Rumors - Northern

Started by Halaster, January 03, 2023, 11:09:44 PM

Luir's:

The past few weeks have seen an usual bit of increased activity in the outpost, particularly from House Salarr.  No one is really saying why, but Salarri hunters and mercenaries hired by the House are seen coming and going in large numbers through the northern gate.  When asked, no individual seems to have an answer.


Tuluk:

Increase activity seems to be happening among the templarate and soldiers are seen gearing up.  No one can really say what's going on or even IF something is going, it's just something "in the air" making everyone feel like "something is happening":  That subtle change in the way the gate guards are checking people, that discreet extra bit of hushed tones from the authorities.
"I agree with Halaster"  -- Riev

Luir's:

The outpost bursts into more activity and commotion as House Kurac and House Kadius seem to be joining whatever it is House Salarr is up to, groups of laborers, soldiers, mercenaries and outriders are seen in a near constant flow in and out of the north gate.
"I agree with Halaster"  -- Riev

Luir's Outpost

A steady stream of soldiers has been spotted marching down the North Road from Tuluk and the fortress at Iyun Iskandir.  It seems obvious, even to the most uninformed hunter, that the soldiers are fortifying a military camp just to the north of the Outpost.

There's anxious chatter among many patrons of the outpost, some openly angry at the gaul of the Tulukis to encroach on the freedoms offered here, whilst others quietly welcome the added protection the sunburst-clad soldiers bring to the area.

Many however agree that the Tuluki numbers are not small, and most put a rough estimate at several hundred.

What is absolutely clear is that their presence has greatly disrupted trade and the flow of people in and out of the north gates of the outpost, bringing it to a near stand still.


Tuluk


Citizens of His Ivory excitedly exchange stories speculating why His Legion has been spotted fortifying a military camp just north of Luir's Outpost. Rumors of all kind swirl about, with ome citing a new war with Allanak, and others stating a move to exert control over Luir's itself and some of the rare resources nearby.

What seems obvious to most in Tuluk is the overwhelming sense of patriotism and support for the soldiers fortifying the camp, and the energy being directed towards supporting those marching out, from the city itself as well as Ayun Iskandir. Parties have been thrown, and bards sing the songs of Illuminated Faithful Marcellian, who is responsible for mobilizing the troops to further His Dream.

A new call has been extended to those looking to join up, either to the Legions, or to those who wish to serve in the Levy, with talk of a signing bonus, courtesy of the Illuminated Faithful himself.
"I agree with Halaster"  -- Riev

The North:

An additional group of Tuluki soldiers were seen coming down the north road to their newly-built camp north of Luir's Outpost, and in response the Garrison of Luir's amassed at their northern gate.  Supposedly, the two sides were roughly evenly matched in size, but about a day later the Tuluki camp was broken down and moved off the road, further into the scrub.

Luir's Outpost:

Those spending time in Luir's would have no doubt overheard braggart Garrison soldiers claiming they scared the Tulukis off.  Cooler heads will interject, noting that forces of the Sun King did not wish to interfere with the trade of the Outpost and moved voluntarily.  In any event, there is a general sigh of relief in the outpost as trade coming in and out of the northern gate has resumed.
"I agree with Halaster"  -- Riev

Luir's Outpost

Allanaki forces arrived in the desert outside of Luir's southern gate, making camp somewhere in the area.  In response to two armies camped outside, Luir's Outpost has shut both gates and so far is keeping them closed.  Neither army has left their position on opposite sides of the outpost as it is rumored furious negotiations have started - about what, no commoner seems to know.  On the brink of potential war, tension is high in the Outpost and everyone there is worried.
"I agree with Halaster"  -- Riev

The Northlands


Kank flies buzz around the bodies of over fifty Tuluki soldiers and levies that were left to rot in the sun on the North Road.  Word runs rampant that a Tuluki force on its way to their main camp near Luir's was ambushed by thryzn and the Masterless working together.  The Tulukis fell into a trap, having been caught off guard, marking the first bloodshed of what may be an escalating conflict.
"I agree with Halaster"  -- Riev

The Northlands

Word finally makes its way to all the corners of the northlands:  the current hostilities near Luir's are due to the discovery of an unknown-sized vein of metal in the ground.  Members of the Great Merchant Houses are working to extract it, while Tuluki forces have moved to seize and simultaneously prevent the dirty Allanakis from getting any.
"I agree with Halaster"  -- Riev

Luir's Outpost

Word spreads fast that for reasons probably only known to the merchants, both armies stood down and marched back to their own city-states.  In a surprising turn of events, peace seems to have won out, and the gates of Luir's have been reopened.


Tuluk

The force sent out to Luir's to secure metal has returned home, claiming victory and the Faithful have assured citizens they bring back the spoils of war.
"I agree with Halaster"  -- Riev

Tuluk

Whispers abound, carrying tales both strange and intriguing from the vicinity of Tuluk. There are murmurs of abominations roaming the sandy expanse, yet some vehemently refute these claims, asserting the Legion's successful eradication of a horde of peculiar beasts that dared to tread to close to Tuluk's sacred gates. Uncertainty shrouds the truth, as discussions meander from unearthly creatures to dark clouds drifting mysteriously along the eastern fringes of the Grey Forest. Some speculate a connection between these phenomena, while others remain skeptical. Amidst this fog of uncertainty, the realm of possibilities unfurls, inviting curious minds to unravel the enigmatic threads that weave through the streets of Tuluk.


Northlands

Whispers circulate among hunters and merchants in the north, their hushed voices weaving a tale of concern.  It is said that multiple groups of kryl that have been spotted scouring the sands in various locations to the south and east of His Ivory.  Some can be heard speculating this sudden change in their hunting patterns is due to the recent events that have occured just outside the city gates.  Others say this is normal and it's well known that kryl will often roam and settle in new areas while hunting.  Whatever the reason, it's cautioned to be very mindful and observant when venturing outside the scaien walls. 
"I agree with Halaster"  -- Riev

Northlands

The rumors of more kryl seems to be growing as an increasing number of folks in the north report encounters with small groups of them outside their normal territory.  What was once chalked up as possibly normal patterns is now being referred to with more and more concern that something abnormal is happening.
"I agree with Halaster"  -- Riev

Northlands

In the bustling markets and lively taverns, a rumor takes flight, carrying whispers of a monumental event. It is said that Ayun Iskandir, the formidable fortress, faced an unprecedented kryl assault of immense proportions. Swarms of these menacing creatures scuttled forth from the depths of the foreboding Grey Forest, aiming to overwhelm both stronghold and its defenders in a relentless surge. Yet, amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged. Tales speak of a fateful arrival, as a Tuluki Templar and a united force comprising mercenaries, soldiers, and tribal levies arrived in the final hour. Their timely intervention shifted the tides of the battle, emboldening the defenders to push back against the encroaching swarm. The destiny of Ayun Iskandir hung in the balance, as this courageous men and women fought with unwavering determination to reclaim the fortress from the clutches of the relentless kryl onslaught.

Northlands

More reports circulate about larger numbers of kryl being spotted outside their normal locations throughout the northlands.  Hunters, mercenaries and soldiers all report finding a small nest of them and destroying it - only for more to take their place.  What is causing the kryl to spread in such abnormal patterns remains a mystery.
"I agree with Halaster"  -- Riev

Tuluk

Criers in red and white have been heard throughout Tuluk and Morins
spreading the news:

By order of the High Precentor, the Arena has been opened to the public,
for those citizens that wish to prepare themselves martially.

Northlands

The winds of unsettling whispers carry a chilling tale from the depths of the Grey Forest, as reports emerge of an otherworldly darkness that escapes its leafy confines, surging forth and blanketing the surrounding lands in an eerie shroud. Tales of the encroaching gloom speak of a darkness unyielding, defying the natural order and instilling a sense of trepidation among those who dare to venture near.

Northlands

Rumor has it that tendrils of shadow, like ethereal ribbons, have been sighted weaving through the lands surrounding Tuluk and the enigmatic Grey Forest. These inky coils of obsidian gloom twist and turn, casting an otherworldly aura upon the once familiar landscapes. Whispers of mysterious occurrences and eerie phenomena have emerged, leaving the inhabitants perplexed and curious. Some claim to have glimpsed shadowy figures dancing amidst the veils of darkness, their movements both graceful and enigmatic.

Northlands > Tuluk:

Though the kryl menace accompanies the darkness pressing in from the Grey Forest, the Citystate has been active both inside and outside the Scaien Walls. There is now a fenced off area, outside, along the western walls of the city and many workers are clearcutting the groves that have been growing right next to the walls. Overseen by some wearing a greatcloak with the image of a blazing sun cupped between two palms - they appear to be trading triangular clay coins to those who exchange logs and branches to them.

Inside the city, there are two traders also dealing primarily with these clay coins as a currency - both in the Red Sun Commons, one trader near the Clay pits trading the triangle coins, informally called 'yompars', for large, blocky stones, and another trader outside the recently refurbished 'Visitor Center' trading raw fruit and a full waterskin for a set number of the 'yompar' coins.

OOC:
These triangle coins are a Tuluk specific currency, and can be exchanged for food, water, or obsidian coins.
To earn these coins, you exchange raw goods to the specific traders.
One of these merchants will exchange 10 of the clay coins for 1 glazed coin, as a currency exchange mechanic.
To use the coins, have them in your inventory OR in a container on your character, and type 'Buy #' at the merchant.

Northlands

Dreadful tales circulate like whispers in the dark: the world, once bathed in the warm embrace of Suk-Krath, now succumbs to an all-encompassing obsidian void. Shadows have grown teeth, devouring even the feeblest glimmers of hope. Reports emerge of water falling from the skies, not as a blessing, but as a lament from unseen depths.

Luir's Outpost

The Outpost hasn't been spared all the strangeness, it too saw its share of water falling from the sky, and shadows covering everything outdoors.  On a more disturbing note, rumors circulate in the outpost about a man who died in the Storm's End tavern and shadows poured from his body, putting the establishment into a full on panic.
"I agree with Halaster"  -- Riev

Northlands

The disturbances that have been plaguing the use of the Unseen Way have mysteriously vanished. Speculation abounds regarding the cause of this sudden change—is it connected to the relentless kryl attacks that Tuluk endured in recent weeks, or is there another mystery behind this occurrence? Regardless, it seems that normalcy has been restored to the Way.

Northlands

As curiously as it came, the darkness withdrew, taking with it any shadowed echoes that may have been imagined in the week long night. What remains of the sporadic rainfall are mere patches of moist soil, destined to be parched before you can even say, "What exactly is rain anyway?"

For the North it seems they are not entirely rid of the magickal darkness. Hunters and lumberjacks alike return to Tuluk with stories of an impenetrable darkness that has entirely swallowed the Grey Forest making passage there impossible. People with friends and relatives in the now inaccessible Morins report back that people are alive and well there, but struggling with the dark.