all the whispers Options

[LauraSB]

Septius 1020
Sake and a story, A great warrior rediscovered
"So the mines are all closing?"
"No, of course not. The mines around that area. Out of respect of course."
"Apologies, did you two say the mines are being closed?"

Yau-Sinjo exhaled slowly with a sigh. Retelling this was becoming tiresome.

"There was a vine of black jade discovered in one of our oldest mines. While excavating it, miners uncovered an old shrine, perhaps one of the oldest ever uncovered in our lands."
"What was the shrine for? Was it for an old daimyo? A samurai? A totem?"

Yau-Sinjo slammed his sake cup on the table in frustration. "If you would do me the honour of letting me finish, perhaps you would find out!"
"The shrine was dedicated to Tsuyo-sa Goto Jin, a samurai of the Jade Dragon, along with murals of what seem to be their accomplishments over the course of their lifetime. If the stories are accurate, this samurai was a great monster slayer, a destroyer of scores of oni, tengu and other beasts. A great, great warrior, who's rest is well deserved and should not be disturbed.
The mining operations around the shrine have been halted, as they should be, out of respect for Samurai Tsuyo-sa Goto Jin. Besides, no doubt there will be many that will wish to pay their respects to such a noble samurai and learn of their deeds. I know I would. For example, did you know that they once.."

Approaching the table, where now a small gathering of people listened to the tales upon the murals of the samurai's burial chamber, a new voice piped up.
"Sinjo-san! Did you hear they were closing the mines??"

 
Deeber 1020
The Forgetful Lich, Bildteve
Every so often in recent weeks, observers at the docks in Bildteve became conscious of a recurring theme.
A Lich (name unknown, but no judgement; people can live their lives as they wish within the laws of the Empire of Glass!) was witnessed securing travel to Ishma. Only to return several weeks later briefly, and then return to Ishma. At least three times this happened (so far) and some reported overhearing it saying something about "taking it with him this bloody time!".
Interested persons waited eagerly for his return to see if he had indeed remembered to take "it" with him.

Januar 1021
Scorching sands West
Rumours were already spreading of a new (or possibly ancient) cult in the deep deserts starting to make themselves known; the 'Blades of Kauket’'. Mostly manifesting at the moment as small raids on caravans or members preaching at far flung settlements. Unsurprisingly, their primary themes seemed to be about heat. And fire...

Februar 1021
The Raven's Flock, The Utter North
News was, naturally, slow coming in from the Utter North. I mean... it was utterly northwards, and utterly horrible to get to, live in and probably utterly dull even to talk about. It was just really really cold right?

So it could have been that the Cult of the Raven's Flock had been operating for months, or even years without anyone noticing. Or maybe they just turned up?

Either way, whatever they were doing was enough of a concern that gentle rumours were heard in the north of the Empire of this new group, evil priests largely with wraith like power, causing trouble.

But.... it was the Utter North right? So... utterly irrelevant to them surely?

 
Martius 1021
Vandalism at the heart of the Jade Empire, Ishlel Tani
The popular Uncle Chu’s Laundry service main premises was graffitied by persons unknown. A picture of a dark scaled dragon being smacked by a yellow lantern drawn in a comical manner. This was quickly cleaned off, but why anyone would do this to Uncle Chu’s is unknown.

Martius 1021
At home in the cold, The Far North
A stocky figure (possibly a dwarf) has been seen several times in heavy blizzards and biting cold in the Far North - seemingly unaffected by the conditions that deter those that have seen them.

What is striking is that this figure is often seen alone, in such terrible conditions. How has a single individual survived for so long?

Jurrle 1021
Sinkholes Stopped!, Barony of Constanta
A group of 6 mercenaries dealt with a strange aberrant creature that came from the mines recently. Once dealt with they proceeded to check mines for any further danger and everything has since been given the all clear from Dr Darius Cel Trada.

The Doctor has closed and blocked the mine for safety to stop the local 'beastmen' from causing possible 'local stink holes and similar'

Rumours were heard in local drinking establishments of a couple strange objects found in mine, but obviously these were just rumours, nothing to be suspicious about.

Graf Victor von Constanta offers a public thank you to the mercenaries who aided them.

 
Octuar 2021
Express Hire, near Thimon
Near Thimon a group of wanna be adventurers/travellers went missing one evening as a freak storm hit the local area.

Mercenaries seemed to arrive in the area unbelievably quickly; a hire had not even been made!

2 members of the group were discovered all the way in the in Constanta - Tartovia, hiding near a local silver mine with the beastmen bothering them before they were picked up next day (no one was hurt luckily, but they were very scared).

Another arrived in Thimon Sunday night - and an ancient folk by the name of Orsen, who reported being trapped in an abbey by undead monks and escaping after this group 'distracted' some of creatures, however no abbey in the area was known.

Some wondered if maybe he had been drinking as there was a strong smell of old red wine on him.

Deeber 1021
A desecration of history, Sad news from the Jade lands
For those that were aware or had the chance to visit the discovered shrine to Tsuyo-sa Goto Jin, I bring sad news.

I have been informed that his shrine was desecrated, and those paying their respects have been killed. For those that are unaware, this was a recently rediscovered shrine to an old Jade Dragon samurai, who's deeds we had been relearning over the last year as his shrine was uncovered and studied. For those that may remember this was indeed the one discovered during mine excavations last year.

I am already seeking answers where I can, but have been made aware those responsible are shielded in some way from scrying.


At the time, I ask those seeking to pay their respects to wait for now, as I have ordered the area blocked off until answers are found.


Tassuro Yang-To

Ear of the People,
Chairman of the Jade council
Family Daimyo of the Haiyū
Daimyo of the Jade dragon clan

Januar 1022
Busy day in the Jade Valley, The Jade Valley
The shrine in the Jade Valley had recently been attacked and vandalised

Adventurers turned up before a hire had even been set - luckily Yang-to, Daimyo of the Jade Dragon clan (a week before his death at least!) greeted them in the valley and allowed them to investigate (and get paid).

Investigation of the small shrine seemed to take a few hours.

There was a minor 'rumble' in the area around lunch time - the place spirit Oku was a little upset as he couldn't place where there had been an issue.

The same adventurers were later seen in the 'lower' orchards in the imperial city - seemingly shopping and continuing their investigations - they helped out Kenzo’s Scents - a perfume shop with elemental issues, however they didn't have time to help out the Gofukuten Kimono Store sadly and at least one guard and one employee was killed - seemingly by animated clothes.

There were some other rumours of Viridian Silk owing Chi No Habu’s herbs and Potions, but this seemed to have been made up for as a new business adventure with a labyrinthian called Monty was struck to supply 'special' medicinal potions to the men of Labyrinthia

The group was later seen heading into a warehouse that was rumoured to house criminals years ago - which apparently hadn't shut down at all and were 'dealt with'

Other news is the lost story was given to the Jade Dragon Clan to spread amongst the people - warning them of some creature known as 'Lady Tengu'. Strangely no information was available before this - and now rumours and short stories seem to be popping up everywhere....


Martius 1022
Foreign Legion, At an Oasis of no particular note
A trader who risks the vast desert that reportedly trades with a small oasis settlement often was speaking about a band of mostly foreign adventurers arriving, which was quite the sight so far from any civilisation of any size.

These adventurers seemed to be heading toward the nearly forgotten pyramid buried nearby (which is considered cursed and to be avoided) but were waylaid by a storm. These adventurers caused quite a stir; first the goblin in the group slew the local sand worm menace single handily while traveling here and then they proceeded to defeat all of those in Pasha Alsumi's small entertainment arena. They were last seen walking into the storm... the trader prays for their safety.

Martius 1022
Very 'busy' in Constanta, Tartovia
Dr Darius Cel Tradat had some adventurers visiting this weekend gone, she often has those from the mercenary community visiting since the 'silver mine' incident last year, but this time was different. There was an attack by 3 white robed people, apparently at least one of which was a silver folk. 2 of these 3 were killed (in clear self-defence) by the before mentioned mercenaries, however one escaped! This claim was backed by several witness statements.

In a twist of events, when the local gravedigger Ernie received the bodies for burial/disposal (which his usual grumbling after being banned from using necromancy by the hero of Constanta nearly 2 years ago) he found that there were in fact 3 bodies!

Upon further investigation, the third body was actually a lower ranking circle member Florian Balan who was visiting Dr Darius (and an old friend and work colleague).

Dr Darius is said to be very upset by these events.

To further the Doctor's woes, there has been some kind of archaeological find in the area, but when the dig reconvened today there was a bizarre attack from a very large eagle.

The local (who are understandably a superstitious lot) took their wounded and stopped the dig; it will take some convincing to return.

Early Mai 1022
Busy time up North, The Far North
Tales were being told around many a campfire, huddled together for warmth, of adventurers who came to the north and had rooted out a 'raven cult'.

Some north-folk said they were stuck in a ritual with their life force being drained and that when ritual was disrupted a creature that looked to be a huge brain with tentacles appeared and fought the group. This obviously caused a level of ridicule.

More believable rumours were that the (a?) wendigo was slain- not that a creature like that can stay dead for long.

Finally (clearly it had been a busy day) it was rumoured that the adventurers had entered a forbidden cave/crack in the glacier where some 'beast' was said to roam - neither the beast or the adventures were seen again.

Late Mai 1022
Sill?, Gothiel
A strange person was said to have been bothering locals in Gothiel on Friday; Viridian Sill was the name heard? He was said to have teleported away after talking about darkness consuming light. Allegedly they were wanted for questioning but did not show up again.

A group of mercenary types were seen investigating the old burnt 'Blackberry house', considered 'cursed' as it seemed to be missed when the rest of city was blessed by the Lady.

Though there was no hire heard of, the curse appears to have now been lifted - such kind work from mercenaries, and the house now has a new owner. The same group were seen freeing a group of beggars from being spiritual controlled (confirmed by local temples) earlier in the day.

However, in more disturbing news, these same 3 beggars were later found dead near 'The Cuppa' Tavern that night. Scrying has failed to determine who the culprit was and no physical wounds were present - this event cannot seem to be linked to Mr. Sill or the mercenaries in any way; it is felt unlikely to be the mercenaries who had helped the city and no one has seen Mr. Sill - however he is still wanted for questioning to rule him out.

Juon 1022
Unsettled Waters, Coast below Keys
Sansa picked her way along the stony beach. With nothing better to do, you never know what might wash up. Today was... not great. Some broken wood which might have some resale. Highlight was a large strange looking fish washed up, not quite rotted enough to be inedible.

Glancing to her left she noticed something strange. The horizon had become just a little bit higher. No wait... closer...

Turning with fish and wood underarm Sansa started running further inland, just in time as the wave came crashing down behind her. Glancing over her shoulder she noticed dark shapes left behind as the wave subsided...

Juon 1022
Murders Solved, Tartovia
Dr Darius Cel Tradat was killed by the very same mercenaries she had been traversing with (after a hire all the way back in summer last year).

This matter has been swiftly checked by the Circle, and some strange things have come to light.

First, the strange artefact she had partially restored, recovered from the 'Vasuli incident' in 1020, had shattered.

This lead to communing and it was then discovered that a series of murders (including a member of the Circle!) had all been done by the Doctor... or should we say Nefast! The doctor's other personality which appeared after leaving the Circle.

This seemed to explain the change in being a priest of neutrality to one of healing... the evil spirits were now the use of this other persona.

Juon 1022
Calamity Averted?, Ruins of Keys
A tsunami hit the coast late Sunsday, though this wave seemed to have a cleansing quality compared to previous ones.

Rumours from sailors state they saw a monstrous Acropolis in the ocean, appearing somewhere roughly south and east of the Keys ruins. They saw strange creatures seeming to swarm around and on it so they keep their distance, and when it sunk beneath the surface, all they could do was hang on till the waves had passed.

There are also rumours that mercenaries had indeed gone to this location and travelled inside, though what actually occurred truly remains a mystery to all bar those who entered. Some say that this group have averted death and chaos to many over Primus - maybe? The facts are not known, but many just 'feel it'.

Eta in the Jade valley, Barbarians in the deep north, nomads in the desert, peons in Constanta and those who reside near the Keys Ruins; they know they have been saved from something, if not what....

No one can find where this island appeared (and later disappeared) from. It's like it never existed bar the chaos on the coast.