsic moongate and was suspected to have burnt to death there.

There is some doubt that the drow is really dead, so we offer anyone who can prove his death with finding his remains the reward.

Kaelyn, Captain of the Duchy Guards


A Letter

*a letter that has mysteriously found its way to The Poste*

My dear Captain Kaelyn,

I have come to learn you offer a 10,000 Gold reward for proof of my death, so I hope you are not too disappointed to learn I am in fact very much alive.

You may of course take this letter as proof of life and I hope you will be considerate enough to honour the stipulations of the reward in the reverse.

I however have no need for the monetary reward so I gracefully decline its bestowment upon me, instead please donate it in full to the healers in Trinsic for their admirable work.

I owe them a great gratitude in keeping my interests intact and I am sure they will take comfort in knowing I shall come for them soon.

Ssinjin Deis
Nil'tyrr

Another Letter

Dear Miss Patterson,
Whilst understanding your fears and worries about the safety of the streets in Trinsic city, I would take this opportunity to defend His Grace, Irvyn Duke of Trinsic and to inform you that he has nothing dearer to his heart than the wellbeing of the