Darkstar
12-31-1997, 03:03 PM
T
Here is the latest issue of the newpaper from my Birthright Campaign,
enjoy...
- --
Ian Hoskins
e-Mail: hoss@box.net.au
ICQ: 2938300
Home Page: http://www.box.net.au/~hoss/birth.html
From the Darkness we came,
and to the Darkness we will return.
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The Cerilian Times
Issue 38 (Spring/576 MR)
A Vaumel Publishing Production.
Edited by Stephanie Vaumel, from her Imperial City offices.
19 Imperial Street, Government District, Anuire City.
Reporters: Various Merchants, Travellers, and Bards.
Printing By: Royal College of Sorcery
Archive Site: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Realm/8501/
Sarimiere - Roelir 576 MR
MAIN STORIES:
Diemed finally captures all of Medoere.
The war between Medoere and Diemed seems finally to be over with the
surrender of all remaining Medoerean soldiers after the fall of Alamier
province. The war which began with the Medoere invasion of Diemed was ended
after the intervention of Ghoere's army. What has happened to Lenviath da
Enlien and the rest of the Medoere government is unknown but they are
believed to have fled the province before its fall to the massed Diemed
soldiers who swept aside the few remaining defences.
In Diemed there is much celebration with the return of the Medoerean lands
to Diemed control and even inside the three provinces that had made up
Medoere there is some hope that this will mean an end to the long years of
heavy taxation and military rule that have been common in recent years. It
is believed that much of the wealth bled from the people by the High Priest
had been wasted in the past years of conflict, but some has been recovered.
The people of Medoere now hope that this will be used to repair the damage
done during the war. Much of this recovered gold may go however to the many
rulers and merchants who provided support to Duke Diem during the long
struggle. Certainly without their help Diemed would never have been able to
survive the initial invasion by Medoere, let alone the long drawn out
conflict that followed.
There is some concern however about the plans of Ghoere. It was their
armies that finally destroyed the Medoere governments hopes of holding off
Diemed. With the news that Ghoere is now claiming all of Roesone and the
city of Ilien under his control and the former Baron Tael now declaring
himself Archduke Tael their has been much concern in neighbouring lands
about the ambitions of Vaesil Tael and his powerful armies.
Aerenwe assists Roesone battle against Ghoere.
The King of Aerenwe send a large force of soldiers, backed by summoned
monsters, into Roesone to assist the Baron of Roesone in holding off the
Ghoere advance. Assisting the Aerenwe armies was the High Mage Aelies, who
made a rare appearance outside the forests of the Erebannien to battle with
Ghoere's Sword Mage. The High Mage is also believed to have summoned the
monstrous allies that aided the Aerenwe armies greatly in the fight against
the mighty Ghoere war machine.
Ghoere however was able to hold off the Aerenwe attack and the surviving
Aerenwe troops have now retreated back across the border. Vaesil Tael, now
the self declared Archduke of Ghoere has declared the Aerenwe actions those
of an evil man wishing only to expand his own petty empire into lands
rightfully belonging to Ghoere. The new Archduke has also said that before
this attack Aerenwe was beneath his notice, but now that they have
threatened his right to expand his nation as he sees fit that they have
placed themselves in opposition to Ghoere. The new Archduke then went on to
say that unless Aerenwe withdrew its invading troops from Osoerde and paid
reparations to that nation that Ghoere would send its army to deal with
them once and for all.
Despite the destruction of the Aerenwe invasion force it did succeed in
stopping the Ghoere advance into southern Roesone and that may allow Baron
Kawn time to muster the troops he needs to drive out the invading Ghoere
soldiers. Ghoere however seems to have the support of many of the people of
the Roesone province of Bellam with the count of Bellam openly declaring
his support for Ghoere. At a celebration to mark the defeat of the Aerenwe
armies and his new role as Archduke of Ghoere Vaesil Tael announced that
once it had been conquered the barony of Roesone would be split into two or
three regions. The first would be northern Roesone consisting of the
province of Bellam, Fairfield, and Ghoried. The second section would be
southern Roesone which would comprise the rest of the conquered Barony and
finally the Archduke was considering setting up Ilien as a free trading
port, separate from the rest of the Roesone once more.
Invasion of Rhuobhe fails.
The heavily promoted and announced final invasion of the lands of Rhuobhe
Manslayer has ended in a dismal failure with fewer than fifty of the
thousands sent of to battle surviving. Guildmaster Arien Borthein of the
Boeruine Peoples Guild had financed the invasion and spent much time
gathering the support in Boeruine and elsewhere for such a large invasion.
It seems however that the other Elven lands have assisted Rhuobhe in the
defence of his province with large numbers of soldiers being reported where
it was only expected to be two thousand at the most.
Not much is known about what exactly occurred inside the Elven lands but
one of the surviving soldiers talked of strong magical attacks overwhelming
the Boeruine soldiers and that Prince Fhileraene of Tuarhievel and several
other powerful Elven Mages were assisting in the battle while the Boeruine
army had no wizards of its own.
The Elven Gheallie Sidhe was also most effective against the Human
soldiers, especially after the loss of the mounted units from Boeruine.
Many soldiers are also thought to have been lost in the fighting in Tuornen
as they attempted to flee in that direction.
This battle is thought to have ended any chance Boeruine had of taking
control of Tuornen from Avanil. With the loss of over five thousand
soldiers against the Elves and the use of Undead by the Western Imperial
Temple of Haelyn there is no longer any chance of success against the
Avanil armies. Arien Borthien is also thought to have lost maybe all of his
treasury in an attempt to rid Cerilia of Rhuobhe Manslayer and is now
planning a long voyage of exploration away from Boeruine, and also possibly
away from a very angry Archduke who wants to know why so many resources and
soldiers were lost in a foolish attempt to destroy the Elves.
Boeruine Offensive in Tuornen a failure.
With the loss of so many soldiers in the fighting against the Elves the
Boeruine spring offensive against Avanil's armies in Tuornen was always
looking bad but things went far worse than even Archduke Boeruine thought
possible. Legions of Undead summoned by the priests of the Western Imperial
Temple of Haelyn overran the Boeruine positions in the mountains of Tuornen
where they were preparing to advance and it was only the intervention by
priests of the Northern Imperial Temple of Haelyn that enabled Boeruine and
Talinie's army to escape without being totally destroyed. The main Avanil
army never left the province of Haesrien where they were preparing for a
Boeruine attack so they are still entirely intact.
The Archduke has now called off his offensive against Tuornen claiming that
the evil acts of the WIT makes it impossible for noble war to be fought
between the rulers of Anuire. Although the Boeruine army is still stationed
along the borders of Tuornen it is unlikely that they will proceed any
further after such heavy losses and for now the fighting seems to be over.
Rulers denounce the use of Undead by the WIT.
Rulers across Anuire have denounced the action of the Western Imperial
Temple of Haelyn in summoning Skeletal soldiers to do its fighting for it
in Tuornen as the actions of a desperate and evil priest. Members of other
orders of Haelyn have also declared that they no longer support the
activities of the WIT and will work actively to shut them down for good.
Lavalan Briesen of the Orthodox Imperial Temple, the oldest of all Haelyn's
temples has called on Rhobher Nichalier to surrender himself to the forces
of justice and resign from his position as the head of the Western Imperial
Temple for bringing the faith of Haelyn into disrepute. Many other priests
of Haelyn have also called for something similar, claiming that using
Undead to fight your battles does not further the cause of noble warfare
and the High Priest must be stopped before he goes too far and opens a rift
to the Shadow World that can not be closed, putting all the peoples of
Tuornen and the rest of Anuire at risk.
Some are also claiming that the High Priest is no longer a servant of
Haelyn and is instead the agent of an evil power from the Shadow World out
to conquer Cerilia and that he can no longer be trusted and should be
removed as soon as possible by Avanil's armies. There has been no word from
Prince Avan about the actions of Rhobher Nichalier but it is believed that
he is not happy and may take steps to see to the removal of the rogue
priest himself.
OTHER NEWS:
The Empire of Anuire:
(4/1 - Imperial City) Following recent talks between Caliedhe Dosiere and
Solomon Deephole it has been decided not to close down the Anuirean Trading
company at least until the investigation into the incident between the
guild and the holdings of Endier's Lauriel Kalien have been fully
investigated. Guilder Deephole continues to protest his innocence in the
matter despite several reports that he had personally ordered the attack.
(14/1 - Imperial City) Our newspaper will soon be opening a new office in
the nation of Alamie to cover all the events that have been occurring
across northern Anuire in recent months. The new office will serve all the
northern nations including Cariele, Mhoried, and Dhoesone.
(17/1 - Mhoried) The government of Mhoried has begun the planning of
several new castles in the provinces of Torien's Watch, Marlor's Gap, and
Winoene. No construction work has yet been undertaken as the sites for the
new castles are yet to be finalized.
(19/1 - Dhoesone) Baroness Dhoesone this week announced that the guilds of
Mheallie Bireon are now considered to be the official merchant organization
in Dhoesone. It believed that the Baroness has sided with Cariele in an
attempt to put an end to the expansion of the Andien and Son's guild in her
lands. She is said to be worried about a trend that has developed in some
of the Rjurik lands over recent years. Many of these lands have recently
announced that Bannier Andien is the official guilder of their kingdom and
then shortly after their Jarls and other merchants are thrown out by that
kingdoms ruler. The Baroness of Dhoesone does not wish to see this happen
in her lands and has allowed Mheallie Bireon to expand into Dhoesone in an
attempt to stop the expansion of Andien and Sons.
(9/2 - Taeghas) Several vessels belonging to the Taeghan Outfitters have
been raided by pirates ships. Most of these vessels were sailing south of
Taeghas towards the Imperial City. Prince Avan and Count Khorien have
orders their fleets out looking for the pirates, but so far have been
unable to find the haunts.
(21/2 - Osoerde) The fighting in Osoerde between the forces of Duke
Moergen, Coeranys, and Aerenwe continues with the invaders this season
gaining the upper hand. Without the large Ghoere armies to protect them
Osoerde has been forced out of three of its own provinces with Coeranys now
holding Moergen province, while Aerenwe now occupies Algael and Spiritsend
provinces. The Osoerde army though are still relatively intact and with the
addition of extra troops coming in from Ghoere they may soon be able to
drive out the invaders. There is some talk however of new army coming from
Mhoried and Elinie.
(29/2 - Taeghas) There has been trouble on the isle of Ribos between the
two nations that have invaded the small island province. It is believed
that the mercenary forces of Rjuvik have attacked their allies resulting in
considerable fighting and bloodshed. It is also believed that most of the
armies of Rjuvik left the island several days before the fighting began
however so they may not have been involved in the later battles.
(4/3 - Taeghas) There have been several raids by pirate vessels in the
taeghas provinces of Portage. None have been very successful however as
Count Khorien learned of the pirates coming and was able to drive them off
with his powerful magic.
(9/3 - Cariele) There has been trouble in the Cariele province of
Mhelliviene with agents of Mhoried attempting to overthrow the control
Mheallie Bireon has over the law in the province. The trouble is still
continuing this month, and follows several months of rebellion and uprising
throughout Cariele believed to have been sponsored by Mhoried. There is now
talk of war breaking out between the two nations soon with the mighty
armies of Mhoried fighting against the money and power of Mheallie Bireon.
Some southern rulers are now hoping that this does not occur as it will be
the opening the mighty armies of the Gorgon need to advance into Anuire.
(22/3 - Five Peaks) The fighting between the tribes of the Five Peaks and
Cariele continues with the Goblin King Gaxbar bringing in large numbers of
new warriors to fight off the invaders. Cariele's armies backed by priests
and additional troops from the Church of Sarimie were again unable to break
through into Floodspaeth province. The losses of even more troops will do
nothing to ease the rebellious feelings in some of the people of Cariele,
but surprisingly the population remained calm this season and there were no
new outbreaks of violence like that seen in recent month.
(31/3 - Imperial City) Vaumel Publishing today released the first addition
of its new annual survey of the realms of Anuire. We have examined all the
powers that are at work across Anuire and today release the findings on who
is the most powerful rulers in Anuire today.
Most Powerful Kingdom:
Despite some recent set back Avanil continue to remain the most powerful
nation in Anuire. With control of Taeghas and Tuornen and its recent take
over of the Darkreach Isles the Prince of Avanil remains the most powerful
regent in all of Anuire. He is under some threat however from the newly
declared Archduke of Ghoere. His influence is spreading across south
eastern Anuire and unless check may soon wield as much power as the Prince
of Avanil.
Most Powerful Temple:
The Militant Order of Cuiraecen is currently the most powerful faith in
Anuire. With the various sects of the Imperial Temple of Haelyn continuing
to splinter the Militant Order under the leadership of its High Priestess
Fhylie the Sword has the faith of much of northern Anuire now following
them. The Militant Order has suffered a recent set back however losing one
of its temple in Mhoried to the Oaken Grove of Erik.
Most Powerful Guild:
The most powerful guild at the moment is Andien and Sons. With the
influence in wields in the Rjurik lands and its growing power in northern
Anuire, including Talinie, Dhoesone and the Goblin kingdom of Thurazor the
influence of Bannier Andien continues to grow. Many are now calling him the
true power power behind the throne of many of the Rjurik nations and soon
he may have more influence that Prince Avan on the affairs of nations.
Most Powerful Wizard:
Although a difficult category to judge we still believe that the High Mage
Aelies is the most powerful wizard in Anuire. Not much is known about this
mysterious half-elf as he rarely leaves his forest home. When he does
however he makes an impact that does not escape notice. Over recent months,
working through his young lieutenant the High Mage has also managed to
build up a small merchant empire, trading Aerenwe wool, and hides for
Khinasi spices. Although still a small guild it may grow over the coming
year to become a major player in Osoerde and Aerenwe.
The Rjurik Highlands:
(2/1 - Rjuvik) The Rjuvik armies which were on the isle of Ribos off
Taeghas are now believed to be returning home after the success of their
mission on the island. The remaining mercenary soldiers however will remain
behind to maintain a Rjuvik presence on the island. This departure from
Ribos was made possible after the Queen of Rjuvik used her priestly magic
to dispel the warding created around the province by Harold Khorien the
previous month.
(15/3 - Rjuvik) The Queen of Rjuvik, Lady Dagmar has ordered that all the
Jarls of her kingdom be arrested and imprisoned for failing to obey her
instructions about the handing over of their small guilds to the Anuirean
merchant Bannier Andien. The operation does not seem to have been that
successful however as only one of the Jarls was captured the rest fleeing
their homes before the attack came.
Brechtur:
(14/2 - Kiergard) Several units of the Gorgon's armies have suddenly
decided to change sides and start backing the rebels against the main army.
Their short lived rebellion was not very successful however as they have
now been crushed. There has even been some talk of of the heads of the
deserting troops being stakes out in long rows outside the Kiergard capital
as a warning to any others who may be thinking of trying anything in the
future.
(30/3 - Rohrmarch) Due to the continuing problems in Kiergard and
Massenmarch our Brechtur office has been unable to bring you all the news
of the Brecht lands as we originally intended so we will instead be
reprinting the newsletter printed by the Merchant Information Beauru which
covers all the important news from Rohrmarch and the nearby lands.
The editors of the MIB wish to extend our apologies to everybody who has
been asking what has happened to us over the last six months. We were
instructed by our patron, Guilder Frederick Buchassen of the Royal Frodrik
Foresstannen Guild, not to print anything negative concerning taxes. Since
most of the news recently has been about taxes and most of it negative we
have taken the opportunity given to us to relocate and upgrade our working
condition's.
Elves
The elves have been exceedingly quite, maybe the alliance between the
"King" and the Elves will hold.
The Vampire
The provinces bordering the Vampire's Hold are rejoicing at the news that
the "King" has signed a non-aggression pact with The Vampire.
Taxes
Taxes have been reduced and the citizens of Rohrmarch were rejoicing until
it was announced that the "King" had bought the Steelbenders Guild. The
people were outraged that the "King" has been claiming that the
reason for the high taxes was so that he could build the fortifications in
the Northern provinces, when in fact he was lining his own pockets. Nobody
knows, at least nobody would say, how much the "King" paid
Siegfried Lessan for the Steelbenders Guild if he paid anything at all.
Guild's
As to the disposition of the Guilds the citizens of Rohrmarch are finding
it hard to believe that both of the leading Guilders are retiring at almost
the same time. It is their belief that Siegfried Lessan was forced to sell
out to the "King". Rumours abound as to what the selling price could be
but the buzz around court is that it was a half a million gold. We know
this to be untrue because the "King" just announced that the Royal coffers
held only ten thousand gold, was that before or after the acquisition of
the Steelbenders Guild. When Frederick Buchassen
decided not to sell out the "King" forced him to retire. Some even suggest
that the Vicissitude Miners Guild is an attempt by Guilder Frederick to
save at least part of his holdings.
To put further emphasis on the problem for Frederick Buchassen and his
guild the "King" in a surprise move shut down two trade route belonging to
said guild. Thousands of citizens have been put out of work because
of this action by the "King". The statement given when the trade routes
were shut down was that they were giving aid and comfort to the enemy.
As we look around Rohrmarch it is surprisingly peaceful for a nation at
war. The only conflict that any Regent in Rohrmarch is involved in is the
Church of Storm's Height and it's conflict with Aerenwe. Did the Church of
Storm's Height ask the "King" to shut down these trade routes or is it more
likely that the "King" after "buying out" the Steelbenders Guild found out
that his coffers were getting low and decided that these trade routes were
ripe for the picking and made up a story so that he could shut them down
and put his own trade routes in place, which the "King" has already done.
Temple's
The people are asking when will the "King" and his cronies will turn their
greedy eyes toward the Temples. If I were any Temple except the Church of
Storm's Height I would be looking to establish myself someplace else. The
Stormlord Seerbrand Temple has asked the Church of Storm's Height to spare
it from the extinction by signing a vassalage agreement with said church.
Sera's Blessing and Haelyn's Warriors better look out.
The MIB asked this question of a few clergymen: "Aren't Haelyn's Warriors a
vassal of the King?"
The responses we received were not favourable. Now understand me that what
follows is not necessarily the opinion of the MIB, this is just the opinion
of one clergyman.
"The King being a vassal to the Church of Storm's Height cares nothing
for the people who stood by him when the Gorgon attacked, he is just trying
to survive the same way he did then. Form an alliance with whoever appears
to be the strongest and who won't mind being stabbed in the back when the
winds of opportunity change. None of Rohrmarch's defenders when the Gorgon
attacked are still around, they have either "retired" or have been absorbed
by external Regents. I am no military expert but if the Gorgon was to
attack now Rohrmarch would fall."
Editor's Note
Now that we have expressed the opinion of the citizens of Rohrmarch it
might just be a good time for us to keep a low profile for a little while.
If you do not here from us do not despair we will return. No Regent of
Rohrmarch can keep the voice of the people silent forever.
Khinasi:
Due to the war between Aftane and Ariya we are unable to bring you any news
from the Khinasi lands this season. Our agents has been caught up in the
fighting and is currently in an Aftane prison, arrested for spying for
Ariya. This is of course an untrue claim and we will do everything in our
power to free the imprisoned reporter and call on the Red Kings of Aftane
to do so immediately.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
To all the peoples of Rjuvik,
I am Lady Dagmar, Queen of Rjuvik, consort to Fulgar the Blood Handed, High
Priestess of Elo'ele, Sister to the Rjuven Alliance. I have declared that
our ally in the Rjuven Alliance can take over the Guilds in our lands. For
this he has promised us wealth and power. Yet, it seems that those that
Fulgar has graced with allowing to be Jarls choose instead to be like the
weaklings of the rest of these Northern lands and not embrace this power.
I will not tolerate these beings disgracing the friendship we have gained
in the North and South.
I have heard that next they will turn us over to the other kingdoms so they
can rule over us like proper Rjuven people.
But, we are not just Rjuven.
WE ARE RJUVIK. The first among the North.
We are a powerful and feared kingdom. I will not cower before these Jarls.
I now declare that these Jarls are enemies to our state. They will be
brought before the people of the land and judged guilty for defying our way
of life. The Rjuvik way is power.
So says
Lady Dagmar, Queen of Rjuvik
So says
Fulgar the Blood Handed, Pirate Lord of Rjuvik
Here is the latest issue of the newpaper from my Birthright Campaign,
enjoy...
- --
Ian Hoskins
e-Mail: hoss@box.net.au
ICQ: 2938300
Home Page: http://www.box.net.au/~hoss/birth.html
From the Darkness we came,
and to the Darkness we will return.
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The Cerilian Times
Issue 38 (Spring/576 MR)
A Vaumel Publishing Production.
Edited by Stephanie Vaumel, from her Imperial City offices.
19 Imperial Street, Government District, Anuire City.
Reporters: Various Merchants, Travellers, and Bards.
Printing By: Royal College of Sorcery
Archive Site: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Realm/8501/
Sarimiere - Roelir 576 MR
MAIN STORIES:
Diemed finally captures all of Medoere.
The war between Medoere and Diemed seems finally to be over with the
surrender of all remaining Medoerean soldiers after the fall of Alamier
province. The war which began with the Medoere invasion of Diemed was ended
after the intervention of Ghoere's army. What has happened to Lenviath da
Enlien and the rest of the Medoere government is unknown but they are
believed to have fled the province before its fall to the massed Diemed
soldiers who swept aside the few remaining defences.
In Diemed there is much celebration with the return of the Medoerean lands
to Diemed control and even inside the three provinces that had made up
Medoere there is some hope that this will mean an end to the long years of
heavy taxation and military rule that have been common in recent years. It
is believed that much of the wealth bled from the people by the High Priest
had been wasted in the past years of conflict, but some has been recovered.
The people of Medoere now hope that this will be used to repair the damage
done during the war. Much of this recovered gold may go however to the many
rulers and merchants who provided support to Duke Diem during the long
struggle. Certainly without their help Diemed would never have been able to
survive the initial invasion by Medoere, let alone the long drawn out
conflict that followed.
There is some concern however about the plans of Ghoere. It was their
armies that finally destroyed the Medoere governments hopes of holding off
Diemed. With the news that Ghoere is now claiming all of Roesone and the
city of Ilien under his control and the former Baron Tael now declaring
himself Archduke Tael their has been much concern in neighbouring lands
about the ambitions of Vaesil Tael and his powerful armies.
Aerenwe assists Roesone battle against Ghoere.
The King of Aerenwe send a large force of soldiers, backed by summoned
monsters, into Roesone to assist the Baron of Roesone in holding off the
Ghoere advance. Assisting the Aerenwe armies was the High Mage Aelies, who
made a rare appearance outside the forests of the Erebannien to battle with
Ghoere's Sword Mage. The High Mage is also believed to have summoned the
monstrous allies that aided the Aerenwe armies greatly in the fight against
the mighty Ghoere war machine.
Ghoere however was able to hold off the Aerenwe attack and the surviving
Aerenwe troops have now retreated back across the border. Vaesil Tael, now
the self declared Archduke of Ghoere has declared the Aerenwe actions those
of an evil man wishing only to expand his own petty empire into lands
rightfully belonging to Ghoere. The new Archduke has also said that before
this attack Aerenwe was beneath his notice, but now that they have
threatened his right to expand his nation as he sees fit that they have
placed themselves in opposition to Ghoere. The new Archduke then went on to
say that unless Aerenwe withdrew its invading troops from Osoerde and paid
reparations to that nation that Ghoere would send its army to deal with
them once and for all.
Despite the destruction of the Aerenwe invasion force it did succeed in
stopping the Ghoere advance into southern Roesone and that may allow Baron
Kawn time to muster the troops he needs to drive out the invading Ghoere
soldiers. Ghoere however seems to have the support of many of the people of
the Roesone province of Bellam with the count of Bellam openly declaring
his support for Ghoere. At a celebration to mark the defeat of the Aerenwe
armies and his new role as Archduke of Ghoere Vaesil Tael announced that
once it had been conquered the barony of Roesone would be split into two or
three regions. The first would be northern Roesone consisting of the
province of Bellam, Fairfield, and Ghoried. The second section would be
southern Roesone which would comprise the rest of the conquered Barony and
finally the Archduke was considering setting up Ilien as a free trading
port, separate from the rest of the Roesone once more.
Invasion of Rhuobhe fails.
The heavily promoted and announced final invasion of the lands of Rhuobhe
Manslayer has ended in a dismal failure with fewer than fifty of the
thousands sent of to battle surviving. Guildmaster Arien Borthein of the
Boeruine Peoples Guild had financed the invasion and spent much time
gathering the support in Boeruine and elsewhere for such a large invasion.
It seems however that the other Elven lands have assisted Rhuobhe in the
defence of his province with large numbers of soldiers being reported where
it was only expected to be two thousand at the most.
Not much is known about what exactly occurred inside the Elven lands but
one of the surviving soldiers talked of strong magical attacks overwhelming
the Boeruine soldiers and that Prince Fhileraene of Tuarhievel and several
other powerful Elven Mages were assisting in the battle while the Boeruine
army had no wizards of its own.
The Elven Gheallie Sidhe was also most effective against the Human
soldiers, especially after the loss of the mounted units from Boeruine.
Many soldiers are also thought to have been lost in the fighting in Tuornen
as they attempted to flee in that direction.
This battle is thought to have ended any chance Boeruine had of taking
control of Tuornen from Avanil. With the loss of over five thousand
soldiers against the Elves and the use of Undead by the Western Imperial
Temple of Haelyn there is no longer any chance of success against the
Avanil armies. Arien Borthien is also thought to have lost maybe all of his
treasury in an attempt to rid Cerilia of Rhuobhe Manslayer and is now
planning a long voyage of exploration away from Boeruine, and also possibly
away from a very angry Archduke who wants to know why so many resources and
soldiers were lost in a foolish attempt to destroy the Elves.
Boeruine Offensive in Tuornen a failure.
With the loss of so many soldiers in the fighting against the Elves the
Boeruine spring offensive against Avanil's armies in Tuornen was always
looking bad but things went far worse than even Archduke Boeruine thought
possible. Legions of Undead summoned by the priests of the Western Imperial
Temple of Haelyn overran the Boeruine positions in the mountains of Tuornen
where they were preparing to advance and it was only the intervention by
priests of the Northern Imperial Temple of Haelyn that enabled Boeruine and
Talinie's army to escape without being totally destroyed. The main Avanil
army never left the province of Haesrien where they were preparing for a
Boeruine attack so they are still entirely intact.
The Archduke has now called off his offensive against Tuornen claiming that
the evil acts of the WIT makes it impossible for noble war to be fought
between the rulers of Anuire. Although the Boeruine army is still stationed
along the borders of Tuornen it is unlikely that they will proceed any
further after such heavy losses and for now the fighting seems to be over.
Rulers denounce the use of Undead by the WIT.
Rulers across Anuire have denounced the action of the Western Imperial
Temple of Haelyn in summoning Skeletal soldiers to do its fighting for it
in Tuornen as the actions of a desperate and evil priest. Members of other
orders of Haelyn have also declared that they no longer support the
activities of the WIT and will work actively to shut them down for good.
Lavalan Briesen of the Orthodox Imperial Temple, the oldest of all Haelyn's
temples has called on Rhobher Nichalier to surrender himself to the forces
of justice and resign from his position as the head of the Western Imperial
Temple for bringing the faith of Haelyn into disrepute. Many other priests
of Haelyn have also called for something similar, claiming that using
Undead to fight your battles does not further the cause of noble warfare
and the High Priest must be stopped before he goes too far and opens a rift
to the Shadow World that can not be closed, putting all the peoples of
Tuornen and the rest of Anuire at risk.
Some are also claiming that the High Priest is no longer a servant of
Haelyn and is instead the agent of an evil power from the Shadow World out
to conquer Cerilia and that he can no longer be trusted and should be
removed as soon as possible by Avanil's armies. There has been no word from
Prince Avan about the actions of Rhobher Nichalier but it is believed that
he is not happy and may take steps to see to the removal of the rogue
priest himself.
OTHER NEWS:
The Empire of Anuire:
(4/1 - Imperial City) Following recent talks between Caliedhe Dosiere and
Solomon Deephole it has been decided not to close down the Anuirean Trading
company at least until the investigation into the incident between the
guild and the holdings of Endier's Lauriel Kalien have been fully
investigated. Guilder Deephole continues to protest his innocence in the
matter despite several reports that he had personally ordered the attack.
(14/1 - Imperial City) Our newspaper will soon be opening a new office in
the nation of Alamie to cover all the events that have been occurring
across northern Anuire in recent months. The new office will serve all the
northern nations including Cariele, Mhoried, and Dhoesone.
(17/1 - Mhoried) The government of Mhoried has begun the planning of
several new castles in the provinces of Torien's Watch, Marlor's Gap, and
Winoene. No construction work has yet been undertaken as the sites for the
new castles are yet to be finalized.
(19/1 - Dhoesone) Baroness Dhoesone this week announced that the guilds of
Mheallie Bireon are now considered to be the official merchant organization
in Dhoesone. It believed that the Baroness has sided with Cariele in an
attempt to put an end to the expansion of the Andien and Son's guild in her
lands. She is said to be worried about a trend that has developed in some
of the Rjurik lands over recent years. Many of these lands have recently
announced that Bannier Andien is the official guilder of their kingdom and
then shortly after their Jarls and other merchants are thrown out by that
kingdoms ruler. The Baroness of Dhoesone does not wish to see this happen
in her lands and has allowed Mheallie Bireon to expand into Dhoesone in an
attempt to stop the expansion of Andien and Sons.
(9/2 - Taeghas) Several vessels belonging to the Taeghan Outfitters have
been raided by pirates ships. Most of these vessels were sailing south of
Taeghas towards the Imperial City. Prince Avan and Count Khorien have
orders their fleets out looking for the pirates, but so far have been
unable to find the haunts.
(21/2 - Osoerde) The fighting in Osoerde between the forces of Duke
Moergen, Coeranys, and Aerenwe continues with the invaders this season
gaining the upper hand. Without the large Ghoere armies to protect them
Osoerde has been forced out of three of its own provinces with Coeranys now
holding Moergen province, while Aerenwe now occupies Algael and Spiritsend
provinces. The Osoerde army though are still relatively intact and with the
addition of extra troops coming in from Ghoere they may soon be able to
drive out the invaders. There is some talk however of new army coming from
Mhoried and Elinie.
(29/2 - Taeghas) There has been trouble on the isle of Ribos between the
two nations that have invaded the small island province. It is believed
that the mercenary forces of Rjuvik have attacked their allies resulting in
considerable fighting and bloodshed. It is also believed that most of the
armies of Rjuvik left the island several days before the fighting began
however so they may not have been involved in the later battles.
(4/3 - Taeghas) There have been several raids by pirate vessels in the
taeghas provinces of Portage. None have been very successful however as
Count Khorien learned of the pirates coming and was able to drive them off
with his powerful magic.
(9/3 - Cariele) There has been trouble in the Cariele province of
Mhelliviene with agents of Mhoried attempting to overthrow the control
Mheallie Bireon has over the law in the province. The trouble is still
continuing this month, and follows several months of rebellion and uprising
throughout Cariele believed to have been sponsored by Mhoried. There is now
talk of war breaking out between the two nations soon with the mighty
armies of Mhoried fighting against the money and power of Mheallie Bireon.
Some southern rulers are now hoping that this does not occur as it will be
the opening the mighty armies of the Gorgon need to advance into Anuire.
(22/3 - Five Peaks) The fighting between the tribes of the Five Peaks and
Cariele continues with the Goblin King Gaxbar bringing in large numbers of
new warriors to fight off the invaders. Cariele's armies backed by priests
and additional troops from the Church of Sarimie were again unable to break
through into Floodspaeth province. The losses of even more troops will do
nothing to ease the rebellious feelings in some of the people of Cariele,
but surprisingly the population remained calm this season and there were no
new outbreaks of violence like that seen in recent month.
(31/3 - Imperial City) Vaumel Publishing today released the first addition
of its new annual survey of the realms of Anuire. We have examined all the
powers that are at work across Anuire and today release the findings on who
is the most powerful rulers in Anuire today.
Most Powerful Kingdom:
Despite some recent set back Avanil continue to remain the most powerful
nation in Anuire. With control of Taeghas and Tuornen and its recent take
over of the Darkreach Isles the Prince of Avanil remains the most powerful
regent in all of Anuire. He is under some threat however from the newly
declared Archduke of Ghoere. His influence is spreading across south
eastern Anuire and unless check may soon wield as much power as the Prince
of Avanil.
Most Powerful Temple:
The Militant Order of Cuiraecen is currently the most powerful faith in
Anuire. With the various sects of the Imperial Temple of Haelyn continuing
to splinter the Militant Order under the leadership of its High Priestess
Fhylie the Sword has the faith of much of northern Anuire now following
them. The Militant Order has suffered a recent set back however losing one
of its temple in Mhoried to the Oaken Grove of Erik.
Most Powerful Guild:
The most powerful guild at the moment is Andien and Sons. With the
influence in wields in the Rjurik lands and its growing power in northern
Anuire, including Talinie, Dhoesone and the Goblin kingdom of Thurazor the
influence of Bannier Andien continues to grow. Many are now calling him the
true power power behind the throne of many of the Rjurik nations and soon
he may have more influence that Prince Avan on the affairs of nations.
Most Powerful Wizard:
Although a difficult category to judge we still believe that the High Mage
Aelies is the most powerful wizard in Anuire. Not much is known about this
mysterious half-elf as he rarely leaves his forest home. When he does
however he makes an impact that does not escape notice. Over recent months,
working through his young lieutenant the High Mage has also managed to
build up a small merchant empire, trading Aerenwe wool, and hides for
Khinasi spices. Although still a small guild it may grow over the coming
year to become a major player in Osoerde and Aerenwe.
The Rjurik Highlands:
(2/1 - Rjuvik) The Rjuvik armies which were on the isle of Ribos off
Taeghas are now believed to be returning home after the success of their
mission on the island. The remaining mercenary soldiers however will remain
behind to maintain a Rjuvik presence on the island. This departure from
Ribos was made possible after the Queen of Rjuvik used her priestly magic
to dispel the warding created around the province by Harold Khorien the
previous month.
(15/3 - Rjuvik) The Queen of Rjuvik, Lady Dagmar has ordered that all the
Jarls of her kingdom be arrested and imprisoned for failing to obey her
instructions about the handing over of their small guilds to the Anuirean
merchant Bannier Andien. The operation does not seem to have been that
successful however as only one of the Jarls was captured the rest fleeing
their homes before the attack came.
Brechtur:
(14/2 - Kiergard) Several units of the Gorgon's armies have suddenly
decided to change sides and start backing the rebels against the main army.
Their short lived rebellion was not very successful however as they have
now been crushed. There has even been some talk of of the heads of the
deserting troops being stakes out in long rows outside the Kiergard capital
as a warning to any others who may be thinking of trying anything in the
future.
(30/3 - Rohrmarch) Due to the continuing problems in Kiergard and
Massenmarch our Brechtur office has been unable to bring you all the news
of the Brecht lands as we originally intended so we will instead be
reprinting the newsletter printed by the Merchant Information Beauru which
covers all the important news from Rohrmarch and the nearby lands.
The editors of the MIB wish to extend our apologies to everybody who has
been asking what has happened to us over the last six months. We were
instructed by our patron, Guilder Frederick Buchassen of the Royal Frodrik
Foresstannen Guild, not to print anything negative concerning taxes. Since
most of the news recently has been about taxes and most of it negative we
have taken the opportunity given to us to relocate and upgrade our working
condition's.
Elves
The elves have been exceedingly quite, maybe the alliance between the
"King" and the Elves will hold.
The Vampire
The provinces bordering the Vampire's Hold are rejoicing at the news that
the "King" has signed a non-aggression pact with The Vampire.
Taxes
Taxes have been reduced and the citizens of Rohrmarch were rejoicing until
it was announced that the "King" had bought the Steelbenders Guild. The
people were outraged that the "King" has been claiming that the
reason for the high taxes was so that he could build the fortifications in
the Northern provinces, when in fact he was lining his own pockets. Nobody
knows, at least nobody would say, how much the "King" paid
Siegfried Lessan for the Steelbenders Guild if he paid anything at all.
Guild's
As to the disposition of the Guilds the citizens of Rohrmarch are finding
it hard to believe that both of the leading Guilders are retiring at almost
the same time. It is their belief that Siegfried Lessan was forced to sell
out to the "King". Rumours abound as to what the selling price could be
but the buzz around court is that it was a half a million gold. We know
this to be untrue because the "King" just announced that the Royal coffers
held only ten thousand gold, was that before or after the acquisition of
the Steelbenders Guild. When Frederick Buchassen
decided not to sell out the "King" forced him to retire. Some even suggest
that the Vicissitude Miners Guild is an attempt by Guilder Frederick to
save at least part of his holdings.
To put further emphasis on the problem for Frederick Buchassen and his
guild the "King" in a surprise move shut down two trade route belonging to
said guild. Thousands of citizens have been put out of work because
of this action by the "King". The statement given when the trade routes
were shut down was that they were giving aid and comfort to the enemy.
As we look around Rohrmarch it is surprisingly peaceful for a nation at
war. The only conflict that any Regent in Rohrmarch is involved in is the
Church of Storm's Height and it's conflict with Aerenwe. Did the Church of
Storm's Height ask the "King" to shut down these trade routes or is it more
likely that the "King" after "buying out" the Steelbenders Guild found out
that his coffers were getting low and decided that these trade routes were
ripe for the picking and made up a story so that he could shut them down
and put his own trade routes in place, which the "King" has already done.
Temple's
The people are asking when will the "King" and his cronies will turn their
greedy eyes toward the Temples. If I were any Temple except the Church of
Storm's Height I would be looking to establish myself someplace else. The
Stormlord Seerbrand Temple has asked the Church of Storm's Height to spare
it from the extinction by signing a vassalage agreement with said church.
Sera's Blessing and Haelyn's Warriors better look out.
The MIB asked this question of a few clergymen: "Aren't Haelyn's Warriors a
vassal of the King?"
The responses we received were not favourable. Now understand me that what
follows is not necessarily the opinion of the MIB, this is just the opinion
of one clergyman.
"The King being a vassal to the Church of Storm's Height cares nothing
for the people who stood by him when the Gorgon attacked, he is just trying
to survive the same way he did then. Form an alliance with whoever appears
to be the strongest and who won't mind being stabbed in the back when the
winds of opportunity change. None of Rohrmarch's defenders when the Gorgon
attacked are still around, they have either "retired" or have been absorbed
by external Regents. I am no military expert but if the Gorgon was to
attack now Rohrmarch would fall."
Editor's Note
Now that we have expressed the opinion of the citizens of Rohrmarch it
might just be a good time for us to keep a low profile for a little while.
If you do not here from us do not despair we will return. No Regent of
Rohrmarch can keep the voice of the people silent forever.
Khinasi:
Due to the war between Aftane and Ariya we are unable to bring you any news
from the Khinasi lands this season. Our agents has been caught up in the
fighting and is currently in an Aftane prison, arrested for spying for
Ariya. This is of course an untrue claim and we will do everything in our
power to free the imprisoned reporter and call on the Red Kings of Aftane
to do so immediately.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
To all the peoples of Rjuvik,
I am Lady Dagmar, Queen of Rjuvik, consort to Fulgar the Blood Handed, High
Priestess of Elo'ele, Sister to the Rjuven Alliance. I have declared that
our ally in the Rjuven Alliance can take over the Guilds in our lands. For
this he has promised us wealth and power. Yet, it seems that those that
Fulgar has graced with allowing to be Jarls choose instead to be like the
weaklings of the rest of these Northern lands and not embrace this power.
I will not tolerate these beings disgracing the friendship we have gained
in the North and South.
I have heard that next they will turn us over to the other kingdoms so they
can rule over us like proper Rjuven people.
But, we are not just Rjuven.
WE ARE RJUVIK. The first among the North.
We are a powerful and feared kingdom. I will not cower before these Jarls.
I now declare that these Jarls are enemies to our state. They will be
brought before the people of the land and judged guilty for defying our way
of life. The Rjuvik way is power.
So says
Lady Dagmar, Queen of Rjuvik
So says
Fulgar the Blood Handed, Pirate Lord of Rjuvik