Secret History of Allanak

8/28/1998, from Halaster: The March on the North To recap: The blackrobe templar, Liktith, told Boopsie that Allanak needed a large shipment of wood. Therefore, she gave Boopsie access to about 1500 troops and 4 wagons to make it happen. She gave him a few limitations - don't directly attack or invade Luirs, and don't directly atttack or invade Tuluk. Aside from those limits, Boopsie was given free choice of how to accomplish this goal. Furthermore, Liktith only supplied Boopsie with enough money (virtually) to supply the troops for only enough to get there and back. So, if Boopsie needs more, Boopsie must get it himself.

Since then, Boopsie has been trying to rally support from different noble and merchant houses, with a large focus put on House Kadius. Boopsie is currently trying to convince Kadius to center more of their ops in the south than in the north. They have worked out a deal where Kadius is going to try and "assimilate" as many of the refugees up north, with the future-goal of moving a lot of them to the south. (more on that thread in a bit).

Boopsie's plan is to stick a couple of blue-robes (Petre, Winti, Starinath, Lassiter) in charge of each wagon and a group of soldiers. The entire little army will move north to the Grey Forest (not sure yet by which path). Once there, about a third of the troops will start cutting trees, while the remainder stand guard. In roughly 2 to 4 IC days (a couple of RL hours) they should have enough wood to fill the four wagons, and will head back home. That is Boopsie's plan.

Obviously, the forces of Gol Krathu (Tuluk, Reynolte, Kadius) will see what's going on and react. My ideas range from doing nothing, to outright trying to slaughter the Allanaki force. Or, I might have Kul tell Aldebrand to make the choice and let him decide what to do. I would definately like some suggestions and feedback here, please.

9/6/1998 (Halaster) More of the March on the North The quest went a little sour, to say the least.

The army marched outta 'nak, and very early on, Gimli (red-robed npcs templar played by Zagren) drove his wagon off the Shield Wall. The occupants - Gimli, Winti, Zhentrim, a guard of Zhentrim's, and some soldier npcs - set out on foot across the Talbelands. Blackwing found out, and set on them. A large fight ensued, and Winti, Gimli, Zhemtrim, Zhentrim's guard, and Nekkaz of Blackwing all died.

The army went north of Luir's, fought a few outriders and Tuluki troops, animated them, and brought them along North.

The army appraoched Tuluk, and this is where it got ugly. Boopsie, as we know, was told NOT to attack Tuluk. Well, he did. All said and done, it was a total massacre. Petre, Jeggred, all the naki troops, and Bethane (i think that was his name.. cobalt-blue vivaduan) died.

Boopsie and Starinath and Yondra of Kadius fled home. Starinath got seperated and then killed by Achrolum of Blackwing in the Tablelands. Boopsie and Yondra were left in the wagon, and were attacked by Blackmoon. Liktith appeared to save Boopsie, but Kryst of Blackmoon jumped the gun and killed Boopsie. Liktith slept them all and banished Kryst. Yondra was later killed by Achrolum of Blackwing when her wagon ventured near the T'lands on the way home.

To recap, the dead are as follows: Winti the Blue, Zhentrim of Tor, Zhentrim's PC guard, Nekkaz of Blackwing, Starinath the Blue, Petre the Blue, Jeggerd the PC soldier, Boopsie the Red, Yondra of Kadius, Bethane (I think) the Vivaduan... 10 PCs in all.

11/26/1998 Zagren: Templar Incidents Well, Miriel of the Blue has made a mistake of almost epic proportions. Given a number of Borsail, Fale, and Kadian signet rings...as well as a number of metal estate keys she has gone about attempting to melt them down into another form she can use somehow. Now, this wouldn't necessarily be an incredible mistake but:

She had the Rukkians at the Allanaki temple made her molds, and worse She asked the Suk-Krath priests at their temple to melt down the metal

Now things are quite FUBARed.

There are a number of things that could happen here:

The High-Priest of the Krathi temple blackmails Miriel dry having kept one, or several of the signet rings as proof of her doings. This is a tame option, and it assumes the Priest is gutsy enough to risk someone else finding out about this sloppy so far.... The Krathi's, who have friends and family, talk like mad about this. The public becomes aware of Miriel's doings and riots begin as the public rises to defend thier beloved nobilty from the templarate. The Houses Fale and Borsail and even Kadius would be screaming for her head. The High-Priest of Krath approaches the Red and sells out Miriel wholesale to gain the favour of the templarate and maybe to get funds to do some renovations in the Elementalist's Quarter. In any event, Miriel has done the unthinkable. Pass around proof that somehow she's linked to the death of the nobles who once wore these rings. No story will save her ass. None of the Houses I'd think would support any story of her claiming she got the rings legitimately from them. It's not a matter of if a huge mess results from this, but as to what shape it will take.

I'd propose a mix of b) and c) myself, since I can't see the Temple Priest sitting idly by without informing someone in authority and I also don't see them being overly quiet about it. As far as the populance is concerned the nobility run the city and I can't think of a single reason why this wouldn't reach thier ears.

12/1/1998 (Sanvean) More of Miriel's Sage Miriel ended up fleeing to the Northlands and taking refuge with the Reynoltes, who proceeded to kill her.

12/2/1998 (Savak) Addendum to Sanvean One should probably also note that it was some psionicist "noble" dude, Jerom? Jerom, i think (in the pinfo if that's him) that was taken into Reynolte and re-given noble powers (someone else seems to know that story). Anyways. He tricked some Reynolte half-giant guard with his Way'ish ways into believing Miriel was being very naughty, so said half-giant bashed down a gate/door/something and went and smacked her into oblivion.

Interesting enough. But, Aldebrand was -quite- upset (apparently not at Jerom, but at just about everyone else), and proceeded to nearly kill Sariphina (his 'valet'), and ordered the execution of the guards involved/present. This, likewise, spurned Sariphina into contacting Janis of the Blackmoon and she seems to be trying to use him to insure these executions don't go through as planned, as well as to perhaps find a way to get back at Jerom for being, in her eyes, the cause of the trouble. Alas, 'round and 'round it goes.

June 25, 1999 (Halaster) That goofy artifact, and the airship quest The symbol artifact thingy of Khadrim's that everyone has been making such a huge deal over (that they also thought Kithian had) is now in the possession of Liktith the Black.

In the mantis valley, the scouting party found most of Alphonso's gear, including the artifact. Milna, one of the scouts, picked it up, and upon returning to Allanak, gave the artifact to Liktith. To date, only those two know it was given to her.

In other news... The party is back from the valley now, having successfully scouted it. All things went according to plan. Allanak now has the information it needs to proceed with the Airship invasion.

12/23/1998 (Haldol) Radoon's (Kadian) near Execution Last night Radoon was nearly executed when Madiki and Heeth (two PC templars) found out that he had attended a meeting in Luir's with Kul and Isar. I switched into Welen and contacted Madiki telling him we'd like to talk about the upcoming public execution. Madiki showed up at Welen's shop and I tried to convince him to auction Radoon as a slave or something to spar him. As we haggled, Becklee showed up playing an Oashi noble who's name I cannot recall. Welen told him what was going on and the noble asked to discuss the matter with Madiki and Ecken. I then played Ecken. At the Oashi estate, the Oashi noble suggested a deal. The Oashi suggested that Radoon would serve as a useful spy for Allanak if he could be proven loyal. The Oashi suggested sending Radoon north with Dyrtan who would keep an eye on him. The Oashi agreed to put up 10,000 sid in case he ran off in some sort of wager with Madiki that he wasn't a spy. Madiki agreed to have Dyrtan's gem removed so he wouldn't be noticed as a naki observer. To save face for Madiki, a Kadian labor slave was executed and the story was that he had falsely tried to implicate Radoon.

1/17/99 (Dyrinis) Demon invades Allanak Baffahewlt, a demon in service to Vapus (one of the more powerful demon lords) has come to Allanak to take back a component that was stolen by a Suk-Krathi cleric. The Krathi came to Allanak hoping that the Highlord would protect him from whatever was following him.

Well, he would be right under normal circumstances but since Quintus has taken the throne he doesn't have quite as much power as the previous Highlord. Quintus detects the demon a short time after it is able to enter the city and dispatches some black-robes to get rid of it. Meanwhile, the demon tracks down the cleric and kills him for the component. Madiki witnesses this, and also witnesses the demon run for the gates, where there are 3 black-robes waiting for it. The blacks pull some phatty magick, and send the demon running. It somehow manages to elude them and takes refuge in the sewers. Quintus pulls the blacks off because he doesn't want to risk losing them if they're fighting where the demon has the advantage. He tells them to send some underlings down into the sewers to get rid of it. He also tells them that the demon is most likely searching for a way to open a rift to his plane. If this happened, the structural damage to the surrounding sewers would be significant enough to make part of the city collapse.

2/16/1999, from Savak: Dalaran and Allanak Dalaran (powerful Krathi of the Concalve) slinks into the tavern, where he had already seen Madiki (a blue robe templar) sitting and chatting with Rinan. He immediately turns and slinks back out, grabs his kank, and heads...very slowly...to the 'rynth.

To make a painfully long story short(er), they psi'd back and forth a bit, with each trying in their own subtle little ways to get the other to come to "their" location. Ultimately, they agreed on a place in the middle of Suk-Krath's Holy Road. How poignant. Dalaran arrived just before Madiki did, whipped out the amulet and promptly put the lot of them to sleep the instant they walked in. (Madiki and at least 2 HG soldiers.) Dalaran drew his weapons, and killed Madiki. Rinan had been standing to the south, watching..and started running around the city, shouting for the guards & saying Dalaran of the Muark had killed Lord Madiki.

With a rogue, murdering magicker loose in the city, the gates were closed -- though I don't -think- he actually tried to get back out them. In any case, more detail aside, a HG eventually knocked him unconscious and drug him to jail. Dal woke up and decided to try his luck with a kizn fireball or somesuch, on the templar & HG. He singed 'em, but was killed almost immediately.

(Note from Sanvean) Dalaran had two magical items on him, an amulet and an enchanted ring, which, a few weeks later, the templars tried to use to entrap the Conclave through the Tan Muark. The Muark still have the items.

3/4/1999, from Haldol: Sath Burglary Thought I'd fill everyone in on this little quest I've got running. It involves two NPC's. The first is Lord Kriloff Sath, who owns a small apartment in the commoners quarter (Room # 13123). He keeps this apartment as a place to romance various mistresses and prostitutes without the other Sathi knowing. The second is an elven whiran named Tygan who has grown up as a deprived 'rynth rat. Tygan has learned about Lord Sath's apartment and its fancy contents through his loose association with some of Lord Sath's 'ladies'. So, he's trying to put together a crew to rob the apartment. The following PC's have agreed to help Tygan: Nasser, Shadius, and Dazzim ( I think they all have some association with the Guild).The plan is to have Tygan steal the chest which contains the good loot (spice, a signet ring, and a book) and leave the PC's with the silks clothes, art, and stocked bar. As they leave, a soldier gets a look at Tygan. After the robbery, Lord Sath then places a bounty on the head of Tygan and anyone else who could be identified. He also tries to talk the PC templars into hunting them down. Tygan then contacts various wealthy individual's in nak and tries to pawn off the loot. Things end when either Tygan is killed or when he manages to pawn off the loot and retire to Luir's.

Later follow up: The four burglars (Mkann, Hylut, Nasser, and my NPC whiran Tygan) were able to break into Lord Sath's House and clean it out. Lord Sath put bounties on each of their heads and asked Phero Salarr to look into the matter in return for a future favor. Phero Salarr sent a dwarf into the 'rynth and the dwarf was able to learn about Hylut's and Nasser's involvement through an overheard whisper. Phero then told Templar Fifi about the two in return for a favor from her in the future. Tygan tried to gather several bids from the local rich folks to sell his share of the goods (spice, a signet ring, and a book) While looking for a bid from Dyrtan, Dyrtan passed out from using the Way and Tygan robbed him of his keys. Tygan later gave the keys to Grendar who demanded a cut from the job. Grendar later returned the keys to Dyrtan. Tygan gathered several bids for the loot, adding Dyrtan's keys and two fake silver bracelets (that can be bought in the rynth) to try to up the price. Rayce offered 30,000, Dyrtan offered 30,000, Marius blew him off, and Kadius offered a pathetic 3,000. Eventual Tygan sold the loot to Dyrtan for 30,000 sids. Dyrtan had put up about 20,000 of his own money and talked Templar Melesande into putting up 10,000 in return for the signet ring and silver bracelets. Unfortunately, when Melesande found out the bracelets were fake, she demanded her money back from Dyrtan or threatened to sieze his house off Templar's Way. Dyrtan had to get a loan from Tan and Radoon to pay back Melesande. Dyrtan and Melesande both returned Lord Sath's stolen goods and each got the 2,500 sids bounty. After selling the loot, Tygan was suppose to give Grendar a 25% cut, however he hired Czet (a HK elf) to guide him to Luir's instead. Unfortunately, Czet tried to kill Tygan out in the desert and got banished, landing outside of Tuluk. Czet made it to Luir's. Tygan made it back to Allanak. Tygan started looking for another guide and was sitting in the Den when Melesande told Grendar that Tygan had been paid for the loot and was leaving Grendar out. Grendar had a hissy fit and he and Dazzim said they were going to kill Tygan at the Den. The both then came to the Den, Grendar shadowing Dazzim. The plan was to have Dazz lure Tygan to an old building and for them to jump them. For some reason, Grendar started shadowing Tygan and Dazzim lost Grendar. So, they fucked it up and didn't come after Tygan. The next day, Tygan got Mkann to guide him to Luir's for 1000 sids after telling him it would be round trip. However, once in Luir's, Tygan just paid Mkann and told him it'd cost him 1000 sids to cast the spells that would get him back to Allanak safely. Mkann said he wanted to look around for a while and said he would look for Tygan later. Tygan retires in Luir's as a rich elf.

June 3, 1999, from Zagren: The Headless Kankrider of Allanak First, about a week ago I was hungover and bored. Feeling rather zombie-like myself, I made a zombie to run around the area west of Allanak with. I was of course discovered eventually and killed, but this is now causing a fair deal of speculation as to the origins of this undead critter. Some think there's a defiler around. I didn't do this with any great plan in mind, sometimes it's fun to see what the players come up with and modifiy or twist their expectation or preconception. Or hell, maybe just give them what they expect sometime.

[Sat Jun 12 20:04:43 1999] Rahnel and the Man of Light (from the Templars' Board) An informant who has provided reliable information in the past came to me a few weeks ago with a most unusual tale concerning the tribal elf named Rahnel. For those of you who have never met this elf he is easy to identify because he is covered with horrific burn scars. He is also called The Gaj Killer because of his prowess in the arena. My informant told me that Rahnel is raising an army in the Rinth so serve a powerful magick being that he calls The Man of Light. This being may also be called Marik but that part of the tale was confusing. Rahnel is a prophet of this being and he speaks of a great war in the future which will lead to a 'great greening'...whatever that might be.

A month ago I would have dismissed this tale as one of pure fantasy but a month ago we did not have headless gith zombies at the gates. Adding to my suspicions of Rahnel is a conversation I had with one of his former tribemates. This elf who I believe to be one of the tribal leaders of the BlackWing tribe, told me that Rahnel was banished from the tribe because he was evil. When I asked for more details I was told that it was difficult to put into words the nature of great evil that would have caused Rahnel to be outcast from his tribe, separated forever from his son and that destroyed his very soul.

[Mon Jun 14 21:23:39 1999] The Lord Alphonso, and the elf Rahnel(from the Templars' board) Early in the morn on the day of Abid, the 212nd day of the Ascending Sun: This morning, at devotions before the gate, the Lord Alphonso came accompanied by the elf known as Rahnel. Speaking in my mind, he told me that he planned to kill the elf before the statue, and that as soon as he rose and ordered his soldiers to fall upon the elf, I should order mine to do likewise. Upon rising, he gace the signal, but the elf escaped out into the dunes, and foully shot the Lord with an arrow tipped with poison. The Lord fled inside, and I gathered up the crowd gathered for devotions and hurried them inside, calling for the gates to be closed.

As soon as this was done, I sought the Lord, thinking he might have gone to the Temple of Vivadu for healing. I hurried there, but he was nowhere to be found. He touched my mind to inform me that the taint had been removed, but he had, I know not how, been transported to some far place. I tried to find assistance to bring him back, but before this deed could be accomplished, he was gone, I fear for good. The Lord, via the Way, told me the elf taunted him, and called on the name of Muk Utep, signalling his service to that power.

[Sun Jun 27 02:28:31 1999] The scum Rahnel..(from the Templars' board) The elf known as Rahnel, has been apprehended while taking pot-shots at citizens with his bow by the West Gate. He has been captured alive, though at a cost of the lives of 5 of the militia. He now languishes in the dungeons awaiting his punishment, as the Arm of the Dragon sees fit. Captain Dyvrik, West Gate Detatchment

[Thu Mar 2 13:19:19 2000] Rahnel returns (from the Templars' board) I will attempt to relate to all the events of late, to the best of my knowledge, though some things may be left out, as I was not involved in most of it:

The old burned elf, Rahnel, who in the past slew a gaj in the arena, then killed militiamen, and was jailed.. apparently escaped jail. (see above posts for more info on that) But a couple of days ago, however, he thought to return to the city to cause trouble.

It began with some crazed mul attacking the cityguards at the west gate. We believe this mul was working with Rahnel as a distraction to allow the elf entrance to the city. The mul was apprehended and now sits in jail awaiting questioning by Lady Crondea the Red. Rahnel and two others, all cloaked in the magicks of whira, penetrated the citygate and made their way through the city, into the elementalist quarters. Templar Mitric, the White, Templar Sorakyn the Blue, and templar Kuroth the Blue gave chase, and met, in battle, this heinous elf and his evil cohorts. One of them was slain immediately, and the other soon after. Rahnel, however, was successfully apprehended and taken to jail, also awaiting questioning by Lady Crondea.

Use -EXRTREME- caution when dealing with this elf for he has proven his resourcefulness and prowess in combat, and could likely make quick work of most who wear the Blue robes. However, most shouldn't even worry of this, for there are standing orders to not even SPEAK with this elf without a Red present. He is being held with a far greater degree of caution and guards.

Lady Elaira Fale the Red, of the Ministry of War

February 25, 2000 from Krrx: Mekillot on the streets! On the spur of the moment (dreaded words, I know, coming from me), I decided to have a little fun with a mekillot attacking Allanak. Kiloten (Akara) was resting and idling outside Allanak, so I had a mekillot come up to him, and it chased him towards Allanak, at which point (after he got in), I had Kanara (NPC) close the gates and alert Kuroth (Nobody). After much collecting of forces by Kuroth, the gates were ordered open, at which point the hungry mek charged into the city. Kuroth gave chase, casting lots of walls of sand, and in the battle, Cheivalt (Lanshire) got taken down to -4 HP (I believe). Kuroth healed him with magick after the mek was dead. Kiloten was apparently banished from the city by Tarian (Angie) for leading the mek to the city, and was killed by a scrab in the desert. A little bit of excitement for those staid city dwellers today ...

[Wed Jul 12 09:59:18 2000] (Krrx) Murder in the Trader's Inn While Kuroth (Nobody) was in the Trader's Inn, I room echoed someone getting assassinated with a knife in the back. The assassin was not caught, and the victim (virtual NPC) was a trader with northern connections. Kuroth is investigating this, and to date, I have loaded a body with northern Kadian-make clothing and an Allanaki merchant's licence for him. Background is that it was a spur of the moment idea of mine, but we can say that the victim was a northern merchant who did some trading in 'nak and was suspected by Rebels of giving information to the 'nakis, so they killed him. See me for more details (and if Kuroth asks about anything, let me know, though I'd prefer he not know I'm running this). Thanks.

[Sun Jun 4 22:14:54 2000] Word spreads quickly... Word spreads like brush fire that a massive bounty has been put out on a group of Drovian Elementalists.

The Allanki Templarate have put out word that a small band of Drovian mages summoned forth a creature of unknown power and attempted to loose it within Allanak. The might of the Templarate prevailed and the beast was put down before it had a chance to excersize any of its potential power. The mages however escaped under their shadowy cloaks. A bounty has been placed upon the heads of all those involved. Anyone with information should contact the Allanki Templarate immediately.

[Mon Jun 5 20:36:42 2000] More Chaos Rumor is now that a giant, named Tzat, went berserk in the city. Somewhere on Caravan Way, he attacked Lord Templar Sathis, but was defeated by the templar. Sathis was overheard saying that the Guild had mindcontrolled Tzat and forced him to attack...

Note:This is shown in the rp logs here as well.

[Fri Jul 21 16:05:55 2000] The lean, crimson-eyed lad enters the tavern... The lean, crimson-eyed lad clears his throat as he stands in the tavern entrance and runs his small hands over his black, jade-emblazoned tunic.

The lean, crimson-eyed lad exlcaims, in sirihish: "Attention Citizens of the Great Citystate of Allanak!"

Heads turn and a general hush falls over the din of tavern conversation.

The lean, crimson-eyed lad exclaims, in sirihish: "All those Citizens who can ride and use a blade are welcome to join in a strike against the Gith encampment to the west of the city!"

A low murmur fills the tavern with a mixture of aggreement and fear. Several mercenaries rise from a table near the lean, crimson-eyed lad and ask almost in unison, "We will be paid?"

The lean, crimson-eyed lad glances over at the small group and shakes his head as he exclaims, in sirihish: "You may volunteer your service to the Highlord! Those that show such loyalty to the Citystate will be commended for their service and remembered! Your payment is in the Gith you will put under sword! We have all lost family and friends to these primitives, now is the time to rise up and show them the Might of Allanak!"

A few mercenaries sit back down at their table, sighing heavily as the lean, crimson-eyed lad turns and strides out of the tavern proudly.

[Fri Jul 21 21:41:38 2000] Report of a Battle with the Gith(from the Templars' Board) Lord Kuroth and myself, acting under orders from Lady Elaira of the Red, attempted to put a significant dent in the number of Gith in their Encampment to the northwest of the city proper. The Gith were many and fought fiercely with their primitive spears and arrows. After a brutal battle in which ten or more Gith were slain at the hands of the collective forces of Byn, Militia and various volunteer blades. Five Half-Giant privates were taken down in the hail of arrow fire as he retreated back to the city, having successfully set fire to over half of their encampment. Private Sander, a sponsored recruit of my own also lost his life to the onslaught of arrows. (you notice the word 'he' has been scratched out before the word 'retreated' and replaced with the word 'we'.)

Both Lord Kuroth and myself await further instructions as the Battallion is readied for the final strike on the Gith Encampment. -Lord Sorakyn Azaroth Borsail of the Blue

[Sat Jul 22 01:36:08 2000] Report on the Destruction of the Gith Camp(from the Templars' Board) Under the leadership of Lord Kuroth and myself, a successive strike was made against the western Gith Encampment. There were no military casualties taken by our forces, while all Gith in the area were slaughtered. The camp itself was disassembled and then burned to the ground. Scouts will be sent out to report on the status of its remains as we await further orders.

Destruction of a southern Red Desert gith camp (Daigon, Sun, 23 Jul 2000 08:43:08 GMT) This past Friday, the PC blue-robes Kuroth and Sorakyn, with the permission of Elaira Fale, took a few units of soldiers that I provided, along with about 5 PC volunteers, and went to destroy the Tablelands gith encampment in the western Red Desert (west of the Tar Kroh camp; vnum 49416). With the death of only one PC (Melos) they accomplished the deaths of numerous gith NPCs and burned down the camp. Saikun loaded up a few gith children for me, and I managed to escape the camp with one, stealing a ratlon on the way, and make it to the Tablelands to spread the tale.

That's the core of what happened..now the rest..

The camp's destruction was brought about because of Elaira Fale's orders to Kuroth/Sorakyn to scout the way to Cai Shyzn. On Thursday night they took a total of 17 PCs, along with a few half-giants, to do recon on the camp. They decided somewhere along there to attack, and did some very light damage with torches before being sent running for the first time. After that, I had a gith leave the mutilated head of a PC that had died (Sander) at Allanak's gates. They went back out for revenge, and were sent running home when they got to the camp and the gith camp out to play. Around 8 half-giant NPCs died through all this, which was a fairly large loss for no real result. That's 'bout it

[Tue Jul 25 22:23:58 2000] A travel-worm Mercenary enters the Tavern He sits down and begins to drink heavily, starting off with shots then movings on to ale. As he looks around the tavern he notices someone and calls them over. They exclaim their suprise to see eachother still alive, and begin to buy each other drinks at furious rates. As the drink flows, the voices raise and the tales and stories get wilder and wilder. Suddenly, the mercenary's face changes and his voice becomes relatively low, a forced whisper audible to anyone paying any attention.

Hey, Tisal, ya hear about Arjaan?

"Course I did you old idiot, who hasn't? He's been all over Gol Krathu and back."

"Yah, yah, shut up, you kank-humping elf. I've been doin' some thinkin' ya know? I'm thinkin', he's big. Pulls in way more'n those amature Byn. Why not get a piece, yah? So anyways, I did some askin', and his pay is damn near heart stoppin' compared to what other's been offerin'. Not only that, by rumor has it he's gonna be startin' up his own Merchant house, ta compete for the real 'sid. I'm thinkin' we should jump in now, Tisal. While the jumpin's good."

"Ah can't agree wit you dere, Openta. He's talkin' some damn big talk. Claiming he's goin' to put House Salarr out in a year, two at tha most isn't going to sit well."

"Tisal, Think with yur damn head for a momen', I'm talkin' _sid_ here. So what if there's a few fights, that's what we git paid for, in't it? 'Sides, from tha way Arjaan and his men are talking, Salarr's gonna be-"

As a mercenary from House Salarr enters the tavern, both fall quiet and nurse their ale.

[Wed Jul 26 20:01:47 2000] The demise of the Nobles.... you overhear a small group of people speaking quietly at their table. A large burly man begins into a story. He says "I've been hearing these rumors lately you see... these rumors... well lets just say they have been quite vivid. A small group seems to be banding together, the group is setting it's targets on ridding nak of all templars and nobility.... apparantly they've already been successful... I heard they captured one Templar on the north road.. I heard they got him begging for his life... I heard that the templars head is on disply for all to see... that is if you know the right spot... I also heard that they've already begun knocking off noble houses one by one.. they've killed two or three lately... and the rate of assassinations is only going to increase... This could get very interesting... I bet they can do it..." The large burly man notices you watching him and lowers his voice to inaudable levels.

[Fri Aug 4 03:40:10 2000] Rebel terrorism in the Traders(from the Templars' board) Three rebels recently entered, and attempted to destroy the Traders Inn, using various explosives. Fortunately, the only casualties of the attack were two rebels. While handling affairs at the arena, I was informed of their presence, and rushed to the Traders. When I arrived, the lord Governor Therlias Borsail, with the aid of some of the Crimson Wyverns, set upon one of the rebels. I, through the grace of the Highlord, was able to blind, and subdue the second rebel in the room. However, before the captive could be taken to jail, he was executed by the lord governor. After seeing the governor out, I returned to the Traders to find a third rebel there, once again attempting to set bombs. Fortunately, without the interference of the lord governor, this time I was able to capture a rebel alive. She waits in the dungeons for questioning by the Reds.

[Fri Aug 4 12:47:26 2000] Chaos! A small woman with red hair walks up to the bartender and sits at the bar. Noting his solemn expression, she proceeds to ask him what is wrong.

The bartender stops wiping the bar and leans in, lowering his voice. "It was absolute chaos in here! Two rebels ran in, one holding an explosive bag, the other guarding the upstairs, shouting Hail Utep and threatening to blow everyone up if we didn't all surrender our possessions. "

The small woman with red hair nods, eyes widened. "What happened next?" The bartender pauses, then continues, frownig. "Well, Lord Kuroth came in and took out the guy with the bomb...Tektolnes was really watching over us, thankfully that bomb didn't explode when the rebel brought a torch to it. The other one was subdued, but some Borsail noble slew him! It was crazy. Then the templar and the noble get into an argument, one threatening the other."

The bartender breaks off, shaking his head, frowning deeper. "Anyways, soon after this other rebel, some lady wearing the white and red veil over her face, came running in and saw the bodies of the others, and surrendered. Lord Kuroth did something to her, she acted like she couldn't see after he shouted something. I don't know..crazy. Anyway, he drags her off, kicking and cursing. Damned rebels. Going around to blow us up..."

The bartender falls silent as he glances up and sees a templar walking in, turning his back from the bar while the small red-haired woman drinks her wine quietly.

[Fri Aug 11 05:19:56 2000] Terrorist threat quelled Let it be known far and wide that rebel villainy shall not pervade the Highlord's City of Allanak, as evidenced by the swift and easy quelling of terrorist attempts against the prestigious establishment known as the Trader's Inn by Lord Kuroth Tor of the Blue and the quick defensive tactics of Lord Governor Therlias Borsail as the foul interlopers attempted to slay him.

Two of the treasonous scoundrels were awarded immediate public execution as punishment for their crimes against the Highlord's citizens, and a third captured by the quick-witted Lord Kuroth, for interrogation. The Senate applauds this quelling, as it eliminated any chance of citizen casualties.

[Sat Mar 10 00:10:02 2001] Fire in the fields! The overall mood in the city is grim as word passes around that there was a raging fire that burned most of the fields to the south. While the militia were fairly quick to act, the fire spread out of control, the rising flames and smoke visible even from the northern parts of the city. Rumor is that several gith bands were spotted in the area, setting fire to the fields. More than a few are concerned at the effect this disaster will have on the supply of food, not to mention the apparently increasing gith threat.

[Sun Mar 25 23:32:56 2001] Bomb in the arena! Word spreads quickly that during a recent gladiator match a bomb went off in the stands amongst the spectators. Several members of the militia tried to difuse the bomb before it went off but were horribly injured or killed in the process. Fire swept through the wooden stands and the crowds fled in panic. People speak of masked elves being responsible and say that this sort of thing is becoming more comon of late.

[Wed Apr 18 10:35:31 2001] Oash assassination thwarted! A pair of house guardsmen sit at the bar, discussing current events:

... it was sort some of rigged device, they say. One of Lord Oash's men spotted something unusual near the Lord's table. I hear when he pulled it out, it went off right then and there!"

No, no, no. I heard that the guard looked it over, and when he realized it was burning, he ran outside and threw it in the fountain."

I heard it exploded just as he ran out of the tavern. A brave sort if you ask me. Giving up his life in service to his master."

Yeah, definitely a hero. To the fallen, who have died with valor!

The men lift their flagons into the air, then continue on with their business.

[Sat Apr 21 12:04:31 2001] Food shortage worsens Although food prices in the city have not risen by too much, following the burning of the fields some time ago, the increases have put food out of the reach of many families in the Commoners' Quarter. Young and old alike have been dying of starvation, and although the situation is not at crisis level yet, the tension in the air is high. The Highlord has apparently ordered increased levies from the Empire's holdings across the Known World, but it is not clear yet how much this will improve the situation.

[Wed May 16 13:13:28 2001] Hunters, trackers, scouts! As he sits down at a table the blond teenager asks an older man, Hey granpa what's that about scouts and trackers being needed?

You listen as the older man replies, "Oh Efraig, some beautiful pair of legs comes and stands right in front of me in this table, some great view I got. Said that a well organized army is forming to get rid of the gith."

The blond teenager replies with a snort, "Yah, just like the invincible one Da went off with just to die within sight of the city."

Shaking his head the older man replies, "No Efraig, this time it sounds like someone got smart and are actually going to find out where in the bloody sands 'em giths are afore they send the men."

Chuckling now, the older man is heard saying, "At first we just laughed but then she made us think of the people we know who died to the gith, the piles of dead because they raided our farms, people got serious and listened.

They want to know where the gith breed, where their camps are, where are their water holes, when they ambush, and which way they take to go back to their tribes.

The sight of that doll and what she said make me want to go back to my hunting Efraig, I can be of use." Frowning the blond teenager scolds him back, "But grandpa! YOu can barely walk since that drunk noble ran you over with the wagon!"

Angrily the old man replies, "Well at least I'll make sure nobody laughs at that doll anymore when she comes looking for good men to do a job long needed! Too bad she went off with that Oashi fellah before I could invite her some ale"

With a sly smile the old man adds, "I'll make sure to at least offer my services to that girl Bieve she said her name was, see what's in it for the scouts, maybe I'll help her spread the word, and get some action."

[Sun May 27 21:28:36 2001] Fight in the Trader's Inn. A few people comment that there was quite a fight in the posh Trader's Inn recently. Something, which some people called an elf, some a gith and some a body-snatcher, attacked a merchant, and several soldiers outside the Inn. He or she fought past the bouncer and made it into the tavern itself, causing merchants and nobles to scatter in all directions. Several guards stood up to beat off the ugly, hooded thing which managed to escape - leaving several dead bodies lying around the circle before departing.

[Thu Jun 7 14:35:21 2001] Gith mystery Wild rumours are flying around that a Gith was seen in the city, disguised as a member of the militia. Supposedly it slew a soldier and a few citizens, and rumours vary as to whether the infiltrator was slain or simply slipped away, unseen.

[Mon Jul 16 02:14:42 2001] Kuraci Pepper Eating Contest Information spreads about an upcoming contest the Kuraci are holding to promote a new business venture of importing tastey foods from the North. The foods are aimed mostly for people that cannot afford the foods of the wealthy, though wealthy patrons are also welcome. The following is the information for the event:

Entrance fee: 75 'sid Number of contestants: 10 Prize: 200 'sid Location of event: The Gaj The contestants will gather in the Gaj, where they will sit at a pair of tables pushed together. After they are ready, the contestants will immediately consume five red peppers stuffed with cooked meat. These peppers are very, very hot, which should be taken into account before entering. After consuming the peppers under the watchful eyes of the Kuraci, each contestant will be given a mug of cold ale, which they may not drink.

The contest itself is a test of will power. Contestants may not drink, as doing such will disqualify them. The battle of wills will continue until nine of the contestants have either drank, vomited, and/or passed out. Upon being declared the winner, the remaining contestant will be rewarded two-hundred Allanaki coins and allowed to drink, vomit, and/or pass out without penalty.

Unfortunately, dwarves, muls, half-giants, and Kuraci are banned from participating in the event. The explanation goes as follows... Dwarves' will power would give them an unfair edge. Either one dwarf would enter and win, or two would enter and the contest would end when one died. Neither an unfair contest nor a death resulting from eating their foods is the image being pursued by the Kuraci. Muls and half-giants are banned, simply because the risk of making either angry is too high. Kuraci are banned from joining this event to retain the credibility of the contest.

Entering the contest is first-come, first-serve. Entrance fees must be paid in advance, and will -not- be refunded if a contestant doesn't show up. Contestants finding they cannot make it to the event should inform Kuraci Merchant Domhalon in advance, in order to get their entrance fees refunded. The date has not been set, though it is expected to occur during late in the month of Low Sun or early Ascending Sun.

Updates to Tor Academy Documentation Myrdryn Posts the Tor Academy documentation.