You have been taken by the Mists

Author Topic: Port-à-Lucine - Quartier Publique  (Read 116948 times)

DM Erebus

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #350 on: August 23, 2017, 01:36:32 PM »
[colourful flyers begin to adorn Quarter Publique, albeit somewhat erratically]


Arawn

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #351 on: August 25, 2017, 01:32:52 PM »
The normal hubbub of daily life in the capital is suddenly, and viciously, broken. The first cries go up in Quartier Marchand, then ships' bells begin to sound as men call out in horror and surprise. Alarm bells, fire bells, whistles, the shrieking horns that warn of creeping mists, all come together in an agonizing, ear-shattering howl. The alarms spread, reaching the Quartier Publique, the Quartier Ouvrier, and even the quiet streets of the Savant. Nobles rush to their carriages, poor folk bolt their doors and take stock of their supplies. And then, cutting through the sound, striking a note so deep and powerful as to freeze the marrow in the bones, three huge, brassy knocks, as the massive bronze bell of St. Mere des Larmes, as if to make up for a thousand years of silence, begins to ring.

The horizon on the Baie de Pernault is riven, cut to pieces by the thrusting blades and spars of the rigging of ships--a dozen--two dozen--more! At their head, the massive, fierce prow of the Passeleau-built warship, her new name La Restauration in gilt, glossy letters gleaming.

Port-a-Lucine is blockaded!
Hir yw'r dydd a hir yw'r nos, a hir yw aros Arawn.

Pav

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #352 on: November 11, 2017, 07:08:58 PM »
The pregnant Baronesse de Beauvieres, Roxanne Laurier, was seen out and about, walking by her lonesome across the City of Lights after the events of the tournament hosted earlier that day. She seemed to be in as much hurry as she could muster, before eventually walking into Quartier Marchand at night - from whence she did not emerge. For the days and weeks to come, she would seem to disappear from the public eye altogether, once more.

Iridni Ren

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #353 on: November 30, 2017, 01:23:23 AM »
A certain Baron was seen passing through the Port-a-Lucine streets with a slight but comely young woman in his company who appeared unsophisticated and shy and spoke to him only in the Common tongue. They disappeared upstairs into the pricier suites of the Governor's Hotel, and the lass did not reappear for several hours.

When morning broke, another woman dressed in a far more elegant--and less conservative--gown knocked on his door and replaced the first.

Both wore odd amulets not often seen in Port-a-Lucine but reputed to belong to some secretive society in Vallaki.

My windows cracked, but they can be replaced.
Your arm will tire throwing stones my way.

lakhena

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #354 on: November 30, 2017, 02:46:34 AM »
Some patrons of the Governor's Hotel note that there was a -third- woman, sharply dressed though not in a gown, bearing the same blue stone as the other two, entering a certain Baron's room on the fourth floor. The Baron was entertaining both women and the second emerged in the evening, leaving the third woman alone in the room with the Baron.

It seems that the Baron had a rather entertaining day and night... away from his wife.

Some wonder if those stones are really from a secret society or a discreet new brothel service for Port-a-Lucine's upper echelons.

Arawn

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #355 on: December 10, 2017, 03:01:27 PM »
A mist rolls in from the Sea of Sorrows, creeping over the white-capped breakers and lending the seas a wraithlike, eerie calm. Soft clouds drift over the moon, illuminating them with a pale, eldritch glow against which are framed the dark spars and masts of the great blockade.

Suddenly, from the sky come flaming, shrieking meteors, tearing down toward the ships of the blockade. And, one by one, they crash into the flagship, over and over, her sails bursting into flame, her decks splintering. And then, suddenly, one of them strikes the powder magazine, and the entire western sky turns bright orange, a flash and, moments later, a terrible, ear-rending crack smashing into the city with projectile force.
Hir yw'r dydd a hir yw'r nos, a hir yw aros Arawn.

lakhena

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #356 on: January 05, 2018, 11:46:05 AM »
Some whispers surface from patrons of the Governor’s hotel that gendarmes had to respond to an incident after the recently celebrated nobleman Augustin Rocquefort, Vicomte du Vexin, was banging on a locked hotel room to be let out. It is said that the room was rented by some young foreigner lady earlier that week.  She has not been seen since, and the room has been sealed by the local gendarmes.

Whatever happened within is unknown, but some claimed the Vicomte bore some recent injuries to his face, reddish lacerations.

Dumas

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #357 on: January 11, 2018, 06:52:39 PM »
A wounded detachment of Gendarmes, lead by Sieur Jerome de La Salle, carried a body clothed in red, through the Publique this evening. They could be seen heading directly to the Gendarmerie Headquarters. Gossip swirls about, suggesting that the slain had attempted to force his way into the Company of the Fox encampment, and that a fight had broken out, involving the man in red, Company soldiers, and Gendarme. Rumors move about the city entrance, evidently heard from Company soldiers at the scene : was the man in red a Covenant assassin? An escaped inmate from an asylum?
« Last Edit: January 11, 2018, 06:55:49 PM by Dumas »

Arawn

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #358 on: January 12, 2018, 02:34:38 PM »
Rumors begin to circulate among the aristocracy and then, inevitably, among the common folk of an organization of murderers and thieves known as the "Wayfarers' Kinship." If the more lurid rumors are to be believed, this group attempted to kidnap and murder at least one peer of Dementlieu. In these times of heightened fear and concern, there is speculation that the Gendarmerie might declare the organization illegal, or ban its members outright from the country.
Hir yw'r dydd a hir yw'r nos, a hir yw aros Arawn.

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #359 on: February 16, 2018, 10:36:37 PM »
[Screams and cries were heard inside the Grand Opera National, as what was meant to be an evening ostensibly aimed at commemorating the continued service of both the Gendarmerie and the Company of the Fox ended in a bloodbath -- behind this act of perfidy was none other than a man called by many 'a hero of the republic', Augustin de Roquefort, Vicomte de Vexin. It is said that his retainers and numerous confederates revealed their treachery, nearly succeeding in butchering all others in attendance. Fortunately, this villainy would not go unpunished, as the Vicomte de Roissy would see him brought low as he sought to continue his reign of terror just outside. No body was found.

What drove this man of erudition, of good breeding and grace, to such barbarity? Was it truly the fault of a woman, as many suggest... or did the Maitriser convince him to hatch such a vile scheme? Speculation abounds, as many try to find an explanation as to why this horrible atrocity occurred, and why it was even allowed to happen in the first place.]

Arawn

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #360 on: February 17, 2018, 07:44:35 AM »
[After the disastrous Blood Opera, nobles, especially family of those who died in the hall and in the streets outside, lash out at Ricardo Diosa. Three separate petitions are delivered to the Palais demanding his resignation from the Council of Brilliance. So far, he remains closeted in his office, avoiding the mob outside.]
Hir yw'r dydd a hir yw'r nos, a hir yw aros Arawn.

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #361 on: April 01, 2018, 01:05:59 AM »
To faint interest in the final day of Mars, the Viscount of Roissy, the Viscount's sister Celeste, and the Theatre de la Cathedrale's manager van Haute were seen boarding a carriage to presumably head to their home with a guest. Though it would not be until later in the evening that rumor spread like fire back to the Quartier Publique, in the City of Lights. Mutterings of servants of the Viscount of Roissy having been sent slowly away at the behest of a corrupt chief of staff, and the grounds falling into striking disrepair over the course of a few month's time. How this may have escaped anyone's notice, let alone that of the Viscountess of Roissy's scrutiny, is up in the air. Though by most accounts, it is likely the war and its demand for their combined attentions.

Spoken likely to more effect however, is the failed attempt made on the Viscount's life when he tried to punish this man for his theft against State and peer of the realm alike. After, he had the man drawn by horse himself, dragging him through Roissy at night, as lights of curious commoners illuminated dark window sills. A small grouping of disgruntled families emerged to the man known as Ernis Garnier torn almost to shreds, barely alive. Not long after bringing him to the center of town, the man was executed by pistol on the spot for his various crimes. The people of Roissy returned to their homes in relief, for what seems to be a brighter morning and times ahead, even during the war. At least for now.
« Last Edit: April 03, 2018, 01:28:44 AM by Sword »
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Dumas

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #362 on: April 03, 2018, 01:43:46 AM »
Word passes about that a duel was fought before the western city gates of the City of Lights this evening. Sieur Remi Rousseau, Chevalier of Seimerie, made a challenge to defend his honor from slanderous word of one Pierron du Mal, a citizen and so called "streetsweeper-magician" of Port-á-Lucine.

Witnesses speak of how the Chevalier of Seimerie appointed a champion, a Company soldier, Allartan Windrider, to fight in his stead as du Mal was of questionable social standing. The sanctioned duel, seen by a gathering of common citizens, foreigners, and gentlemen, was said to have concluded with du Mal unable to continue fighting, and Sieur Remi's honor was proclaimed secure. Blood still smears the avenue outside the grand jewel of Dementlieu....

« Last Edit: April 03, 2018, 02:21:36 AM by Dumas »

Arawn

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #363 on: April 08, 2018, 11:48:32 PM »
Something seems to have changed in the air. Shadows are longer. Smiles seem grimaces, full of long and jagged teeth. The whites of the people's eyes show more in the grayer sun. The City of Lights is so torn into black and white as to be coming apart at the seams. Rumors, each wilder than the next, ride the hissing currents of gossip through all quarters of the city without regard for class or station. The Company of the Fox murdered the Duchesse de Beauvais. No, it was the Covenant, and the Fox helped. Gendarmes killed on the streets of Publique. The Covenant marching through Chateaunoir.

He is coming, someone said, like the whirlwind. No more temperance. No more negotiation. Rumors begin to spread that the Cathedral is offering shelter to all those who need it. No, someone else says, they are calling for all people in the name of Ezra to fight the Covenant in the streets. No, says a third, they are telling all folk of Dementlieu to run, flee, abandon their homes and save their lives away from the coming bloodbath. The supply lines are cut. The precious supplies of food and water dwindle. Aristocrats dine on three shrivelled beans and a thimbleful of sherry. War's mistress is Starvation, and she comes close behind. Not long now. The end is coming.

The end is coming.
Hir yw'r dydd a hir yw'r nos, a hir yw aros Arawn.

Mereyn

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Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #364 on: April 20, 2018, 05:06:59 PM »
In the past days a foreigner to the city could be seen walking the streets. His path led him to the cemetery east of the city,
and to Edrigan. A silver mask underneath the long green, white trimmed cloak's hood obscures the upper half of the stranger's face.
Almost as a portent of the coming atrocities, the man forgoes appropriate conduct, appearing at all times in a suit of ancient silver plates,
over a plain steel chain mail. Whatever his intent may be, he spends much time in the cemetery's chapel...

Better Dread than Dead

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #365 on: April 20, 2018, 10:02:37 PM »
[A fiery-haired Richemuloise woman with her hair tied in buns can be seen carrying and hauling hefty-looking sacks, crates, and barrels full of food, water, various elixirs, and other provisions out of the Théâtre de la Cathédrale, making her way with them to outside of Port-a-Lucine's walls and towards the Jalabert family's estate, positioned along Sable Bay. Her expression is one of considerable anxiety, and also one of considerable resolve, her gaze unwavering and unblinking as she continues to haul everything to the stately manse of House Jalabert. She is sometimes joined by men wearing blue and gold uniforms that mark them as belonging to that family, serving as either private guards or retainers.]

Arawn

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #366 on: May 12, 2018, 08:27:50 AM »
As the Covenant army takes up their positions outside of Port-a-Lucine, steady streams of people begin to depart from the city's gates, some trusting in the Maitriser's offer of safe-conduct, some looking for places to hide, and others simply resigned to their fates and intending to surrender. Several Gendarmes are caught attempting to desert, and rumors of defections even from within the former Company of the Fox are widespread.

In the midst of this chaos, one particular column stands out--instead of attempting to flee, families from the Ouvrier are moving, in their twos, and threes, and fives, and tens, into the Domaines, moving in the direction of the Jalabert Estate, and rumors run through the populace that the owner of the Theatre, Sophie de la Croix-Jalabert, and her right-hand woman, Verinne van Haute, are behind the offered refuge, and rumors speak of stockpiled food and water and other supplies. Despite the danger outside the walls, many families are gambling that the Maitriser's war with the Council does not concern them.

Ricardo Diosa, former Councilor, is seen rushing to and fro in a state of great agitation in Publique. What this portends is unclear.
« Last Edit: May 12, 2018, 08:37:51 AM by Arawn »
Hir yw'r dydd a hir yw'r nos, a hir yw aros Arawn.

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #367 on: June 02, 2018, 06:39:26 AM »
These papers are hung outside the grand library of Port-a-Lucine.

Quote
Apprentice physicker seeking sponsorship in order to study medicine at the University of Dementlieu.
I am willing to make an arrangement by which I serve a household or individual privately during the course of my studies.
If you are interested, please write to me, and we will discuss your terms.

Direct mail to:

K. Hoan
Room 12, J. Roussin's Tenements
Quartier Ouvrier, Port-a-Lucine


🏥           🏥            🏥
It is not an ending, but an ebbing.

DM Brimstone

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #368 on: June 02, 2018, 03:25:39 PM »
The cresting of the dawn greets the terraces of the Quartier Publique with various workers diligently cleaning up the remnants of the recent festivities.  Accompanying the bustle is the pervasive buzz of shared gossiping among the various clusters of the social elite.  They chatter about the brutal assault and uncouth behavior of one of their own and speculate wildly of his motives.  Some claim it was a result the tension of the impending Covenant forces and the uncertainty that hung in the air like a heavy-shroud over the inhabitants in the City of Lights. That the stress could crack even the most sophisticated and refined is sobering, though the sentiment is masked through a veil of pleasantries and etiquette, contrived polite smiles. Already socialites have moved to inhabit the highly desirable perch for conversing, the crimson stains of the tragedy washed clean of the cobblestones by rainfall.

The Market Day provided a well-needed but ephemeral reprieve from the mounting tensions, which were already nigh-crescendo much like the climax of each electrifying performances of the troupe du Theatre de la Cathedrale that day.  Still rumors swirl of the despicable scoundrels that preyed upon those present and sapped the momentary high spirits of the event, several attendees reporting missing valuables.   If safety cannot be assured in the presence of the lauded Gendarme and during their revelries, will the people of the Republique ever again know the solace of peace?


Dumas

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #369 on: June 22, 2018, 10:54:24 PM »
A near riot of hungry citizens took place in the Publique, at the doors of the Governor's Hotel this evening. Angry shouts for food were on the mouths of many, and the tumultuous crowd was hardly contained by a small detachment of gendarmes. The situation relented somewhat though, when an Ezrite Warden of Ste. Mere des Larmes, and the director of the Theatre de La Cathedral both distributed food to the throng, but not before several desperate citizens scrambled for parcels of rations dropped from a spilled sack of donations.

Several gendarmes are stationed outside the Hotel since the crowds dissipated...

Dumas

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #370 on: August 09, 2018, 10:43:19 AM »
Gossip would spread of an incident in the Quartier Publique, in which a large force of Gendarmes attempted to arrest the Baron de Beauvieres, Mathieu Laurier. It is said that the Baron was charged with the murders of his father, mother, and two elder brothers. As is often, details of the event are hazy, but what is spoken of is that the Baron evaded arrest, and evidently fled after assaulting a member of the Gendarmerie. Wanted posters for the Baron's capture now seem hung at every notice board in Port-a-Lucine.

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #371 on: August 14, 2018, 03:21:14 PM »
[Maîtresse Verinnne van Haute was seen only fifty feet from the Palais Dirigeant, walking with another member of the Théâtre de la Cathédrale's troupe, before shouting at something unseen, wearing a guarded, somewhat fearful expression as she clutched the pommel of the longsword kept at her side. Highly perturbed by whatever happened, she made her way to the Gendarmerie with haste...]
« Last Edit: August 14, 2018, 04:05:41 PM by Better Dread than Dead »

Arawn

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #372 on: September 06, 2018, 07:58:51 PM »
A day has now passed since the great crimson banners of Mortigny unfurled against the gray morning sky, and the forces of the Covenant-that-was marched away from Port-a-Lucine. To the spectators assembled it felt a strange or surreal reversal of their sudden discovery, a month earlier, of the soldiers of the East upon their street corners and the taciturn Maitriser in the Palais Dirigeant. Many whisper of watching him go, dark hair whipping in the breeze, and spoke of a single white cloth tied around the arm of his crimson armor like a knight from some ancient romance. Their earlier antipathy for the Covenant forgotten, they now lament the loss of the safety and security of the army encamped around Port-a-Lucine, even as wagging tongues bear new rumors of war. This time, it is not their fellow-countrymen that the departing army marches to face, but their old enemy the Hawk. It is perhaps no better illustration of the Capital's mercurial nature that they now weep for the departure of their conqueror as much as they ever feared his coming.

For those who remain, it is now their lot to prepare their city against whatever threat might menace it, be it external or internal. The Gendarmes have raised the general levy for the first time in a generation, and the lines of marching soldiers drilling in and around the city are commonplace. The nobles of the city go about their lives with their usual abandon and disregard for their inferiors, but even in the most elegant of soirees there is now an inescapable feeling that these temporary feelings of contentment and prosperity are now ended, and once again they are borne against their will into the chaos and unpredictability of war.
Hir yw'r dydd a hir yw'r nos, a hir yw aros Arawn.

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #373 on: September 10, 2018, 06:14:02 AM »
Eleanor Holmwood is seen going to-and-fro between the merchant quarter and the Governer's Hôtel. She delivers a steady supply of large clay crocks to her room the latter, a good dozen wooden basins, and finally, several jugs of oil.

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Re: Port-á-Lucine - Quartier Publique
« Reply #374 on: September 22, 2018, 07:09:16 AM »
The air about the fourth floor of the Governer's Hôtel becomes humid. Steam rolls from underneath the door of room XII, carrying with it honeyed scents both delightful and cloying. It would seem that Eleanor's perfumery is soon to be in business.