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Heard in Haven: July 2001 Title: Barroom Brawl "Had a bit of excitement in here the other day. You missed it." The speaker is one of the regulars at the Siren's Song, who's already working on his third pint though it's the middle of the afternoon by the time one of his long-time cronies drops by. Said crony leans closer as he settles onto the barstool, interest piqued. "Well? Spill it," he prompts. The tale-teller grins -- that was all the incentive he needed. "'Nother brawl--" he holds up a hand when his companion "tsks" in disappointment. "Nah, this was different. Empyrean brawl. Nobles, even. 'Least, I think so, even if they weren't actin' it. One'a them was one'a those Ayjee--Eejee--" "Aegians," the other prompts. "Aye," says the first. "And a darkie. They started into it -- don't ask me what it was about. For all their high an' mighty ways, looks like they never need much excuse to try killin' each other. Ha, an' they call us uncivilized. "Anyway, didn't take long for others to jump in. Coupla women, even -- one a tall Amazon-lookin' one in armor and braids, an' the other this tiny little thing -- looked noble, but sure didn't sound like it. Could'a been one'a Jen's girls, with that mouth on her." His friend leans even closer. "Women?" he asks. "Any clothes get ripped off?" The first chortles. "Nah. Too bad. One punch, an' the trashy-mouthed one went down. Fight didn't last much longer after that. Some'a those royal Guards o' theirs dragged the first two apart -- oh, an' that ex-Hound was there. The Chryseis fellow. He punched the Amazon. Anyway, their man in charge sure didn't look happy. Had 'em arrested, I guess. 'Cept the whaddaycallit -- the Aegian -- he just walked free. Even if he was the one who started it. I saw 'im throw the first punch." "Huh," remarks his friend, shaking his head. "Always the way. Think they're above the law, don't they? You can bet if it was a mongrel involved, he'd be dead now." "Aye," snorts his friend, and he adds ominously, "wouldn't be the first time." The two sober after that, and the conversation trickles to a close.
Title: At the Docks A cargo ship pulling into port isn't an unusual site at Haven's docks; usually it doesn't even deserve a second glance. Many of the ships that dock are familiar to most deckhands and their cargo is the customary goods that fill the Rialto's marketplace. When the Empyrean ship, "Northern Gale," captained by a man known as Tiberius Solon, arrived on the afternoon of the 18th, few dock hands gave it a second thought. What did bring whispers was the unusual cargo he brought and the 'customers' that were present. Its unloading was watched by two Empyrean nobles, Dea Selene Acesian and Dominus Octavian Jove. While the captain chatted with the Dea, the young Dominus watched, overjoyed, as the crew unloaded enormous slabs of white marble, all destined for some project in the Empyrean quarter. Some pondered the reason for the marble while others complained about the Empyreans wasting money again. All day, carts rumbled back and forth from the docks to the Empyrean quarter, delivering the enormous stones. As night fell, the carts halted, but it is rumored there is yet more in the hold. Those that ask Captain Solon about his usual cargo get a laugh and a pat on the back or a playful punch to the shoulder as well as the following reply. "Won't be bringin' any a that for a while. I'm headin' back for more marble."
Title: A New Residence A short while ago, renovation began on a small building in the Atlantean quarter, located near the Korallion. The work is easily traced back to the Orcinus Decemvirate. Now, after a fairly brief amount of time and a great deal of 'round-the-clock labor, they've completed their work and their new residence stands ready for inhabitation. Word trickles out into Haven that the Decemvir has taken up residence there, and any who wish to contact her should do so there, rather than at the Korallion. Some of those who pass this information on also have spoken of the possibility that perhaps this humble abode will serve as a sort of embassy for the Orcini, and those who remember their behavior several years ago express little surprise. It's a quiet debate and yet still it's whispered around: Is the place to be an embassy or a simple residence? It's left to those listening to decide.
Title: Guild Meeting The first general meeting of the Merchant's Guild didn`t go quite as planned. Despite the newly installed Chancellor, one Dominus Aurelius Malachi Volaire, receiving the chain of office from two jewellers/Guildsmembers who had as was duly noted within the log spent a 'great deal of time and bleedin' effort on that thing so don't bloody break it...' The next ten minutes where spent duly promising and swearing that the said Chain of Office would not be lost nor broken while apologizing to several Mongrel jewellers for not using their skills in the creating of said work. A hushed silence followed and the stammering Empyrean raised a new point of order, much to the relief of one contingent of merchants of differing creeds. The first point of order was the election of Guildsmen and women to the Mercantile Council. The next half an hour was spent in uproar as the various races that made up the Guild deliberated over why they where better for the post than the other races... eventually after free honeyed ale was announced, the uproar died down and the quaffing began and such quaffing there was to be had! After many an ale and the loss of the log to help the ale soaked minds, the first point of order was once again raised....
Title: Trouble in the Rialto Rumors circulate amidst the market in the Rialto of a rather strange altercation that occurred in the early morning. The stories all vary, disagreeing to some degree upon the actual happenings of the morning, but at least this much can be agreed upon. A Varati beggar or ascetic confronted a group of merchants from the vaisya clan al'Samar, who had among them a daughter of the former Shakir of the clan, and had his head handed to him in reply. Some 'witnesses' claim the beggar was crazed by the Dipavali poisoning, instances of which had become blessedly rare until this, and struck the first blow, others voice the opinion that he was struck now for nothing more than words. Whatever the cause, at the directive of one of the vaisya, a small cart was brought, and the beggar carted away with them, presumably for either treatment or punishment, ending the morning's excitement.
Title: Poor Wandering One... The building project of the new Temple at Main and Primoris (near the Palladium itself) is a bastion of activity, a-buzz with movement of materials and preparation of the site. People are always about, it seems. For the past few days, however, a constant shadow exists at the construction site in the form of one of the artists. Or so it is said. A man of youthful age, thirty or so, with a sprouting beard of coppery hue, has been skulking around the site with a sketchpad, his melancholia palpable to any to whom he speaks. Which, one may note, is few. Known as a nobleman, at times armed with a bottle of wine (he prefers red) this sculptor has rarely left the construction site, if ever, applying his charcoal to paper in a less than enthused manner. Many of his creations have been made into wads of parchment that the support staff for the site is left to pick up for him. He must belong there, for no one seems intending to run him off, but his dusty demeanor and lethargy leave a few wondering what is his purpose. Can this shadowy figure be all that is left of the manic, energetic Civitis Dei sculptor, Endymion Chryseis?
Title: More Building Even as the Empyreans work on their own new temple, and the Orcini of the Atlanteans move into their recently renovated building on the south side of town, the Varati quarter has seen some odd activity of its own. The ancient temple there, clearly of Empyrean origin and abandoned for as long as anyone can remember, has seen quite a bit of activity of late. The Hounds once assigned to see to its protection as its ownership was disputed are long gone. So, too, is the statuary reclaimed by the Empyreans. The remodeling of its structure, however, has taken on a distinctly odd tone. While existing walls are carefully bolstered and the weak portions given a little extra help in finding their way to the ground, the cracks and broken portions of the building have not been replaced. As well, the encroaching tendrils of Mother Nature have been carefully avoided in the work, leaving the temple more than half-reclaimed by chaos. A new door is in place at the front. The ceiling has been replaced by a unique and living structure comprised of a huge lattice and growing grapevines. And over the door has been hung a sign that this building is now a place of business, its symbolic pictures spelling out even for those without the ability to read that within can be found herbs, medicinals, healing and other goods.
Title: Leaving So Soon? A rumor quickly goes out into the Atlantean quarter, and thereby into Haven, that those living within the Orcinus residence have been scurrying between said residence and their ship, the Iroke. The gossip is that the Orcinus Decemvir has received some news of her brother Kuronbo and it appears that she is packing for an immediate departure. A small group of Orcini have been left in Haven, the remainder all boarding the Iroke so as to be ready to sail with the tides. Those in the know say that the Decemvir has given orders to sail north, as quickly as possible. North...
Title: Jaws? "Didya see the bleedin' fishie girl them two others carried through the Rialto, Winnie? Didya?" A mongrel boy of about eight perches on an empty barrel in one of Haven's many alleys, eyeing an older woman nearby with what can only be called gleefully morbid excitement. He swings his filthy feet as he leans forward a bit. "'Arry said 'e did. Said she 'us bit by a shark! 'Alf dead, she were." "The first 'un? Er the second?" the laundress queries archly, looking slyly up from the soapy hot water that she's stirring about in a large tub. "Gimme another o' them bundles," she orders, narrowing her eyes as the child goes wide-eyed and then violently clamors for her to satisfy his curiosity. "Gimme that un at yer feet, Jem, er I won't tell ya a thing." Once another bundle of dirty laundry goes into the steaming tub, the old mongrel woman stabs at each piece with a long paddle, sinking it out of sight in the rapidly graying water. She's nearly through when she pauses to swipe a lank strand of hair from her forehead, muttering to herself and very deliberately stalling. "Hotter'n a 'rat's forge t'day, i'nnit." The boy eyes her with childish malevolence. "Not fair, Win. Ya said ya'd tell," he snarls, clambering back up onto the barrel. His pinched, dirty face draws into a ferocious scowl. "An' I will. In m' own good time," Winnie answers, taking several extra minutes to get the laundry all shoved beneath the surface before she allows herself to be satisfied. When she's ready, she begins with ill grace. "First 'un got dragged through, a'right. Right past ol' Cedri's stall. They's takin' 'er to the Delphi. Seen 'er m'self, I did." That ill grace turns to the relish of a born gossip, though, as the woman warms to her gruesome story. "Pale an' limp an' bleedin', she were. Whitefish, wi' blood sauce," Winnie cackles. "'Er leg were all et up. T'other 'un, she got gobbled all up and down on 'er arm. She were bleedin' right bad, like th' first un, and they took 'er into Delphi too. Shark got 'er, 's what I heared 'em sayin'. Big ol' shark. Jus' like what got th' other 'un." With a sharp, righteous nod, the woman adds with narrowed eyes, "Mebbe ye'll stay outta the water now, eh, Jem? An' mebbe them fishies may 'ave to see who c'n find who first. Or else... they mebbe have ta stay out fer a spell too!"
Title: Delphi Isolation A change has come. It comes without preamble or explanation. Those few who would be wandering the Rialto in the dark morning hours would see a rather unique event. A group of mages. Shapers. Earth weavers. Aether Elementists. They gathered within the courtyard of Delphi with grim resolve. Eyes directed towards the pathway that leads into the greater Haven area. It is the Shapers that step forward first, their magics enhanced by the urgings of their brethren's elementalist powers. Kneeling there, hands gripping the hard cobblestone, pressing into the surrounding buildings the might of Delphi blooms like a lone flower beneath the wan moonlight. The rock ripples, surges upwards, cascades away from the buildings, knitting together into a stone wall. A barrier between Delphi and the rest of Haven. Soon the Sylvan Earth movers follow. The ground shuttering and cracking in great rents. Out of that thrust heavily thorned branches that climb the stone wall greedily. Adding further deterrent to any who would attempt to venture into Delphi. It would be noted that this barrier could serve to keep others out, or keep something within. But which is it? Has the proud spire of Delphi become a prison, or is there some greater menace beyond? The windows have also been barred, and the courtyard seems more or less deserted. Though the occasional voice does flit over in tempting suggestion. Should any winged Empyrean shadow the sky though, all becomes stillness and quiet once more. Should any land within the courtyard they would firmly, if succinctly, be asked to leave. The Tower itself remaining a firm bastion of implacable silence. None entering who are not wished.
Title: The Amarada Returns Finally upon the docks comes the word ... The Amarada has been sighted! After a long testing journey, the infamous ship has returned to Haven with goods from far off Khemet and other unusual ports along the far coast. And yet there is word that he is already planning on another journey while the warm weather still holds ... this one to visit with the Aesir far to the north. Word on the docks is that the Empyrean Captain, normally so aloof and distant from his own race and their politics, will actually be sailing to the Aesir as an emissary for the Emperor? Strange rumors indeed, though when questioned on the matter the Captain merely smiles wryly and makes no comment, other than confirm that yes, the Amarada will be sailing to the Aesir just as soon as possible.
Title: A Ceterva Arrives A shadow passed over the city of Haven. A shadow composed of five hundred Praetorians, garbed in full military regalia. The soldiers were armed with bows, javelins, arbalists, and the inevitable pilae, and they flew across the city, bypassing the Eyrie and the Palladium altogether only to fan out over the heart of Haven and land in the Rialto around the isolated Citadel. Like a storm-cloud settling. Since then, the soldiers have rotated in shifts, always keeping a couple hundred in the Rialto to 'guard' the walled-in Citadel. They make no attempt to fly past the barrier erected by Delphic mages, and seem disposed only to stand sentinel. So far. What they plan to do is anyone's guess. But Apollo help Delphi if they decide to attack.
Title: The Chancellor Speaks Entering the Rialto it seems a somewhat frailer than normal Aurelius Volaire was seen to eye the troops warily before glancing about the various stalls and merchants. Oh, how he trembled and almost turned about to head back to his store before something braced his flagging nerve and made him turn to face those few merchants who pay their dues to the Merchant's Guild of Haven. Looking to those who see past his condition and simply see a fellow merchant he began to speak by all accounts, his stammer more pronounced but his courage noted by many about him. His words called upon the merchants to join as one and look to the arrival of the Guards as an opportunity and not a disruption for the Praetorians are paid as every other servant of the City and Empyre. Each word stammered by all accounts until a kindly merchant moved beside the young and pale Empyrean to offer some support (mind you, the fellow did have several robes on order with the tailor and probably wished to see them completed). As for the Citadel... he urged the Guildsmen and women who listened to be careful but to remain calm, business must go on as normal. And as warily as he came the young Empyrean turned and shaking gently he moved back towards his shop on Seaside and Vicina for rest, a strong cup of spiced tea and some potent mixture whipped up by his business partner, the young Miss Ysabel.
Title: Varati Members of the Merchant Guild In the guise of Nefer Maat Al'Samar, former Shakir of Clan Al'Samar, it is rumored that Varati merchants belonging to the Merchant's Guild are less than happy with the Chancellor's statement of support for the Praetorians who have occupied the Rialto during their 'siege' of Delphi. Nefer Maat Al'Samar could be heard making the following statement after Chancellor Aurelius Malachi Volaire made known his support of the Empyre's action. "We look to the Amir-al, not the ignorant candala. We follow the path of light, so that we may prosper. Money is the bedrock of vaisya achievement. We follow the fourth Surah by trading within Haven. If the Amir-al declares support for the army of the Empyre, then we will support. If not, then all vaisya backs will be turned against the Praetorians, even if they have usurped the center of trade in this city." It is unknown whether the woman's opinions are held by all the Varati merchants within Haven or merely those who joined the Merchant's Guild.
Title: Canopy of Thorns "Didja hear what I heard this evenin', Aaron?" "Eh, no? Wot?" "More weird stuff from Delphi. Seems they got themselves a canopy of weeds 'n thorns coverin' their courtyard." "How'd you figger that?" "I heard it from ol' Cletie. She was out a'flyin' o'er the courtyard, an' she happened ta notice it. Said it looked nasty. Not all o' it was covered, but it looks like Delphi's really got a lid on sumthin' happenin'." "Feh. They're all nuts."
Title: Unrest in the Rialto The pervasive mood in the Rialto has been one of growing tension. That tension almost snapped one afternoon after the Imperator made an appearance in the market-place, leading a small squad of reinforcements. Witnesses might mention that he and the acting-commander of the Schola, the Centurion Aevarus Crispus Acharaton, attempted to gain entry into Delphi's courtyard, but were thwarted by the thorny canopy now covering it. The Imperator later ordered that more supplies be brought in to his troops in the Rialto -- torches, pitch, and plenty of arrows. It was this, and his talk of potentially 'laying siege' to the Citadel that caused a stir among the resident merchants. A shouting match ensued as various merchants protested the possibility of imminent violence. Many would be quick to mention that the Imperator even threatened to shoot one of the merchants; going to far as to have one of his archers take aim. At this point, a group of Atarvani, who'd been watching, interceded, and maybe it was the possibility of taking on the Varati that prompted the Imperator to back down. The outspoken merchants got their moment of victory when he flew off, but his soldiers are still there, en masse. And, as rumor would have it, the small 'army' is still growing.
Title: Whispered Conversation Late one night within the Vicina general mercantile, the Chancellor of the newly-formed Merchants Guild was awake as he is most nights flushed with a feverish demeanor and violent chill. Rumors of his health seem to vary from 'a mild headache' to 'He died this mornin' Guv.' Gut most aren't too far off the mark. A knock upon his door is heard and slowly the young Empyrean moved to answer it, allowing entrance to one scruffy urchin who informed him of the threat against one merchant by the Imperator and one zealous archer. By the urchin's account, t'was a pitiful sight indeed as the Chancellor stumbled back to his chambers to don his chain of office over his nightly robes only to return and send the urchin sent off to gather the Guild's members.... This does not bode well for the Chancellor's rumored support for the Guard which all but dwindled further with this report. Another urchin grabbed from the street and handed a pouchful of coins as told to find Nefer Maat Al'Samar immediately, while another was sent to inform all merchants that the Guild is there to support them, one thing for sure those pale eyes of his that all too often show how ill he really is... sparkled (at least in front of others) for the first time in years..
Title: Gossip: Temple Site When your hauling heavy slabs of marble in high summer heat, gossip makes the time go faster. A break for a drink of water starts the rumors flowing. This afternoon's gossip is focused on the artist, Endymion. Laborer #1: You see that noble woman who was here yesterday afternoon? A cool drink of her would make a man happy. Laborer #2: The one who came to see that crazy artist? I'd have to be blind to have missed Her. Laborer #3: Lavinia. That's what he called her. Heard it myself. Here, hand me the bucket. L1: Yeah. I sure would have liked to get under her silks and fu. . Hey! Careful with that! Lares, watch what you're doing. You'll spill it! L2: Woman like that wouldn't have anything to do with you. Or me. Why she was even here for that drunken sot. . . Hear he's supposed to be some great sculptor, but all I see him do is sit around. L3: Pretty damn useless if you ask me. He hit me with an apple core the other day. Didn't look, just threw it right at me. L1: I think they were having a lover's fight. L2: Her and that artist? L1: Yeah, you know, he was falling at her feet and begging him to forgive her. L3: You weren't here a couple weeks ago, but he was all clean and sober then. Then, he shows up one day drunk, unwashed. . I bet it happened then. She kicked him out of her bed. My wife did that to me once, caught me in bed with her cousin. . . L2: Woman like that kicked me out of her bed I'd be drunk too. L1: Think it was over another woman? L3: Nah. Who'd want another woman when you got one like that in your bed? L2: Hm. A boy then? L1: <silence> L3: <shrugs> Hm. Possibly. Just the other day I saw that architect from Olympia and. . . L2: If I had a woman like that, she'd never spend a night alone. . . or a day. . . or an afternoon. . . L1: If you had a woman like that, your family would starve. L2: I'd be at home in her bed! L3: I'd bet my day's wages it was a boy. L1: Boy or not, she did forgive him. Took him back. L3: A woman will always take you back. My wife, she took me back in after her sister told her I was drunk all the time, crying, ready to kill myself. . . They act mad, scream yell, break things. . . <shrugs> It's a woman's way. But tell them your life is over without them, and you'll never do it again. . . they always take you back. L2: Bet that's why he wasn't here early this morning. L1: I'd have given my month's wages to be him last night! L3: Ah look. Here he is now. All cleaned up, smiling, and sober. . . L2: That's the look of a man who spent the night loving a woman. L3: I'd give a year's wages to have been him last night.
Title: The Varati Reaction It begins in the evening, by torchlight. Stars of sable-clad Agni-Haidar emerge from the vast edifice of Atesh-Gah, filtering swiftly throughout the Varati quarter; they are joined by armed detachments wearing the colors of the resident kshatri clans, leaving their chambers and halls for the shadowed streets of Haven. Hours later, the ponderous vaisya carts begin to roll, drawn by naraki and laden with wood and stone. By daybreak, the soldiers are calmly supervising the erection of shaped barricades along the border with Empyrean territory, as well as north of the Rialto; peaceable citizens are allowed to pass freely through these nascent structures, but military elements of all kinds are turned away. The same holds true at the northern gate of Haven itself. Armed Varati are on regular patrol throughout their portion of the city, forcibly detaining those who break the peace and removing them not to the Bastion, but to the Varati embassy. Indeed, one sizeable detachment has assembled before the fortress of the Hounds; the constables are permitted to go about their business in Haven, but those who enforce Delphic law within the Varati quarter itself are politely but firmly returned to their base of operations. The warriors of fire seem to be leaving the populace in relative peace -- at least, thus far -- but they display no desire to explain or justify their actions.
Title: Proclamation from the God-King The dawn's light sets the crimson robes of the Atarvani ablaze as they make the rounds of the city of Haven, loudly announcing the following decree from street-corners and the places where men assemble to do business: "Unto the faithful and to the people of Haven, our god and king Khalid Atar sends greetings. The divine throne has witnessed the recent decay of civic order with sadness. Without the support of the Children of Fire, the Delphic Order is in disarray; they have sealed themselves away from their own citizens, abdicating their role as governors of Haven and refusing Varati emissaries. An Empyrean army now camps at the heart of the city, unchallenged by the local constabulary -- itself a body which no longer possesses a clear mandate. In these times of tribulation, the Pasha of Haven has no choice but to assume administrative and protective control of the Varati quarter of the city. The God-King also opens his heart to the bereft citizens beyond his residential sphere; kshatri warriors stand ready to protect those who request the aid of the kingdom in securing their own lives and properties from foreign aggression."
Title: Edict from the Empyre Concurrent with the Varati announcement, almost as if the two nations conspired together to coordinate them, comes Heralds from the Empyre. The Heralds issue forth from the Palladium, each unfurling a scroll and declaring the will of the Emperor of the Winds and Storms. The announcement is as follows: "By the will of Deus Maximus Arius Stavros Thanatos the First, Emperor, and Ruler of the Sky and the Winds, the Empyrean Empyre hereby declares the quarter of Haven occupied by Empyreans to be Empyreal territory. Those areas owned by Empyreans now fall under the laws and edicts of the Empyre and will be under the protection of the Praetorian Guard. As Delphi's actions have demonstrated they see themselves not as a center of learning for all races, but a power equal with other nations, the Empyre must act. The Deus Maximus, Arius Stavros Thanatos, encourages the other nations to do the same. Varati should rule Varati, and Atlantean should Rule Atlantean. The Empyre directs no hostility toward other nations with this action, and trusts that peaceful settlements can be reached in the case of any disputes over specific border areas." The Heralds will then furl their scrolls and move on to the next street corner to make the announcement. They are swiftly replaced with Praetorian guards at all the intersections. Guards who prowl about the on the Empyrean side of the walls created by the Varati. It seems the Emperor has decided to act.
Title: Atlantean Action Slow to rouse, it seems the Atlantean people have finally taken action within Haven. No barricades have been set, nor have their warriors flooded the streets of the southern side of the city. The Korallion guards, long in partnership with the Haven City Guard, do not forbid Hound patrols within what might be thought to be the Atlantean quarter. They do, however, no longer walk alongside those patrols, but rather carry out their own and often follow and observe as the Hounds pass through. Of other note, several warehouses have been opened that those that feel uncomfortable in the sections of the city heavily patrolled by other militaries might take shelter. Through Heralds, the Korallion announced to the Rialto that all who feel the need to leave any other section of the city will find welcome within the Atlantean quarter, but that violence will not be brooked, nor will they allow any other of the laws of Delphi or the Atlantean people to be violated. Those that are found to have broken the laws, it is said, will quickly remanded to the Hounds and removed from the southern side of the city to the Bastion's cells. A small contingent of Atlanteans has also been seen making its way to the Bastion to speak with those within.
Title: Departure of the Decemvir With little fanfare, much of the Ormani household was seen boarding a ship and setting sail out of Haven's bay and into the ocean beyond. Those that dared inquire found that the Ormani Decemvir, Orman Riva, had departed for reasons uncertain, leaving her husband Orman Rhys and some of the household behind to deal with matters in Haven.
Title: While the Hounds Are Away... ... the foxes will play. Lawlessness has always been a peril in the streets of Bordertown, but with the significantly altered presence of the Hounds on the streets of Haven, rumors begin to spread through the underbelly of the city that it's wise to keep a sharper eye than usual upon one's purse -- and to carry an extra shiv if one has to go out at night. Pickpocketing is on the rise, and three different Empyrean houses of modest wealth have in the last week suffered efficiently organized break-ins while their guards were handily overcome and left tied up in alleys... or in one or two cases, mysteriously vanished entirely. No merchants or merchant caravans have as of yet been targeted, but certain shopkeepers have begun to mutter amongst themselves about unsigned messages that have begun to appear nailed to their doors -- on the inside -- demanding ransoms in order to make certain that they do in fact remain untargeted.
Title: The Wall is Lowered Just as the sun was rising, activity began. At first, the only witnesses were merchants setting up their stalls for the day's business, but soon enough the Rialto was filling up as people were drawn from other streets to watch. Delphi's sealed wall was coming down. Stone flowed like water back into the cobblestones and surrounding structures. The thorned vines that had formed a netted canopy over the courtyard withered and fell away. Cracks of moving rock reverberated loudly. When it was over, a group of mages clad in their traditional kaftans surrounded one Atlantean man. He was lifted up via a Shaped stone platform to the top of the wall, and his voice rang out easily. "Denizens of Haven! Let it be known that on this eighteenth day of August, in the year 3908, the Council of Estrella is dissolved. Theirs is a name that no longer holds authority within Delphi, nor within the city of Haven, nor within its surrounding lands. "From this day forth, let it be known that the Seneschal of Delphi, Minowara Raijin, is recognized by Delphi as its highest source of authority. He shall in turn be supported and advised by a council of ten, comprised of one member from each of Delphi's ten castes. Delphi shall be ruled by Delphi, for Delphi. "The city of Haven has not been forgotten. The office of the Provost shall continue to stand as is, and the laws of Haven shall continue to be upheld by the Hounds. It is Delphi's hope that these new changes will herald a return of peace to the streets, and it is also Delphi's hope that the rift that has grown between the races can be healed." Nothing more is said as the Shaped platform is lowered, but soon enough, Heralds are spreading the news to those who were not witness to the event. Heralds were also spotted leaving Delphi's Citadel, travelling in the directions of each of the racial embassies.
Title: Messengers from the Palladium Several hours after the wall around Delphi went down and the Seneschal made his announcement, some witnesses might have commented on the number of mongrel slaves and servants dispatched from the Palladium, with even a few Heralds in their midst. They were all carrying messages, and they seemed quite determined to get those messages delivered. It might have been amusing, to some, to see how earnestly the messengers spoke with stern Varati soldiers at the stone barricades blocking off the northern part of the city, or how vehemently they pleaded with Hounds or Korallion guardsmen in the southern section. A few were even spotted travelling past the outskirts of the city, into those forested lands where it is said the Sylvans dwell. What business could they have there? Whatever urgent news they carried remains unknown to the general populace of Haven, and so speculation abounds. Interestingly, the particularly sharp-eyed might have noticed a seal decorating the parchments they carried -- and the especially observant might have recognized the seal as belonging to that of House Augustus.
Title: Hound Movements With quiet actions that speak for themselves, the Hounds disperse further into Haven. Where barricades have gone up, the Hounds assist in their movement -- not far. Not far at all. But now where Empyrean and Varati quarters butted up one against the other there is a narrow lane the width of the street between. This lane, a thread of a buffer between the two races, is patrolled by Hounds allowing for the free movement of traffic along it -- not that much moves along the way as it does not proceed from here to there along any common path. Likewise, another contingent of several hundred Hounds left the city by way of the West Gate. They were sighted a short time later at the North Gate of the city, attempting to close it for the security of the city. The Varati protested their control of the gate, and rather than provoke armed conflict, the Hounds simply withdrew to the road outside the city. They now remain camped there, redirecting all traffic either back within the city, or around the wall's edge to the western gate. Another, smaller contingent of Hounds (this made up of older men and women likely retired and now called back to duty) serves to assist farmers with carts that might have a difficult time on the unpacked earth around the city's walls, and that stretch is quickly becoming a packed road under their hands.
Title: Hard Times. In these days everyone knows times have gotten hard. The stress of the city and the overall tension is at a growing high. Along the western borders of Haven, where travelers have been detoured to go from the north gates, a body was found. A Varati body. It took very little investigation to judge the cause of death, for the man had more wrinkles than a pile of wet silk. There were no marks on him, no wounds, and not a single sign of struggle. It was ruled that the elder man must have simply collapsed to his death in the heat of the summer. Nothing is known of the old man, no name, no recognition, and in fact it seems he did not come from Haven at all. He carried nothing on him, at least nothing that was not already looted, and there seems to be no sign of any traveling companions of the old fellow. The Hounds that found him, took care of the business of his burial with grim efficiency, and spoke no more on the matter.
Title: Mercenaries in the Rialto With the increases in incidences of petty theft, it is not surprising that certain vaisya merchants have taken on extra security during these troubled times. Mercenaries which usually guard the al'Samar caravans have been seen hanging around the clan's cloth stall in the Rialto. In addition, protection of the clan's wares comes in the form of kshatri warriors belonging to clan Khalida. The warriors of Khalida, one or two pairs at any time, stand guard near the al'Samar cloth stall. The few Varati vaisya in stalls near the al'Samar stand seem alternatively comforted by the presence of mercenaries and kshatri, and wary whenever a Praetor wanders by. So far, no incidences of hostilities between the differing militaries have been seen, but it may only be a matter of time.
Title: Word from the Docks It seems everybody wants a piece of the action, what with all the hubbub and chaos that has ensued since the Varati and Empyrean quarters have turned to martial law practically and what with Delphi essentially relinquishing rule over Haven. But hey, money's gotta flow, people gotta eat! As such, the Buccaneers have seen an opportunity and didn't even wait for it to knock. Why risk bringing a whole garrison down to the docks, initiating a battle or riot when you can hire a group of Buccaneers to guard your warehouse/docking port/ships coming in and going out? Security without messy entanglements! Protection without risking your own men! Since the only stake in all this is money, the Buccaneers are more than content to police the docks, keeping the peace ... and a piece of the pie, for themselves. Many a merchant and sailing vessel is more than happy to cut them a slice rather than lose their ship to an attack, their merchandise to thieves ... their warehouses to arson. Of course, off the shores of Haven, piracy has increased to an all new high for vessels who have not bothered to assure themselves of such protection as the Buccaneers have to offer. Such a pity too, because protection from ones enemies comes at such a reasonable cost. What is the price of peace of mind worth to an Empyrean Captain, his ship protected from those Varati scum ... or a Varati Captain, his ship protected from those Empyrean ravagers?
Title: A New Head Librarian It's been rumored that Vergilius Cocceius has been planning on stepping down from his position as the Scriptorium's Head Librarian for quite some time -- no longer young, he's expressed a wish to spend his declining years back in his home in Civitias Dei. But Vergilius has stated this so often that it has become something of a fond joke among the librarians at the Scriptorium -- he'd never really voluntarily retire and give something up he loved, after all. Still, everyone gets old eventually, and Vergilius has been of poor health recently. And so quietly, without much ado, he tendered his resignation on August 25, 3908, and prepared to pack his things for his final trip home. The thing that has set the Scriptorium abuzz, however, was his choice of successor. It's true that Xerise Cleona Janaurius could almost be considered a resident of the repository of knowledge, spending nearly all her hours there when assigned a project. And she has been most helpful to Vergilius, willingly pitching in when needed. But there was no hint that she was up for the position, and her naming to the post came as a surprise. Some say it's due to the special attention she received recently from the Emperor. Still others say that it is due to her selfishness with helping -- something those who thought they would get the job have been lacking in. And one particularly vicious rumor states that she used her feminine wiles to trick Vergilius into giving her the position: a rumor laughed off by those who have met the oddly modest scholar. Whatever the reason, it remains fact -- the scholar from House Januarius has been given the position of Head Librarian, and accepted it willingly.
Title: There was a WHAT?! CrumpledFeathers, a Sylvan Hound comes running out of Delphi's hedge maze, reporting to his compatriots. "Did you see it? Did you see that Atlantean girl and the bear?" Kolin shakes his head. "What are you talking about, Crump? Have you been in the ale again?" His eyes narrow suspiciously. CrumpledFeathers shakes his head. "No, no. A shifter, silly. A HUGE bear. I saw him from here. He towered over the hedge, then disappeared. I went in to investigate. It was the strangest sight. You know that one Atlantean girl? The one that seems not quite right in the head? The one Jessop was working on earlier?" Kolin frowns a bit. "You mean Aulii? She's all right, just not good with the language." CrumpledFeathers nods. "Yes, well, whatever." That's a matter of opinion, in his book. "When I finally got there, the bear was laying on the ground and, believe it or not..." Kolin interrupts. "Whenever you say that, it's no more than a tall tale." CrumpledFeather's shakes his head. "Let me finish. The bear was laying on the ground, and that Aulii was walking along beside it, petting it." Kolin arches a skeptical brow. "Then she climbed on the bear's back, and he stood up with her on top of him. Somebody surely saw her looking over the hedges. That's how tall the bear was! It was like she was riding a horse I tell you." Kolin chuckles softly. "The stories you come up with..." CrumpledFeathers grumbles at that. "Well, just you wait 'til I find someone else who saw it. The shifter was real easy with her, laying back down so she could get off. Then he shifted. As big as a Varati, but he was as Sylvan as I am."
Title: Meeting in the Citadel A veritable parade of dignitaries were glimpsed headed toward the Citadel today. Khalid Atar, the God-King of his people, was spotted, along with the Queen-Maharani and former Estrel, Niamh bin Mazat. The Emperor was seen as well, escorted by a barrage of red-cloaked soldiers, and still others claim they glimpsed the flinty-eyed Pandion Decemvir, Sarojin, flanked by bone-and-coral armored guards. What could they all have wanted in the Citadel? Word on the street varies. Some are certain that they were meeting to divide up Haven amongst themselves. Others insist that Delphi had invited them, to try to work out some new agreement that might end the rising tension. Yet it must have failed, for the Rialto is still populated with Praetorian Guards, who likewise patrol the streets in the Empyreal quarter. And the dreaded Agni-Haidar and Clan soldiers still police their own district. Has anything really changed? Maybe little things. Ripples in a pond. There's a rumor going around that one of the members of the Aegis was arrested during that meeting, by decree of the Emperor himself. Tensions were no doubt high, and the gathering of leaders and dignitaries, Aegians and Legates, Oracles and luminaries remained secluded in the Star Chamber for a good several hours. But what they discussed -- that, only they know. And what will come of it, only time will tell.
Title: Resignation With little fanfare, a large party of men left the Bastion for the Rialto. All had the bearing of long-standing Hounds, men and women trained to fight by what is probably not the most elite force when compared to those of nearby nations, but still all-in-all a very competent source. And yet not a one sported the slightest bit of Hound indigo and black. They proceeded to the Rialto where one of the many stepped forward, recognizable to many as the acting-Archon of the Hounds, Dohosan Eagle-Eye. He announced to any that cared to listen: "The Hounds had no part in what Delphi is becoming. They were not consulted. They were not warned. They were given no support as Delphi turned its back on its people. As such, I, and many of my men, feel we can no longer support the organization that Delphi has become. We suggest the citizenry of Haven make its will known, before they find themselves ruled by a government in which they have no part." That said, the group (largely of Sylvan men and women) departed from the Rialto. Dohosan has not been seen, since. The rest of the group of Hounds that seem to have defected with him have returned to their own quarters of the city and their families, there, while the Sylvans have departed Haven altogether, or simply disappeared.
Title: One Fine Summer's Day... In the late morning of Friday, September 6th, 3908, the weather went insane. From a late summer sky clear of clouds, a brutal storm manifested. Just off the coast, and likely causing the destruction of many of Haven's harbored ships, a funnel of air sucked up the sea's water and cast it with terrible violence, onto the city. That was joined by clouds of the more normal variety, lightning and thunder snapping through the air and hitting targets on the ground. Anything loose stood a good chance of being lifted by the crazy winds and what might remain of it after being smashed into houses and buildings, was dropped like broken toys, throughout the city. Rumors of deaths have been rife, and no few houses down at the seaside were destroyed by the towering waves that struck the eastern beaches. The storm terrorized the surprised citizens of Haven, lashed the city for a solid two or three moments, then it was gone as quickly as it had come. The aftermath is considerable: A few boats, or pieces of boats, are now to be spotted on various rooftops of the city, along with the occasional cart or upended roof. A few are missing, a few have been found quite mangled by the elements. In the giddy aftermath of the storm's clearing, enterprising youth ran around and collected dead and dying fish that were scattered across the streets, stranded as they drained. And, well, now people have something else to talk about, other than Delphi's peculiar activities -- UNLESS... They did this!
Title: UFO (Unidentified Flaming Object) over the Rialto.... "Blimey, Jeb, did ya see that?" His finger traces the trail of a fireball, on a rapidly descending course. "Cor- looks like it's heading for Delphi!" He was, apparently talking to empty air, for Jeb had already taken off for the apparent destination. Arriving some minutes later, the two pant as they get to the scene. As with everything of interest in the market, others have arrived before them, in particular a group of Praetors, most of whom, to the discerning eye, will note are the medics. The two attempt try to fight their way through the crowd and do what they can, but it's too thick. Finally they settle for asking someone, "'ere now, Sally, wha' 'appened?" The somewhat blowsy shop's caretaker responds, "One of 'em them birdies caught on fire an' fell out of the sky, now didn't she?" Their eyes wide, "Aye? Who is it?" There's a vicious smile on the part of the woman, "They're sayin' it's that Tritonides woman. You know, the b-" "Never say it is," cries out Jeb, as he dives into the crowd to have a closer look. The man remaining remarks to Sally, casually, "'e ain't fergivin' her for summat she did sometime back. You know how she was, always lordin' about." By the expression on Sal's face (mostly the gleeful grin), it might be noted that she's indeed quite familiar with Atalanta. The two of them stand and watch as the Praetorians try to elicit some information about who this Empyrean might be; they remain as quiet as does most of the crowd. Eventually, however, someone admits they might know who she is, and the injured woman is taken to the Palladium.
Title: Rubble The wake of the storm has left a portion of the school run by Kallista Minervius and assisted by Delphi teachers in rubble. Luckily, the part of the house destroyed was the back side, comprising the living quarters which, at the current time, are unoccupied. The schoolroom itself stands, and so students are informed that lessons will indeed continue as normal.
Title: A Toppling Return! Gossip, as per usual. "Hey, did you hear what happened at the Rialto?" "No, what?" "This Mongrel girl 'fell' right into a group of Empyreans and Varati! I heard there were at least half a dozen men and women rolling around , completely indecent!" "*Gasp*" "Have you heard the news? Opal's back in town!" "Opal?" "Yeah, you know. Two -- three years back, she was the one who originally opened The Gem Inn?" "Uh. Wonder if she's gonna try and buy it back." "Did ya hear? There was almost another fight between two of us and those damn birds!" "Where?" "Right in the Rialto, in the middle of the afternoon! Apparently some innocent maiden was accosted, the filthy bird had his paws all over her!" "I hope she burned her clothes afterwards." And so on and so forth. In short: Opal's back, or former owner of The Gem Inn, depending on who you ask, has returned. She came with a trio of semi-battered merchant wagons. Apparently, pretty much right after she stepped foot into the market, something happened involving her, the Empyreans Altair and Sariel and a Mongrel named Taryn -- someone pushed someone into someone else. What a way to make an entrance!
Title: Devastation at the Docks! It is with some shock and surprise that Captain Demetrius and the Amarada sailed back into port after a week at sea escorting a Varati merchant ship on its safe and merry way. The degree of the devastation is unbelievable. Nearly every ship was damaged in some manner, if not completely destroyed and still drifting in pieces, then certainly not seaworthy. Only those that had anchored a ways off seem to have survived somewhat intact. The docks themselves have broken away in sections, though woodshapers and carpenters are already hard at work to make sure that all the dangerous debris is out of the way and the process of rebuilding the wooden structures is well under way. Of course, many of the Buccaneers were in port at the time, their ships and numbers decimated along with any other unfortunate ships, crews, and warehouses they were guarding. Upon docking a safe distance away and taking a longshore boat in, the crew of the Amarada ascertained rather quickly two serious facts. First, what little survived the tremendous, and clearly unnatural, storm was scavenged and stolen. Hundreds upon thousand gold pieces worth of merchandise and raw materials were either destroyed or stolen during the aftermath of the terrible disaster. No race, no person, in Haven will be unaffected by this. Even if they did not lose merchandise or suffer damage to their homes and property outright, with all import and deep sea fishing vessels disabled, there will be a serious dearth of all imported goods and fish. The second realization that has struck the crew of the Amarada is that they are possibly Haven's only salvation until more ships are repaired and made seaworthy. With his mouth in a grim line, Captain Demetrius sends word out upon the docks that his services and that of his ship are available to all who inquire. The rule of "First come first served" will only be overturned by needs of an emergency nature.
Title: Sunset Surprise Word of another appearance of unknown Atlantean warriors reaches ears in Haven, from the Korallion to the Rialto, a bold move with palpable proof left behind on the sandy shore. As the sun slid slowly toward the horizon on a September afternoon, casting scarlet and orange across the waves of Haven's bay, a dozen Atlantean warriors and their leader came ashore with a heavy prize dragged behind them. The wooden burden proved to be the prow of a sailing vessel, perhaps a fishing boat: the "Pearl of the Waves" was painted boldly along one side. Jagged indentations and holes marked marred much of the wood where it was separated from the rest of the boat; those who look closely would see the marks were made by teeth. Large ones. The woman warrior then shoved a spear in the sand near the discarded prow, and atop the spear a head was spiked. Her warning was given to two already on the shore, an Atlantean and a Sylvan, and then beneath the waves the thirteen went again. A note has been hung with a message scribed in plain block text, for all to see. "To Orcinus, to Haven: take back what you gave our waters. Send no more unless you desire the same result. Our patience thins."
Title: Damage to the Song! It seems the ships near the harbor weren't the only things damaged in the freak storm that arose some days ago. The Siren's Song, one of the most notorious of Haven's dives, has also taken a bit of a beating. Part of the roof has been torn off, and several windows have been broken, shutters are nonexistent now. Some of the siding boards have fallen away as well. Never-the-less! The bar remains open for business! Raven and some of the bouncers are going about trying to fix the broken places, and the rooms with holes in the ceilings are being used only at the discretion of those who normally occupy them. Who knows what sort of thrill an open sky might give some customers, eh? The risk of being spied on from the birdies above? The repairs are going to be slow though, it seems. And the prices of everything within the Song have reluctantly been raised to accommodate the funding of these repairs. ... Still, they are not outrageous prices, yet. Hopefully they won't go up any more, because the Song is not patronized for its lovely atmosphere, that's for sure!
Title: A New Order Words that would normally be contained within the Hall of the Sky and the private meetings of the Aegis spill over into the streets at the shocking events that shook the normally petulant arguments of the noble council. Blood, blood spilled before the throne of the Emperor, by the Emperor's own hand. Details, in truth, are sketchy, and wild tales abound. But what is clear is that a new rank in the Schola is rapidly spreading throughout Haven, the men marked by the lightning bolts that signify the Deus Maximus' god-given power, and their share in his authority through such allegiance as the icon proclaims. What is more, the Princeps is dead and the Aegis relegated to less than an advisory role, its remaining powers usurped by the Emperor's decree. Tales say that other Aegians lay dead as well, Hesperos Iolanus is one of those numbered amongst the missing. These facts are certain. The nature of their demise, however, is not, nor the motivation for the obvious, visible changes in the administration and protection of both the Empyre, and the Empyrean quarter of Haven.
Title: Guild Elections And finally it happened, in a flurry of feathers and exquisite scent Domina Illyria was appointed as Vice-Chancellor to the Merchant's Guild and Representative on the Mercantile Council. 'Twas a fine moment indeed as the weary Chancellor presented her with a light chain of office and stammered through many a speech with shaking hands and ruffled wings. Of course, this could all be down to one formidable presence.... Evania, the weaver and firebrand merchant extraordinaire, was elected to the Mercantile Council as Alderwoman and likewise much to the Chancellor's pleasure and nervousness, was Maat. Oh, how he stammered and shook like a flimsy little sapling in a full scale storm but still he weathered... perhaps a few years knocked off his life here and there... a few more wrinkles where there where none and no doubt a greying hair rapidly appearing as Evania instilled a sense of pure dread into him and half the audience.
Title: Rialto Protest In the aftermath of the Merchant Guild's elections, it would seem that one of the Alderwomen is taking her job to heart. In the Rialto, at the feet of the Citadel, Nefer Maat Al'Samar spoke to the crowd of mixed races. "Fellow merchants, the time has come to make our will known. Delphi raised a wall around itself and grew brambles. It is a center of magical power, yet during its internal revolution, not a single thought was given to the people of Haven. We live around the Citadel, constantly in fear that the mages might lose their power and destroy us. What has happened? A storm of epic proportions. A magical storm. Does Delphi defend us? Does Delphi protect us? No. Why should we continue to support Delphi, when it does not support us? We should stop hovering in the Rialto like supplicants at the feet of the Citadel. We should move our business and our commerce into our prospective quarters. The Varati will protect the people of Haven. The Empyreans will protect the people of Haven. The Atlanteans will protect the people of Haven. Yet they can do so only if we, the people of Haven, allow them." "We can only speak with our feet. We must make Delphi prove that it cares for us, if it ever did. If Delphi will not protect us. If the Hounds will not protect us, then we should move and we should not pay taxes! We can move or we can have Delphi proves that it still cares about us rather than mere power. Delphi must have the barricade at the North Gate taken down. It is costing lives even as we speak." "Ships have been destroyed in the harbor due to Delphi's indolence. What does this mean for the people of Haven? Higher prices. Warehouse by the docks have been destroyed. What does this mean for the people of Haven? Higher prices. Goods are spoiling because there is a barricade by the Hounds at the North Gate. What does this mean for the people of Haven? Higher prices. Why should we pay taxes on higher prices that are caused by Delphi? Is Delphi trying to kill us slowly and painfully? Let Delphi make a gesture of goodwill. Let Delphi remove the barricade at the North Gate. If Delphi will not, then I say we leave the Rialto." Her speech found support in the merchants and customers in the Rialto. The crowd began to chant, "Free the North Gate!" as well as "No more taxes!" A large group of small mongrel boys gathered at the gates of Delphi. Standing before the guards, they yelled, "Free the North Gate!" On the other hand, after having riled the crowd, Nefer Maat Al'Samar could be heard saying as she left the Rialto, "Support the Merchant's Guild. Free the North Gate." Almost like a politician.
Title: Performance in the Rialto Just around afternoon, in the hottest part of the day, after Maat finished her speech to the merchants of the Rialto and was answered with cries of "No more taxes!" and "Free the North Gate!" a singer made herself heard above the restless din, chanting a slow, steady, repetitive tune into the ears of all who would listen. Blood calls blood, Death requires death. Where pain strikes once, must fall a double blow. We know not mercy, only that massacres must not go unpunished. Let enemy blood fall like rain. To this tune, a green-haired Atlantean woman stepped from the mass, dressed in blue, marching silently to the center of the square and followed by a singing Sylvan woman. A circle formed and a dance was done, and it is rumored that never before has anyone seen a dance so violent or passionate -- least of all from an Atlantean, creatures who barely walk upright on land without long practice. Through it all, the Sylvan sang, over and over, as the Atlantean took to the air in wild flips and twists. The dance lasted several minutes, punctuated by murderous demonstration on the part of the Atlantean; those who caught sight of her eyes found them hard as jade and unyielding in their tightly regimented anger. When the dance completed, the singing continued, and the Atlantean stepped out of the circle to join her Sylvan partner. The two paced southward, accompanied by the Sylvan's smooth song, and left the Rialto amid murmurs of "Reaver."
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