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Heard in Haven: December 2001- January 2002
 Title: Announcement Early in the morning, Heralds begin to shout the latest news across the city. The messages are repeated at noon, tea-time and at dusk.
Nothing more is announced,
however a copy of the new Constitution of Haven is posted up at Delphi's gates.
Those who are literate enough to read it are not prevented from doing so.
Title: Attack on the High Seas It is whispered that the day was a mild one upon the waves. That nothing ill blew in the wind. The Captain of the Orcini trading vessel foresaw nothing wrong with the day, so the ship sailed on as normal. Even as sails were spotted on the horizon. Perhaps it was the surprise of it all that caught the Atlantean crew off-guard. Perhaps it was the audacity of the pirates. But the outcome was the same. By mid-morning, the proud Orcini trading vessel was surrounded by two ships, claiming to be Buccaneers. Boarded, with a modest fight, the lone crew was overtaken. Few were harmed, as it is said the Buccaneers a gentlemanly pirates at least. The crates and sacks and barrels of trade goods were removed from the ship, loaded equally onto the other two before the sun had set. And there, the Orcini ship was left, cargoless, with food enough for the crew to make its way to Haven. And of course, the rumors with it. The Captain
of the ship refuses to comment, as does the first mate. Any information out of
the Korallion is little, if any at all. And of course, speculation is running
rampant. After all, one of the most martial of the Atlantean Decemvirates was
just attacked, and a ship's cargo taken. Are the Buccaneers insane? Have the Orcini
lost their will to protect themselves? Will the Orcini mount a navy and fight
back? For now, there are no answers to these questions.
Title: Wedding Preparations! Soon word spreads of another Empyrean marriage on the horizon,
only this marriage doesn't carry the grand fanfare or promise of great political
intrigue as most have in the past. Invitations start going out, announcing the
wedding between Altair Leander Publius and Neola Diana Themopolis. It is supposed
to take place on the Evening of Friday, May 18, 3909, in the City Park. There
will be a ceremony and a reception afterwards.
Title: End of a Siege As a result of the signed treaty, Varati roadblocks and barricades are being taken down and towed away, their quarter returned to Haven soil, and Hounds once more permitted to patrol the northernmost part of town. Rumours among the Varati meanwhile speak of how the constitution fails to recognize and respect Atarian faith despite the Amir-al's vehement wishes, and there is even speculation that the Pasha must have somehow been forced into signing the deal. The
ban placed upon studies within Delphi has also been lifted, but those returning
are remarkably fewer than those who left in the first place. Perhaps it is because
the faithful know that they will have to study alongside the kafir, the lost ones,
those who failed to leave Delphi during the exodus and thus have brought about
their own spiritual decline, or perhaps it is due to a loss of trust in the institution
they once were a part of. Maybe a bit of both.
Title: Quarters Reopening to the Hounds As the Empyrean and Varati quarters begin to
reopen to Hound patrols, rumors begin to spread from the Bastion, of renewed orders
to the Hounds in general made by Commander Altair Publius. A very simple and concise
message from the Archon, delivered by one of the Hounds more visible commanders.
He has reminded the Hounds of their duty as representatives of the best Haven
has to offer. Also, that Haven remains as always a neutral territory, and that
defamation of any religion or tradition made by on-duty Hounds would not be tolerated.
Title: Palladium Party Announced Heralds and mongrel servants from the Palladium were dispatched one afternoon, bearing messages to the Delphic Citadel. A little prodding from the curious would yield the following result: it appears that there is a celebration scheduled for May 13, 3909 (OOC: Thursday, Dec. 13, 5:00 p.m. CST), to be held in the Palladium, to which Delphites are invited. Invitations were hand-delivered to former Estrels and high-ranking teachers -- not excluding, of course, the illustrious Seneschal. And the news was repeated throughout the halls of the Citadel; it seems that anyone who's anyone is welcome to attend. The festivities are ostensibly to celebrate the recent signing of the Delphic treaty, that restored a sovereign government to the city. And the host of the party? House Augustus. Such a move might inspire criticism from his peers, yet the newly-elected Princeps seems determined to dissipate the some of the tension between the Empyre and the city of Haven. Will a party, though, really do the trick? And is the attempt really as altruistic as it seems, or is he up to something else? Who
knows, is probably the general conclusion. But at least there will be free food.
Title: First Chancellor Passes About the quiet cloth merchants on Seaside and Vicina there
is some commotion. A few urchins run out into the city bearing messages while
the sound of weeping can be heard coming form within the old confines of the store.
As people gather and to catch sight of what has happened to the first Chancellor
of the Merchant's Guild people slowly begin to realize that the ill Empyrean has
passed on. Nothing sinister, nothing terrible...just his health finally failing
him, releasing him from the weak vessel that held him here upon this plane. His
tenure in office was unremarkable, his life equally so...
Title: The Nayaka In the new hours of the day, the ground just thawing from a night's freeze, a shadow appeared against the backdrop of the sun. Like a dark plague it grew, and quickly. The small shadow soon eclipsed the sun and resolved itself into the alien shape of a wyvern queen. With furious screeching the monster plummeted groundward toward Atesh-Gah, wings unfurling only at the last minute to desperately claw at the air and brake the meteoric descent. Into the garden courtyard of Atesh-Gah does the creature land, crushing many of the newly blooming plants. From the back of the queen does a black figure descend. A face mercilessly cruel in composition presides above a tempestuous black haik that moves as if menace wrought, aggravated to a fury by strides long and purposeful. The strides carry him through a flower bed, heedlessly carving a way through the innocuous plants toward the gaping maw of Atesh-Gah proper. Behind him the alien queen watches with venomous, reptilian eyes, a maddening hatred for her passenger burning in them. The
Butcher of Thermopylae, Living Sword of Khalid Atar, the Nayaka of the Agni-Haidar
has returned.
Title: Vicina Mercantile As many passer-bys on Seaside and Vicina have noticed, Aurelius' Vicina Mercantile has now reopened. It is now known as the Merchants' Guild House. To honor the late Aurelius' memory, the Merchants' Guild of Haven had found a very determined merchant-trader to manage the store. As the rumor goes, the new merchant settled in the Vicina Mercantile -- now the Merchants' Guild House -- is a Sylvan known as Igasho. Newly arrived in town, the man is also known for his trading with the Forest Sylvans. It should not be surprising if, in a near future, customers will be able to find the finest items the Forest can offer, along with the usual merchandise. It is said that special orders will also be accepted. The Merchants' Guild members will
welcome every customer at the Merchants' Guild House with all the respect due
to the fine citizens and merchants of Haven, as well as visitors and trading partners.
Title: Murmurs of Civil Unrest There've always been those who get up on their soapboxes in the Rialto to preach against the tyranny of one of the races or of Delphi. Most often this individual is quickly carted away by the Hounds to sleep it off in the comforts of a dank cell. But in the weeks since the signing of the new treaty, there've been more than usual, and their outcries seem focused solely upon the races. Furthermore, some of the Hounds seem less inclined to remove these outspoken individuals. And like sparks lit to dry kindling, murmurings of discontent are stirring among the masses, the nonaffiliates of Haven who have no government but the Council that was outlined in the treaty. Comments such as these are often to be heard: "They sure as the fires of Hades were quick to claim the city for their own! But now that they're expected to govern it, they're as quiet as an Atarvani on Khalid's wedding day! Power-mongering sons of ..." "It's been a year since Delphi got rid of the Estrella! A year it took 'em all to negotiate a treaty. Now that they've got that treaty signed, there's no one on this Council but Delphi! So what in Hades has changed?" "Y'know, I sure miss the days when things were calm and predictable. The Estrella had problems, but what can you expect when Council-members are serving their own governments instead of us? Back in the days of the Avatarati, though..." "That Sen'schal fella. At least 'e's been tryin' to get things settled. 'E's done more for us than the four races 'n the Estrella put together! Delphi was the only one who 'elped us out when the Atlanteans and the Varati sent that hurricane whippin' through."
Title:Speculation Into Grim Fact It was early morning, barely past dawn, when the odd chain of events began. Though it seemed no more than your usual man-beat-up-left-on-the-docks story at first. The man was brought to Delphi by the Hounds, and Jasmine accompanied them. None in the infirmary understood the silent thoughts that flew between Jasmine and the man, but they were distressing to both parties. So much so that at one point Jasmine fainted. Upon rousing, she insisted on going home, but before she left, was heard to give a message to be delivered to the Oracle Jana, "You were right." The Hounds that had brought the man in escorted her home, and she was leaning on one of them heavily as she left. Those in the
Korallion heard more of the story, and the news spread quickly, beginning with
Jasmine's guards. The entire story is relayed in grim detail. The missing Koralland
had been injured and taken aboard a ship. The ship was set upon by pirates who
killed much of the crew. Including Jasmine's beloved husband, who threw himself
between a pirate and a young cabin boy. Both, in the end, died. If there was more
to the story, the widow was unable to relay it before closing the door and disappearing
into her quarters.
Title: Strange Visitors for a Shudra The Varati are proud and fierce, and although many say that there is a spirit of resumed cooperation between the races in Haven these days, few indeed are those who say that the Varati do not generally, as a rule, look after their own. Seldom do the Hounds of Haven have business that brings them to the very gates of Atesh-Gah, but two are spotted requesting admittance of the Agni-Haidar, and leave to speak with... a shudra. The halfbreed. Faanshi. The Lions of Fire are less than amused, but the young Atlantean and Sylvan are permitted into the courtyard. And there, or so the shudra and naraki whisper, they are spotted conversing with the maiden who has been known to serve the Maharani herself. What, precisely, has this halfbreed of dubious reputation been up to? Can it be that she is taking undue liberties for herself, now that Thalia Tritonides Khalida has left to reign on high in Masada with the God-King who is her husband? The Hounds leave her in peace, so apparently she has not broken any law of Haven... But has she turned against the ways of the Varati?
Title: Candicacy for the Council Since the signature of the treaty regarding the governance of Haven, in April, most of the citizens of Haven have learned of the guidelines for the intended Council. A few days ago, a new rumor started spreading in town about the candidacy for the Sylvan representative for the said Council. It is said that Igasho, merchant and trader, finally admitted that he is indeed running for the position of Sylvan representative for the Council. As the rumor goes, the well-established merchant of Haven denies any personal interest in the position. To those who questioned his candidacy, he answered that he only wants to help, within his possibilities, to make Haven a better city for everyone. It is also said that the merchant is willing to discuss the matter with everyone who might be concerned by his candidacy. Although the trader just recently established himself in Haven, it is known that he is not a zealot when it comes to religious matters. His trading with the Forest Sylvans and the various races in Haven have proven it so far. Nonetheless, he is always aware of his roots and would never associate his name with decisions that would endanger his fellow Sylvans. Those knowing the man also add that Igasho might
step down if he considers that another candidate for the said position offers
more qualifications and experience.
Title: Departure For those who notice such things, it seems that a certain winged healer cannot be found of late. For the nobles who sought out Cynara for her discreet healing in matters too embarressing to be noted to the public, this is quite distressing. For others it is a relief. Perhaps she has been captured and put away as any branded healer should be. Perhaps she has been killed. Perhaps she has decided it is best to not be among the good people of Haven any more? No one seems to know. Thus, Cynara departs Haven largely as she entered it. Surrounded in Mystery.
Title: Atlantean Councilor Hardly have the Sylvans submitted their own candidate(s) when the gate to the Korallion was opened and an Atlantean Herald wearing Ormani colours stepped out onto the bridge linking the embassy to the main city. Excitement swept through the southern quarter and soon people had assembled, awaiting the announcement. Imagine their surprise when instead of the names of candidates all they heard was the following: "People of Haven, the different Decemvirates with an interest in Haven are pleased to announce the name of the one chosen to represent our people in this fair city. Orcinus Tsaruko will be our councilor. We hope that our example will be followed swiftly by the other governments so that Haven will once have a stable government." With that, the Atlantean stepped down and marched down to the Rialto where the same message was repeated. Followed by other sections of the town, including the other embassies. No word about the other candidates or the discussions held beneath the waves. The Atlanteans, as always, are a quiet and private people. "Well, looks like things will finally be working out for Haven in the end." a Mongrel sailor can be overheard at the docks, "After all, the Atlanteans are divided in ten kingdoms. The other races at least have one single government so selecting one to represent them all shouldn't be that hard in comparison. Yeah, I am impressed that all those different kings and diplomats could be in favour of one person. An Atlantean colleague of his however tilts his head, his gaze sweeping across the waves to the far off sight of the Pandion flag ship, "Not all of them did."
Title: The Ministry Restored Maybe it was in response to those rumors from Thessalonica. Maybe the new Princeps is feeling the uncertainty of his position. Or maybe this is just his own version of the late Emperor's dreaded Fulminarii. His detractors may certainly say so. Whatever the case may be, the Princeps has empowered a near-defunct branch of the Empyre. It was in the heydey of Justinus' reign that the Ministry Publicus was well-known, made up of magistrates with judicial power to enforce the laws set by the Aegis and handle affairs of the state. But they had fallen into relative obscurity due to mismanagement and dwindling numbers since then. Now, though, that is about to change, with the Princeps' naming of his new 'Minister Primus,' Cicero Marcus Acesian. Some might recall that name. Some, who have been dabbling and delving into politics for some time. And those recollections may not be reassuring ones. Cicero Marcus Acesian has had many names, and only one of them is 'Friend.' Already, the Princeps has moved his base of operations to the Hall of the Sky, and it's rumored that the renovations there are complete for this new Ministry to move in. What will it mean for the Empyre? And who are these new magistrates that the Minister Primus has started to appoint? Whispers fly, and those dissidents in Thessalonica
are not the only ones with a sense of uneasiness and uncertainty about the future.
Title: Empyrean Wine Supply While the Empyreans are the first to notice
it, others in Haven, especially those involved with trade with the Empyre, hear
word that prices for Empyrean wine is rising, in some cases drastically. When
merchants probe for answers it is revealed that there was a riot of sorts on one
of the largest and most prosperous vineyards and wineries in the province of Thessalonica.
Rumor states that workers were the cause the fire that destroyed most of the vines
and bottled stock and that supposedly it has to do with an objection to the Republic's
new rule.
Title: Rumors OOC: This is mainly for the underworld of Haven. For those who 'are in the know', this is all information that can be dug up fairly easily. Those interested in RP, please @mail me. :) For the last 8-9 months, a new force has hit the Haven underworld. First, it started with the cyprians. A new figure within the Song started contacting cyprians, and swaying them to his employ, and then the bouncers, and gladiators who were hired/bought as guards, and finally, the employment of small time thieves. Piece by piece, the strange Atlantean seems to be assembling a small criminal empire, working to get his fingers into as many pies as possible. While the minor heists he has engineered so far have not touched the Thieves' Guild's profits, it is without a doubt that the Guild does not see the new organization that is springing up in a kind light. The primary 'fields' that the Atlantean seems to be engaged in are gambling, slavery/prostitution, and drugs. Secondary
'fields' are theft (burglary, mainly), protection rackets, and hijackings of caravans.
Title: Minister Externus In addition to his new appointing of Cicero Acesian as 'Minister Primus' of the Ministry, the Princeps has also announced his intention to appoint a 'Minister Externus.' The position is similar to that of the Acesian's, only it covers the external affairs of the Empyre. Whoever gains that title will preside over foreign matters, assign ambassadors, meet with neighboring nations, negotiate trade issues, and hold considerable sway within the Empyreal government. No
name has been announced yet. But it is sure that there are a number of up-and-comers
vying for it. The Empyre seems perched on the cusp of change -- but will it embrace
its neighboring nations as allies, or is this just another scheme for the Empyre
to exploit or oppress the other races?
Title: Eyrie Under Full Lock-Down Slowly and surely, over recent weeks, the Eyrie has been
creeping into a more firm state of lock-down. Passage in an out of the Praetorian
stronghold has become almost impossible for those not affiliated with the Guard,
save a select few politicians known to "appreciate" and support the
efforts of the warrior caste. Access to prisioners has becomes almost impossible,
even to close friends and family. One can't help but wonder if the activities
has something to do with the changes afoot in the Empyre, but none doubt that
time will show if this is a bluff or if somewhere at the table lies a royal flush.
Title: Whispers in the Underworld While there may be a new force brewing within underworld of Haven, the Empyrean quarter seems unaffected by this blossoming presence. It remains indomitable to the will of those outsiders who would seek to carve their niche from its underbelly. Quite possibly, this section of Haven already has an established force on its streets and within its dens of iniquity. A force that has its roots sunk deep and branches spread high and is not so easily influenced.
Title: Fire in Borderdown It was just another typical shame of the actions of those unlawful ruffians that abound within the run-down quarter of the city known as Bordertown. Vandalism occurs with regularity within its borders, and in one more act of random violence, fire broke out. Several buildings burned
to the ground, some few souls injured in the blaze, but most escaping with their
lives and a few precious possessions. It was double the shame when the fire spread
to the local herb-shop know as a 'Moment in Thyme.' The medicinal herbs proved
to be the perfect kindling and faster than the inhabitants of Bordertown could
react, the shop was ablaze and then ashes. A bucket brigade and Hound assistance
kept the fire from spreading further, but in the morn, three buildings stood only
as burned-out husks.
Title: Gladiator Games? "Did you see? The gladiators. They're training again. The place has been closed down for months. Kronian, more'n a year, really. Guess the last Emperor found more sport elsewhere." There's a snigger and a nudge from the speaker's companion. "Aye. I hear he preferred the arena of the bedroom. Can't say I blame him." "But there's good money to be made in the ring. A lot more than those pit-fights in Bordertown. Put your money on the right fighter, and you can come away with a year's wages. That's not a bad day's work, I say." "So when're they starting up again? The games?" "Beginning of August, I've heard.
I've seen the Princeps down there a few times, watching the fighters. I'm betting
he has something to do with the coliseum being opened up again. But me, I don't
care about politics. I just want to see a good fight, hear the roar of the crowd,
and savor that special sound of gold clinking in your palm."
Title: Thieves and Deliverance Two mongrels saunter down the alley, talking. "See the fight the other day at the Siren Song?" "Naw. Heard about it. No blood, no gore, some fight. Get better at the Coliseum. Heard some fancy Empyrean charged in and ran into the bouncer. Heard he did a lot of bouncing himself." "Empyrean came poppin' in after that Weasel fella I think, Weasel had a roll, feathers sticking outta it. The little thief ran up the stairs, Kratos helping him. S'far as I know he ran right out a window too. I woulda, shoulda seen that Empyrean's face!" Shudders. "Have to admit, Kratos already been in a fight, probably woulda wiped the floor with the bird otherwise. Then again..." Pauses. "Then again, maybe not. Empyrean calmed down, offered drinks, sat down with the big man a sec and that's about the extant of it." Shrugs. "Big deal. Heard something about a feathered cloak, don't have a clue why an Empyrean would have one, but most of 'em are crazy or stuck up anyway." "Yup." "Still don't wanna be in the thief's shoes if he gets ahold of him. No sirree! Looks like a bigwig too, had two of those purple cloaks show up pretty quick. They didn't look happy. Who knows." "Yup."
Title: Mill in the Works A few days ago, the Merchant's Guild of Haven held an important meeting. No one is certain as to what was discussed, but rumor holds that the Merchant's Guild has taken upon itself the task of becoming more involved with the city of Haven. Always striving to make Haven a better and more profitable place for everyone, the Guildswomen and Guildsmen are said to have decided upon a course of action. Unable to ignore the creeping poverty leading many poor children to the street in search of food, the Guild has decided to do something about the situation. Thus, a weaving mill will soon be built in Haven. A decent, honest
job for those who must feed and clothe their children will be available for all
who wish to work for a living. |
