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Mauritanjan Echo
| The
Heartland Games / The Moots 1103 |
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| Murder
at the Games
Two Unicorns
were murdered by members of their own faction at
this years Heartland Games. Erredin, Dougletta and
Greystoke were arrested for their involvement in
the murders and removed to Capital City to await
trial. However, matters got more complicated when
Greystoke attacked Princess Rowan and escaped by
ritual transport. He added insult to injury by going
on to steal the Unicorns 1st Fleet. To further the
chaos, Erredin was returned to the Games to finalise
his personal arrangements, only to be snatched from
the Unicorns by Orcus and Spittle. There followed
much teleportation, arguing and shouting between
the Empress, the Princess and Orcus and Spittle.
Eventually the Gryphons, Lions, Harts and Wolves
walked away from the games in protest. Erredin was
then returned to the Unicorns by the Lions, who
said that he had been ‘sacked’ from
the circus. Greystoke is still at large and wanted.
Meldir
elected ruler
On a lighter
note, the Empress elected Meldir (leader of the
Alashans) to be in charge of the camp at the Heartland
Games, whilst the Imperial family were otherwise
occupied. The Gnome dealt with this in true Unicorn
style by drinking as much alcohol as possible.
| Meldir
elected ruler
On a lighter
note, the Empress elected Meldir (leader of the
Alashans) to be in charge of the camp at the Heartland
Games, whilst the Imperial family were otherwise
occupied. The Gnome dealt with this in true Unicorn
style by drinking as much alcohol as possible.
Empress
to Wed Again
Urlin Elpragh
finally made the engagement official when he placed
an impressive gold ring on the Empress’ finger
at the Heartland Games. When questioned as to the
date of the happy day, he confessed that he thought
it would be a long engagement.
Lady
Elmeira
steps down
Lady Elmeira
has stepped down from her position as Foreign Minister
and has left the faction. Reports indicate that
she has left to spend more time with her husband,
Master Sly. Dantarian of the Pen Cethren has been
chosen as her successor.
New Species Found!
A new species of reptile
has been found in the rocky landscape of Illyria.
The creatures are brightly coloured but very reclusive,
and have
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thus remained undetected.
Dr Morgan Pickett discovered the creatures whilst
on a routine expedition to the area. He reported
that the creatures were reptilian in appearance,
about the size of a large cat, but more prone to
fleeing than fighting. Attempts were made to capture
a specimen, but as soon as the nets touched the
creature’s scales, they burned straight through.
Mauritanja
under attack by Tainted
Mauritanja has come under
attack by Silver Elves tainted with lycanthropy.
The beasts originate from Sonlista, the home of
Princess Thiadane. A bloodied animal pelt was left
by the tainted at the
Heartland Games, and was thought
to be a message from the creatures. The span of the
claw marks upon the pelt indicates that the creatures
are of terrifying size and power. The Empress has
called a dusk curfew over all of Mauritanja to protect
the people. Prince Vadek Caine will be implementing
marshal law as soon as the sun sets each day.
Alashan escapes from Trakalite Stronghold
The dwarf known as Gworshkoff
was returned to the Alashans at the Heartland Games.
He was abducted |
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by the Trakalites and
taken to their stronghold, where he reports
seeing many Trakalite and Republican supporters.
However, it would appear that all is not well
in the enemies camp, as Gworshkoff managed
to escape when the stronghold came under attack.
Mercenary
Alliance
leaves the faction
The Mercenary Alliance
has been sub-contracted from the Unicorns
to the Gryphons, at the request of Manthar’s
wife. Prince Consort Manthar is now the Lord
Provost of the Gryphons, and his tailor had
obviously been hard at work to furnish him
for the post. The change means that there
are now members of the HOC in senior positions
in 3 different factions. Is this a subtle
ploy to take over Edreja?
Temple of Tarkasee dedicated in Adelena’s
name
Imperial Incantor Grendal
Olafson organised for the temple on Adelena
Isle to be blessed by Incantors of Tarkasee.
When the blessing was complete, astounded
onlookers watched as a spring bubbled up and
water stared to flow, forming a stream from
the temple. The water was crystal clear and
within minutes plants began to spring up on
its edges. Stunning blue flowers erupted from
the plants, scenting the temple with their
sweet perfume. On closer inspection, the waters
were revealed
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have healing qualities, and the feeling among
those assembled was that it represented the final
gift from the Queen to her people.
Unicorns
betrayed by Yototama
Earlier
this year, the Unicorn nation answered a plea
from the Siam to aid them in their battle against
Oni, Daemons from the lands of Nihon. The ambassador
from the Siam, known by the name of Yototama,
arranged for the Unicorns and their allies from
the Wolves, Bears and Tarantulas to transport
to Nihon. Once there, the Unicorns encountered
hostility from a Samurai clan, known as the Dai
Tashi. Despite the additional troubles, the Unicorns
and allies were successful in aiding Yototama
to trap the three Oni Daemons inside three crystals.
However, Yototama then double-crossed those who
had offered him help and rather than destroying
the crystals, he used them to summon the Oni of
all, a Daemon of terrifying power. A huge battle
commenced and every person present was needed
to defeat the foul being. After the Daemon was
dispatched, it became apparent that Yototama had
escaped. He was last seen laughing madly in the
Nihon ritual circle.
True
Unicorns plea for Aid
The True
Unicorns have requested aid from the Unicorn Faction
after
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their temple cam under attack bySkathen. The Unicorn
Elite guard have been dispatched to help deal
with the Vermin problem.
Bard
Murdered
The Unicorn
Bards Guild Liaison, Lauryn Glitral, was murdered
whilst the faction guested on Nihon. Facts surrounding
her murder are scarce, but the murderer was finally
tracked down. It would seem that the lady hired
an untrustworthy bodyguard who decided to take
action when she dismissed him from her service.
Unicorns
leave Rockholme
The sensitive subject of
Rockholme was again the topic of conversation
at this year’s Heartland Games. A meeting
of all concerned factions was organised at the
Dragons Camp, with the Unicorns being represented
by Paxo and the Princess. The Mayor of Rockholme
declared that he wished all the factions to remove
themselves from the city and that, from now onwards,
the people of Rockholme would rely on aid from
the Guilds. The forces that had remained in Rockholme
have now been ordered across the border to aid
the Bears in their fight against an unloving horde. |
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Carabas
becomes a Lifemaster
Carabas, long time
member of the Healers Guild and member of
the Pen Cethren,, was confirmed as a lifemaster
of the Healers at the Heartland Games. A quest
was sent out from the Healers Guild that resulted
in many of the party being presumed dead (including
two unicorns) and Carabas falling unconscious
after drinking the lifewaters. Those presumed
dead were returned, only to discover that
they had been infected by Plague Daemons.
The Unicorns came to the aid of the Healers
Guild, supplying an activated death mat for
them to perform surgery upon. All the victims
were cured and Carabas was also returned to
his full health.
Duval
missing – presumed???
General
of the second army, Duval, went missing earlier
in the year. He seemed to depart of his own
accord, saying that he had business to attend
to and leaving Lachlan in charge of his duties.
The Prince was initially furious that the
General had left without seeking permission,
and then utterly enraged that he had to abandon
all hopes of attending the Heartland Games
and instead attend to the second army. Duval
has still not been sighted but it is rumoured
that he has disappeared to go to the aid of
a relative. Fireworks are expected when he
finally reappears.
| Winter
parliament
held on Vaecena Isle.
Last years
Unicorn winter parliament was held on the Isle
originally known as Vaecena, now known as Adelena
Isle. The parliament was by no means a peaceful
affair. The Unicorns arrived on Vaecena, and were
attacked by Cu-Hurigan. A Leviathan controlled
many of the foul sea dwelling creatures. The island
was overflowing with magic due to a magical rift
at the island's centre, and the Leviathan was
going to rip this open and sink the island. The
rift was in a ritual circle at the centre of the
island and was guarded by a powerful golem. The
Unicorns present managed to obtain a control crystal
to control the guardian golem that protected the
ritual circle and deactivate the portal. Shortly
after the Cu-hurigan stopped attacking. Also during
the weekend, the Republicans made several kidnap
attempts on the Unicorns, but the Unicorns killed
their leader in a counter raid on their base.
The Trakalites managed to steal the Hornblade
and so far it hasn't been recovered.
Theolin’s apprentice, missing, presumed
dead
Endel,
apprentice to the Master of Ceromies Theolin,
disappeared amongst much confusion at the Heartland
Games. The unfortunate
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became the subject of an abduction aimed at the
Tasratula’s by one of their enemies, the
Duergar. The Unicorns and Tarantulas launched
a joint mission, but the hostage takers did not
show. Endel was later returned to the faction,
but went missing again on two more occasions.
The last people to see her alive were members
of the Tarantulan house Zilv'quellar.
Far
Reach attacked by Beastkin
It would
seem that the troubles with Beastkin have escalated
to the island sanctuary of Far Reach, although
as yet no connection with the tainted has been
established. A fleet of ships, numbering 4 large
and 2 small ships attacked the Unicorns, containing
a large number of beastkin. Troops could be seen
on board dressed in gold tabards with a black,
two-headed bird on them. When faced with defeat
by the Unicorn Navy, they set fire to their ships
and threw themselves overboard rather than being
captured.
Diplomatic
Update
In terms
of diplomacy, Mauritanja appears to be at a high
point. A strong alliance has been forged with
the Bears faction after they sheltered the Princess
when her life was
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The Bears then followed up this gesture by handing
members of their command group over to the Unicorns
on the honour battlefield. The two factions then
united on the subject of the Dragons unlawful
invasion of the City of Rockholme. The party on
the Saturday night of the Bears moot is sure to
help inter-factional bonding. A treaty of non-aggression
has also been established with the Tarantulan
Nation, which could spell a new era of peace between
us. The Vipers have also made it known that they
wish to progress good relations – all good
news for traders.
This Years Parliament to be held on Far
Reach
This year’s
winter parliament will be held on Far Reach, home
to the Imperial Prince Warhost. Prince Vadek has
called all Unicorns and
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to attend the Imperial family on the tenth day
of the tenth month of this year. New faction positions
will be announced, old ones confirmed and glasses
raised to heroes past and present.
Rumours
of Imperial Ceremony
Our researchers
have unearthed rumours that an Imperial Ceremony
will take place in the near future, centred upon
the Empress with the support of the rest of the
royal family. So far details are scarce, but it
would seem that the ceremony will be to mark some
sort of private celebration. In conjunction with
this, Lord Ertu has been seen visiting Bedlam
at regular intervals. Is there a new Prince of
Princess on the way? Or is the Prince Warhost
to remarry?
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Situations
Vacant
The
following positions are currently in need
of filling, or will require filling at this
years Autumn Parliament:
Imperial
Alchemist Guild Liaison
Imperial Armourer
Guild Liaison
General of the
Fourth Army
Diplomats
Apprentice to
the Master of Ceremonies
If
you are interested in any of these posts,
or would like the opportunity to train under
an existing member of the Imperial Court,
contact the Princess Arcane or Lady Talabrina
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| Update!
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Mauritanjan Echo
| The
Heartland Games / The Moots 1103 |
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UPDATE!
Imperial
Ceremony disaster
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Empress announced at the first moot that she intended
to renew her marriage vows with the Demon Lord
Ertu, in the ritual circle on the Friday night
of the first moot.
The faction gathered around the ritual circle
in Babylon, just before midnight, to witness the
ceremony. Eyewitnesses report that a Daemon ritualist
and Daemon contributors were called forth from
the void.
The Empress then confirmed Prince Vadek and Princess
Rowan as her children, naming them blood of her
blood and charging them to always look after each
other and Mauritanja. The Prince and Princess
pledged themselves to their new mother.
The Daemon ritualist then called forth the Daemon
Lord, but he failed to arrive. At this point true
chaos broke out as the Empress’s engagement
ring from Urlin Elpragh began to heat up and cause
her pain. The Princess went to her aid, only to
be struck down by a surge of ritual magic. The
Prince went to heal the Princess, but was sucked
away from her prone body and drawn into the void.
The Empress then fell and the Daemon ritualist
started to blow up his contributors, complaining
that there was too much power in the circle.
Unicorns on the outside watched in
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horror as the Imperial family fell before their
eyes. Grendal began to attempt to strike the seal
with an artefact weapon, but was warned that he
could kill all those inside.
When all seemed lost, Prince Vadek returned from
the void and removed the ring from the Empress.
The ritual seal was dropped and the Unicorns rushed
in. The Prince appeared quite different, with
marking reminiscent of grey scales covering his
face. Otherwise he seemed unharmed.
The Empress was awakened in the guild area and,
unfortunately, the first person she laid eyes
upon was Urlin. It is reported that there was
much shouting, but the drow male appeared to escape
with his life intact, if not his eardrums. Later
on it was noticed that the skin on the Empresses
back had turned black and the veins appeared to
be raised and protrude above the flesh. The affliction
seemed to spread as the weekend progressed.
The Princess was given into the care of Sol Tempest
and remained unconscious for some time. It would
appear that, whilst unconscious, the Princess
was blessed with the vision of the Unicorn Herds
running free on Mauritanja. She said that Cadrus
Cornus spoke to her, and reminded her that all
Unicorns should watch
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and maintain the balance. Further, it
would appear that the Unicorn Ancestor intends
to test his people, in order to make sure they
are ready for what awaits them in the future.
When the Princess was finally woken, she was utterly
blind. The healing skills of the Grand Master
Healer restored a small amount of her sight, but
the princess now needs a constant guide (a position
currently filled by the Lady Lewenna of the Order)
and is unable to read of write. There are some
strange and, as yet, unconfirmed reports that
whilst the Princess can see little of the living,
she can locate and see unliving entities better
than ever
In conclusion it would appear that the engagement
ring, given to the Empress by Urlin, caused some
sort of energy surge in the ritual circle, preventing
the Daemon Lord from entering through the void,
and nearly ending the reign of the Imperial family.
Investigations are underway to attempt to discover
the source of the ring.
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