Tavern Rumors of Peltarch
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In ever increasing numbers children are heard chanting odd slogans, some wile doing chores, others while playing, some just scampering about. Things like Fish Breath Jess and Whyte smells of Seamen can be heard while moving through the city. A new popular jump rope song pops up (to the tune of Lizzie Borden) Jessy Whyte bought a death, payment was under her dress, when it failed she stomped her feet, and out crabs dropped onto the street.
The children might react in a number of ways if approached by an adult, guard, seafarer or other.
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In the various taverns, bars and dives across Peltarch, particularly with crowds who were receptive to the Song of Brante, Elodie Rumae has a new song to sing.
Oh people, of The Jewel
The kind and the cruel
Come together, come to me
I would have words with thee
Of oppression, of strife
And of upcoming fife
And a hero, Sebrienne
Maybe you've heard the name now and then?Oh people, of The Jewel
Look up from your gruel
Are you rich? Are you proud?
What about the others in the crowd?
And the Guilds? The Seafarers?
The "beloved" torchbearers?
While we're in ruins, and the muck
In which ditch are they stuck?
Oh wait! There's no ditch!
Just a certain stuck up...Oh people! Of The Jewel!
Will you be played for fools?
Will you be suckers? Be schmucks?
Hang around like sitting ducks?
Let them rule you? Let them abuse?
Just quietly cover up the bruise?
Quietly suffer? Quietly blame?
Quietly consider all the shame?
Or will you stand up? Stand up?
Stand up for all thePeople, of The Jewel!
Things have already begun
They're going to silence those who stand
The one named Sebrienne!
She fought oppression
She helped saved lives
With mystic powers over the skies
And what did they do?
To the Gaol they threw
And next they'll do it to you.Oh people, of The Jewel!
Don't you think it's unusual?
They praise Asha, Isolde, Eliro and Rey
But not the one who saved the day?Oh people, of The Jewel!
Don't you think it's unusual?
She's on trial, for what?
For Peace? For Naught?
Is this all what you were taught?
To take it? To obey? To watch on in shock?
Until it's your time on the headsman's block?Oh people, of The Jewel
Are there ones among you who'll
Stand for freedom, Stand for what's right?
Who wont run away at the sign of a fight?
Stand for Sebri, who stood for you
Or will you stand aside and allow the coup?
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Amidst the swirl of rumours around Edwin Ashald's attempted vote of no confidence against Jessica Whyte at Seafarer HQ, one particular story stands out. This rumour describes Reyhenna Jorino's sudden beheading of a boy during the middle of the meeting, and the full-blown chaos that ensued after. Some versions of the tale insist the boy beheaded was still not dead, was in fact ~undead~ and that the head and body continued to wreak havoc upon the assembly until finally destroyed with great mutual effort. While those in the know might whisper the name Triloquist, others can but state one strange fact in the aftermath: neither head nor body of any child have been found after the dust settled.
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Attacks on Peltarch continue intermittantly from the Jewel's more opportunistic neighbours - most recently kobolds and lizardmen in joint forces, striking through the waterways. A successful evacuation of the Commerce district beforehand saw no commoners come to harm, though the scalykind's last big push wrought some casualties amongst the defenders. For now, however, the waters are still and the threat averted.
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Rumours flying around the docks district speak of three Wavebreaker sailors, found dead in the sewers under suspicious circumstances. Darien Hardin, newly returned from travels overseas, could surely have hoped for a better welcome home gift than these dire tidings.
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An edited, sing-along version of the Song of Brante (written by Elodie Rumae) is spread throughout the taverns of Peltarch:
Struck with a sword
Beat on the head
One by one you fell and you bled
A Punch to the gut
a kick to your balls
Your screams echo through the City Hall
Break off your Limbs
Rip off your ears
That's gonna hurt for a few more yearsThe name's Brante, that's right.
Brante, Get it right.
Brante the Lord of Terror
He'll beat everyone of your damned Seafarers.Brante, Brante, that's his name
Brante, Brante, he's to blame
For all these blood spots, on the floor
For the pain in your crotch, and so much more
For the throb in your head
And the blood you shed
Boys, you're lucky that you're not dead.The name's Brante, that's right.
Brante, Get it right.
Brante the Lord of Terror
He'll beat everyone of your damned Seafarers.If you want more, you know where to find him
With his big sword he'll swing on a nigh whim
So go for the glory, Go for the pain
Just know, if you go, you'll be cut in twain.
Go if you think you can settle the score
And before you know you'll fall before...Brante! That's right!
Brante, You got it right!
Brante, the Lord of Terror!
And he's going to beat everyone of your damned Seafarers!
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Cormac's return to the city may be noted with his seditious crooning. Not at all unlike Brante's songs, his words too fill the air most nights - accompanied by the violent wailings of his magic 'singing' axe. After a mug or two of ale, and a turkey leg in his belly he'll start his song all at once.
"...but I look around me and wonder - how could it come to this? Let me tell you about the uprising..."
*I've been to many lands to fight force our enemies back
In Valkur's I've raised my axe for the attack!
Serving in heroes' ranks, for honour and for fame
And now we're back in the grand town
to raise our claim!Storm and fire
we'll provoke to those
Standing in our way, a sanguine river flows!**Call on the warriors
Varangians unite!
Dethrone the usurpers
The gods want us to fight!Remember the good times
When we were young and full of pride
The uprising begins, the palace burns
Head for the storm with us or die!*His axe sings out its peculiar song, a bold grin spreading across his black-painted lips, kohl lined eyes scanning the room for those who might have backbone enough to stand with him.
Open the City Gates for all Peltarch to break free
Let's follow them in union and for victory!
Down to the palace where the usurpers try to hide
You corrupt guilds! You're dead and gone, by Cormac's might!*Storm and fire
we'll provoke to those
Standing in our way, a sanguine river flows!Call on the warriors
Varangians unite
Dethrone the usurpers!
The gods want us to fightRemember the good times
When we were young and full of pride
The uprising begins, the palace burns
Head for the storm with us or die*After this chorus his axe-play peaks, his fingers moving rapidly along the length - each striking another note, some shrill, some heavy tones so thick they'd make the back teeth of those close enough to vibrate in their skulls. After his great solo he calls out the seditious refrain all the louder with hopes that the boldest of those men in the taverns he visits will join in with him.
*Call on the warriors
Varangians unite
Dethrone the usurper!
The gods want us to fight!Remember the good times
When we were young and full of pride!
The uprising begins, the palace burns
Head for the storm with us or die!****Call on the warriors
Varangians unite!
Dethrone the usurpers
The gods want us to fight!Remember the good times
When we were young and full of pride!
The uprising begins, the palace burns
Head for the storm with us or die!***His song ends, usually with an empty mug and finished supper. He has no time to hear anyone who bemoans his call to arms and self-service. But why wait, he asks, for someone to save you? You outnumber them. Grab a kitchen knife, sic your dogs on them, take control of your home; or live the rest of your lives as cowards...
((Lyrics edited for Rebellion's song, The Uprising - Rolled a 24 in game for Perform ))
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Notes are spread all over the city with the following lyrics:
Struck with a sword, beat on the head / one by one, you fell and you bled / A punch to the gut, kick to your balls / Your screams echo through City Hall / Break your limbs, rip off your ears / That'll hurt a few more years
The name's Brante. That's right, Brante / Get it right: Brante, your favorite Terror / I'll beat every single one of your stupid Seafarers.
Brante, Brante, that's my name / Brante, Brante I'm to Blame / For all these blood spots, on the floor / For the pain your crotch, so much more / and the throb in your head, boys, you're lucky you're not dead.
If you want more, you know where to find me - I'm in your head, your thoughts and dreams / Brante, Brante, get the name, your favorite terror / Brante, Brante, who'll beat every single seafarer.
Sometimes Brante himself is heard singing it on the streets.
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a conversation between commoners walking into the Dancing Mermaid
"Its that same woman whos always sleeping and loitering around the rubble near the castle. I was on the detour on the way to Norwick and she was nude in the horse troff outside the Witch and Seer bathing her wounds.. Yeah it was a mess. When I stopped and asked l, she had a shake in her voice but otherwise seemed alright? I guess she didnt want to track blood on the inside of the tavern. -Didnt seem to notice me leave.. really I dont have time for those eccentrics.."
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The Tiller Barony after suffering horrible losses of friends and relatives who had joined the peltarch military now works to recover on the farms. Baroness Anna Tiller has mandated that during these troubling times that production will be focused on feeding the populace in general through feast blessings, allowing the farmers to fill their bellies fully once a day. All her blessings will be diverted to growth as well as creating meals, and if necessary, manipulating the weather as well to make it favorable to stimulate growth.
Western Seaferer farmlands will be granted blessings as well to help with growth, though otherwise she would leave the privatized farms to their own devices otherwise, having only so many resources available to help the lands.
Lastly, she has forbidden any residents on the Tiller Barony from joining the military at this point and time and would recall any soldiers permitted to return to their lands from active duty who frequent the barony to have more working hands as well as forming a general farmers militia as well.
Varya Tiller meanwhile remains as a defender Lieutenant to General Gom in the meantime, committing her full strength in preservation of Peltarch's safety in general, perhaps against her mother's wishes.
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Before the recent battle in Peltarch, Reemul De'Costa was seen at the South Gate. Astride his mount he was seen riding among the youngest of Peltarch Defenders, passing out healing potions and words of encouragement, As all know, the battle at the battle at the South Gate, did not in the end go well for its valiant young Defenders.
Several days later Reemul is seen in The Regal Maid, well into his cups and beyond drunk. "Most of a generation of fine young men and women, gone in a day. Why? For the plotting and conniving of those who wish power and happy to disregard the lives it costs. Snakes crawl the streets of Peltarch on their bellies guised as men. "
He is also heard to say "No one who stands is fit to rule this city, not until those who colluded with the enemy are known. Be it the Guilds, The Noble line or any other, Peltarchs citizens deserve to know why their sons and daughter died and by whos decree. Instead they embrace the Guilds as their saviors without knowing who brought sorrow to their doors,"
At some point in his rantings, several guildsmen of one of the local guilds took offence at his possible implications. Rumors say several guildsmen were beaten within an inch of their lives. When the guard arrived, he surrendered peacefully to them and was taken to Gaol.
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A few days after the devastating attack on the city, reports begin to flow in of a large creature seen flying over the city. Some initially believe it to be a monster of some sort, or perhaps another fiend preparing to attack the city once again in the name of whatever foul powers had besieged it before.
After a few passes though, it becomes clear that it is something altogether different: a metal construct of unusual size, with a small gnome sitting in a seat mounted on its back. The gnome waves a wand as he passes over the city, causing a rain of meatloaf to fall across the Commerce, Residential, and Docks districts. While some are grateful for the extra food, much of it ends up on people's roofs or providing a veritable feast for the seagulls.
The display does, however, seem to have bemused a populace in dire need of something to lighten the mood.
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Following the devastating attack on the city, the Voice of the Docks, Roslyn Underhill, is seen to be using a good deal of her own financial resources to bring in additional aid to the city. While much of it understandably goes to providing food and shelter for those in her own district, she does see to it that aid also flows to the other parts of the city.
She does, however, make certain that none of the aid she's providing finds its way into Seafarer hands.
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Some drunkards have seen a very big man, one that some say smells like ham for some unknown reason, wearing a mohawk and carrying his always full backpack, moving south. They know he's moving, because more drunkards that went by the docks watched him talking to the Bottlerneck Apartment landlord and giving back his only key. Think is because he never paid the rent again? Who actually knows.
OOC: apartment key is being trashed. If I can't do that, I'll contact a DM.
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At the Lucky Ferret, on the eve following the battle and Hooktusk's seat on the newly formed City Council, all drinks are on the house in one allmightily drunken celebration. Hooktusk himself is hoisted up on the arms of the black and gold clad Sails, while the diminuative captain Seesaw stands on the bar to lead the predictably lewd, rude and rowdy celebration chants. The Black Sails, having long been the underdogs to the old established guilds, are doubtlessly ~very~ pleased with the recent turn of events and captain Seesaw, while mostly travelling abroad these days, appears particularily smug. Her raucous laughter at Hooktusk sharing the table with a representative of the Divine Shield topples her off the bar, and, carried off by one of the bouncers, she cries: 'A thousan' gold ta th'best song 'bout th'sailor an' tha paladin's pole!"
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It is said among the gossipy sort that Morgan Azzen has begun to publicly praise and generally show support for the Guilds, speaking highly of their actions during the siege and attributing large amounts of success to them. It doesn't take much searching to find that Morgan seems to be cultivating the rumors and gossip so that it spreads as much as it can, and people know at least one Magistrate is fully on their side. Perhaps Morgan hopes it will sway whatever monarchists are left to a new way of thinking. Perhaps he just likes to hear himself talk... who can say?
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A few days ago, a team of ten Ceruleans was dispatched outside of Peltarch to an unknown destination. Their mission evidently did not go to plan, however. Almost two days later, a mixed team of adventurers and Peltarch personnel returned with the bodies of nine of them, along with the team's lone survivor.
While it's not clear what they were doing or what they encountered, it seems that most of them have managed to return to life, as several are seen enjoying some time off while they recover from their ordeal.
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Many farmers seem to be occupying the inner city walls for a few hours until the large scale attack of ants was finally dealt with by many brave heroes from in inside the city, with their local paladin being one of them. Word has it that hundreds of giant ants attacked the farmlands for unknown reasons, guided by a large ant queen nesting in the irrigation system down below.
The damage to the lands were significant but not unmanageable, with Baroness Anna Tiller using her blessings to help mend the holes as well as creating a large compost pile to be used to help fertilize the lands.
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In related rumours, numerous travellers, merchants and even seasoned adventurers report bandits extorting tolls for 'safety' within the Nars pass. According to eye witness accounts, these bandits were numerous, well organized and well equipped - though ~something~ still drove them from the pass abruptly. Rumours mention thick, whirling dark clouds over the Nars shortly before this exodus, eerie sounds upon the winds and a palpable sense of dread. Defenders Jorino, Tiller and Autumn, Cerulean Aelthasson and a small number of allies returned from the south some time after the clouds had passed, exhausted and bearing signs of extensive combat.
A brief time thereafter, the city's Ceruleans seem to have engaged in some manner of rescue mission, as Nate Wingates, Eowiel Senella and their allies lead a ragged group, about 20 women, children and men, from whereabouts unknown through a shadow door into Peltarch proper. Many bore scorch marks and seemed shocked, taken into temporary care at the Festhall and the Bardic College to recover.
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Rumours following the recent recapture of Portown from bandits suggest that numerous former Defenders have been recruited back into the fold, including the likes of Varya Tiller, Lorn Hresh and Reyhenna Jorino. Sally Williams has not been seen publicly since the Tribunal in which Jorino left the Defenders, and rumours suggest she is missing or taken a leave of absence, having been replaced in an interim capacity by erstwhile retired General Frederic Del'rosa, who has been spearheading recent recruitment efforts.
Rumous also say Jorino appears to have been sent on a clandestine mission by Del'rosa not long prior to rejoining the fold, only to barely returned with her life. Indeed, her injuries seem to have included the loss of her entire right arm, and she's since been seen occasionally sporting a golem-like prosthetic in its place. Clearly whatever bested her in battle left wounds too grievous for normal priestly magicks to regenerate.
