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Heard in Haven: May 1998
 Title: Alien Landings/Harvest Storms Late yesterday afternoon, near tornadic conditions descended, without warning, on the farmlands west of Haven. Farmers there tell of how entire fields of corn were laid low--toppled--by a sudden, unexpected turn of violence in the winds. The lodged corn may well be a loss, unharvestable, and the farmers are becoming more than a little hostile to the frequent visitations by Haven's Empyreans. Wind-magic, and all....  Title: Farmers' Speculations After a miserable day's harvesting ears from lodged corn, in the rain and chill of a suddenly quick-seeming autumn, the mongrel farmers whose corn-fields were half-ruined, just west of Haven, met at a local tavern within that city's walls, and drank to their woes, their speculations on what may have caused this particular plight. One farmer repeats what he saw--first the half-breed Graisha were-hawk that has taken residence in the forest came, and watched, and said nothing of the harvest or the event that precipitated its early necessity. She was joined by a tall Sylvan, seeming as feral in mood and manner, who had said (someone heard) that he had seen an unrobed Delphi come out of Haven, and return to Haven, bracketing the event of the storm. And then an Empyrean himself arrived--though a few folks say that he wasn't Empyrean, but also a half-breed, and a herald to boot (and he had blue tipped wings and black hair)--and the winds began immediately. They increased in nature and violence when one farmer lobbed a corncob at the 'Empyrean'. When the female half-breed and her companion left, toward the forest, they seemed to take the ill-behaved winds with them. After a few more drinks, the farmers were counting exorbitant losses. After a few more, they left to find ropes (so they said) and torches, to canvass Delphi or the Heralds or the very forests themselves, to make amends for these terrible (probably booze-inflated) losses. Talk is cheap, and no such riot occured this evening, though the mood has likely not dissipated. Title: Heavy Winds, Again For the Nth day in a row, strange, heavy windstorms wracked the areas west of Haven. Some say there was an actual tornado touching down a few miles into the Sylvan forest, but these sightings seem to vary in key details. When it all comes down to it, though, it just seems that something very fishy and very windy has been happening west of Haven lately. Natural? Not likely. Title: Rogue Elemental? The farmers know who's doing it. They've seen him. And he's often around the west of Haven. And he's either an outcast Empyrean (did you see that black hair?) or a halfbreed (I say he's got pointed ears). Both species are known to have air-elemental magic. One of the Sylvan children, who is fairly close with Farmer Gil's girl-child, said that Strongbow has forbidden that winged man from entering the forests again. No one understands why he'd have flattened half the corn crop in the first place, but Jo-John's boy was knocked over when he tried to lob a corn-ear at that fellow. And now they're thinking that the attack on the forests was in retribution for his shameful exile from the woods. And every time the wind's come up, folks say, he's been around. Furthermore, more than half the time's that winged fellow is seen, he's in the company of an Atlantean woman robed as an Arch-Magus. Probably his teacher. Title: Missing? Since the night was dark and foggy and the air was a bit crisp, no one really saw what happened to the Captain. It is known that she awoke from a groggy, alcohol-induced slumber, to stomp about her ship's deck, yelling obscenities at her crew and, strangely, herself. That which could be made out didn't make much sense, but it seemed to any casual on-looker that the Captain had gone mad. What more is known of last night is that the Captain left her ship, ambled down the beach, and took to the water. She seemed to be swimming rather well, until a burst of fog covered her from view, and the woman disappeared from sight. The crew of the Memphis searched the surrounding area and various helpful Atlanteans searched the ocean's floor, but neither hide nor hair of the Captain was found. There is a search still being conducted by the crew of the Memphis and Atlanteans. Title: Aegian's Arrival An entourage of griffin-drawn chariots raised some talk in the Palladium when they arrived nearly a week ago, carrying a visiting member of the Aegis as well as his retinue. But this was likely only the first of a parade of such arrivals, for rumor has it that the crowning of the new Empyreal Emperor will take place soon. An official date has yet to be released, just as no "official" word has come from the Aegis as to who will be placed on the throne. But given the fact that the ceremony will take place in Haven, rather than their esteemed "Civitas Dei," it seems fairly obvious that the new Emperor hails from the ranks of Delphi. Preparation has started for the ceremony, and there has been greater activity in the Palladium of late. Given their penchant for pomp and splendor, the Empyreans will no doubt make sure that the crowning ceremony is an event to be remembered. Title: Caravan to Atesh-Gah In the early hours of the morning, as the chill mists recede before the awakening glory of the divine sun, a caravan of the Varati people entered Haven's gates. Masons, carpenters, and craftsmen of all trades travelled in this sizable envoy, bringing with them the tools and supplies of their trades. Slates of marble, blocks of wood, roll upon roll of fine materials... all were brought forth as they entered Atesh-Gah. For days after, the sounds of construction can be heard within the walls of the Varati holding. Title: Envoy of the God-King With little fanfare, the Envoy of the God-King has arrived in Haven. Warmly greeting the Varati as he passed through the city, the Envoy made his way to Atesh-Gah, and has taken command of the local Varati in preparation for the imminent arrival of the Khalid. It has not passed the notice of the locals that extensive construction on Atesh-Gah immediately followed the arrival of the Envoy. The Envoy has sent forth official notice that any and all Varati who have issues may take audience with him at Atesh-Gah at their leisure. All Varati are welcome at the court of the God-King at all hours of the day. All others must approach the Agni-Haidar captain, Valin Jehan, or his subordinate, Gobhi Gol Ghat, for audience with the Envoy. The Envoy will also be issuing an announcement concerning new protocol for acheiving audience with the God-King later this week. Title: Mad Sylvan? A lone Sylvan warrior, tall, muscular and brooding, has been seen haunting the edge of the forest and the farmlands. This Sylvan is unbathed, wild-eyed, and carries an axe. He spends much of his time talking to himself, and has already threatened one farmer with imminent death. He screams about the 'stone-walkers' quite a bit, and has been seen hissing and gnashing his teeth whenever a winged-figure takes to the skies above Haven. The Hounds are warning people to stay away from this Sylvan until they can contact the Sylvan elders about his odd behaviour. He has largely been dismissed as a harmless madman. Title: Atesh-Gah! Varati vaisyas from Atesh-Gah have scoured Haven, spreading the word and putting up notices all over town. The Envoy of the Khalid, Ishmael Lais Xerxes, has decided that Atesh-Gah is to be made open only for the Varati without question. All Varati are welcome to hold audience with the Envoy until such a time as the God-King is present on the throne in Atesh-Gah. Members of other races, including representatives from Delphi, are no longer welcome in Atesh-Gah without prior approval from the Envoy. All others, but halfbreeds and mongrels, are welcome to seek audience with the Envoy through any of the Agni-Haidar. Halfbreeds and mongrels will be turned away from the gates of Atesh-Gah without audience. Construction on Atesh-Gah continues. Title: Weather Predictions Several have suggested, strongly, that this was an attack on the Varati embassy, by the Empyreans, either in some drunken revelry, or in retaliation for the necessity of their having to crown a new leader, soon. The storm that broke out above Atesh Gah, which clearly was of a strength to decimate any lesser buildings than the Varati fortress, must have been of Empyreal origin. Unless, others argued, that odd half-breed that lives there did it. Perhaps she was not the Khalid's pet were-hawk, as some speculated, but rather was sent there as a trick, on the part of the Empyreans, to destroy the place from within, while the Khalid Atar was gone. Now that he is sure to return, she had to strike quickly, hard. And with the abrupt manner in which the storm stopped--suggesting that the magic-wielder was struck down--it appears that the halfbreed failed. No no no, that simpering halfbreed doesn't entertain an independent thought, and anyway, she was booted out of Atesh-Gah after the incident, wasn't she? That's the notion of the third faction, headed by the farmers of the fields, who are beginning to suspect that the winged halfbreed who claims to be Varati, might well be behind the various attacks on forest and farmland, and that the male Herald halfbreed just might be innocent. They're pleased, uniformly, by this development; if the were-hawk halfbreed is indeed the culprit, and responsible for the magic, then she's already been outlawed from Haven, from the forests, from the farmlands and now from Atesh-Gah. Only a matter of time before the Delphi get her, and they'll take care of her. Title: Captain Found! The Captain of the Memphis, missing for at least a week now, has been found by the Atlantean Guards of Orman Riva. It seems that the Captain, a bit raggedy and, yes, hallucinating as if she'd been dehydrated and starved for at least a few days, was last seen upon the beach, headed into the ocean. After that strange scene, it was a week until she was discovered upon a small patch of land at least a mile or more out from land. Her body was battered and her clothing was torn as if some great battle had took place and Cap'n Geri was the prize being fought over. When Orman Riva found the Captain, she immediately brought her back to the Korallion Guard's living quarters, and the nursing began. When asked to tell the story of her sea-travel, she cannot answer and simply mumbles nonsense words over and over again. Rather monotonous, really, for such a fiery personality. She has been sitting for days within Orman Riva's care, until she is well again, but still refuses to speak of the incident. As of the last few days, Captain Giraldine seems to be well rested, fed, and almost back to normal, or what some consider normal, save for the few scratch and bite-like scars all over her body. Rumours abound about the disappearance. One that holds the most water, forgive the pun, is a rumour that a ship pirate, er, merchant, found Geri adrift and took her aboard, prompting some sort of battle. But, for the real truth, one can only search for answers, or wait for the Captain to speak. Title: Empyreal Crowning Complete The autumn sun shone down pleasantly upon the gathering in the Palladium, as the Empyreal headquarters were besieged by an assorted collection of races and factions. The occasion? The crowning of their new Emperor. At last, his identity has been made public, and he is none other than Lucian Deiepetes, a novice Arch-Magus of Delphi. A commoner, as well, some say, although his affinity for wind-magic allowed the Aegis to overlook that fact. Two of them were present at his crowning: Damaris Iolanthe Tritonides, and Cassius Silvarius Augustin. Each of them presided over the ceremony, which was executed without a hitch (save for one brief disturbance involving the newly-returned Captain of the Memphis, Giraldine). The young emperor gave a rousing speech after his coronation, advocating peace and good-will among all the races. Whether or not his reign will yield such, only time will tell.... Title: Roguish Happenings A ripple of violent activity spread through the town today, although somewhat overshadowed by the jubilant festivities of the Emypreal Crowning. Apparently, a pair of Hounds who were escorting a recently converted rogue were attacked suddenly by a rogue healer, the very existence of which has been known to send the whole of Delphi upon a blood hunt. The two Hounds and a young Esper were badly injured, and the Varati rogue who they were escorting escaped as well as the 'healer'. The whereabouts of the pair are entirely uncertain, but for some reason the Hounds and many members of Delphi itself have cordoned and sealed off the Old City Garden area, setting up a sort of armed camp. Rumors abound that some sort of rogue stronghold is being sought or has been discovered, and anyone approaching the garden area has been subjected to a suspicious battery of tests, questions, and accusations, even if they do not seem to posess the slightest bit of magical talent. Delphi is clearly unhappy, and the rogue 'healer' is still at large. Title: Black-Robed Activity It has been reported of late, around different circles in Haven, that the always spooky-looking Delphic liaison, Khamseen Al-Fajr, has been seen in public again, after having been rather reclusive for the last month. It was whispered by those who cared to convey the latest gossip that he was one of the first to march into Atesh-Gah, after the odd storm that struck it, leaving a bit later with another similarly darkly-clad figure. The guards on duty at Atesh-Gah's doors, who were bidden to forbid entry to anyone, were heard mumbling about spooky signs and such other superstitions that Al-Fajr seems to have brought alive with his visit. On a seemingly unrelated note, Khamseen's shadowy figure was also spotted hovering around the City Gardens, yet avoiding the Hounds that currently are combing the area for the presumed rogue healer. All in all, it seems like there is much brewing in the dark-souled Varati mage. Title: Incident in the Rialto The Rialto was the scene of another confrontation last night when a fox graisha, known to many as Red-Tail, accosted Cassandra of the Delphi without cause. Blaming her for many things and calling her a coward among other names, the verbal assault turned physical when Red-Tail struck the woman in the back with a rock. The woman entered the Delphi grounds, seemingly unhurt, but the guards took up a position to stop further assault even if it meant deadly means. As coincidence would have it, Samein himself entered the Rialto at just that moment and took matters into his own hands. Successfully trapping the graisha by shaping the rock around him, he forstalled further physical injury to anyone, although Red-Tail's verbal attacks turned to him. A Hound approached to take her away, but apparently underestimated the small girl and she was able to escape when his attention waned. She was last seen fleeing the Rialto. Title: Captured! There is a new story circulating the streets--a new tidbit of gossip for rumormongers to chew over. It seems the Hounds and Delphi, after a two-day "stake-out" in the Old City Garden, finally uncovered the entrance to an underground network of tunnels. Joined by a contingent of the Agni-Haidar--who seemed to have a particular interest in at least one of the 'rogue' mages rumored to claim membership with the outcasts--Delphi's own Samein Seif and Khamseen Al-Fajr searched through the tunnels for their quarry. With them were a couple of other Delphic initiates--the healer Rainmaker, and a Varati fire-mage named Veda. Cepheus of the Hounds also joined the main search party, and after an exhausting trek through the labyrinthine passageways, the search proved successful. Here is where the rumors diverge. Some say that an entire 'nest' of outcasts was discovered, though most were killed in the ensuing battle. Several were captured, and are now being held within the Bastion of the Hounds, guarded heavily. Their identities are yet unknown, although it is said that their 'leader' managed to escape, and is still at large. Dispute over the fate of these captured 'rogues' still rages. Title: More Rumors The rumors in Haven have a way of propagating fast and growing in proportion with each new telling. Hence it is that one of the side stories to the news of capture of rogues and uncovering of underground nests and hives of powerful magic, that a smaller tidbit of gossip has emerged. Apparently, some say, the Delphic Liaison, Khamseen Al-Fajr, was hurt during the venture. Some say he was healed at Delphi and is fine, more say that it is actually worse than that, Al-Fajr was burned from head to toe. One stall-owner in the Rialto even swears that he saw the cortege of Mages returning to the Citadel early this morning carrying a charred Khamseen.... All in all, no one has really seen the mage since those events transpired. Not outside of the citadel, at least. Title: The unSylvan "Did you hear about the Reeve and his recent dealings?" asks a merchant to another as the both of them chatter in the Rialto. "Nah. Didn't hear anything of the sort, unless you're talking about that one... the Sylvan who doesn't act his race..." "Yes!" the first man nods his head. "Him. He was one that got wounded at the Old Garden, flailing in a puddle of mud he was!" The other man scolfs, "If you were victim to foul magicks you'd be flopping in the mud too." Giving a sheepish grin, the first man doesn't counter that remark, "Well anyways, he's been turning up the heat with finding Rogues in the city limits.." "Yes, I've heard--escorting anyone and everyone he suspects to the Bastion, for questioning." "It's a good thing too!" the initiator barks, "I don't like those Outcasts and their reckless actions!" "They'd best beware if they're trying to hide with Aillil on the prowl. Feels safe with that Reeve out there on patrol, quite a spirit he's got on him... even if he doesn't act the typical Sylvan." In other circles.... "The Hounds are looking actively for new members to fill their ranks," one child with chest puffed out says to another. "Yeah? And why do I care?" his feminine friend responds, rolling her eyes. "I'm going to be one! You just wait! My older brother is going to seek out Reeve Aillil, as he's holding interviews." An arm is brought up and he shows off for the girl, trying to impress her. "Sure you are. Sure you are..." she then swoons to humor his effort, rolling her eyes soon afterwards. Title: Renovations Complete With a final frantic flurry of activity, the extensive alterations to the fortress-like embassy of the Varati are brought to a close. A few craftsmen remain behind to add small touches to the structure, but the lion's share of the work is finished. The skill of the Varati craftsmen must be great indeed, for in little more than a week of time the army of artisans have almost completely altered the appearance of Atesh-Gah. Even the walls themselves seem to have altered their hue overnight. The outside of the building and its defensive walls are still rather drab in comparison to most of the city, but rumours of the heavenly opulence to be found inside cannot help but leak out. As swift and thorough as the titanic task was, it would seem that the craftsmen finished with little time to spare... for the rumours have begun to spread that Khalid Atar's arrival in Haven is imminent. Title: The Hawk of Heaven Returns! The rhythmic thunder of synchronized marching settles over the area as a legion of armored troops, pikes at attention, march stiff-backed behind the four brightly bedecked war elephants which lead the procession. Crimson cloth and shining metal strike the eye, a thunderbolt of colour and motion which moves ever forward. Following behind this gaily-clad army is a smaller contingent of Agni-Haidar, only three score of the grim elite guard ride by their God-King. Amid the marching troops, in the middle of the wyvern-riding Angi-Haidar, Khalid Atar himself stands tall and proud in a wyvern-drawn war chariot, a great black spear held in his hand. Clad in armor of cerulean blue and resplendent gold, the stylized hawk-headed helm he wears obscures his face with the shadow cast by it. It would seem that more than the God-King's taste for the shade of black has disappeared, however, as his very physique seems altered. From the walls of Atesh-Gah, Khalid Atar makes his will known--that he will see any who wish to speak with the returned Lord and God of the Varati people, and that he expects to receive the homage of the people of the Varati as soon as their daily affairs allow for their presence. Title: Khamseen Vanished After the most recent events involving much of the hustle and bustle at the Delphic Citadel, it had been reported initially that Khamseen was seen around, even after being injured during the small battle that resulted in the capture of the rogues. The latest reports however, from Delphi, are that Khamseen has vanished during the evening of Saturday. His whereabouts are unknown for now, and many speculate he might be healing or recovering somewhere else. Or perhaps some business called him elsewhere. Who knows. The only material fact known is that those knocking on his door found the room empty, yet still filled with its furniture and Khamseen's belongings. Title: Body Found News filters in from deep in the Sylvan woods, telling tales of an Empyreal
warrior's body found several days' walk from Haven. Reportedly, he had been
severely battered and most likely destroyed in the air by another foe before being cast
to the ground. Stories also suggest that from the position of the body and the amount
of blood, the Empyrean was most likely still alive when his wings were torn off.
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