Title: A plague!
Author: Scandal
Date: Fri Jul 2 2004
Scandal, it's a scandal!
What?
Mongrels!
You don't say...
Yes! Like a plague. They're everywhere! Doing terrible, naughty things!
Well yes, what do you expect of such -
No, you don't understand. -Everywhere-, right under our noses, in bars, restaurants even, no park is safe either.
Well yes, what do you expect of such -
No, you don't understand, they're doing it everywhere!
Oh.
Yes.
Was she pretty?
---
Such rumours can be heard everywhere since yesterday, both in the Varati as in the Empyrean part of town. Even in Mongrel Town, where people are heard to complain about nightly exclamations of enthusiasm. And spring hasn't even started...
Title: A rarest glow
Author: Dar
Date: Wed Jul 7 2004
On the night of the 3rd day of March, in the Empyre's year 3930, 'twas sighted a rarest of sights, sought and appreciated only by those who knew of it from past chance encounters. Sailors from a merchant's vessel spread the word at the sea-docks, and those who understood appeared at the edge of the ocean on the darkest of moonless nights. A bloom of green, glowing algae floated near Parnassus and Irha-Esh, and all who knew of it marveled at its sight. The luminescent mat was too dim to be seen in the twin cities except, perhaps, in the darkest of corners. Within an hour of its faint appearance on the ebon horizon the glowing flora had floated southwards, an appearance likely to never be repeated.
Title: Ribbons in the River!
Author: Rumours (Maat)
Date: Wed Jul 7 2004
In an unfortunate turn of events, a Bridge merchant behind on his yearly fee was summarily ejected from his stall last week. In typical fashion, the Trolls threw any goods within the stall off the side of the bridge. However, this is not the end of the sad tale. The merchant, a seller of ribbons, returned this week, tokenless, proclaiming, "Foul! Foul! The fees the Guild charges are too high!"
The ribbon seller attempted to sell his merchandise, but this time, not only were his ribbons tossed in the river, so was the merchant!
Title: Governor Recalled
Author: Calliope
Date: Thu Jul 8 2004
It came as no surprise to many that after his long absence from Parnasses, that Governor Alexandrus Tritonides has been recalled permanently to Civitas Dei. With the announcement came a flurry of activity as his household, so recently arrived in the city, returned its belongings to the packing they came in for the trip back to the Celestial City.
Leaving ahead of the household goods were his wife and two children looking quite pleased to be returning to more civilized parts of the Empyre.
Title: A New Fortuna
Author: Io
Date: Fri Jul 9 2004
"Another sister? How many siblings does Ludovicus have?"
"Half a dozen, maybe? I forget. Anyway, this woman - Iolanthe - just got in a couple of weeks ago, along with her two little girls. Got called to Parnassus after her husband died - suicided, they say."
"Why'd they say he suicided?"
"Maybe because he left a note? His infant son died the same day. I've been hearing the oddest things about his widow, though..."
"She's a Fortuna, whaddaya expect?"
"How about that the rest of the Fortunas should like her? Family's knit tighter than a pack of wolves, and hardly one of them can spare her a civil glance. Even after all the money she's made for them."
"Working girl, huh?"
"Slave trader from Thermopylae. And no, not one of those greasy pirates - I hear she's actually got a -heart- when it comes to her wares. Tries to keep families together and all that. Whatever she does, they must like her for it - her slaves are supposed to be some of the most loyal in the Republic. Hardly any runaways."
"Bet she still brands them."
"Well, duh, dummy. But you've got to weigh that with everything else. You should see the freedom she gives her own brood! Annie here - An saw her on a palanquin a couple of days ago, carried by four slaves, and all of them were armed!"
"Palanquin? She that lazy?"
"That weak, more like. She's got some kind of condition. Looks about as sturdy as a snowflake, too. But did you hear what I said? She gives her Mongrels weapons! Good thing, too. Annie says that drunk from House Tigris and his buddies were harassing her, but they ran like scared bunnies when they saw what the Mongrels were packing."
"Tigris... You don't mean Theodotus Tigris? Didn't you hear?"
"Hear what?"
"Theo got a knife in the back last night. Alley outside some tavern. Always knew he'd come to a bad end. Heh - his family's hardly broken up about it, to tell you the truth."
"You don't suppose the Fortuna woman...?"
"Iolanthe? Nahh. That's the sort of thing her brother would do - scares the bejeezus out of me, Ludovicus does. But I don't think she's like that. Did I tell you yet about her slaves?"
Title: As the Season Turns
Author: Bhruic
Date: Fri Jul 9 2004
Winter grinds its slow and reluctant way towards spring. In this harsh clime, one of the primary responsibilities of the government is to see its people fed. But there seems to be a shocking lack of activity from the Governor's office and the Governor-regent, Pontius Titian.
In that absence, the Castallia has made its presence known. The Auctor, Bhruic, has been visibly seeing to the seed stores of Parnassus, and sending the Castallia's elemental mages to see to the proper awakening of the land in preparation for the season's planning. His concern has extended to the lesser parts of Parnassus: Mongrel Town and the Bottoms, as well as the low income, Empyrean, common quarters of the city. His personal Healing touch has tended to many of the winter ailments there, and the Castallia's assistance lent to those of lesser fortune at little to no cost.
And in these quarters, perhaps at the Auctor's own subtle hinting, a whisper begins. Maybe the governor should be one who cares for the city more than the Aegis. Maybe the governor should be one of the city's own, one who has supported it from its rebuilding and all through the past twenty years. Maybe.. maybe the governor does not HAVE to be an Aegian, but one of the people's own.
Title: Spring Seeds: Birds and the Bees
Author: Valerian
Date: Fri Jul 9 2004
Unlike some branches of the Provincial government, in the midst of rapid dismissals and new appointments, the Curiae has been very busy as spring arrives.
As if in competition with the Castallia for help during the spring planting, the new Procurator Valerian Apollonius Quirinatus has ordered the streets cleared, seed stocks replenished, and an odd proclamation of a different sort of planting: all Empyrean households will receive 10 gold Denarii courtesy of the House Quirinatus and the House Parcelius for each legitimate, non-darkling child born through the Curiate office with any Empyrean households that have proof of a mage in its lineage to receive 20 gold Denarii for each child born to such a household. The families that produce a child that possesses magic is to be offered an incredible 50 gold Denarii each.
Similar proclamations in many cities across the Empyre, as if the various Curiae in the Republic are under collusion, have offered such gifts with no end in sight for when this gift will no longer be available. In Parnassus alone, it is rumored that over 10,000 Denarii have been collected by the Quirinati and Parcelians to fund such an ambitious project for the first six months alone. The Procurator announced that all noble houses are encouraged to help fund this project over concern that the Empyrean population has started to stagnate in a potential demographics gap with the Varati.
In a measure to prevent widespread calamity in the farming communities due to the inactivity of the Governor-Regent, the Procurator has also offered free seeds from his private stock of some of the best wheat in the Province reserved for export, and he has graciously offered a large reserve of grain to help counteract any concern for food.
"...Rest assured citizens of Parnassus and Edessa. It might seem as if the government is quiet and inactive, but we are looking into new and innovative ideas to help the quality of life of all Empyreans in the Empyre. I apologize for any problems in the spring planting caused by some delays in the city government, but the Curiae under my auspices will do its best to make sure all citizens and subjects in this city are taken care of and I will cooperate with other Procurators in the Province and the Empyre to make sure everyone will lead fertile and prosperous lives."
And with that, the Procurator went back inside the Basillica to conduct more work. Yet, despite these gestures and messages, some of the commoners went home grumpy. "Where is the Spring Festival of the Republic?" Indeed, only a few cities in the Western provinces celebrated the Spring Cult of the Republic rituals that officially marked the beginning of spring this year. Will spring come to Parnassus?
Title: Fight in the Gardens?
Author: Zea
Date: Mon Jul 12 2004
A couple of Empyreans were overheard discussing an unusual event while shopping on the bridge:
Drusilla: Well, I didn't see it myself, my slave did, and of course he told me about it right away. I think the Praetorians need to investigate, we could have and attacker on our hands!
Lucia: Oh Silla, you've always had a flair for the dramatic, I'm sure it wasn't all that bad. An attack in the gardens? I doubt that.
Drusilla: It's true, Gallus never lies. He said he saw the Vilica of Acesius stumbling out of the gardens with that Empyrean Buccaneer almost collapsed on her, with her cloak pressed to the side of his head to stop the bleeding.
Lucia: Bleeding??
Drusilla: Yea, he said it looked pretty bad too. Must be nice to have so much money you can waste a good cloak like that. He said he even saw a couple of Praetorians offer to help her but she got angry and told them to leave her alone. Took him all the way to her house is what Gallus said.
Lucia: Sounds like she's a little crazy, who in their right mind would willingly drag some bleeding pirate to her home?
Drusilla: Buccaneer, Lucia, not a pirate. Anyway, that's not the point. Gallus said he talked to an Acesian slave this morning and *she* said that the Vilica took the man straight to her room calling for a Healer. I tell you Lucia, maybe the Varati are getting back at us for those new laws the Praefect announced and attacking innocent Empyreans with other weapons.
Lucia: Who said they were innocent, Silla? For all we know she could have attacked him, you know how those pirates are with women.
Drusilla: Oh, for the love of Apollo, he's not a pirate!
Title: New Owner for the Crossing
Author: Hypatia
Date: Tue Jul 13 2004
A hundred horses, nay less than half a dozen, swept with a thundering of hooves onto the Pons Pactum today. Escorting the overly buxom figure of Hypatia Pleiades Fortuna, the riders stopped before the Crossing to allow the young woman to alight from her travelling conveyance.
The lucky diners in the Crossing were treated to Hypatia launching herself into the air and standing on the bar to proclaim that she was now the new owner of the Crossing. Those eating at tables close enough to intercept the conversation between Hypatia and the head barkeep, Tara, speak in shocked, horrified tones about a grand redecorating effort. Some more knowledgeable Empyreans point to Hypatia's slave, once forced to walk about town in pink and yellow and cry, "Our eyes will bleed!" Others simply mutter, almost vengefully, "He lost the Crossing to her in a bet! He should be torn limb from limb!"
Title: A rescue! Shame about the fleas.
Author: Sparrow
Date: Tue Jul 13 2004
Two children by the docks are chattering loudly, telling the tale to their friends.
"You should've seen it! Nancy was gonna drown, right, only this man climbed down and pulled her out. And he was a Healer. No, a Healer. You know, magic. My papa's heard about them. Sparrow says his name is Silence. Yeah, well, she's a Sylvan like he is, int she? They all band together, papa says. Says you! What do you know about 'em? You ent never been off the docks like I have. He climbed right down the rope, like a rat. Yeah, well, they all live in trees, don't they?
I thought Nancy were a gonner, but he pulled her up, only she hit her head. I thought she was dead, but she spat up water, then the Sylvan man, he had a red sash on, yeah, him, he took her up to the Castallia, to the big house there. Sparrow went too. Well, I said they all band together, dint I? Nah, she's alright. No, I didn't see what happened, but Nancy came back full of soup and with bread in her hand and looking so clean! Papa says it int healthy not to have a bit of dirt on a body. She looks alright, though. She dint have no scabs nor nuffin. She says she wants to be a Healer when she grows up. Do you want to go and see if we can get Old Baldy to give us an apple or somefink?"
Jem and Jacques the sailors are telling the tale over ale in the Naughty Nereus and one of the merchant's wives is scandalised that a down-at-heels tree-rat dared lay hands on her and stop her from going to the aid of the 'poor, skinny little foundling child'. Just another little piece of gossip to brighten an otherwise ordinary day.
Title: Down at the Nereus ...
Author: Sebastian
Date: Wed Jul 14 2004
It seems that this morning the Naughty Nereus had a most unusual visitor, and word about the matter has been spreading throughout the docks and about the marketplace ...
Barmaid - Oy! Aggie, didcha hear about wot 'appined today at the N'resus? Och! Never been sooch a din!
Aggie - Whot, last night? Dearie, you t'aint seen nuthin! Dey only broke two chairs an a table. Pretty tame by Nereus stand'rs, I'm tellin' ya.
Barmaid - Noooo, not las night, dis mornin'! I wouldna believed it if I 'adn't seen it wi me own eyes. Dis Empy lady, so fine and fashinble, comes in. But she don't 'ave pretty manners, I tell ye. Screechin' and hollerin' like she were Tyche wi a toothache, fulla piss'n'vinegar.
Aggie - Whot? She holler at you?
Barmaid - Nay! Not me! She was cursin' out dat Empy sailor wot like to 'ang at the N'resus lately. Y'know ... a buccn'er or somethin.
Aggie - Oh yeah? So what did da bird have to yell at 'im fer?
Barmaid - Oh, I dinnae know, somethin' 'bout 'ow he left 'er house in da middle'o'da night, but only left a note? An there was somethin' about thievin, though the Prae'tor guard she 'ad wi her never came in no arrested da sailor Empy. Maybe dey were lovers an he broke up wi her or somethin? Honest, she dinnae make much sense goin' on about faintin' and seashells an missin cloaks? And after she yelled at im fer a bit he stood up and grabbed er. They wuz lots of cheerin' and hootin' and hollerin', by those not so passed out as to miss da fun, but de sailor rattled 'is sword and it got pretty quiet afta that. Oh! And he almost kissed 'er! That shut 'er up right enough.
Aggie - Blimey, so whot appened then?
Barmaid - Owhhh, dey left shortly afta, arm in arm like dey made up or somethin. Awful odd mornin.
Title: Commotion on the bridge
Author: Coral
Date: Thu Jul 15 2004
On the bridge, two traveling merchants stop along side one another for a moment as they call out to those passing by to purchase their trinkets and treats.
"Missed that ruckus yesterday over by the sweet bun man. Sounded like quite the commotion though." The man says as he hands over a flask to a patron with a nod.
"That bunch of hoodlums that ran through and stole from all those folks? I heard the trolls went after 'em as soon as they were reported." A meat pie is handed off to a passing gentleman, coins pocketed inside her coat.
"After that. Seems some half-breed girl tried to take an Atlantean boy along with her before she jumped off the bridge," he explains, "One of them other Atlanteans weren't too happy about it either. Nearly broke her arm, they say."
"You don't say! That was all?" She turns to look over at her friend to make sure he's not trying to start more stories.
"No telling, the Atlantean woman were with the boy went all quiet, talking with her mind like, no knowing what it is that she said, but she said somethin'. And that girl jumped right off the bridge into the water down there."
"She was takin' someone else's boy away? Why would she do that?" the woman asks, trying to get the rest of the information.
"Yep. Someone else's boy. No telling why though, like I said, they got all quiet like. Though weren't nobody was happy. The boy was cryin', holdin' on to the Atlantean girl's skirts. And the man with 'em got kind of tore up on the hand. They left right away though, scooped up that kid and gone down to the island." He nods to the troll who slows down to make sure there isn't any trouble.
"You don't say." And with that, the pie seller goes down the bridge to the south to share the tale again with the next merchant she meets, while the other keeps north sending out calls for interest in his flasks.
Title: Troll attacked in Mongrel Town
Author: Dar
Date: Fri Jul 16 2004
On the night of the 19th of the month of March of the Empyre's year 3930, Bridge Guard Sempices Dar, while taking his usual path homewards past Mongrel town, was attacked by two assailants in the dark. Being a Bridge Guard and a guardsman by trade, and also still bearing his weapons from his work at the Pons Pactum, Sempices Dar was able to fend off the attackers, killing one and disabling the other by spearing him through the hamstring. By accounts of the Mongrel witnesses it was a skilled throw. The surviving attacker was taken into custody by the city of Parnassus, but escaped in transit. Initially a trail was found and tracked by dogs, but was soon lost within the city. Sempices Dar did not suffer any injuries of note, but commented that he was, "Not at all surprised" that he was attacked. The two assailants were both unidentified Mongrels.
On the morning of the 21st the second attacker's body was found on the Docks with his throat slit. There were no signs of a struggle.
Title: Leave of a Lion
Author: Kedar
Date: Sat Jul 17 2004
The gates of Irha-Esh to the road through Edessa are so highly frequented by merchants and occasional warriors that a single person arriving or leaving raises hardly any attention. Yet astute observers might have noticed a single wyvern-rider, dressed in the black uniform of the Lions of Fire, has left the Varati enclave on his own at the break of dawn, driving his steed relentlessly towards the Varati Kingdom.
While the Black Guard hardly makes its patrol schedule and planning public, those who do take note of such things find that the Kaimakam Kedar has not been seen in the city or on the Pons Pactum after that morning.
OOC: I'll be gone for a bit ICly, but I'm as available as I am always OOCly. So if you need any meanie black guards to pose and fill for a scene, just give me a holler. Be good while I am gone!
Title: A New Princeps for the Empyreans!
Author: Eos
Date: Wed Jul 21 2004
Word arrives in Parnassus, both in the form of official proclimation and general news sent to family and friends, that the Aegis has elected a new Princeps. The official proclimation has been read many times in the Forum on the steps of the Basilica:
"Citizens of the Republic, let it be known that on this day, the twentieth day of March in the year 3930, that Princeps Theon Melitios Junatas has offcially stepped down as Princeps due to his ailing health and the Aegis have elected Cadmus Altheos Vesperides as the new Princeps of the Aegis. May all the gods give him the wisdom to guide the Republic to a grand and prosperous future!"
In the Forum response as been mixed, depending on who you talk to. Not just Empyreans have turned out to hear the proclamation read every hour, but members of the other races have stopped by out of curiousity to hear what all the fuss is about.
Title: Celebration in the Forum!
Author: Eos
Date: Wed Jul 21 2004
As soon as the news of the new Princeps hit the Forum people were already talking about an excuse to hold a celebration and soon plans were underway to do just that Parnassus. A street fair is in the works, to be held in the Forum Victoriae. Seamstresses are already hard at work to create colorful banners and flags to decorate the forum, and performers of all kinds are practicing hard to come up with elaborate and unusual acts to try out in front of what is hoped to be a large crowd. Bakers are already planning elaborate menus, featuring some of the favorite foods of the Republic and local wineries are expected to deliver vast quantities to satisfy the crowds. And, of course, new garments are being ordered and some of the most sought-after tailors are being paid over and above their normal fees to assure eager customers that *their* new clothing will be delivered on time. It seems, suddenly, everywhere you look in Parnassus there are preparations going on. The city and festivites will be open to all in the area to come and join in the Empyreans' celebration.
OOC Note: The Empyrean street fair will be held on Tuesday, July 27th, starting at 1 pm EST and going on for however long people hang around and want to continue the festivites. If you're an Empyrean musician, performer, baker, or of any other profession that would have a role to play in the festival, please contact me if you'd like to be involved. If you have suggestions of things you'd like to see, don't hesitate to contact me as well. Also, this is a celebration in honor of the new Princeps, a man who is known for his strongly traditional views, including that of having an Emperor on the throne. Not everyone is happy about that, so by all means, if you're Republically minded, drop by and cause some problems or if you'd like to NPC some troublemakes, let me know. Any questions or comments, feel free to page or @mail me.
~Eos~
Title: Vigil at the southern watchtower.
Author: Kekipi
Date: Thu Jul 22 2004
At the Bridge's southern watchtower a few extra Trolls can be seen 'mingling' with the people who enter or leave through the gates. Within their hands a single scroll is beared containing a brief description of a certain somebody. Normally such hands are being used to throw insidious merchants from the bridge, their wares soon to follow, but least this gives the impression some can actually read. At the very least two of them. Seems someone has been a little naughty, the Trolls eager to help 'correct' the wayward path the 'fallen' individual has taken in the vain hope that they may prevent a life of crime and destitution.
Either that or kick him about the bridge till he stops 'resisting arrest'.
Title: Burgled and Battered
Author: Io
Date: Sat Jul 24 2004
(Note - this post is backdated a bit. The events occurred in late March.)
On a chilly, late night in March, the peace of Castallia was interrupted by calls for a Healer, as a noble sought care for her servant.
The slave trader Iolanthe Fortuna had brought in one of her Mongrels, a guard called Hector, bleeding from a long gash across his chest and a fresh stab to the shoulderblade. Both wounds were reportedly contracted in defense of the woman's villa (still being remodeled), during a robbery. To add insult to injury, the thief used the very thing he stole - a jeweled, heirloom dagger - to wreak havoc on poor Hector's body and facilitate his own escape.
In an interview with the Praetorian Guard, the guardsman Hector could remember no more of his attacker than a lack of wings and a probable Mongrel lineage. Domina Fortuna is apparently not interested in retrieving the dagger, calling it 'cursed,' but she has issued a reward for the thief himself, condemning his use of violence as needless, and deserving of punishment at her own hands. Why not the jails? While praising the Guard for their vigilance, in a statement later made public, the Domina voiced her opinion that if the jails were truly effective, this would not have happened; indeed, if the city's Mongrel population was given sufficient labor to keep them busy, monied, and fed, they would not even need to steal.
One needn't guess twice to figure out what her idea of labor would be. Looking at the excellent condition of her slaves, however, some find themselves wondering... how much worse than begging and thieving would it really be?
Title: Attacked by a tree!
Author: Rumours
Date: Sat Jul 24 2004
"Didja hear, Iko? Didja? About that domina, Xenia Tritonides?"
"Hear what, Essie? Come on, I'm trying to get the laundry done here. If this is another one of those, my friend told my cousin who told my half-sister who told my brother-in-law who told me stories..."
"No, really, Iko, I saw this one m'self!"
"Well, let's have it, Essie."
"I saw her, that domina, walkin' down Via Laureatus this mornin', nose stuck in a book, like always. I swear, if she ain't in the library, she's-"
"Get on with it, Essie."
"Oh, right, right. So, there she was, walkin' along, nose stuck in a book, when this halfbreed, some Varati lookin' feller, but with black wings, calls out a warnin'. Doesn't do no good, though, she just smacks right into that tree anyway! Got some nasty gashes seemed like. The halfbreed tries to help her, then this other, some Sylvan lookin' type with blond hair...maybe another halfbreed or a Sylvan, I dunno, he drops outta the tree, right? And /then/, Domina Herculaneum shows up! And in the middle of this, she faints. The Tritonides domina just faints. She lost all her blood through her ears, I tell you, there was blood everywhere!"
"Essie, you're full of it."
"No, Iko, really, I tell ya, she fainted! She was dying! Then, then the halfbreeds just up and hauled her away! They were kidnappin' her, I tell ya!"
"Oh yeah? Then why did I see the domina this evening outside House Tritonis with a bandage on her face?"
"Uh, you're sure it wasn't her lares?"
"Essie, you know why your eyes are brown? You're fuller of it than-"
"No need to be rude, Iko! I was just sayin', awful weird, those halfbreeds and that Empyrean lady hauling her off somewhere...-"
"They probably took her to get healing. You know she's always hanging out at the Castallia, maybe they was friends of hers. Now get back to work!"
Title: Threats to the Bridge
Author: Bazaar Shoppers
Date: Sat Jul 24 2004
"The Praefect threatened to attack the Bridge with his fifteen hundred soldiers!" proclaimed innocent bystander, Anna. "Because a Praetor was resisting arrest, no less."
"The Praetorian Guard is lawless! Running away from the Trolls! Refusing to be arrested!" extolls Clara, another Bazaar shopper.
Anna shrills, "And threatening to attack the Guild because the Head Trolll didn't grovel and scrape before the Praefect!"
A wry addition is made by Clara. "The pinnacle of civilization? I would say the Praetorian Guard is filled with nothing but common thugs. All the fault of this Republic spreading its corruption to even our clean city."
"Bah," sneers Anna. "The Guard has squandered its resources. The Praefect couldn't even pay the fine. That Varati Imam paid the fine for the Praetor. I wonder what favors Praefect Antoninus is going to owe him."
Other Bazaar shoppers will notice that after an intense altercation between some Trolls and a Praetorian Guard that brought Servitor Praefect Aeolus Antoninus to the scene, money was exchanged and the wanted posters at the southern end of the Bridge have been removed.
Title: More Bridge gossip
Author: Empyrean gossipers
Date: Sat Jul 24 2004
A couple of Empyreans were heard talking at the Crossing:
"I tell you, I don't like it, those Varati are trying to take over."
"Oh, you're just being paranoid as always."
"You always say that, well I was right about Marius, wasn't I? Anyway, that's not important. Like I said they're trying to take over. I was on the bridge when they arrested that Praetor and I saw some veiled Varati woman tell the Trolls what to charge and they went along with it! Imagine that, some Varati woman deciding on the price of our people."
"Is she the one that later paid for his release? Seems kind of silly to set a price only to pay it."
"Naw, wasn't her, some other Varati, a tall red-robed male."
"So what, let them pay for it if they're so foolish enough."
"You don't get it, do you? We don't need to be indebted to anyone, certainly not Varati and that Praefect just stood there and let them! Has he no honor!"
"Hey, the Praetor is free and not a coin had to come from our coffers, I don't see the downside to that."
"Were you raised by mongrels? *sigh* Anyway, that's not the last of it. Seems like this woman is setting prices on everyone, even her own people. Of course, I heard that she's telling the Trolls to charge cheaper for Varati than Empyreans. I tell you, they're trying to take over the Bridge."
Title: Bitter Race Relations
Author: Rumours
Date: Mon Jul 26 2004
"WHERE?"
"The Cafe! Went straight into the Cafe Teriyaki, or whatever it's called, with all those darkskins staring at her like a pack o' wolves."
"Lares! But... why would an Empyrean want to go into a Varati Cafe?"
"She was saying something about wanting to help relations between the races. Diplomatic stuff, symbol of peace, whatever. But all they did was laugh at her. She tried to find a seat, but some big guy with a hook for a hand threatened her with it and made her sit in his lap. Then he threw her on the floor and left."
"Oh, gods, don't those people have any shame?"
"'Course not. He was making sex jokes and everything. I heard he's an really low outcast, though, so you can almost expect even that kind of behavior. But here's the kicker - Imphada Jyoti al'Sirat was there, too."
"Who?"
"Jyoti al'Sirat. You know, the daughter of that big Varati mucky-muck from Haven. Supposed to be all cultured and civilized, high-class or high-caste or what have you, and she sat right there for the whole thing, laughing like the rest of them! The hook-guy is this big friend of hers, see. Sariah here actually overheard her telling the man to meet her later - this is AFTER he throws the Domina to the ground."
"Kronian's arse... Guess this Jyoti's not so high class after all."
"No Varati is, haven't you learned that by now? Barbarian moles, every last one of them, making their burrows in the dirt... makes me sick to think we've got to share a city with the likes of them."
"No kidding. Who was the Empyrean, anyway?"
"Oh, didn't I mention? That nice slave trader from Fortuna - what's-her-face. Domina Iolanthe."
Title: Castallia Day!
Author: Xenia
Date: Mon Jul 26 2004
As winter turns to spring and the weather warms, rumors have begun to filter through the cities of Parnassus and Irha-Esh that the Castallia has been a veritable hive of activity. Granted, many people are doing their Spring cleaning with a vengeance, but the residents of the Castallia, the local collective of mages, are adding a special flare to it with...streamers? Not only cleaning is going on, but also decorating and preparations for some kind of festival it would seem.
On the heels of these rumors comes an official announcment to all residents of both cities: an invitation.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Imphada and Imphadi, Domini and Dominae! The Castallia is proud to announce its annual celebration of its founding day will again occur this year! All are welcome to come and partake in this festival! Sample delicacies from the kitchen! Buy rare and exotic plants and other trinkets! View demonstrations by the Castallia's gifted mages! Come and get a glimpse into this sheltered conclave! Come one and all and help celebrate Castallia Day!"
((OOC: Castallia Day will be held on Thursday, July 29 between 10-6 Eastern. Event schedule coming soon, stay tuned for more details, but we hope it will be fun for all! Come see how the mages live! :D ))
Title: That Andreas Fortuna..
Author: Andreas
Date: Tue Jul 27 2004
"Did you see him? Taking advantage of Cleo Zethinius when she was drunk, and kissing her in front of Tyche knows how many people?"
"He didn't!"
"Who are we talking about here?"
"Ok. Point there."
"Slapped her rear, and ... the LOOK she gave him, after what he said to Antonia Tritonides."
"What'd he say?"
"I didn't catch it. But from Domina Zethinius' look, it was nothing more than you'd expect from him."
Title: Riot in Parnassus!
Author: Eos
Date: Tue Jul 27 2004
What should have been a joyful occasion, a celebration of the appointment of a new Princeps to the Aegis, dissolved into anger and chaos shortly after the festivities began. It seems a troupe of actors took to the stage and set about performing a show detailing some of the more gruesome events of the last Emperor's reign.
"People were running everywhere, I've never seen so many angry people in my life! My poor little Justina was almost trampled to death. She still won't stop crying over her lost doll."
"It was disgusting, disgusting I tell you. Those so-called actors performing lewd acts on stage. Murder and rape, is that anything to perform in a public forum?"
"What about the Governor-Regent? He didn't stick around for too long, now did he? Called for the Praetorians and then ran back into the Basilica like a coward. That new Procurator did more to help the situation than he did. He, at least, tried to catch some of those rabble rousers."
"Did you see how those Praetorians swept down on those actors? A shame some of them got away but they'll be caught too, mark my words."
"I don't know why everyone is in such an uproar, it was just a play. People are too touchy these days. They were just trying to remind us how dangerous Emperors can be."
"Someone was throwing rocks at the Filiae Graiae, can you believe it? Why would anyone assult a priestess! Things were completely out of hand!"
"I heard a wind mage attacked the actor playing Emperor Arius, bet he didn't see that coming. Saw the Praetorians drag him away too, bound and gagged and threatening to rip out all his feathers."
"What a waste of good food and wine, I hope the city does something to reimburse those people who lost so much in the riot."
Title: Random Gossip
Author: Rumours
Date: Wed Jul 28 2004
An Incident:
A loud burst of laughter from an Empyrean man at the bar. "And did you see the mud on her? She looked like she'd been off on a jolly roll through the dirt with a Sylvan!" More chipper chuckling. "Ah, she's an odd one for sure, that Tritonis creature."
"Portos, you scoundrel!" A woman, who can only be the man's wife, shrieks from the doorway, both upset at his words and his being found drinking at the bar. "You ain't got no right being here at this hour, flappin' your jaw about noble gossips you don't know anything about!"
The henpecked husband shrinks noticeably in the presence of his wife, offering her a sheepish grin. "C'mon, Love, I were only having a bit of a laugh, you know? Good time with the boys and all that?"
"Good time nothing!" Comes the gruff reply, the woman moving to pull her husband up by his shirt. "That poor little dear don't need her reputation sullied by the likes of you. Why, they say her mother's up and disappeared! Gone since February! Left her here on purpose without so much as a letter! How'd you feel if I's up and left you, eh?"
The man wisely refrains from a response, instead resigning himself to be pulled home.
"It just isn't right. Antonia Tritonides is as nice a noble girl as you'll ever meet. Oh well, I guess she'll manage as we all do, *without* the help of your fool drunk arse! Now, let's get home, you!"
And off the happy couple go...
Title: The Director Behind the Players?
Author: Rumours
Date: Wed Jul 28 2004
"It had to be him. Who else could it be?"
"Lots of people, of course. Why would Ludovicus Fortuna be responsible for that play -- and I use the term loosely!"
"Think about it. The festival was to honor the new Princeps of the Aegis, and everyone agrees he's about as conservative as they come. A lot of smart people are saying he's going to move toward reinstating the Empire. And fat Fortuna's the only real voice of pro-Republic sentiment around Parnassus."
"You're cracked. He's never spoken a word in favor of the Republic _or_ the Empire."
"That's not what I hear..."
"You know, it could've just been those actors acting alone. I heard they found the troupe that was _supposed_ to perform unconscious and tied up in a warehouse down by the docks."
Title: Blood on the Docks
Author: Sebastian
Date: Thu Jul 29 2004
Early dawn this morning a great deal of blood and the bodies of two mongrels were found upon the docks. One mongrel received a stomach wound and likely bled to death. The other mongrel was stabbed through the throat and died almost instantly. There were no markings or trails leading away from the blood soaked scene, save for a trail of blood that led into the bottoms and was lost. There were apparently no witnesses to the crime, or at least none such that will speak of it.
Title: A Flutter of Activity
Author: Celerity
Date: Thu Jul 29 2004
"Emma!" One winged girl calls to another at the bazaar, hurrying forward. "Emma, I have not send you for days. Where have you been?"
"You have not heard?" Emma shifts the basket on her hip and takes the moment to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. "Dominus Jove arrived the other night at House Acesian. He is here to 'orchestrate' the wedding between his son and that Herculaneum girl."
"The one who?"
"The very one, Alys." Emma nods knowingly. "Not that she hasn't been working on the event herself - got herself all flustered with how much there was to do and so little time to do it in. Why, when Dominus Jove swept off his cloak and announced to her that he was there to 'save the day' as it were, I thought the girl would faint." Her lips turn to a sultry smirk. "And why not? As handsome a man as I ever saw. If he gives me a second look I might -"
"Emma! You're married!"
"Zeus's Wings! You'd think the same if you saw him." She clucks her tongue. "At any rate, he has turned the Domina in circles along with the rest of us. He lounges on a chaise and directs us with a flap of his hand."
"Charming?"
"Like a snake But oh, to be bitten by him." Emma glances at her friend and blushes. "Yes, yes, we are all under his charms. He wants this 'backwater of a place' ready for the 'wedding of the decade.' And so" She shrugs. "I better get back to work. He has already bought and set aside enough wine for all the servants so I don't mind so much. Will you be there?"
"Certes! If it means catching a glimpse of this Dominus, count on it." Alys grins and presses her cheek against her friend's in farewell.
** If you desire to see Octavian Jove - @mail Evander. Info on the wedding - @mail Celerity **
