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Heard in Haven: July 2000
Title: Ambush in the Streets On the streets of Haven north of the Rialto, Hounds and one Geridan Kentari engaged a group of the Varati who had crept into the shadows of the street. The fight, readily visible to passerby, was uneven, showing that the Hounds and Kentari were better trained fighters. A showdown occurred between one of the Varati and Kentari. From the words exchanged, the other Varati was Jehan, the leader of the group known as Resolution Eclipse. Jehan called Geridan a traitOr to the cause, but this did not stop Kentari from slaying Jehan and causing his blood to run with the others that filled the road. Though the reason behind the slaughter is unclear, it is rumored that Resolution Eclipse had been planning to ambush the Queen-Maharani. While the Queen-Maharani was on the streets of Haven and the road north of the Rialto is a favorite of hers to take to Delphi, she was not seen at the scene of the fighting nor were any Agni-Haidar present. With Jehan's death, Resolution Eclipse also dies with the charismatic leader, but with war among the Varati and unrest fomenting in secret places, it would not be surprising if opposition to the Queen-Maharani was like the many-headed hydra and destined to raise its head again in the future.
Title: Envoys "...and he went in and talked with the Emperor about trade." "A mongrel? From Avalon? I'm surprised he wasn't enslaved." "Well, he wan't. The mongrel left just as easy as he arrived." "Do you think they'd made an agreement?" "I don't know. And Stara -- she's in the Emperor's household -- she don't know either." "I hear them Varati are mixing it up amongst themselves. Do you suppose the Empyre might invade Avalon and take it back if the Fire Folk get too busy fighting themselves?" "I don't know. I don't know."
Title: Speaking of Sylvans... An interesting sight to be seen in Haven the last few days -- especially on the western end of town: forest Sylvans have been seen nosing about, showing special interest in the dark warehouses of the city. But the word is out, at least among the Sylvans, Delphi, and the Hounds. This is a search party. Three women, a man, and a child are looking for members of their tribe who were kidnapped. The kidnapped are both graisha. Rumor is out that one of them has been found. But the hunt has suddenly broadened. Now they are not only looking for their own tribe member, but other graisha rumored to have been kidnapped as well!
Title: Announcement! Messengers garbed in the colors of House Jove spread out across the Palladium, bearing with them scrolls addressed to each of the noble Empyrean houses. The text is simple, though intricately done by the finest calligraphers, inviting the reader to the ceremonies uniting Arianna Cassia Augustin, daughter of Cassius Silvarius Augustin and Kalyca Hermione Juventas Augustin, and Martinian Gesial Jove, son of Gesius Karainus Jove and Antonia Julia Jove, in marriage. The ceremonies, as is proper, will take place in Civitas Dei.. Some, those that know the wedding has been rumored for a very long time now, wonder what has taken so long for it to take place. Others wonder why the new Deus of House Jove would ally himself with House Augustus, given that House's sometimes tenuous position and reputation. Most simply begin their own preparations for what is certain to be quite an event to attend if only for mingling in high society.
Title: Dismal Cries from West Gate! The farmers and tenants of the west lands grow increasingly alarmed as the discord of a lone howl is heard night after night. Rumors begin to spread along the western gate of Haven as well as children run home 'crying wolf.' Some say they can see its eyes at night, searching into the city, others say that it's howling for a lost packmate. The farmers just say something needs to be done. Already, three farmers have claimed to have lost livestock from this beast including, four chickens, two lambs and a well trained shepherd dog.
Title: Another Arrival It's no secret that the servants in the noble Houses can gossip with the best. No surprise, then, to find Atreus, one of the Princeps' servants in rapt conversation with another servant wearing Tritonides livery. "So they're back now, are they?" "Aye," Atreus says. "And about time. We were beginning to wonder whether they'd come back at all." "Well, who could blame them, especially with a little one coming." "A little one who's come," Atreus corrects. "A little girl. She's a sweet little thing, too. Word is she had a hard birth, though. She'd been sick, you know?" "She's not built for children," the other servant says. "And you remember what they predicted at the wedding. Dark things, that's what." "Dark omens are what you make of them, and the Princeps and Dea don't seem to be in dark spirits. I'm sure things'll be fine."
Title: Gladiator Games Announcement The following public announcement was given today at the Rialto and other selected spots in Haven: "In three days, the head of the Coliseum will be proud to to present to the city of Haven the first gladiatorial games of this season. After the winners of last year have been given great prices and their freedom, it is an honor to show to the worthy audience the new heroes of this year, fighting for not only their own pride and honor, but also for those who they represent, as well as their lives. "Great, noble and highly reputable Houses of the Empyre have decided to allow us to view the best fighters they have found to represent them. Young, fresh men and women will spar on the sand, until their defeat or surrender. Only the best get the chance to fight here in Haven, and only the best of the best can be victorious. "You have the chance to find out who is the greatest of them all. Feel the excitement, the danger and the blood from the spectator's seating, with the actual combat being merely a few feet below you! Or reserve an even more exclusive seat at the podium, to show your exalted position within society. Bet on your champion and become rich! Watch glorious victories and total defeats! We have the most unusual, the most exotic, the most entertaining and the most dangerous gladiators, just for you. Do not miss the spectacle of the year and come to the Coliseum. You are unable to miss it at Fairway and Vicina."
Title: Rumors from the Eyrie... There seems to be something going on at the Eyrie. While always energetic, there seems to be more activity than usual, especially involving the Angaris or messenger/scout divisions.
Title: More Rumors from the North Varati ships are beginning to arrive in Haven's harbor with a little bit more frequency now that the land route is largely blocked off -- a boon to the Atlanteans, certainly, in terms of tariffs. But they have so much farther to travel that the route is still only being used with great reluctance. The sailors and traders on board report ominous rumors: that the great Varati capital city of Masada is surrounded, perhaps even overrun, and that the western half of the mountain territory is blocked off from the east by vicious fighting around the sky bridges. There are other rumors, too -- that certain Clan warlords are openly proclaiming themselves as being against Khalid. Why? Because, they say, he is abandoning the Varati. What could be clearer proof than his choice of a wife? And then there is the auction -- the selling of Varati children to the Empyreans. This shocks the travellers; some might be willing to speak up in dockyard bars and inns against it, wondering how long it will be before this practice spreads into a widescale sale of Varati children to Khalid's new beloved race...
Title: They's Up to Something... "...and he was in there for four hours." "Four? Cor -- an' 'e must be 'aving an affair. Or makin' a treaty that we should worry about." It seems that Emperor Drusus was observed going into the Korallion and did not leave until hours later. The dockworkers are suspicious or ribald. Or both. So far, there is no official word about the visit, however...
Title: Gladiator Season Opens The opening games of the Gladiator Season brought excitement as well as copious bloodshed to Haven. Spectators, fans and patrons crowded the seats to watch their favorites battle for victory. Combat was not to the death, but until one combatant yielded. The first round of combat pitted the representatives of House Augustus against a trio of dark ones. The fair members of Augustus succumbed to the darkness of their foes and were soundly beaten. The second round saw the gladiators of House Jove pit themselves against gladiators sponsored by House Acesius. Dea Selene chose her warriors well as the gladiators of Acesius put up a fine show and soundly trounced Jove, much to the distress of the crowd. Despite having the crowd favorite, House Jove was shamed as one of its fighters, known as Bravo, attempted to hurl his sword into the stands, aiming for the Deus and Dea of Acesius. While the Deus and Dea escaped unharmed, one of the Agni-Haidar, protecting the Queen-Maharani of the Varati, diverted the flying sword, where it unluckily impaled the Oracle, Jana Tritonides. The Oracle was later seen very much alive and walking down the streets of Haven with the Queen-Maharani, also a member of House Tritonis. Other notables at the games were Princeps Leonides, Olivia Augustin and Alcander Acesius, who at one point was seen to incite the crowd by screaming, "Fight! Fight! Fight!" All in all, it was a day of excitement and drama, with enough incidents to encourage further patronage of the Coliseum.
Title: More Coliseum Bloodshed Along with problems like lost children and fights over unpaid bets, it was reported that an Empyrean woman was mugged at the Coliseum after the first round of gladiatorial combat. Domina Melissa Chryseis had decided to leave the games early and was found bleeding from the temple, approximately an hour later, by a floorsweep in a shadowed corridor alcove. After being taken to the Infirmary and treated for a head wound and concussion, she reported being accosted from behind by a large male of muffled voice while her eyes adjusted to the low light conditions of the corridor. After forcing her to hand over what coin she possessed at the time, the man - -- after expressing his regrets -- smashed her head against the wall and left her unconscious. A fig-sized chunk of titanium, a rare metal of uncertain purpose, was found on the floor near the Empyrean woman. She claims the metal is not hers. Her brother, visiting Haven for the gladiatorial events, claims to have seen her rather disturbed by a conversation with a middle-aged Varati male during the first round. He does not suppose that the two events would be related on such a day of ruckus. Domina Chryseis notes that the Varati male was a shaper, probably a metalworker, who had planned to do some roofing work for her.
Title: Rumors From the Arena As the arena slaves sweep off the bloodied sands of the stage -- still littered with garbage thrown from the stands and pieces of armor -- rumors already circulate through Haven, spreading like wildfire and growing in scope from mouth to mouth. To the poor population of the city, the gladiatorial games were a diversion both amazing and unexpected... cruel in its form of entertainment, but strangely irresistible compared to the trials of daily street living, where life is, after all, even cheaper. This time, it was others at each other's throats, and the poor man or the beggar was a king in the stands. And not unexpectedly, the gossip matches the excitement of the last Sunday, when the crowds roared. Most of those of the upper classes await in anticipation the formal reaction of House Acesius to the event that shook the Empyrean (and perhaps even Varati) high-society. Bravo, the whip-swishing flashy gladiator from the provinces did rather poorly that day, and in his desperation, threw a sword into the podium of the nobility. Most agree that the weapon was aimed at the Acesian Dea and Deus, although it did -- after all -- hit an Agni-Haidar guard around the Varati Queen, before striking the Oracle. The gossip raises on this affair, everyone anticipating some reaction from the apparently wronged house. The other rumors are more expected, although not without its own sea of melodrama. A small group of mongrels claims that Nox, who fought against House Augustus, is immortal, and sent by gods to avenge injustice with his dark wings. Others claim that Bravo's stunt in the arena was predetermined, and what's worse... agreed to by the other side's gladiators. After all, did not Kesava -- nicknamed the Pantheress -- let the mongrel live, after his attack on the House she was fighting for? And did not Pylades -- the Jove hero -- bow out too early? He was, in fact, faced with two opponents, but some claim that he could have dispatched them with his eyes closed. Yet the most flamboyant story, although rumors do bear some truth after all, has a new unknown gladiator coming to Haven. The mysterious warrior is rumored to be so good that contenders flee at the mere sight of him... and he always fights to the death. According to some, he is an older sibling of The Claw -- who fought for House Acesius -- while others claim that he will team with the Augustin hero, Emrys, to empty the arena of life. Only a few say that he is Khalid's new champion to prove Varati superiority over other races once and for all.
Title: Delphic Disturbances Earthy browns and blacks mar a small circle of Delphi's courtyard in scorched testament to the disturbances from the morning prior, though the nature of these is uncertain. They say that the Sibyl Cassandra and Oracle Jana were the victims of some malicious prank: a poisoning -- no wait, a delivered basket of some sort of food bearing a poisonous snake within. Though two less potentially crazy clairvoyants in the world might have been a delight, their ominous fates were spared by some divine intervention. Some say it was the arrival of the Caducean Starsong to relieve poisonous snakebites, and others say it was the arrival of Estrel bin Mazat in time to diffuse the situation with his magical might. A short distance around the Delphic grounds, the rise of flames could briefly be seen in either the heights of chaos, or the cleansing burn to ease away the troubles. The stories and conjectures grow more convoluted from here, though it's said that the Sibyl was set on fire and sustained some measure of burn injuries. And when the flames had died, out arose the form of a.... very naked Varati man. The Estrel? No, some other unfamiliar-looking Varati man, who was supposedly detained by the Sibyl (after she was 'extinguished'). It must have been some sight, for they say that Oracle Jana was reduced to some fit of crying hysterics, and carried away in the arms of the Estrel. Even a few whispers mention the mysterious appearance of a Varati woman by the name of "Aja" -- she arrived just as the trouble began, did she not? And she is a Varati too, after all... The chaotic events seem more surreal and nonsensical than a Seer's dreams, but whatever the destruction wrought, only those scorch marks remain.... and all else is calm within the Citadel once again.
Title: Tales from the Coliseum Concourse After the battles have ended and the squabbling nobles or spectators have begun to return to their homes, one would think that all is done. Not quite. See, the betting tables are and remain an excellent place for gathering juicy tidbits of infomation or picking up on some of the recent rumors. While most of the small talk after the recent battles has centered around Bravo's show of near-insanity, or of the said immortal Nox, the other minors of the battles do receive their own little bit of talk. "That wretch... it if wasn't for her, today would have been a success," one young Empyrean man mumbles, snatching up a few coins off the table. Winnings of the second round. As for winnings of the first round there are one. "Next," the attendant calls, sweeping the man away with a hand and beckoning the next to come forwad to claim their winnings. "Tyler was a near-guarantee, he should have won," the Empyrean declares, trodding towards the exit. "That's why the odds were five to one against... that's why I cleaned the tables." The young Empyrean turns to see an older Empyrean with silver hair slink out of the shadows, a grin plastered on his face. "My young man, you thought with the crowd. And when you think like the crowd, you lose like the crowd," he says, gesturing to other digruntled bettors leaving the tables. "How did you know that Varati was going to win?" "Elementary, I did what few think of doing." "And that would be?" "A little research. All gladiators have a history. It's just a matter of asking around the pubs and inns to see what the travelers have to say. It only took me a few hours to decide that the Varati would win." The younger remains slient, so the elder continues. "Since the odds are likely to tip in her favor and cut out any easy money, I might as well tell you. It seems the Varati has been fighting for about four years in the far-off colisuem in Rabdos. She has quite the record. Many wins and few losses. And her fighting technique... how should I say it... is rather unrefined, yet very effective."The younger nods silently. "In addition, the Varati was a favorite of the Rabdos coliseum. So I placed my bet on the dark horse, and won big." The elder holds up a rather plump coin purse as proof of his words. "So that's all?" "Oh, I heard more about her, but I'm not really sure if it's the truth or not." "Like what?" "Well, if what I heard is true, I can guarantee her next battle will be a win." The younger laughs for a moment. "What are you? A fortune teller?" "No, I'm a rich fortune teller." The laughter cuts out. "No, really." "Let's just say that there is a touch of magic in the forecast." The young man pauses. "Oh." He then places his hands on his hips. "Since you know so much about her, what about that comment that she made about Alcander of House Acesius? Why did she wish him dead?" "Simple. She was an Empyrean slave. Must have not been treated very well. Maybe the two had a little run-in before the fight, but I'm not sure about that." The elder pauses for a moment. "Well, I have to be going. Better luck next time," he says before stepping past the younger man and disappearing into the now-dwindling crowd.
Title: Cyprians Getting Bold These Days! Raucous but amiable male laughter might be heard one afternoon around the Pantheon, as a number of young Mongrels conscripted to bring in boxes of fresh supplies to that august establishment's kitchens snicker among themselves about what they've just witnessed befalling one of their fellows. "Tyche's left toe! Did ye see the look on Davey's face? Thought he was gonna drop dead from shock right then an' there!" "Gotta admit, if a saucy wench like that 'un strode up brassy as ye please an' said she was after haulin' me off to Paradise, I'd keel over too!" "Did ye see those colors in 'er hair? Like a rainbow, they were!" "It weren't 'er hair I was watchin', man!" More laughter, and knowing hoots. "Cor, I bet ye five dinars Davey ain't never gone at it with a gel before--" "Well, if th' boy keeps up beltin' out songs in the streets and shakin' 'is legs around, I bet ye ten he's gonna keep reelin' 'em in!" "Hey! If 'e sings loud enough, think 'e c'n warble us up a few gels, eh, mates?" This is met with loud cheers of approval -- at least until their foreman arrives to send the lads all scurrying back to work.
Title: Bridge of Schola Empyreans startled many of Haven's other citizens when a bridge of heavily armed Schola formed across the city skies late yesterday. Hovering in the air, the Schola covered the sky in a line between the Palladium and Atesh-Gah. Aegian Cassius Augustin and Legate Claudius Areides were seen flying into Atesh-Gah under heavy escort. Despite the terror engendered by flying Schola swooping over Haven, and especially Atesh-Gah for several hours, the two Empyrean nobles left the Varati compound without any visible signs of damage. However, Varati shapers could be seen busily entering Atesh-Gah this morning, bearing chunks of marble.
Title: Empyreans on the March! The early morning banter in the Rialto is dominated by rumors and converastion of the day's pre-dawn events. The following conversation between two fruit vendors is just one of many. "'Ere now, did ya hear all that racket this morning, Marc? It was enough to wake the dead, it was!" One man seems very agitated, as he harangues his companion. "What racket?" the other man replies. "You been drinking again? I slept like a baby all night." "Well, it wasn't your house they passed by, was it now? While it's still dark, the gates to that Eerie, the Hawk place, them gates open up, and neat-as-you please, a horde of them Praetorians marches out! Yeah, marches, none of that flying stuff! And they had Mongrels in wi' em! Mixed in, marching right alongside the featherheads!" The second vendor grins toothlessly at this, and nods. "Yeah, them Empys do that sometimes, they do. Call 'em Velishes, or somethings. So what then?" The first man shrugs. "Damn if I know. They marched on by quick enough. Though my cousin who works at the docks said he saw 'em board these big ships, and sail away south o' Haven! Between this, and that damn wing-bridge yesterday, it can only mean one thing!" The second man shrugs, refusing to be baited. "Yeah? Whazzat?" "They're all insane! Too much inbreedin, if you ask me." Which no one, of course, did, but when has they ever stopped a gossip?
Title: Sylvans Attack! Oh wait, no, no. They don't. Not really. But those who have been observing with a keen eye might notice the slight influx of tree-hugging Sylvans into Haven. Well, maybe it just seems that way, for in truth, there is one woman who pops onto the surface like a bothersome pimple more than others. "Oi'm tellin' ye, she be a mean bugger! Oi's saws it wit' me own eyes, Oi did! Sh'reached o'er an' nabbed one o'them street rats and yanked her up, wrigglin' 'er aroun' like she's some pesky lil' rat er somethin'. An' she 'ad fangs out ta," with appropriate movements, a space opens up between the cobblestone and far above the braggart's head, "Here! All drippin' wit' rabiers, er sumthin'." "Bubba, yer loaded," is his friend's highly skeptical retort. "Ain't no way she's got tha' big o' teeth, cuz she'd be draggin' em behind 'er she would." A snort emphasizes his statement, before he pauses, and asks, "Wot 'appened next?" Encouraged, the braggart sloshes on about graisha slaves, and how there was going to be a war between two demons and their minions, ripping apart the very fabric of Haven. Blood, gore, and guts are all included within this grandiose telling, until at last, energy spent, he collapses in a drunken, unconscious heap.
Title: Trouble in Avalon Though a distant country, the land of Arelate is a free land to Mongrels and others trying to get away from the laws of the other kingdoms. Though small, and distant, sometimes rumors trickle down and out and seem to have some importance to Haven. Varati attacks, Empyrean threats, it's all just part of the day-to-day life of a free mongrel. But lately there's the rumor that the very government of Avalon is suffering some sort of coup. ('Coup' is a modern Haven word meaning 'serious argument'. In the ancient Varati language, the word for 'serious argument' is the same as the word for 'bloodshed'. Go fig.)
Title: Watchman's Log <North Gate: Watchman's Log Sunday, October 12, 3906> 7:00 PM - Changing of the guard. 8:00 PM - All clear is given. 8:42 PM - Elderly woman asks for directions. Received aid. 9:00 PM - All clear is given. 10:00 PM - All clear is given. 10:37 PM - Two male Sylvan spotted as extrememly intoxicated. Hounds notified. 11:00 PM - All clear is given. 12:00 PM - All clear is given. 12:06 AM - Animal cry heard. Identifiable as a roar. Seemed close and due north in the fields. Notified captain and expressed concern. 12:15 AM - Notice posted at gate by captain of the watch: Here ye all residents and travelers of Haven. Wild animals have been heard due north in the fields. It is advised that all travel close together and that livestock is under close watch. 12:48 AM - Read notice to two Varati womem that could not. 1:00 AM - All clear is given. 2:00 AM - Changing of the guard.
Title: News from the Eyrie... It comes out of the Eyrie, that the mongrel that was taken there recently, the one that spit on the Dea of Acesius, was given five lashes for his punishment and then set free. At least one, it's reported, opened the skin and bled. No official statement made, though it's said that he should have properly been punished by the Hounds.
Title: Moonlit Madness A visibly drawn, exhausted Sylvan recruit throws himself upon his bunk. The other men in the Bastion's barracks look at him quizzially, some going as far as laughing out loud. "In Nokomis' name Songan, what happened to you?" one of them asks, but it interrupted by a sentire who just walks in. "Why did you agree to accompany the Estrel on such a mission? You're a city-dweller, no use sending you to the forests." Songan lifts himself up and grimaces wryly, "The Reeve had to send someone after her. He figured I was the best of the bunch who'd been assigned to guarding the northern gates with him." "Couldn't he wait for some backup? Or just let her go out on her own?" The recruit receives a dry look, "And just how would you tell the Estrella and Atlanteans that we'd allowed her to go out by herself to hunt down a lioness, ehm...?" Silence. "Thought as much. Best thing he could do was to alert the Citadel. Luckily, Estrel bin Mazat is a reasonable man, and immediately went after us." "But he came too late." "Oh yes, did he come too late. That Halfbreed lass who'd been attacked by the beast earlier, she guided us to the place yes but instead of staying close she walked away and began playing the flute. And She followed her. I swear, there's something in Atlantean's blood which makes them women play with danger. Of course, the lion pounced the girl... again. And then... well I don't know what happened, but the beast changed into a woman. Varati, even, yet I swear she looked less appealing than she did in animal form. And only then did the backup catch up with us, when it was all over." A deep sigh and Songan turns around. His comrades however exchange looks, "I don't get it." A young, bewildered recruit asks, "I thought it was Delphi's goal to protect citizens againt consumed mages? Isn't that what happened here?" "Lad," comes the answer, "you are right, but some people are better suited to deal with them than others. Oh well... at least we can boast on the streets how we saved women and children from being eaten."
Title: Where's She Been? "Where has she been?" "Beats me. Said somethin' about bein' worried about Amber, an' that was it fer ages." "That Sylvan...." "Aye. Place ain't the same now she's gone." "Place weren't the same without Jenean, neither..."
Title: Prices of Varati Goods... The prices of Varati goods are skyrocketing -- spices, rugs, cloth, metalwork, etc... you name it. It's all very, very expensive. And probably offers a terrific opportunity for others to compete...
Title: At a Dockside Bar... "Have you heard the news?" It's the barest whisper. Even here in the dockside bars, one has to be careful. "No." The Varati's companion leans over to listen better. "I haven't been north since the land route trickled up. You've just come from ship?" The man nods -- and smells like salt water and sun, proof enough to his claim. He looks left and right. "They say the Imam -- the one from here in Haven, Vrsa? is that his name? -- was killed outside of Masada." "You don't say?" "Yeah, rebel clans have the city surrounded. Enjoy those rugs I brought, m'friend. You won't be getting any more from Barsham; they're locked up in Masada with the other 'faithful.'" "So he sent his Imam in to get killed, huh?" "I don't know, but Khalid probably didn't care. You know what the Imam's problem was?" "What's that?" "He wasn't Empyrean. If he were, Khalid would have protected him."
Title: In Another Dockside Bar... "...and that's not all. Did you hear about the Khalida woman being kidnapped?" "Yeah," the other responds, leaning forward to whisper. "Do you know who has her?" "No," is the reply. "But I hear tell she's on the rebels' side now. There's talk that it was they who rescued her. From Khalid and that" -- spit -- "wife of his." "Huh. Well, it's all bad for business. And in the end it's always us vaisya who get the shaft 'cross our shoulders."
Title: Aegians Assemble! Amid the preparations just starting to take place for the harvest festival and the honoring of Cybele, there is other talk drifting through the Empyreal quarter. Some of the conversations might go something like this: "Lots of messengers speeding about lately. Something's up. You know how them Praetorians marched outta the Eyrie a couple weeks back? Might be part of it." "Part of what? What d'you think's going on?" "Not sure. But my Deus been sending a lot o' messages to Civitas Dei lately. And I hear the Aegians are getting ready to convene." "So? They're always debating over something. It's what they do." "Aye. The question is, what are they debating? And how's that going to affect us?" A pause, then a shudder. "I don't want another war..."
Title: Death of the Empyrean Music Emporium It began as a hellish glow. A taint orange against the inky blackness of night. Soon, it rose up in unmistakable form. Fire. The terror of a city. Quickly came the mad babble of voices from the surrounding buildings. Tenants fearful of their lives and homes rushed out doors to watch the blaze hungrily consume the Music Emporium. Soon buckets were found. A source of water and a line of bodies came after. Sweat and soot coated desperation flings water atop the building. Hounds rushed towards the scene from various parts of the city. Empyreans from nearby buildings wisked over, emptying the heavy contents of their buckets upon the house. Steam mingled with ugly dark smoke. All in an attempt to localize the damage. As the dawn begins to pink the sky, it picks out an angry accusing finger of spiraling smoke that points to the gutted skeleton of the Music Emporium. Among the char and broken melted glass could be found the remains of torches and the dinstinct scent of lamp oil hung heavy in the air. The inferno had been deliberately brought about. But why? Hounds sift through the debris in hopes of finding answers, but little clues are to be found. But it seems that the efforts were not in vain, for only that one building was lost, all else was saved. Weary men and women of all races stumble towards the sleep that had been interupted, the giddy lightness of relief carrying them off into their dreams.
Title: Fire! A second blaze kindled within the cover of night, lighting Haven from the southwest corners, exactly thirty minutes past the start of the first bonfire. Hungry flames threatened several old, dingy buildings nearby, consuming a small portion before any water can deter their mission of destruction. Those that arrived on the scene were met with chaos and gore, several men found littering the streets with their entrails ripped out, blood puddling about their lifeless forms. Only later, as sense is made of madness, do other details unfold. Just before the fire, six or seven forms -- graisha, if the shadows were not playing tricks upon observers' eyes -- fled into the night from the warehouse which had been singled out to burn. No one could point the finger of blame, however, for none saw those that gutted and razed... There are always rumors, however, that wag upon the tongues of men, women, and children. Was the first fire a distraction? What about the sudden influx of wild Sylvans into Haven? Those two that were huge, dark, and towering, male and female that passed without sound, that bore bodies covered in scars with pride? What of their sudden withdrawal from Haven? That none can any longer be found within the city gates? Could it be that the released graishas have been the same graisha-slaves that the Apisachi Sachem was hunting for? Or was this just a few random acts of violence? And what of the other fire?
Title: The Trouble With Those Fishies "--and if it weren't bad enough that me business were poor, th' whole bloomin' mornin' after th' buggerin' big Varati kills th' donkey, grubby little point-eared guttersnipe decides t' pick on me with 'er big beggar eyes, an' then! Then, this fish gel, she's got guards on 'er so she must be a big fish, y'ken? And uppity just like anyone else wi' rank t' throw round! Fish gel decides she's gonna buy me sweetbread for the point-ear!" "So what th' kark's th' problem, Donal? She try t' pay ye in fish scales, or summat?" "Hrmph. Nay, she gimme coins, well enough, but th' point-ear, y'see, zings 'er a doozie 'bout who she must ha' slept with -- ye'd think she'd called 'er a cyprian t' 'er fishie face, th' way that big blue-haired guard o' hers took it! I'm tellin' ye, thought he was gonna pound th' point-ear right there, and then where would me business be, eh?" "Ye might try makin' fresher sweetbread, man, if it's business ye're after!" "Hey, Jackie, ye keep yer tongue in yer mouth where it belongs! Tryin' t' tell me story, here! Where was I? Oh, aye... well, th' point-ear, she panics, turns an' runs, bumps smack int' 'nother Varati, and 'e smacks 'er right upside 'er point-eared head! Knocked int' me stall, put a dent in it, she did!" "What, she were a wood-shaper?" "Nay, ye clod, she banged it wi' 'er stony head, though were nae stony as yours! Fish gel up an' gets 'er guards to haul the guttersnipe off, and good riddance, says I -- bad enough me business is hurtin' wi' th' Varati up an' killin' one another, dinnae need any more 'elp like this, I can tell ye!"
Title: Something Old -- Something New! Lions and tigers and mongrels, Oh my! What's that sound in the distance? That slow, whoosh and creak that sounds oh-so-familiar? Could it be? Yes!, it is. It's the sound of the Rumor Mill and it is a-churnin'! The Latest Gossip: Sponsored by Frosted Flakes (They're Grrrrrrrreat!) "Oh. Her." Clasian, a misc., rather effeminate male mongrel bard says without amusement. "Yes, I know of her and what I know is ill indeed." He shakes his head disdainfully. "What is it!?" A few mongrel women clamor from where they stand talking to him on the corner of Fairway and Border. (Shameful, but they're probably the equivalent to gossipy housewives.) "Well," he says with an air of superiority, "She's... half-crazy and half-politician. The worst mix, if you ask me." The women nod in agreement. "In fact," he offers happily, "She's very well known around the outposts and cities of Avalon... Travelling around, rubbing elbows with the powerful and spreading her lunacy to the children. She's quite mad, and she knows things." The women gasp in unison, all at once wanting to know "What things!?" "Oh, I couldn't possibly tell you!" he insists with a false sense of morality, "But I will tell you this, it involves many things, including the future of Avalon and even the Ask--" The bard is cut short as a rather threatening group of Varati walks through. The gossip participants scatter, going back to their daily lives but not quite forgetting this most unnerving news about the woman known as Pallas.
Title: Receipts "We got to the King's Gate but they wouldn't let us into the varas, Halam -- they took all of our goods and turned us back, penniless! Not an Agni-Haidar in sight, either. We were helpless and the rebels took everything--" Malik the merchant brandished a fist of papers under his elder brother's nose. "And THIS is what we got for it!" Halam jerked back, peering at the paper with his nearsighted eyes. "What are they?" "Receipts! They gave us receipts for what they stole!"
Title: Varati Storyteller Contest Despite the horrible rumors that the Varati Kingdom is in a state of collapse, the Queen-Maharani is obviously in a state of denial. Signs have appeared all over Haven, but especially in the Varati quarter, with the following announcement. The Queen-Maharani invites all to attend the Storyteller Contest. As the Varati are a people rich in oral history, this contest will be a celebration of Varati culture and history. Any Varati is welcome to enter the contest. The other races of Haven are welcome to attend the event which will be held on January, 3907 (RL: August 30, 2000 at 7pm Central Daylight Time) in the courtyard of Atesh-Gah. Rules of the Contest:
Title: Absence of the God-King Although the lifeless faces of Khalid's sentinel warriors offer no hint of it, and the mouths of his politically nimble Atarvani give no explanation, it appears the God-King has left Atesh-Gah. He is not seen in the halls, his chambers, or upon the massive marble throne any longer. The God-King has left. Where he has gone is not so much a mystery. With rumors abounding concerning the siege of Masada by rebelling Clans, it is no great feat of intelligence to guess that he has gone there... to crush the Clans.
Title: Voraciously Verdant! It was a sudden thing, the streets soaked with the constant rain that had been falling all day. Sylvans danced through the Rialto, some costumed, some in their own fey glory, the children winding a snake-like line through the booths. The puddles began to boil, as if thousands of tadpoles writhed in the throes of creation. It was not tadpoles that burst from the shallow depths, but plants, growing in sudden vegatative fury, bursting their seeds to bloom before the eyes of the surprised bystanders. The area is not huge... confined to where the children churned the puddles with their bare feet... but within that circle flowers of every sort bob, blooming in the grey rain as if to fight the dreary day with a bit of color.
Title: Life for a Coin The purchase of Varati flesh was an easy endeavor for the Empyrean Houses, Thanatos and Augustus. Easily outbidding all the other interested parties -- including Bauchus Benedictin, Aristedes Thanatos, accompanied by the fair Jana Tritonides, purchased the two youngest sons of Hassam ibn Talim Zulla Tumdari. Arianna Augustus, daughter of Cassius, gained some manner of justice or revenge against her father's enslavement by laying claim to the eldest boy. It would appear that she, at least, intends to keep her purchase and keep him in service to her house. Rumors dog Aristedes' heels, at one moment claiming that he would be willing to sell his two Varati purchases, at another moment claiming that he is willing to pay Augustus a tremendous sum for the third boy. The auction itself began as a civil affair. The clientele bid eagerly and politely on the Varati boys, but the civility was soon broken by the Artemus Orestides. The Dominus chose to fling his goblet of wine at the Empyrean daughter of Seraskier Zuhayr, Zada, claiming that it was poisoned. Harsh words ensued between Dominus Orestides and Estrel Niamh, but before the situation could reach apocalyptic proportions, Artemus did the unthinkable, insult the Queen-Maharani while her Agni-Haidar were within earshot. Given the golden opportunity, Kaimakam Amipal Chandrima did not hesitate to swoop upon the Empyrean and give him the choice between leaving on his own two feet or leaving the world entirely. Choosing the better part of valor, Artemus chose to leave with his life. Understandably, the other Empyreans at the auction chose to ignore the uncivil actions of Dpminus Orestides and focus on the excellent merchandise being offered. The three boys were sold for the grand sum of 290 soldi (9 Zechin and 2 Panas), a truly outrageous amount, lending truth to the rumor that the Queen-Maharani's Storytelling Competition is being funded by blood money.
Title: More blood at the Coliseum Despite, or maybe because of the festivals, crime seems to run rampant again. Last night, in the cover of darkness and dense fog, a large group of mostly unidentified warriors, burglars, rogues and thieves made a swift, brutal attack on the Coliseum of Haven. The guards of the building, loyal only to the manager Vasilius, got mercilessly slaughtered, leaving a blood bath at the crossroads of Fairway and Vicina. Two guards were killed, and a large number more severely wounded. The main gate to the Coliseum remained untouched, but the side entrance to the gladiator chambers was a bloody battlefield. All slaves kept in the cells and chambers were freed, their sentinels unable to stop the escape. The whole attack lasted only a few minutes, and the Hound patrol arriving at the Coliseum managed to pick up only the last of those slaves who did not get away fast enough, but none of those who were responsible for this vile deed. The members of this lawless group belonged to all races, but seemed to share no particular alliance. Rumor says the only names that were mentioned among them were Cynara and Nox. Vasilius was aghast when he heard the story and saw the result in the same night. The wounded guards were immediately sent to the Delphic Infirmary. The manager set out a sum of two soldi for catching those who brought his 'business' to ruins, while also pressing the Hounds to investigate the incident further.
Title: Gossip from the Palladium... "Well, it's about time!" Maia says, after setting down a load of clothing to be washed. Hyacinth looks up from her own labors and asks, "What?" "That Atalanta Tritonides. Someone waylaid her and beat her black and blue, I heard. Even broke her ribs. She had it coming with the way she was treating people." "But Maia, what about her looking after the Legate's girls or that one with the broken wings who can't fly?" "Listen, Hya, I've heard too many stories from Paris who has a stall in the Rialto that she bullied anyone that she could and finally someone paid her back for it. Maybe it'll teach her a lesson."
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