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Heard in Haven: September 1998
 Title: Riot in the Rialto? News spreads quickly of an almost-riot in the Rialto market on Wednesday. Apparently, an alarm was raised by a shrieking Empyreal noblewoman. Praetorians immediately leapt to her defense, and patrons of the Rialto panicked. Some were heard screaming, "SLAVE RUN!" and "THEY'RE COMING TO ATTACK HAVEN!!" Merchant stands were damaged, and several citizens were hurt in the ensuing chaos. After the Empreans departed, the crowds settled and the chaos concluded. Some citizens were heard cheering as the instigators wing'd away, amid shouts of "Bastards!" and other sundry curses. Anti-Empyrean factions in Haven are claiming this a victory for Haven's citizens over the wicked oppression of the bird-men. The Empyrean Embassy has released an official statement on the matter: "The incident in the Rialto was an unfortunate misunderstanding that spread out of control. The Praetorian Guards were there as escorts to nobles, and their intention was not to inflict harm or enslave others, merely to provide protection. This event was in no way indicative of Empyreal policy or any change in that policy towards Haven." Seen among the Empyreans: Lysander Acesian, Megeara Acesian, and Siranae Acesian. Mongrel critics are calling this a slave-run as Acesius is a slaveholding house in the Empyre. Thus far, the House Acesius refuses to comment on its policies or the event in particular.  Title: Rumor of the Sea Rumour has it: A few nights ago at least twenty miles out to sea, a great ball of fire was seen lighting the sky. The only possible explanation for this was an explosion, for a large bang was also heard as the sky alighted with fire. Sea vessels in the area swear that they saw nothing. However, a few Atlantean travelers speak of a dark ship burning atop the waters, consumed by the flames, until only a few boards were left; so strong were the flames. But, no boat was found and the driftwood upon the shores can easily be explained away as break-away from old ships or ancient, sunken ships. The Captain Giraldine, the Whip of the Memphis, was seen two days before the explosion in the area and one day after. A ship filled to the brim with a cargo of jewels to be set into gold and silver creations in Haven disappeared the same night of the explosion, but mysteriously appeared three days after--without her cargo and without any crew. Strange, isn't it? But, rumors are rumors. Title: House Thanatos With the recent 'detainment' of its House Patriarch, Raziel Thanatos, some within the Empyreal government speculate that the days of House Thanatos are numbered. While it is not certain at this time why the Deus was retained, some suspect that he's earned some powerful enemies among the Aegis and Praetorian Guard. Depending on who you ask, Raziel is everything from innocent, to responsible for the death of the Jovian Emperor, Justinius. The facts are not clear and the Empyreal government has not issued a statement at this time. Title: Return In a city whose population is as transient as Haven's, many do not know of, or remember a particular winged halfbreed who, after an initial appearance in the Rialto nearly a year ago, has not been back within the city confines since. Many do not know or remember, but quite a few who do--and those 'few' are both the merchants (who were present on that first fateful day when Khalid Atar first terrified, then offered sanctuary to the 'breed in question), and the farmers (who have since attributed a lean and hard winter to crop destruction due to a halfbreed rogue windmage). And yes, there are fully three of this particular mix of halfbreed known to the denizens of Haven--Sylvan/Empyrean cross--but compared to the one who appeared once more in the Rialto recently, the other two (both Heralds--Stormrunner and Proudwing) are positively delightful, civilized company. Further, street talk and bar conversation asserts, this halfbreed is deranged (calls herself a 'Varati' now, and though none of the Varati present refuted it, she's obviously not Varati) and rather haughty (some of that 'Varati-ness' must have rubbed off on her). The scene that elicits such talk and speculation involved the halfbreed (dressed in a most bizarre outfit) an Empyrean female (Kallia, someone identified her as, though this may or may not be true) and a mongrel (that artist fellow, with the cloak of feathers--Daedalus, his name?). By all appearances, the halfbreed was antagonizing the Empyrean or, at least, the Empyrean was being antagonized by the halfbreed, though no one really affirms that the halfbreed was downright hostile. And that wind, with which the halfbreed apparently tore down sections of the forest, and leveled acres upon acres of fields, late last summer? --There was magic in the air, yes, but no real destruction occurred. And really odd (to some, but routine to others), the artist drew the thing. The event ended without any bloodshed or violence, with the halfbreed eventually just leaving, and the mongrel slipping after her. Title: Pit Fighting That dive on the waterfront, the Siren's Song, is rumored to have a fighting pit. Apparently the city guard doesn't venture there, and private parties settle things with champions in the pit sometimes. Furthermore, for a few coins one can hire some of the locals to fight just for your sport! Title: Strange Company "Uh, say... that was..." "Yeah." "Seriously?" "Yup." "No..." "Straight up." "But... she..." "Yup." "And he let her..." "Uh... like you'd say no to Jenean?" "No. Guess not. But..." "Hey, if you believe rumor, he's about as highborn as her." "True. Is it just me, or does Jenean have a thing fer wings...." Title: Palladium Rumors... It has taken more then just a few days for tales of a festival, or other great event, to filter out of the Palladium. As is usual with the grapevine of Haven, the information is horribly confusing. Some say it was a funeral, others say it was a party. But by either account, there were many people of the Empyreal Houses in attendance. Supposedly, even the Emperor himself was seen at the party (although, it is well known the Emperor has been seen frequently of late around Haven). Other accounts seem to go something like this: "Ya' should 'ave seen it, the Acorn... the one they call Cepheus, 'ad a few too much a' th' drink, and 'e got up on a bench and gave 'is 'ouse away! Even worse, 'e gave it away to some young girl! It was the one they call Kalypso....." Even stranger are tales of some incident in between two nobles, involving a whole lot of shouting and the throwing of many objects. Of course, the things that are heard on the rumor mill aren't all necessarily true.... Title: A Meeting There is further news from the Palladium. The only concrete info is that the Atlantean Decemvir Marina asked for, and was granted, an audience with Deus Lysander. They spoke in private and what the topic of discussion was is under much speculation. Title: Arrival in Haven Recently a caravan of merchants and their wares arrived in Haven from the mountains, bearing Varati goods into the city. Amidst the people in the group was an apparently wealthy Varati woman who seemed to flaunt convention with her transparent veil and her revealing clothing. A short, but loud argument occurred when a stocky merchant forcefully demanded what he said was the agreed-upon payment for her transportation, but the quiet-voiced woman stood her ground and refused to be bullied. Calmly stating her side of things, she gained a witness in an amused guardsman that had accompanied the group and she was soon allowed to go on her way after convincing the guard that the red-faced merchant owed her money for services rendered during the journey that went above and beyond the price of her transportation. As the merchant blustered and tried to regain some of his dignity, the woman made her way quietly into Haven, pocketing her money. Title: House Patriarch Falls! From the halls of Palladium it is spoken that Deus Raziel Thanatos has fallen from his position as the Patriarch of House Thanatos. He has been stripped of his noble title as well as lands. Rumor has it that Raziel was questioned in relation to his involvement in plots to undermine the strength of the Empyre, but was not tried or convicted on any such charges. There is more strength to the whisperings that Raziel suffered from some kind of madness, which was common to those of the Thanatos line and that he was removed for 'treatment.' Thanatos' current location is not known, but he has been moved from the Eyrie to a more secure location. Title:Dangerous Gusts, and Cassius It was a clear, sunny afternoon in the busy Rialto as a large, peaceful crowd lingered and shopped for the wares... All was happy and merry (yes, I know you are all starting to feel ill, but hang with me)--that is until Cassius appeared on the scene. It seems the halfbreed known as Kiera also found herself in the Rialto at that time, and it wasn't long before the two spotted each other. To say the least, they were not very pleased to see one another. A small spat ensued, and a short time later the Archon arrived on the scene simply by chance. The winds were clearly disturbed, gusting and blowing as they pleased. Mysteriously, however, they quieted a short time after his arrival. Some words were exchanged, many spoken in anger from all parties involved. Suddenly, and without warning, the winds flared up into a full gust, catching hold of Deus Augustus and sending him rolling and tumbling across the Rialto. Fortunately, the Empyreal noble was stopped by a rather unpleasant collision with a vendor's stall. Strangely, no one else in the Rialto was affected by such a wind, a situation that has left most mystified. After Deus Augustin's unpleasant tumble, followed by some threatening rants from the Aegian, the situation dissolved quickly. Still, some noticed the strange behavior that Kiera and Cepheus exhibited during the event, and this seems to cause some wonder if the two weren't somehow involved. Title: The King's Return After leaving the Korallion with her class, Kora (studying to be a Mystic at Delphi) looks to her teacher. "Sir, what was that room they would not let us into? The one with the guards before it. Seems rather un-Atlantean, no?" The teacher, an Atlantean himself, smiles over at her, "Not at all, Kora. But His Majesty, Orman Kai, has just returned from Lyanesse, his capital city, and was having a conference with members of the Ephorate ..." Kora still looks unhappy but nods all the same, telling one of her classmates how close she was to meeting the mysterious Atlantean king. Well, students are the best at creating rumors, and soon this spreads from inside Delphi's walls to the Rialto. And from there to just about anywhere.... Title: Bad Blood Apparently, gladiators aren't the only ones doing the fighting these days... It seems two fairly well known gladiator managers in Haven, Fabien and Nassur by name, were seen exchanging harsh words and nearly coming to blows in the Siren's Song. It looks like their competition has advanced beyond the business level to the personal one. Title: Skirmish in the Mountains A gathering of Empyrean Praetorians was undoubtedly noted by most in Haven earlier today. Well, late in the night they returned--flying on bloodied wings, bearing wounded and dead, and looking quite worse for wear. In the morning, rumors fly about town (no pun intended) of a battle in the north. No concrete news has arrived yet, but others say they saw a distant glow in the mountains. Absent among the returning war party was the Princeps of the Aegis, Deus Lysander Acesius. Title: Fun in the Rialto It was around the late afternoon when it happened. People were milling around, doing their normal shopping. Many had chosen to buy their lunch and eat it outdoors in the pleasant weather. Then *bam*. Out of the sky they came plummeting down, a wraith of an Empyrean and a heavy Mongrel. They crashed into two food vendors' tents, upsetting people and food alike. Though only the Mongrel and the Empyrean were injured, they are rumored to be only minor wounds. As to who they are in particular, the Mongrel was recognized by some as Daedalus, a shopowner. The Empyrean was recognised to be Jana, a young Esper who never left the confines of the Delphi without an escort. Now just why they had both fallen from the heights of the Tower's balcony is anyone's guess. One thing is known, however--an Empyrean saved a Mongrel's life. Now how often does that happen? Title: Repercussions: Explosions The explosion and disappearance that happened not so long ago upon the heights of the ocean are now having their repercussions in the Rialto and Haven at large. It was found out that the exploded ship was, supposedly, carrying a cargo of herbs--especially the 'base' herbs that all Empyreans, Varati, and Sylvans seem to enjoy using in their meals. Haven is now short on these common herbs. It was also found that the ship was most probably of Empyreal origin and of an Empyreal crew, though no bodies or cargo logs were discovered. The second ship, that which her entire cargo of jewels disappeared, is also making it hard for Rialto merchants. Rubies and diamonds are running low, and though this doesn't seem to be a problem, those that make their living on selling the expensive jewels are causing quite a ruckus, trying to find a new supplier of the gems. This ship is still under investigation, for strangely there were no registries or logs aboard the empty ship. It is thought that it might be a private ship, hired by Empyreans, but none can be completely sure. As for the Captain Giraldine, it is rumored that she has had words with an Atlantean and has been seen around Haven more and more recently. Her sailors, we are told, are spending as if they have a bit more money than usual. As always, rumors are rumors. Title: Fighting in the North News reaches Haven by means of Varati merchants and a few battered stragglers from Clan Kedhav's elite Bronze Guard--there has been a battle in the north. According to them, several squads of Praetorians ambushed and burned a Varati camp, slaying the Kedhav Warlord, Adham Kalil, and several others before being routed. This news of Empyreal treachery ripples through the Varati sector of Haven noticeably. Strangely, it seems that the number of Hounds patrolling both the Varati and Empyreal parts of town has doubled--or even tripled. Several small problems at Varati shops are quelled instantly by the increased guard, but tension between the two races grow. Word on the street is that the Archon has already sent messages to the two races' leaders, stating that any violence in Haven's streets will not be tolerated. Title: War? "Have you heard? The Aegis declared war on the Varati! Just after the Battle of Canyon Pass..." "Battle? What battle?" "Don't you pay attention to anything?" The speakers could be anyone, for rumors in the city are going strong, yet no one yet knows the truth of them. Has war been declared? Was the 'skirmish' that resulted in a bloodied, battered band of Praetorian Guards returning to the Eyrie several nights ago the precursor of war? What exactly happened up there in those mountains? Details are still sketchy, but servants from the Palladium are brimming with stories of how Cassius Augustin 'declared war' on the Varati while the Praetorian Guard was being tended to in the embassy's garden. He also reported the news of Princeps Lysander Acesian's death, as well as that of young Eranthe Augustin. So far, no word has come forth to dispute these claims... and no one knows, yet, just what the Emperor thinks of all this. Title: Khamseen's Disappearance Amidst the many recent events, those who had the perceptiveness to notice, would've concluded that one notable figure has been oddly absent from much of the goings-on in Haven: that of the Ambassador and Foreign Liaison, Khamseen Al-Fajr. Those who did have mind to inquire might've come up with a few vague rumors or stories, ranging from Khamseen having vanished mysteriously from Delphi without leaving a trace, to stories of him being sent by the Avatarati far into the Varati homeworld to discuss the latest incidents with the Amir-Al himself. Some accounts even have Khamseen dead! Believe what you will, but the matter of fact is that Ambassador Al-Fajr has not been around Haven for few weeks now, and does not appear anywhere in sight. Title: A Smashing' Good Time Scene: Rialto herbalist stall. Two owners speak quietly. "I'm out of Atlantean headache mix. You got any left?" The second responds: "No, those round here bought it all. A lot rub their temples, speak of feeling all the heavy tension and anger." The first snorts. "Can see why. War rumors and all prickly. Just yesteday, a tiny Varati girl, about five, wandered round alone." "No parent or servant?" "No. Things moved to fast to see who did what, but before it was over there was a feather plucked, the child pushed her way to a stall, and such a mouth. Would not expect one so young to tell Empyreans their armpits stank and call them chickens. The Empyreans just left, not laying a finger on her, and didn't buy a thing. Kid fell down in a puff of air from the takeoff. Right into a Varati merchant's stall she went, smashed lots of valuables, got hurt. The second murmurs. "Guardian make restitution?" "No. She said was ward of Warlord Arslan Messala, but Lady Rani paid and took her away." "Didn't do much for business or tension levels, did it. Wonder they didn't leave in droves." The gossip ends as the two tend to new customers. Title: Headaches? Someone in the Rialto had a headache. This is the conversation. Person: "I have a headache." Merchant: "Aw, that is too bad." Person: "Do you have any herbs for me to take?" Merchant: "Unfortunately, no. It seems that there was a BIG EXPLOSION that took out a ship full of HERBS." Person: "Oh, yes. I remember." Merchant: "Oh, and don't even ask for any jewels. I'm plum out." Title: Varati Response Rumors flow from quarters surrounding the Palladium and Atesh-Gah. "Will it really be war?" some ask. "It sounds like," other respond. What brings the war? Depends on who you ask. Some Empyreans claim to have been at the Aegian meeting where Warlord Arslan Messala exchanged harsh words with Aegians Cassius Augustin and Arahael Jove. "Patriarch Augustus holds truth in his hands, and the blame is the Varati's." But even fiercer response comes from Varati lips. "The Empyreans have wanted war forever! They staged this whole deal just to force our hands at it," a particularly loudmouthed Varati merchant can be heard to complain often. "They jump at the smallest thing, and declare war on us for defending ourselves!" Will it really be war? People wonder. And what will become of Haven if it is? Answers are few and far between, and neither the Atesh-Gah nor the Palladium seem inclined to answer. Title: Happening at the Palladium It is said that Arslan, Warlord of Messala, paid a visit to the Palladium with two Varati guards. An escort of nine Praetorian Guards walked him from the Atesh-Gah and into the Palladium itself where they lingered for a time. The procession moved more quickly when they exited, the warlord and his two guardsmen abandoned by their Empyreal escorts at the gates to the Palladium. Elidi Eleinos Tritonides, Servitor in the Praetorian Guard, was heard to give the order that the gates be closed. A quartet of soldiers guards the entrance. Empyreans easily gain entrance, but all other traffic has slowed considerably. If you are not Empyrean and you have no good reason for being in the Palladium, you are not allowed inside. Title: Varati News Of all the things that could possibly help relieve the tensions in Haven, today's events are definitely not counted among them. At noon, two separate columns of Varati soldiers were seen filing into the Atesh-Gah through Haven's north gates, amidst bewildered onlookers. Those in the know claim to have seen the banners of Clans Messala and Kedhav among them. Rumors spread that the new Kedhav Warlord accompanied the armed force. In addition, Varati criers have been shouting news from the gates of the massive Varati fortress all morning: "Hear ye! Hear ye! Arslan Massala, Lion of the North, Warlord of Clan Messala, is hereby granted the title Visir of Haven by his grand holiness the Amir-al!" These declarations spread like wildfire through Haven. Title: Cepheus and Stavros Disappear... For those who watch the minute goings-on of Haven, an interesting piece of information seems to have cropped up of late. Both the Imperator of the Praetorian Guard, Stavros, and the Archon of the Hounds, Cepheus, have not been seen in Haven in the last few days. More questioning and prying into these matters shows that before their disappearance, all their affairs in both personal and professional matters were put in order. Aside from this, the only other thing which hints to their intent is the fact that Cepheus was seen just prior to his disappearance dressed in all the attire of war. Rumor has it the two left together, taking flight to the north.... Title: Morning noise in the Palladium! A morning commotion occurred in the Palladium yesterday, prompting a known slave of House Augustus to dart forth for a healer. The request was desperate enough that supposedly a branded healer was allowed entrance to tend the wounded Praefect Elidi Eleinos Tritonides, whom it is said suffered a grievous wound from a crossbow. Little official word has emerged from the Palladium as to what prompted the incident, or the woman's condition, but speculation varies wildly from it being nothing more than a family spat to stories of Elidi valiantly throwing herself in front of Deus Augustin to protect him from the shots of a dozen Varati assassins. In any case, the Praefect has not been seen in the Eyrie to tend to her duties as acting Imperator in Stavros' absence. Is the army without a leader? Some slaves of House Augustus are spreading darker rumours of what happened.... Title: Varati Doings Last evening, or so it is said, there was some stir in the ranks of the Varati present within Haven. Any about the streets would have clearly seen Warlord Fath lead the men of his Clan from the city. Rumors of the opening plays in the Varati plan abound, though some in dark corners whisper their theory that the uniting of the Clan might not be going as calmly as one would think--even with the orders of the God-King. For now, all that is really agreed upon by all is that Clan Kedhav has removed all presence in the great city of Haven, and left by the Northern Gate. Title: Arrival Shouts of joy could be heard even outside the Palladium yesterday as a new arrival announced herself. Helena Jove, distant cousin to the House patriarch, gladly embraced her cousin Selene after a long journey. The young girl apparently flew in with only two servants to carry her luggage. No parents, no guards. Odd, that. But probably things will settle down again soon, as Helena, made herself quickly at home. Title: The Body of an Empyrean In the early hours of morning, a body was discovered by a Hound patrolling the perimeters of the old city garden near Bordertown. The body is reported to be that of a young woman in her late teens. She is suspected to have been an Empyrean, possessing the typical ivory wings of that race, but it is possible that she may have been a half-breed, as her coloring was decidedly dark for a daughter of the Empyre; in fact, her eyes and long hair were black as night. She appeared to have been strangled. No one has come forward to claim the body, and the Hounds are looking for someone who may be able to identify the remains. In addition to the girl's distinctive coloring, she was tall and quite thin, wearing a light blue robe and sandals. Both items of clothing had seen a great deal of wear. She also wore a filament gold chain about her right wrist, with a small sapphire at the clasp. Title: Sylvans, Urchins, and Half-breeds, Oh My! Seems like there are a lot of rumors floating around about Tiberius, a long-time Empyrean fixture of the city. Fixture, in the sense that he's a permanent occupant of multiple bars, and his drinking habits have probably funded the expansion of many of said places in Haven. Someone swears that his sister saw Tiberius carrying a raggedly little street urchin of another race into his townhouse. Nobody's seen any urchins coming back out, though. Somebody else swears that their cousin's uncle's friend sees a young Sylvan musician, female and very attractive, visiting Tiberius' townhouse every day, for hours. And apparently, somebody's sister heard that there was a chunky, ugly Empyrean who's left a letter for Tiberius at one of his usual haunts. Perhaps this letter has something to do with the week-long 'bender' that the Empyrean went on several months ago? Whatever the case, nobody wants to come right out and ask him. Not with his rather 'touchy' reputation of late, and his known history of winning nearly every duel he's been in. And something that's rarely whispered about, except by the unwary or unwise: the fact that Tiberius is often seen with the half-breed seeress, Cassandra. That's the same half-breed who's often been seen on the Emperor's arm... Title: Missing Merchant One whose presence is missing as the Empyreans and Varati wage their little brew-ha!ha!'s is the Captain of the Memphis, Giraldine, the Whip. Speculation has her out upon the seas doing what she does best. All in all, the Captain is gone, the docks are quiet and Geri is missing.
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