Title: What's up with her?
Author: Nymosyne
Date: Tue Jun 1 2004
Atlantean1: "Have you heard about this poor girl? It was her second try now."
Atlantean2 turns around and glances at Atl1: "Huh? Who are you talking about?"
Sylvan: "Oh, I know who you mean! That blue-skinned trouble-on-legs. Yeah, she's quite bald, err, bold."
Atl1: "I have absolutely no clue why she should even attempt to flee. She has everything! She can live in Pasiphae's temple, she doesn't need to care about her food, hey, she even gets training. Now talk about a 'prison' as I have heard she names it."
Atl2: "Yes, that's vacation if you ask me."
Sylvan: "Vac-- what?"
Atl1 turns to the Sylvan girl: "See it from this point of view, when yo--"
Sylvan and Atl2 look at Atl1, and follow her glance, seeing all of the sudden the blue-skinned Atlantean Nymosyne arrive with one guard and a priest of the Pasiphae temple.
Sylvan: "Hmph, and there she has two guys at her side. If I could exchange her place I would -- immediately! I am sure she has a lot of fun."
Atl2 grins broadly at the Sylvan: "You two are just envious."
Atl1 pokes Atl2: "She's still a child after all!"
Title: Snowball fight?
Author: Empy Gossip
Date: Tue Jun 1 2004
"Well I never. Did you *see* that Cleopatra Zethinius this morning?"
"No, what?"
"Her and Andreas Fortuna. First off they were throwing snow at each other, then it turned into a wrestling match, and I swear, she was rolling on top of him in the snow and *KISSING* him..."
Title: Fault line in Parnassus?
Author: Swift
Date: Fri Jun 4 2004
So it would seem, for during the late morning on Friday, January 5th, those standing at and around the Parnassus Arch were suddenly surprised when the ground began to tremble. It only lasted a second or so, and seemed to cause more fear than damage.
Rumors have it that a Sylvan was seen by the arch, laughing, and one of the Praetorians 'winged' him by chucking a javelin at the kid. And got him...but the Sylvan ran off and took the Centurion's javelin with him!
Title: Heard About the Temple...
Author: Miranda
Date: Thu Jun 10 2004
One of the Daughters, a very young one, was heard whispering to a childhood playmate, very hushed and respectful, perhaps even afraid? Hidden behind one of the large statues (which the Filiae was supposed to be cleaning), the girl was not quite discreet enough for eavesdroppers or passers-by to overhear. "I didn't know what to think, Penny! We were just getting ready for the night and it'd started snowing when one of the Filiae Cybele gathered us all up and told us to get inside. Like we needed to run from a little snow!"
"Then what? Then what?!"
"We heard everything got icy - remember all the ice from a few days ago? - I heard that the Daughter of Crataeis, Miranda, had a vision one of us would've been killed if we'd been out there, like we would freeze to death or something. I figured Leandra would've fallen asleep and died; she's always falling asleep! I don't know what to think about Domina Miranda. She's sort of creepy, isn't she?"
"Oracles are *very* creepy."
OOC: Miranda is known to greater or lesser degree in Parnassus as a seeress; this is just a reminder that she does have visions and they can be incorporated, whether valid or simple 'unclear premonitions', into your RP if you like. Just let me know! Thanks -- Miranda
Title: Mouring Glory
Author: Niviah
Date: Sat Jun 12 2004
Rumors are circulating amongst people, the primary topic being the rantings of an young Kshastri lady.
Old Women : Them silly Varati are going crazy I tells ya!
Old Man : Eh, women? Whatcha mean?
Old Woman : One of them Kshastri ladies. Fine silks that could feed a family of ten for a month! Well. She came down to Albuna's tailoring store, and had the old hag make up a mourning outfit.. Of silk! Black as you please, with silver gibberish sewn along the hems.
Old Man : Crazy 'Rati. Who she mournin?
Old Woman : That's the creepy part. She's mourning Khalid Atar and his birdie queen. Says he's gunna fly into the sun and go poof, that queen of his with'm.
Old Man : You don't say. Hey! Did you hear about those two Praetorians caught necking?
Old Woman : Please! Them birds have no shame...
Title: Preparations in Irha-Esh?
Author: Varad
Date: Tue Jun 15 2004
It is a fairly well-known fact about Irha-Esh that the Imam does not often sleep for more then a few hours a night, but recently the Temple was ablaze with activity one morning, well before dawn. Rumor has it that the Imam had a dream and upon awakening called an immediate gather of all the Atarvani present. Tasks were handed out and preparations for a grand festival were begun that very night.
It can be seen already in the Courtyard, the Temple, and in the Adn'Jannat...ice sculptures are being created, banners are sewn and mounted, and many fire-mages have been called together, Atarvani and non, to assist in the creation of a great number of fireworks. The Clairvoyants of teh Temple have often been seen in discussion with the Imam and preparations are pushed to a frenzy to be prepared for the event that they saw in their visions and dreams.
Title: Overheard
Author: Anonee Mouse
Date: Tue Jun 15 2004
"Praise the Centurion commander! For he has protected our fair city from the evils of a sylvan child! Surely great malice is afoot, and woeful days to follow! What if a surly teenager might accost the gates of our city, or goose some young nubile citizens in the never-you-mind? I shudder to think of what we might do without the mighty leadership of our commander!"
Title: Festival!!
Author: Erzulie
Date: Fri Jun 18 2004
By now, the rumors have spread far and wide that the Varati in Irha-Esh are preparing for a large festival. Banners are being flown from almost any surface that would work and Burzhi lanterns are being strung up on every layer of the city to light the way for the Amir-Al and His queen. Shapers and artisans are in the park, carving great blocks of ice to be put on display and bakers and cooks are preparing specialties not often tasted in the usual course of the year. Performers are arranging schedules and all in all, nearly everyone is busy with some sort of preparation or another.
The Festival will last nearly, beginning at sundown with a performance in the Park of the Rising of the Amir-Al from the Phoenix' ashes, performed in dance, song, and instrumental narration. It will culminate with a special display of fireworks created by the Atarvani.
All races are welcome to attend
OOC Info: The festival will begin Monday, June 21st at 1:30pm EST and continue through Wednesday, June 23rd at 10pm EST. All races are welcome, but security measures will still be in effect. Basically, don't diss Khalid and Thalia at this event. Very bad idea :)
Title: Overheard on the Bridge
Author: Johara
Date: Sat Jun 19 2004
Two escorted, Varati servants are overheard as they bow their heads together near a fruit vendor's tent:
I was washing clothes this morning when I heard one of the cooks talking to one of the guards. While she was on her way to work this morning, she heard that the Mufti Rafi was seen on the beach two nights ago with an unescorted woman! Can you believe it? It was also said that he unveiled and kissed her before she managed to push him away from her. Of course, that must have been a mistake because only a woman of the lowest sort would be seen without an escort...
The two women continue talking as they move on to the next tent still chattering animatedly
Title: Spiffy new duds for the Agni-Haidar
Author: Maat
Date: Sat Jun 19 2004
Without much fanfare, it might have been noticed by the very observant that tailors from Clan al'Samar have been visiting the living quarters of the Lions of Fire. While the visitations were unremarkable, the parade of shudra bearing muslin-wrapped packages moving through Irha Esh today from the Clan xane certainly catches the eye. All the parcels were delivered to the Agni-Haidar and the appearance of multiple Lions in oiled leather haiks provides the idenity of the package contents. With reverse linings in black wool, the haiks look very warm. Most of the Agni-Haidar sport haiks of a golden leather, which is reportedly chamois. However, in a few cases, the leather has been dyed black.
Title: The Varati are all wet!
Author: Rajni
Date: Sat Jun 19 2004
Outside Gifts of Fire, the shop on the northern bridge held by Clan Burzhi, a man stands outside, sweeping the entry way clean. Most know that the clan has been very busy making lanterns for the upcoming festival, so to see someone stirring in the early morning is not so unusual. It is Behrooz, who is one of the most talkative of the bunch. Another merchant, one who sells leather-soled slippers, approaches and the conversation proceeds:
Merchant: Do you know what I heard, Behrooz?
Behrooz: No, but you'll tell me. What?
Merchant: I heard that one of the Burzhi came home soaked to the skin last night. A woman no less. What's more, they say her head was uncovered and her veil gone.
Behrooz, uncharacteristically, only grunts.
Merchant: Now, which of your women know how to swim?
Behrooz summons up an unpleasant smile and says, "I am certain that some of them can swim, Farouk."
Farouk the merchant grins back. "All right. Which one's crazy enough to go swimming in her clothes?"
Title: Scandelous Posters Abound!
Author: Anonymous Bird
Date: Mon Jun 21 2004
An Atlantean likeness, particular and fascinatingly precise, is rendered upon parchment after parchment: that of Achelises Kekipi, 'Head Troll' of the Bridge Guard. Nailed to door after door, bulletin after bulletin, street lamp post to street lamp post, all encased with the emblem of a local whore house and with a message written in precise, bold hand beneath:
Ladies beware!
Carrier of Immodest Diseases!
Carrier of Sailor's Afflictions
A kiss! A touch from this man will send death to your doorstep! He infects by wooing lasses old and new, before passing these deadly diseases! He has stolen from us as any thief might, infecting our girls until they were forced to seek the magic of healers! Beware!
Title: New Varati Rules
Author: Aeolus
Date: Mon Jun 21 2004
Word filters down from the Praefect's office that regulations on Varati in the city are becoming stricter than they once were. A notice is posted at the entrance to the city explaining:
BY ORDER OF THE PRAEFECT, IN THE NAME OF THE PRAETORIAN GUARD, TAKE NOTICE:
"That any Varati citizen entering the city of Paranassus shall tie his weapon with a bond of peace, and have it remain so while that citizen remains within the city of Parnassus. Anyone who refuses or unbinds his knot, shall be considered hostile towards the Empyre, and treated appropriately."
Guards are posted in greater numbers at the entrance to the city to ensure compliance with this measure, and 'helpfully' offer to tie peace-knots for those who enter, if they seem reticent to or do not know how to bind their weapon. Furthermore, those merchants and others who enter Parnassus report that Varati entering the city are often followed by Guard members, none-too-subtlety shadowed while they go about their daily business! This is a shift in all ready strict policy, for certain.
Title: Riddle Riches
Author: Maat
Date: Tue Jun 22 2004
Though word is slow to trickle, by the second day of the Varati festival some people have begun to speak of the fantastic prizes offered by Clan al'Samar. Though the exact identity of the prizes are unknown, dancing girls, bolts of cloth, jewelry, barrels of food, buckets of candy, free camel rides and a toke of the best smoke at Cafe Theriaka are all being bantered about by hopeful contestants. With the excited chatter about prizes comes the depressing fact that in order to win a prize, a player must correctly guess a riddle on the paper tree that has been placed in Adn'Jannat.
"But I can't write!" complained Joesey Joe, mongrel boy.
"Shows how stupid you are!" mocked Janey Jean, mongrel girl. "I got one of them 'Rati to write my answer on for me."
The riddles are rumored to be both easy and difficult, making it possible for those from all walks of life to win. Indeed, the answers to some riddles are hotly debated and a few guesses written on the backs of the paper leaves may be WRONG.
(OOC: As all races are welcome at the Festival, all races are welcome to win a prize. Clan al'Samar will honor all obligations.)
Title: Toasted Tailfeathers!
Author: Fearful Whispers
Date: Wed Jun 23 2004
On the final day of the festival, scandalous rumors circulate. As the sun set on the third day, and the moon rose full and pregnant upon the horizon, an owl flew into Irha-Esh. Such a common happenstance might otherwise be overlooked, but for the size and actions of this magnificent beast. In the telling it grew to easily the size of a man, perched imperiously upon the thumb of the statue of Khalid Atar and casting its fearsome shadow in the light of his ever-burning flame. Many merchants, returning home from their days' labor on the Pons Pactum, saw this and fell to their knees in awe, offering prayers to Khalid Atar and the Maharani.
But many others did not see the wonder in the event. An Atarvani lifted his hand to cast the owl out, and set it aflame, tumbling the bird to ruin on the cobbles beneath the statue of Khalid Atar.
Whispers question: Will this incur the wrath of the god-king? Has the Imam Varad done the unthinkable and killed the avatar of the Maharani, herself? Mixed with these is the memory of no few clairvoyant visions and dreams--the passing sun, and an owl in its wake. Could this be the meaning? Is there something more in the vision of this common bird and its uncommon visit?
Others speculate it was nothing more than a coincidence, and that the Atarvani did as he must to drive off a filthy beast from its desecration of the form of Khalid Atar.
Still, the event has many whispering and wondering: Just what does it all mean?
Title: Temporary Governor in Parnassus
Author: Pontius
Date: Wed Jun 23 2004
With all Aegians called back to Civitas Dei, including the Governor of Parnassus, Alexandrus Tritonis, there has been an immediate need for someone to step in and take his place, if only for the time being. Late on the evening of February 9th, such a replacement arrived to little fanfare or, in fact, little notice. Pontius Titian, cousin to the Aegian Iason Titian, has been sent to Parnassus to act as a regent until such time as Alexandrus Tritonis can return. He has been quick to establish his presence at the Basilica and is said to be residing with a distant cousin who has a modest home in Parnassus.
OOC Note: With Alexandrus away, Pontius is the guy to speak to about anything you would approach the Governor of Parnassus about. This character will be an NPC, so please @mail me to schedule a meeting with me and I'll get back to you ASAP.
Title: Bridge Ruckus and Resolution
Author: Pheme
Date: Sat Jun 26 2004
A couple of weeks ago, a disturbance on the bridge set tongues to wagging for at least a day or so, letting people know about the Mongrel that drew steel on the Trolls in the middle of the bazaar. The reasons for the Mongrel's actions vary from teller to teller: he was crazy, Head Troll Kekipi stole his woman, the price of preserved apricots was too high, someone insulted his mother, and so on. Eitherway, the Mongrel was put under arrest by the Trolls and taken away.
Most forgot about the incident until just recently a post went up announcing the results of that Mongrel's hearing:
Let it be known that the miscreant, Valandil, has been found guilty of causing loss of profit by disturbing the peace through drawing weaponry upon the Trolls. He has been fined, but being unable to pay his fine, he has been sentenced to sweep the Bridge until his payment has been made. The miscreant shall reside within the cells of the Guild Hall, serving his sentence under the auspice of one Troll, until such time his payment has been made and he will be released from his indenture.
Title: Riddle Prizes
Author: Maat
Date: Sun Jun 27 2004
Posted on the gates of Xane al'Samar and beside the door of Souk al'Samar is the list of winners to the riddle contest.
Congratulations to our winners!
Imam Varad
Bellona
Imphada Nura
Imphada Jyoti
Imphadi Nikare
An honorable mention goes to Imphadi Aziz, who guessed a riddle, but did not arrive at a correct answer. All winners should see Imphadi Nikare for their prizes.
Title: Craft Fair
Author: Maat
Date: Sun Jun 27 2004
Before the Bridge Guild and the Varati shops upon the Pons Pactum, al'Samar clan members have been seen posting signs declaring a street fair. An exposition of crafts, or rather, a chance for merchants to gather and sell items in a carnival atmosphere, the street fair will be February 19, 3930 (or Tuesday, June 29, 2004, starting at 8:30 EST) on the Northern Bridge (#253).
OOC: Any interested merchants or entertainers should contact Maat if you wish more information.
Title: Something Fishy
Author: Pheme
Date: Sun Jun 27 2004
Perhaps some fishmonger brought in a bad catch to sell on the bridge, but either way, there seems to be a pervasive smell of fish on a couple of places on the bridge. Specifically on the south end near the permanent structure of Caelestis Textiles, and in the bazaar near the brightly colored tent-stall known as Pons Colour. By mid afternoon, the smell has grown so overpowering, that many shoppers steer away from those areas to shop elsewhere.
Grumbles are heard from both shoppers and sellers, wondering which fishmonger is to blame, whether some pranksters slipped by beneath the watchful eyes of the Trolls, or if those shopkeepers are simply slovenly.
Title: New Empyrean rules
Author: Kedar
Date: Sun Jun 27 2004
While no official edict is posted or any declaration is made by the Varati in retribution to the order given by the Praefect, it soon becomes obvious that the rules have changed for Irha-Esh as well.
All Empyreans are asked by the gate guards -- typically at least two black-clad Lions of Fire among them -- to deliver their weapons to the guards at entrance to Irha-Esh. They are assured to get the weapons returned if they make no trouble, and the promise is kept. Furthermore, all Empyreans have to go through a thorough, long and annoying search of themselves and their goods to spot hidden weapons.
Last but not least, all Empyreans are assigned a guard during their stay in Irha-Esh.
When questioned about those rules, the guards just say they are following orders, but say they expect that every Empyrean would understand such orders, as they have instituted similar ones.
Title: A New Procurator for Parnassus
Author: Eos
Date: Mon Jun 28 2004
The announcement goes out in Parnassus and soon spreads out of the city that the Governor-Regent, Pontius Titian, has begun making appointments to fill some vacancies in the city's government.
Citizens of Parnassus, by the order of Governor-Regent Pontius Titian on this day, the 18th of February in the year 3930, Parnassus is given her new Procurator. Vilicus Valerian Quirinatus shall assume the title and position of the office of City Procurator with the the approval of the Aegis and is expected to fulfill his duties to said office for the well being of the City and the Republic. May the city rise and thrive under his leadership.
Title: Wyvern rides at the Fair!
Author: Maat
Date: Tue Jun 29 2004
As the date of the craft fair approaches, the section of the Pons Pactum has undergone some changes. Booths have appeared for sellers and an area directly before Souk al'Samar has been fenced in. On this morning, the fenced area has acquired a bright, gold gilded sign that proclaims, "Free Wyvern Rides" then in smaller letters below, "Courtesy of Nikare Mustafa al'Samar and Clan al'Samar."
A Clan spokesperson, when asked, declared, "Qadi Nefer Maat hopes to change the fears and apprehensions of the common man by showing the docile and gentle nature of the great wyvern. It is our national animal, a symbol of our fire and our endurance. The true beauty of the wyvern can only be appreciated by those who have overcome nonsensical fear of their ability to rend human flesh. A trained wyvern is a controlled creature and not a danger to the populace. I am sure that Imphadi Nikare Mustafa will be happy to demonstrate all the wonderful aspects of the wyvern which have been missed by people blinded by fear."
Title: Gossip around the Temple of Pasiphae
Author: Naiadre
Date: Tue Jun 29 2004
A chilly, overcast morning finds two acolytes in the Temple of Pasiphae replacing burned-out candles in the Temple alcoves.
*Hey, Jellyfish!* The older boy calls to the younger girl. Seething, she turns and waves a candle at him sharply, replying in silence. *You know I hate that name, Siru! Why do you-*
*Oh, hush up, Jelya! I got somethin' to tell ya. Did you see the Head Priestess yesterday afternoon?*
That causes Jelya to pause, blinking wide blue eyes at the older acolyte. *No...I was down cleaning algae out of the sleeping alcoves.*
*Well, you missed quite a sight. I tell you, I've never seen Head Priestess Naiadre so mad the entire time I've been studying here, and I've been here way longer than you!*
*What got her so riled up, Siru? She's always seemed so calm and collected, everytime I see her. Quintessential priestess, y'know?*
*Oh I know exactly what you mean. That's why this was so weird. She came storming up out of the pool, sheets of water going everywhere and started yelling at people. Not aloud, granted. But near to it. She was projecting too, holes all over her mental shields. You'd think she was a novice, the way she was acting. I kept getting these images of the High Priestess Lehuan Okalani in my head. I can only figure they came from the Head Priestess. Ooh, she was mad, too.*
*Why would she be mad at the High Priestess?*
*I dunno exactly, Jelya, but I heard there's bad blood between them from way back. Rumor says Naiadre was an acolyte under Okalani back in Haven, over twenty years ago. They were real close.*
*Guess they aren't anymore, huh?*
*Guess not. I dunno what happened, but you mark my words, Jelya. As riled up as the Head Priestess was, things aren't going to be peaceful around here with both of them in the mix. And they probably won't end well, whatever happens.* Siru noticed the approach of a priest and both acolytes returned to their duties.
Title: It burns, it burns!
Author: Maat
Date: Wed Jun 30 2004
Dancers and jugglers from clan Nor entertained the crowd while free soup set mouths aflame. Finally, a black wyvern spouted smoke at the craft fair. Three brave souls, Imam Varad, Imphada Jyoti, and Head of the Temple of Pasiphae, Naiadre, rode the wyvern. To put all cowards to shame, the pacific Atlantean fed a plump, pink piglet to the wyvern, proving that courage is having fear, and overcoming it. Despite the presence of the fire-breathing drake, no stalls were set aflame, no children were eaten, and nobody lost an eye. Many goods were sold, including quite a bit of ribbon, marking the craft fair a success in the eyes of the merchants. Perhaps another fair will be held in the near future, but what can top wyvern riding?
