Elanthian Journal/Edition 02
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< Elanthian Journal
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The Elanthian Journal
Edition #2
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The following articles of interest are contained herein:
1 ........................ CITIZENS URGED TO PROTECT GRIFFIN
SWORD
2 ........................ COLUMN: DARK HAPPENINGS
3 ........................ THE SWORD SHATTERS
4 ........................ THE EVIL OF THURFEL
5 ........................ WILL YOU ANSWER?
6 ........................ THE SNOW MELTS: THURFEL SPEAKS ON
ICEMULE
7 ........................ TOWN FELLOWSHIP GAMES REPORT:
WEIGHT LIFTING COMPETITION
8 ........................ KING TYRNIAN SPEAKS OUT
9 ........................ BOUTIQUE THEFT
10 ....................... LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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CITIZENS URGED TO PROTECT GRIFFIN SWORD
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Dateline: Day 11 of Ivastaen, 5102: Wehnimer's Landing
Luukosian forces are threatening to take our beloved Griffin
Sword. This memorial has long stood outside the Temple of
Lorminstra. It is rumored to have magic powers that can aid
those who release the undead. No doubt this is one of the
reasons that the forces of the Great Deceiver are attempting
to steal this precious artifact.
According to Lord Morgiest, a noble squire of the Order of the
Silver Gryphons, and leader of Daingneach Onoir, the sword
needs constant guarding, as well as regular infusions of mana
in the area to help bind the sword to it's stone. The Order
of Silver Gryphons, the Daingneach Onoir, the House of
Phoenix, and Northern Fury, have all been called up to help
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protect the sword.
Morgiest also informs us that Luukosians are trying to lure
the faithful guards from their posts with rumors of a new
secret entrance to a shrine to Luukos. The shrine was known
to be located in the underground ruins near the Coastal
Cliffs. Recently, the entrance to the shrine was destroyed.
Some say this was done by Morvule, in order to protect the
shrine from non-believers. Another theory is that the
entrance was destroyed by natural causes, and that the
Luukosians are merely claiming the credit for its destruction
in order to bolster their claims to power.
Sources claim that various Luukosians have been seen heading
northwest from the landing, presumably to this new entrance.
There are rumors that it is located near to a waterfall.
According to Lord Morgiest, however, these are most likely
false rumors spread by the Luukosians in order to distract the
faithful from their true goal--to steal the sword.
In a related story, the Paladin Lord Kendryth is traveling to
Solhaven this evening. He says he has heard of giant worms
crawling out of the ground and needs to determine if they are
a genuine threat--or yet another attempt to distract our
forces.
Lady Avira Yvank-MacArin
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COLUMN: DARK HAPPENINGS
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Dateline: Day 12 of Ivastaen: Wehnimer's Landing
During the recent events regarding the Griffin sword, the high
priest of Luukos known as Lord Morvule Thinevael has been
sighted in various areas. He is easily recognizable by his
dark green scaled skin, slit-pupiled eyes, and a series of
wavy dark ophidian marks on his neck. In recent days a vortex
of souls was seen forming over the Graveyard soon after the
appearance of a powerful storm, which on various days has been
known to shed blood rather than droplets of water. This
vortex of souls cries out, speaking of "The Call" to which
they rally, undoubtedly the call to Luukos' army in this
reporter's opinion.
Despite much controversy regarding whether or not what many
now believe the purpose of this vortex to be, one thing is for
sure. The presence of this spiraling twister of the damned
marks invasions in the region it descends upon, beginning with
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modest undead and quickly escalating to the presence of rising
souls, undead of incredible power able to reduce all but the
most powerful to quivering masses of flesh, if they're lucky
enough to survive.
The first appearance of this vortex was above the local
graveyard, well known hunting grounds of the righteous and
Holy, seeking to free tormented souls from their spectral
prisons. The second was above the Potter's Field, known
stalking grounds of zombies, found just past the fearsome home
of the powerful tree spirits. It was just before the third
appearance of the twister descending upon the misty chamber
and surrounding Monastery that a horrid realization was made.
As watchers from afar witnessed the vortex gathering glowing
white souls from the battle-grounds beneath it, Lady Morgaine
(accompanied at the time by Lord Demonicos and Lord Fremie)
formed a horrible thought. This thought has only been proven
all the more true by recent events, and Lord Morvule's own
words when the Potter's Field was attacked. As the souls,
normally bound to their respective regions by the magics which
created them (i.e. the Graveyard, or the Monastery), were
released, they were freed from their bondage to the area.
Now, as those specific areas were chosen, the souls of the
released ascended, as they always have towards the heavens.
It was then that Lady Morgaine realized this vortex was not a
mere spirit-carrier to bring hoards of undead to various
areas, it was acting as a great net. Halting the spirits in
their ascension and sucking them into its depths. This was
all but confirmed by Morvule's earlier gloating, claiming we
had played into his hands.
By following the vortex and freeing the spirits from their
bonds to the Land, we are granting Luukos an army he can
mobilize on a whim, in essence we have helped the serpent to
prepare for an attack which we will likely rarely see the
magnitude of ever again. We have naught to do but prepare,
hone your skills best you can. Kiss your loved ones good-bye,
for this may not be a battle many will survive. I wish you
the best of luck.
[Note from the Editor: The Elanthian Journal can not confirm
the truth of the speculation presented in the previous three
paragraphs.]
Volsix Nai'Mos
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THE SWORD SHATTERS
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Dateline: Day 16 of Ivastaen, 5102: Wehnimer's Landing
Many were witness to the dark events of this past Niiman. The
Griffin Sword has been shattered, reports say the Prophet of
Lorminstra, Ulstram, was wounded in the battle with the dark
Morvule. Darkness and light clashed violently in the skies
and in the hearts of us all, and for the sword, the two
opposing forces were too great, and it was split asunder, back
to the four pieces it once was when the brave citizens of
Wehnimer's Landing fought to recover them. Wardsman Kendryth,
the guardian of Ulstram, was quoted as saying, "They are
drained of power, and my Lord Prophet cannot sense them
without the holiness that was infused within them. We must
find them immediately, for now they are very vulnerable."
War is imminent. After the transgressions, Morvule revealed
the true extent of his power and how far his coils reach. His
allies, the Berserker Zerroth of V'tull, the Pain Lord Eryael
of Mularos, and even the High Priest Draezir of Sheru, who was
thought to be missing or killed, surfaced shortly after the
sword was split. They have said their armies march with
Morvule's, and that they will soon seek the pieces themselves
once they have destroyed Wehnimer's Landing. Those who live
away from these conflicts, I say this to you: Watch your
home, find the sword's pieces before those of the dark do.
We must be ready to face this threat. Scouts have reported
seeing signs of an army on the move south of our town. Be
vigilant, for we live in a dangerous time.
[Note from the editor: A curvily-rendered C is all that marked
the author's name on this submission.]
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THE EVIL OF THURFEL
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Dateline: Day 11 of Ivastaen, 5102: Icemule Trace
Many of the inhabitants of Elanith's most renowned cities know
or have heard something about the events going on in Icemule
Trace. As far east as the Elven Nations evidence of this
ongoing horrible nightmare have been in evidence. I do not
claim to be among the wisest nor do I claim to be completely
bereft of delusion, but it is my hope that you will listen and
hear to what I have to say. It is this quest which my lady,
the Lady Gavrail and one of the Council of Nine have entrusted
upon my humble shoulders.
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At the time of this writing, Thurfel, also known as the Fire
Mage and The Betrayer, has been using his sages to locate what
we have come to call Vessels; spheres of intense energy that
hold the power and essences of the Council of Nine, and
perhaps even Thurfel himself. The Fire Mage has created an
altar for the sole purpose of draining these Vessels and
acquiring the power for himself. He was once one of the
Council of Mages, but betrayed his friends so that he might
have all the power of Icemule for himself.
Currently this powerful evil being is on the verge of
gathering so much power from The Vessels, the town of Icemule
and possibly even the Staff of Amasalen that he might very
well be the next Despana. I have learned that he has plans of
branching out to the rest of the Lands after he has conquered
Icemule and destroyed those he has charmed into believing he
is a man of goodwill.
He has captured two of the Liches' Vessels already, and though
they be undead, and though they be evil, they have no ulterior
motives but to destroy he who betrayed them, rid Icemule of
his presence and then finally to sleep. With each passing
moment Thurfel comes closer to snatching up another Vessel,
but it may be you who he will have find these containers of
awesome power. You who will hold them in your hands and have
to decide whether or not they go to Thurfel or to the Liches.
It is my belief, through the piling and sifting of evidence,
that the Liches are our only hope to combat this power menace
that calls himself the Fire Mage but is The Betrayer. Help
me, friends and comrades of the Frontier, your lives in the
future will depend on it. We cannot afford another Despana.
In regards to this horrible tragedy that has surfaced...
Nothing is as it seems.
Elendr W'kenta, in service of the Lady Gavrail
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WILL YOU ANSWER?
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Dateline: Day 15 of Ivastaen, 5102: Icemule Trace
A powerful warrior cleaves a swath through an undead horde
with a massive morning star. A robed mage casts arcane
magicks for the protection of the many with a gesture and a
few words. A bardic herald heartens his comrades in the midst
of battle with a triumphant song about past victory.
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These are but a few of the defenders of Elanthia to be found
in the Northern Fury Guard.
The terrible Shan invasion of Solhaven long ago? The Fury was
there. The threat posed by the fortress of a mad mage in
Icemule? The Fury led the assault. From the relentless
strikes of the banaltra, to the ill-fated invasion of the
Landing by kobolds, to the toe-to-toe battles against
Sheruvian Priests and Massive Troll Lords on Glatoph, the Fury
has fought alongside Mulers, Landingers, Haveners and Resters
in defense of the free peoples of Western Elanthia. Wherever
the enemy manifests, the Fury is there to help beat back the
attack.
Now the Fury must be vigilant against a two-fold menace --
Thurfel and the undead liches in the North and the Luukosian
armies mustering against the Southland. These are dark days
in Elanthia, yet the Fury stands ready, as always, to repulse
those who would threaten our families, our friends and our
homes.
The Fury is over 60 members strong in its active and reserve
ranks, yet the number of our foes is ever-increasing. More
willing hands are needed ... what about you? Will you answer
the call to arms?
Join us in the Nightowl Pub in Icemule for one of our regular
meetings, held every Restday and Tilamaires beginning at 9:00
in the evening by the Elven standard. Seek out General
Valicar, General Grandevr or any of our members for more
information. Follow the path that lasts a lifetime, and
experience the unbreakable bond shared by those who fight
shoulder to shoulder and back to back. Join the Fury ... and
answer the call.
The Northern Fury
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THE SNOW MELTS: THURFEL SPEAKS ON ICEMULE
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Dateline: Day 15 of Ivastaen, 5102: Icemule Trace
The world looks upon Icemule as nothing more than a snowdrift.
A cute and cuddly town to visit for a warm cup of cocoa and a
fruit-filled tart. Children of course enjoy watching the
antics of our many penguins, yet our town is so much more than
simply a place for a vacation. Deeply buried beneath the
thick sheets of ice blanketing our town are vast deposits of
gemstones and minerals.
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It would be an incredible undertaking of course to mine these
resources, the task one of incredible magnitude. It would
however, be well worth the effort, bringing untold wealth to
the town in numerous forms. The creation of jobs for our
citizens would be the first benefit, allowing many to increase
their standard of living. Many of our town folks live in
shanties or huts, hardly insulated against the bitter neverending
winter we suffer here.
Once the mines begin to produce, the gems could be sold for
both cosmetic and functional purposes. The distribution of
wealth from the mines would be shared by the entire town, it
would not be a business owned by a single individual, rather
it would be a co-operative.
Another benefit to this, is far more mystical in nature. Sages
and historians have long felt that Icemule was an untapped
mystical center of power. I've heard numerous reasons why
they feel this way, most likely nothing more than myths or
rumors. There are however, far too many tales for it to be
more than a simple wives' tale passed on from generation to
generation. Large quantities of gemstone in a central core
could be the reason. Numerous wizards have always felt
gemstone to be a possible source of mana or mana pools, and if
our research is correct, Icemule has one of the greatest
natural deposits of gemstones in the lands.
Ice is far more difficult to deal with than soft soil however,
and it will take a great deal of sweat and blood to recover
the riches. With wealth comes other benefits as well, such as
new temples, museums, neighborhoods and theatres. Consider a
new, improved Icemule, one that shines upon the world, rather
than simply rests beneath its feet.
Thurfel Morpholik
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TOWN FELLOWSHIP GAMES REPORT: WEIGHT LIFTING COMPETITION
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Dateline: Day 12 of Ivastaen, 5102: Ta'Vaalor
The Weight Lifting Competition of the Town Fellowship Games
were hosted by Clan Snar and held in Ta'Vaalor on the 7th day
of Ivastaen. The first event of the Town Fellowship Games,
Weight Lifting, was an extremely fierce competition, with all
the towns of Elanthia represented save Pine Far. Many of the
representatives were hulking Giantmen with a few exceptions
such as the Halflings that represented Ta'Vaalor.
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The first to lift was Twighlght, representing Sylvarraend,
which set the pace. Yet once Washee from Wehnimer's Landing
had a go at it, it was clear that the Giantkin would be hard
to beat. Davlos from Icemule Trace came close and ended up in
a four way tie along with Murp, Robinblood and Grogg for
second.
Ta'Vaalor's second representative, Evoz, made a wonderful
effort to snatch the first place from Washee. Unfortunately, a
certain Giantman had one drink too many, and stumbled over the
heroic little Halfling while he lay prone. By this time it
seemed clear that the first place would go to Washee when
Daergard from Teras stepped up to take his turn.
Daergard hefted the same amount to tie for first place with
Washee. During the tie-breakers Washee and Daergard were put
to the test as not only strength but speed was required to win
the coveted golvern medal. The crowd went silent in
expectation as Lajala called out, "Ready." The lifter's
muscles flexed in preparation. Lajala called out again, "Get
set." And the two giantmen seemed about to spring into
action. On the third cry, "Go!" they both nearly flew to
their feet. Daergard had done so just a little faster.
The tie-breaker between the four was just as intense, with
Grogg and Murp facing off and Davlos and Robinblood toe to
toe. During the first lift, Murp beat out Grogg and
Robinblood beat out Davlos leaving Murp and Robinblood to face
off. Robinblood proved to be a bit faster. In the end, the
prized medals were awarded to the athletes. Daergard Shilone
from Teras took the first place golvern medal, Washee Darkrede
from Wehnimer's Landing took the second place mithglin medal
and Robinblood Terocktery also from Wehnimer's Landing took
the third place alexandrite medal.
As it stands, Teras Isle is currently in first place with 5
points and Wehnimer's Landing is second with 4 points. With
the next event just around the corner, we at Clan Snar would
like to wish each and every town the best of luck. Please
join us for Drag Races in Wehnimer's Landing on the sixteenth
of Ivastaen at 9 o' clock p.m. Elven time. As always, anyone
is welcome to come out and cheer for his or her hometown.
Feywynd Heart-Song
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KING TYRNIAN SPEAKS OUT
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Dateline: Day 12 of Ivastaen, 5102: Ta'Vaalor
After a sudden outbreak of unscrupulous thievery, and the
formation of lynch-mobs, and otherwise unruly actions of the
citizenry and visitors to the Fortress City, Good King Tyrnian
had the following to say to this reporter;
"In the event that such cowardly acts of thievery are born
witness to, my guardsmen have been instructed to make a
complete REPORT of the incident and those found guilty of the
crimes will be dealt with according to House Vaalor Law and
POLICY.
"I would also remind those who seek shelter inside my
fortress that I control the laws, and the enforcement of said
laws within my domain. If you have any need for ASSISTance in
understanding my laws, please feel free to use the regular
means of communication to have them explained to you."
King Tyrnian also made note to this reporter his admiration
for those who acted quickly to bring this band of thieves to
hand, much to my own chagrin.
Gowain Olberath
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BOUTIQUE THEFT
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Dateline: Day 16 of Ivastaen, 5102: Ta'Illistim
The Ta'Illistim guard was sent to investigate a break in on
Erissian Var today. The local merchant and seamstress,
Tarabelle Shurgardy, notified authorities that a valuable oil
painting had been stolen from her boutique. Miss Tarabelle
noticed the missing picture when she opened her shop early
Niiman morning. The art, worth more than 2 million silvers,
once belonged to Miss Tarabelle's late grandmother and famous
painter, Taraesha Shurgardy.
Citizens are asked to be on the lookout for the painting.
Framed in contoured thanot and done in brilliant oils, the
artwork displays a forest of lush trees laden with golden
fruit. A reward is being offered for its safe return. Miss
Tarabelle says she will be asking the local authorities to
provide more security to the merchants of Ta'Illistim by
hiring full time guards. The popular seamstress claims she is
also considering running for mayor.
Rharosh Dashovath
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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Dateline: Day 17 of Ivastaen, 5102
ON THE TRUTH: While the staff of the Elanthian Journal make
every effort to ensure that the events presented within are
FACTUAL, there will always be some amount of speculation until
all details of events are revealed with the passage of time.
We will continue to make every effort to report ACTUAL
happenings, however any theories or speculation on the details
of these events may very well prove INACURATE.
ON SUBMISSIONS: We will no longer be charging submission fees
for articles. In the future, we hope to be able to pay for
submissions. Submissions should be limited to 6 body
paragraphs of no more than 100 words each. Each submission
should start with a title, be followed with a dateline, and
should end with the author's signature. All submissions
should involve factual events. We will accept no silly
nursery stories, histories or educational articles about the
weather. All submissions should be received by Leyan in order
to be published on the Day of the Huntress.
CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions, or if you wish
to submit an article, send a note to Rharosch Dashovath care
of melissac@simutronics.com.
Rharosch Dashovath
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