-
At night, music drifts through the air. The sound is harmonious yet dissonant, haunting yet lively. The music, seeming to repel even as it beckons, is centered on the Parc Jardine, where a figure clad in burgundy and red weaves the music on his instrument. Often pipes or a violin, but sometimes a lute or guitar or harp, the figure keeps to the shadow of the walls.
-
A red-haired lady with some exotic pointed ears and feline eyes has been seen wandering in town with a booklet, taking notes, giggling sometimes, while other times very deeply in writing. She has been seen exploring more than once the big Dancing Hall hosted in the Governor's Hotel. Some other times she has been seen simply running as fast as the wind towards St.Mere, with swift steps similar to a fanciful dance.
-
The word "robbery" is on the lips of many Port-A-Luciners. Word spreads like a plague about the wholesale looting of the jewelers. Rumour has it, that the Gendarme Captain himself was on the scene, but was unable to stop the crimes. Witnesses state that there was the briefest of glimpses of the robbers, before one of them summoned the darkness and made their escape. People noted later, that the jeweler was seen weeping in front of his shop, his livelihood injured a great deal.
-
A young blond man in blue and black leathers with a surcoat of fake "gold coins" worn over it is seen placing real gold coins around the jeweler's shop. He speaks of blessing the place in the name of some Tod, Lord of Coin, Protector of Merchants, Guardian of the Shinies. Before he's run off.
-
Posted throughout Quartier Savant
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b228/DeathKnite/RenaldoEmelineAd3.jpg)
-
Gendarmes are seen dispersing a small crowd of white robed Ezrite cultists gathered in singing and prayers in front of the Gendarmarie. Candles and flowers are laid upon the ground as the handful of faithful disperse.
-
A man in a white robe is keeping a vigil around the prison where his fellow Ezrites is rumoured to be locked up. Keeping close day out and in, trying to keep there at night as well. Awaiting for the release of his sister.
-
A pale lady, clearly missing her left hand, has been often seen entering the house of the famous investigator Alanik Ray. As usual, what surrounds the detective attracts the curiosity of some locals and at the same time it gives way to many rumours. But they say mystery is what remains in people's minds, not its real explanation.
-
A house slightly behind the famous and well attended Chez Leon went on fire. Commotion among the local attenders of the area. Famous Darkonian investigator Alanik Ray, in company of Arthur Sedgewick, went out from the house, with two ladies, dragging out some bodies of fainted people, most of them cuffed. One of the people in cuffs was the nobleman Maurice Kitchiner and some of his security guards. Monsieur Ray spoke eventually to Gendarmes to explain what was going on. More people crowded. A mysterious young guy was taken away by Ray and Sedgewick for some undisclosed destination, some people are sure they have heard he was a painter able to make things he drew happening. Some lady giggling swore too many Barovians around were taking with them too many superstitions. Some other limited to point at Ray, glad to see him in action. The white haired lady and the pale one with the two investigators were murmured being of Les Chats Noirs. Some other murmured they were just occasional companions of Ray and Sedgewick. It is always too hard distinguishing between gossips and reality in a town like Port-à-Lucine.
(http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9004/leschatnoirssmall.png)
-
Words of a successful though primitive festival held in the far Vallaki reaches even Chez Leon, where two of Les Chats Noirs, the pale Darkonian and the Borcan one, seemed to be discussing of it rather amusedly. Who knows if they are planning to hire the Broken Bell girls for something to be held in Port-à-Lucine. Between a cup of coffee and a glass of brandy, people murmurs about this new Barovian wave in their lands, and wonder when it will disappear again as the dusk at dawn. Others, on the other hand, seem curious to know two more Barovian artists. It seems they might be invited as special guests in the next social event of Les Chats Noirs...
(http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9004/leschatnoirssmall.png)
-
Often throughout the whole day and far into night a short man of exotic appearance is seen sitting by Chez Léon, enjoying a cup of coffee and writing down verses and pieces to one of many plays under work. To those curious or interested enough to sit for a chat, he presents himself as an aspiring playwright and actor, going by the name Taniel. His clothes bravely mix together strong red and more muted, darker colors, in many places being skin tight, leaving little in question of his physical fitness. Conflicting with his near-perfect, smooth skin, long fingers and beautiful appearance of which many could fall jealous about, there's something that seems off in him. Something dangerous or hidden, to the expression adds in no small degree the red and black, curvy stripes or tattoos dancing down his forearms, that entangle together on the back of his hands. Like if coated to metal, sometimes his hair flashes in metallic reflection as sun hits it in just the right angle.
His lips and fingernails are both painted, most often to red, sometimes to black or brown colors. And for most of the time, his wide, feathered hat - the edges of which his pointed ears reach to touch - casts a shadow over his dark eyes as he leans over the sheet of paper infront of him.
-
In some of the cafès in town word spreads rather quickly that the women club known as Les Chats Noirs has come to possession of some ten paintings of the artist Ruxandra Stanga, fine examples of the rough, wild, yet enjoyable Art Barovienne. People still remember the success at the last auction held at Le Théatre de la Cathédrale of her works. Some hint there might be soon a new exibition, or an auction, or some private sale. Others hope in some tasty and free buffet offered by Les Chats. Some others begin to furrow their brows hoping in some display of fine Dementlieuse art some time soon. Finally some, with a champagne chalice in their hands, suggests Les Chats could deal with it too.
(http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9004/leschatnoirssmall.png)
-
The pale woman known as Caterina Fumosa of Les Chats Noirs has been seen recently asking for an appointment at the office of the Detective Alanik Ray. Some few people still frown upon her, remembering the death of poor DouChamps. Her quick pace though seems to be faster than their gaze. People wonder what the lady will be discussing with monsieur Ray.
(http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9004/leschatnoirssmall.png)
-
Rumors spread through the quarter and its nobility that a sickened Ezrite has been spreading word of what he calls "The Final Revelation" or the "Genesis". He has given copies of the "Genesis of Ezra" to many of the affluent inhabitants of Port-á-Lucine's Quartier Savant . In it states the supposed truths of Ezra's creation and mortality. And, also that the coming of Leo Dilisnya will unite all (as the Ezrite states) 5 sects of Ezra. The sickened man claims the "Genesis" was dictated to him by no other than Yakov Dilisnya himself.
Reveling of a plagued madman? A desperate man in need of attention? Or some hidden, newly discovered truth? This question seems to be on the tips of the nobility's tongues as the rumors spread. Only Our Guardian in the Mists and Time can tell.
-
Rumours speak of one of Port-A-Lucine's estranged sons returning to the city, and having spent an entire night and day at the cafe with a copy of 'The Genesis of Ezra' and furiously annotating it. Those who have craned a glance over the man's shoulder have noticed the words 'Leo' ,'fabricated religon', 'evidence', 'Strahd' and 'vampire' amongst others scribbled across a copy of the newest work in an attempt to decode it. It is said that the man went through many cups of coffee.
The nobles turn up their noses, aware that Du Bourg's time in Barovia has done him no good indeed...
-
As the first posters and flyers appear about "Le Grande Concours de l'Ateur" organized by Les Chats Noirs, further rumours spread rather quickly. People are always displaced, yet curious, about what these ladies will do next. Some frown, some other shiver at the thought of the mysterious killer at large, some few other still believe there is some fresh air to breathe. Some weirder rumour states that recently two of les Chats have been seen entering in the office of Alanik Ray taking with them some books. May it be that the writer of the adventures of mister Ray, doctor Arthur Sedgwick has been asked to join the jury for the scripts of the contest? Who knows, words fly freely in the autumn breeze of Port-à-Lucine. But as usual, every rumour can hide a part of truth.
(http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9004/leschatnoirssmall.png)
-
Arthur Sedgwick, the famous some say infamous companion of Alanik Ray and established writer is seen in the company of Les Chats upon occasion and is seen about town in his usual haunts taking his tea while reading what are obviously submissions, he appears from his murmurings while reading to indeed be judging in the grand competion? There is talk amongst the nobles that several eminent peoples of the nobility have even sent in submissions, under pseudonyms of course.
-
Fliers can be seen posted in all quarters of Port-a-Lucine (the majority of which in Quartier Publique), informing the general public of an upcoming fashion show to be hosted by the Red Vardo Traders, some mercantile organization from the backwards, unenlightened land of Barovia. It will be held in the Theatre de la Cathedrale, assuming all goes according to plan.. but with a mass murderer on the loose and the mysterious killings surrounding this group, who can say for certain that they will?
-
oddly enough the fliers seem to be taken down shortly after they are published. What is the purpose for the removal of the fliers no one knows, but rumors do abound.
-
At Chez Leon cafè people start murmuring about the location for the awards of the literary competition organized by Les Chats Noirs. Mademoiselle Clarisse claims it is very likely that, if the ceremony is going to be for just a closed circle, the same Cafè might be used for it. The rumours which become always more insistent are those abour mister Sedgwick being one of the jury. Written words and spoken ones, always words, thin air which evaporates from the elegant roofed gardens of the palaces in Port-à-Lucine. The closure of the contest is close, maybe some of those words will soon turn to facts.
(http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9004/leschatnoirssmall.png)
-
a lost Morninglordian stumbled upon a creature of the night feeding from the many victim's at his heels. the two exchanged harsh and hostile words at each other as the vampire drops the lifeless drained victim that was embraced in his arms. a great battle ensues, as the holy man and his Nemesis of the night fought using their powerful witchcraft. red beams of light fired from the vampires finger tips weakening the Sun kisser. but it was the Light of the Morninglord that lead to the Creatures untimely retreat...
-
When the penthouse renting time ends and the wish for no one to disturb, those who enter to see to the penthouse, in what condition it is finds a charred black skeleton in the master bedroom, in a burnt up bed. The skull has a expression of a painful death to it with its hands clenched together in pain and parts of the neckbone is broken.
Who did this deed and what creature is in the bed is hard to say, since it seems it had something that grown out of its back, wing like things.
-
[Approved Heretic]
the Gendarme of Port-a-Lucine are seen putting up a wanted poster in the main travel spots of the city.
(http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/6223/wantedposter.png)
-
Port-á-Lucine is positively abuzz with gossip about an up and coming artist named Gilbert Lizotte. Monsieur Lizotte and his infamous macabre paintings have cause quite a stir in the younger community of artists and collectors alike, after his last showcase held inside an abandoned decrepit tenement of all places.
Monsieur Lizotte has refused to host his next showcase at the Governor's Hotel. Saying "The over-decadent Governor's Hotel would make a grotesque background for my artwork, and detract from the reality I strive to portray with it's facade of finery". Most people could not argue against that point. Monsieur Lizotte's artwork is known for displaying some of the most graphic scenes of suffering, and misery ever dared put to canvas, and would seem quite out of place at the Governor's.
While Monsieur Lizotte's artwork and demeanor stray away from what the artistic community is accustomed to, it's those same qualities that drive people to see his showcases, if for nothing other than curieosity. However it's said, some people are struck with powerful emotional reactions when viewing his work. This is not surprising given the nature of the subject mater, and Monsieur Lizotte's attention to detail.
Rumor has it, Monsieur Lizotte is arranging for another showcase to be held once he finds "A fitting venue".
-
There is rumors going about that Monsieur Montte is planning on hosting some sort of 'nobleman dueling competition' soon, however most of the details are hard to come by and obscured by the various rumors people might have about such a topic.
-
During the fencing competition held at le Théatre de la Baie, a Chateaufaux citizen named Etienne De Jarjeyes has been reached by some news which caused him to retire. Many have seen him going rather hurriedly first at the local Bank, eventually to la Gendarmerie. Apparently the Captain Morgan Greaves is wanted with a bounty of ten thousand solars on his head. The charge is: attempted murder.
-
Rumors go around that Monsieur Montte is looking for musicians and other people who are somewhat skilled in with music and artistic skills.
-
rumors go about that Edmond Montte, journalist and owner of Les Républicains Gazette, has joined the gendarme. The reasons for this are as numerous as they come. some claim he is doing it to get a story, some claim that his paper never was any good and needed to find another way to earn money. Regardless of the reason, one thing is for sure, Edmond Montte seems to be a gendarme now.
-
There are rumors that Edmond is looking for writers and journalists. Why though is the subject of much rumor mongering. Some are saying he wants to turn his paper bussiness over, where some are the opposite and claim he wants to hire them. and others have diffrent ideas and thoughts, but the one thing that is true in all those rumors, is that edmond seems to be looking for writers.
-
Recently Edmond feels as if he is being watched by somone or perhaps he is just being paranoid.
-
Rumors circulate about Edmond speaking with some men dressed in black long coats, Their outfits marking them clearly as outsiders. What is discussed and their goals are unknown. Whispers of some scheme or another plot that Edmond is preparing is just some of the rumors, some say they are private detectives that Edmond is consulting, others paint a darker image that they are Inquisitors form the Church of Ezra and Edmond is being hunted by them. However few can say for certain what is the truth
-
Rumors are spread of a pair of men murdered in the lobby of the Governor's Hotel. One of the men was said to have been Karas Jeslyn, recently wanted by the Count of Barovia. The two men had been talking when a dark-cloaked woman had appeared seemingly from the shadows and put them both to a quick end.
-
Professor Cornell of the University of Port-à-Lucine has been heard lecturing, as his usual, half-mockingly and half-seriously, about the recent news of a possible total war happening in the Core. He was seen drawing quickly a map and postulating his hypothesis, which he hoped will not come true. Yet, he sounded pretty persuading.
(http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/3395/hypothesis.png)
In red, little circles.
Turmoils in Invidia caused by the disappearance of the ruler Malocchio Aderre. Civil war: happening. Gundarakite rebels attacking more and more in main towns and countryside.
Gundarakite rebels starting a stronger activity also in Teufeldorf and Zeidenburg, Barovia. Yet to happen. Likely.
Sithican elves getting gradually the control of their territory and maybe advancing towards Invidia as act of revenge for years of domination. First part going to happen soon, second part unlikely.
Turmoils in main Dementlieuse, Mordentish and Richemuloise cities because of lack of bread. Going to happen if Falkovnia starts a war against Darkon.
Turmoils in Martira Bay, Darkon, for lack of bread. Unlikely, but possible.
In purple, lines.
Borcan army trying to invade Invidia profiting of its weakness. Likely.
Falkovnian army trying to invade Darkon profiting of Borcan embargo and higher loaning rates and subsequent Darkonian economical crisis. Very likely.
In orange, lines.
Werewolves from Verbrek would invade Invidia profiting of the lack of patrols at the borders. Likely.
-
Scandal and fear in Port-à-Lucine. Some gendarmes, at least three of them, have been found laying dead, their eyes glaring in the void, as a dreadful sight, or a terrible feeling, had caught them in their last moments. The cell of Borcan prisoner Luciana Armont has been found opened and empty. Rumours claim that the few prisoners in the nearby cells stated the lady just touched the Gendarmes with her bare hands. One of the gendarmes has been reported to be still alive though in a coma.
Nothing more is heard about the escaped prisoner. Some fear she may try to revenge on those who caused her troubles, others that she went on the run. A few others have been looking for her, unsuccessfully. The Borcan Widow is at large and free. And a beautiful danger lurks in the shadows.
-
Non non non!
Is heard loudly from Laura's fashion, a woman known to some as Desdemona Felatha is there picking out diffrent parts of fabric, dyes and similar. Taking dresses and remakes them in her own way aswell. She seem almost crazed and unpleased with the colours. She mutters about no leather dye and in the end she manages to come out atleast somewhat pleased with what she done. Spending almost two thousand alone on material for dresses.
-
[The column of gossip and novel from the Nouvel Observateur reads as follows.]
Confirmed: Renown Richemuloise horror novelist, André Bellamont's is staying in Port-à-Lucine - the buzz is on the lips of critics and admirers alike. Rumors that the controversial novelist has been invited by the wealthy entrepreneur & arts aficionado, Armand LeBarthe to help him achieve and I quote LeBarthe: "a theatrical masterpiece" - the Opera that is said to become the next grand production for the Grand Opera National re-opening.
On Bellamont: To some Bellamont is a true master, capable of pouring tales of the purest horror from his pen as one would pour water from a jug. To others, he is a hack who produces little more than sensational trash - gossip spreads that Bellamont would be working on an adaptation of LeBarthe's play in what would be his next Best Seller - whether or not it is true, remains to be seen; as many believe it to be all but a stunt to bring the masses to see the Opera dubbed: 'The Nosferatu'.
Incredible amounts of Solars are said to be spent, and even word of auditions are on the buzz in artistic circles about actors for the production. Amongst those names, it is reported that small emergent talent by the name of Absalom Nightlyre is the artistic director of the production - to which critics are still skeptical.
While LeBarthe issues no comment when contacted, he did mention this being his life's work and invited all to see a piece so compelling - that is guaranteed to leave none indifferent.
-
Locals talk of a strange and mysterious man who wanders the streets, cloaked and hooded he avoids contact with all those he encounters, fleeing and disappearing when confronted. He appears to be searching for something, or hiding from someone, or both.
-
One of the Gendarmes who apparently was listed in the casualties because of the escape of Borcan murderer and baroness Luciana Armont seems now has been scratched out. Ex gendarme Luc Fignon has waken up from his coma. Rumours claim la Gendarmerie offered him a refund and the chance to retire, both of which he accepted. On the rest of his whereabouts not a lot is known, yet.
-
A murder occoured on the Quarter's streets tonight. The body was attended by Gendarme and social luminary Edmond Montte, and the half-sized playwright Absalom Nightlyre, amongst other, lesser-known individuals. Rumour has it the poor man, a lesser nobleman of no substancial standing, was headless, had all its skin stripped from its body, or was drained of blood completely, having its eyes and tongue cut out, depending on who you believe. Whatever the story, one thing remains the same; the attack was savage, brutal, and brief. The Gendarmerie have yet to make a response.
-
It is rumored that Edmond Montte is planning to start up a detective agency, and that those who wish to enter the field should speak with him. In additon, those that are wishing to hire a detective are to speak with him. Of course this just rumors anyways. As the day is drawing close; it seems that most of the gossip about edmond though is about his marriage to Celine Lafleur.
-
Painted overnight on the crumbling walls that surround Ste. Mere des Larmes are a mural and a message. The mural depicts an angel, wings outstretched, head lowered in piety, holding a wooden cup in his hands, whereas the message reads: "Vous êtes de ces mensonges! L'Église vous trompe! L'Échansons êtes la lumière!"
-
Painted overnight on the crumbling walls that surround Ste. Mere des Larmes are a mural and a message. The mural depicts an angel, wings outstretched, head lowered in piety, holding a wooden cup in his hands, whereas the message reads: "Vous êtes de ces mensonges! L'Église vous trompe! L'Échansons êtes la lumière!"
The curious tall enigmatic figure donning the brown coat of the Inquisition from the Dementlieuse Church is seen examining the heretical work, taking notes.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g247/Morefizzle/cupbearer.jpg)
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g247/Morefizzle/cupbearer2.jpg)
"Ezra, save us all..."
-
On the tongues of bourgeois and noble alike is a terrible rumor that pieces of Gendarme, specifically heads, have been showing up in and around the Quartier Savant and any guard posts throughout the city. These rumors are also trying to connect these gruesome displays with a series of Gendarme disappearances during the late hours around the Quartier Publique and Marchand. What could be doing this terrible things, and for what purpose, if they are happening at all...
-
The gentry of Port-a-Lucine last night witnessed quite a sight: Lord Henri de Montagne at what might possibly be his worst. With a balled up copy of Les Esprits Curieux Tract clutched tightly in his right fist, he rather publicly demanded that the authors of the well-known scandal sheet be charged with slander. He was also seen arguing with renowned playwright Absalom Nightlyre, but that's hardly news...
-
The Flint and Flagon Festival, and it's massacre was one and a half months ago. Since then, it's host "Elfric Gotz" has not been seen. It is only recently he's been spotted outside the Governor Hotel. Quietly sitting at Chez Leon, drinking coffee. His appearance slightly unkempt, and seems to have lost a decent amount of weight.
-
Rumors go around that the head of the Benoit family has disowned Josephine Benoit, his youngest daughter. Though what she would have done to be disowned is up to gossip to chat about.
-
Talk goes throughout the city of the musical concert held by Linnea Paganni and Matthieu Montte,esquire. A night of wonderful music is the local gossip, most of it being praised. this was a night where all the councilors came to watch as well as the lord governor. It is even whispered that some of the music greatly moved the councilors of the council of brilliance. The fact that 200,000 solars was raised for charity also what is talked about. the fact that 200,000 solars were raised to help children, some even being given for their education.
most gossip seems to talk about the scene at the end, when an assassin tried to kill Councilor D'Honair, chief advisor to the lord-governor. The assassin was later revealed by the gendarme as Maximilian Merda, which is something that seems to be on the talk for the time being. Some praise Edmond Montte as a hero who successfully captured the wanted terrorist and placed him behind bars. Others scoff at him for the fact that a bullet was shot at the Councilor. Most talk says that Domnic d'Honair will be fine after a few days of rest.
all in all that event is something that will certainly be on the lips of people for some time, but as with everything in the port likely something new will come and that shall be the talk of the town.
-
[The young Paganni girl from Kartakass is seen bustling about the quartier taking care of finishing touches before her wedding in two days to the handsome Matthieu Montte. A flash of white fabric tucked in her arm, and a wide smile on her lips]
-
Rumor spreads of an attack by some manner of clawed beast, likely a caliban of some sort, claiming the lives of at least three gentryfolk and one gendarme, not far from the Café Chez Leon. Wearing brown robes and a hood, she had a dagger in hand and used it to make incisions upon the throats of a few of her victims. A pair of outlander chased the creature off, before it escaped somehow, report bystanders... how long it might be until the foul thing returns, none are certain.
-
An odd fracas took place near the Lodge involving glowing men and patches of darkness by all accounts. Facts are hard to pin down as the story passes word of mouth and elaborated by second rumour into fanciful tales. All tellings end with the usual Dementlieuse dissmissal of: 'C'est tres étrange, non?'
-
A peculiar man or woman (the nobles argue with each other as to the person's gender) wearing a powdered wig as well as a black justaucorps bearing silver trim can be seen frequenting the outdoor café known as Chez Léon on a nearly daily basis, purchasing a cup of piping hot coffee courtesy of Mademoiselle LaCroix, before immediately beginning to work feverishly on a manuscript of some kind until the early evening sets in.
-
[A courier recently delivered a sizable sum of Solars to the Gendarmerie from an anonymous donor, for the purchase of legal representation for one "Thierry le Malin".]
-
In the early hours of the morning Inquisitor Poisson enters the Gendarmerie. He makes a deposition - a Falkovnian arcanist named Franziska Weiss attacked people near the steps to the Cathedral. She claimed to have no memory of the past year - the ceasefire between Falkovnia and the Four Towers. She believes we are still at war, with a ferocity becoming of a Kingfuhrer's agent. She is at large, and very dangerous.
-
A few gendarme have been killed through what looks like liberal amounts of vitriolic fluid and substances, not but a stone's throw away from the Gendarmerie building. Bystanders claim a woman dressed in a black dress, hood, and a cloak began lobbing all manner of powerful spells at them, before a conversation was brokered between her and another, and the attack suddenly ceased altogether.
-
[A package was delivered to the Gendarmes today, a letter written in blood, a copy of the recent publication of La Bougie, it is rumoured that this package was rather bloody.]
-
A number of these posters have been hung up around Port-à-Lucine:
Beware! Necromancers lurk the streets!
Renée Bellamy, editor-in-chief of La Bougie, was assaulted by a Nerull-worshipping necromancer last evening. The culprit was a deathly thin woman with cloth wrapped around her head, and wore what appeared to be a black tunic and pants with metal studs.
The culprit tortured Renée extensively before subjecting her to horrific necromantic experiments. Renée's face was cut off and an eyeball gouged out. Despite receiving prompt magical healing, she is still blind in one eye.
Exercise caution if you see the woman. She is capable of making herself invisible and knows how to move quietly to avoid detection. She can lurk out of the shadows at any moment to catch a person who has lowered their guard. She is also capable of casting see invisibility, do not rely on magic to keep yourself hidden from her!
-
[The known private investigator, Ludwig LaFranchi, was seen dragged out of the famed Governer Hotel badly beaten. He was then brought to the Gendarme headquarters and seen leaving several hours later.]
-
[An explosion can be heard throughout the Quartier Savant, and a plume of black smoke rises from around the Gendarmerie building. Rumor spreads of a jailbreak having occurred, and this rumor seems to be backed up by the gaping hole that seems to lead right into the arsenal managed by quartermaster, Brunin Granmarteau. The Gendarmerie are already hard at work in constructing a new wall to replace the old, yet word is that Captain Reynard is incensed over both the events in the Grand Opera National (where he lost his young protégé, Inspecteur Blaise) and the attack on the Gendamerie building itself...]
-
[Rumor spreads of a conspiracy orchestrated primarily by House Dauphin and disenchanted nobles from lesser houses to overthrow the rightly-elected Lord-Governor and his Council of Brilliance. The details remain unknown, for now, but word does spread of the conspiracy having been killed in its crib, thanks to the quick efforts of the Gendarme, specifically none other than their newest recruit, 'Madame Trousers'. Rumor has it that Charles Dauphin has fled the country, not wishing to suffer the wrath of the Dementlieuse government for his part in the plot...]
-
Gossip within the Quartier Savant speaks of the Visconte de Vauqelin:
His carriage barreling into the city at an ungodly hour...
An artifact said to be a relic of great necromatic legend turned in to the Gendarme...
The young nobel rants and raves in hushed tones to his "dear friends" that it was gifted to him an apparent bribe attempt.
"It was my civic duty monsieurs...but I assure you the gendarme have the name of the knave who brought this into our fair city..."
-
[Rumor spreads of a marvelous creation of Doctor Wymmer Drukker's following him around, doing as he commands. A few are disturbed by the automaton's eerie resemblance to his late wife, yet keep their silence for now. Others regard the wonder as 'quaint' and seem only slightly amused by it, remarking to their friends that this is simply the Lamordian's way of distracting people from the madness of his spouse, and the actions leading up to her death. The more erudite within the city seem to be genuinely impressed and in awe of the Lamordian inventor's handiwork, however, and claim that this 'automaton' (as it is called by Drukker) shall herald a new golden age of invention and discovery...]
-
Word spreads that Carine de Ailleurs has been taken into Gendarme custody...
She was seen being walked into the Barracks in shackles in the early hours of the morning.
-
A small tragedy occurred outside the Governor's Hotel when a fanciful pet tiger somehow managed to slip its bonds, killing its owners and a few bystanders before it was put down with the bullet of a particularly brave Gendarme who stood the creature down, splattering its grey matter all over the cobbles...
-
The Lily Knight Sir Tarlin is seen walking into the office of the great Detective M Ray with a letter in hand.
-
A fire broke out yesterday evening at the residence of one Andrei Palascu. Gendarme and nobles alike were quick to the scene, both hearing Palascu mourn the loss of his favorite prostitute, who was crushed by a beam and subsequently burned alive. While the fire raged, the sole female in the gendarme, Solange de Sauvre, rushed into the house and came out several minutes later with enough evidence to arrest Andrei Palascu on the charges of necromancy and smuggling. Given time, the fire was contained. The trial is rumored to take place in the next few days.
-
Finely dressed gawkers gave witness to tragedy in the Governor’s Hotel, as a halfing woman on her belated honeymoon was pronounced dead by a local physician. After law enforcement released the distraught husband, he was last seen reentering the couple’s honeymoon suite, and has not been seen since.
-
[Rumor spreads of an attack that occurred within Cezar's Coffee and Readery late at night, culminating in the deaths of three nobles. Members of the gentry murmur to themselves, saying that radical elements originating from Quartier Ouvrier are likely to blame for this calamity, though the Gendarmerie is still investigating what may have transpired.]
-
[Word spreads of Gilles LaRouche's jewelry store in the Quartier Savant having been robbed by vile degenerates supposedly affiliated with the so-called 'revolutionaries'. It is said that his entire stock was cleaned out, by an unknown woman and a masked man claiming to be Chantreaux's killer.]
-
[Word spreads that Black Pieter was killed within his cell in the Gendarmerie's jail by an hooded female assassin, who, shortly after killing Black Pieter with her crossbow, killed herself.]
-
[There is quite a bit of activity taking place in the southeastern corner of the Quartier Savant. It is said that the Gendarmerie and the Republican Guard led by Marshal Foquelaine are preparing to attack the Quartier Ouvrier (http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?p0=746&iso=20150215T22&msg=Attack%20on%20Ouvrier), in the hopes of crushing the revolution once and for all.]
-
[Edwin Aubert emerges from the attack on the Ouvrier, battered but whole. He brags, in great and grizzly detail, of the battle. He obliviously paints a nightmarish picture of a ruined Ouvrier district, strewn with savaged corpses and those dying a slow and painful death, to any gendarme who will listen.]
-
[Talk goes around about the losses of the Marshal's assault into the ourvier. the exact details like all rumors do change, but it is often described as a slaughter, with more then a few telling about how those who refused to fight were shot down by the republican guards]
-
[Zidonne LeFebvre, local celebrity composer, musician, and the Knight of Song, has been seen - bloodied and dirty from battle - walking the streets of Port A Lucine, playing a victorious tune on his violin and placing a poster in every district:
Foquelaine is dead! Viva la Dementlieu!
This is the time that we stand together, and rebuild our most serene Republic!
-
A new face to Dementlieu stands out, as a Falkovnian man has been seen moving through the city assessing the fallen, damage sustained to the city and its homes, though mainly he seems intent on assisting the various hospices scattered around the city, offering minor spells of healing from his goddess, Hala.
Some might know him by the name of Dietrich.
-
[rumors speak of how with captaines Reynard and Dupree are missing currentl, that Baron Edmond Montte has claimed to be the current acting captaine of the gendarme]
-
A large one eyed Mordentish man has been seen asking about the Savant on real estate prices of late and examining the buildings in the area.
-
Cezar's Coffee and Readery is a scene of scholastic and academic discussion as the new author, Dr. Reinhart Rin debuts his book, Mysteria Aeterni Rotam.
(http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x443/thedarkestsunrise1/rin%20book_zpsmncrlgxx.png) (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/thedarkestsunrise1/media/rin%20book_zpsmncrlgxx.png.html)
-
Cezar's Coffee House and Readery hosts another Friday night lecture by Dr. Reinhart Rin. The popularity of this evening seminar seems to be growing by word of mouth. The proprietor of the establishment doesn't seem to mind the increase in business either.
(http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x443/thedarkestsunrise1/Seminar2_zpshfhrolnq.png) (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/thedarkestsunrise1/media/Seminar2_zpshfhrolnq.png.html)
-
[Some of the more gossip-minded nobles chatting in the streets about Reinhart Rin's lecture say that as he drew close to the end of his lecture, his magic took a dark turn, as he brought forth a living shadow from the darkness, turned his skin black and seething with some oily magic that clung to him, and discussed a great act of magic that could render a living man instantly and utterly dead. If this were not strange enough, some in the audience were heard to openly advocate for the practice of necromancy. While ordinarily 'street magic' would hold little interest for the people of Dementlieu, such chatter of the dark arts is titillating and just a little bit frightening.]
-
[Gendarme are seen coming in and out of Larouche's jewelry store. Rumor spreads of a robbery as Vicomte Marceaux and two others questioned potential witnesses, asking about two masked individuals in brown coats.]
-
[Rumors abound about the upcoming Golden pistol Contest that House Sallembier and the Red Vardo Traders are hosting together.]
-
Roland Poulin was seen escorting a scruffy young boy from the Gendarmerie to his home behind La Volière. The youth reeked of cheap whisky, dressed in ragged brown leathers, and carried a few short-swords on his belt. Some might wonder what business monsieur Poulin has with a pitiful-but-armed urchin. Connections to the criminal underworld, perhaps? A suitor for one of his sisters? Latent deviancy? Rumors fly like sparrows...
-
Over the past few weeks a single individual has brought head after head into the Gendarme. Gaining a sum of upwards of fifty thousand solars, and still rising as days pass. While the sheer number of heads and solars is a little surprising. It isn't nearly as surprising as the one who has been doing such.
A small woman of no more then two feet five inches, with a frail looking form would be the one to bring in at times three or more heads. Which she would drag behind her in a blood stained burlap sack.
The small woman never seems to be seen wearing armor or possessing any weapon on her body. Barely able to see over the counter, or if at all. She would push the heads to the man behind the counter and wait for them to be inspected before setting off with her newly gained coin. Only to return in the coming days with more heads.
-
Rumor spreads that Sir Cyrus Gallant, from overseas, is hosting a small auction tommorrow in the later evening, in the Governers Ballroom...
// 8pm EST
Things discussed to be present are...
A Rogues Garb..
Herberts Ring of Resilience...
A set of Gobalski's Bracers..
A Ring of Hiding..
A True Wit shortsword..
A set of monkish robes, of the Shining Hand.
A Thunderous Trident..
a Helmet of Nobility..
Lesser Robes of Wonderous Weaving
a Le Plus Petite Crever (Rapier).
and a Brawlers Belt.
-
Jerome de La Salle can be heard and seen again, this time in the Savant, making his way about the streets and gardens, calling for the Gendarme officer that is the son of Baron de Lehors to make good on his acceptance of a duel that was brought up concerning an argument near the Palais a couple weeks ago now.
"Where is the cur that spat at my feet? Where is the one that slandered the name of People's National Armée? Brave defenders of the Republique? He wished for a duel? He who spread lies and insults on patriots? Where is the Coward de Lehor?"
The Premier Lieutenant of the Fox Company publically denounces the son of de Lehor, sabre proud on his hip, uniform finely laundered and crisp, as he makes his way through the quartier.
-
A notice seen posted around town:
Seeking a Master Fencing instructor, willing to pay a handsome wage. Please leave word for Henri Lachance at the Manor Inn or the Mist camp.
-
In the early morning hours a blood curdling scream of agony can be heard coming from the Manor Retreat. Gendarmes and civilians alike are seen rushing to the scene as fast as they can. Not much else is known about what happened but it is said that sometime after the scream the body of the Borcan woman Ravenna d'Este is seen being carried out and taken immediately to the morgue. The man known as Zachary Dalensbane follows behind in shackles. Neither have been seen since.
-
An odd scene played out at the open air cafe.
The knight, Ambrose De'Korban was seen taking coffee with a strangely tall but undeniably beautiful elven woman.
Things took a turn for the worse, however, as the elven woman was observed vomiting into the fountain and pool, cowering in a corner away from the gentleman knight.
A brief moment of sanity occured as the sick or insane elven woman was coaxed back to the table but was quickly shattered when the crazed woman drove the knight away with slaps to the face and angry screeching.
De'Korban then left, his face dark with anger and frustration, the madwoman left soon after, apparently leaving the city entirely.
-
[Shrill cries pierced the night air, sending shivers along the spines of all those within earshot that had the crescendo of terror reach their ears. A lifeless husk, shriveled and pale, was bled clean. Her blanched skin and depraved serene visage lay in stark contrast to the yellowed grass in the courtyard that embraced the still form. A sliver of a cut, made with precision, formed a thin line of crimson along the length of the woman's neck and gaped like the mouth of fish.
A couple found the body of the poor woman and after sobbing over her lifeless corpse for a time, they bodily hauled her up and delivered to the gendarmerie.]
-
[Rumors state that Alanik Ray has hired a new secretary to work the evenings alongside Angélique DeMont -- a young, slightly bookish Mordentish girl by the name of Prudence Ashworth. She always stays late, working tirelessly with the Great Detective to help uncover those responsible for the string of horrifying murders affecting the poor and rich of Port-a-Lucine, alike.]
-
[A series of notices are posted through the Quartier Savant, prominently -- beside each of them can be seen a man or woman wearing white and black, the colors of House d'Évreux.]
My friends, my fellow countrymen,
A gross injustice has taken place, one that we cannot and should not continue to ignore. A citizen of the republic - no, a knight whose loyalty to our country remains beyond reproach, was somehow brought to the island of Ghastria and made the prisoner of Marquis Stezen d'Polarno. Though he somehow managed to escape and return home, a question remains unanswered -- how did the man get there in the first place?
Well, we saw with our own eyes the Vicomte de Roissy's greatest rival, a disgraced pretender but a citizen all the same, marched through our city in irons, and brought to Ghastria, from whence he would never return. We would never accuse the good Vicomte or his subordinates of being in collusion with the Marquis, with a foreign power, a second time, but questions certainly need to be asked, now don't they?
A band of sellswords deciding to collect on the sizable bounty offered by the Richemuloise government for the Vicomte de Roissy's head? I am all but certain the man would take umbrage at the attempt, and rightly seek reprisal of some kind. I am not calling the man a hypocrite, of course, but it does seem rather peculiar that he and others belonging to the Company of the Fox's command structure would board a vessel bound for Ghastria only a few days after the escape of Sieur Cal'Raheal.
Someone needs to ask these questions, and someone, namely the Vicomte de Roissy himself, ought to answer them.
More of these notices shall follow in the coming days. Know that many of us in the southern part of the country will help in restoring order, should a new Marshal Foquelaine rear its ugly head.
- Her Grace, Simone d'Évreux, Duchesse de Beauvais, Comtesse de Angoulême, Marquise de Calmont
(https://i.gyazo.com/bd160d4dfd4d7cebd1d9e95b8db918f8.jpg)
[Featured beneath the written diatribe appears a politically-charged illustration of some kind.]
(https://i.gyazo.com/29fdec25981cbafa13f1bda8450453a1.jpg)
-
[These notices are quickly taken down, though a few remain, either in poorly-lit alleyways in that portion of the city, or in barrels filled with refuse and detritus. Some members of the gentry gossip among themselves about the Vicomte de Roissy and the Duchesse de Beauvais speaking with one another in the park, not long ago, though the subject of their conversation apparently changes depending on who you ask -- a product, no doubt, of the rumor-mill churning.]
-
[Men and women belonging to the gentry are shocked by the sudden death of Xavier Gauthier -- even more shocking is what the Gendarmerie claims to have found inside the man's home: a wide array of explosives and chemicals to be used in some manner of mad scheme to avenge his deceased wife, Hortense Gauthier, and remove from Dementlieu those he deems directly responsible for her untimely demise -- magicians. Curiously, it is said that in the wake of Xavier Gauthier's death, Dr. Augustin Kestenholz, a Lamordian physician and spokesperson for the "Society of Enlightened Citizens" (which Gauthier had recently joined) has chosen to flee the country and return to his homeland.
It is said that in the aftermath of what has transpired, Councilor Drukker has chosen to distance himself from the group he once endorsed, while Gerhard Reichenbach, the wealthy fishing magnate and moneylender who leads the Syndicate from the town of Ludendorf, now claims that both Xavier Gauthier and Dr. Kestenholz acted without his knowledge, without his blessing, and that "[they] have, not once, ever supported or condoned the use of violence to achieve [their] goals".
With the Lamordians having quickly fallen out of favor (at least for now), it is said that the Council of Brilliance might be looking to reverse the decrees handed down two months prior and soon, in spite of talk surrounding a foul sorceress named Natalie Silverhart and her attempt to bewitch or enthrall a seated member of the Council of Brilliance, namely the advisor to the Lady-Governor. Is it merely hearsay, or do they actually intend to allow things to return to the way they were? Only time will tell.]
-
[These notices have been lost to posterity.]
-
As soon as the Beauvais house notices spring up, recruitment posters are posted nearby, one notice in the even covers the Diatribe.
Some more are posted in the poorer districts of Marchand and Ovurier.
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/haddyDrow/recruitment%20poster.jpeg)
-
Bloodied footprints were found trailing around and around the district this evening, though most were washed away by the perennial Spring rains in short order.
After a barrage of shrieking and hollering sounded from a back-alley, a man in a dark coat was seen leading a tall woman up towards the Std. Meres de Larmes cathedral, her nightgown and head covered with a cloak for modesty's sake. Perhaps a raving beggar, judging by the lacerations on her feet and the urine dripping from her linens. Some may wonder how this addled vagrant came to be wandering the more refined part of town in the first place.
-
[Another series of notices are posted through the Quartier Savant, prominently, along with the Quartier Publique -- this time, without men or women posted nearby to ensure they are not torn down or vandalized.]
My friends, my fellow countrymen,
I bring to you, news most tragic -- while on our way back to our sumptuous estate near the village of Chateaunoir, we were beset upon by a host of brigands and scoundrels; while I was saved from these men of low character and spared from a most terrible fate by Sieur Cal'Raheal, his wife, and those belonging to the Cal'Raheal Trade Consortium... but my husband, Aristide d'Evreux, Duc de Beauvais, Comte de Angoulême, Marquis de Calmont, and Mayor of Chateaunoir, perished, succumbing to the wounds these loathsome cretins had dealt him.
Miraculously, this does not spell the end of ours storied house. After numerous attempts made by my husband to sire an heir, I find myself now with child. The demise of my husband, whom I loved and admired so very much for both his dedication to public service and myself, continues to weigh heavy on my heart; however, knowledge that I shall soon have a child, one who can walk in my husband's footsteps and carry on his legacy, helps to alleviate some of the burden his death has brought me.
To the Company of the Fox,, and those who lead it -- I wish to express my sincerest apologies. I was wrong. Clearly, there is a place for you here in Dementlieu. Our roads and highways are not nearly as safe as they might seem, and organization that calls itself "the finest free company in the Core" might be the only ones adequately equipped in seeing them kept both clear and safe. Know that I, and those who serve my house, will support you, and provide you with the resources you need to see Dementlieu's enemies both without and within eradicated.
- Her Grace, Simone d'Évreux, Duchesse de Beauvais, Comtesse de Angoulême, Marquise de Calmont
(https://i.gyazo.com/bd160d4dfd4d7cebd1d9e95b8db918f8.jpg)
-
[A crumpled heap of blue uniform, splattered with crimson, lies upon the cobblestones of the Quartier Savant. Thin blade, stained vermillion, clattered to rest next to the lifeless husk of a man, blanched in complexion like sun-bleached bones. The Gendarme’s own was motionless, features calm and complacent despite the savage, barbarous wound that gaped on the man’s neck.
Sinew and flesh sundered, viscera exposed, the man was bled nearly dry by the depraved entity that struck silent the noble guardsman of the illustrious City of Lights. Clear evidence of a struggle was apparent by the trail of coagulated, gelatinous blood that trailed off around the corner. Booted tracks, encased in an outline of red, accompanied the spotting of blood that ventured into an alley. To the discerning eye, the transgressor evidently favored one leg due to the inconsistent gait and one heavy foot in the tracks.
Those that would follow come upon a cold trail. A dead-end in which the booted tracks cease abruptly. Though this much was easily ascertained: the killer that stalked the cultural epicenter of the lands has become more brazen as of late than his predatory stalking of the Quartier Ouvrier. Not even the members of the gentry or officers of the peace are safe.]
-
A strange sight this evening: the Ezrite Toret Agnès Gauthier walking through the streets in full regalia as if on parade, her steel armour polished and shining like a mirror, steel helmet under one arm, green cloak flowing from her shoulders; looking like quite the vision of the maiden warrior, in Ezra's mould. She follows a Falkovnian man into a house said to be rented by the Falkovnian General von Krauss, and re-emerges later, looking grim-faced. Clearly it was not a pleasant social call.
-
A strange scene plays out in front of the Cathedral. First, a green-robed Toret, a woman, hammers a notice to the Cathedral door. It reads:
People of Port-a-Lucine! Beware! The forces of the Covenant approach the capital. We urge you at once to depart and find what safety you can in the countryside. If you cannot leave, we have been assured that they will respect the sanctuary of the Church and leave all those who take shelter in the Cathedral unharmed. There will be food and supplies for those who need them. Please trust that while the Grand Scheme is chaotic and at times difficult to understand, She has placed us here to shelter you. The massive walls of the Cathedral are the best shelter, and the green line of Templar and Anchorites the best defense.
Ezra bless five-fold.
Shortly after this, a man, also in the green robes of a Toret, emerges from the Capital and shouts angrily, tearing down the poster and hurling it into the street. He was then heard to harangue passersby about the value of "fighting the Covenant in the streets," before storming back into the Cathedral.
-
A fair elven woman had seemed to have gone to the Gendarmerie in a hurry, carrying some hastily scribbled letter, urging both the Gendarmes and the clerk to deliver the letter to the Capitaine, Edmond Montte. She had claimed it was news of the well-being of the Capitaine's sister, the recently returned Jaqueline, who had attempted to speak to the Capitaine several times without any luck, which the elven woman herself denoted. She had left the letter and quickly took her leave, not wishing to be in the way.
-
Rumors begin to circulate among some of the remaining Citizenry of Port-a-Lucine of a Falkovnian Gendarme coming to occupy his time collecting old newspaper articles, ranging from L'Observateur to La Bougie. Some are found in the storage of old newspaper stand owners, others found kept by private owners and paid for their exchange. Some believe he is orienting himself with the complex history of the City's recent years, others speculate the unorthodox Gendarme is investigating something. Others yet believe the Gendarmerie Nationale has been restlessly idle for so long yet, that even they are attempting to find ways to pass the time in this extended standoff beyond the City's Walls.
-
A jarring rumor begins to circulate amongst the gentry of the Quartier Savant. A young Falkovnian, dressed in an expensive dark maroon coat sporting stained silver accents and a champagne cravat took to his knee in the middle of the Café for all to see and proposed marriage to a young Dementlieuse woman, dressed in blue with sun-kissed flesh and hair of fire. Uncertainty spreads in thinly veiled whispers from onlookers as the woman accepted the proposal with glee and excitement, the two embracing each other for some time before wandering off together towards the Publique.
-
Two Gendarmes and a Mordent merchant are assembled before a bench in the Savant's parc. They each look with furrowed brows at the gendarme uniform, vest and feathered hat, laying with a bag as if someone had forgot the things there. On closer inspection, the Gendarmes discovers with even more confusion that the uniform, still wet from the rain, had a bloodied collar. The red stain however did not go further than the badge pined to it, on which is written "Corporal de la Companie du Renard". They then search the bag, in which is tucked and harp, a couple of fancy clothes or costumes, an amulet of Ezra, unfinished books, poems and even scripts. As one of the Gendarmes pulls on the uniform to stock it as evidence, a Tarokka card slips off the bench onto the grass along with ashes coming out of the suit. On the card they can read on the bottom "The Mists", the illustration being of a fog surrounding a figure. Oddly enough, the figure in the middle seems to have been removed in a way that the card is now holed where the figure is supposed to be. And most surprising of all, one of the edge of the card is also tainted with dark red.
-
All it took was a single night. The morning finds the Savant district completely covered and dressed in propaganda posters and gossip, the subjects of such a speedy distribution clear: The Gendarmerie and the woman at their command, Lieautenant Treillard.
(https://i.postimg.cc/4xHKTF9Q/Propaganda1.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/W4Rdp6mL/Propaganda2.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FKj7YdGf/Propaganda3.png)
-
Within the Quartier Savant, the propaganda endures for only a few moments. As quickly as the posters appear, they vanish.
-
At the gendarmerie, a dwarf is seen grumbling and mumbling about the indignity of having to wait like a "common froo loving longshank fop bartender" after being summoned.
-
Gossip begins to spread like wildfire after a public altercation between a Falkovnian wearing the uniform of the Gendarmerie Nationale de Dementlieu and a foreigner, a Gundarakite some say, from the way he spoke. Beside a number of Nobles and peers of the realm, the foreigner lashed out and struck the Sergeant, and then did so again before the Sergeant ordered his patrol to stay where they were, and proceeded to knock the foreigner on his back himself and secure him in shackles. Some say he was attempting to commit suicide by Gendarme, others say the two had a personal vendetta to settle and the man was goaded into violence. However, all accounts seem to confirm that the struggle ended with relatively little bloodshed, and the foreigner was arrested and then taken to the Gendarmerie de Port-au-Lucine, within minutes of being shackled.
-
Gilles Larouche's jewelry is spoken of in gossip as a brazen robbery occurred. Many priceless items were taken by a group of five individuals who were later being sought out by the Gendarmes.
-
In recent weeks, chatter and rumormongering began to take place amongst the well-to-do of the Quartier Savant. The Hawk Caporal, formerly Sergeant, Joachim von Schrötter, is seen frequently in presence of a sizable patrol at most hours, whilst word begins to spread of the extended, and officially unexplained absence of a former prominent face in the Quartier Savant's day-to-day affairs, the Daughter of the Baron of Chalaines, Sergeant Laurette Elise Trelliard, formerly Lieutenant. Some word is overheard that she was taken from her office, others suggest she resigned after losing rank, though no official statement has been given by the prestigious organization since her disappearance. When the Hawk Caporal is not seen on patrol, or attending long meetings in the Gendarmerie, his hours are often found spent in the Théâtre de la Cathédrale in the company of the Maitresse Verinne van Haute and her Troupe.
-
The Young noble woman, Yvette Sallembier has been seen in the city once again. Recently she has been seen asking to speak to a Gendarme. Rumors circulate that she might be looking to enlist...
-
Rumors emanate from the Gendarmerie of a blonde and statuesque beauty, quite discordant with the usual city scum, comporting herself within her cell in the most gentle of manners. Each night by candle the faintly tragic figure dutifully studies a Book of Ezra and places the same volume beneath her pillow...before passing into gentle slumber, her sleeping face a model of youthful innocence.
-
Early one dreary morning, the statuesque (but clearly pious) beauty is led from the Gendarmerie toward the Quartier Publique, her strikingly golden eyes blinking with sweet relief at being allowed to see the natural light of day after her long incarceration among the city's roughnecks. She still carries the Book of Ezra against her breast as she meekly trudges behind the smartly uniformed soldier leading her.
-
Two young female Gendarmes, both with raven hair, one identifiable as Gendarme Sallembier and the other, Recrue Martineau, were seen dragging the corpses of two slain Gendarmes through the Quartier Savant with the aid of a man of gentle birth, of House de Poudre. Recrue Martineau was said to be wounded, her uniform bearing marks of battle and her breastplate compromised by puncture wounds.
-
The innocent and unwary as well as Gendarme become the hunted in nocturnal and wee hours alike, the supposed safety of the more affluent quarters disturbed. A series of bodies are found in the span of a single day, ranging from several guardsmen to savagely butchered commonfolk, along with a pair of seemingly noble women sharing such grim fate. Signs of feasting, crimson hair and a rat-like ear are said to be amongst the horrendous findings, leaving many a question hanging thick in the air, though rumours already circulate of whispers among the farmers and the harlots, among the fishermen and the weavers, speaking of danger upon wayward paramours and condemning veiled trysts, professing such clandestine, immoral infidelity to beckon punishment.
-
A Barovian man of unremarkable height and a willowy build has appeared in the foyer of the Gendarmerie. He sits on one of the benches to the side, waiting diligently. At one point, he was escorted into the bowels of the building, but returned within a quarter-mark. He refuses to speak of the reason for his presence, and only departs for brief spells, likely to relieve himself.
-
[Rumours begin to circulate that the raven-haired Gendarme was recovered alive from the vicious assault at the Western Gates, carried from elsewhere in the City and cradled in the arms of a man dressed akin to a Dementlieuse Mercenary, running at full gait for the Gendarmerie de Port-a-Lucine. Onlookers said the man wore a dark green sash, some sort of infantry armor and a sallet -- And as for the Gendarme? Savaged, the white of her trousers now stained a deep red, her glimmering breastplate stained in a similar color and nearly unconscious as she was carried. Further gossip was abound that a physician was taken into the Gendarmerie shortly thereafter, in the presence of several individuals of gentle birth.]
-
A large Gundarakite is seen carrying the badly mangled body of a female Gendarme. He is pale and bleeding heavily, and the woman looked as though she had been cut in two by a particularly grisly weapon.
-
The City of Lights reflects poorly on humanity this day; where the city itself is a testament to human growth and achievement, it yet breeds individual strife, personal dissatisfaction, and even those with innumerable blessings can be brought low by its stresses and duties. Within the Savant, a family, to all appearances happy and content, quite miserably ends itself. A quarrel between husband and wife ends with them both dead and their daughter vanished in fright. A grim reminder that one must always attend the affairs of one's home, lest it fall apart.
-
Early in the morning the Militia and the Gendarme were seen marching through the city towards the east. The column marched with pomp and circumstance, the discipline of the column for all to see. Muskets and rapiers carried by the soldiers as the marched eastward towards the front. Later on the evening part of the column returned with two falkovnian prisoners bound which looked as if they were the twins or clones. The squad marched straight towards the Gendarmerie...
-
Yesterday a young man in a dark coat, with a turquoise scarf denoting his relation to House de la Rochenoire, was seen here and there in the cafes of the Quarter. He seemed set on his own company, the solitude only broken by frequent requests for wine. No doubt he will have something of a headache today.
-
A duel and fatal outcome in Port-a-Lucine!
Rumors circulate in the city around the sword duel and its respective outcome, between commoner Alphonse L'Heureux and member of the nobility, Monsieur Jacinth de la Rochenoire. The swirling rumors offer contradictory speculation regarding to the conflict's origin. A sobering consensus, however, is that Monsieur de la Rochenoire lay dead in a duel that was supposed to be non lethal, a gentleman's option to yield purportedly to serve as the conclusion of the dispute. Alphonse L'Heureux, at the conclusion, was abruptly escorted away by a detachment of Gendarmes, accused of murder.
(https://i.imgur.com/mrRhafE.jpg)
-
An overly chipper halfling has taken up studies in Cezar's Coffee and Readery. Engrossed with a horde of grammatical books and lexicons that she's slowly piled atop the front room's roundtable, the new patron would lose herself in her work for hours at a time. These long stretches of learning would be punctuated by the occasional, reluctant break; if only to allow her to stock up on ever more coffee or to assail unfortunate passerby's with overeager questions about the Republic laced with broken phrases of novice Mordentish.
-
Humble fliers spread outward from Cezar's Readery toward the lower districts, with a few strung up in the publique as an afterthought.
Young woman seeks earnest companionship with those of upstanding character. Idle talk, both small and political, is welcome from any who might maintain civilty while discussing potentially incendiary topics! Fine dress and manners may be left at the wayside so long as you come with good intent.
If interested, word may be left for Izot Legrande at the Barnacle Inn on the Rue Bas. Likewise, I might simply be found enjoying a coffee and good book at Cezar's Coffee and Readery if you'd prefer that approach.
(( OOC: Send a PM here on the forums or find Izot in game. ))
-
A small, raven-haired woman is seen lugging around an enormous great sword--a weapon that upon closer inspection looks magnificent and almost unparalleled in its construction--although it seems to need a good cleaning and polishing.
What her purpose is would be hard to say, as it's clear the weapon is too large for someone of her diminutive size to wield properly.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DiER8oTU8AErYUA?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
-
A pale man garbed in strange attire traveled through the city and straight into the Gendarmerie. He remained within for a little over an hour, at first asking for Gendarme Anatole de la Rochenoire. When it became apparent that the Gendarme in question was not there, the man seated himself to the side and wrote something rather lengthy on a parchment. After sealing it he left it with the front desk clerk and exited the building. He then made his way for the city gates soon after.
-
A stunted caliban in garish, brightly colored acrobat's clothes was seen to present himself to the Gendarmerie. He remained within the office for a time, stating his name as Ladro and that he was there to answer the summons of Anatole de la Rochenoire.
-
A masked and hooded woman, earlier seen tearing down her scholarly notices frantically enters the Gendarmerie asking to speak with anyone about protection or Asylum
-
Tonight's Gendarmerie patrol ends with a parade and speech! Apparently, given the expressions, a serious one.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/381882521647972359/792165209002344508/unknown.png)
-
Following the Artois Gala, footmen wearing the lavender and champagne regalia of the Damas Marquis are seen hustling unopened crates of rolled exotic tobacco labeled with MMASC branding to the front door of Martineau Maritime Acquisitions & Shipping Concern. These goods are stacked up neatly aside the entrance, and the bell rang once for courtesy.
This, coupled with the Marquis de Damas's announcement that the Compagnie of the Pheonix are unwelcome in his lands only fan the flames rumor and gossip.
-
Pamphlets appear in a few places: Le torchon lugubre 1
https://www.nwnravenloft.com/forum/index.php?topic=56960.msg673896#msg673896
-
Outside the cathedral Ste. Mere des Larmes, a noblewoman wearing garments suggesting she was a worshipper of Ezra is found dead just outside of the doors. Two deep wounds are on either side of her neck, and she seems to have been drained of blood.
(https://imgur.com/kyk8YaX.png)
-
[Throughout the city, the slaughter in the park becomes the talk of much gossip, as does the high-profile arrest of the daughters to the Vicomte d'Orleon, his heir presumptive among them. Some think that the reason for their arrest might have to do a role they might have had in the swath of killings in and around Port-a-Lucine, yet the lack of an official statement leads some to believe that this is some manner of hit-job originating from House de la Rochenoire and its various cadets. After all, if they were the murderers and have been in the Gendarmerie's custody all this time, how does that explain yesterday's gruesome slayings?]
-
Elysium sees less life these days. The regular hostess, the Vicomtesse de Roissy, Claire Marceaux hasn't been seen since she left the city hot on the heels of a man wearing Artois livery, with whom she shared hurried words with regarding the Marquis de Damas. While the lights flicker with activity within, the Marceaux's living room turned lounge is absent of the Vicomtesse's usual bubbling chimes.
-
On the 7th of March a Mordentish woman arrested for crimes of burglary escaped from her cell in the gendarmarie and into the streets. The dutiful guards gave chase but lost the woman when she sought cover in a thick blanket of fog. She did not surface when the fog had passed.
-
The gendarmerie has played host to a bedraggled servant of late, escorted into the complex by a uniformed officer. The figure has scampered about the upper floor, changing out the linens in the caserne and polishing the parquet with a mop, all beneath the watchful eye of gendarmes at their posts. Lunch is served timely at the stroke of noon, and consists of chicken with bordelaise and a side of blanched string beans.
-
Caporal Yvette Sallembier is seen following a trail of blood behind the Gendarmerie, not long afterwards the sound of gunfire followed by a magical explosion is heard in the air, followed by a whistle that is blown but cut out halfway suddenly. The caporal seems to have vanished, her old fox company medal, with the words 'Tirailleur' and 'Chantres' being visible upon the medal, is left upon the ground following the battle....
-
Not long after the bloody murder four individuals, a halfling, a man with noble bearing, and two women are seen searching the Savant, banging on doors, and searching shops..
-
(https://i.imgur.com/Kdci22L.png)
A worn man sits wasting away in his cell... countenance fallen, clothes now dirty, time passes like grains of sand and he hears nothing but the echoes through the mostly empty chamber. Has he been forgotten?
The Vision
I cannot believe in a paradise
Glorious, undefiled,
For gates all scrolled and streets of gold
Are tales for a dreaming child.
I am too lost for shame
That it moves me unto mirth,
But I can vision a Hell of flame
For I have lived on Earth.
-REH
-
[The city is rocked by the news of the Baronesse d'Estellier's sudden and abrupt assassination, just a few steps away from the door leading into her offices in the Quartier Savant. Gendarmes flank the entrance, and blood stains the cobbles just outside. Eyewitnesses say that the assailant was a small, shadowy figure...]
-
A painting appears hanging from a lamp in the Gendarmerie.
The painting depicts the indistinct form of a woman wrought of red flame. She stands tall, regally, on a backdrop of twisting black. Suggestions of faces can be seen in the depths of the black, each contorted in grief. Twisting in an intricate spiral hypnotic pattern over the woman's head is a yellow crown. It winds upwards and into oblivion.
Should one allow themselves to get lost in the piece, they might find time slipping away and a sense of great loss touching them.
There is a note on the back:
"I am innocent.
None here will be harmed by me.
I wish you all luck.
Love,
KV."
-
Rumors spread of an impromptue party being held in Secrets, the mysterious new bar run by the scandelously married Madames Anciaux. Celebrating the birthdays of both Francette Rosacier, and Fluery Vaillant, all patriotic and kind hearted souls are welcome to join them in an evening of merriment. Around Shop One, the shadows drift erratically...
-
[In the early hours of dusk, a woman's horrid scream echoes out from the confines of the popular club, Secrets. A small trail of blood seems to point itself into the interior of the establishment. Bloody murder fills itself within, the corpses of three nameless Gendarme beheaded and propped around the inside of the edifice. Upon the floor, a new name: JACQUES BOUCHER.]
-
[In the early hours of dusk, a woman's horrid scream echoes out from the confines of the popular club, Secrets. A small trail of blood seems to point itself into the interior of the establishment. Bloody murder fills itself within, the corpses of three nameless Gendarme beheaded and propped around the inside of the edifice. Upon the floor, a new name: JACQUES BOUCHER.]
Shortly after the bloody scandal, a note appears on the door proclaiming the establishment a crime scene, and closed till further notice. An elegant figure in a dress and two wary outlanders are escorted to the barracks by a Gendarme in the aftermath.
-
A well dressed and made up woman, escorted by a guard in the colours of House Jalabert begin searching the Quarter Savant for the newly famous author, Amelie Petit. Despite the throughness of their searching, no trace of the author is to be found...
-
[As morning comes and news of Jacques Varteur's assassination becomes known, men and women with crude weapons, daggers and slings, joined by rabble-rousers, firebrands, and revolutionaries armed with muskets and rapiers, left the Quartier Ouvrier and formed into an unruly mob near the gates leading to the Quartier Savant and the Gendarmerie. Who fired the first shot or struck the first blow remains the subject of much debate, and yet the mob was dealt with, with some of the commons subdued, others dealt with using lethal force, and others running away back into the Quartier Ouvrier.
For now, the white-hot fury of the people has been brought to a slow boil, yet for how long shall the wretched of the earth suffer? Who will speak for the people, now? Who will serve as their champion, and will the martyrdom of Jacques Varteur be in vain?]
-
[A paper is plastered to the sign in front of the newest club to open in the Savant. "Nobles Eat Excrement!", it proclaims boldly, "Nobles will think anything is good if it is wrapped in pastry and called special! They'll even pay for the privledge!"]
-
[A halfling dressed in commoner clothing, carrying a couple of sacks over his shoulders and a basket under one arm. He clearly struggles to carry all of it as he slowly makes his way through the city, towards the 'Secrets' establishment.]
-
[Word spreads of one of the partners of Fowler and Bloom, Ambroise Fowler, expiring late last night, presumably of natural causes. He had a reputation of old age and failing health, so this came as no surprise to those who dealt with them. What was odd, though, is Erasmus Bloom’s name has disappeared from the sign, as though it had never been there at all; further, he has not been seen since Fowler’s passing.]
-
Rumors soon circulate among the upper echelons of Port-a-Lucine that a party unlike any other took place within the Governor's Hotel Ballroom and only the best of society had been invited to attend. It is remarked to have been so outstanding, so peerless, that the resulting aftermath has closed the Ballroom for renovations. The repairs are expected to take place throughout the week during daytime hours as the hosts graciously promise there will be no disruptions to the patrons frequenting the upper levels of the hotel.
Who is responsible for this party is unknown, but it would seem their wealth has ensured absolute silence as only speculation exists within its wake. It is a laugh in some spaces that whomever made the reservation used the name of a commoner man working the docks who could never afford such luxury in a thousand lifetimes...
-
Anyone who happens to stroll through the Quartier Savant may notice a large mark carved into the backside of the building aside from the Gendarme office.(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/877806150563799050/881354379968512070/Graffiti_2.jpg)
-
A young man and woman are seen leaving Ceazar's cafe and talking outside for a time. The man wore a tricorne and was clad in rustic apparel in the colours of House Desrosier. The woman, recognisable for a local artist, was dishevelled and clearly inebriated. The pair then walked off arm in arm, the woman fondly toying with the man's sleeve. The pair proceeded all the way to the hotel but somewhat surprisingly for such rumours, the man left the hotel some fifteen minutes later. Alone.
-
Muffled noises erupt from within the soon-to-be art studio, formerly known as the Club l'Occultiste, as its former decorations are 'cleared away' in the establishment's first avant-garde art performance.
-
Over the past days the Gendarmerie has seen a constant thrum of activity. Over a day ago, a contingent of Gendarme were seen escorting two women, one with white hair, out of a warehouse, through Publique and into the Gendarmerie. The white haired woman appeared to need help from a Gendarme to walk. After a day and a night of activity the women are released.
-
The showing of Rouen Chasseur's works at the Recondite Atelier is disrupted by a theft.
Inky shadow shrouded one of the pieces for a span of seconds. In its wake the painting was gone and a canvas with words in Low Mordentish is left in its place:
"This piece was so nice that I paid the only true price."
No other trace of the thief is left behind.
-
An overcast day within the Quartier Savant is punctuated by a pair of men shouting, and then a woman's screams. Several Gendarmes respond to a scene of disorder at Café Chez Léon, soon after escorting away a shaken server and a gentleman of means whose fine waistcoat's been ruined by his own blood. Through broken teeth, he shouts that he's been assaulted with a hammer by a troubled local artist... The gentlefolk nearby lament being put off their appetites by such brutality, and some even whisper into their coffee that such things never happened in the finer parts of the city under the Provisional Government.
-
Seemingly overnight the exclusive restaurant L'Eclipse was shuttered. Furniture was removed in stacks, hired movers directed by the dark haired owners of the establishment. Over the following days fresh rugs, tables, and large sealed boxes were brought into the building their contents not yet apparent...
-
The young Gendarme Dorian de Sauvre seems to be pulling long hours at the Gendarmerie these days; though when some ask after him, they're informed he's in the morgue, where he seems to be standing vigil.
-
Last night, anyone who passed by Shop II (otherwise known as La Fleur d'Ambre) would have heard a flurry of pained words, sobs and loud wails - an outpouring of grief that went on unabated for hours, until finally the chorus of broken hearts quietened.
-
Two Gendarmes, one the unmistakeable figure of the one-eyed Rouen Chasseur, and the other a younger, blonde man, were seen escorting the shackled figure of the Baron Jehan d'Alard into the Gendarmerie. The Baron seemed clearly quite affected, yelling uncountenanceable threats to his Gendarme escort.
-
A Warden of Ezra with cheerful disposition is spied posting notices about the district; she greets all who she encounters, offers aide to those who appear to need it, and spends time offering healing and comforts to those that accept – at whatever cost to time and resource may be required. She encourages those that see her posting the notices to attend.
The notices indicate an upcoming Fifth Day Sermon (https://www.nwnravenloft.com/forum/index.php?topic=61261.0) to be held at the Ste. Mere – and identify the Warden as Abigail Shuttleworth, the woman holding the event.
-
A few lesson notes from the recent etiquette lesson offered by Dorian de Sauvre and hosted by Dame Noémie Desrosiers are offered outside of the Fleur d'Ambre, carrying a few nuggets of protocol, such as:
One should never “demand” a greeting of ladies or those of higher social rank; it is one thing to acknowledge their presence with a quick and polite greeting, another to impose upon them by thrusting yourself into their presence.
...
In formal circumstances, it is customary for gentlemen to bow and ladies to curtsey to those of higher social rank or of distinguished age.
...
It is the privilege of ladies or those of higher social rank to initiate physical contact: don’t offer your hand to a lady or someone of higher rank, but wait for them to offer their hand to you.
...
Kissing on the cheeks is socially permissible between close friends and family. Never assume permission: if you have to ask, then you should likely abstain. Hugs are generally inappropriate in formal circumstances.
...
It is proper for gentlemen to remove their hats when greeting someone; although hats of religious significance are an exception. Ladies may keep their hats on in almost all situations.
-
Constance Richelieu, Dowager Comtesse de Placide, is noted entering the Recondite Atelier late in the evening in a swish of silk and perfume. The matron of the art-dealing Richelieus does not stay long, however, departing after a few minutes inside. It takes perhaps an hour for rumors to spread from the Comtesse's lips of the newly minted Maitresse Aguillard's low-bred manners and graceless company. It takes a few hours more before those coming and going from the Atelier are followed by derisive whispers and stares from the gentry. The Comtesse de Placide, for her part, is next seen mingling the Musée's own Maurice Gérin-Lajoie, himself freshly titled...
-
[A raven-haired Lamordian woman wearing fishnets, visibly excited, can be seen going to and from the Corbeau family's pre-eminent restaurant and now casino, moving carious crates filled with various supplies, wine casks, and even the occasional stage prop to inside the establishment's bowels. What could she be up to?]
-
[Various objects in large wooden crates can occasionally be seen being moved inside what was once the Recondite Atelier, and a sign presently hangs outside the door to the establishment, a promise of things to come:]
(https://i.gyazo.com/35d3ba75340fa2831931e813de00bf61.png)
-
-Following a gunshot and odd chanting coming from the Dejour townhouse in the Quartier Savant, Gendarme de Renault and Stella Seifert enter the premises. There was a whistle sounded, more gunfire throughout the day and, eventually, one Gendarme is brought out, dead. Soon after, a barricade and a sign go up denoting the townhouse as a crime scene.-
(https://i.gyazo.com/de0897dd979d18c0131f5d25c6413915.png)
-
A recent arrival to the city, a Richemuloise woman clad in black takes to searching the Savant at length, keeping to the shadows. She seems to have no mortal prey in mind, but is swiftly on the scene of any rumored supernatural happenings...
-
The Seance themed magic show at the Wyrmsbreath appears to have been a smash hit, with even initially skeptical attendees coming back throughout the evening after leaving early. It was so realistic, many attendees even seemed to think it was real!
-
(Written in type)
Confessions of Monsieur Ane
Fellow citizens, it's time to come forward with the truth. I, Aidan Rathcore, am Monsieur Ane. A lot of you suspected already, so I'm keeping ahead of the story to stay relevant.
After hiring Vallaki Drain scum to wreck the Rose Day Ball as part of our grudge against Marie-Louise Corbeau, I thought I'd pick more juicy targets and undermine the Grain Deal from inside. What better way to please our new master, Councilor Palascu, then by playing the most important recent negotiation on both sides?
Advancing our careers, naturaly, that's our purpose. Not content with besting our enemies, we realized we could stab our friends in the back and climb over them. We risked getting our good friend Stella Seifert executed for crimes she didn't commit, mocked our patrons Emeric Desrosiers and Dorian de Sauvre, sullied the name of a Baron's daughter, and lied about those who supported us. We poked a bit of fun at ourselves, too, you have to hide the trial after all, and a gossip rag is the best way to stop people like Sieur Roland Steele and the Shepherd, so it's all good, right?
Our achievement is important: we've told the entire country that we're for sale. We'll accept the highest bidder for our service, but beware: we'll betray you for the next high roller who comes along. Nothing, not even loyalty, is sacred in the Republic, only the flames of ambition. Just ask the Marquis of Valey.
If the Grain Deal we negotiated turns bad because of our scheming, sorry, not sorry: we want the titles. We aren't cheap.
Signed,
Aidan Rathcore, a.k.a. Monsieur Ane
(Posted IC)
-
[A uniformed member of the Gendarmerie Nationale is seen collecting and removing the notices titled "Confessions of Monsieur Ane."]
-
Word spreads that the upcoming premiere of La Boîte à Musique, the latest production of La Troupe de la Fleur d’Ambre, has been canceled. It is unknown if a new date will be set or when that date might be.