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Heard in Haven: June 1998 Title: A Tragic Occurrence The Official Announcement: The rogue healer captured and brought to Delphi abused her powers one final time last night. This time, she used her corrupt magic on herself, and ended her own life. Sympathy is expressed by all of Delphi for this needless death. The body will be available for a few days, if any require proof that suicide was the true cause of death. The unofficial murmur, of course, is that Delphi isn't saying everything. Wasn't that rogue healer going to be tapped? What happened? The buzz is there is definitely more to this than there seems....  Title: Khamseen's Return Late last night, the few guards on duty at the gates of Delphi's Citadel were a bit intrigued spotting none other than Khamseen Al-Fajr, the sometimes cryptic mage of Delphi, returning to the citadel after a week's unexplained absence. Instead of his usual attire of black robes and hood, Al-fajr was reported to be wearing rather dusty travelling clothes, and overall looked quite a bit haggard. Not much else is known other than he proceeded immediately to his quarters and has not emerged as of yet. Title: Flying With God While the matter might seem of little import, whispers of it make the rounds upon old ladies' lips and from the mouths of fish-mongers and bartenders with nothing better to talk about. Apparently one of the God-King's concubines had been out shopping about the Rialto when Khalid Atar himself descended from the skies to land in the marketplace. After talking briefly with Khamseen of Delphi and the concubine, he picked the lady up and took to the skies, bringing her back to Atesh-Gah. Now while it might not be a matter of great social import for an Empyrean to lend wing to someone else (though certainly not the easiest of tasks given the extra weight), the God-King of the Varati isn't known for acting as a ferry service... Title: Visit to Atesh-Gah It was reported on the morning of this day that the Delphic liaison to the various Haven embassies, Khamseen Al-Fajr paid an official visit of homage to the Amir-Al Khalid Atar in Atesh-Gah. Furthermore, word has it that the talk between the Hawk of Heaven and the Delphic ambassador was at times stormy, and not much else is said of what the issue at hand was. Khamseen did emerge from Atesh-Gah in one piece however, a few hours later, so one would assume all in all the meeting didn't go too badly. Title: Back to the Vara Gobhi Gol Ghat, kaimakam of the Agni-Haidar in the Atesh-Gah, left the embassy early on the crisp winter morning of December 5. Some rumors make account of a wyvern leaving with him, but these are only rumors; the more generally accepted fact describes how Gobhi's horse could barely stand up under his weight. By all reports, he is returning to the home vara of the Agni-Haidar, to take up duties as a training master there among the boys drilled in the rigors of the Amir-al's personal bodyguard. Title: Festival of Passing Arts The Festival of Passing Arts The Festival of Passing Arts is a small, but ancient festival. When a Sylvan craftsperson feels the winter too deeply in his or her bones, it's time to teach some younger Sylvan certain trade secrets. A festival is set up to acknowledge the passing of this knowledge. Due to the infirmity of the teachers, these can be very small and very much on the spur of the moment. They are considered quite serious affairs, as the teacher is dealing with their own realization of mortality. After a training period of anywhere from a day to years, there is a solemn ceremony, after which a feast is held for the young friends of the student, and anyone else who cares to join in. Generally the guests are asked to gather away from the ceremony, to be called in as a group for the feast. Title: Decemvir's Return News is spread by members of the Korallion Ephorate as well as the Heralds that Orman Kai, King of the Ormani Decemvirate and Ambassador to Haven, has recently returned from Atlantis after a reported meeting of the Ephorate High Council, which was attended by the full Decemvirate. Members of the local Ephorate at the Korallion were tight-lipped about what was discussed, maintaining the mystery the Atlanteans have always had with internal affairs. Some sources report though that other than discussions on the state of the ocean empire, word has been given to bolster some garrisons in those Atlantean cities and colonies which lie upon the coasts. Reasons for this unusual action have not been released. The return of Orman Kai, though, marks his first time in Haven since the coronation of the new Empyreal Emperor; it has been suggested that the Ephorate on a whole has discussed its relations with the Empyre and its relations to Lucian Deiepetes in particular, and that the Ormani Decemvir has been sent back to Haven on said business. Title: Evening in the Marketplace Though accounts vary wildly, this seems to be the most agreed-upon version. Khalid Atar, God and King of the Varati peoples, landed somewhere near the Rialto. He engaged in conversation with the members of the city of Haven's own guard, the Hounds. Apparently angered by the actions of one of his subjects, who also happened to be a Hound, the situation seemed to have been diffused by one male Atlantean claiming to be Ormani. Considering the noble heritage of that race and house, this would come as little surprise; save that this Orman was one of the guardsmen involved! The Amir-al seemed impressed by the youth's polite manner, but there was some mention of a dreaded return. Now all there is to do is wait. Yet another of the wild tales circulating in the marketplace... Title: A Happy Occasion Goes Bad What was intended as a celebration to commemorate the passage of a tradition from one generation to another turned out to be anything but. Those who gathered to celebrate began to smell something odd and further investigation revealed that the site of the festivities had been burned and much was in ruins. The bodies of some of the dead were also discovered. Upon further searching, a lone survivor was discovered. The girl who was to be the recipient of the knowledge and tradition passed down was discovered cowering a large log storage box. A few of those present took her to a safe place and the rest dispersed with nothing they could assist with. As could be expected, this has the local Sylvan Elders obviously upset, as well as the rest of the tribe. Title: Unrest in the Atlantean Community Word has spread from the Haven docks that the usually calm and philosophical Atlantean community is up in arms. The discord stems, apparantly, from an Edict issued by the Adjudicator of Delphic Bay province, Calonice Ryko, though many blame the Decemvir directly for its order. Sources outside the sea-dwellers are a little vague about the exact nature of the Edict, but it has something to do with regulating how Atlanteans come and go to Haven--and even forbids them from surfacing in Delphi Bay! Reaction has been varied from mild puzzlement to outright hatred, and business in the Korallion has been brisk, as puzzled Atlanteans seek audiences with the Ephorate for explanation. Title: Battles at Behzad Hall Haven was taken by surprise today when Varati troop movements startled its northeast parts. It seems a combined force of Clan Xerxes and Agni-Haidar troops assaulted the Clan Behzad stronghold. Approximately a half-hour of fighting resulted in rather bloody casualties from both sides, while Hounds and Korallion Guard gathered to hold back the masses of onlookers. The outcome, however, is yet to be seen. While the stronghold's outer defenses were breached and overcome, it seems now that the combined Agni-Haidar/Xerxes forces hold the outer courtyard and outer gate, and are settled in for a siege against Clan Behzad's forces. Later in the night, garrisons of both Clan Messala and Clan Kehdav troops joined the siege army, doubtlessly wanting a piece of the glory. While the two forces remain at a stalemate at the moment, the entire city sits on the edge of its seat waiting for dawn, when Khalid Atar himself will likely make an appearance and settle this mess. Title: Night Disturbed at the Docks Word spreads quickly amongst the sailors around Haven and eventually to the general populace, about some strange happenings at the docks late last night. Many crew members of the ships currently docked there were wakened and found that the docks were full of members of the Korallion Guard, as well as some sailors from the Atlantean Navy. A message was sent to each of the ships' night watchmen that they were to remain on their ships and none woud be allowed to leave the docks proper. The Decemvir, Orman Kai, was seen then with his Captain of the Korallion Guard, Riva, and the Archon from the Hounds, Cepheus. Sailors heard them speaking with someone onboard the Seafalcon, a Varati Navy vessel, with requests to come aboard. It was unclear why this particular ship was chosen, though some remember a day back when the Seafalcon first arrived, that they attacked some members of the Korallion Guard with a "foul" weapon: their feces. It was heard that the Decemvir claimed the waters of the harbor were in Ormani territory and he had the right to board the vessel for inspection. He was spurned though, and eventually the docks were cleared of Atlanteans and all was peaceful again. The sailors about the docks have shown disapproval for the Korallion's actions last night, and some were shocked when others reported noticing that the Atlanteans have fouled the Seafalcon is such a way so that it cannot sail, though this is only rumoured and the Korallion has not supported this claim. Title: Food Shortage There is trouble at the Haven port. Ships are having trouble loading and unloading, some ships skip Haven entirely to take their wares elsewhere. The fishermen are not setting sail, citing 'ill winds' as the reason. Why? The Atlanteans are acting oddly, guards are everywhere. All in all, Haven is looking at a poor table this midwinter feast. Title: Delphi Bay There have been sightings of ships from the Atlantean Navy apparently massing within the Delphi Bay. Ships which have docked in the harbor recently tell of seeing at least two battleships and many triremes scouting along the entrance to the Bay, stopping any ships from leaving into open waters and searching them. Reasons for these actions are not given, though the disgruntlement of the Atlantean citzens of the Delphi Bay Province is increasing again, as the edict from the Korallion disallowing them from surfacing within the Bay continues. One has to wonder what the Ormani Decemvirate is up to as the Atlanteans prove not to be the silent and invisible nation off the coasts of the other kingdoms. Title: Bastion Diplomats Spat It has taken several days for the odd rumors to circulate around the city of what transpired earlier this week at the Bastion. Rumor has it the Archon had in his holding an escaped slave, for which two governments were claiming ownership. This rumor is only confirmed, at least in part by strange sightings at the Pantheon. Rumor has it two representatives from these government were seen entering the Bastion to resolve this issue. While little is known of what transpired inside the headquarters, there is talk of one of the governmental officials striking another in the Archon's company. Even more shocking is the rumor that the Archon did nothing about this assult. One thing is known--numerous people say a Varati Warlord left the Bastion first, followed minutes later by a limping Empyrean who looked rather torqued, to say the least. Shortly thereafter, the Archon was seen leading a young mongrel slave, dressed in Varati garb nontheless, in the general direction of the Palladium. People only assume that it was the Varati who did the striking, but why in the world would an Empyrean Archon do nothing to protect an Empyreal governmental official? The truth is still not known, and it is doubtful the populace of Haven will ever know the full version. Title: Huge Increase in Hound Activity Due to recent happenings in and around Haven, the Hounds have been working around the clock in what is becoming stranger and stranger shifts. The entire Varati quadrant is under a constant sweep by the Hounds since the seige on the hall of a Varati warlord just yesterday. Non-Varati peoples found lurking in the area are being kept far away from the battle-ravaged parts of the streets. Thus far, the Hounds have taken no action in the Varati conflict, and most agree that as long as the conflict stays on Varati soil, the Hounds will have nothing to do with it. Other strange rumors say that the Archon of the Hounds being called almost daily to the Korallion or into audience with Orman Kai in public. This seems only confirmed by the recent sighting on the docks, and the moderately-sized encampment of Hounds which now occupy parts of the beach by the docks. These Hounds are armed, and seem to be allowing the majority of people freedom to traverse from the docks to Haven... so far. Title: Aftermath at Behzad Hall In the aftermath of the bloody conflict within Haven's walls, healers of both Atarvani and Delphi filtered past the mass of onlookers to tend to the wounded and dying, as appropriate to their function and oath. Within hours, however, Samein Seif, member of Delphi's Avatarati and a healer himself, was seen in all of his grumpy glory at the outskirts of the carnage. Conferring briefly with advisors there, the thoroughly displeased Varati Avatarati issued a startling edict--Delphi's healers were to be recalled at once from the conflict, leaving a drastically undermanned cohort of Atarvani to attempt to deal with the mass of pain and suffering. Displeasure on the part of many Caduceans was registered, a few of the Varati members leaving to find solace within the Amir-Al's priesthood. But Delphi is apparently standing firm, and Samein's claim to speak for the Avatarati as a whole has thus far not been disputed. A terse public statement was issued with some delay: "The Oath of the Caduceans of Delphi charges us to prevent suffering as fully and truly as possible. Healing the ranks of troops ready to inflict more pain and suffering with their restored function is thereby counter-productive. When this conflict has been resolved peacefully and armed aggression swept from the streets of Haven, Delphi will offer its aid as freely as ever. Neither Haven, nor Delphi, are in the business of indirectly aiding aggression and war. We offer our services as mediators to this conflict, as soon as both sides lay down their weapons." Title: Khalid Atar in Behzad Hall Astonished witnesses swear to seeing an incredible spectacle last night--many claiming that they actually saw the sun rise above the Varati quarter after darkness set in. Indeed, many claim that it was not the sun, but a giant hawk forged from flame. All agree, however, that the fiery spectacle rose from Atesh-Gah only to crash through the roof of the Clan Behzad stronghold, only a few blocks away. Though this spectacle was greeted with plenty of cheering and chanting from the combined Atesh-Gah/Clan forces camped on the stronghold's front porch, onlooking Hounds and Korallion Guard were bewildered to see the siege army disperse shortly after, as the black-winged form of the Varati God-King, Khalid Atar, was seen to leave through the very hole the fiery comet created. Rumors are spreading fast this morning, speaking of a noble sacrifice made by Kaspar, Warlord of Clan Behzad, which bravely saved his clan from utter destruction at the hands of the Khalid. No official word has yet been heard from the once-besieged Varati clan, but it is heard that the death-count within the fortress greatly exceeded that without. Title: News from the Waters! The Atlanteans of the Ormani Decemvirate appear to be more at ease and back to their quiet selves again; it is rumoured that this is because of the Edict that was issued by the Ephorate a few days earlier has been lifted. Also, the presence of Korallion Guard along the docks of Haven has decreased to their usual number, though they still appear more alert than usual. Ships coming into port say that the Atlantean Navy, which had been questioning ships leaving the Bay into open ocean has stopped doing so. Though a few triremes still appear to be present, they are no longer acting as customs for ships entering Ormani territory. Title: Upcoming Hearing Sunday! The quiet which normally occupies the beach and associated docks at Haven suffered a rather severe disruption earlier this afternoon. Rumor has it that it had something to do with a mongrel, one particularly well-known around the docks, and a pursuing Varati. Aparently, the mongrel had somehow offended the Varati and the man was attempting to take revenge with a blade. This tells onlookers that this was probably a very serious accusation indeed, probably of a personal nature. It just so happened that Ishmael (the Varati Envoy), Cepheus (the Archon of the Hounds), and an assortment of Atlantean nobility happened to be on the beach at the time. Aparently the Varati Envoy was not too impressed with the actions of his comrade, and neutralized the threat himself. The Hound took both the mongrel and the Varati into custody. The date of the hearing has been set, and rumor has it the Hound has been talking to many people about testifying. Somehow the Atlanteans are involved, and this hearing seems to be holding a lot of interest to many people. Title: Another Ominous Visit to Atesh-Gah The latest gossip, coming from Atesh-Gah, speaks of the Liaison and Ambassador from Delphi, Khamseen Al-Fajr, summoned to an audience with the God-King of the Varati nation, Khalid Atar. The Agni-Haidar that were present in the throne room at the time of the audience are mostly tight-lipped, but the rumors are that their god, the Amir-Al, was highly displeased with Khamseen. There was talk of blasphemy and disloyalty of the latter. As the audience came to a close, the guards report, the Amir-Al led Al-Fajr away from the throne room and into the God-King's living quarters. What is the fate of the Ambassador? Not much has filtered through about that. Some say he has been in seclusion with the Amir-Al since then, others even go as far as to speculate that Al-Fajr is being detained or even maybe had to suffer the wrath of the Khalid.... Title: "Heated" Words at the Pantheon What was that? People were seen fleeing the Pantheon yester-eve? But why? Numar, a young Atlantean scholar begins to speak hurriedly to Hajjur, the glassmaker, in the Rialto: "Oh but it was a sight. Madame Rajan made some rather impious comment to the Varati Envoy, Lord Xerxes, and he attacked her ... with a sword!" "Attacked, Lady Rajan? He must be a fool .... though she did just raise my rent on my stall." Young Xuatl, a mongrel who works in the Pantheon's kitchens remarked to the candlemaker, "Oh, but the Madame was her true self, she was ... sent a good bit of fire right at that Varati's face. Than the Archon, good man that he is, came to her defense." "What ... that Varati lord attacked Madame Rajan?!" Cora's face is surprised, being one of the cyprians near the docks, "I can't believe such a thing ... does he think that he can attack a citizen of Haven ... just like that?" Most note that Cora is an outcast from the Varati nation as well. Yessel, a young lawyer for Delphi says quietly to his wife, "I can't believe it will be allowed. What are we of Haven to think if just anyone can attack us because they don't like how we live. Haven has its name for a reason, does it not?" The word continues to spread; apparently Varati are not allowed in the Pantheon according some edict from Atesh-Gah, and though the doors of Pantheon were closed for that evening, Madame Rajan opened them the next morning, making it clear she was not about to refuse any Varati entrance, "The Pantheon is a place for all to feel welcome ... is this not our haven ... is this not our city?" Title: News from the Ambassador It is almost five days after first entering Atesh-Gah, for an audience with the God-King of the Varati, Khalid Atar, that Khamseen Al-Fajr, liaison between Delphi and the various embassies in Haven emerged from Atesh-Gah. As tight-lipped and mysterious as ever, the liaison gave no explanation to his absence, or to what words were exchanged with the Amir-Al, once he was taken into the Khalid's chambers. Seeming as confident as ever, Khamseen made his way directly from there to the Pantheon, where he was seen entering. Some of the Pantheon's wenches do speak of him sharing a table with Samein Seif, the lady Rani Rajan and the Shechah Zsoza, lady of Clan Messala. Odd, all that.... Title: Bastion Hearing It would seem, according to the various rumors floating around town, that the Bastion has been quite a busy place recently. There have been sightings of every sort-- from crazy fools (jesters) to what one would probably call Varati nobles. It would seem that the Bastion has been quite a circus of late. Some might have to ask the question why, but most know full well that the Bastion's cells contain a member from the Varati clan Xerxes and a mongrel known on the docks as Chandra. These two only seem to begin to explain the odd taffic which included the cyprian known as Jenean and Orman Kai himself, the Atlantean Decemvir. Title: Did Anyone See Her Go Inside? It was the middle of the night and a Sylvan, by his dress, was seen demanding entrance into Atesh-Gah. GreyWolf was admitted and led inside the gates. A short time later, the same Sylvan and a younger fox graisha, Red-Tail by name, exited the Varati embassy. The odd thing is that Red-Tail was wearing a white Varati-style robe and no one had seen her go inside in the first place. Title: Arrival of the High Priest This chilly winter afternoon stood out amongst its brethren by the much heralded and highly celebrated arrival of Mehmet, High Priest of the Atarvani, coming to Haven to take up station beside the Varati god-king, Khalid Atar. Rumors and stories have long reached the ears of Haven's people, painting Mehmet as a loyal and devoted follower of the Varati deity, some saying that the High Priest was even trained by the Amir-al himself. Title: Dawn In the cold morning of another winter day, the skies bleakly looked down upon the Varati man emerging from the Bastion. The man's clothes look as if they have been worn one day too many. His face is unkempt from days of neglect. No party or fanfare is there to meet him. His exit is silent, barely a shadow of the great trial only days before. With a proud stance, head held high, this Varati man leaves the Bastion, heading not for Atesh-Gah, but the Public House. He speaks to no one he passes upon the street. Title: Annual Council of Delphi The word is out, officially, from Delphi, and spread through Haven quickly thanks to the diligent work of the local Heralds, that the Annual Council of Delphi is to be held in the upcoming week at the Citadel. As is the norm, once a year, the High Council and ruling body of Delphi, the
Avatarati, hold an official meeting during which policies are set, decision made and
new decrees announced. It is rumored that the latest events in Haven have prompted
this meeting rather sooner than anticipated in the season, and many speculate and
guess as to what announcements will come of it.
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