The Falkvard Herald

Issue 6 of Ringare, Year 116

Court Report

By: Avyanna Turner

In memory of an unfortunate event during which Avalti eggs were taken and hidden, last month the Kingdom hosted an egg hunt! Participants could search for eggs throughout the city of Falkvard and trade them in for various goods. Rest assured that when this happened to our Avalti friends many years ago, all of the eggs were found and the event became something of an innocent way to remember the past. Proceeds from last month’s event were provided to charity, with many vendors contributing goods.

Lady Evander hosted a question session at the Mage’s College, and as this reporter was present I’m happy to report that it was a great success! While most questions (including my own!) were focused on the theory of magic, there were some about other things such as the unfortunate passing of Sir Sydian or what one of the most learned scholars of Saphriel knew about Demigods. The event was well-attended, and a second one shall be hosted in less than a month; if you’re at all interested in learning, Lady Evander has proven to be an excellent well of knowledge!

A returning subject of Herald’s writing, Brak Bellow is now hosting monthly lessons on agrigulture and useful skills for farmers ((on Fridays)). If that’s a subject that interests you, definitely give it a shot; no membership of the Guild was mentioned as required!

Finally, a group of three Minotaurs was spotted near the estate of Lord Taggart O’Connell, near the three maple trees, appearing to be a hunting party. The Kingdom would like to remind everyone that Minotaurs are aggressive and don’t usually care to speak with those not of their race. Do not approach them if you spot them, hide and be ready to defend yourself if necessay. They appear to be moving eastwards, away from the region, though their current destination is unknown.

With massive thanks to Lady Ardor O’Connell for providing the notes!

Issue 11th of Narvinye, Year 117

Court(less) Report

By: Avyanna Turner

The Herald would like to wish everyone a happy new year! While Court wasn’t on last week, the Herald has a few items to go over.

At the end of this month Barkamsted will be hosting a flea market! Anyone can apply to run a stall at the city’s Market Square; contact the scribes if you’re interested. Anything and everything can be sold! ((3PM EST on Saturday! This will be a merchant event with player stalls if desired.))

Last month, Lady Evander hosted another question and answer session at the Mage Guild. Though this author wasn’t present, if it was anything like the previous one it was surely an excellent opportunity and a great time to learn.

Though this winter appears to be a warmer, snow-free one, the Herald would like to remind people to look after each other as it’s still a cold season. Watch out on ice, keep warm, and look out for fires which are more likely when everyone tries to heat their home.

Issue 6th of Nenime, Year 117

Court Report 
By: Avyanna Turner

We enter the final stretches of winter, though these are often considered the coldest times of the year so make sure you’re warm and comfortable. Check up on your friends and loved ones, especially if they’re sick or in no shape to go outside or look after themselves. Court today was run by Scribe Scias Chilikov!

A few weeks ago, many Goblins responded to a call made by flyers provided by the Mad-Kins. An impromptu celebration called GobCon was held, which included kites, food, drink, and music. Though some arrests were made, the people were since released after sobering up. More about the event in one of this week’s features!

The Flea Market was a great success, with representation from Thonduhm, Falkvard, Barkamsted, and more, with a wide range of things for sale. This is covered in our second feature of this week!

While the winter this year has been milder, some colder areas have been noted to have had trails of snow marring them to the far east. It’s not believed that Cult involvement is present.

The Mithril market has been closed, with all the mithril that the Dwarves sought to sell now having sold. The market will reopen eventually, once the Dwarves replenish their stocks.

A strange sighting has been noted near Woodbridge, where people said merchants roamed through the land. One of them was thought to be a Duhkani, a ghost from the desert sands, as it exudes smoke of many hues. There is also a rumour that west of Tenifae a man had been caught in a tree, and said that he was aided by a deer woman, who disappeared soon after. He wishes to pay for more information on this creature if found.

–

Falkvard Welcomes GobCon Gathering!

A few weeks ago, Falkvard was host to an unusual and unplanned gathering, as the Coronaith Square played host to a large group of Goblins in what some termed GobCon. The exact meaning of the name, derived from some of the creative minds of the children attending, is unknown but several were proposed. Goblin Confluence, Goblin Company, Goblin Convention, or perhaps Goblin Cacophony? It was hard to say!

The event was sparked by the efforts of Mrs Syli Mad-Kin, who had been working hard to find common ground among the disparate groups of Goblins across the Kingdom of Saphriel. Speaking after the event, she said that “it has been a genuinely beautiful experience. I have never seen this many of us in one place before, and learning that it was partially caused by my efforts was a surprise. I had no idea this would happen.”

Fliers were handed out at the event, which succinctly explain the Mrs Syli’s goal and read:

“To the Xakut-G’rasohakh of the Kingdom,

This is a call for community among Goblins in the
kingdom, that we might bond together and explore
Goblin culture anew. Together, we can see to it
that our people have the resources for our needs
to be met, for our children to be happy and
healthy, and to support greater integration with
the many other peoples who we have joined.

I have made strides already to improve the
reputation that Goblins have within the Kingdom. I
have seen success, I know what I am doing, and I
know what steps must be taken next to continue
towards that goal. I need only your support to see
these steps come to fruition, and your views on
what issues are faced by our kind that I might
work towards solving them more efficiently.

Let us be together, let us be authentic, let us
learn and create and improve. To help even now,
pass this pamphlet on or read it to others when
you can.

If interested, contact Syli Mad-Kin.”

There was food and drink, wonderful kites in the shapes of Goblins, and music and dancing. Mrs Syli’s wife, Ko’Maroo, said that “whatever I expected today was not this! This is wonderful, and I’m very excited to see where it goes in the future.” There were even discussions on a Goblin village, to be situated around the Saltwater Swamp of Barkamsted, though these are in the early stages yet and require further discussion with the Lords of Barkamsted.

In parting, Mrs Syli had this to say: “I very rarey cry. I cried today, an odd sensation. My efforts continue to bring Goblins together into a wider community, even if parts of that community wander the seas, forests, sands. I invite others, always, to take part.”

–

Barkamsted Flea Market a Great Success!

Last week, Barkamsted’s Market Square played host to a Flea Market! With merchants from across the Kingdom, attendees were treated to exotic and not-so-exotic goods, such as a wonderful selection of chocolates from Ms Clementine’s stall, farmed and smithed crafts of various kinds from the Bellow family, or rare items and antiques from Barkamsted resident Riese family.

The flea market was well-attended and greatly successful. Slightly notable was a pronounced lack of benches (and perhaps coverage from the rain) around Market Square, something that will hopefully be resolved in the future, but the atmosphere was wonderful. The Orphanage was happy to show off some of their crafts, and aside from a rather wonderful cupcake I also got a statuette from their stall.

The Dwarves of Thonduhm could be seen selling Mithril, Densium, and other rare and exclusive materials. Even the lord of the city himself paid a brief visit to make some purchases.

Xavier Riese, a cousin to the owners of Riese Repository in Barkamsted, said that the event was “great fun, the shop made some great sales and met some great people.”

Here’s hoping for many more wonderful things in the City of Barkamsted!

Issue 6th of Viresse, Year 117

Court Report
By: Avyanna Turner

As there was no Court or Herald last month, welcome to Spring! And what a busy early Spring it has been, with massive winds and a rather messy battle of drakes and geese in the confines of Falkvard and elsewhere. For a change of scenery, this week’s Court was held at Brightfield, by none other than Lord and Lady O’Connell!

The Spring Storm swept across the continent, this time stronger than in the past few years with torrential rain and strong winds, with birds and beasts alike being blown over into Falkvard. Glaedwin is currently busy with the cleanup efforts and making sure that any remaining creatures are removed appropriately. There were only a few injuries reported, and most of the damage to property was mitigated by the guard, but there was still damage. Falkvard Dock and North Gate were impacted the most severely, with scaled beasts and dire animals coming in from distant areas, likely confused by the wind.

The Lords gave a general reminder that the forest outside of Brightfield is filled with Fae. Trees in the forest have recently been found damaged, and as such a warning was given that the forest is inhabited by the Fae and it should be avoided at all costs unless necessary, and should you need to pass through it do not damage the trees themselves. The safest way is to travel along the coast to the town.

The Guard have recently concluded an operation against a small cult known as the Harbingers of the Hallowed Hells. The cult was destroyed and its victims rescued, currently receiving treatment.

A man by the name of Marcus is on the run. He’s a fugitive from the Sons of Itiris, so vile that he happily betrayed even the values of the organisation he once led as well as the aforementioned Harbingers. He appears to be an older man with golden blond hair. A human, but somehow “Fae-touched.” The Lords take this opportunity to remind that cold iron will harm Fae greatly, but displaying it can easily turn a neutral encounter into a hostile one. On the other hand, during questions and answers Lady O’Connell noted that you may wish to keep honey on your person as Fae generally love it. If you have more questions about the Fae you should contact Huntmaster Lilith Lovefast or Sir Erinc.

Finally, thanks to Ser Bakreal, Vertha, and many labourers that have worked on Brightfield together, the Brightfield Bazaar will be opening soon. It’s currently receiving its final touches being added to further prevent any potential threat of flooding.

Issue 6th of Lotesse, Year 117

Court Report

Today’s court was held by the ever-pleasant Scribe Scias Chilikov!

Another minotaur sighting has been reported, during which a pair was met in a duel. One of them died, whilst the latter moved back eastwards. The Kingdom stated that sighting minotaurs is usually rare, so the increase is notable. As with previous Court’s advice, keep your distance and avoid engagement if you can as they are usually extremely violent.

Following many donations and adoptions, the orphanage is met with fewer entrants into its walls and is no longer accepting donations.

The storm did significant damage with the attacks of strange creatures. Work continues on repairing the damage dealt by this year’s storm. The Kingdom reminds those who took things from the attack to contact all involved to ensure that the division of spoils is fair. If conflict arises or the group with which you were originally with doesn’t reach a fair agreement, it’s always possible to have the Kingdom mediate any disputes. The Kingdom expresses gratitude for those who helped in the storm, and warns that there may be other areas where animals that don’t belong have been blown off course.

No news have been reported on the strange events of the Bleaks or the creatures driven forth, but investigations are active to try to determine the motives and goals.

The Cult continues to keep itself entrenched, though it has been reported that some odd movements have been seen. The Bleaklands and any other regions mentioned by the Kingdom should be avoided.

A strange occurrence has been seen to the far east, along the coast of Tenifae. The fort there was attacked, presumably by the Cult, and Grendels were seen fighting Grendels.

Issue 6th of Narie, Year 117

Court Report 

Summer sunshine streaks the Courtroom as we greet the new season, and we hope that it also greets you in good health and fortune. This week’s court was run by Scribe Scias Chilikov.

Last week, Spire’s Cross experienced a series of large fires. Many came to aid and lessen the damage to life and property, and without the aid of Lady Evander’s gates as well as the help of many others, it’s entirely possible that Spire’s Cross would be a burning crater. The fires did not spread to grass nor the rest of the buildings. The Kingdom has determined that this was a planned arson attacked, started at many locations at once with agents moving on to other fields and woods, being paid 30 silver a piece. The people responsible have been arrested and will face justice, having described a figure wearing nondescript clothing. It is not believed to be the work of the Cult at this time. While alchemy was used, so was alcohol and other utilities. No further sabotage could also be attempted on animals thanks to the quick response.

The university is saying farewell to many students who are graduating on time and who have completed their theses. Those that wish to have them will have a graduation ceremony soon, and the Kingdom expects and welcomes great changes as the new graduates enter society with their newly-acquired skills.

The Dragon Knight hopefuls have completed their trials and those who have been selected will be departing soon, likely to not be seen for a year or so. Letters may be sent through Lord Glaedwin to be relayed to any of the hopefuls, but the process is slow. The Herald would like to take this opportunity to wish the hopefuls great success and wellbeing in their trials!

The Kingdom reminds us to be mindful of both mercenaries and bandits. If people wish to cause trouble, it will happen on top of Cult activities and more.

The Moonridge Lodge, the Asylum outside of Barkamsted, is currently at high capacity and will not be accepting too many casual visitors with its increased security. Those saved from the so-called Harbingers cult will be moved there to reacclimate to society.

–

An Easterner’s View of Religion
By: Avyanna Turner

The ways in which the gods are worshipped are about as varied as there are worshippers across Hareveth, but even in this there are many cultural differences. Last month, we sat down with Ms Ishya Al-Hayat, a well-known tailor and budding veterinarian from the East, to discuss one such culture, and how the Eastern Tribes view religion!

A = Avyanna (Interviewer)
I = Ishya (Interviewee)

A: So, once again thank you for agreeing to this interview. Let’s start big and work our way down, a topic as big as religion may need to be discussed in broadstrokes first. Do the Easterners call the Gods something else? Do they view them differently?

I: Yes, to start with the key difference is that we only worship one God. The sleeping God is called Jmye, who is the source of the dream all live in. The others that you in the West would refer to as Gods are actually Emanations, where we come from. Parts of Jmye that hold the domain of different aspects of the dream.

A: So Jmye is what you call Demosto? Or is Demosto another emanation of Jmye?

I: Demosto is what we call Jmye, yes. At least that’s how I surmise it. He is where all things originate, because He has dreamed them into being.

A: But the Emanations have their equivalents in our Gods? So what we call Perities is your Nahab, one-to-one?

I: Yes, essentially. That’s at least how I understand it. The tribe I come from is the Hadiqa Tribe; in that instance, the one-to-one would be Kinos. Yawm would be Aderoth, Taqa would be Bothimir, Shifra would be Uldir, Mawazin would be Udero. Nahab, as you said, is Perities and Layl is Behmos.

A: Each tribe is dedicated to a single Emination, does that mean if you are a member of that tribe you can only follow that Emination? How does worship of Yawm work for someone of Hadiqa tribe?

I: To begin to understand, Jmye is the one whom we worship. The Emanations are who we live by, but even I as a member of Hadiqa’s tribe can respect and even agree with other elements of what the Emanations do for us. The way of Hadiqa is simply the one that I live and breathe; we are gardeners first and foremost, but I have seen how some people of Yawm lived and so I can agree with elements of their path, and might even pay respect to that now and again.

A: Let’s step back a bit for now then. In the West, creation is understood as to have happened through Demosto creating the world and the other Gods, them creating the Frol, the Frol going to war against the Gods, and the Gods creating first the Elves and then other races overtime after the war. This is all broad strokes, of course. Is that different to how creation is viewed in the East? What is the place of the Frol in the Dream?

I: A bit different, yes. I honestly did not hear of the Frol until recently, and even then my knowledge of them is very limited, but our understanding is that Jmye dreamed the Emanations and fell into slumber to sustain them. The Emanations then each started to shape the world, while Shifra corrected and created change from the mistakes of the others, which helped them grow. Then they created the first Kingdom, the Promised Circle, which was then broken to create other greater Circles. I believe this is the end of the Frol that is spoken about. Then from new circles and new peoples, some left to take to the trees and skies, others departed to explore the guts of the earth and stone. They were happier for it, and the ones that remained in the new circles were happy as they were too. Broad strokes.

A: That is quite different, yet you can also see the ways in which the stories converge as well as differ. To be a bit cheesy, like the same dream retold the next day or many weeks later. If we can focus on the Promised Circle then, what does that mean to you?

I: The Promised Circle, to me, means home of course. But I suppose to be broader, it is the desert which was once lush and verdant with life, the origin of the Dream and my people, only to be devoured and absorbed by the formless child that Layl created a body for, the Eater of Shapes.

A: I read about it. Rura Kul Tal, right? It seems like the destruction of the desert was very important to the past of the Eastern Tribes.

I: It was. So much so that it became a part of the story of origin for our people. Layl had invited chaos into our world by drawing dreams from the dark outside of it, and he gave this one a body. As this happened, the once-formless child absorbed the heat and dreams of everything and everyone; it devoured the circle. Everyone fought or ran or tried to hide, but most were caught. Some came west, where they found those who had left the circle and asked for help in ending the threat, and the Emanations each looked to their own ways to try and save the circle, with each making its own mistakes. Shifra, the one who usually corrected and guided through the mistakes of the others, ended up creating the Ajulhaya as an example. His was the first mistake of many. Those of Layl’s and Taqa’s tribes gathered to save themselves but were slain and their parts used to, in short, create the Lilu and Lilitu with the Jackal Princes as their leaders. Those are some examples. From those who survived everything, some left and some remained from the various tribes to seek out aid from Hadiqa and Mawazin, to commune through vision quests and form a plan.

A: I know that the Eater of Shapes was locked away by the Temple of the Seal, where the being was eventually destroyed. Was that the plan formed with those outside of the Circle, the West?

I: Yes, the two tribes of Yawm and Shifra took those vision quests and many died, but a plan was devised and gathered at the edge of the world to form it, to join with the spirits. Those tribes chose champions and the people of Nahab prepared traps. Taqa’s people prayed for power and medicine, the people of Mawazin wanted ustice and Layl’s people emboldened the champions with desires to drain their appetites before being purified by Yawm’s light and waters. Shifra, he gave them the means to be brave even when the end came. From there, the Eater of Shapes was lured into the cold, and laughed at the traps laid out for it but many fought, including those from the western lands, more and more as the Eater was led away. Then, a shard of light is said to have rolled over the devourer and medicine shields were set in a circle, and shape was taken from the Eater. He was forced then to rest in the dark away from the living and warmth and dreams of the land. And from there, the world began to heal.

A: Do you think there is still Promise there? A means for the wasteland to be reborn? Or do you like it as it is?

I: I like to think so. Funny enough, that was one of my goals when I came to the West, lofty as it was. To find a way to quicken the recovery of the Circle. But I was younger, more naïve, and grieving my twin and father whom I lost to the Lilu. The Emanations learn from their mistakes and so do their people, and life still flourishes in the desert. It’s just different now. A shade of what it was. I have faith it will return one day, especially with champions like my mother, who carries with her a garden and is an exemplar of Hadiqa’s path.

A: A beautiful sentiment. Are there any religious rituals in the East not seen here in the West? What did you think of how we view religion when you first came here, has that changed a lot?

I: I admittedly know little of other tribes’ individual religious tendencies, but I do know that overall it is more of a matter of embracing the experiences we find in the Dream. In recent years, my mother told me when I lamented my time in the West that I have experiences very few from the Circle get to have, because of the choices I have made, and when I am gone I can share those experiences with Jmye as we all do when death comes to us. I thought that to be a better way of looking at things than I had been. Shrines are less common, I will say; many of us carry prayer mats and tokens and such, to pray to our God and seek guidance fromt he Emanations in our own ways. You can find depictions and small spaces for the Gods in Siru Alramal though. I won’t lie, I found it strange to see all of the Emanations as Gods instead of parts of the greater whole. I still do at times, and hold fast to my beliefs. At the same time, I understand it. my partner Voyemir taught me the most of what I know over the years, but several others gave me their perspectives. I think looking at it from a wider scope it is interesting to see how experience and culture in different parts of the world can change our perspectives on religion and enjoy learning new things, even if I don’t apply them to my own practices.

A: Is there anything else you’d like to add or let readers know?

I: I think I’d just say that, regardless of our practices, we all only have one life, and we can open ourselves up to the possibilities those of higher power grant us or remain closed off. I’d encourage open minds and hearts to the world, as long as it’s not hurting people. I once closed myself up to a lot, and it ended up hurting not only others but myself. That’s no way to live when there is so much to love and learn about the world we live in.

We would like to once again thank Ishya Al-Hayat for her time, and we hope that you found this article enlightening! If you’re interested in Ishya’s other work, you can find her running the Dreamweaver near the Coronaith Square of Falkvard! She’s also looking to open up a veterinarian practice after her graduation, and in the meantime owners of birds of prey are encouraged to reach out to her for her studies! Owls, falcons, kestrels, eagles and so on.

Special Issue, 22nd of Cermie, Year 117

Court Report

This week carries with it tragic news. An emergency session of court was held by Glaedwin, who announced that Lady Ardor O’Connell was assassinated by the Cult during a pilgrimage in the name of Perities in the Savannah, to the east of the Kingdom of Saphriel. She had a large amount of protection with her, with Nathan Pebble giving everything he had to try and keep her alive. He is currently at the hospital healing, and the Herald wishes him a swift recovery. The lady passed away due to being stabbed by Ravager claws.

The Kingdom has the understanding that Lady O’Connell was accidentally too careless with a stranger, a High-Elf with mismatched eyes; long, green hair; and usually seen topless. The Kingdom does not believe this to have been a breach of security but rather an issue of too much being said to the wrong person. Glaedwin took this opportunity to remind everyone to be careful, to not be overly trusting of strangers or provide too much information. It’s almost certain that the stranger is a member of the Cult, and it is suspected that she may be a Santcerid, or a champion of Kinos sometimes known as a Druid. This grants her unusual abilities that can confer strength to people other than herself, such as a team of killers.

The Kingdom reminds us to look out for each other. The Cult goes quiet, but it never truly sleeps. Lady Atiya Eries is helping Lord Taggart O’Connell and his family in looking after Brightfield as they grieve. Glaedwin asks that the family is given space and that they are not to be crowded. The festival that was partially planned by Lady O’Connell will now also be used to commemorate her. She requested that should she pass away, she should be remembered through a party rather than a sad affair.

All grieve differently. It is reported that Nathan is grieving and feeling guilt he should not be. He, too, may appreciate visitors but also space when needed. The Kingdom will continue on, with higher guard presence and Brightfield continuing to flourish. It was confirmed that her soul was not stolen by the Cult, an was allowed to move on to rest.

The Herald extends its sincerest condolences to Lady O’Connell’s family and friends. She will never be forgotten.

Issue 6th of Urime, Year 117

Court Report 

Welcome to this court report of the last month of summer! This week’s court was run by Scribe Scias Chilikov.

Last week, a celebration of women was held dedicated to the influential impact of women throughout the history of Saphriel. It was also, in part, dedicated to the late Lady Ardor O’Connell. The celebration took place just north of Tenifae and was a great success. More on the subject in our dedicated article below!

A special team was been dispatched to Acaedia to track down and deal with the final leader of the Sons of Itiris, Marcus, who has been covered in past issues. After his near capture during the battle with the Harbingers, he was tracked to the island of Acaedia. The various factions on the island worked with the Kingdom of Saphriel to dispatch him. The Guard clashed with on a small watch tower, facing an array of enchanted items likely taken from his time as a leader of the Sons of Itiris. When things got desperate for the criminal, he transformed into something similar to a werewolf, though of Fae origin; a deal he had struck during his time with previous cults. Despite the difficulty of the battle, Marcus was slain and Guards as well as volunteer Knights have since returned home, bringing with them the news of the final end of the treacherous Sons of Itiris.

An auction may be held in the future, and should the balance of duties become too difficult for him to handle Lord Varik Eries may have other auctioneers join him, but more shall be reported later on that subject.

As an addendum, the Kingdom requests that if you have them you should keep at least one permit on you at all times. If you are unable to be identified you may be arrested and questioned in case you are a Cultist. No specific names were mentioned and the Herald does not engage in gossip! (Though it might, if you have any to share!)

–

Women’s Day at Tenifae
By: Avyanna Turner

Last week saw a wonderful festival in celebration of women on the beaches north of Tenifae. The festival was well-attended, with multiple stalls run by notable merchants and businesspeople of Saphriel and beyond. The event was opened with an announcement by Lady Atiya Eries of Barkamsted, who had recently been helping out with managing Brightfield as mentioned in last month’s Herald.

“Hello everybody. I am Lady Atiya Eries. Welcome to the Women’s Festival! As you all likely know, this is supposed to be a celebration of women and girls. We have all manner of fun activities planned, from a show here behind me, to good food, market stalls, sandcastle building and surfing. Lord Taggart O’Connell will also be running a self-defence class specifically for women, though everyone is invited. Now, I planned this celebration together with my good friend, Lady Ardor. We received some terrible news this month, and she is no longer with us in person. But we are used to terrible things, and though we are all sad, we will never let these things defeat us. Lady Ardor is still us in spirit. We use this festival to celebrate her memory. She is a great example to all of us: a woman who kept going when times were tough, and who saw colours even through the bleakness. Please help me keep that memory alive, enjoy yourselves in her name. And laugh in the face of the Cult. Those fuckers will never get us down. Thank you all.”

Asking her ladyship later, her reasons for the festival were quite clear; Lady Eries and the late Lady Ardor O’Connell felt that women often go underappreciated, and wanted to draw some attention to the many accomplishments of women of Saphriel.

Lord Taggart O’Connell held a basics to self-defence lesson while to the side a dunking contest took place, where people paired up and squared off each other trying to push the other into a vat of water. Amusingly, Mrs Syli Mad-Kin lost three times in a row before finally scoring a win. The self-defence lesson was highly useful, focusing especially on avoiding a confrontation whilst going into detail about what to do if such does happen.

Ms Saorlaith stepped away from running her ice cone stall to the docks, and in a beautiful two-piece dress performed a mesmerising fire dance that cast flames high in the air and all around her.

We were then treated to a performance by Fitzbert the Jester, whose jokes promised to draw away any tomatoes from the next performers, giving some indication as to their quality.

The evening concluded with a final dance of many, many Dwelves dressed to imitate famous women from throughout Saphriel’s and our friends’ history. The beautiful display was capped off by three Dwelves pretending to be The Queen, Lady O’Connell and Lady Eries.

–

Bulletin Board

As some people are still grieving, Ms Tozi would like all to know that while she is not a mentalist, she is always free to talk, especially about the late Lady O’Connell whose friend she considered herself to be.

–

Riddle of the Week

I thought it might be fun to introduce riddles to the Herald! Every month I’ll be writing up a new riddle, and in the next week the name of the first person to get it right will be announced! This month’s riddle is:

I wind with no winch and weave with no thread, through forests and mountains, through city and stead. What am I?

Issue 6th of Yavannie, Year 117

Court Report

Welcome to the first court of this year’s autumn! Today’s court was run by Scribe Scias Chilikov.

A new maple tree was brought for the Redcaps and Fae guardian of the Brightfield forest. Under no circumstances should that maple tree be cut down or assaulted, nor should the fae there be approached without the presence of a Fae friend.

Copper, also known as Zannia, disappeared and any report leading to her finding is appreciated. The cause of the disappearance is currently unknown.

Harvest festival is approaching and the Kingdom asks that farmers prepare for it. Instructions on submitting your farm will be given closer to the date, as usual.

More Kurol are seen present around the lands as they have settled in their city more firmly, and Property Management is assessing even these underwater spaces, with Scribe Scias Chilikov promising that he will find you even there.

Vasserbunde exposes first signs of cracking under the blockade. They have been eager to treat with the Kingdom, so the Kingdom expects news on that front soon.

It has been noted that every time a golden bird has been sighted rain followed soon after, though no further details have been given other than that it was recently sighted near the Ravine Fort.

WARNING FOR ELVES, THIS DEALS WITH A SILENCED HIGH-ELF. A silenced High Elf and a member of the Cult was sighted recently, approaching two individuals and informing them of an area to the northeast, along the coast east of Tenifae. WARNING OVER. He announced that this area is a neutral zone for now, and this is the area in which Grendels were seen clashing with each other a few months ago. This space is not to be attacked either, any approach will be determined by the Knights and other qualified individuals.

Lilith Lovefast has also announced that, should you be accosted by a Fae, you should immediately contact either her or other Fae experts and avoid making any deals or giving them your name. This is especially true for a newer fae that has recently consumed a separate one to increase its story. Themes of want, hunger, and thirst pushed as far as they go are reported as possible. It has previously made someone hunger for flesh as well as made them greedier. It is considered to be very dangerous. The Fae experts to be contacted are Lilith Lovefast and Sir Erinc Topaz.

A man by the name of Thaddeus Van de Stadt came to court and renounced his false claim to lordship in the process of asking another question.

Not mentioned at Court, Lord Varik Eries has written to the Herald to inform that Barkamsted has a new sewer system. The old system is still accessible to the denizens of the Gut in thanks for their work in ensuring the safety of the city, now drained of all sewage.

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Riddle of the Month

Last month’s riddle was: I wind with no winch and weave with no thread, through forests and mountains, through city and stead. What am I?
The answer to last month’s riddle was Road, first answered correctly by Lord Leander Eries!

This month’s riddle is:
I have a neck which cannot crane, and I have ribs that do not breathe. My belly is empty though it sits low, and my rose sings out but does not grow. What am I?

Issue 6th of Narquelie Year 117

Court Report 

Autumn is well and truly underway, with plenty of rain to boot. Scribe Scias Chilikov was running this week’s court!

Last week a call to arms went out, with the Kingdom being accosted by many smaller incidents, reports of attacks or trapped citizens. The largest of them turned out to be falsehoods. One such report did lead to a battle with the Cult, though it seemed to be opportunistic rather than direct. The heaviest fighting was experienced in places where volunteers assisted, them appearing to be the main targets. One of the mercenary teams was captured due to the good work of the group sent out to assist. The job seemed to be to attack the volunteers, and to deter any further aid in the future. The Black Banner was most likely responsible for the heaviest casualties, with reports pointing to an armoured werewolf among assailants. This was not the Cult’s doing, especially as the Black Banner refuses to work with them, but the Kingdom is currently uncertain as to the people responsible. The Kingdom will not allow for this sort of thing to deter us. We will continue to stand strong in the face of these tactics, but the Kingdom will also ensure greater security around incidents being called in. Roads, trading routes, cities and other major centers will be placed under heavier scrutiny, but the Kingdom requires that we all do our part in reporting suspicious activity. Make sure friends are protected and safe. It is believed that this effort may be related to the fires at Spire’s Cross.

Harvest Festival will occur in the near future, and an auction some time after. Firmer dates and more information will become available closer to the date.

Barkamsted has finished its sewer and Brightfield continues the final steps of its reconstruction. If any should wish to aid the latter, contact Lord Taggart O’Connell.

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Riddle of the Week

Last week’s riddle was sadly not answered by anyone, but the answer was Lute! This week’s will hopefully be slightly easier.

I have a head and a tail, with my might a kingdom rises. Though I have no body, I am the root of many vices. What am I?