Title: Behzad Clan Crumbling
Author: Kaspar
Date: July 1, 1998

In the weeks following the siege on the Behzad Embassy, word has finally returned to Haven from the distant Behzadi clan homeland. Most of the Behzad in Haven seem to have left the city, and it is said that the clan is divided against itself, facing internal collapse. Since Kaspar's mortal remains, apparently reduced entirely to ash, were completely lost amid the ash and rubble of the Behzadi hall, there is a small but vocal faction insisting that their Warlord either survived the battle, or conspired with the Khalid (may his name be praised) to fake his own death. This has in no way, however, prevented no less than seventeen male infants from having been named 'Kaspar' in the belief that they are his reincarnation, as well as five named 'Feridun' from the popular belief among the Behzad that Kaspar was the reincarnation of the legendary Varati king.

Since no trace was found of Kaspar's remains, he was cremated in effigy, along with a massive male wyvern named Rakhsh, who had carried both Kaspar, and his father, the former warlord Seif into battle. Also giving herself into the flame was Kaspar's beloved concubine, Suri--well-known as a troublemaker in Haven--whose diligence in settling her lord's affairs and willingness to follow him have caused her to be spoken of as a model of Varati womanhood--a situation which, no doubt, she would have found extraordinarily amusing.

In the days since Kaspar's death, there have been no less than four warlords, three of them sons of the former warlord Seif, and all of them dying within hours of assuming the title. For now, a puppet of the clan elders has been put in power, but his reign is highly contested, and not expected to last long. Many wonder at the whereabouts of Rustam, Kaspar's half brother and personal bodyguard, who was considered the logical successor since the death of his full brother, Rashad, at Kaspar's hands only three months ago. But Rustam has not been seen since the siege, and it is worried that he killed himself after he failed to protect the life of his Warlord.

Title: Storming Woman
Author: Siraj
Date: July 2, 1998

A couple of patrons of the Fairway Public House tavern lean back in their chairs, chatting on a lazy afternoon. Already, their eyes begin to haze, indicating their current state.

"Didja sez that Vari wo..wo...gal the other day?"

"No... what she do?"

The one man waves his hand slightly about indicating the path before him, "She just a storming in and go yell at that Siraj fellow."

The other man grins, "Jealous wife eh?"

"Donna thunk so. She was MAD though. Talked something about wanting an apology and *hiccup* someone being everything."

"Didja catch a name?"

"Err... Merim, Maryam, Meryem... sumpthink like that."

"Speaking about everything, did you hear about what happened at the Rialto?"

The conversation goes on speaking about everything, and then again, nothing.

Title: Trade Sanctions
Author: Khalid
Date: July 2, 1998

For more than two weeks it has slowly become noticeable that there are many merchants who refuse to deal with Varati goods. Though it would seem that this action is levied against Clan Xerxes in particular, many merchants, unable to tell who belongs to what clan, merely refuse to deal with Varati in general. This is soon put to an end when the edict is sent forth from the Varati God-King which allows Varati goods to be traded only by merchants who are deemed proper by the Varati throne. The cost of Varati silks, metals, and all manner of refined goods skyrockets overnight as only certain Varati merchants are allowed to trade them.

As is common with things financial, a middle ground is soon found. Within days of sanctions being imposed, many non-Varati merchants are once again dealing with their dark-skinned cousins in trade. Rumors spread that these merchants had forsaken Varati trade in the first place due to threats of violence from an unknown quarter...

Title: Movement of the Memphis
Author: Giraldine
Date: July 8, 1998

Most notable as of late around the piers is the major absence of the mighty Memphis, the trader ship of Captain Giraldine, 'The Whip'. It returns to dock sometimes at night, sometimes at morning, and sometimes not for days at a time. What it does out at sea is a mystery to most, for the ship never comes back with a load of goods to sell. The Captain is especially tight-lipped, as is her crew. The men that are usually seen frequenting the Siren's Song have taken to the galley of their ship and Giraldine herself hasn't been seen on shore in a while--and when she is on shore, her mood is almost impossible to predict and most always as stormy as her sea-hardened stare.

Something must be going on, but what? No one knows.

Title: Murder
Author: Siraj
Date: July 9, 1998

The Rialto, already busy in the early morning light, finds itself a visitor, a mongrel whose shambled appearance reeks of trouble. And rightly so, for on her person is found the bloodied knife used to kill her rightful owner. Danalo, or so she has called herself, was quickly arrested by the Hounds and put into custody until further investigations can occur.

Title: One Wedding and a Funeral...?
Author: Andromache
Date: July 10, 1998

Neoptolemus Thanatos was known to have died several days ago, killed 'defending a lady's honor' as the official report stated.

What wasn't previously known, and is now causing some gossip, is the fact that he'd quietly wed some time before his death. The newly-made widow, Andromache of House Chryseis, has retreated into seclusion, in mourning, so details of the wedding aren't forthcoming from her. However, rumor has it that Neoptolemus left his young wife with child.

Those who knew Neoptolemus well, though, would recall how he set aside his first wife when she got 'too old'... and this latest development would hardly seem out of character for the lecher--er, man.

Title: More of the Memphis
Author: Giraldine
Date: July 13, 1998

The Memphis came to port for a night--beach-goers noticed the giant ship move into port as a queen returning to her throne. The Captain was the only person seen leaving the ship and then was seen in the Rialto, giving a good amount of, well, goods to a few merchants in exchange for money. It seems that the cargo was that of jewels from distant islands. Having no qualms about the beautiful items, the merchants took them with no questions as to where they came from exactly. The Captain was then seen returning to her ship and to the high seas. The Memphis is, again, gone.

Title: The Burning of the Docks
Author: Bacchus
Date: July 17, 1998

Catastrophe struck the Atlantean quarter last night as a pair of mongrels set the docks aflame in the midst of an odd hostage situation. Barges hauling winter grain to the city caught fire, as well as a ship carrying barrels of famous Varati brandy.

The resulting destruction has left the docks a ruined swath of blackened, charred wood. Those vessels unlucky enough to be caught by the inferno now stand tribute, their blackened masts poking like some obscene skeleton from half-submerged blasted hulls.

Surviving harbormasters have apparently petitioned the Korallion and Delphi for assistance in rebuilding Haven's docks, the only outlet to its major trade route, before famine is forced upon the city.

Title: Death and Destruction
Author: Riva
Date: July 17, 1998

Today in the Rialto, an Atlantean Herald made this simple announcement:

Princess Pelagria Amaris,
Heir Apparent of the Amaris Decemvirate,
Atlantean Ambassador to the Varati,
had her short life ended last night
at the hands of two men who also
were responsible for setting fires along the docks
and the subsequent deaths and injuries.

Meetings are being scheduled between city and embassy officials regarding the rebuilding of the docks.

The Herald left to repeat his announcements in various other locations before returning to his post at the Embassy.

In his wake came excited comments from unidentifiable sources in the crowd which had gathered.

"...was there. I saw it. Mongrels... could expect no better."
"...slit 'er gullet and she bled worsen a hog slaughtered."
"...dem fish-faces. 'Tweren't so bad after all. She stood there all beautiful and dignified and dey kilt her anyways. Dey others worken wit us puttin fires out."
"...heard 12 died."
"...no, more like a score."
"...Lots of heroes there. Some half-breed, Dane? Damian? Dale? Never did be knowing his name. He saved my Aunt's step-son's best friend's blacksmith's kid from certain death."
"...So many helped. That Mehmet Varati put out the fires, and the Hounds and sailors, even everyone in the Siren's Song joined in to help with the fires."
"...still a shame. That Pelagria. Never did nothing to them. She was usually so nice to everyone, even mongrels... and they went and did that."

Title: Varati Battle
Author: Siraj
Date: July 19, 1998

Steel upon steel. Blood and sweat filling the room. Two Varati meet in the Rialto, one clothed in fine armor and with four guards, the other a lone youth. The conflict goes on, the truth comes out. Apparently, it is of matters of a woman... or women. The battle ends, and the lone youth begging to be killed and the others dragging him away to return to the Atesh-Gah. Whispers speak that many recognized the boy to be the same brother of the Envoy that was only weeks before in jail for disturbing the peace... and the other, a new Warlord who has arrived in Haven.

Title: Envoy and Capt. of Korallion Guard
Author: Ishmael
Date: July 19, 1998

An odd couple was seen striding through the streets of Haven today. The Envoy of Khalid Atar, Ishmael, and the Captain of the Korallion Guard, Riva, were seen walking side by side, their faces veritable masks of tension.

The pair disappeared into Atesh-Gah for several hours. Later, Orman Riva was seen leaving Atesh-Gah, a look of determination stamped across her features.

By now, it is well-known that the Envoy and Orman Kai, the Decemvir and Riva's father, have exchanged harsh words on at least one occasion. Many are wondering what new development has these two political creatures deep in mysterious meetings.

Title: Fight in the Rialto
Author: Cepheus
Date: July 20, 1998

More talk has been coming forth from the vendors of the Rialto in the last few days. And it is potentially serious talk of a fight between an Empyrean and a Varati.....

"A Varati an' an Empy?!" One older vendor snorts toward a younger man, "And you be thinkin' that is something special?!" He smirks at the lad.

"No, Jerah, you don't understand! It was wasn't just any Varati and any Empyrean...." The young man looks away from the vendor known as Jerah as he loses momentum.

"Well, lad, lemme have it." Jerah grins at the other.

"Well, it was that Empyrean Hound, the one who is in charge...." The young man looks up.

"The Archon?!" The man laughs, "And I suppose the Varati was the Khalid himself...."

The younger merchant shakes his head, "No, but close... it was the Envoy."

This seems to make the older man stop his laughter, "The Envoy? What happened?!"

"The Empyrean was doing pretty good, holding the Varati at bay for a while. The two sending each other into the dirt from time to time." He shakes his head, "Finally though, the Envoy got a jump on, em' when the Empy was distracted. Bashed 'im good, too."

The old merchant smirks, "So the Archon took a hit? And for what?"

The young man shrugs, "I guess it was over that fox graisha that is seen about..."

The older man coughs, "A graisha?!" And the tale goes on....

Title: Varati Night Market
Author: Bacchus
Date: July 21, 1998

As Winter begins to ebb and March approaches, Varati traders from the four corners of Aether begin to arrive in anticipation of the famous Varati Night Markets which bless Haven every Spring. Despite the destruction of the docks, ships anchored off the coasts ferry their wares to shore and begin the construction of their sturdy, multicolored pavilions and stalls in the Rialto.

In addition, hints of thaw from the north have brought a new wave of fine stoneware, jewelry, and wrought-iron art from the Varati's northern territories. The city is busy preparing itself for the Night Market.

Title: A Late-Night Arrival
Author: Lalita
Date: July 21, 1998

A Varati woman and her entourage were met by the Envoy of the Amir-Al at the gates of Haven, late last night. Apparently the young lady was so wet and cold, that all formalities were taken care of in a rush, in order to get the shivering girl into dry, warm clothing as quickly as possible. Onlookers wonder who this young woman is, that such an august personage as the Envoy would come out to meet her.

Title: Night Market Antics
Author: Bacchus
Date: July 27, 1998

The Varati Night Market, always a source for excitement in Haven, erupted with a brief spurt of violence last night as an Atlantean assaulted Adham Kalil, the Warlord of Clan Kedhav. After being stopped by the brave intervention of Mehmet, the Atlantean apparently committed suicide after screaming something about outcasts, halfbreeds, and mongrels.

The Varati merchants didn't seem exceptionally phased by the event, and it doesn't sound as if they plan on canceling the remaining nights of the Night Market.

Title: Departed?
Author: Khalid
Date: July 28, 1998

Given the highly-visible presence of the Varati in town due to the night festival and the recent activities of the Envoy, it may have become obvious to the politically acute that the God-King has once again departed Haven.

Those who know where to ask may easily find out that the Khalid has returned to the Varati homeland to directly oversee, and guarantee, the peaceful trade relations of his people. Leaving no word as to when he will return, the Hawk of Heaven has departed only with a choice handful of Agni-Haidar and a small number of his favoured concubines. No specific date is given for his return.

Title: Theft and Thievery
Author: Bobbel
Date: July 31, 1998

Two shaggy looking mongrel women, buying the night's dinner at the Rialto are gossiping near a fruit stall. The taller one of the two bends to her friend, "You is never gonnae believe the story ah jist heard from me brother's cousin's friend! It is jist nae believable!"

The shorter one shrugs, knowing her friend will tell the tale no matter what.

Discarding her friend's non-interest, the taller one begins, "It all started oot a couple of days ago... There was this little kid, a boy even, who snatched the purse of a Varati woman, ye know the dark one?"

The short woman shrugs again, "All Varati are dark sillae, ye know tha... Wait, he... stole from her?"

The tall one nods enthousiastically, "Aye, can ye believe it! Anyway, he even got away wit' it... at first. But then this tall warlord starts after 'im. But that's not the end of mae story, hear mae oot."

The short mongrel woman leans closer as she does not want to miss a single detail... to pass on.

The tall one chuckles, "Ahh, interested now, are ye? Well, the man caught the boy and made 'im give back the money he stole. And then there was this Sylvan tryin' tae protect the little thief!"

The short one tsks. "Can ye believe tha...?"

The tall one continues, "But in the end, the little thief jist kicked the warlord in hissa... you know... and the kid ran away! He's in for so much trouble now, you know how Varati are when they think ye hurt their pride an' all..."

The short one nods and fingers her sore hip, remembering Varati kicks hurt as much as mongrel kicks...

The tall one frowns, "But that's still nae all! The next day the kid was spotted between the Public House an' the Rialto, holding hands with yet another Sylvan, can ye believe it! Seems almost like this lad has some influence wi' them, dae ye nae think? An' that's the last anyone has seen of 'im... Maybe the Varati caught him after all?"

The short one fervently wishes, "Ah hope nae, them Varati are nothing but trouble if ye ask mae, it's aboot time they got a kick back in the... you know..."

Her tall friend frantically looks around, "Shh, ye silly ole woman, what if anyone hears?!" Smiling friendly at the fruit vendor, she pushes her friend away from the Rialto. The fruit vendor looks at the departing woman with a frown on his forehead, then walks over to the vendor next him, a tall mongrel.

"Eh, Janus, 'ave ye heard aboot....."  

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