Title: News from Port al Salla'hin
Author: Amahl
Date: Thu Aug 26 2004
A small crowd gathers on the Northern part of the Bridge where a larger concentration of Varati merchants peddle their wares. One merchant is overheard during the course of an afternoon:
Merchant1: You mean you haven't heard about the attack?
Merchant2: What attack?
Merchant1: On Port al'Salla'hin. Heard that this ship just started sailing into port, fine as you please, but then fireballs started shooting from it into the port.
Merchant2: Fireballs into a Varati Port? Isn't that pretty stupid?
Merchant1: I'm not finished yet. So the fireballs started flying, but that was apparently just a distraction. While the mages and such were busy taking care of those fireballs, they had a water mage do something that flooded half the port. And -then- they pillaged.
Merchant2: You mean...?
Merchant1: That's why I have nothing. They took everything that was to be shipped here...all the silks and jewelry and delicacies that were supposed to come here.
Merchant2: That's why the pickings are slim then...
Merchant1: Guess so. All I know is that they're saying his ship flew a black flag with a coiled cobra piercing a red heart.
Merchant2: Isn't that the standard of the Makara?
Merchant1: I thought those were just rumors...
Title: Word from the docks ...
Author: Sebastian
Date: Mon Sep 13 2004
For nearly a month now there have been rumors circulating about the docks that there has been a change in the command of the Buccaneers, and one that is puzzling at best. The Buccaneers, originally a band of pirates bound together by something known only as the "Code" and led by an elite group of pirate captains known as the "Triumvirate", have been terrorizing ports of call and ships of the sea for ages. Many traders, fearful for their ships and goods have officially joined the Buccaneers, paying a tithe essentially to assure themselves that none of the Buccaneer ships will prey on their precious cargo. But the Buccaneers are a proud group, and though they have allowed explorers, merchants, and other sailing vessels to join them under this tithing agreement, they are by and large beneath the notice and interest of the pirates. Never, ever, would any be allowed congress with the pirates themselves, and certainly none of them would ever attain the honor of being a member of the Triumvirate. That is until now, apparently ...
Whispered between sailors, gosspied about my other traders and merchants is the startling news that Captain Demetrius of the Amarada was inducted into the prize ranks of the Triumvirate, a leadership that tradtionally has only been led by the most cutthroat, successful, and proud pirate captains, handed down over the generations from father to son or designated successor. Why this rigid and proud tradition would be broken is the question on everyone's lips. Is Captain Demetrius simply the first explorer to be given the somewhat dubious honor of being made a leader of these vicious marauders? Or perhaps there is something darker afoot? Perhaps the good Captain is -not- such a good captain, or man, himself? Has Captain Demetrius been a pirate all this time and just concealled it brilliantly? Those that know the Empyrean man and his ship say that the rumors are just that. Rumors, and not to be believed. But a seed of doubt has been planted and tilled, and in the heat of the summer's sun, it has grown fast and spread wide ...
Title: Concerns in the Marketplace
Author: Merchant Gossip
Date: Tue Sep 14 2004
Talk began in Parnassus as chariots from the province of Stygios arrived in the city, but the rumors are soon scattered to the marketplace where concerned merchants go over the details of what has been heard.
"I'm telling you, the Her Regard never arrived in Stygios like she was supposed to. I paid good money for that ship to carry my goods to Thessalonica and now I'm going to lose that money as well as what I'm going to lose when my customers go somewhere else."
"I think we've got bigger problems than that. I heard from Marius, who heard from his cousin Lucian who is visiting from Stygios that they found some strange things on the beach up there. Said it looked like charred pieces of wood. Big pieces though, like they came from a boat."
"You think a boat crashed off the coast of Stygios? My boat? I knew I should have gone with that ship with the Atlantean navigator."
"No, not crashed, that's not what Marius said. They weren't just broken, they were charred, like someone had set it on fire. I don't like this, first that attack on the Varati port, now pieces of a burned boat turning up in the Republic. We're going to be short on goods here soon if this keeps up."
"Well thank the gods *my* goods weren't on board, if that was my boat. Maybe I should start thinking about trading by land, sounds a bit safer all around. Or maybe I'll go down to the docks and hire the Amarada, I hear it's the fastest ship in the Republic, got a wind mage on board I hear."
"I don't know if that would be wise, I saw the Amarada leave a couple weeks ago and you know who the Captain is, don't you? That Demetrius fellow they've been talking about. You know, now that I think about it, maybe the Amarada was responsible for this, if what they say about her Captain is true."
Title: Strange sight over Parnassus
Author: Eos
Date: Thu Sep 16 2004
As dawn rose over Parnassus a strange sight met those who were awake at that hour. Formations of Praetorians were seem taking off and heading east in large numbers. Some claim it was as few as a couple hundred, others say it is more like 500 and still others claim the entire Eyrie has been cleared out, but that's nonsense, for anyone can still see Guards at the city gates. Is there trouble elsewhere in the Province? Just what is going on?
Title: Praetorian departure
Author: Eos
Date: Thu Sep 16 2004
Members of the Praetorian Guard were seen leaving the city and heading east, towards the capital of Thermopylae. Concerns rose from those uninformed, but word passed quickly that the Guard was not leaving en masse, half of the Eyrie was staying on Parnassus while the other half, comprised of both Velites and Servitors, was headed to the capital for a series of war games between various Eyries throughout the province of Edessa. the excursion would last only a week, it is said, and they would return to Parnassus and resume their duties as always, perhaps with some new tricks and tips learned from the games.
Title: The Amarada returns to Parnassus
Author: Eos
Date: Thu Sep 16 2004
Amid the growing gossip along the docks and into the cities the merchant ship Amarada returned to Parnassus, loaded with goods from Stygios and without a hint of the pirate rumors that have circulated about the ship's captain, Demetrius. It dodn't stop the speculation from those on the docks, however.
"They say that load's from Stygios, but how do we know? Maybe they stole it from that burned up ship."
"You see, they've got Empyrean noblewomen on that ship, I saw two of them, I bet they're captives!"
"Are you insane? Them women are from Parnassus, I saw them board the ship myself I did, though one of them looked like some tavern wench. They left on their own free will."
"Well, there's something strange goin' on, did you see that Varati man they brought back? He's not a member of their crew and you can't tell me they picked up some Varati in Stygios. That's Empyrean country it is. Man looked half-dead too and was escorted by some strange-looking half-breed. She had green skin I tell ya!"
"A-ha, you see! They are pirates, he's their captive. I bet that halfbreed's using some strange magic on him to keep him sedate."
"So explain the noblewomen then if they're pirates, eh?"
"Like I could ever unscramble the mind of an Empyrean, much less a noble one."
Title: Battle by the sea, the docks bathed in blood.
Author: Sebastian
Date: Fri Sep 17 2004
It's been a dark day for the twin cities, diasters piling one on top of the other so fast that no one could possibly have kept up with them. Which of course was exactly the point. Just who was behind it all has been the question on everyone's lips, and blame has swayed this way and that between the races, but as tempers cool and word spreads, it becomes clear that this was not a betrayal from within, but an attack from without. Pirates.
Of course anyone who had been on the docks that day could have told you that. While the fields burned, Irha-Esh collapsed and crumbled, Parnassus was set aflame, the Bridge attacked and flooded, and other areas of the land abused and tortured, a band of pirates made their way onto the docks, some say heading for the Amarada it seemed with the intent on making their escape. But here is where the rumors get confused. For Captain Demetrius, of the same ship, was on the docks as well with a group of sailors and the two groups of men faced off in a vicious battle. Many believe the Amarada to be behind the ravaging attacks, for in houses that were robbed, little metal medallions were found upon the ground bearing the mark of the Amarada - a heart with wings spread out to each side. And rumors of his advancement to the Triumvirate has been the gossip on the docks for months now. Perhaps they were all pirates who out of greed fought amongst themselves? Perhaps Captain Demetrius was not involved at all and led his men against the actual pirates? No one is exactly sure, though the crew of the Amarada, what is left of them at least, vehemently deny their involvement in any wrong doings.
Whatever the cause or reason, the battle was violent and bloody, leaving many dead men upon the docks which are now stained red with all the blood that was spilt. But most shocking to those who have served aboard the Amarada, done business with her, or simply knew of her reputation on the seas, is the fact that in the heat of the battle, the Captain of the Amarada was slain. Some say he faltered, old and past his prime. Others insist that he sacrificed himself in order to save his son Sebastian, who was badly injured and outnumbered. Others who claim to have witnessed the entire event say that he smiled even as his throat was cut open. Praetorians arrived, breaking the battle up, though many pirates managed to flee. Those that fought at Demetrius' side laid down their arms and stood fast. Word is that they and their First Mate were not arrested, but allowed to stay on the Amarada, though the ship has been secured and is not allowed to leave port. Her deceased Captian was taken on board. Sebastian, now the official captian of the Amarada was arrested after attacking the Centurion Quintus with a conjured tornado that surrounded them, clearly marking the lad a wind-mage by those that hadn't guessed it already. No one quite understands what happened, but likely Sebastian was too injured and weak, collapsing under the effort of his attack. Unconcious, he was taken to the Eyrie by said Centurion with First Officer, Mister Burke, assisting. There he is being held, though no one is sure what he might be charged with or what will happen.
Questions? Concerns? Feel free to page or @mail Sebastian. Have a differing perspective on what went down? Post your own account! ;)
Title: Disasters throughout the region!
Author: Regional News
Date: Fri Sep 17 2004
Throughout the region of Parnassus and Irha-Esh cries go up over the excessive damage caused by the pirates in what looks to be a calculated attack on the area. Fired burned through the fertile fields, ruining almost all of the crops that were growing there. Sylvans worked tirelessly to put out the fires and to keep it from spreading to their own homes in the forest. On the Varati side it is said that fire mages helped to extinguish the fires, but there was still damage to be seen.
Fire was not only found in the fields, but in the cities as well. Heavy smoke rose from Parnassus as fires were set in the central forum, as well as on the noble neighborhood of Aventine Hill. There are rumors that no house of note went untouched. The Praetorians have been working through the day and into the night to keep the peace and to begin the massive clean-up while in the temple the injured are being tended to by healers.
The Varati did not fare any better, it seems. What felt like massive earthquakes mingled with fire crumbled some of the city's tunnels and even the massive statue of Khalid that overlooks the estuary was brough down by one of those quakes, blocking off the city from the bridge. Numerous people were trapped and scores killed within the tunnels, and even now work is continuing to dig them out.
It is said an insane water elemental in league with the pirates flooded the Bottoms and the mongrel town and caused massive waves to flood over the bridge, destroying and damaging many of the shops. Blood was spilled heavily on the bridge as Trolls and Guild members fought against the pirates.
Even the peaceful Atlanteans were not spared. A foreign red algae was dumped by the barrel-load into the estuary, making it look as if it was filled with blood. Atlanteans have been complaining that the algae clogs their gills and makes breathing difficult and are sitll seeking a way to rid the waterway of the stuff.
It appears the pirates have retreated, leaving death and destruction in their wake. No one, it seams, has been spared some trauma and it will take a great deal of work to set things right again.
OOC Note: This has been a quick update for those that could not be online when the attack happened. People that were there, feel free to post your own rumors of what you saw or did, describe the damage you suffered to your person, shop, home, etc. If you have ideas of things you'd like to see spring from this, feel free to contact staff, we're open to all ideas and would love to hear from you! There's a lot to go off of from here, but if you feel stuck, contact staff and we'll try to point you in a direction.
Title: Disaster in Parnassus!
Author: Parnassus News
Date: Fri Sep 17 2004
As the smoke clears and the cleanup begins, news starts to circulate about what has happened to the city of Parnassus and the region around it.
"It was horrific, there were people running everywhere, it was like the Forum itself was on fire. Those pirates drove carts into the city to set them on fire! I've never seen so much smoke! Everyone looked like darklings!"
"My home is ruined! Gods why! The burned my garden, and my neighbor's garden, and if that wasn't enough they broke in and nearly looted the entire house! And it's not just us down in the city, did you see what they did on Aventine Hill! Not that those nobles have to worry, they've got money to spare to repair their homes! I saw smoke rising from House Acesius, I can't imagine what it must look like inside and not many of the other noble homes fared much better."
"Our brave Praetorians were working their wings off to try and put out the fires. I saw them flying back and forth with bucket and barrels. They even had their fleet of gryphons out to carry the heavier loads but it wasn't enough. I saw Atlanteans in the Forum helping to put out the fires. The fires may be out, but the whole city reeks of smoke and burnt wood!
"Well thanks to the gods they didn't reach the temple. I heard there were Sylvans here, healing the injured and ushering them all into the temple so they could work in peace and quiet."
"That's all well and good, but shouldn't those Sylvans be seeing to the fields? A whole year's crops, gone! What are we going to do once winter rolls around? The storehouses cannot feed this entire city for a winter. Prices are going sky high, I can see it already!"
"I can't believe it! They even burned some of the laurel trees! They're going to have to cut some of them down and replant them!"
"Did you hear? They didn't just loot and burn the city, they kidnapped citizens as well! That Acesian woman, the one that was sailing on the Amarada? They say she's missing, as is her cousin, Domina Celerity, the one that just married that Jovian Praetorian. And you know who else they can't find? Domina Cleo Zethinius, daughter to that commoner who helped rebuilt the city after the war. Looks like that man is about to make his money all over again. Hope he makes enough to pay his daughter's ransom. If they're even still alive, that is."
"I knew that Amarada crew was up to no good, I told you! I heard the Praetorians arrested that sailor, Sebastian, on the docks as he was sitting with his dead father's body. Now why would they arrest him if he wasn't responsible, I ask you? I hear he nearly killed Centurion Antoninus as well. Good riddence, I say!"
"What about our businesses? Now just in Parnassus, but the bridge was nearly wiped out, at least the tents and smaller shops were badly damaged. Think of all those lost goods! Someone's going to pay for that! Who is going to feed my family now?"
Title: News within the Eyrie
Author: Praetorian news
Date: Fri Sep 17 2004
In the aftermath of the pirate attack on the region of Parnassus it is not surprising that most of the Eyrie is left exhausted, especially with half of its force away from the city at the moment. Reports are being submitted like wildfire to the Praefect's office, tales of injuries and deaths, both of pirates and innocents, of destruction to the city and the surrounding countryside. Patrols have been stepped up and runners have been sent to call back the troops from the war games so that those here in Parnassus might gain a little bit of a break. Patrols remain strong at the gates and all carts brought into the city are checked closely. The houses ransacked and burned are given extra consideration, lest looters continue to rob the already ruined homes and patrols are to be doubled in the evening hours.
Velites are set to the task of helping the cleanup of the city, especially in the forum where the damage is the greatest. Some of the laurel trees outside of the Eyrie have been burned and will need to, sadly, be removed and new ones replanted. Praetorians are also encouraged to offer assistance at the Bridge, which has greatly suffered destruction.
Other news is that the sailor known as Sebastian Xaverius was brought into the Eyrie in the custody of Centurion Quintus Antoninus and locked in a holding cell. The man was unconscious when he was brought in and bore angry looking wounds to his wing and shoulder. A ginger-haired mongrel accompanied him and referred to the man as Captain of the Amarada, the same ship that is rumored to have been part of the attack in the first place. Healers were called to tend to his wound and he will be kept for further questioning.
Finally, a report also states that the pirates were not only involved in looting and burning, but kidnapping as well. It appears that Domina Celerity Jove, new wife to Ceterion Evander Jove, Vilica Zea Acesian, and Domina Cleo Zethinius have been abducted and taken to places unknown, though it is suggested they have been taken aboard the pirate ship Makara, but for what purposes no one knows.
OOC Note: Lots and lots to do folks! If you want to get involved in one or a number of things (rebuilding, clean-up, patrols, questioning the prisoner, looking for the kidnapped women) please page/@mail Sebastian and Quintus for more infomation.
Title: The Trolls
Author: Kekipi
Date: Sat Sep 18 2004
The Battle of the Bridge was bloody and ferocious. The fighting ability of the Trolls was certainly proven as was their duty to those upon the Bridge itself. A large number of this mercenary Garrison were injured or killed as they fought back against the pirates, killing and maiming as many as they could get their hands on. Certainly the Trolls ability to fight dirty was noted by many Guildmembers as they watched the vicious onslaught on their behalf, no doubt the Guild dues will be paid on time come collection. Though even from the Trolls there is a grudging respect for those Guildmembers who joined in with the fray. A deeper respect for those peaceful Atlanteans, though most Trolls know they can be just as nasty as the rest of them given who commands them. Their timely arrival despite their own troubles met with a comradely warmth as they fought and fell alongside the Trolls that fateful day.
In the aftermath of the battle, the injured and the dead of Guildmember, Troll and Atlantean where carted to the large Guild Hall at the northern end of the bridge. One of the senior Trolls who goes by the name of Ahote, whose moods are often a subject of debate ensured the efficiency of this task with the same efficiency that she dealt with the pirate threat. Alongside her, Soft-Feather the newest of the recruits whose ability to shift into the form of a bear saw many a pirate flee or torn asunder. Its luxurious interior transformed within moments into a field hospital for those who suffered during the assault. No longer was the Hall filled with cries of prices and fees but pain and suffering, in a way perhaps the same thing to some. But still, the fighting ability of the Trolls from those senior mercenaries who have seen it all to those who have only recently pledged allegiance to the Guild was proven efficient, vicious and deadly. Even words of praise for his Garrison escaped the cracked lips of the foul tempered Head Troll, a few more for his own kind and perhaps a couple for those Guildmembers who risked life and limb, even if battle isn't the place for them.
But for now the remaining Trolls are out in force along the entirety of the Bridge keeping the peace and searching for more injured and dead. Pirate bodies merely stacked haphazardly with little care given to them. The northern gate is dealt with by the Northern contingent of Trolls who assist with clearing a path to the northern city from their side and searching for those buried beneath the rubble. Either way as more Trolls are healed, more irritable and downright foul tempered Trolls join the ranks to ensure the defence of the Bridge and the peace is kept.
Title: Insane reward offered!
Author: Aurelius
Date: Sat Sep 18 2004
From the steps of the Zethinius estate -which escaped the attack on the cities without a scratch, mainly since it's not located on Aventine Hill- word spreads quickly through the towns: Aurelius Zethinius is offering the insane amount of 50.000 denarii to anyone who frees his beloved daughter Cleo -who apparently has been captured by the pirates that raided Irha-Esh, Parnassus and the surrounding countryside- and brings her back alive.
Gossipping slaves have it that Aurelius is mad with worry, has stopped any and all direct contact with business transactions, and though employees are already inventoring the damage in town, has only ears for anything to do with his daughter's kidnapping. Needless to say, the house is in a state of complete chaos.
Title: News from the Castallia
Author: Dark Rumors
Date: Sat Sep 18 2004
It seems as if the number of dead continues to rise and the latest body to be found is that of the noted Healer and Auctor of the Castallia, the Sylvan known as Bhruic. The news comes as a shock to members of the Castallia and likely to anyone else who knew the man. His body was found on the bridge where some members of the Castallia mentioned he had gone to help with the injured.
The Castallia is in mourning, but it does bring up a serious question, who will run the Castallia now that the Sylvan is gone? What about the ties to the Republic? Surely the Empyreans will want a say in all of this. For now the Castallia's Ductors have seen to the daily operations of the magical commune and are continually sending healers and shapers out to help with the injured and the damages.
OOC Note: Questions about this, please contact Eos
Title: The Good news or the bad noose?
Author: Kekipi
Date: Sat Sep 18 2004
Given the pirate bodies that litter the stained cobbles of the Bridge, it is hardly surprising that one of the first warnings to all of a pirate nature spring up from the bridge. Several Trolls, battlescarred and lacking in diplomacy, but skilled with noose tying and hefting dead bodies lynch two dead pirates from the central arch. The bloodied and lifeless bodies swaying above the waters below as a warning to the pirates who caused such devastation. Care for the pirate bodies simply not given, the carcasses simply used as the most basic of warnings and messages to those who ply the ocean waves and the blood red river itself.
Title: Declaration from the Praetorian Guard
Author: Quintus
Date: Sat Sep 18 2004
An announcement is made in the Forum, though word is carried quickly through Parnassus..
A centurion of the Praetorian Guard reads aloud a declaration in an impressive voice,
"Citizens of Parnassus, in light of recent events, Food and supplies of the Eyrie are made available to all Citizens of the Empyre. Heads of Household who want for food may present themselves at the gates of the Eyrie, with the count of thier families, at sunrise.
Notices for missing family members may continue to be posted on the Eyrie walls.
Signed, In service to Nation and People, and on behalf of the Praetorian Guard,
Centurion Q. A. Antoninus
Title: Notice posted at the Eyrie
Author: Quintus
Date: Sat Sep 18 2004
In and amidst the confusion of the past days, notices have been posted about the Eyrie, to the following effect:
"Bretheran,
As much as you all have given in these times of trial, more must be asked. In service to the Empyre, and in protection of our people, a full Servitor Penta of volunteers is called for to serve under myself, for an indeterminate amount of time. This assigment is to be considered highly dangerous.
In service,
Centurion Q. A. Antoninus"
OOC: Well folks, if anyone has wanted to charge off and rescue fair damsels, this is your chance. Page or @mail myself or Sebastian if interested.
Title: Mongrel Town and the Bottoms
Author: The Grey Lady
Date: Sun Sep 19 2004
It seems even the Mongrels didn't escape the pirates: however, there have been a number of folks moving around the Bottoms and the town, giving food, blankets, and in some cases providing timber or labour to help shore up buildings. The usual reply when the source of these is asked about is 'The Grey Lady sent 'em'.
Title: Bridge Guild Suffers Setback
Author: Maat
Date: Sun Sep 19 2004
With the general chaos from the attack settling, the Bridge Guild appears to be in full repair mode. Unrepairable stalls have been dumped over the side, to further litter the estuary. However, much of this wood has been salvaged by Mongrels in the Bottoms. New stalls are slow to arise, but the merchants with stone buildings and those few lucky vendors who are able to continue by selling necessities (like food) are doing a brisk business.
However, not all the news coming from the Guild is good. A bit of paper posted on the front of the Guild Hall draws many a merchant to read and, then gossip, over its contents. Caisson Enrikos suffered a heart attack as a result of the stress and has retired to his country estates to convalesce. In the interim, Nefer Maat al'Samar has been named Caisson Pro Tem. However, any merchant can tell you, the triennial Caisson election of the Guild were to occur the day after the pirate attack, but the election has been postponed for two weeks. The Caisson Pro Tem was a favorite among Council Members to succeed Enrikos as her campaigning had been aggressive over the past two months. It is likely that no Council members will be able to successfully oppose the Varati woman, given her new status.
As her first order of business, the Caisson Pro Tem declared that the names of the Trolls fallen in battle with the pirates will be enscribed onto special stone blocks on the Guild Hall wall. In addition, any mercenaries seeking to make some money should see Head Troll Kekipi as there are now openings.
Title: Word from the Woods
Author: Sharpclaw
Date: Sun Sep 19 2004
As news trickles in from outside the cities, it soon becomes even clearer that the pirates' attack was more devastating than some initially feared - the burning of the Sylvan fields was severe, appearing to be somewhat worse in the south, which help supply the city of Parnassus. The northern fields, which aid in feeding Irha-Esh, weren't as bad but they are still in very poor shape. In all, hundreds of acres have been torched.
Already, as Sylvans mourn the loss of some of their own, they begin increasing their patrols of the fields and roads, working to build more outposts along the way to guard against future attacks. In some cases, members of the Varati and Empyrean races offer some aid in repairing the fields in their respective areas, but word has it there will be some Atlantean aid as well. Relations between the two races are good, and some Sylvans have already been seen around the estuary trying to help with the algae problem plaguing the water people.
Back in the fields, the outlook for winter is not good. The damage is severe enough and late enough in the growing season that it is feared there will be no fall harvest. The cities' food stores likely will not last the winter with the lack of the fall harvest to maintain them, and it appears other ways of getting through the winter months with food will need to be figured out. The fields will be recovered, but it will take time. The Sylvans themselves will have to be careful with their own food stores, but they seem better prepared for harsh times than many.
Trade itself appears that it will go on, but given the farm carts that were brought into the city then lit, delays are expected getting into the cities so it can be ensured a repeat of the surprise attack will not happen again. However, given the amount of damage within the cities themselves, demand will be high for food, clothing, wood, other goods, and services as well. How that may include the Sylvans themselves remains to be seen. Sharpclaw, the Sylvan ambassador to the Atlanteans, has been seen making visits to Insula Garum, Annan Coral also visiting the forest-dwellers in return, and other Sylvan diplomats have been working on meeting with the other races as well, as they're able.
Title: From the island below
Author: Coral
Date: Sun Sep 19 2004
From the steps of the Ephorate flanked by honor guards who are seen there protecting the building, Annan Coral addresses those on the island with both telepathy and voice, enabling those who might be aiding from the land to hear as well.
"As our Ard Ri has asked, I have already begun the work to try and help us learn how to clear out this poison from our waters as soon as possible. Our first priority as a people is to make sure that everyone is healthy and safe, as it has ever been. I would ask that all who are wounded and in need of the attention of the healers come to the temple where they might be given the best care possible." Coral pauses before continuing on, "The hardest for us, perhaps, is to see our blessed waters so defiled as they are. Any who feel that they have knowledge that would help in this task will be most welcome to join in the work ahead. But I would ask that our people spend much of their time on the land to avoid any injury that could develop. We have water mages studying the algae and offers from many outside our race to help us as we learn more what can be done."
"There is enough work for all of us to do, no matter our age or abilities. Any who have the skills to help with the land I ask to see Sharpclaw of the Mohononeo to aid them in the repair of the fields. Even if you are not skilled as a mage, there is likely much you will be able to do. Those who are not needed by our Tanist to begin defenses that might be needed for our island, but who have skills in the martial fields, I ask to see our own Achelisis Kekipi and aid in the guarding of the bridge. There will be some who seek to take advantage of this crisis, and all will need the benefits of trade before the winter has come to our waters. Any skilled in building will have no problem in finding need for their service, and should feel free to aid whoever they would wish to in these times. Our own structures being not as damaged as others above gives us the ability to do them service. Those who have no skills that they feel can be used in these ways, and who have no thought as to how they can help, I would ask to help their neighbors by watching their children so that they might have the peace of mind to do what they can. Or to come to the Ephorate or the Temple and offer their services, and they will be given the opportunity to do what is needed."
Looking around at those gathered, she takes another breath before finishing her speech, "Our people as a whole are gifted with the ability to aid in the healing of troubles. Through our work and our kindness we will be a balm to all those who have already suffered so greatly among our own families and those of the land-dwellers above. Blessings of Pasiphae be with each and every one of us."
Title: News from the Ard Ri
Author: Yemoja
Date: Sun Sep 19 2004
As news of the crisis in the Estuary spreads through the Atlantean Marches, it eventually reaches the mind of the Ard Ri, currently visiting the waters of clan Llewellyn. Engrossed as he was in pleasant discussions with the clan's Chieftain and the Marcher High Priestess concerning his upcoming marriage with a Llewellyn princess, he nevertheless acted at once and became all business. Word was sent throughout the Marches that all Atlanteans were to look out for these ships who so viciously poisoned Atlantean waters and report their sight at once to their superiors. And with the aid of the Llewellyn Chieftain, a renown warrior and leader of a warlike clan, a military network is spun below the waves to watch those marauders who dare to attack those who dwell within the sea.
It is to watch and to report, not to attack, those are the Ard Ri's orders... for now.
Title: Return from the High Priestess
Author: Okalani
Date: Sun Sep 19 2004
As busy as the Ard Ri is directing the reaction of the entire Marches towards the Marauder's attack, he is not without compassion for his own people, those who dwell within the Annan family's own waters of the Estuary, those who are now suffering due to that strange algae and unable to enter. Sent from his side is the Marcher High Priestess who flies as swiftly as her wings can carry towards the isle set within the polluted water. It is from there, standing on the temple's dais, that her thoughts reach out to all Atlanteans within the vicinity, those nearby and willing enough to open their minds to the soft intrusion of her thoughts so that word from the Ard Ri to his own people may reach them.
*Let them know* states the mental image of the High King's face as he shares these thoughts, *Let them know, that I care for them and share their pain as well as their fury. I will help them survive and come to terms with their losses as much as I will exact revenge on those who did this. But now is the time for action and clean our waters from these (insert powerful emotions or anger and rage which cannot be translated in proper PG13 speech) algae. I appoint my cousin, Annan Coral, as the one responsible for the cleaning of the Estuary's waters and to see to it that our people will be able to live in their homes once more. The most powerful Healers and Water mages will be sent to the estuary to help her in this task. Ships with supplies too will come, to aid not only our own people but our Sylvan brethren as well. And it is to my Tanist, Annan Cal, that I look to prepare the scouts and warriors for a counter-attack, should this be necessary. All who wish to strike back, or help in the defence of these waters, are to report to him. And do not fear, actions to prevent this from happening again too are taken. Ships from clan Einian and warriors from Llewellyn will be sent to help find the weaknesses in our deafens. And remedy them.*
Okalani pauses for a moment to let these thoughts sink in and then she thinks again, these thoughts are her own.
*A memorial service for those who gave their lives will be held in the Temple at the next Full Moon. Pasiphae's Servants will offer support and comfort and aid to all in need of these.*
And with that, her thoughts are gone.
Title: House Fortuna
Author: Andreas
Date: Sun Sep 19 2004
House Fortuna has thrown its doors open to those in need of temporary shelter. While the gardens of the House are largely ruined, the buildings still stand, although some of the glass is broken, and those windows now sheeted or boarded up. Wooden and canvas shelters have been set up in the garden, as well as partitions set up to divide off parts of the Triclinium. The House (led by its new Vilicus, Andreas Fortuna, who was more prominently visible than many at the drama at the Forum during the pirate attacks) is providing basic food and bedding where needed for those taking advantage of its offer, and its guards are making sure, with a surprisingly light hand, given the House's reputation) that things in the House remain orderly.
The Vilicus is to be seen moving about the House, talking (in what many may perceive as an uncharaceristically civil manner) to its new guests, as well as taking some time to speak with Aurelius Zethinius about his daughter, and others of the nobility about the past days' events.
Title: The Curiae and House Quirinatus
Author: Valerian
Date: Sun Sep 19 2004
The Procurator Valerian Quirinatus returned following news of the pirate raid while on a business trip to Thermopylae. He has been seen in every corner of Parnassus, comforting those who suffered losses in life, fortune, and home.
The Curiae quickly mobilized to help put down the fires and to assess the damage throughout the city. It is rumored that the Procurator sold portions of Quirinati land in a show of patriotism to help replenish grain supplies and to help fund the bolstering of defenses for the city with the Praetorian Guard. He is said to have asked others to donate whatever they have, with food prices near Parnassus rising to quadruple the cost of grain elsewhere due to opportunistic merchants and (corrupt?) Republican officials. The Curiae has been meeting with all citizens to make sure that everyone can return to their homes and businesses as soon as possible.
The House Quirinatus has opened its doors to the ransacked Domus Quirinatus Parvus in order to provide shelter to displaced citizens. Its largely ruined renowned gardens have become a small tent city, while priority shelter is to be given to families with small children within the estate. Despite the damage, the House servants are not working to repair the estate, but going out to help out with city doles of bread, olive oil, clean water, and warm soup. Construction material that had been painstakingly consolidated for two years for the restoration of the Villa Quirinata on the Aventine Hill, which burned down in 3927, has been graciously donated to the city by the Procurator in entirety to help repair city buildings without charge.
Title: Irha-Esh Disaster
Author: Erzulie
Date: Sun Sep 19 2004
The explosion in Irha-Esh has caused countless injuries to bodies as well as buildings and tunnels. The dead have been properly cremated and the injured have been seen to by healers. Shapers and architects are swarming about the hole made by the explosion as well as the statue. Repairs have begun, but it will take weeks of repair and the energies of all.
For those rendered homeless, temporary succor has been offered at the Temple.
Title: News from the Governor's Office
Author: Basilica Herald
Date: Mon Sep 20 2004
It seems not everyone is able to deal with the aftermath of the pirate's looting and killing. Word has it that Pontius Titan, the man the Aegis sent to cover the governing of Parnassus until a suitable proper Governor could be found, has left Parnassus and returned to Civitas Dei. The servants that watched him leave say he was frantic and out-of-sorts, bumbling around his home and throwing what he could into trunks before hurrying away from the city and the destruction that litters the streets.
So what now? It seems as if at least one servant was quick to act and headed to the Eyrie to beg the aid of the Praetorians. With the Praefect away at the time, the news fell to Centurion Quintus Antoninus and he quickly declared a state of martial law in Parnassus until such time as Civitas Dei can get their act together and provide Parnassus with an able Governor. Further details will come from the Praetorian Guard as the need arises.
OOC Note: While this means that the Praetorians are basically in charge of the city, this does not mean that those in other government positions are stripped of their powers, they are fully expected to keep at their tasks to help return the city to order.
Title: Word from Civitas Dei
Author: Pantoleon
Date: Mon Sep 20 2004
Word reaches Parnassus that the aging Deus of House Acesius, Pantoleon suffered an attack of the heart when informed of recent events in Parnassus. While still recovering, the Deus has made the following known: House Acesius has offered yet another tremendous reward (said to be over a hundred thousand denarii) to any who return the Vilica Zea Acesian to safety. The Deus' health was for a while so uncertain that his intended trip to Parnassus was cancelled, though Acesian aid is said to be bound for the Edessen city.. a caravan of foodstuffs from thessalonica.. as well, one would think, as crates of the famed Acesian wines.
Title: Robin Hood?
Author: The Local Idiot
Date: Mon Sep 20 2004
There has been a recent spring of minor robberies in the parts of town that were spared damage by pirates, as well as several of the richer neighborhoods in both Parnassus and Irha-Esh.
'Coincidentally', very small sums of hardly-worth-a-look-but-helpful-anyway money have been dropped off here and there throughout some harder-hit areas, like Mongrel Town and The Bottoms. No doubt the folk living there are happy for the small gifts from heaven.
Title: Fieldside Funeral
Author: Soft-Feather
Date: Tue Sep 21 2004
As night fell a few days after the attacks, the sound of reed pipes lilted across the ruined fields outside of Parnassus. Their song, while quite beautiful, was heartbreaking in its mellowing lows.
Played by skillful Sylvans, the instruments sang long into the night as Moho members and guests formed a large circle around the dead, their bodies having been stacked orderly atop a funeral pyre.
Each person held a glowing torch as various attendants came forward to speak, sharing positive memories of those whose lives were lost in the fires. The flickering torchlight illuminated tear stained faces as the procession continued throughout the night.
While the reed pipies carried on, weaving their melodies in and out of the memories, other people who traveled through the area stopped to observe the ceremony, some even joining in. They, too, were given a torch.
When the memories were all but exhausted, the reed pipes suddenly fell silent. A junior shaman raised his hand, telling the guests to prepare. When he lowered it, those gathered used their torches to set the pyre aflame.
Flames licked at bodies as the music began anew, the ashes of the dead carried to the Grandmother in a spiral of smoke and voices that rose to accompany the pipes. Approachong the pyre one-by-one or in small groups, attendants whispered their final good-byes and then drifted off.
While the pyre continued to burn, a meager meal was shared amongst all who attended. Some stayed until the deep hours of the night to watch over the flames while others returned to their homes with their families.
Either way, when the first rays of dawn burst through the clouds, both the pyre and any other remains had been cleared away, leaving those attending to the ruined fields alone with their work once more.
Title: Mohononeo Maneuvering
Author: Sharpclaw
Date: Tue Sep 21 2004
In the midst of their efforts to rebuild and recover what they have lost, word trickles through the grapevine that the Mohononeo have made a couple small changes to the way they will deal with other races and people outside their tribe.
Mainly, they have decided to - at least on an interim basis until all is well again - appoint one diplomat to meet with all the races. That person is Sharpclaw, current ambassador to the Atlanteans. Given the progress that has been made in working with Annan Coral in particular, he has been trusted to work with both the Empyreans and the Varati as well until further notice.
In addition to this, one of the Bridge's newest Trolls, Soft-Feather, has been given the authority to serve as a tribal representative, a sort of go-between for the tribe and other Sylvans in the city who wish to contact the Mohononeo for any reason. Given the importance of the Bridge to the lives of many people, Soft-Feather's status as a Troll and Magus shapeshifter was determined to be of prime benefit to the tribe. Thus, the new role. It is not meant as a diplomatic role, but rather that of a liaison, a messenger.
(OOC: Sharpclaw is who you'd go to for formal ties and agreements/collaboration, while Soft-Feather is an informal, yet influential, day-to-day link for anyone wishing to learn more about or contact the Mohononeo, be it Elders, Sachem, specific members of the tribe, etc.)
Title: A Cry for... Diplomacy?
Author: Valerian
Date: Tue Sep 21 2004
Calamity makes for strange bedfellows and a proclamation by the Procurator Valerian Apollonius Quirinatus authorizing of all people, a Tritonides... the Governor's Diplomat Xenia Melissande Tritonides, to do whatever is necessary to further relations with the Sylvans and the Atlanteans, has raised some brows in Empyrean circles. Considering the extremely xenophobic nature of the Procurator, the proclamation comes out as a surprise to many, especially when curators have recently been levying substantial tariffs and duties on non-Varati merchants who are sending grain to Irha-Esh as a consequence of such merchants using Empyrean roads, while offering rather generous incentives for grain and food merchants to divert their products to Parnassus. There is even word that the Procurator seeks to double the levy on the Varati convoys for using Empyrean roads.
Furthermore, there has been a call by the Procurator for diplomats from both the Sylvans and the Atlanteans to meet with the Procurator, the Governor's Diplomat Tritonides, and the heads of the current military administration in Parnassus to discuss terms of mutual aid and cooperation. One however cannot be surprised as the Varati, as of yet, have been excluded from such talks. Will such a call be answered, or will the Procurator's reputation precede him? Will the Procurator even matter, considering the civilian government is not in control of Parnassus?
Title: Praetorian return
Author: Quintus
Date: Tue Sep 21 2004
Those hundreds of the Praetorian Guard who departed days ago for Thermopylae have at last returned, and brought with them renewed stocks of rations by the wagonload. No doubt some citizens of Parnassus who were hardest hit by recent events are growing tired of eating military rations, but given the alternative...
Relief is said to be coming though; no sooner had the returned troops relieved thier exhausted bretheren in the garrison than do many of them set out again, to escort incoming caravans safely to the city. The Guard are taking no chances, it would seem.
Title: Amarada's Departure
Author: Dock Rumors
Date: Wed Sep 22 2004
Over the last few days those down at the docks surveying the damage and helping with the clean-up and repairs have noted that there has been increased activity around and aboard the merchant ship Amarada, the same ship that some blamed for the attack in the first place and the one who lost their captain in the fighting. The ship has been signing on new crew (the rumor is that almost all of her original crew was killed along with her captain) and loading supplies in preparation to leave port. But it appears the Praetorians are not letting her go that easily, for just before she departed five members of the Praetorian Guard were seen boarding the Amarada and looking as if they were staying for the duration of her journey. It has also been noted that the Amarada's new captain, Sebastian Xaverius, who had until today been kept in a Praetorian cell was seen boarding his ship in the company of Praetorian Centurion Quintus Antoninus, the same man who sought his arrest. Shortly after the Captain and the Centurion boarded, the Amarada set out to sea with a Praetorian escort flying overhead. The escort returned a few hours later, but since then no one has seen the Centurion or the other Praetors who boarded the Amarada.
