Season 1, Update 17: Conflict, Power and Opportunity in Allanak

[Valkyrja]

The taverns are buzzing with fresh rumors, blood's been spilled in the streets and happenings at the King's Age Festival has the city on edge. Opportunities are out there for those brave, the bold or the foolish enough to take them. But keep your ears sharp (not that sharp) and your back covered. It only takes one wrong move.

Turmoil and Transformation
The Magefall movement has entered a new phase of turmoil following the massacre of Syrah's followers outside the T'zai Byn Compound, forcing the once-public group underground. Rolana's whereabouts are unknown, with rumors suggesting she's in exile for cowardice. Clandestine meetings now take place in hidden dens, as whispers of a new leader, known only as Commoner, spread. His influence grows among those opposing the Gemmed's elevated status. Prominent figures from the T'zai Byn and possibly even the Arm of the Dragon and Nobility are rumored to be involved, advocating for the return of Allanak's traditional social order, with the Gemmed tightly controlled by the Templarate.

Show Your Allegiance

For those wishing to display their stance on this divisive issue, two new tattoo artists have set up shop in the city:

Lyvix: Located near Stonecarver's Road, Lyvix offers designs for supporters of the Magefall movement. Lyra: Found close to the Shady Oasis Tavern, Lyra specializes in tattoos for those who stand with the Gemmed.

As tensions simmer and alliances shift, the future of Allanak hangs in the balance. Which side will you choose?

A Gladiator Freed
Nikki the Highlady of Hate and Menosax the Farmer met each other on the sands in the thrilling conclusion of the tournament where one slave would be elevated to commoner status and granted a boon by the Great Lady Sath. Ten gladiators had been hand picked for the tournament, with eight were now dead, and the bloodsport fans divided into two factions. Nikki represented Allanaki irreverence, taunting opponents and crowd members alike. Menosax was a man where you got what you saw - a simple man with a straightforward respect for his betters.

When they clashed, Menosax bore the armor of Borsail in stark comparison to Nikki who continued to defy decency and death by wearing as little as possible. It became evident that the Highlady held a speed advantage and pressured Menosax into positional mistakes as she ducked under the powerful swings from the farmhand. The Highlord must have blessed Nikki - for she cut down Menosax in quick form with only minor injury - and claimed her victory.

The Gaj Who Got Away

Much to the frustration of His Templarate: the words of Great Lady Adaren Sath have been disproven, as rumors of the gaj she claimed to have smote in the Arena continue to circulate. The hushed whispers of speculation in taverns have caused a panic as it has become increasingly clear something unnatural is amiss - and no one is safe. Long-time respected merchants, soldiers, mercenaries, and everyone in between are vanishing by the dozens, only to reappear weeks later as shadows of their former selves. Grieving families overcome with joy to rediscover their loved ones are crushed that they no longer seem to be whole. Crazed and often detached victims of psionic attack are routinely being tackled and dragged away by the militia, never to be seen again. Nightly festivities at taverns are being disturbed by those shouting about 'She Who Consumes', that the Templarate is nothing but defiler tyrants, and the proclaiming a new hierarchy in Allanak.

Many fear they will be next, with no end to the chaos in sight. She escaped the wrath of a Great Lady - who can possibly stop the gaj?


Tavern Under New Management

The Shady Oasis is once again under new management, this time by Dzeda, a highly charismatic tribal trader and storyteller. Rumors suggest a Magefaller curse could be to blame for the constant turnover. In a bold move, Dzeda has halved food and beverage prices, sparking a rush of patrons. It's unclear if this is a temporary promotion or a long-term strategy. Additionally, the tavern is now buying raw ingredients, making it an attractive destination for hunters and grebbers looking to sell their raw foods to Oblitha.

Opportunities

Noble House Oash is Hiring!
Oash seeks aides and a skilled vintner to tend his vineyards. Aspiring candidates should seek Kestrel to arrange an interview.

Perjun Trading Company Looking for Grebbers
Perjun Trading is hiring hunters and grebbers, offering pay, sponsorship for a year in the Byn, and armor. Speak with Nyxie for details.

Master Wainwright Seeks Apprentices
Saidi of Adeeb seeks apprentices for his wainwright business, offering resources, training, and a chance to become partners.

Lord Templar Rahvik Oash is Hiring
Lord Templar Rahvik Oash seeks a commoner for a personal assistant role. This position offers great rewards but will be highly demanding.

House Kurac Needs Crafters
Feran-da Kurac seeks a crafter for tools and armor. He's also looking for a hunter or assistant. The position offers shared profits, a locker, and workshop access.

Lord Fale is Seeking Talent
Lord Elyphas Fale is hiring individuals for employment. Artists seeking sponsorship should reach out directly to Lord Fale.

Rumors and Gossip

Whispers of Tuluki Spies in the City
Two figures at a tavern exchange warnings about Tuluki spies posing as Sythason-sympathizers. These spies are suspected of trying to turn Allanak's people against one another.

Seeking Sponsors for Artistic Libations
Orv, a quiet artist, is searching for sponsors to explore new forms of flavorful libations. His work could be featured at upcoming festivals.

Missing
A weathered man has been asking around the Gaj about two missing individuals—a tall, black-haired woman and a balding, dark-skinned man.

Shackled Gems and Propaganda
Strange scrolls depicting shackled gems have appeared around the city. Conversations overheard suggest growing unrest and a divide between those who support the Gemmed and those who oppose them.

The Streets Ran Red: Carnage at the T'zai Byn Compound
Lord Templar Rahvik Oash and Sergeant Talon faced off against over a hundred Magefallers attempting to burn the T'zai Byn compound. Despite a warning to retreat, the Magefallers attacked, leading to a massacre as Templar forces, Byn mercenaries, and soldiers wiped them out.

Magefallers Attack the Byn Compound
Rumors of Magefaller attacks on the Byn compound suggest attempts to frame gemmed citizens. Though damage was limited, tensions remain high.

Bodies Along Wall Road
A series of brutal killings has left commoner corpses lining Wall Road. Witnesses describe cloaked figures with powerful, unnatural strikes, heightening fear that this may be connected to the Sons of Sythas.


Allanak remains a city of opportunities, dangers and shifting power. Whether you're seeking new employment, fame and social standing or navigating the latest intrigue, there's always something happening in the city.

Stay alert, stay engaged and may the sands guide your path.

His Shadow,
The Armageddon Team