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In the night, music drifts through the air. The sound is haunting yet lively, harmonious yet dissonant. The music, beckoing even as it repels, flows through the wind of the sea, where a figure clad in burgundy and red stands on the shadowed edge of the Théatre de la Baie platform. The music is played usually on pipes or a violin, but sometimes a lute or guitar or harp.
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Word spreads among the cultural elites of Dementlieu that both François de Pénible and André Bellamont, the most famous writers of Richemulot are working on new books. Many are even taking friendly wagers about who will publish his first and who will sell the most copies of their work..
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Word spreads amongst a small circle of nobles about the strange appearance of an ill tempered elf more and more in their city. Apparently he is the cousin of the "Great Detective". Though his motives are unknown
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Word amongst the nobility in the area is of a man dressed in white robes aswell as a woman clad in rustique armour and baring a shield with some out-of-lands cresten marching up and down the streets...in search of something.
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Raven haired Souragnian beauty, Suzette de Lacroix makes her way to the seemingly empty theatre de la Cathedrale, leaving a note for whomever owns the establishment to find.
Cher proprietaire,
Ce theatre est vide de toute vie. Cela blesse mon coeur d'artiste. Silvousplait, accordez moi une audience, pour que nos reves deviennent realité.
Suzette de Lacroix, Manor Retreat.
Dear owner,
This theater is empty of all life, this injures the heart of this artist. Please allow me a meeting, so we may make our dreams come true.
Suzette de Lacroix, Manor Retreat
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Word begins to spread among various friends and acquaintances of Mykel Lacusta and Suzette de Lacroix that they have arranged an intention to purchase the management of Théatre de la Cathédrale. They have also promised an upcoming play: a romantic tragedy with silent acting and narration.
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Posted throughout Quartier Publique
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b228/DeathKnite/RenaldoEmelineAd3.jpg)
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Town criers distributing the Journal L'Observateur at place Léon announce that,
Continuing the tradition begun by his father, Conrad Tessier, in 755, Donatien Tessier will hold the Grand Masque on the 11th of December at L'Hotel Gouverneur. The young gallery owner says that "My father would not have wanted his assassination by radicals to cast a pall over the gallery. He loved art and for it to be besmirched by such dogs would have hurt him. In his memory, the Grand Masque will continue".
Certainly the annual Grand Masque promises to be one of the highlights of the season, attracting luminaries including Councilor Claude LaGrange. The masked aristocracy will swoon in delight at the Tessier's Gallery's newest acquisitions, including the work of the artist Chretien Duval, and the primitive Rokuma woodcarvings brought back by ship-captain Jean Vignon. Supplementing this will be two new works from an emerging artist from barbaric Barovia, Ruxandra Stanga as well as George Pinot's renown sculpture series.
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*A tired young boy finds Selena Rosegrave in Port-A-Lucine, delivering a letter*
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Rumours spread of a large figure, his armour dented and torn, blood and gore plaster him, the scent of rotting flesh lingering around him. Some are said to have seen his head near fall off, as he moves along the crooked streets of Dmentlieu.
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At first the local noblewomen and noblemen looked with indifference the several notices linked to a mysterious foreigner group called Les Chat Noirs. After the first guests started to crowd the surrounding of the Governor's Hotel, indifference turned slowly to a passive curiosity. The rumours about another case resolved successfully by the famous detective Alanik Ray inside the halls of the Hotel's Ballroom caused a slightly less passive curiosity. The fact it seems these "Chats" are planning some more events in a similar fashion and style creates contrasting attitudes. Many think it might be just a fashion, and soon it will pass on as many others in the past. Some others think otherwise.
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Word spreads of a pretty foreign woman with red hair taking up residence in the Governor Hotel Penthouse. Later she is moved to a smaller suite below due to a problem with the room. She is said to have been most understanding about the complications. To the staff and regular guests of the Hotel it quickly becomes apparent the woman with the strange accent represents a foreign company . The constant coming and going of men and women in red and black uniforms has made some curious. It is said when the penthouse is repaired she is throwing some sort of party.
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A young barovian female seems to have taken up residence in one of the suites at the Governors hotel. One might hear occasionally the sounds of music coming from one of the rooms. Sometimes the music is a sad tune, the other time it is cheerful. It is more than music that one could find coming from this room, people garbed in red and black seem to come and go from her room every now and then as well.
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After an awkward meeting in the Lobby of the Governor's Hotel, Ruxandra is seen handing her key over. As by request her temporary room is cleaned out, a few half finished sculpted works covered in white linen are transported to the city home of her parents along with the rest of her belongings. She's seen leaving the Port in an agitated huff, cursing in Balok and seeming quite distressed.
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Around the public square which hosts the tallest bulding in town, the Governor's Hotel, and the Museum, some rumours start to spread among the citizens, their senses clearly dulled by the summer warmth, at the same time delighted by the improvised tunes of the many street performers who fill all the corners of Port-à-Lucine. Things might be connected, or not, but it seems there might be a special public event organized to sponsor some of these artists. Musicians and jugglers, illusionists and actors, seem all to have a renewed energy at entertaining the passers-by. The name of Les Chats Noirs has been murmured more than once about these gossips. More unlikely, but not impossible, is the rumour of the famous foreigner artist Stanga being one of those judging the street performers. Who knows, maybe the winner might have his or her masterpiece auctioned together with her own paintings. But rumours are rumours, and they simply travel faster because of the sea-breeze. A cat meows in a corner, some children run after each other playing, the bored nobleman just hope rumours are true, just to break their annoyed routines.
(http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9004/leschatnoirssmall.png)
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To add to what promises to be an exciting week in the city, word of the red haired foreigner throwing a Party in the Governor Hotel Ball room begins to spread. It is said a local cafe has been asked to cater and a surprise violinist has been brought in to make her Port-au-Lucine debut. To add further to the buzz it is said several pieces by the famous Barovian artist Lady Stanga will be on display, her first foray into a medium other than the canvas. Several local members of society are said to be attending as well as many exotic young beauties.
//ooc It will be held Monday Evening approx 7 PM EST
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Rumours have leaked from one of the better known book publisher's, Mr Arthur Sedgwick was seen to be recently visting the publishing house with a fresh set of notes.
It seems the latest adventures of Mr Alanik Ray are being type set and soon will be printed, people are seen to be place their orders for the book even prior to it's printing and interest as usual is intense for the latest novella.
The title is rumoured to be Alanik Ray and The Art of Life. but with all rumours no one can be sure of this.
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Caterina Fumosa of Les Chat Noirs has been seen giving back the contracts to Ruxandra Stanga and not renewing her room in Governor's Hotel. Many wonder where she might have gone after the tragedy during the Festival.
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Rumours spread of the death of a young street performer, the well liked Louisa DuChamps, at the festival organised by Les Chats... attending physicians pronounced her dead at the scene, the likely cause being what they called a 'Vrolock', or vampire. The gendarme shake their heads in disbelief.
Her father, the noble of good standing Pierre DuChamps, has publically decried Les Chats as a 'poison to our fair city' and 'bringers of outsider rabble.'
Stefan and Lucienne Thierre, the couple arrested for suspected illegal art dealings at another Les Chats organised event, were heard speaking of how they always knew Les Chats were trouble and a blight to the city of Port-A-Lucine.
The gendarme continue to investigate.
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Word of tensions rising between Port-a-Lucine's two Gendarme Capitaines. A petty dispute in front of the famed Alanik Ray himself is said to have taken place in front of several witnesses. Good, or bad, the events surrounding the dispute leaves none indifferent; bringing the name of "The Chats", and the macabre affair to the front line of public interest.
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Rumour spreads of Pierre Claude, now the last of the DuChamps, having being killed in his home. Rumour says that his servants were all unconscious, and he himself had perished under suspicious circumstances. The word 'Le vampire' is on most tongues, a creature not normally taken seriously by most citizens.
Word on the street involves discussion of Les Chats Noir, and their possible involvement in the murder and it's aftermath. Others talk of Alanik Ray, and his confrontation in the square before the Governer's Hotel with an Ezrite of the 'fifth revelation'.
The gendarme have yet to release any official statement. Investigations continue.
The Universitie de Port-A-Lucine, having respected Pierre Claude as one of it's brightest alumni, has erected a black flag from the top of it's tower.
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Rumours about Caterina Fumosa laving for good Port-à-Lucine were highly overrated. The pale woman, in her usualy cold posture, has been seen wandering the town with her colleagues of Les Chats Noirs, an answerinf with daggery glances to the curious eyes over her. Someone blames still the group of the dead Dou Champs. Someone else begins to change mind. Like fashion. Les Chats have been seen, on their side, keeping more and more secret meetings, maybe to plan a legal charge against someone, or to move on to the next event. The show must go on, is the sentence of the most cynical Dementlieuse.
(http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9004/leschatnoirssmall.png)
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People gossip about men and women dressed in black and red arriving at the Governor's hotel. Various nobility also seem to be heading over to see what all the fuss is about, and to see what sort of ball these foreigner can put on. It seems that shortly the Vardo ball that has been gossiped about will be occurring.
//starts in about 30 minutes from this post.
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People gossip about men and women dressed in black and red arriving at the Governor's hotel. Various nobility also seem to be heading over to see what all the fuss is about, and to see what sort of ball these foreigner can put on. It seems that shortly the Vardo ball that has been gossiped about will be occurring.
//starts in about 30 minutes from this post.
Now on !
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Rumour spreads swiftly that one of the most exotic creatures to arrive at the port in recent years, an attractive woman with wings, was immediately made to leave the vardo ball despite arriving on the arm of the Trader Kalmah.
Rumor swiftly spreads that they rejected this exotic creature to pander to the tastes of the swarms of invading parochial Barovians.
The same winged woman is seen later that evening in the company of a gentleman, partaking of the fine foods at the Croissant Bleu where she is the very epitome of grace, charm, politeness and generosity.
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Rumour has it that the Vardo Ball was a spectacular disaster, several guards and musicians being poisoned and dying under their so-called protection.
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Gossip about the Vardo ball is among the lips in the streets of Port-a-Lucine. The Ball which started out as a bright and happy ball; a few a nobles were seen in attendance at this ball, even the captain of the Gendarme Reynold was rumored to be . The violinist Denisa Salicka is rumored to have been well received at her debut in the Port. The artist Ruxandra Stanga is said to have been well received at her first foray into something other than the canvas.
The mirth of the party changed to tragedy by the end of the ball. The guards, said to be family members to the leaders of the Vardo, were killed. The rumors abound as to who it could be. other victims included a local band that was invited to play for the Vardo. Some suggest that it is the infamous ‘le vampire’ striking again. Others say that it is more human and were poisonous. The question of who the murder is upon everyone lips.
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Gossip about the Vardo ball is among the lips in the streets of Port-a-Lucine. The Ball which started out as a bright and happy ball; a few a nobles were seen in attendance at this ball, even the captain of the Gendarme Reynold was rumored to be . The violinist Denisa Salicka is rumored to have been well received at her debut in the Port. The artist Ruxandra Stanga is said to have been well received at her first foray into something other than the canvas.
The mirth of the party changed to tragedy by the end of the ball. The guards, said to be family members to the leaders of the Vardo, were killed. The rumors abound as to who it could be. other victims included a local band that was invited to play for the Vardo. Some suggest that it is the infamous ‘le vampire’ striking again. Others say that it is more human and were poisonous. The question of who the murder is upon everyone lips.
Much to that end, the famed 'Great Detective' Alanik Ray, and his associate Arthur Sedgwick, long-standing consultants to the Gendarmerie are believed to be active on the case, and, given the frequency of visitors received at his chambers, may well have called upon the services of a number of others, as well.
Only recently, in fact, was he seen entering the Govenor's Hotel early morn, in the company of Doctor Sedgwick, and two other men, where they remained for a while, before the former two departed, followed, some minutes later by the latter.
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Visitors to Voix De L'Arm would be greeted by a new sight, the violinist Denisa Salicka. She seems to be playing her violin often there. The tunes are soft and are never loud enough to distract from the patron's conversations.
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Rumors spread through Port-a-Lucine like a wild fire that the Red Vardo Traders are no longer staying in the Governors Hotel and that they have even made a public announcement regarding their pulling out of the city, claiming it was the lack of profits made in the city of extreme extravagance, the inefficiency of the Gendarmes to catch the murderer who slew four of their family members, making it obvious they did not wish to help purely because they were foreigners, many have even said that the merchant group did not belong in the port city. Finally the continued death threats on the remaining members of the Red Vardo Traders eventually forced the prosperous group to concede to the demands of the city, forcing them out.
The Underboss of the Red Vardo Traders was even quoted saying:
"Our people are very important to us, they are our family. We will not suffer the loss of further members to faceless, cowardly assassins."
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Despite recent announcements by the Red Vardo Traders, the red haired foriegner Mademoiselle Murphy continues to keep residence in the the Hotel Penthouse. She is seen less often in red and black and more often in greens.
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Denisa salicka is also seen within the Port despite the recent announcment of the Red Vardo Traders. While she seems to spend her time at cafe's such as the Voix De l'Arm, she does still keep her suite in the governors hotel that she stays in.
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Some of Les Chats Noirs in company of a very charming yet somehow discomforting woman, maybe one of them, maybe note, and of a Sister of the Hospices of Hala, have been seen recently in the office of Monsieur Alanik Ray, the famous Darkonian detective of Port-à-Lucine. Curious ears have perceived something, too wide mouths have started murmuring about some charity event in which somehow Halaites, Chats and Ray are involved. Some more imaginative rumour, maybe caused by an excess of champagne drunk during the winter months, boldly states monsieur Ray is going to provide his help because of a supposed engagement with one of les Chats themselves. On a side people start thinking it may be the Darkonian pale woman, just because she's from the same country of his, on another many young women sigh for the probable loss of one of most wanted and desired bachelors in town. Dark gossip turn to pink, winter has closed and spring has come, the hearts are full and minds seem more receptive. But as usual, rumours are rumours, with their part of truth clearly, but als big winged-lies to make them fly better.
(http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9004/leschatnoirssmall.png)
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Denisa salicka is seen within the port, occasionally playing her violin at the Voix de l'Âme. Whispers go around that the young barovian girl is planning to start some sort of group of her own. What it is has people talking, and the rumors seem to be quite different. They all state that it seems to be based around the more refined and noble districts of the city.
//if you wish for more information or perhaps wish to get involved, find denisa IG or just shoot me a PM.
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*Rumors abound of the original artwork supplied by the Red Vardo Traders of a young Sythican elf given to Les Chats to auction of for charity with all proceeds going to the Halan's. The art work is on display in the Hotel Ball room prior to the auction.*
Small placards of the artist are with each piece of art:
(http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/354/personai.jpg)
(http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/208/drakea.jpg)
(http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/6374/oldworlds.jpg)
(http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6383/bust.jpg)
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After the apparent solution of the case of the serial killer of Port-à-Lucine by mister Alanik Ray, of course, Caterina Fumosa has been seen leaving town for undisclosed destination.
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Gossip is the Warden Lavoie lost her hair while in barovia. Word spreads from an unknown source that she was such a beauty with her long golden hair.
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A very well dressed man who doesn't speak any of the local tongue has become something of a gossip. Rumour is he is looking for some dangerous criminal who escaped him and caused quite a fuss in the rich part of town. He is often seen going in and out of sewers and often coming out looking as if burned or attacked.
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[Approved by DM 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)
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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.
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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.
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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
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A most peculiar man might be seen walking the streets of the Quartier Publique; Under the knee, his legs turn thinner and curve, ending in hooves. Covered in very fine silky fur, they almost seem to shine. Not only that, but it seems as if licks of flame constantly rose from just behind him and sparkles are left dancing in the air as he moves. What his face might look like, do not many know, as it appears always covered in hood, scarves or a mask.
Spending his time writing, sipping coffee or playing with his instruments as he ventures the streets, he'd introduce himself as Taniel, an actor and illusionist, to those he meets, speaking in a thick accent obviously from a place far away - the brutish sound of the accent is often offset by the fine, elegant choice of attire and his poetic way of arranging his words, leaving an aura of mystery.. And often times, suspicion.
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Rumours about ex bachelor Pierre Jalabert and his new wife, the Borcan Luciana Armont, are on the mouth of many Dementliuese nobles. The monsieur has been elected as manager of le Théatre de la Cathédrale and it seems his lovely companion will help him in this hard task. Mademoiselle Luciana is frowned upon because not a local, yet many eyes are full of jealousy, while some others just filled with yearning and desire of someone who cannot be reached.
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After the opening of a new official Head Quarter some months ago, and the sporadic appearances of the women and the men in red and black uniforms in the streets of Port-à-Lucine, the recent news of an incoming Red Vardo Traders auction in town is in the mouths of everyone, or at least in the mouths which are not already busy in some general gossip already.
Monsieur Pierre Jalabert and his wife Mademoiselle Luciana, once Luciana Armont from Borca and now simply a gem shining among the local nobility, seem to be spending most of their time in the Vox de l'Aime probably trying to understand if any new artists are available for their projects with the Théatre de la Cathédrale. People murmur they have been picky so far, not looking for the excellence in artistry but more for the awkward, the weird: this of course is making people think they are preparing a series of show to which even the creepy comparison of the nearby Wax Museum will not be possible. Someone with particular macabre sense of humour states, in all seriousness, that probably they are going to poison all the audience at the end to make them feel the effect of the death which happens on the stage: of course these are just ill-moved gossips with clear reference to the Borcan origin of the splendid Mademoiselle Luciana.
Another topic which seemed out-of-fashion by now, but which has taken some new energy, is that related to Monsieur Etienne de Jarjays from Chateaufax. The wealthy bachellor, only heir of the fortunes of the leader of clocks and watches market known simply as "Jarjays", had been long ago threatened of being murdered. The Gendarmerie of Port-à-Lucine investigated for some time, but it seemed, at that time, it was just something relating to the tournament of fencing organised by Monsieur Montte. The recent appearance, again, of Monsieur De Jarjays has caused the assumption he is in town to find the senders of the thugs. In that case, much money is promised as a reward, more likely. People murmur whether Monsieur Alanik Ray will make of this a new page in his bookcase of adventures, for his friend Sedgewick to write.
The life of commoners keeps, instead as usual. In the Bullseye pub a new waitress has been hired, the patrons call her simply "Mimì". She is clearly someone of a different class and privy eyes scrutinize and wonder how one like that woman has ended in a dark pub in Quartier Marchand. And in the same area, more on the seashore, on the Widow's Walk, many people have noticed some more Blausteiner sailors wandering around. They are often seen speaking with a lady in blue coat. When asked about her, they will simply reply "That is Amelie", as if it should be known who she is.
And the summer's eye brighten the Sea of Sorrows, which mirrors its light on the elegant palaces of Port-à-Lucine. The Red Vardo Traders auction is incoming, yet the luxurious and decadent life of Dementlieuse keeps on as usual, in their artificial-paradise-city.
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Dementlieuse people have welcomed the recent intiative of monsieur Edmond Montte with a double-folded reaction. "The Lily of the Spring" has attracted indeed many tourists from abroad, as some few local celebrities -rich bachellor Etienne de Jarjays, of the "Jarjays Chateaufaux Watches" was there, like reknown writer and physician Arthur Sedgewick-, yet most of the local audience withdrew the meeting. People attending it were mostly amused, nevertheless it was clear also that travellers having come from Barovia were not used at Dementlieuse customs and attitude. Etienne de Jarjays, as his usual, flirted for long moments with one of the Barovian tourists.
As a matter of fact a turmoil in the central square in front of the Grand Hotel has been suppressed before it got worse by a dozen Gendarmes trying to have some people evacuating the spot where, apparently, they were planning a form of abusive and non-authorized entertainment. Some local bystanders spoke clearly of "people in costumes of freaks with very lively moving tails and wings", others of "possible seditious political dissenters". As a matter of fact, proudly la Gendarmerie managed to get rid of the little group, driving it off town. One of these creatures had been seen, earlier in the morning, dealing with a big and fat man who yelled he was "the real Jarjays" and that handsome Etienne had just stolen his fortune, treasure he wanted back. This rumour just adds to the possibility of the scandal of any unauthorized show performed by any of those people.
But more than scandal, that night there has been the shocking news of a murder. Baroneasa Armont-Jalabert and her husband Pierre had not been seen at the ball. Luciana was eventually met at the end of it, for the ceremony of the fireworks, the climax of the event. As her usual she was busy speaking about new hirings, Dementlieuse people already aware of her love for what is peculiar, eccentric and creepily artistic. Nevertheless during one of these transactions, the body of her husband Pierre was found in the backroom of the Théatre de la Cathédrale, his throat slit. Baroneasa Luciana was shocked, she even fainted, witnesses report. Among her first words, someone claims she acted more than shocked, paranoidly, stating that she was aware she was the first suspected because a Borcan, but that she could provide an alibi. As a matter of fact widow Jalabert seems following the steps of her good friend Sefeasa Ivana Boritsi, not-so-gently nick-named "The Black Widow of Borca": "Blue Widow" is what more nasty mouths call her now. Some not confirmed rumours state that at a first talk with local authorities she provided a will, formally and legally signed by Pierre Jalabert, in which all the posessions of the dead man are passing to the hands of the Blue Widow. The Council of Brilliance has decided not to allow Luciana Armont any travel beyond Port-à-Lucine until her role in this has been cleared completely.
Maybe this is a new case for the mystery detective Alanik Ray and his personal story-teller Arthur Sedgewick. De facto, some of the people around le Théatre at the time of the discovery of the corpse went to look for them, receiving the answer they were both away, busy.
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The news on everyone's lips this morning in Port-A-Lucine is that Jeanette de la Croix, respected freelance art critic for les Republicains Gazette and other noteable publications, was found dead this morning in her home along with her family. The macabre scene was said to be exceedingly gruesome, with the remains of the corpses arranged in a grisly tableau. Those who comment are quick to point out that this has been the latest in a string of high profile killings, only recently was Pierre Jalbert also found murdered. Signs of the rising crime epidemic in Port-A-Lucine? The gendarme investigation is still on going.
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Rumor quickly spreads about an attempt made on the life of Absalom Nightlyre, the halfling painter, actor, and playwright known to be associated with le Theatre de la Cathedrale. Although the assassin was less than successful in ending Absalom's life, due to the guests he had over, the criminal got away. The Governor's Hotel has beefed up security around its premises as a result, but rumor also has it that the halfling bard has taken up temporary residence in the chateau of the Great Detective Alanik Ray in Quartier Savant, fearing for his safety and refusing to leave for any reason.
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Fights in Quartier Ouviere, chasing along Quartier Marchand, and a fire which made Jalabert Estate on Pernault Bay almost collapsing. People blame this all to the presence in town of Luciana Armont, from Levkarest, but they exhale a relieved sigh knowing she is in prison, secured, and probably soon executed, now that her creepy bodyguard has vanished.
Yet, the news of the fire of the Estate attracted in town the elder sister of the late Pierre, Anaïs. The fact she had been charging Baroneasa Armont of treachery is not novelty, the fact she had lost the first round either. But in the eternal game of Jeu Force of Port-à-Lucine, some new pawn has fallen, and the final move seems to be ready.
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MURDER MOST FOUL!!
3 Noblemen and 2 noblewomen were found dead in the "safe" zones of the Port. The vicitms suffered a clean and precise stab from behind, piercing the lung and travelling into the heart. The wound had a strange discoloration around it, red and mottled, like frostbite. Each of the vicitms had a similar quality, they were alone, and away from the crouds. One couple died together, secretly off perhaps stealing some private time for each other. Death would be the last thing they did together. The bodies of the couple were found together, side by side, as if neither knew the attack was coming and did not have time to run before it was too late.
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Ever since the news has broken out over the "Blue Widow" Luciana Armont's escape from the gendarmerie prisons, the hin dramaturge, musician, and painter Absalom Nightlyre, normally a more-than-visible presence in the Quartier Publique, has been rarely seen and is believed to be in hiding.
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There seems to be a Barovian man dressed in black seen walking about. Talking to the locals, and introducing himself as "Mister Hawke". It is said he's mademoiselle LaFleur's new Bodyguard.
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After last days rather failed fashionable show of "clothing arts and culture" according to Desdemona, she is seen packing her few belongings she have. The woman was clearly unhappy at the unfolding events of her dresses not bringing in the amount of coin she hoped for or seemingly so atleast. She spoke about Richemulot after an advice from her friend Nemien as she was speaking to Nightlyre and fiancee aswell. Seems the woman will be gone for some time to regain energy.
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A shadow is often seen slinking down the dark alleyways of the Port as of late. In its path it leaves a trail of death, bitter cold. The few who've glimpsed the shadow and survived make mention of two vibrant, green orbs in a sea of blackness....
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[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.
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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.
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It seems that the noble man Edmond Montte has returned to the city after some time; it also seems that he is back to being a member of the Gendarmie, in addition rumors abound that he is attempting to restart his old paper, les republique Gazetee
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The lady known as Desdemona Felatha returns, with refilled ego and clothing she steps out of a wagon, waving her umbrella about and tosses a pouch of coin to the coach driver. Seemingly she been enjoying the time in Richemulot and where else she been ravelling too
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Just before dawn, a lone body was found along the wall of a Nobelman by the local authorities. The man's face was frozen in an expression of abject fear. His skin was horribly pale and upon his face was a ghastly clawed hand print, as if something grabbed him by the face and burned him where it touched. The first on scene noted, that the hand print was dreadfully cold. Other than the mark on his face, the nobleman had no other injuries.
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A hooded man in dark coloured robe with a gnarled staff walked around the block, asking questions of the fifth and their proclaimed Saintress. A peculiar man not fitting in among the nobles and Gendarme.
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The mystery of the silver foxes in the town seems to have been fast resolved. While great part of the population is sure it was a general mise en scène by some shallow minded students of the University who used old furry costumes, others, included parts of la Gendarmerie, claim it was them under the very recent amount of bitten corpses in the poorer areas.
Some more paranoid nobles, especially those living out of town, have started to increase the security around their own estates. Some others, people are ready to bet on this, have already ordered boxes full of fox puppies to organize some big hunt in the next good season.
And the moon appears in the sky, and another trace of makeup fades from Port-à-Lucine smiling face...
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With the hasty departure of Lady Lucinda and her abandonment of Les Chat Noir the remaining members have looked outside their club for a leader to take them in a new direction. A flurry of late night visits at the Governor Hotel coupled with some heated negotiations is said to have resulted in placing local socialite Celine LaFluer as the new leader of Les Chat Noir. Vowing to distance themselves from past indiscretions Mademoiselle LaFluer is adamant the club will become an exclusive refuge for people of moral character, good taste , a devotion to patronage of the arts and most importantly, good breeding.
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In the period of apparent insanity and chaos in town, where finally it seemed the local authorities had applied an iron fist at dealing with troublemakers, another recent event just adds further confusion to the cultural environment of Port-à-Lucine.
Professor Ernst Cornell, reknown peculiar intellectual of the University, has gone missing. Last time he was seen, he was speaking with Clarisse Baudelaire at the cafè Voix de l'Ame. The lady, still in shock, has murmured something like a fancy-furry-costumed lady, with an apparent fox mask, snarling at the Professor and clearly saying him "Now we're going home, dear". Madamoiselle Baudelaire claimed ay first she thought it was the usual jest of Cornell, but the eventual use of witchery, the few real blood left behind, and his disappearance for several hours made her change mind wholly. This is more or less what she reported to local Gendarmes.
If it was the usual "feeshka" of Cornell, it was well played. Yet, it seems it may be not just that...
As a matter of fact, after a few days the Professor has been seen in town again. At questions about it, he oddly didn't provide any full answer.
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Rumors abound around the quartier that Edmond Montte has proposed to Celine Lafleur and that she has said yes!
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Playwright, artist, and musician Absalom Nightlyre's latest play was well-received by the wide majority of its audience; however, the event itself was surrounded with mystery and intrigue as several noblemen were brutally slain in a bloodbath and one of the actors was rumored to have been poisoned. The gendarmes were seen taking away a woman with blonde hair in the audience, her identity unknown to many.
A normal day, when all is said in done, in Dementlieu, where nothing is as it seems.
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rumors go around that Edmond Montte is hosting a formal dinner party at his guest suite later this week during the weekend.
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In the late spring and then in summer, to approach finally autumn, life of Dementlieuse goes by as usual. Discussions follow on wigs, watery coloured dresses or flamey-shaded ones, if white socks could be finally replaced by elegant riding boots. Yet Dementlieu derives its name from an odd insanity which can be noticeable in its inhabitants and the recent gossip go definitely in that direction.
Many people claim having seen a Forfarian ghost, maybe a sheperdess, calling upon farm animals, wandering aimlessly for the main areas of Quartier Publique in Port-à-Lucine. Some others claim the appearances have happened also in Chateaufaux, but well informed state that being a lie just to have a share of notoriety in the land. A few people suggest she is looking for some children, whose ghosts have appeared again recently. Most people simply believe is just a mocking illusion created by the fabulous Astoundo.
Insane and almost blasphemous are other gossips regarding Ezra. Some gullible people are ready to swear having seen the Guardian of the Mists walking among them. Some other are ready to swear having seen her healing a lame beggar who now can walk normally; a former blind man seems having acquired again her sight. Even the normally uncaring clergy of St.Mere is active in these days, Inquisitors and Wardens have been seen walking around the town in search of this "Ezra". More quietly, hushedly, in corners, some Dementlieuse are afraid of some heresy, while others want to meet the woman to see if rumours are true or not.
Finally, some good humoured citizen has gone further. He said he has seen the ruler of Darkon and the ruler of Falkovnia walking hand in hand by the promenade of the University. Nothing is what it seems in Dementlieu, and everything can happen apparently, at least in gossips.
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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. More talk is of the fact that in a few days Edmond Montte shall wed Celine Lafleur.
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It started as a soft rumour heard only by keen ears, and then gradually it kept on into more knowing lips. As a matter of fact La Voix de l’Âme has recently changed owner. The Richemuloise textile factory, LeMorge Textiles, apparently in need of diversify their own business, has recently acquired the little cafè in Quartier Publique. The details of the operation are not wholly clear, but well informed people claim it will keep on the activities in a "more fanciful" way than they had been run in the past. What is the meaning of that, is unclear.
Many noblewomen and noblemen believe this is a sign of the general economic crisis, others mourn the end of style in favour of petty business, others more are ready to bet the cafè will go back soon in Dementlieuse hands. Madame Chantal LeMorge in Cornell, the owner of the Textiles, is rumoured to have intentions to leave to her daughter, Claudette, the overall planning and managing of the cafè. The general hope is that her degree in Literature taken at the University of Richemulot can be as worthy as similar degrees of Dementlieu, and that the young mademoiselle can attract more patrons intenting to sponsor the arts. A lonely voice hopes this will not mean it will attract also suitors. And it is that of her father, Professor Cornell, former regular attender of the Voix.
People are always afraid of changes. A more whispered gossip just states "At least they're non Borcans".
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Word spreads here and there around the Quartier Publique, of a recent arrival from Barovia being the latest employee at the theater, modeling, no less. Though that tidbit is often followed swiftly by admonishments. How could a woman as tall as most men, with clearly defined musculature, with skin darker than any possible tan in the Core.. and who arrived in the town wearing full plate.. -ever- become a worthy model?
Time will tell, mon amis!
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Late within the cold night of Port-á-Lucine, two men were stuck down by a gruesome beast. One a Nobleman, and the other a Gendarme. The latter death had a witness, the youngest Montte Brother. Claiming at Rat like humanoid did the deed. When Dawn came, a bearded Gendarme came to inspect the pile gore left near the Voix Cafe. Speaking to two hin-folk before cleaning the mess up before heading back to the Gendarme's Headquarters.
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Rumor has it that the following night, a hooded figure taunted the gendarmes publicly, saying such things as "C'est fin" to them. Edmond Montte chased this ne'er-do-well into the Quartier Marchand. The nobles mutter that when Edmond Montte returned, he bore several nasty and grievous wounds, was unconscious, and was being carried by Absalom Nightlyre, who was struggling to carry him up to Ste. Mere des Larmes for the Toret's blessings. Many wonder what sort of being could be capable of such savagery in such an enlightened realm?
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The news was at first suppressed. Then it broke the monotony of the whole town. Mademoiselle Jalabert has received a clear menace, and possibly the disease which is corrupting her voice gradually has been caused by this. A suitcase with a vial and a letter. Belladonna. And two clear initials, L.A., as a signature. The Borcan shadow seems to be wrapping again its dark embrace on the city of Port-à-Lucine...
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Absalom Nightlyre got some manner of forewarning of Luciana Armont's return, and seems to have forsworn both food and drink off forever, for fear that either might be laced with some manner of "Borcan spice". Additionally, he seems to continuously check a rapier and pistol at his side in public and looks back over his shoulder in fright most unexpected loud noises. He fears for his own wife, that of his love Periappi, and their adopted human child, Estelle and has shown nothing but paranoia since the Borcan menace Luciana Armont returned to Dementlieu.
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Absalom Nightlyre got some manner of forewarning of Luciana Armont's return, and seems to have forsworn both food and drink off forever, for fear that either might be laced with some manner of "Borcan spice". Additionally, he seems to continuously check a rapier and pistol at his side in public and looks back over his shoulder in fright most unexpected loud noises. He fears for his own life, that of his love Periappi, and their adopted human child, Estelle and has shown nothing but paranoia since the Borcan menace Luciana Armont returned to Dementlieu.
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Days have gone by, and the halfling playwright, painter, and musician Absalom Nightlyre is nowhere to be found. The handbills posted about to keep the public knowledgeable of new and exciting events in Port-a-Lucine have been torn in half by the wind, and have seen no busy hands to replace them. The Theatre de la Cathedrale, where he frequently busied himself, is as silent as a tomb and has been set on the slow path towards decay as spiders and other such pests claim select corners of the place. If pressed, none of the gentry who loiter and gossip around Quartier Publique have seen the small polymath for some time...
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A note is tackled by the Theatre de la Cathedrale door inside:
Monsieur Nightlyre,
Discussing your suggestions with the Opéra Architects, I am happy to inform you that all of them seem feasible; I have arranged a meeting to discuss the plans further with my people and Monsieur Théroux. Needless to say, I am quite excited as we are all, to get further in the details about this extraordinary project for arts and our radiant city.
When news of this reaches you, please leave a note with my partner Joseph Fogg, at la Boutique d'Outremer.
Your friend (And fan),
-Armand LeBarthe
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Though the Theatre itself is being kept clean by Periappi Nightlyre she's been becoming notoicably more worried as time passes without the return of her husband.
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Anyone who travels into the Theatre de la Cathedrale finds it in complete disarray. Assorted empty alcohol bottles by the stage and in the backroom. The backroom which has been completely trashed. props and armoires knocked over, mirrors shattered, and anything fairly small has been thrown about.
Additionaly Periappi Nightlyre has recently all but dissapeared from public.
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News breaks publicly about the death of petite monsieur, painter, thespian, and dramaturge Absalom Nightlyre while he was traveling in Barovia, the circumstances of his death being for the most part unknown. Some poor halfling families from Quartier Ouvrier have since headed towards the Theatre de la Cathedrale to participate in a candlelight vigil, and left flowers behind at the door of the theatre in his memory. Also in mourning is the artistic community of Port-a-Lucine, as the halfling saw a meteoric rise in stardom and, like a star, burnt out just as quickly. Armand LeBarthe found himself not only losing a friend, but also a colleague - the Grand Opera National's re-opening has been delayed once more, as Absalom Nightlyre played a major role in its redesigning. Noble and commoner alike waste no time in gossiping like the Richemuloise about what might have befell the young playwright, and conspiracies are quickly drafted, ranging from the plausible to the fantastical, about how he might have perished...
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A special arrangement is left by the visiting minstrel with golden curls. Flowers of all shapes and colors surrounding a loving poem set in an oaken frame with embossed leaves and vines set in the wood. The poem is written in elegant scripture
To the dreamer who dreamt of beauty in all things beautiful and harrowing.
To the doer who made dreams possible for the small and tall.
He is our inspiration, our brother, our father, our friend.
He is the hope we cling to when all seems lost.
You will be missed, but will live on eternally in our reminiscing hearts.
Watch over us from the stars dear Nightlyre,
And shine down on our dreams
that they may carry the life you breathed into them.
We love you Absalom, always and forever.
In Fond Memory,
Songstress and Writer ~ Kaeyna D'Sivis.
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As the news of the premature departure of monsieur Nightlyre being to spread more and more in the city of Port-à-Lucine, the mourning words mingle faster and faster with darker shaded gossip and rumours. Collectors of art show fake tears while rubbing their fingers at owning some work of the late petit-bard; young and less young artists sharpen their pencils and imbue their quills to be the first and the best ones to write some funeral adieu to Nightlyre; old and younger artists do not hide, despite more fake tears, the wish to replace him in the management of the Theatre of the Cathedral.
Oui.
No official statement has been produced by the Jalabert family. The rumours of the previous weeks had been all about the menace by Borcan Marqueasa Luciana Armont towards mademoiselle Anais and the same Nightlyre. People wonder whether the next victim can be Anais herself, or her younger sister Linette. Monsieur LaPomme, speaking publicly on the behalf of the family Jalabert has simply stated that any decision related to the Theatre are being examined, but there is a need of respecting the rightful mournful period, as the safety of les Jalaberts themselves.
Yet.
Some more rumours claim Nightlyre was at work for the Council of Brilliance on a piece aimed to mock Falkovnians. Madame Beauchemin, from the Society of Erudites, was heard denying in her senile and polite voice about any public claim of Absalom against Falkovnia, yet confirmed she knew he was working at that comedy. Councillor Theraux has been rumoured to be after some new writer for such a piece. Old and young artists rub their hands.
And...
... the war between Falkovnia and Darkon keeps on. From some darker corner of the slums, in whispered words, someone comment about Nightlyre having been part of some plot against King Azalin himself. Patrons of the Muse Endiablée shrug at these comments, while the owners simply nod at it as a possibility.
Amen.
From St.Mere no official comments have been produced by the Torets, nor by Inquisitor Focolari. It has been noted that visitor Ambassador Popovici has held a short funeral ritual for Nightlyre's widow. Warden Cornell has not commented yet either...
... Claudette Cornell, manager of the Voix de l'Ame, a possible competitor of the activities of the Theatre of the Cathedral has been seen with eyes full in tears, and, after having rubbed her nose, she simply sighed and sniffed and told "I non believed he was being killed!", and went back to a private sorrow.
One would have expected some comments from Ernst Cornell too. Something on the cynical lines of "I told him to prepare also for divorce and funeral after having set up his wedding" or "Only the good die young". Nothing came if not a little note left at the Theatre. Pinned to a clock.
Absalom, o Absalom, so you could not stop time,
Darkness and envy did stop you, and for good;
I greet you goodbye in a sad and somber mood,
On a cradle, or in a grave, you will still weave a rhyme.
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The young golden hair minstrel is seen spending her hours at a lone table in the back of Voix de l'Ame. Spread across the table are music sheets filled with various notes and lyrics. An occasional hum escapes her soft lips as she seems to struggle for the perfect song to honor her dear friend and brother at the upcoming ceremony to be held. Amid the vibrantly dressed locale, she sits in a black gown with gold trim, a somber expression on her features.
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As time passes slowly, preparations are made within the Theatre de la
Cathedrale Nightlyre as it was so aptly renamed during this time of mourning. The petite artiste is laid out elegantly upon the stage, with an arrangement of vibrant flowers that could not represent the man Absalom Nightlyre was better in life. The soft plucking of strings is heard, as the Minstrel and his sister in faith tunes and prepares her lyre for the memorial ceremony. The Inquisitor stands vigil over him, silent and somber as he greets any who arrive early to bid their farewells.
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The funeral of Absalom Nightlyre was a rather short but highly dignified ceremony, as a song was sung and a short eulogy were given by Kaeyna d'Sivis, a poetess and fellow artist. Inquisitor Poisson of the Third Revelation presided over much of the memorial ceremony after that, interrupted only briefly by a friend of Absalom's, Sofiya Ivanova, who gave a short speech. After her words, a procession was lead towards the Ste. Mere des Larmes for burial. A few chose to gave their last respects after he was lowered into a tomb deep in Ste. Mere des Larmes' crypts, with the widow of Absalom Nightlyre being the last to leave.
In attendance at the memorial ceremony were not only Absalom's personal friends, but members of the Ezrite clergy (a fair number being associated with the Church's Inquisition), the Great Detective Alanik Ray and his partner Arthur Sedgwick, a large number of halflings from Quartier Ouvrirer who personally admired the bard in life, patron of the arts and opera composer Armand LeBarthe, horror writer Andre Bellamont, and last but certainly not least, Jean-Pierre Thoreux of the Council of Brilliance.
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Rumour has it that the Montte's will soon be holding a dinner party for family and dear friends. Madame Montte is said to be deciding which restaurant will be used to host the event and has been doing a brief tour of each. She mentions to those she meets that she is looking to get involved in furthering the cities culture and having been ignored in her attempt at helping the Theatre she is inquiring about a possible position with a Museum....
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The Montte dinner has finally been set for this coming Wednesday evening. Rumour has it family members from both sides are coming in from out of town as well as dear friends. The location has yet to be revealed by Madame Montte but most observers expect it will be some where chic and trendy.
//OOC This coming Wednesday at 7 PM EST, location to be announced, please do not come if your character is not really a friend of the couple.
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The Montte dinner has finally been set for this coming Wednesday evening. Rumour has it family members from both sides are coming in from out of town as well as dear friends. The location has yet to be revealed by Madame Montte but most observers expect it will be some where chic and trendy.
//OOC This coming Wednesday at 7 PM EST, location to be announced, please do not come if your character is not really a friend of the couple.
And the winner is .....The Golden Fig !
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A hooded man dressed pretty simple with a walking stick, making him look like a simple wandered, is asking about LECT and how to find the writer or someone tied to the newsnote. He seemingly has not had any luck yet but non the less he asks now and then about how one finds those behind this newsletter kaying about, spreading news and rumours alike. Especially people who take interest in the notes that lays about here and there.
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Rumour has it a drow woman staying at the Governor hotel died in child birth. Hotel staff knew little about her other than she seldom left the rooms and her needs seemed to be taken care of by others of her kind.
// OOC Livia is now dead, good luck to the Drow Nation
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[Port-á-Lucine is abuzz with gossip about a delegation of Lamordian diplomats expected to arrive in the city. Rumor has it that the diplomats are coming to discuss Lamordia joining the Treaty of the Four towers, a defensive pact signed by Dementlieu, Mordent, Richemulot, and Borca against Falkovnian aggression. The addition of Lamordia to the treaty would go a long way in bringing the two nations together, and could open up trade of Lamordian goods in Dementlieu, including the renowned Lamordian Clockwork Pistol.]
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[A humble Carriage, and small wagon arrived in the city of Port-á-Lucine today, and was greeted by a detachment of Gendarme. From the Carriage emerged four men and one woman, The Lamordian diplomats Hans von Ludendorf, Ludwig von Mitternacht, his daughter Gertruida von Mitternacht, and two bodyguards. All five were dressed in what is presumably the height of Lamordian fashion, but even so paled in comparison to the common members on the Gentry. The small grey-clad party was escorted through the lavish city Port-á-Lucine with tight lipped stoney expressions until they reached their destination The Governor's Hotel, where they quickly made for their rooms. ]
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[Word spreads quickly that the engagement ball for Julien de Montagne and Gertruida Von Mitternacht (Daughter to the Lamordian diplomat) was sabotaged, by means of poisoning the food. Any who ate the tarnished fare quickly became ill, unable to keep it down, or control their bowels. Fortunately help was fast to arrive, and no one suffered any lasting effects from the attack, that is except Gertruida Von Mitternacht, who had an exceptionally bad reaction and has been kept in her quarters under guard of her father and their personal body guards. It seems her father Ludwig Von Mitternacht, has hired every doctor in the city to come and tend to his daughter. A stream of physicians and their assistants are constantly coming and going from the sick room. The rumor is the young Gertruida is unable to keep down any food or fluid, and is quickly withering away. Those in neighboring rooms can hear the sounds of her heaves, and cries of pain, along with her fathers wracking sobs.
This unfortunate turn of events may prove irreparable to the negotiations of Lamordia joining The Treaty of the Four Towers. The Gendarme have begun a full investigation, but already the word on every lip is "Falkovians". It's inarguable that Falkovnia stands to gain the most from this circumstance, and is not above such espionage. ]
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The Théatre de la Cathèdrale has been shut down. A simple sign states there is some restoration ongoing within. Rumours claim the Jalabert family is no more able to support it, others state in fact they are funding the theatre even more than the past. More pragmatical people say the recent turmoils in town are keeping it closed until better times. Other fanciful gossipers whisper quietly about the theatre being used, in the past, as jailing point for Falkovnian spies, where they were tortured and questioned. Doubts remain on the truth of rumours and gossips...
In the dawn of the year 767 BC, and a new season is expected at the Dementlieuse Théatre de la Cathèdrale. It is expected, with curiosity, after the flamboyant previous season. Rumours hide what is really in the innermost souls of the attendants of the theatre itself, that is: fear and horror. But the fear and horror caused by any representation have just the goal of producing the catharsis, the emotional cleansing. An year has passed, an year of tragedy...
766. It all started with the announcement that the family Jalabert had purchased the rights to use the establishment. The landowners of Chateaufaux had decided to invest in the theatre business, because of the desire of the eldest son, the heir of the Jalabert's wealth, monsieur Pierre Jalabert, the young. In the investment he was not alone. Baroneasa Luciana Armont from Levkarest joined him, not just as a partner in business, but as his wife. The rumours surrounding the Borcan lady have been always, since the beginning, very mysterious and conflicting. The real art was born just in Dementlieu, the most upset claimed; originality comes in mysterious ways, the most open-minded stated. Even the Councillor Jean-Pierre Theraux murmured something on the topic, which went by just with the closest people: he was perfectly aware any word come from his lips, in good or bad, would have just added interest, and he was just interested in seeing how the new management would have behaved, and what would have produced.
In early spring Baroneasa Armont hired some artists, linking them rigidly through indentures, that is the Borcan contracts. It is still rumour that some of the artists who signed contracts were eventually chased by thugs hired by Armont. The illusionist Taniel and the eclectic Venetia were hired, too. "Matilda in Dirt" was never performed, whereas Venetia La Belle-Feé managed to have two shows on stage. During one of them, the scandal. Following in full the philosophy of Armont, "Art must be amusing and art must shock the consciences and the minds", a display of a vampire killed was performed during a representation. Members of the Church of Ezra were involved in this. Despite there is still debate if the vampire was a real one or not, the Church has never released any official statement. The effect wanted was sorted, either way.
The first turning point for the Théatre de la Cathédrale came when the young halfling Absalom Nightlyre applied for the job of artist. Several shows followed, plays, displays of paintings and sculptures, fashion clothes. During this period tragedy hit the theatre for the first time, when Pierre Jalabert was found killed. Most blames went to his Borcan Wife, of course, but nothing could be proved. Despite the efforts of Jalabert family to get again the control of the theatre, Armont had a signed will which granted her total control of the establishment and of the estate on the bay shore. Armont seemed unstoppable and she had started an expansion also in Barovia, trying to have some contract with the Broken Bell theatre of Vallaki...
... yet...
The appearance at Armont's side of the creepy bodyguard of Sefeasa Ivana Boritsi, for security matters she always claimed, made the overall situation simply escalate. More murders happened. The play "Our Guardian in the Mists" went on stage while Luciana Armont was held captive in the Gendarmerie. She was found guilty, but she escaped. Rumours, the only real source of most of this story, suggest she found shelter in Lechberg, at Sef Ivan Dilisnya's estate. The Jalaberts, profiting of this, got again the total control of the Theatre and of their estate, which had needed a full restoration, after a fire which almost made it wholly collapse. The new owner of the theatre, Mademoiselle Anaïs Jalabert, gave more and more power and resources to Nightlyre, with the hope to have her family's name cleansed again. Catharsis. The successful "The Price" was put on stage by Nightlyre's company, and eventually the "White Day" celebrations, and more art displays and a great gala, and the First Meistersinger Contest in collaboration with the University of Dementlieu -despite the rumoured failed marriage of Anaïs Jalabert and professor Ernst Cornell could have revamped some nasty gossip. And Nightlyre married and involved others, even young and promosing and pouty Linette Jalabert, and planned new projects, as the adaptation of the Borcan opera work "The Silent Child" by Cezar Vercezzo. Something Borcan, again.
The menaces by Armont had not stopped. And Nightlyre was found dead. Mystery. A new tragedy and a new turning point.
Year 767 of Barovian Calendar. The story of the Théatre de la Cathédrale flips a page, for new tragedies, and a new possible catharsis.
And new mysteries to be unfold.
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[After three long days and nights of cries and lamentations coming from the chambers of the Lamordian diplomats, finally silence has fallen. The fifteen year old Gertruida Von Mitternacht passed away in the night, of dehydration. The din of the young girl's cries, and the shuffling of physicians, now replaced with an uneasy quiescence. The few visitors, that come to make their condolences, have all been sent away unseen. Both diplomats have refused to leave their chambers, but their escorts have been seen quietly making arrangements for an early departure.
This turn of events leaves uncertainty as to whether or not Lamordia will be joining the treaty of the four towers, a prospect many members or the Dementlieuse gentry had been eager to see come to fruition. One thing seems apparent to the Gendarme and the Dementlieuse people, Falkovian operatives must have been behind the attack. The outcry against Falkovian aggression is more prominent than ever in Dementlieu, crude drawings and propaganda calling for Dementlieu to join the war against Falkovnia begin to litter the streets..]
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Rumors spread that the well known Falknovian Talon & diplomat Marcos Vedarrak and a small delegation of Falknovian emissaries has arrived within the City. Officials are quick to dismiss the rumors by giving this visit no official blessings; stating whatever purpose these diplomats have in their city would be known to the public.
The visit is seen by many as an affront by Vlad Drakov after the tragedy befallen on Gertruida Von Mitternacht, that confirms Falknovian involvement. The city's tensions rise as it is believed there could be protests errupting in the streets, gendarmes are on high alert.
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Not very far from the shore a merchantile ship has been sighted in the Pernault Bay. Some, overly paranoid, think Falkovnians may have hired some pirates as mercenaries to support their battles also on the seaside. Others hope it can be the help of some other nation of the Treaty of Four Towers. As a matter of fact the ship waves a Richemuloise flag, despite it is reknown Richemulot is as landlocked as Falkovnia and Borca. Someone murmurs also the name of the ship, "The Mist Rover". So far no one has landed from the ship for some days.
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[Rumors spread of the LeBlanc couple being robbed in the middle of the swamps on the norther boarder. Stolen from them was jewelery, and coin the say. All done by one Highwayman who named himself "Jean of the Hood". Clad in black, hooded and masked, the only color was a shamrock on his coat's Lapel. The husband and wife were found with their carriage, horse missing and, Sir LeBlanc appeared to be cut, bruised, and stripped of his clothing. His wife on the other hand was completely unharmed.]
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[Cries and the sound of gunfire could be heard throughout the Quartier Publique as a crowd of hungry peasants were shot down by the Gendarme outside of the Governor's Hotel while protesting.]
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A pale and under-fed woman, usually seen coming and going from the Boutique d'Outremer, was yesterday carried unconscious into the Manor Retreat by a blonde-haired man in Ezrite colours. The man subsequently rented out all rooms of the Retreat for the forthcoming two weeks, paid in advance, a deal that the Retreat's establishment would hardly want to turn down in these difficult times.
The next few nights are shattered by a woman's screaming coming from a room within the Retreat. Concerned citizens call in the Gendarmes, but after a word with the Ezrite and the Retreat's management, the Gendarme leave, apparently satisfied that whatever is going on there is no threat to law and order. More solars are splashed out by the Ezrite to hire an expensive physician and a maid to take care of the hysterical woman...
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An architect can be seen outside of le Theatre de la Cathedrale, with many workers performing various renovations inside and out. Wooden scaffolds, ladders, and noise, along with numerous busybodies can be seen and heard.
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From the rumors of hospices in the slums being well stocked with food once more, comes the rumors of how it was gained. Two rather thuggish looking men, former employees of a noble house outside the city. They spoke of how the known Highwayman managed to dispatch them, and a fellow guardsmen who met his end by a well placed musket shot. Also that he stole whatever he could, trinkets, gold, food, and the like. All why the lady of the house was tied to a chair, and they had found the husband sleeping on the couch. Both of them seemed unharmed. One of the more expensive things stolen from the couple was a prized mare.
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In the early morning, a large Wagon is seen crossing the district with a sizable crew - the cargo: large in appearance, covered, making a outside Théatre de la Cathédrale.
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Adelaide D'Amore, often seen walking the streets of the Port-a-Lucine is seen no more. No one knows what happens to her, she simply disappeared, never to bee seen again.
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Rumour has it that recently arrived newcomer to Port-á-Lucine's social scene, Lilianne Moreau, has joined forces with Ezrite templar-in-training Marcus Hulford to form a charity they have dubbed Champs D'Or - "Fields of Gold." The goal of the charity is said to be to feed the poor and hungry of Dementlieu by buying up unused farmland and producing grain unreliant on Falkovnia. Critics have commented on the long-term nature of the solution, though mademoiselle Moreau is quick to assure them that they will work toward short-term as well as long-term goals.
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Recently a trio of 'Fifth Heretics' were involved in an altercation in the street. These two men and one woman, associated with Lilas Wurtbeich, sought for suspicion of war crimes and illegal medical research, were confronted by a number of non-citizens before being detained by the Gendarmes.
One man was hurt in a sword-scuffle, but the aggressor was taken down by a combination of the Gendarme and another armoured fighter.
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Nobles gossip about a man who was killed by a foreign woman in a duel. It's said he insulted the woman's infant child and was killed instantly with the first shot. Later, the woman was seen speaking comfortingly to the man's widow.
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Small changes have been made at the museum. A handful of women have been taken on as cleaners and curators. They appear to be quite happy for the opportunity and don't seem to mind the upper class snobs looking down upon their lower class manners. Some suggest they might have come from the poor quarter but none are impolite enough to ask. One of these women, a miss Sophie Marceaux, seems to be of more distinct breeding and is making an effort to improve the social skills of her co-workers with mixed results. All appear to have become members of the sisterhood of the black cats wich appears to welcome them without reserve.
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rumors that Edmond's wife, Celine Montte née Lafleur, died on some sort of exploration trip or that is what it seems to suggest by the local gossip anyways. While there is a general bit of saddness about the gendarmie, it seems also that he is trying to not let that interfere with his duties and not let this show through, but if this is true then it is only a matter of time before political necessity might dictate that he seeks a new wife...
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A striking woman, unusual-looking for Dementlieu with her deep red hair and green eyes, with an unusual accent and no apparent knowledge of the local tongue has been seen in the Quartier Publique. Although she is looking for work, and does not seem to be wealthy or showy, she at least had enough coin to put herself up in the Lodge for some time. Friendly and approachable, she's spent a lot of time exploring the city (at least the parts she was told were safe), and has stopped by a few of the businesses to inquire after work, even of a simple nature.
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Rumor quickly spreads of the most recent edition of L'Observateur, and of a libel suit that Linette Jalabert plans to levy against the publication. Public opinion is split - some accept at face value the interview that fingers Lilianne's past as being that of a courtesan, while others remark that Le Observateur is slowly becoming like the L.E.C.T. of the past.
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A young golden haired male has been seen coming and going from Voix de l'Âme with some frequency now, moving to and from the famed poets' haunt with small bundles. It is said by the few who still frequent the establishment that he is Madame Baudelaire's new barista.
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Word on the street is that the libel trial against Lillianne Moreau has utterly failed. Rumors of kidnapping a reporter's daughter and that renard Leblanc has slept with little boys. Councilor Domnic D'honoair himself is rumored to have been upset and enranged at the antics of Alistar Dumonde and ruled in the favor of Liianne. A duel to the death followed where Renard was killed by Lilianne herself in the duel to the death...
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Rumour has it that Dame Lilianne de Moreau and Mademoiselle Linnéa Paganni are undergoing some manner of feud. A duel to the death was narrowly avoided by the intervention of Inspecteur Edmond Montte.
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Sixteen nobles, both men and women are found dead in the streets of the publique. The cause of death undetermined, yet it is whispered among the living of frostbite in the middle of summer just upon their faces in the mark of a claw. The young kartakan woman Madamoiselle Paganni, was seen scrambling from shadows, then breaking into song before running to the governors hotel in tears, fear etched across her face.
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A new Gendarme has been patrolling the Quartier Publique taking to passers by and helping out where he can. Though not from Dementaliu he acts as a proper gentleman and seems to be a welcomed face through out the port-a-lucine.
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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.
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Rumour has it that Dame Lilianne de Moreau has resigned the role of manager at le Théâtre de la Cathédrale, leaving the position unfilled. It remains to be seen if the Jalabert family will be hiring a new manager from within the troupe or searching elsewhere.
The Clockwork Goose auction is expected to continue as normal.
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Rumor spreads of the Amazing Astoundo's bloody and grisly murder. Sometime during the night, a dark shroud covered his tent, and according to witnesses.. "one second he was alive, the next he.. wasn't". Written in blood along the adjacent wall are the words "Bloody Jack", the only calling card left behind. Gendarmerie have cordoned off the area and are investigating the scene of the crime.
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Talk spreads rapidly with regards to the macabre variety show that took place in the Théâtre de la Cathédrale, including a few of the more unusual displays. Matthieu Montte's beautiful yet haunting melodies as performed on his violin astonished the crowd and brought him remarkable ovation, and some had to keep from retching during a certain 'dinner scene'. But most horrifying of all was the prediction of a man's death made by a voodan seer from Souragne, a prediction that actually came true when the man proceeded to expire at the very end of the show!
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[It eventually becomes gossip that a young woman of small stature and dour disposition occasions the bank semi regularly, only to ask to see her stored belongings in the banks vault long enough to verify they still exist in good condition. It has been noted that she leaves with a less dour expression than she arrives, almost with a hint of sadness or melancholy evident]
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Rumour has it that a thin young woman of Barovian disposition is spending an unusual amount of time in the Grand Library, working her way through every book on plagues, illnesses, strange mutations, astronomy, strange occurances and curses she can lay her hands on.
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A beautiful stranger has taken over the grand piano of the Blue Croissant, playing at all hours of the day for the staff or customers, even only for herself.
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The young artist from Richmerlot; Danielle Lambert, can be seen rushing around the city over the next few days trying to finish the organisation for her upcoming Art show. As per usual she can be frequently observed walking into lamp-posts, other people, doors and the corners of buildings as well as tripping over steps, uneven pavements, and small children. Occasionally she is observed to stand still, staring blankly into the middle distance before rushing off in another direction. How the clumsy house Montte maid and artist will accomplish this event without doing herself a fatal injury is anyones guess.
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People have been commenting on the two strange apparitions that were seen walking around Quartier Publique in the last days. An old black and fat woman followed by what seems a female covered from tip to toe with her smelly garments, who is constantly attracting flies.
"Oh, mon dieu! Look at that! Isn't the plague bearer and her comparse? It surprises me the Gendarmerie are not doing something about it!"
"En effet, ma chérie... en effet! I thought we, the good people, would not be forced to watch this kind of thing! Why the peasants of Quartier Ouvrier don't stick to their own kind?!"
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An increasingly brooding Emanuele Quattrocchi, the handsome new actor to the Theatre, has been seen stalking the rafters of the Theatre ever since the attempt on Siobhan's life had been made. Anyone coming up whom he does not recognize recieves a swift tongue lashing.
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"This is becoming routine"
"Perhaps they are cursed?"
Whispers float around Port-a-Lucine recently after the newest attack, this time on a member of the troupe from Theatre de la Cathedral, at one of their own events! The Borcan actor known as Emanuele was said to be poisoned by two halfling gentlemen who came to see the troupe's recent endeavor of "Dinner Theatre". The beginning of the show was proving very successful, a laugh riot but a shadow quickly fell when the actor drank something belonging to the two small men. He then keeled over, frothing at the mouth, eyes bulging and if Doctor Drukker was not there, he may surely be dead now!
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[A Dementlieuse with black and a spot of red hair calling herself Constance Sèverin could be seen around the Quartier Publique, and at times other districts, making certain that the latest issue of La Bougie was distributed around the city.]
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The normally friendly and jovial creative director of the Théâtre de la Cathédrale is, strangely enough, nowhere to be found...
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After some days of absence, another murder surfaces, nearly two weeks after the last victim was found with her feet removed, stuffed in a trash barrel by the docks.
Tiny teethmarks riddled the extremities of the body, letting investigators to believe that rats had found the corpse more than a day before they did. The murder seemed to be a strangling, and the square of flesh carved out of the victim's back seems to tie it to the recent string of killings. However, unlike the other victims, this girl did not come from an impovershed background.
The young girl has been identified as Annette D'Torescon, newly wed wife of Pierre d'Torescon, heir to the d'Torescon sugar cane fortune in the colonized portion of Souragne. Authorities have been placed on high alert, and have seeminly awakened now that a victim who's family could reimburse and compensate justice has been claimed.
As a a final note, and an oddity that seperates this killing from the others: When the woman was found, a long strand of hair that framed her face was dyed scarlet. Authorities are baffled as to the killer's motives behind this.
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Rumour begins to spread that the little Mordentish woman known to many about Port was recently discovered unconscious near the cathedral walls with horrible burn marks on her throat. While it is highly unlikely she will be able to speak for quite some time while recovering from her injury it would appear that, while convalescing, she fully intends to pen a report of the incident for the gendarme although those who know her comment that she fully expects little to come of it.
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(http://i.imgur.com/XC5fSjx.jpg)
Nothing short of a massacre has occurred within the Quartier Publique and the Quartier Savant, with at least a dozen nobles slaughtered in the most gruesome of fashions. Two well-known residents of Port-á-Lucine, Ardmor Marziale and Tess Odele, were seen following a blood trail leading to a sewer grate in Quartier Savant, even going so far as to move the grate and investigate what might have transpired below. They emerged bearing a far more foul stench and appeared no closer to discovering the debased someone or something responsible, yet there is no doubt that they shall not abandon their search... not yet.
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Two men were apprehended by the Gendarme and executed publically in front of the Palais Dirigeant today. While the men were originally apprehended on charges of poisoning the wine at the most recent fundraiser for the University's Chess team with a potent laxative, the pair were also found guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The names of some of the victims found in the recent slaughters in the Savant and Publique were tied to the charges, though nothing concrete was ever linked between these men and the bloody murders. It seemed very likely that this was entirely a political execution of a pair of commoners falsely charged to ease the minds of worried men and women while the true killers roam free.
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[A short female in a dark grey chainmail suit with a dark bluish cloak and hood was seen exiting the governers hotel, pausing in the middle of the street, rummaged through a thin pouch, reaching in, and dropping a beautiful blue rose to the ground, gazing at it briefly before stomping on it abit, crushing its petals and stim before walking off as if saddened or angry, locals were puzzled, but dared not touch the crushed rose, whispering amongst themselves]
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.
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[Flyers are left all around the Quarter Publique with the bold letters of the words "NECROMANCER" and "'Les Presses du Savior'" written over them. They are left on public benches and under lamp posts, on the floor and under people's doorsteps and many more public places.]
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An odd, purple woman with metallic hair and eyes is seen exiting the Théatre de la Cathédrale, pausing briefly to speak with a group of fops, before heading out of the city.
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[A touching scene took place in the Publique today when Doctor Wymmer Drukker got down on bended knee to propose to Dame Lilianne de Moreau before many spectators. Dame de Moreau accepted the Doctors proposal of marriage, and the two shared a few quiet words and an embrace before Doctor Drukker marched himself off to the Gendarmerie to turn himself in for charges of practicing Necromancy.]
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Shouts, followed by the subtle sound of fighting could be heard within the Theatre before falling silent. Play rehearsal, or has the Theatre befallen even more hardship by the sword?
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Rumors speak that Leon Leblanc attempted to m
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[Dubbed as part of his show, the magician calling himself Marcel the Magnificent could been seen being brought out of the Theatre de la Cathedrale, encased in stone. Immediately, he burst into flames, his stone form crumbling before those who witnessed his final 'act'.]
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Rumor has it that Ardmor has taken a short holiday, though no one seems to know where he has decided to travel. No word has been given as to when he might return...
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What started off as a short holiday has turned into a long and protracted disappearance. The whereabouts of the Theatre's creative director appear to be a complete and total mystery, and one can only guess as to where he has gone and when... or if... he ever shall return...
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The scene inside of the Theatre de la Cathedral is a horrific sight indeed. Blood stains the stage with bloodied foot prints leading away from the large pool and a thin cloud of a poisonous gas float in the building.
It is said that three members who work for Doctor Wymmer and the theatre were brutally murdered just moments after a group of Boritsi operative's boarded a carriage parked right outside.
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Rumour has it that the wedding of Dame Lilianne de Moreau and Wymmer Drukker will be taking place on the 30th of June. It is said to be an open invitation and anyone will be welcome to the state ceremony at the Palais, followed by a reception in Edrigan.
((Aiming for 10pm GMT / 5pm EST))
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Soon enough, invitations begin circulating amongst the gentry and commonfolk alike. It seems any and all will be welcome to attend.
(http://i.imgur.com/gIGpOlP.jpg)
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From dawn to dusk, nearly every hour of every day, a heavily armored figure with a black and red tabbard would be seen standing on the Terrace outside the theatre, staring endlessly out at the water. It would not respond when approached, or spoken to, nor would it move. It was as if someone had put a statue in armor, and just dropped it there. The figure wore a facemask, with a set of tinted sand goggles, and sported a Red Vardo Traders brooch on the cloak.
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Rumor spreads that Althea Sylcerik, a member of the Clockwork Goose and actress with the Theatre, was responsible for the attack on Constance Severin, the same attack that rendered her unable to remember anything that happened to her. The gentry, who saw everything related to this bewildering and horrifying spectacle, claim that after she had confessed to the attempted murder, she ran herself through and then repeatedly stabbed herself over and over in a brutal fashion, even as her friends sought to keep her alive with some strange brand of healing magic.
Talk of mutilating the woman and worse rumbled amongst the throng of people who bore witness to the woman's madness, but ultimately reason won the day and the woman was escorted to a relatively unknown asylum in Barovia, owned by one Ekeil Zarcroft...
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It is said that the Theatre de la Cathedral's Creative Director Siobhan Crowley, fresh from a long trip to and from Barovia arrived at the Gendamerie to issue a public apology for the scene that the once quite famous Althea Sylcerik put on in the middle of the street. She offered to pay any damages and to even wash the cobbles of the blood, should they require it.
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A foreigner of unknown origin has taken residence in the Penthouse of the Governor Hotel. The man is said to be unremarkable in appearance though he does have a powerful build and is clearly confident. It is said he was heard inquiring at the front desk about the well being of a certain Miss Crowley . He also let it be known he was looking for help in finding an event planner. Anyone curious about the position is advised to seek out Monsieur Ashdale.
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A resident scholar has begun inquiring about the foreigner looking for miss Crowley.
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[A strange and peculiar sight has been set up on the stage of the Théatre de la Cathédrale, mere moments prior to the auction schedule to take place not but a few moments later - a painting, crafted by a master of their craft, ran through several times by a sabre or similar curved blade...]
(http://i.imgur.com/KiaI4BW.jpg)
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A young, brightly dressed woman wearing a large purple and gold cloak and hood has been passing out copies of the latest paper of Port-au-Lucine: L'Homme Éclairé!
OOC: http://www.nwnravenloft.com/forum/index.php?topic=35447.0
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[As the evening of "An Ode to Port-a-Lucine" draws near, gentry jesting foreigners turns toward high nobility boasting how thick their bloodline runs with pride and country. Along with this new fad, a previously unheard of name, "Laurent," is whispered among those lingering toward animosity of foreign-born citizens.]
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A recent scuffle in the streets ending with a man in armor dead seems to have caused a stir.
There is now a red-skinned woman with horns actively seeking legal council, stating openly and repeatedly the entire incident was caused by the misconduct of a Gendarme that allowed an armed mob to provoke the now deceased man into defending himself, and petitioning the release of his corpse and belongings to be returned to his sibling.
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There seems to have been some sort of fight at the Govenors Hotel a few hours ago. The Gendarmes would of been seen going to the third floor, where later, two gunshots would be heard, along with lots of screaming before the room would fall eerily silent. Anyone trying to get in touch with Sophie, the seamstress, would find their callings and knocking to be met with only silence.
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Renée Bellamy, the writer of La Bougie, has been arrested for some manner of heinous crime. The halfling was led towards the Gendarmerie in the Quartier Savant, her head hung in shame.
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Renée Bellamy, the writer of La Bougie, has been arrested for some manner of heinous crime. The halfling was led towards the Gendarmerie in the Quartier Savant, her head hung in shame.
With the charges made by Lord Laurent dropped, Renée Bellamy can once again be seen on the streets of Port-a-Lucine, though her disposition is one frequently marked by anxiety and paranoia.
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The woman known as Carine D'Ailleurs has been looking quite sick as of late. Her hair has become a stark white, her flesh a snowy pale hue, and half of her face obscured behind a porcelain half-mask.
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A number of notices appear tacked to buildings and street furniture
Most honorable Lord Laurent,
I cordially ask for, but must insist upon being granted an audience at your nearest possible convenience. It is in regards to a matter very close to your heart, a lot is at stake.
It is my hope that a by very personal meeting, some headway might be made. I know I have your attention, so let me say I mean no malice, injury or deception; only fruitful conversation.
Humbly yours
C. Poisson
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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!
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[Rumor spreads quickly of a exciting new exhibit on display on the second floor of Port-a-Lucine's Museum - a re-creation of an Akiri tomb, using artifacts found in recent archaeological digs!]
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Those seeking the Wight Tess, would find that the streets of Port-a-Lucine show no evidence of her particular brand of chaos. It seems that she has not been hunting the streets recently.
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Quite the scene happened at the Museum earlier today, like something straight out of the latest horror novel. Gossip is spreading fast about how the costumed display saboteur, rumoured be a disgruntled janitor, has been posing as a mummy and disrupting museum tours. However, over the previous night the janitor had been jailed, making this saboteur's latest appearance an even greater mystery. Worse yet, the saboteur began to murder museum goers, including security guards and anchorites praying at the statue of Ezra. Apprentice curator Claire Croustille was seen fleeing the museum to flag down a Gendarme, shrieking about the foul necromancer from the newspaper being inside the museum. Indeed, some of the bodies carried out of the museum were rumoured to have dried out, cracked skin, as though they themselves had become mummies! None the less, some are left scoffing that this is just an elaborate ruse advertising an upcoming book release.
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[The so-called 'Festival of Fashion' ended up being a shocking event for all who attended. If the group of caliban that decided to show up to the event wasn't shocking enough, rumors say that Renée Bellamy was arrested and escorted by an elderly member of the gendarme into the Gendarmerie.]
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[Only a day after Wymmer Drukker-Moreau and Lilianne Moreau-Drukker were raised to the noble rank of Signeur, rumour has it that an attempt has been made on the Maîtresse de Moreau's life. Inspecteur Valérian Blaise was seen carrying the body of the would-be assassin from le Théátre de la Cathédrale, and both the Maîtresse and her personal assistant Valeria were seen to be alive and well, if a little the worse for wear.]
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[Rumor spreads quickly throughout Port-a-Lucine concerning Maitresse Lilianne de Moreau being declared insane and committed, the orderlies from Dr. Wilhelm Mikki's asylum in Chateaufaux coming in to carry the noblewoman away... during the party held by Louise Girod! Word spreads of Maitre Wymmer Drukker and a close aide of the noblewoman being torn up over seeing the Richemuloise woman carried away.]
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[The patriarch of the cadet house Brisbois is rumored to have arrived in Port-a-Lucine. He claims to know the whereabouts of the widow de Sauvre, and that she is currently writing a book that calls the Gendarme misogynistic bigots.]
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[Rumor spreads like wildfire of the young Invidian painter Valeria Levski having committed suicide in her suite at the Governor's Hotel with a pistol. Art aficionados mourn her passing, while the collectors cynically buy up as many of her works as possible. Surprisingly enough, rumor spreads of a caliban having been confronted by the Gendarmerie over a string of murders in the Governor's Hotel and having fled, with a pale woman having claimed the creature as their attendant. Word already spreads of the most prominent noble families mustering up large sums of coin to whomever brings the creature to justice...]
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[Eclipsed by the unfortunate demise of beloved painter Valeria Levski, rumor has it a friend of the painter, one Carine d'Ailleurs, has taken over the position of assistant curator of the Musée de Port-au-Lucine.]
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[Rumor has it that Ricardo Diosa is organizing a private showing of the upcoming opera for the crème de la crème of Port-a-Lucine, set to happen tonight. Ricardo Diosa has been seen roaming the streets, handing out tickets to his friends and colleagues.]
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[Rumors begin to spread that the Musee de Port-au-Lucine will be showing the late Valeria Levski's paintings tomorrow.]
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[Rumor spreads like wildfire of a tragedy having occurred within the Grand Opera National. Poisonous spores of a deadly Forfarian fungus seeped from a set of fog machines used during the show, killing at least twenty people of noble station, an entire choir, and many others who were attending the private showing take place within. The few survivors remark that the leading lady, Vivienne Malveaux, found herself surrounded by a strange coterie of ghosts and was shortly after consumed by mists - most skeptics remark that this was clearly some sort of hallucinogenic side-effect to the poison being used. Ricardo Diosa, the owner of the Grand Opera National, appears to be positively devastated following the attack, and fears that this might prove to be the final nail in the coffin for the opera house's future...]
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[Madamoiselle Carine de Ailleurs, the recent appointee to the position of Assistant Curator of the museum, has been seen to be in a most foul mood
after a situation during her showing of Valeria Levski's works brought the event to a quick end.]
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A woman with grey skin , violet eyes and black hair has recently taken residence in a Governor Hotel guest suite. Those that observe her flamboyant and sassy manner might wonder if she is a lady of the night or simply some low class new money. Expensive dresses and jewelry are exposed by cheap shoes and tacky hand bags. One thing is for certain, rough looking men are now more frequently seen coming and going in the Port's finest hotel, sometimes in small groups. Some might recall she was recently removed from a Ball for inappropriate dress.
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[Carine de Ailleurs, after a panicked and furious walk through the Savant, packed her things and left the city to parts unknown.]
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[Rumor spreads of a woman having gained admittance into the Gendarmerie, something that is certainly beyond precedent. Many regard the woman in question, Solange de Sauvre (known to many in the gendarme as "Madame Trousers"), as behaving in a highly unladylike fashion and her fellow gendarme, who are for the most part entirely male, seem to not know how to react alongside her. Capitaine Reynard, who is said to have allowed the woman entry in the first place, remains tight-lipped on the subject of the Gendarmerie's newest member, purposefully dodging or evading the questions asked by reporters from L'Observateur.]
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[Madamoiselle Carine de Ailleurs has appeared in Port-au-Lucine again, and returns to her museum duties.]
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As day breaks on the Quartier Publique, the locals are exposed to the body of a foreign woman that some know to be called "Tarja". She lays on the cobbles naked, covered in blood and quite apparently unconscious. From what has spread through the grapevine, the woman was seen stripping her clothes and taking off running into the darkness just the evening before. Screams were heard throughout the poorer end of town, though they promptly ceased at daybreak. There are rumors of a possible psychotic break.]
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Seems a new librarian has moved to the city named Elmer Mennen who is often seen hanging out on the ramps above the library.
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[Rumor spreads of something odd having taken place during the award ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of Solange du Sauvre, and the executions following the event. A woman, clad in all black, went around the barricades behind the Council of Brilliance, weapon in tow. Word spreads quickly that the woman was some sort of assassin, and that this assassin was only discovered and arrested because a gendarme with keen eyes named Dimitri Vonquette acted quickly. Some of the gentry muse that there may soon be a need for another awards ceremony before long...]
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[Word spreads about how the much-anticipated Monster Bash party was ended prematurely due to the unruly behavior of a number of guests. Valuable artwork was reported to have been damaged and some speak of a bear being released in the populated museum. Many guests left in disappointment, noting how the antics of a few ruined the night for the rest of them.]
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[Rumor spreads of a trial for Carine de Ailleurs, to be taking place tomorrow evening. The exact time of when court proceedings shall begin is unknown, but rumor spreads of many nobles planning to attend for lack of anything else better to do.]
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[Rumor spreads that two gendarme were seen tied a horse, nude, galloping down the Rue du Soleil in the early morning.]
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[Word spreads in and around the Governor's direct vicinity that a young, lovely woman was hired just recently as the hotel's Conciergerie. Although she still has yet to undergo her trial period, she seems eager to work. A nearly impeccable optimism and smile greeting newcomers and regulars alike to the esteemed grounds.]
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[Word spreads of the freakish would-be assassin named Cassandra having been executed by the Council of Brilliance for her crimes. They and the Lord-Governor remain safe from threats both foreign and domestic.]
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[Rumor has it that the distinguished author and gentleman Marquis LeMarc will be participating in a book signing (http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?p0=3429&iso=20140616T20&msg=Book%20Signing%20-%20The%20Grand%20Library) at the start of the next week. His latest book is about how the exclusive club known as the Society of Helping Hands has changed the man's life and helped to make him a better person, give him purpose, and guide him towards a more holistic manner of living. The event will be taking place inside the Grand Library.]
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[Rumor has it that the distinguished author and gentleman Marquis LeMarc will be participating in a book signing (http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?p0=3429&iso=20140616T20&msg=Book%20Signing%20-%20The%20Grand%20Library) at the start of the next week. His latest book is about how the exclusive club known as the Society of Helping Hands has changed the man's life and helped to make him a better person, give him purpose, and guide him towards a more holistic manner of living. The event will be taking place inside the Grand Library.]
((This is still going on, but I am going to be an hour late - errands are taking longer than I thought.))
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[Terror and shock spreads about the city when tales that the de Marlons family was tragically killed when their sri rajian tiger somehow was released from its bindings. The Inspecteur Jacques LeRoc has gone on record to say that their findings reveal an equipment failure and has publicly announced that all who have exotic pets ensure that their restraints are properly maintained and replaced. The de Marlons funeral will take place at Ste Mere de Larmes this Monday, with only family and friends invited. Several people throughout the city out of respect have decided to end the 'Cat Craze' fad early.]
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A Barovian male in his early twenties, clean shaven, well dressed but not overly fancy has been asking around, attempting to find a Doctor by the name of Wymmer Drukker who is rumored to be a part of the Red Vardo, he is also seen seeking the man in the surrounding Servant and Marchand Quartiers.
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[ASSASSIN! Rumor spreads of an explosion and a scream being heard from the penthouse suite, owned by Jayne Var, self-styled as the Commander of the so-called "Lily Knights". Gendarme discovered one of the Hotel's hired help dead, covered from head to toe in severe chemical burns, alongside a badly hurt female elf. The large window was cracked open, and a long rope dropped down to the cobbles below. Jayne Var, the present tenant of the penthouse, remains nowhere to be seen. Also missing are a number of fine paintings and golden goblets..]
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The Lily Knight Sir Tarlin Wintermark and his Lady love Tabitha are seen at the Palais Dirigeant inquiring about citizenship.
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[Brigands and cutthroats alike are more frequently seen upon the cobbles of Port-á-Lucine's less savory districts, lifeless, and in scattered clusters. Their brains have been morbidly carved out of their craniums, leaving appalling sights to commoners by the morrow.]
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The director of the theater has for some reason been increasingly agitated lately.
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Ah red headed girl in odd clothes has been seen walking along the streets of the city frequently and asking folks where a "lad named Quinn" would be. as well as entering many buildings and doing the same.
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[Rumor talks about how the Council is reforming the elite republican Guard, who are sworn to protect the lives of the council of Brilliance and the Lord-Governor. It is said that Edmond was one of the first chosen for this prestigious position....]
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[Many in the Governor's Hotel were institutionalized this evening, orderlies escorting the worst of them into carriages bound for Dr. Vilhelm Mikki's sanitorium in Chateaufaux. While a few can be heard spouting nonsense about a horrifying monster having crawled down the stairs and out the door, Dr. Mikki has called the incident 'a mass hallucination of some kind' spurned on by 'serious cases of schizophrenia gone untreated', and 'certainly able to be explained by rational thinking'.]
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[Around Dawn, people can see Edmond Montte practicing his fencing and swordplay tirelessly each morning in the theatere de la Baie. ]
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[Rumor spreads of Andrei Palascu being acquitted of a laundry list of charges, including being involved in necromancy, smuggling, and conspiracy to commit murder. Some mention a lack of evidence having been presented by the prosecution, while others mention the specious arguments made by the sleazy Borcan solicitor Palascu hired to serve him having swayed Councilor Helene DuSuis, who was serving as the judge. Word spreads of Inspecteur de Sauvre having been overzealous, eager to prove herself within the Gendarmerie - whether true or false, many of the gentry latch upon this, if only because of their own jealousy at the woman's recent successes.]
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talk quickly spreads through the city of Port-a-lucine of a oddly dressed red headed girl handing out gold to the beggers in urchins lately
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Rumors are beginning to spread about the Knight of Song acting as the creative director to the theater. Why the sudden change no one can say. His predecessor has not been seen for some time now.
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The so called Knight of Song, local celebrity and first of his name, Ser Don has been seen very actively planning and organizing Charitable events and productions through the Theatre de la Cathedrale. It is quite common to see the handsome man flitting all over the city with papers and journals handy, dressed casually in his own way, breaking hearts with a smile in his wake. What he could be up to? Well, there are plenty of posters!
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A woman's scream echoed through the night on the Governors Hotel. A single scream of pure terror, loud enough to be heard on the entire quartier. So loud that is hard to say exactly from wich room or even the floor it came from.
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Rumor has it that House de Larose's new retainer, Ceryn, won the fencing competition and went as far as defeating the fencing master, Monsieur Géroux afterwards when challenged to a fencing duel.
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A quiet afternoon in Port-a-Lucine was shattered by gunshots near the often populated promenade. An unknown, crazed assailant was seen shooting two noble women, killing them in cold blood. A third victim, a young half Vistani female known as Tarja who has recently been seen cleaning the streets of the Port was also shot, though the wound didn't seem to be too serious. The half Vistani was soon after seen leaving the Port with two comrades, returning later after being cleaned up and healed. The pair in her company were the same individuals who were, along with another female, seen slaying the attacker.
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Rumors spread that Professeur Lucille de Larose has announced the release of “The Unequivocal Disease: The Dangers of Insanity”, a book on madness, and its detrimental effects on society.
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[Rumor spreads of an attack having taken place inside the Theatre, carried out by a group of scoundrels and ne'er-do-wells. Viscomtesse Linette Jalabert, briefly held captive by these brutes, is safe thanks to the efforts of its new creative director, his brother, and the curious ennobled Lamordian who serves as the Theatre's manager. But that's not all that's being talked about... indeed, later that evening, a terrible thunderstorm affected much of Port-a-Lucine. It cleared up rather quickly, but sources say that the top of the Théatre de la Cathédrale was struck directly by lightning. An ill portent, or a sign of favor? The gossips among the gentry are undecided on the matter...]
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[A haggard and bent Maitre Wymmer Drukker was seen directing several hired hands moving crates and stacks of books out of the Théatre de la Cathédrale in the early morning after the storm. He and a robed woman in a cowl followed the men to the Vardo Services building]
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Two women, one in a beautiful deep blue and orange dress, the other in a white silk dress lined and rimmed with crag fur are seen buying large quantities of foods and drinks. Half goes to the theater and half goes to the Ouvrier along with warm knitted woolen clothes.
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Apperently rumor has it that the Knight of Song was seen to be chasing a woman around in the street out in front of the Théatre de la Cathédrale right big auction threatening to kill her with his sword.
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Rumors spread that the Knight of Song Chased a pointed hat witch out of the Theatre at sword point, threatening legal action should she trespass again. Word also quickly spreads that Tatyana - A wicked Takhisis Cultist - was identified as the antagonist and that the Creative director is seeking legal action.
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[Rumor spreads like wildfire that the charity auction and masquerade ball being held within the Théatre de la Cathédrale was disrupted by the death of a noblewoman, having consumed from a punchbowl laced with the infamous killer Borcan vintage wine, Andaas Brimbubbly '27. In attendance was Councilor duSuis, leading more than a few nobles to believe that she was the assassin's primary target. The motives and identity of the poisoner remain a mystery, however, at least for now.
It is ultimately unknown as to how this will affect the Theatre's reputation, but a couple members of the gentry can be overheard mentioning to others that because of this and the most recent incident with the Grand Opera National, they might be swearing off attending stage performances altogether.]
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[Fear and uncertainty grips the whole of Port-á-Lucine, as a horrifying yet inescapable truth comes to light. One of the Council of Brilliance, Hélène duSuis, has colluded with the insurrectionists and radicals living in Quartier Ouvrier, laundering private donations and money for charities towards organizations wishing to overthrow Lord-Governor Marcel Guignol's government. Rumor has it that she even tried to poison Dominic d'Honaire and others by having the Grand Opera National filled with poisonous spores months ago. Since the news broke, neither hide nor hair of Councilor duSuis has been seen, though some say that a raid on her estate produced positive results, as Black Pieter was found at the scene and successfully apprehended -- though this only leads to more questions needing to be answered...
Ricardo Diosa, some say, was also arrested for his part in the poisoning of the Grand Opera National, though many believe that Diosa is innocent and had no part in duSuis' schemes. Others say that the charges won't stick, but only because "Ricardo is too often covered in slime to stick to anything".]
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[Those who attended Councilor Josephine Chantreaux's speech were treated to a shocking display; just as the woman had finished talking about intimidation of the commons by radical elements within the Quartier Ouvrier and the 'right to work' that all citizens in Dementlieu had, a masked assassin arrived on the scene, shooting Councilor Chantreaux point-blank in the head. While it is said that those not so well off cheered upon hearing of Chantreaux's death, many nobles in the city mourn the passing of the woman partly responsible for the construction of the Treaty of Four Towers. Renauld Chantreaux, now a widower, said that a funeral shall be organized for the late Josephine Chantreaux, in due time.]
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After a lengthy public absence the Visconte de Vauqelin appeared on the Publique with a young servant close behind today...
He seemed unusually social and articulate, speaking very highly of the founding ideals of the Serene Republic and of the need for food and education for all of her citizens. Curiously, when pressed he seemed to dodge offering an opinion one way or the other regarding regarding the recent assassination of Councilor Chantreaux.
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[Word spreads that Dominic d'Honaire is hosting a gala at his private château. It is said that this party shall be invitation only, a prestigious event with a strict dress code demanding dresses for girls and suits or tuxedos for boys and only those who possess an invitation or accompanying someone with an invitation will be welcome at the gala.]
((Click here for time! (http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?p0=746&iso=20141130T00&msg=Dominic%20d%27Honaire%27s%20Gala)))
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Over the next days, A young blonde elf seems to be politely though enthusiastically (Almost childishly so) watching the various street performers in the Quartiers , favoring them more than the average passer by, but not extravagantly so (but Port standards). She seems to do this many times, always stopping to listen or watch their act, even if it is repeated.
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[An atmosphere of fear and paranoia overtakes the gentry as rumor spreads of a robbery having taken place involving the bank in Port-a-Lucine. Men wearing red sashes cleared out several chests-worth of gold and valuables, digging their way into the vault and then collapsing it with a controlled explosion while escaping with their ill-gotten gains. While the bank has already issued a statement claiming that most of the gold in people's accounts would be insured and coin would soon be moved from banks affiliated with the bank in Port-a-Lucine to replace what was lost, many of the extremely wealthy fear that the fortunes they've amassed will not be entirely covered by the bank's efforts.
For now, the bank remains closed, the entrance guarded by a pair of gendarme, as they go through the crime scene with a fine-toothed comb.]
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[A particularly vicious rumor cycles amidst the gentryfolk, amidst talk about the riff-raff having taken up arms - Baron Edmond Montte has been suspended from the Gendarmerie and the Republican Guard, pending investigation into contraband such as incindiary and subversive pamphlets and tracts and opium lurking hidden within his footlocker.]
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[Lord-Governor Marcel Guignol is dead! Shortly after swearing in the new members of the Council of Brilliance, he started to appear sick and dropped dead. People make mention of a member of the Republican Guard named Armand Foquelaine, nephew of the Lord-Governor deposed in the Revolution of 707, Bernard Foquelaine, attempting to seize power, though this attempt was unsuccessful.]
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[Councilmen Wymmer Drukker and a contingent or armed guards were seen leaving the bank with cart after cart of lock boxes and chests. Several hours of work for the men as they hauled a multitude of containers holding the vast fortune Councilmen Drukker had amassed over the years.]
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[Rumors quickly spread that a Child was escorted back to the LeFebvre's suite after the Dinner Theatre last night; some have identified the boy as the child star from the production. The next morning, when making his usual rounds into the hostile territory of the Ouvrier to the LeFebvre Food Provider & Sundry, it is reported that the 'Knight of Song' kept the boy exceptionally close to his side, and was seen leaving with him that afternoon. Some words of the boy's mother being killed in a work accident are heard.]
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[It is said that Marshall Armand Foquelaine had finally claimed the Palais Dirigeant as his own, the remaining members of the Council of Brilliance, namely Councilor d'Honaire and Councilor Drukker, having been led out of the city via Lamordian mercenaries. The Palais Dirigeant has been locked up tight, and his men have re-assimilated themselves back into the Gendarmerie, though there are quite a few more Republican Guard than one might remember.]
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Shortly after the new decree by Marshall Foquelaine, Herr Dokter Lymbosia was last seen departing onto a Vstani Caravan with a number of armed men.
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[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]
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[Officials from within the Palais Dirigeant report that Marshal Armand Foquelaine has won by a landslide, and is to be named the new Lord-Governor of Dementlieu!]
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[Rumors and gossip go about the election of the Lord-Governor normally open for all citizens of the republic was restricted to the gentry by the republican guard, as well as how their was only one candidate to choose from, with a few saying that if you wrote in a name you would have been made to disappear. A few talk about how one noblewoman who voted wrongly, was going to be made to answer questions and disappear, till Edmond Montte showed up in his republican guard uniform allowing her to leave without her being forced to go anywhere or answer any questions.]
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Lucille de Larose, matriarch of house de Larose, appears to have gone missing for a great expanse of time. While there may be mutterings of what may have become of her, only a few know of her true fate.
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[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!
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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.
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Upon entering the Bank one finds a large number of Red Vardo Traders milling about. With the Gendarme spread thin and the attack on the bank itself, it seems these men and women are acting as temporary security.
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[rumors speak of how with captaines Reynard and Dupree are missing currently, that Baron Edmond Montte has claimed to be the current acting captaine of the gendarme]
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[It is whispered that during the wee hours of the morning, a dark-garbed man later identified as Samrasch Aken leveled harsh words and accusations against aspiring actress and novice healer, Valenya Relayne, regarding her association with Zidoññe LéFebvré. Baron Edmond Montte and another Gendarme attempted to intervene, but the latter was slain after firing several shots at Aken and provoking his ire. More members of the stretched-thin Gendarmerie arrived, and Aken was forced to retreat.
Some time later, it is said that the body of the man was presented by a woman garbed in dark green. Baron Montte personally paid her a bounty, and the body was removed from the city.]
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Someone has scattered a bunch of Laurent Tax Pins on the steps of the looted museum...
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[Sewage is spilling out into the docks and the waterfront, from what appears to be an entire section of the sewer system collapsing upon itself. Dock Workers are outraged, refusing to work in such unsafe conditions as the excrement of the city contaminates such a critical source of drinking water, the very Port itself. Perhaps the weight of the recent struggles in Port-a-Lucine have had a quite literal impact on the city... and it will be the common man who goes without water because of it.]
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[Many might notice that members of the Theatre troupe have taken refuge in the theatre itself. Notices from the boards and walls of old posters have been cleared - some archived, some used for emergency paper stocks and recycled. A sign that reads "fermé" has been attached to the sign. Rumor spreads that the theatre manager Zidonne LeFebvre has intentions of opening the auditorium for those who need shelter and medical aid, and has already taken meetings with others who want help with the efforts during the civil unrest.]
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[The Dementlieuse man known as Jerome de La Salle, can be seen marching about the Publique, spouting off Revolutionary creeds, and pasting a plethora of Revolutionary flyers about the city. The pamphlets are mostly about the frequented areas, but even down side alleys and along backdoors, some can be seen.]
[Cries of "Vive le Republique!", "Equality for All!" , "Abolish all Titles!" , and most loudly, "Guillotine the Traitors to the Revolution" can be heard from him as he continues a pamphleteering crusade of sorts. He seems to be making quite a public fuss, the fiery light of Revolution in his eyes.]
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Word spreads that Falkovnian dissident Dietrich Holzknecht will be speaking publicly regarding the food crisis, and solutions to prevent what could be a crippling famine. All families are urged to at least send one member of the family to hear the short talk.
(8 PM EST Thursday, subject to change)
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Word spreads that Falkovnian dissident Dietrich Holzknecht will be speaking publicly regarding the food crisis, and solutions to prevent what could be a crippling famine. All families are urged to at least send one member of the family to hear the short talk.
(8 PM EST Thursday, subject to change)
With the arrival of grain from the newly returned Lord D'Honaire, came a large shipment of foodstuffs from Lamordia, Mordent, and Ghastria. The talk on the food crisis fades away as the fear of starvation passes.
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[Many are still chanting the mantra 'Service or Surrender' after local celebrity Zidonne LeFebvre donned the uniform of the People's National Army and beseeches the people to let the condemned fight for their country and prove their love for them. Those facing the guillotine have been given a choice - Fight for their country or die. Even noble ladies chose wisely and chose to fight in every capacity they were able. ]
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[Rumors spread also of Zidonne's capacity as a charismatic leader and his ability to serve in his rank. Indeed, the battle herald shows what he's made of by excelling in military work and inspiring those around him to follow him, but is he being insubordinate? There are mixed feelings on whether or not there will be a split, and talk of jealousy among the others for his prowess and ability to stir the people around him. Only time will tell if he would act upon these rumors.]
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[Word spreads that it has been discovered that the Theatre de la Cathedrale was an oversight in the war, and when the doors were opened, Manager and Knight of Song Zidonne LeFebvre discovered the rations and supplies were untouched. The doors of the theatre flung open once again to allow those in need food, water, and shelter. (http://www.nwnravenloft.com/forum/index.php?topic=39759) ]
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In the early hours of the morning, Elias Ardmor is seen shuffling out of the Governor's Hotel and complaining of a headache and about the discomfort of sleeping in a cage. Shortly afterwards figures dressed in Red and Black can once again be seen distributing food and medical supplies within the Ouvrier.
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A small anxious figuire with an unsettling presence has been seen around the LeFebvre Provider et Sundry in the early hours of the morning. Rumors suggest that it may be the former director of the the theater, an alleged necromancer. He has been seen tending to the injuries of any who will allow it.
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[Along with other remaining solders of the People's National Army, which are few, solder Jerome de la Salle can be seen limping about the Publique, his head bandaged with a piece of bloodstained linen, looking for any other soldiers that survived, and spreading word amongst the distraught citizens that all PNA members should report in at the barracks]
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[People are seen pouring into the Theatre de la Cathedrale for the promised food, shelter, and medical aid. Among them, Zidonne can be seen bringing in the critically injured in his arms, and leaving to find more. Juliette and a man called Aleyi have been brought in by the Knight of Song to aid the sick and injured, and to pass out rations.]
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[Zidonne is continuing to take a stock of names of the lost and fallen - be they soldiers, patriots, or innocent casualties. A rumor spreads that he was seen cradling a particularly fond friend of his in his arms for a while this morning, as she died there listening to his song.]
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[The barracks of the PNA remain quiet, and save for cages and scattering of slave clothes and blood stains, possibly abandoned. All the injured have been moved to receive medical care at the Theatre de la Cathedrale, where they can be monitored more closely.]
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[After the dead have been recorded, bodies have been moved to be claimed upon the rise outside of the Cathedrale St. Mere de Larmes. The bodies that are not being claimed by family are left to be prepared for final rites in order to minimize plague. Zidonne Lefebvre can be seen orchestrating this initiative with Mareta Segrethur.]
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[Attack! Rumors spread that Falkovnian Mercenaries intend to attack the Theatre de la Cathedrale for its injured and supplies! Defenders rally as Zidonne LeFebvre is seen taking initiative to protect the people within. ]
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Among the men and women helping out at the theater Hospice is the old known heretic of the Fifth Sect, Aleyi Forrey. Clad in white and the armour of the Black Blade of Ezra that operated in the city years ago. Tending the wounded and patroling with bow in hand when there is room for it. The Revolution and Falkovnian invasion seemingly has brought this man out of the shadows to yet again to walk the streets.
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[Rumor begins to circulate among the female population of Port-a-Lucine that Mareta Sugrethur and Hero of the People Zidonne LeFebvre may have a romance brewing. They are often seen together holding hands and being close, many a jealous stares seem directed her way but she seems not to notice.]
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[Talk of the city is about two envoys from Richemulot arriving in the city, Lady Louise Renier and Lady Genevieve Flambeau. They were escorted to the city by a squadron of Lions de la Rue and the members of the Renier house guard. The Lady Flambeau was seen taking up residence at the Penthouse]
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[Rumor quickly spreads that local celebrity musician, Zidonne LeFebvre, has been seen in toe with hordes of adoring fans - that is, of the animal variety. Cats, dogs, puppies, toads, birds of all sorts, even bovine have flocked to the singer as though enchanted by him, and deeply lost in adoration. To spite Zidonne's open disdain for 'pets', he has been known to keep ravens - which, as it is told, seem to be flocking about him rather than delivering messages as trained. Those who get close to him see that while he's clean, even the tiniest of creatures have taken to crawling about his person. Lizards on his shoulder, snakes around his waist, Moths, butterflies, flies! The last anyone has seen of him was him shutting himself up in the theatre, rather than return to his room.]
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[Rumors that a young girl named Juliette was found near the manor's retreat with torn clothes soaked in blood]
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Mareta the Red priestess of the new Lord of Light followers has been seen in public after her recent attack in the merchant district. Rumors of her missing right hand seem to be true and she moves slowly in her baggy robes.
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[The latest piece of gossip in the streets is how the recent Rose of Spring ball ended in disaster! Accounts of the evening vary significantly. Some people claim the grand cake presented by Le Croissant Bleu was poisoned and killed Lady Genevieve Flambeau. Others still say the cake was laced with opium, causing one of the guests to lose her balance and slip into the cake face-first. More bizarre accounts for the evening suggest the cake turned the fair Lady invisible, while others claim she turned into a giant rat! Head chef Jean-Pierre LeCuistot swears up and down his cake was perfectly safe and that no deaths have been reported from the evening, however the strange tale has caught the imagination of novelists writing up their next horror story or mystery.]
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Rumors begin to slowly spread through the city as a couple of noblemen and women speak of having their gold lifted off them, for now most that have caught a glimps of the theif claim that they looked like a begger before they vanished in the crowd of people walking the streets.
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With just as fast the talk of a theif came the rumors begin to die down as no more reports of noblemen and women having their gold, gem, or their precious silver bars stolen surface. Whomever the theif was they seem to have left.....for now.
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[A few notices are left about various establishments in the Quartier Publique, of two distinct sorts. They are left by a bookish-looking young woman, with her hair kept back in a simple style, and wearing a black day dress with a white blouse.]
(http://i.imgur.com/mBuniSu.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/bQwFpdi.jpg)
((IC PMs and Tells for letters are welcomed!))
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[Edith Farthingale may have been spotted taking a room at the Manor Retreat for the coming week. Any who pass her temporary lodge may detect the scent of incense, but little by way of sound.]
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[Word among the residents of the Quartier today is that an encampment has sprung up overnight to the west, full of men in the dark colors of House Larose, training and preparing. The crack of musket fire and the skirling steel of blade meeting blade ring through the air, and the banner of the Company of the Fox flutters in the chill Dementlieuse wind.]
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The Theatre de la Cathedrale has a new employee. A tall man who wears a porcelain mask and a gray suit.
His accent is strange and yet at the same time somewhat similar to the rural people of the domain.
He runs errands, speaks in a short manner, and since his hiring the amount of sawing and banging inside the theater has increased dramatically.
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Captain Osker de Larose along with a few members of the Company of the Fox could be seen strolling around the streets of Port-a-Lucine. They moved back and forth between the city and their encampment just west of the city with supplies in tow.
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[A man looking suspiciously like Edwin Aubert is seen walking toward the bank, cackling, his outstretched arms so full with sacks of coin that he could barely see over the top of them.]
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Word spreads of the return of the glorious Company of the Fox, named Heroes of Mordent for their valiant actions and lauded and praised by the Dementlieuse Council of Brilliance for their efforts on behalf of the Republique. Shocking, however, is the number of casualties they have sustained, and the grim look in the eyes of the men and women when they speak of the battle near Blackburn's Crossing.
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The execution of the popular republican author Eugene Laforet caught much of Port-a-Lucine as a surprise, as he was generally regarded as a rehabilitated figure from the Revolution, despite being one of Port's most popular writers. Still, his marriage to a Falkovnian refugee, and his egalitarian sentiments, are taken as confirmation by the people at large of the Falkovnian sympathies, and treasonous acts, for which he was charged and executed.
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[Word has spread that Mordent's ambassador to Dementlieu, Adeline Laurent, was whisked away by a band of shady individuals, according to Guy Maurice, her bodyguard. Where she is being held and whether she is even alive or dead is, at this point, a mystery, thus far known to only a few.]
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[Some have seen young Blaise deFleur sauntering around Port A Lucine a lot more often of late. The buzz seems to be that he has come of age, which begs the question if he will take his place among the gentry in absence of both his father and in the wake of the heir of the household's death. Flowers, entertainers, and even the talents of the city's rising starlit - Jacqueline Dulcimer - has been recruited for the much anticipated ball celebrating his grand entrance to the social scene. One can only imagine what a spectacle, or disaster, this might turn out to be.]
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[News spreads of a halfling clad mostly in black, being brought towards the Gendarmerie in chains.]
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[Nobles are heard complaining in the Quartier Publique of the Company of the Fox's presence in the Quartier Publique. The presence of heavily armed men and women, described as thugs by some, in town makes many nobles nervous; painful memories of musket carrying revolutionary militias still fresh in their mind.]
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[a detachment of the Company of the Fox returns to the Quartier Publique in the early hours of the morning, marching in fine order until coming to a halt at the Rue du Soliel. Proudly, their officers declare loudly that the soldiers once again did fine work defending the streets of fair Port-a-Lucine, heroically fighting against the many thugs and brigands that have overwhelmed the streets of the beleaguered Marchannd and Ouvrier at night. They claim to have made the streets a bit more safe for the citoyens of the Republique, and from the confident and noble stances of the Fox Company troops marching back to their Camp outside the city, it is clear that they believe they've done well.]
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[The peace of one autumn evening in the Quartier Publique was disturbed quite abruptly as a nobleman fell before a hulking creature moving with inhuman speed. Answering the blood-curdling scream was a coterie of well-known individuals presently residing in Port-a-Lucine. After ordering the creature to stand down, the creature slew a member of the Gendarmerie. It was only with their combined help that they were able to overcome the creature and see it slain, though a few perished and many were injured during the mêlée.]
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[Anselme of House Voclain, son of the spice merchant Ernest Voclain, gave a short speech before the steps of the Palais Dirigeant. In that speech, he condemned the presence of what he called "hulking figures clad in plate-mail" in the nicer parts of Port-a-Lucine, conflating them with the armed troops the country of Falkovnia marched through much of Dementlieu earlier this year -- this message seemed to resonate with at least a few members of the gentry, who hurled jeers and insults at one figure in attendance matching that description. Later in his speech, Anselme announced his intention to create a scholarship fund aimed towards providing those who are less fortunate yet are bright and possess an aptitude for things scholastic a free education at the University of Dementlieu; men of station could donate to this fund, yet much of it would be provided from Anselme's own pocket.
Shortly after Anselme was finished with his speech, the Baron de Larose took advantage of the upswelling of pride and patriotism and announced that the Company of the Fox intended to take the fight to the Falkovnians. This news was met with bombastic cheers from members of the crowd and members of the Gendarmerie who were standing by, watching the proceedings.]
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[Word has spread that Anselme of House Voclain pressed his claim yesterday to the ancient and storied title of "Viscount de Coursay". While Lady-Governor Hélène duSuis and the Council of Brilliance advising her found a shortage of evidence demonstrating Anselme as being the rightful heir of the viscountcy, there was enough presented linking him to the Coursay family tree. As such, the Lady-Governor conferred the lesser title of Baron de Corbie to the young nobleman.]
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The newspapers report the sudden death of Lucille de Coursay, one of two living scions of that house, notable because of her recent involvement in the reclamation of the ancient title of Baron of Corbie by the notable socialite and political polemicist Anselme de Coursay.
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Word spreads quickly throughout the City of Lights that the small detachment of the Company of the Fox's leaders and some more emerged from the Palais Dirigeant from their meeting with the Council of Brilliance. Most notable among the gossip, was the late emergence of Viscount Juste Marceaux and his immediate barking of orders to his subordinates, to which they moved off with great haste to fulfill. What is clear is that a new flame kindles within the hearts of the servicemen and women of the Company of the Fox, but those that look on might wonder if it may be enough to complete their latest objective on the Richemuloise border...
Additionally, in a lesser light, some may hear that there was a flogging done at the encampment of the Fox just outside of the city. Mutterings of an insubordinate soldier, what many could consider a Caliban no less, was reprimanded for slights against the Company and possibly within the city itself.
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[Sergeant Jerome de La Salle can be seen leading small detachments of sharply dressed Company of the Fox soldiers about the Quartier, parading about in finely cleaned and brushed uniforms, their muskets shouldered and weapons sheathed respectfully at their sides. They announce loudly that the Company is enlisting for their upcoming Campaign, and that all citoyens seeking La Glorie, La Fortune, and Honor, join the ranks today! The sergeant emphasizes in this district at what a prestigious position a Company soldier is, and how noble such service can be to the Republique.]
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[Word is spread that Zoé Delaroux plans to acquire a small strip of land to reestablish the Delaroux Winery, and is looking for an expert in winemaking. Rumor has it the Baron de Courbie will be the one financially backing this endeavor, leading many to speculate as to the reason behind his charity.]
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[Word spreads of Baron de Corbie, appearing furious, making his way to the Palais Dirigeant. He left, wearing the same stormy expression he wore when he entered. While the young nobleman is certainly prone to fits from time to time (as many in Port-a-Lucine know), many speculate as to whether his anger is the result of the impromptu tribunal held by the Company of the Fox at their encampment, or something entirely unrelated. Who can say, given the Baron's hot-tempered nature?]
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[Rumors abound about the upcoming Golden pistol Contest that House Sallembier and the Red Vardo Traders are hosting together.]
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As dusk settled upon the City of Lights a night ago, word has it that a middle-aged man was seen escorting the widowed Celeste d'Espivant towards the Quartier Marchand. In the morning, the same woman was seen hurrying to the Ste. Mere des Larmes Cathedral. She returned in the direction of her property with an Anchorite in tow...
The middle-aged man did not return until the next evening. Though he tried to cover it with a blanket, and kept away from the glare of the street lamps, it was plain to see that he was covered in dried blood, complementing the coppery reek that followed him...
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[Shortly after leaving the Palais Dirigeant, Vicomte Juste Marceaux and Baron de Corbie were approached by a member of the Gendarmerie, ushering them to follow him to the Baron's modest suite within the Governor's Hotel -- what transpired there, or what was seen, is unknown, but it seems the Baron de Corbie has all but withdrawn from public life -- for now, at least. When he is seen in public, his attitude alternates between bleak, somber, despondency, and seething, all-consuming rage.]
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[Whispers run through the city that workers at the Hotel were made to clean up a frightening scene, blood scrubbed from every inch of a room...]
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A couple of new officers have been seen making the rounds of the Quartier Publique lately. Notably a little rough around the edges, and wont to cuss like sailors, it is obvious that these recruits will join the Ouvrier Squad once they are properly trained.
It is unlikely that these coarse individuals will be missed in the upper town. But will they be welcomed in the Ouvrier, or pelted with rotten vegetables?
Distribution of recruitment notices has not ceased. There are probably still places in the squad for eager men and women.
(http://i.imgur.com/8Simpk0.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/toyX4id.png)
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[Rumor begins to spread through the city of Port-a-Lucine that the encampment of the Company of the Fox, long quiet after a bloody campaign only spoken of by its veterans in hushed tones and vague words, has sprung once more to life. The sound of skirling steel and flapping banners, the crack of musket and the boom of cannon, all drift over the Jewel of Dementlieu, echoing from the headlands and towers of the University on the far side of the Baie. It is clear that the Company will soon once again march, but the question on everyone's lips is why, and where, and whether this army in blue, this silent and contentious guardian, would return to the city which first gave it birth in the ashes of the Revolution.]
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[The latest gossip circulating among nobles and the wealthy speaks of a private auction of two fantastically exotic flowers grown in vases of unimaginable artistry. Those who saw the plants describe one as being a beautiful mottled black and white rose in a ceramic vase with a deep and layered semi-opaque black glaze that glistens and sparkles in the light, giving it the effect of looking into the night sky. The other flower is described as appearing made of crystal and refracting all light that hits it in a mesmerizing way. Its vase is carved from jade and features carved and enameled figures along the top, and enameled details throughout the stonework.
While many different families have put bids in, a surprising high bidder sparing no expense is Joseph Fogg, owner of the Boutique d'Outremer. Some question how he even has that many solars to spend. Although, others noted the criticism largely came from those bitter they were outbid and outclassed so quickly. Indeed, why is it any surprise an exotic artifacts merchant has a stash of coin for such a day?
Also subject of gossip is the auctioner himself, a Borcan man by the name of Eustachio Moldovich. Many asked him how he came into possession of such beautiful and exotic things, which Eustachio quickly deflected and refused to answer. One noble family paid a handful of Borcans to return to Borca and find any records of him, discovering upon their return to Dementlieu that Eustachio was in fact a foreman of a mining company especially concerned with silver. Eustachio quickly became buried in questions, and finally stated he found the two vases in a mine somewhere in the Core. When asked if any other such artifacts existed in the cave, his expression went blank for a moment before quickly snapping "No!" and walking off with a scowl.
Quietly, Borcan traders passing through Dementlieu muse to each other in Balok to avoid the prying ears of locals. They question what devils Eustachio must have made deals with, and what he had to trade in exchange for such wealth.]
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[A rumor begins, whispered through the higher aristocracy and eventually on to the common folk. Like all ridiculous rumors about famous figures, it spreads widely and quickly among the chattering magpies of Port-a-Lucine. The Knight of Song, they whisper, is a pederast... and his own brother is his partner. Strangely, no one seems willing to say where they heard it.]
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{A man would have been seen recently leaving the Grand Library in Port au Lucine after spending a night or so there looking through book after book, asking students and researchers there questions regarding the Mists.}
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[ First Lieutenant Jerome de la Salle, Second Lieutenant Remi Rousseau, and Premier Soldat Yvette Sallembier could be seen patrolling the city after the conclusion of the Grand Tournament, setting out from the Publique to reach the tournament grounds and back. They seemed to firmly be keeping a watch for trouble of any sort resulting from the rumored attempted assault and what might perhaps be called murder that occurred at the end of the Tourney. The patrol aided stragglers that departed from the tournament grounds in the late hours, protecting them from any vagabonds or brigands that prowled the streets. Some citoyens might have also seen the soldiers haul an either unconscious or dead man from the Tournament tent to the Gendarmarie, before the organized patrol commenced. ]
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Rumors tell of a grand speech given by Anselme de Coursay on the very steps of the Palais Dirigeant, in which he spoke out against the weakness of the Dementlieuse nation in the face of the ever-present Hawk threat. Many of the assembled nobles were heard to agree, loudly, especially given the wide array of foreigners and strange folk assembled there to hear him. Rumors now say that the Council is being pressured to re-adopt the so-called "Laurent Tax", so that all foreigners resident in Dementlieu must pay a portion of their gold to support the common defense of the state.
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[Word quickly spreads of how Anselme de Coursay ran into the Quartier Publique, naked and wounded, screaming of how he was robbed. Given a woman's dress to cover himself with, his wounds were treated -- after briefly conversing with others who seemed willing to assist the battered Baron, he quickly made his way to the Hotel to change, and then to the Gendarmerie.]
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[Anselme de Coursay can be seen walking around Port-a-Lucine with his face frequently contorted in a grimace, seeming to favor his right leg as he walks about with his cane. Rumor has it that he is still recovering from when a masked assailant stabbed him at the party he held on the grounds of his estate...]
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After a public speech by Anselme de Coursay, the mob was so incited by his anti-Falkovnian rhetoric and the shouts of the others that they dragged a Falkovnian family out of the Ouvrier. Rumor says the parents were beaten to death but a group of individuals interposed to save the child. After that, the crowd charged the Gendarmerie line, and in the confusion a number of commoners and even nobles were killed.
The city is on edge, and a number of Falkovnian homes have been vandalized. Only the assignment of the Company of the Fox by the Viscount of Roissy to patrol alongside the Gendarmerie has kept the fragile peace.
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[Port-a-Lucine is covered over night with pamphlets and flyers plastered to walls and tacked to signboards. They call out for Dementlieuse patriotism and action in the face of the recent attempted assassinations on citizens of the Republic, and seem to attempt to stoke the discontent felt throughout the city after the riot that broke out before the steps of the Palais Dirigeant]
(click to enlarge)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/rascatar/AntiFalkProp_zpscdc1co5a.png) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/rascatar/media/AntiFalkProp_zpscdc1co5a.png.html)
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A female caliban of unmistakable appearance is often seen stood around in the more enlightened districts of port. Whether in the distinctive blues of her Fox Company uniform. Or in fancier clothes perhaps trying to blend in more, an obvious pretender amongst the nobility. Despite her freakish appearance, she greets most with a warm smile that might literally go from ear to ear. Is she desperately pretending to he something she's not? Or does she truly believe that's where she belongs... whatever the case, there are no doubt many who would think she needs putting in her place.
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7303/27146759794_10bbf9ba30.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HmSeUE)Desd (https://flic.kr/p/HmSeUE) by Daryl Farr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/103826662@N04/), on Flickr
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Seargent Sieglinde Lisseaux has a near constant presence in the publique now. Patrolling in full Company armour, she assists the gendarmerie in general day-to-day peace keeping activities. Unlike the rapier wielding lawmen however she often brandishes a simple truncheon that looks as if it's yet to see any actual use.
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It is a gray day in Port-a-Lucine, a wet, miserable, wretched day, the rain coursing and dripping from the eaves and spires of the Jewel of Dementlieu. The people in their bedraggled, water-logged finery or soaked, sodden rags scamper from building to building or cling together in tight, desperate clusters beneath flimsy umbrellas. The mood of the city is as rotten as the constant damp suggests, murmurs of a possible war, voices calling for an attack on Falkovnia. Some call it a daring stroke, while others whisper in fear of a return to the days when the Hawk was seen in Edrigan, whispers of bodies on stakes, pillage and rape, and the destruction of the once-unshakeable certainty of Dementlieuse superiority. These rumblings and murmurings stir something dark in the people, something animalistic, and those who turn or direct these forces might well wonder if they wake something beyond their control.
To the west of the city, the camp of the Company of the Fox buzzes with new life, arms tested and tried, new stores of weapons loaded, cannons fired in practice into the Baie. There is a nervous energy in everything they do, however, a frenetic, desperate trust that if they only prepare enough, they only train enough, it might be enough to avert disaster for the only home most of these men and women have ever known. It is a gray day, a miserable day, a day of rain, but these cobbles and stately avenues are stained with too much blood to ever be washed clean by some mere force of nature.
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[Word spreads quickly of Anselme de Coursay, Vicomte de Valais and Baron de Corbie being arrested by none other than the Vicomte de Roissy, Juste Marceaux, for his involvement in numerous murders. Likely, the trial following his arrest will prove to be the event of the century.]
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Later on into the evening after the Viscount de Roissy, Juste Marceaux, made his high profile arrest on Anselme de Coursay, he was seen quickly making his way towards the dockside near Club L'Artiste with his fiancée. It was a small while before the Viscount was seen again with his fiancée, but he also had an elven male some would recognize as Dante Farblake in tow as well.
Not long after trudging up through Publiqué, a detachment of gendarmes were seen moving towards the same location from whence the Viscount had come. Only then was it apparent where the attention was going by the dockside; Club Envie. While the emergence of this strange gentleman's club remains a mystery of current, gendarmes can be seen largely emptying the place out, confiscating a myriad things, including a considerable amount of Delaroux wines. From what can be readily discerned, it seems something was found, and the club immediately shut down.
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[At his trial, Anselme Voclain decided to plead guilty to charges of fraud and falsifying claims of nobility. As a result, his lands, titles, and wealth were seized. To the surprise of many, no charges of murder were brought forward or even mentioned at all by the presiding judge, Gaston de la Vigne. After the verdict was handed down, Anselme was beaten in public by a Darkonian woman while a crowd of nobles looked on and jeered at the pretender's expense. Anselme headed towards the Widow's Walk, and would not be seen in public again.]
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It seems the entire city of Port-a-Lucine is riled up tonight, seething beneath the surface with barely-contained anger and resentment. Those of ancient and noble blood are angry because they watched a man who they considered a fraud and a pretender walk free from a courtroom that should have spelled his doom. Yet the people, always resentful and suspicious of the power of those who rule over them, are eager to believe certain messages that have recently begun appearing in alleys and on walls throughout Port-a-Lucine, messages that talk of corruption at the very highest levels, foreigners given power over them, and the dangers of allowing these influences to spread. The mutterings are growing louder.
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In the evening hours of the day, the Ghastrian arcanist Piers Worsley and a halfling were seen fleeing just outside of the Grand Library after what appeared to be an old, blind man behaved in a feral manner and allegedly attempted to attack them. Not long after, Worsley was seen casting a spell to restrain the man before fleeing the city.
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Rumor speaks of a near-brawl between members of the Company of the Fox and the Gendarmerie, as the Company paraded a hooded man in chains through Quartier Publique. That man was later revealed to be Anselme de Coursay, kidnapped and being dragged to Ghastria to be delivered to the Marquis of that nation. It ended in only one challenge to a duel thanks to the intercession of Gendarmerie officer Roland Poulin. Still, tongues are wagging. A Dementlieuse citizen, even one so reviled, dragged away by foreign mercenaries? Or worse, mercenaries who had once formed the core of the populist PNA? Even the nobles who so reviled Anselme de Coursay for his fraud and forgery find this a bitter pill to swallow.
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Jerome de La Salle can be heard in the Publique, 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 in the recently muttered about argument near the Palais.
"Where is the cur that spat at my feet? Where is the one that insulted the grace of the stalwart defenders of the Republique? He wished for a duel? He who spread lies and slander on patriots and heroes? Where is he now! Is a he coward? Is he prepping more lies for his dirty tongue?"
The Lieutenant publically denounces the son of de Lehor, sabre proud on his hip as he makes his way through the city.
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Rumor spreads like wildfire through the city: an illegal duel within the confines of the city, a battle on the docks, that left several Gendarmes, including the son of the Baron de Lehors, bruised, broken, and bleeding. Those who do not turn up their noses at the thought of an illegal duel also whisper of dishonorable conduct, a betrayal, that the upright soldiers of the Company of the Fox are nothing but common thugs. Everyone seems to have an opinion. No one seems to quite know what actually happened.
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The infamous elven zealot, Inquisitor Veritas, arrives in the Port, and immediately begins seeking out any known information on a man by the name of Armand LeBarthe
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After sunset in the Quartier Publique and adjacent areas in and near Port-a-Lucine, a series of screeds have materialized that accuse a prominent nobleman of the most heinous crimes. Authored by the nom de plume “the Dark Light,” these bills stir varying reactions in the local populace.
Some attribute the claims to typical Dementlieuse scandal-mongering and give them little credence, citing the aristocrat’s reputation for civic-mindedness or their own cynical view of claws-out social life in the City of Lights.
Others, however, wonder whether the charges might have some truth to them, especially now that the Dark Light has promised to deliver proof of their veracity. A few have whispered among themselves in places of seclusion that the accused is not the paragon of virtue he presents, and that only some fool with a death wish would challenge a man as ruthless as he is powerful.
A self-professed authority on the human mind counters that the mask of anonymity evidences the Dark Light does not seek to be extinguished. Note how he distributes the bills with care that no one witnesses the act, this local gascon expounds. It is true that gendarmes have patrolled through an empty area…to return a moment or two later and find the flyers without a soul to be seen.
Two other questions beg answers: If the nobleman be guiltless, why would the Dark Light bring such insinuations against one who in fact has no innocent blood on his hands? Additionally, even the most blasé citizens of Port-a-Lucine wonder when and how the nobleman will respond to the slurring of his heretofore fine name.
Eager wags wager his riposte may provide some “bloody relief” from the city’s perpetual ennui.
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Fresh claims against the aristocrat litter the city of Port-a-Lucine overnight. In this missive, the so-called "Dark Light" gives a time certain for presenting evidence of the charges he has lodged (which now include many years of the wealthy aristocrat failing to pay taxes on his decadent riches).
It seems the proof is to be forthcoming at the premiere of the Theatre de la Cathedrale's play Defiance--which certainly offers the social set an additional reason to attend.
In a city in which reputation is all, one must wonder how long these accusations can go unaddressed. For if others know of this man's crimes and fear only to speak out, then it follows that the Dark Light's impudence may steel their courage.
Tyrants do not long maintain their tyranny if they permit themselves to be ridiculed.
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After thrice-successive nights of new claims, the Dark Light has ceased troubling Port streets with refreshed bills.
Citizens are left to wonder whether his silence is because he has already announced forthcoming proof for the premiere of Defiance--or from a more sinister explanation.
The aristocrat, many conjecture, has discovered the identity of the Dark Light and stilled his quill once and for all.
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In the early hours, a grubby man of Vos origin kicked a blond Falkovnian into the freezing bay waters. He was quickly apprehended by two officers of the gendarme, but released in short order after one of the blue-coats announced the altercation to be a 'waste of time'. The soaked and shivering Falkovnian made for the Manor Retreat, tailed along by the gloomy Vos.
All in all, the incident likely afforded some morning entertainment to the loitering gentry.
Was it an unfinished bar-fight, a long-running feud between two barbaric individuals, or something else?
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The city has been littered with advertisements for the weekend premiere of Defiance.
Among the stock playbills, however, are discovered some whose text contains a puzzling and perhaps even sinister message:
You will be astounded!
Do not miss Defiance, performed an evening hence at the Theatre de la Cathedrale.
First, the fabulous world premiere of the late Zoe Delaroux's masterpiece will entertain you.
Then a surprise ciseleur: a true tale of aristocratic carnality forced on a member of our own city guard and penned by the undiscovered talent of a powerful nobleman.
Prepare to be thrilled, terrified...and enraged!
These unusual playbills are unsigned, but their mawkish design is not at all similar to the professional work done by the theatre itself.
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[Yesterday, the Zherisian governess and tutor Edith Farthingale was seen on the arm of Jacques Bertrand, the Comte de Cantigny, bearing the signet of the Bertrand family on her ring finger. Together, they entered the Governor's Hotel, emerging soon afterwards with a young fair-haired boy in tow. The three clambered into a carriage bound for Chateauxfaux.
Later that night, the same woman returned to the city, carrying a small body underneath a cloak in her arms; she looked grief-stricken.]
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Wild rumors come to Port-a-Lucine with the traders over the next few weeks. A family of plantation owners, burned in their own house. A prominent citizen of Port d'Elhour and uncle of the well-known Sophie de la Croix-Jalabert, murdered in cold blood. A great battle between the walking dead and the living, a castle pulled down and raised up again... All told, not much of it seems credible. But they repeat it all the same. After all, in gossip they find a few hours' pleasant diversion... and isn't that what it was all about, anyway?
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[Word quickly spreads of Baron Renard Valcourt's physical condition gradually worsening -- his daughter, Justine Valcourt, when not in uniform, can be seen moving past others standing on the terraces with armfuls of various bottles and jars containing everything from herbal remedies, to quack "cure-alls", making a beeline for their suite in the Governor's Hotel.]
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Port is all abuzz with talk, about how the stoic criminal went to her death with dignity surprising in such a barbarian. But anon some scandal or other comes along to push it from the minds of those who twitter and gossip, and only a stain on the cobbles before the Palais Dirigeant remains. And the rain comes, and washes the blood down into the cracks and crevasses, down, down, down into the heart of the city. Because the city is always hungry. And the city always hungers for blood.
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[Tragedy has struck. The eccentric Baron Renard Valcourt, a man of seventy-three years in age, slipped into a deep slumber yesterday. He would not wake up from it, instead passing away peacefully in the evening that followed. He is survived by the Gendarme Justine Valcourt, his half-elven daughter who, as of this moment, cannot inherit her father's title and estate, due to the presence of an entail in her family's legally-binding charter of nobility. Rumor has it that the Palais Dirigeant is in the process of reviewing the Valcourt family's charter now -- only time will tell whether or not the Baron's storied legacy and that of the Valcourt family dies with him, or continues with this woman of curious and most unusual heritage.
Justine can often be seen moving quickly around Port-a-Lucine, busying herself with funerary arrangements regarding her late father -- her face, more often than not, wracked with recent sobbing.]
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[Word quickly spreads of the cancellation of Justine's event for charity. Even stranger, the half-elven daughter to the late Baron Valcourt, once a fixture on the terraces of Port-a-Lucine's Quartier Publique, is nowhere to be found. Where she may have gone remains a mystery and the subject of much gossip...]
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Within the quartier publique, written in a fine, smooth hand but upon crude, rough parchment, tacked upon a wall and a tree, some notices can be seen with the following.
'Seeking missing sister.'
I am seeking my sister, Mercedes Lamoureaux. I have sought her for six long years, and at last my resources and my health have failed me.
She is tall, blonde haired and blue eyed, an amazing songstress and a beautiful, gentle young woman who took all the best of me when she
vanished from home.
I have nothing to offer, no coin nor reward, for finding her. I have searched all over these lands and other countries and found nothing. Such
is my fate that this, and this place, is all that is left to me. I have been misled and cheated, fooled and manipulated by those who took
payment in the past but gave nothing. I can give nothing more but I would do it all again if I had to.
All I can ask is to see her again before my life comes to an end. I am ill, with no means to afford treatment, and shall not endure the winter.
As it stands, I would gladly take a lie to what her fate would be, so long as it is a beautiful one. All I have left is to beg for that small mercy,
at least.
Sincerely, and with what little hope left to me remains, Mercutio Lamoureaux.
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[Word spreads quickly among the aristocracy of a pair of magicians on the terraces. Upon asking them to perform a trick, one obliged.. and sent a gout of lightning coarsing through a noblewoman's body, killing her, much to the shock and horror of by-standers. Shortly after this 'trick', the magician fled while the other magician present saw herself arrested, and brought to the Gendarmerie. With the city still reeling from the actions of Lieutenant Mariska Lerch, of the Red Vardo Traders, slight apprehension has developed among the gentry regarding the arcane and its practitioners, where there wasn't before. How this will affect attendance of Marcelline Comtois' show in Club L'Artiste is anyone's guess...]
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[Word spreads quickly of Myrcella Artois' exile from Dementlieu, following her trial. According to witnesses, Xavier Gauthier, the husband of the slain, decided to take matters into his own hands, following the reading of Justice Olympe de Valyse's judgment, his desire for blood needing to be sated. The aristocracy, at least in Port-a-Lucine, appears be in a furor -- already harsh gossip is being spread about the "merciful magistrate", and about "rogue magicians running amok". What might follow in the coming days is anyone's guess..]
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The lady Diane Passeleau was seen on the terraces today, arguing with and then physically assaulting an outlander gentleman in a green suit. Mercedes Lamoureux, who was speaking with the man before Lady Passeleus approach, defended him from the womans verbal tirade before Lady Passeleau stepped forward and struck the man, identified by some as the roguish Nathaniel Kelter, across the face. She then commanded him to never speak to her again. The man was unharmed and is reportedly not pressing charges. Lady Lamoureaux and Monsieur Kelter then left to pursue a dining experience.
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[Word spreads that a handful of individuals within the Gendarmerie have taken to patrolling the streets of Port-a-Lucine out-of-uniform. They assume their duties as they normally would, but not whilst wearing the blue-and-white the Gendarmerie are known for.]
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[Word spreads that Diane Passeleau has left Port-a-Lucine and returned to her family's Estate in Azure Bay, unable to defend herself from the scathing attacks in the 'Les Damnés ' pamphlets. Perhaps now she will be taught how to be a proper lady at home. It would seem that the author of these pamphlets has won their war against Diane.]
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[The so-called 'fashion rebellion' coming from some gendarmes has been brought to a halt; everyone seems to be wearing the uniform, once more. Whether shamed into adhering to the Gendarmerie's dress code by the latest gossip rag being distributed around Port-a-Lucine or demanded of them by the Captains, few can say -- only those in the Gendarmerie would likely know for sure.
Xavier Gauthier is released from the Gendarmerie, having only to pay a fine for "reckless endangerment" and "assault" -- a small group of nobles starting a petition to see him pardoned by the Lady-Governor are elated by the news, no longer gathering signatures -- the man has come something of a celebrity overnight, since his release. While Marcelline Comtois' magic show in Club L'Artiste passed by without incident, word spreads of pressure being put on the Council of Brilliance to do something about "rogue magicians", so that the actions of individuals such as Myrcella Artois and the late Mariska Lerch are not repeated...]
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[Rumors spread out from the Palais Dirigeant -- Edith Bertrand has chosen to relinquish her title as the Comtesse-Dowager de Cantigny; though continues to bear wear her husband's surname, she has chosen to abandon the lands and influence bestowed upon her by noble status, and instead live out a simpler life. Many members of the gentry speak their approval regarding her decision, being mostly ambivalent about the Zherisian governess' sudden and meteoric rise to power, anyway...]
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[Rumor spreads of a new white wine being featured at the soirée in the penthouse this evening, new courtesy of Delaroux Vineyards, the first wine to be unveiled following Sieur and Dame Cal'Raheal's take-over of the winery, following the pretender Voclain's fall-from-grace. Famed wine critic Damien Larousse has said he will be making a point of being in attendance to try the new wine.]
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[Rumours spread of a pitiful sight in the Quartier Publique; the pregnant former-Countess Edith Bertrand was led to the gendarmerie by Capitaine Edmond Montte and two of his fellows. The woman did not look at anyone as she passed through.]
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[Excitement fills the air -- quite a bit of activity will be taking place, in and around the Palais Dirigeant, at the weeks' end. First, the highly-anticipated trial of Edith Betrand (https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/taxday?iso=20170210T17&p0=746&msg=Trial+of+Edith+Bertrand&font=cursive) for a slew of grievous offenses, including but not limited to the murder of Jacques Bertrand, Comte de Cantigny, her late husband. Justice Olympe de Valyse will be presiding over the trial, and with Madame Bertrand with child, many aristocrats wonder aloud to themselves whether or not the Justice will spare yet ANOTHER murderer, if she is even convicted.
Yet excitement surrounds what is to follow -- the Lady-Governor Helene DuSuis and her most esteemed Council of Brilliance intend to hold court openly (https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/election?iso=20170211T17&p0=746&msg=Palais+Dirigeant+--+Open+Court&font=cursive) the day after, allowing those who are deemed worthy of their presence to air grievances, express concerns, or suggest legislation -- apparently, a delegation from Richemulot shall be in attendance, though what they intend to ask of the Lady-Governor is anyone's guess. A small group of Lamordian businessmen, innovators, and entrepreneurs, led by fishing tycoon and moneylender Gerhard Reichenbach, have also arrived in Port-a-Lucine -- it is said they will also be present for this, responding to Councilor Wymmer Drukker's invitation.]
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[Tensions mount around the Quartier Publique, with gossip becoming more feverish as Edith Bertrand's trial approaches, in less than an hour's time (https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/taxday?iso=20170210T17&p0=746&msg=Trial+of+Edith+Bertrand&font=cursive).]
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[Port-a-Lucine is abuzz with talk. In a stunning turn of events, Charlie Bertrand (who it was revealed had brought the lesser charges against the pregnant Zherisian governess, Edith Bertrand) seemed to have a genuine change of heart during the lengthy court proceedings. She began to speak in defence of Edith, against Jacques Bertrand, the late Comte de Cantigny, labelling the nobleman as a monster and a man who hurt many women. Jean-Paul Rumare also joined in the defence, until at last, after four hours of deliberation, Edith Bertrand was acquitted of all charges. At the close of the proceedings, the Councillor Dominic D'Honaire gave his well-wishes to the defendant and invited her to a meal with him, that they might further discuss the system which allowed Jacques Bertrand to get away with his villainy until his undoing, and perhaps make changes.]
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[The response of the open court held yesterday, as well as the edict pronounced this evening, remains mixed.
Harsh accusations were raised by the Richemuloise delegation against the Vicomte de Roissy, Juste Marceaux -- Bernart Pasquier and Felise Amelotte, the ambassadors sent by Richemulot, claimed that Juste Marceaux had engaged in patricide, and were wishing to see him extradited, brought back to Pont-a-Museau to stand trial for his crimes alongside his accomplices, his wife Magda and sister Céleste. While the Lady-Governor wasted little time in denying the Richemuloise delegation's request, the Vicomte de Roissy's reputation in the City of Lights has sunk to an all-time low. Few have reason to doubt the Grande Dame's representatives, and believe it's only a matter of time before the man's treachery is made manifest here in Dementlieu.
The gentry in Port-a-Lucine let out a sigh of relief, in response to the legislation that has been passed. With these new laws, these new policies, it seems that dangerous and reckless magicians like Mariska Lerch and Myrcella Artois will no longer claim innocent lives with their carelessness. However, the law is not without critics -- the University of Dementlieu, with its strong focus on the "arcane sciences", is displeased, both with these new laws and with the re-allocation of monies for each department by Councilor Wymmer Drukker. Some street magicians, barely able to make a living as is with their performances, have already spoken out, concerning the exorbitant fee needed for a license. Lastly, there are even a few aristocrats who, despite recent evidence offered to the contrary, continue to view magic as but 'smoke and mirrors', and see the new laws as an exercise in frivolity.
It is also said that the distinguished Simone d’Évreux, Duchesse de Beauvais, Comtesse de Angoulême, Marquise de Calmont, travelled all the way from Chateaunoir to speak to the Lady-Governor and her Council of Brilliance -- Her Grace spoke of her 'concern' regarding the Company of the Fox, and its continued presence outside the wals of Port-a-Lucine.]
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The lifeless, ravaged body of a young woman was left on the steps toward the Cathedrale in the early hours of the morning, along with a blood-covered note.
What happens to those that defy Ira.
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It was said that a moving pillar of fire, out of the blue, showed up in the town's docks. A running man in burning clothes quickly emerged from the said district and discarded his shirt, speaking swear words out loud.
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[Many members of the gentry on the streets of Port-á-Lucine talk of the Vicomte de Clermont, Gaston de Seyrès, and the numerous positive things he has had to say about the Company of the Fox, as of late. Despite spending most of his time hunting deer or quail in the forests near his sumptuous manor, he has taken the occasional trip to the capital in order to speak with both petty nobles and more influential political figures about the free company. The Vicomte de Clermont has even gone so far as to say, "with the Company of the Fox around to keep the peace and maintain order in Port-á-Lucine, who even needs the Gendarmerie?"]
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[A familiar caliban is arrested on the terraces and taken to the Gendarmerie without incident. The arresting officer stated at the time she was disturbing the peace.]
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[The gentry of Port-a-Lucine can breathe easy, as a menace has been removed from their midst -- Sieglinde Lisseaux, the hideous caliban that has been allowed to roam the streets almost unmolested, has been cast out of Dementlieu entirely after utilizing foul magicks upon the Gendarmerie, while in their custody. It is said that some of the caliban who belonged to the Company of the Fox decided to commit mutiny as a result of her sentence. While the gentry are quick to give praise for the Vicomte de Roissy for doing something about his wayward soldier, a few openly state that they are afraid -- could it be that the Vicomte de Roissy is losing control of his men?
These recent developments concerning the much-maligned caliban, however, are quickly eclipsed by news concerning a horrific bloodbath that took place inside Maison de la Vue, Councilor Dominic D'Honaire's stately manor positioned along Sable Bay. A deranged elf by the name of Dante Farblake cut through a multitude of men sworn to serve the Councilor and his family, before finally being slain -- the Councilor himself was, thankfully, unharmed. This tragic event has led to the cancellation of a ball planned, leaving many who were already thinking about what dress they should wear for it profoundly disappointed.
A few noblemen and noblewomen are quick to point out that Dante Farblake was once sworn to serve House Marceaux...]
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The lady Charlotte de la Chaize is seen coming and going from the Palais Dirigeant in the coming days.
The most striking detail of this new venture seems to be the blue government jacket she wears.
The rumors state she's taken some sort of position there, and resigned her long-standing post as an archivist within the grand library.
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[Talk quickly spreads of another meeting (https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/basketball?iso=20170422T19&p0=746&msg=2nd+Open+Court+Date+--+Palais+Dirigeant&font=cursive) of the Council of Brilliance and Lady-Governor, on the second story of the Palais Dirigeant. It is said that Lord Balfour de Casteelle, his wife, and a former member of the Council of Brilliance under Lord-Governor Marcel Guignol, Claude LaGrange, will be among those in attendance, as well as the Duchesse de Beauvais and her chosen representatives, and the Vicomte de Clermont -- word spreads that others have made plans to try and gain entry into the council chambers, as well.]
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[Word spreads that the Lady-Governor and the Council of Brilliance will convene soon, and in roughly an hour's time, they will start allowing certain choice individuals entry into their chambers...]
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[Word spreads throughout Port-a-Lucine of the upcoming auction of the two-masted vessel, by House Passeleau. Gossip spreads that the event is likely to be a grand affair, which will attract many that may wish to add such a fine ship to their names... Rumor states that the ship, the Harridan, will anchor offshore of Port-a-Lucine soon, and that preparations will be underway to host the event on the very decks of the vessel itself, which will likely be a colorful affair.]
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Eldritch screams and shouts erupted from the top floor of the Governer's Hôtel during the night. Only threads of rumors can be gathered together regarding the incident: a burglar impersonating a member of the gendarme, a security guard by the name of Paul beaten dead, a son of the Laurier family badly wounded, two hysterical women, and something-or-other about malfunctioning plumbing.
Guest Suite III has had a guard posted out front since the ruckus.
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In the dead of the night, a dark-clad figure swept through the city cloaked in a veil of illusion magic. Some would have heard the ripple of cloth, or felt the cold gust of air as he or she passed by.
Left in this individual's wake are a series of notices in prominent locations, taking the form of a warning. Evidently, they were written in a hurry, the ink blotted in several places.
CITOYENS BEWARE
THERE ARE A TROUPE OF ACTORS IN OUR FAIR REPUBLIQUE WHO IMPERSONATE FRIENDS, FAMILY AND GOVERNMENT SERVANTS IN ORDER TO COMMIT PETTY ROBBERY.
THESE CRETINS ARE SKILLED WITH IMITATION AND DISGUISE! THEY USE PARLOR TRICKS TO CHANGE THEIR APPEARANCE LONG ENOUGH TO DUPE YOU!
FEAR NOT, YOU CAN TELL THEM APART BY THEIR STRANGE AND WEIRD BEHAVIOUR, AND THEIR LACK OF INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE!
BE VIGILANT, COUNTRYMEN!
The ramblings of a madman, more likely than not.
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[Word spreads that the Vicomte de Clermont, Gaston de Seyres, is dead, having been blown to pieces by explosives -- banners hung in the woods nearby declare 'JENOUT', leaving many to believe that the Vicomte's demise, and the freeing of many dangerous creatures within his menagerie, to have been the work of revolutionaries.]
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[Word quickly spreads of Abernathy Gearling's newest creation, a massive colossus made from iron. Though appearing to be but a simple automaton by the look of things, it nonetheless seemed to be carrying around crates full of firearms with considerable ease, drawing awe and amazement from onlookers. A few, however, seem to think his new creation a hoax, believing that it is simply someone directing things from inside a massive metal suit.]
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[A horrific tragedy has occurred in the village of Beauvieres, close to the nearby town of Chateaufaux, one that has the tongues of socialites in Port-á-Lucine waggling. Baron Étienne Laurier, his wife Genièvre, and first-born and second-born sons Henri and René, have perished. Spoiled meat and a bottle of the infamous poisoned vintage wine, Andras Brimbubbly '27, were found in their kitchens, leaving many to believe that these four were undone by the actions of a negligent cook. The man has been arrested by gendarmes based out of Chateaufaux, for his apparent role in their untimely deaths.
As a result of this bizarre (and some would say all-too-convenient) happenstance, Mathieu, the third-born son of the late Baron Laurier, is now the one bearing his father's title, and the owner of his father's estate. This notorious philanderer, with his clear ties to a shady, foreign mercantile organization, is now a peer of the realm. Quite a few men and woman belonging to the gentry cannot help but comment about his astounding, dizzying luck..]
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[The Council of Brilliance has announced that Tuesday, the 18th, they will call to order the new session of their deliberations and, as precedent has commanded for generations beyond measure, any noble postulant will be able to lay petitions and matters of urgency before them on the Open Days, the first three days of the session. This year's sessions are bound to be tense, as rumor holds that a group of great lords of the north and east will be presenting grievances relating to the recent and lamented Revolution. Those who keep their eyes open for any shifting terrain in the variegated battleground that is Dementlieuse politics say they have witnessed the banners of Mortain, Josquin, Azerac, and Miseaux, and above all else the crimson banner of the Maitriser, greatest lord of the east. Sieur Gaston Maurice, hero of the battle of Pressegarde, and Sieur Jean-Michel Bedard, a veteran field commander of the Gendarmerie cavalry, have both been seen coming and going from the Hotel, where these nobles have taken up lodging. The city seems to be on edge, suddenly--who can say what is about to happen?]
//8PM EST
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[For reasons unknown, the Vicomte de Roissy and another member of the Gendarmerie entered the Theatre de la Cathedrale, in uniform -- there was no event scheduled, causing many a tongue in the Quartier Publique to wag, and many a blue-blood to speculate..]
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[Word spreads of a perfidious attempt made on the Vicomte de Roissy's life, made under cover of all-consuming, deep, and inpenetrable darkness. The Gendarmerie were on high alert as a result, with them and numerous others, most notably the Red Vardo Traders and Lieutenant Jerome de la Salle of the Company of the Fox scouring the city for the one responsible. Conflicting reports are heard -- some say that the killer is still at large, while others say that they were slain, their life forfeit and justice served. Whatever happened to the would-be killer, it is beyond certain that there will be ripples from this that will only grow in size, as more information becomes available.]
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[The meeting of the Lady-Governor and her Council of Brilliance started with the knighting of Lieutenant Jerome de la Salle and Lieutenant Remi Rousseau -- both are now the stewards and guardians of the land they bled for, and almost died trying to protect, les Chevaliers de Seimerie.
Following that was the repeal of a decree made earlier in the year that saw sanctions placed against the isle of Ghastria -- men and women have already begun to make the voyage to the Marquis' dominion out in the middle of the Sea of Sorrows, with crates full of flavorful food. Much of the food brought to Ghastria will be taxed and transported to the Marquis' larders, but some of the sailors know full well that it is one quick and surefire way to make coin.
The next item on the Council of Brilliance's agenda involved the issuance of letters-patent to Sieur Elias Cal'Raheal, which would see nobility conferred onto him, something that the Duchesse de Beauvais wished for. However, when a bald-headed member of the Consortium was called upon to speak on his employer's behalf, he declared that he "could not, in good conscience, defend his noble character". The matter was immediately put to rest.
At the end of the Council meeting, a band of nobles representing the great and notable of the eastern flank of the Republique pushed their way into the Council chamber and issued an ultimatum demanding new elections for Lady-Governor and the abolition of universal suffrage. Refused, they stormed from the city, and shortly thereafter the Gendarmes and the Company of the Fox were both seen to begin preparations for... something. Men and women bustle to and fro in the city, carrying munitions, rations, timber, and all the accoutrements of Dementlieuse conflict. A new phrase is on the lips of all those who whisper and chatter in the street, a phrase they dread, one that they has not been spoken in hundreds of years: civil war.]
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[A stir in Port-a-Lucine--the gossip flies from mouth to mouth--with the prospect of war looming and the city shoring up its defenses, its society divided within into those who sympathize with the Covenant's goals and those who oppose them--into this chaos there comes a new, and startling, rumor--Oskar de Larose is alive--the Baron de Larose is alive--the master of the Company of the Fox long thought dead lives.]
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[An unnerving evening prickles at the minds of those that dwelt within the Quartier Publique as they tried to lay weary heads upon their pillows in respite. A cacophony of sounds permeated the night as the waning moon drained upon the horizon. The preternatural sliding of mist over the cobblestones of the Publique, the billowing gusts of wind sliding the rolling fog along the various crevices of the stone-inlaid plaza. The mist reached wispy tendrils along the ankles of the various individuals within the Quartier Publique as it passed, sinuously snaking along the lengths of their pantaloons and stockings.
The dense mass of incorporeal fog eventually descended into the darkness, east of the City of Light's ramparts.
Several moments later, ghastly howls pierced the serenity of the starless night, a wolves' beckoning to the receding moonlight that silenced the pervasive buzzing of insects. The sound, enough to elicit the rising of gooseflesh upon the skin of those who heard it was quickly drowned out as silence returned with the moon extinguished upon the horizon.]
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[The 'war council' was convened on the second floor of the Palais Dirigeant -- numerous officers of the Gendarmerie from far-flung corners of the country all gathered in the capital to discuss how best to deal with the Covenant, and the threat they collectively pose to the rest of the republic. Despite the secrecy of the entire affair, word gets leaked, and then begins to spread like wildfire, that Sieur Remi Rousseau, Lieutenant in the Company of the Fox, accused Inquisitor Jacques Martel (present and acting in Bastion Joan Secousse's stead) and Baron Mathieu Laurier, of being traitors to the country, of aiding and abetting its enemies, the rebellious nobles in the eastern part of the country. It doesn't appear as though charges have been pressed, but it is all the gentry seem to be capable of talking about, other than each others' choice of attire.]
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[colourful flyers begin to adorn Quarter Publique, albeit somewhat erratically]
(http://i.imgur.com/LrFTRkP.jpg?1)
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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[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.]
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[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.]
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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.
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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....
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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.
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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...
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[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.]
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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.
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These papers are hung outside the grand library of Port-a-Lucine.
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
🏥 🏥 🏥
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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?
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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...
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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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[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...]
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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.
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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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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.
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And again, as the posters get torn apart, it doesn't take more than half a day to see them renewed with new creative slogans
(https://i.postimg.cc/zvZk9h1C/Propaganda4.png)
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[The absence of Maitresse Verinne van Haute from her usual loitering spot on the terraces is sharply felt. Likewise any who come to speak with her in the Théâtre de la Cathédrale are informed by House Jalabert’s sentries that she is not in. Where could she be? What has happened to her?]
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[The Maîtresse, it seems, has returned, though more often than not, some one wearing the livery of House Jalabert is following her, even as she spends her time idling or carrying on conversations in the terraces. She nevertheless seems to carry a smile, the haggard and weary expression she often wears punctuated by eyes full of determination.]
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A woman in red was seen walking along the docks just before dusk, she was not seen to return for some time. When she did return to make her way to the cathedral she seemed to have some dificulty walking in a straight line.
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In an orderly march, and stationed throughout the Quartiers Publique and Savant, Gendarmes under the command of the Hawk, Sergeant Joachim von Schrötter, begin to double their watches. A few fresh faces seem to have joined the ranks of the Gendarmerie Nationale, and a declaration mobilizing the National Militia has been issued. At all hours, the Falkovnian is seen remaining vigilant on his patrols, and now wears a breastplate over his uniform, glistening in sunshine and the night-lights of the City. Long since the Fourth of July, the Gendarmerie Nationale has remained relatively dormant and complacent, drills of musketry and bayonet work held every week to a number of conscripts. Now, the drills have ceased, and like a hive of bees, the National Militia has been mobilized from the comfort of it's home and into the streets and the outskirts of the City of Lights.
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Word spreads of a ship, Le Montcalm, that crashed through the wharves of the Quartier Marchand, and into the Widow's Walk at sunset. Much damage seemed to have been dealt to the docks, and shortly after a detachment of gendarmes secured the scene of the landed vessel, a grievous attack evidently took place at the Theatre de Cathedral in the Quartier Publique. More gendarmes rushed to the scene as the sounds of fighting could be heard inside, and many reported the sight of brief flames licking at the windows of the Theatre as smoke issued from the building.
As the fire died down and more Gendarmes and House Jalabert guards both arrived and departed from the Theatre, rumor began to spread, at first from the mouths of the Gendarmes, and then others, that the pair of attacks was the responsibility of Falkovnian allied agents, committing acts of sabotage and operating on the behest of the Former Council of Brilliance that was deposed by the Covenant at the end of the recent civil war...
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A supposed historian by the name of Vince Székely has been seen asking around for those familiar with the Dementlieuse Civil War for a history book he is allegedly writing on behalf of the Society of the Erudites. He has made it clear he wishes for interviews with those regardless of the side they had fought and that he aspired to write a fact-based account of the conflict with a particular interest in those with military involvement in the past. He has shared publicly he is available to meet any interested and that he is staying at the Broken Spire in the Marchand.
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[The din of construction coming from within the Théâtre de la Cathédrale, coupled by the infrequent sight of furniture gutted by fire or moldy being moved out and pristine, expensive furniture being moved in, has finally abated, gradually becoming replaced with the sounds of impassioned dramatic monologues and instruments being practiced upon, as some members of the troupe start to partake in intense, almost daily rehearsals and those curious wander in to visit. Whenever not preoccupied with matters involving House Jalabert's preeminent playhouse, its self-styled "impresaria", Maîtresse Verinne van Haute, can generally be found on the terraces just outside the building she manages, being ever the socialite, though she is conspicuously absent in the evenings whenever the moon is full.]
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Protests at the Palais Dirigeant
An immense crowd gathered at the currently neglected Palais Dirigeant in the Publique Quartier of Port-a-Lucine. It was clear they were agitated over the conditions of workers and commoners in the City of Lights. Among their number included miners, sailors, and people of all walks of life from across the lower classes of society. Many throw rotten fruit and vegetables at the small line of gendarmes at the Palais entrance as a gendarme officer tried to urge for calm expression of discontent. A few youths also began to throw rocks. As more gendarmes rushed to the scene to contain the violence a rock struck the gendarme officer at the Palace, knocking him down and causing the gendarmes to respond in kind. Sergeant Schrotter began to attempt to defuse the situation and found himself opposite arguing with a union leader called Jacques Varteur. As the people shouted their grievances, many of them about lack of food or money and the loss of universal suffrage, a brief fire broke out inside of the palace gendarme barracks. As the word 'Fire' was shouted gunshots were heard as two gendarmes and four protesters were felled. The mass of people began to panic and flee, pushing past the gendarmes who avoided being trampled as the crowd returned to the Quartier Marchand. Despite fearing the worst, both gendarmes survived and the worst injury is from an armed assailant whose gun exploded and maimed her hand. One man was arrested on the scene. The wounded commoners were taken to local hospices and the gendarmes cleared the area. However, tensions remain high.
Rumor has it the leaders of various unions have gathered in the Quartier Ouvrier to sign a formal petition of redress of grievances directed to the Provisional Government.
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The common face of Joachim von Schrötter, off-duty in a personal suit wrought of dark maroon and khaki was seen in the Quartier Publique in the early hours of the 7th of Février. The sight of a mangled corpse was presented to the Falkovnian by a woman wearing the costume of a cat's mask and paws, which he proceeded to take charge of and walk upwards, and towards the ramparts leading to the Cathedral of Ste. Mere-des-Larmes. Minutes later, from the adjacent district of the Quartier Savant, the shrill siren of a Gendarme's Signal Whistle was heard in the night, and sounds of a scuffle and clanging blades. The Falkovnian never emerged from the upper ramparts to return to the Quartier Publique, nor has he been seen on duty since.
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[After the premiere of "The Tale of the Comtesse", Maîtresse Verinne van Haute was reportedly seen leaving the Théâtre de la Cathédrale with one of the actors, a giomorgo named Razvan Kardos. It is only later that the Maîtresse returns to the City of Lights alone, worn and appearing distraught at times, a curious necklace of oxidized silver always partly visible around her neck.]
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[The Masquerade Ball taking place in the Ballroom of the Governor's Hotel was interrupted briefly late into the night of the 20th of Avril. A Gendarme's signal whistle was sounded several times, and an off-duty female Gendarme with raven hair could be seen escorting a man and a woman wearing kilts and tribal decor away from the festivities, towards the Quartier Savant bound in shackles.]
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During the early morning hours, in the Quartier Publique, a man is seen becoming chased from the Marchand, followed by a gang of unsavory characters and calibans wielding weapons. As the entourage of criminals chased they man, they shortly broke off, seen killing a few noble civilians, and a pair of Gendarmes. Two bystanders, one in a commoner's garb, and the other clad in all black attire quickly dispatched the group assailing the civilians.
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A rather large commotion was had in the Quartier Publique in the earliest hours of the 10th of May. Two individuals, a man and a woman, donning antiquated plate armor were accosted by numerous members of the Gentry, before a young, Raven-haired Gendarme moved to follow. The incident escalated into a full-on shootout at the Western Gates of Port-a-Lucine, an extended gunfight occurring at the gates in which over twenty or thirty shots were exchanged between Gendarmes at the City's borders and the now vagabonds and outlaws. Word returns that several Gendarmes died in the crossfire, exaggerated tales of morbid magic and flying axes afoot.
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In the backlash felt by some after a recent loss of the city's own philanthropist and thespian, Maitress Van Haute, a large fired haired man has been seen in less than his typical relaxed demeanor staring long and hard at the Ste. Mere de Lames with what onlookers describe to be visible contempt and righteous indignation. Though last seen armored, it is said that he left the Theatre de la Cathedrale in a company of grievers to the Governor's hotel, and resigned himself to the care and fight for another young woman's life. Countless well wishers have been seen coming and going, traveling from all reaches of the Core, and leaving with teary eyed faces and stoic trepidation. Although he has not been seen leaving the building since, some might find him perhaps in the window facing the great and old Cathedrale, staring out towards it as if staring in. Judgement has clearly been passed...
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[Rumors spread through Port-a-Lucine like wildfire; the Gendarme Agnes Gauthier, the controversial hero of the Covenant War, has been arrested and placed in solitary confinement for the murder of Verinne van Haute; her trial date is yet to be posted, but both those who remember her kindness to soldiers of both sides during the late war and those who consider her a traitor to the Republique and murderer eagerly wait to see what promises to be a spectacle similar to those staged by the late Maitresse.]
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In the middle hours of the day, outside the Governors Hotel, Ronan Howle the Proprietor and Editor of the popular newspaper Compagnon d'Érudits was struck in an attempted assassination. Having been on his way to the Gendarmerie to answer summons, according to witnesses he stopped for a cigarette, and was brutally cut down beneath a cloak of shadow.
A shocking and violent act towards a scholar of little consequence, perhaps beyond his last edition of Compagnon d'Érudits
Shortly thereafter a cadre of Gendarme were seen pursuing the wounded Arcanist into the Hotel.
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In the early morning, a cadre of Gendarme led by Alix Martineau, assited by the notable half-vistani Razvan exited the Governors Hotel, escorting the recently struck arcanist Ronan Howle, clearly grievously harmed now missing his arm, with a heavy limp and bruised flesh.
He was shackled by a single cuff and led rather quick smart through the city towards the Gendarmerie.
He has not been seen leaving.
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Word spreads through the City of Lights that more defendants have been arrested in connection with the trial of the infamous Agnes Gauthier, other Ezrites believed to have been culpable for the death of the Maitresse. The government seems determined to make the trial as visible as possible, and rumor has it that even the Ezrite hierarchy intends to testify against the co-defendants, with Toret Pineau seen coming and going from the Palais Dirigeant.
A formal notice outside the main door of the Palais announces the date of their trial to be Monday at 6:00 PM. //EST
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A blonde clean-shaven young Ezrite in a green and black suit with green cloak is seen routinely in the Quartier Savant and Publique. Rumor has it that he is attempting to meet with the imprisoned Ezrites.
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Rumor spreads like wildfire through the City of Light, speaking of a trial rich in scandal and human probability, in which the presiding magistrate blamed no less a person than the head of the Provisional Government, Michelle de Froissart, for the death of Verinne van Haute. Although the night is peaceful, for the most part, rumors suggest that a man matching the description of court judge Gaston de la Vigne was seen dragged unconscious or worse from his home in the middle of the night, and that he has not been seen again since. The House guards on duty are doubled and paranoid aristocrats fret in their parlors.
For all of them have heard the words of the convicted Agnes Gauthier: Order must be restored; the Council must return; all that which was so long fought over in the endless carnage of the Civil War must be protected, even if it means yielding to those who seem to be the only ones who can keep their hands firmly on the tiller of state. Nobles of the Covenant and nobles of the Council alike dread what is to come.
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[Without warning during the waning hours of June the 10th, a sudden skirmish broke out at the Western Gates of Port-a-Lucine. One female Gendarme of raven-hair, sporting a rapier and pistol was seen engaging some sort of gangley, hunch-backed Caliban or other creature on her own, beating a fighting retreat to the other Gendarmes for reinforcements. A signal of the Gendarme's Whistle, and several more Gendarmes were roused from their post in what was a brilliant, if brief battle. All of the Gendarmes on shift were found dead, slain in their boots and the unconscious or worse raven-haired Gendarme was drug away from the City of Lights by her leg...
Some say, the Gendarmes refused to enter the City Walls for fear of the creature coming within and harming innocent civilians, others say the battle ended so abruptly they couldn't have fled to safety even if they wanted to. The only physical evidence remaining is what appeared to be some perceived final stand by the statue of Pauline Jenout, the bodies of the Gendarmes recovered by their comrades some hours later.]
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A familiar golden clad elf is seen directing a large amount of golden furniture and other golden relics being moved out of the theatre.
Afterwards she is seen leaving into the mists near the shore.
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A miserable looking Director Pratt was seen trudging into the theatre for a change of clothes, his current black suit covered in pumpkin guts anc smeared cake.
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Bloody writing smeared on the door of the Theater de la Cathedrale has stirred quite a crowd during what should have been the rehearsal of the latest performance. Several of the actors and staff were seen disturbed, moving from the eastern outskirts to the theater and then to the Gendarmerie. All the city for now can view the dismal warning: "Wages of sin are death."
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A few hours after the discovery of the blood letters, the tall red haired man returns to the theater and speaks at length with a lithe dark clad man before parting ways. the blood is then swiftly removed, cleaned with a bucket of water and a bristle brush that leaves only the faintest streak of washed out red liquid smeared in the place it was placed.
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Rumor begins spreading through those who frequent the quartier of a lone woman performing during the winter nights. While all other performances have stopped she alone seems to bring smiles and entertainment to many
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A group of women and men wearing Wayfarer Kinship amulets were seen unexpectedly in the Quartier Publique and then traveling into the Savant.
Their leader, recognizable as Zephyr Kontos, bore a sizeable package under his arm. Although the half a dozen or so Wayfarers made quite a stir as they talked among themselves, one or two clanking in gauche armor, still, the sound of an occasional yip could be heard coming from somewhere within the hurly-burly.
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A gnome in a well made suit is seen leaving Le Croissant Bleu. She obviously is holding back tears as she makes her way out of town
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A man walks the street clad in black armor carrying a giant, red and white shield with a dragon. He is seen approaching shops and people asking one simple question.
"Where can I find the man named Jean Renaud?"
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A number of figures wearing the black-and-white livery of House d'Orsine have been seen repeatedly speaking to staff of the Governor's Hotel and La Croissant Bleau. Rumor has it that a wedding is to be held this coming Friday, between the houses Travere and Orsine in the hotel Ballroom.
//Event is 10pm EST and open to the public.
Countdown Clock Provided (https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20190906T22&p0=830&msg=Wedding+Time%21&font=cursive)
For Your Convenience.//
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The muffled sounds of applause, a gunshot, incantations, music, cries and cheers can be heard from within Club L'Artiste until late into the night during the evening of Vinter and Engels' performance at the establishment.
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Again music, chanting, laughter, applause and wails animates Club l'Artiste long into the night. Vinter & Engels' "Mysteries of the Amber Wastes" performance concludes with an open stage.
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A scene unfolded late into the evening of the 14th of January, 775. A woman with shock-white hair, scantily clad bearing her thighs and provocative clothing was approached by a retinue of Gendarmes lead by a female officer of raven hair, her rank denoted by the chevrons of a Sargent and a red sash tied about her waist. Some deliberation took place, some speaking of an argument, others of fines and orders issued by the Gendarmes before they attempted place the woman under arrest. A foot chase broke out moments after, commands were issued by Gendarmes however the pursuit ultimately ended in the discharge of several flintlock pistols into the suspect and her subsequent subduing at the Place de Léon located in-front of the Palais Dirigeant, due for the Western Outskirts. Triage was performed on-site by Gendarmes following the shooting and she was marched in a procession to the Gendarmerie located in the Quartier Savant whilst in shackles.
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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...
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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)
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As the rain unrelentingly pelted and saturated the cobblestones, the cracks in-between held the last remnants of a pale crimson which drained from the terraces of the Quartier Publique and the docks of the Quartier Marchand. Social circles are noisily abuzz, gossiping and speculating on the reports of somber news of a macabre assault upon the sailors and Gendarmes in the Widow's Walk and the savage destruction of the entryway of the Grand Theatre de la Cathedrale.
Rumors swirl of lumbering assailants trudging up from the depths of the sea itself and slaughtering everything in their path. The blathering of the gossiping would be easily dismissed, if it weren't for the remnants of viscera which clung between the cobblestones and the battered door and rubble at the base of the Theater, serving as volatile fuel to the burning speculations. Perhaps the adamant claims of an observed procession of carted off, lifeless bodies, some clad in the colors of House Jalabert's personal guard, in the wake of this possible tragedy hold merit?
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In the afternoon, a large gathering of people of all classes took place on the terraces of the Quartier Publique. After some time, an ominous call of "arm yourselves" reigned down, a man's voice. A small amount of panic fell, until the first snow ball landed squarely on a Warden of Ezra and noble man, Jacinth de la Rochenoire's head. For the next several hours until the day grew dark, the terraces were lively, nobles and commoners alike, adults all of them, throwing snow balls at one another. Laughter and screams ensued, until one roguish man known as Jean Renaud declared an end to it, taking out a vast majority of the instigators with an inspiring martial display.
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In the final hours of the 1st of Avril, a young female Gendarme Officer of raven hair and a crimson sash about her waist took to stopping and questioning a young blonde woman wearing a white coat. The two spoke infront of the Theatre de la Cathedrale and accounts conflict on the exact escalation of events, but it appeared to be some form of arrest or questioning before the young foreigner in the white coat suddenly bolted from the Gendarme with a flash of magic. Twenty feet later and a single report from the Gendarme's service pistol, the woman fell to the cobblestones. Rudimentary triage was performed on-site before she was taken back to the Gendarmerie in the Quartier Savant, escorted by a Nobleman in a green coat, his pistol drawn, and the young Dementlieuse Gendarme Officer.
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Rumors circulate in the upper echelons of Dementlieuse society that an envoy from Blackburn's Crossing of Mordent has been seen making their way to Port-à-Lucine, bearing the colors of the defunct House Valcourt... (https://www.nwnravenloft.com/forum/index.php?topic=45781.msg557163#msg557163)
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Alexandre Vaillant, the youngest son of the seigneur de Bourdonnet, is seen jogging (almost) every morning. An unusual sight for those who know him since he typically enjoys sleeping late and avoiding physical activity.
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A Dementlieuse peasant woman in a poorly kept cloak came dashing through the quarter in the late hours of the night while a party on the beach was being hosted. Headed for the Marchand Quarter, tears in her eyes, she stopped for no one, even rudely pushing past people if necessary while her actions themselves went unexplained.
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A new round of jests sweeps the City of Light, as a new joke emerges: what sort of strange creature or foreigner won't House de la Rochenoire hire as a retainer? The rumors begin as mild japes, but anyone attuned to the whispers of the city realize that the apparently indiscriminate taste of the House's representatives is offending deeply-held sensibilities about who is fit to wear a House uniform and be treated with respect. Such offense, in turn, might yet lead to alienation or worse, open hostility.
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Several copies of a strange religious discourse are found secreted in various places of the Great Library of Port-a-Lucine. The author is unknown.
Encyclical: On the Nature of the Mists
The First Part
Beloved,
Within each soul is the desire to approach and know the truth, to understand the world so as to reckon one’s place in it. Such enlightenment as to the meaning and purpose of all creation we call wisdom.
All of us possess senses and reason to guide us on our path of enlightenment. We are able to understand the basic order of life and existence through observation of such fundamental phenomena as cause and effect. To observe carefully tells us how, but only wisdom tells us why.
Those who spend their entire lives within the land of Mists—be it Dementlieu, Mordent, Barovia, Darkon, or elsewhere—are like unto a man who is always intoxicated with strong drink. They do not know what it is to be sober and see the universe as it is, no more than a fish knows how to breathe air and to see clearly except through the obscurity of water. Alone to themselves, they cannot aspire to walk straight or perceive what it is like to not have the voice of a demon always whispering hopelessness, fear, and despair into their ears. Those snatched by the Mists and imprisoned here, however, know the falsity of this place. That beyond the confines of these realms exist lands of light, hope, and happiness.
For Natives, life is like unto a captive child born into a jail and never knowing the freedom of the innocent.
Hence, the religions of the Core are limited in their perspectives and unable to teach us the eternal and unbounded truth from their confined vantage points.
The First Book of Ezra introduces Ezra, for example, as a woman, and the Mists called out to her according to this account as “Mortal.” The Mists then said, “You must become as one with the Mists. Never again shall You leave them.” From this sententious declaration we must assume that the Mists are greater than Ezra in power and authority.
Moreover, as Ezra was born a mortal woman, she knew nothing of the time before her, just as countless lands of which she does not know outside the Mists prosper without her intercession.
Note also that according to this account the Mists said to Ezra, “You know nothing of the Mists. You have reached the end of Your world. Continue and You shall find only Your destruction, nothing more.”
Was Ezra destroyed? If not, then the Mists lied—and Ezra was deceived!— for the Voice proclaimed nothing but destruction awaited her.
Why, then, should the Voice be believed when it bargained with her that she would be one with the Mists and watch over mortals? Why should we not assume Ezra was likewise deceived in the bargain she made? The Mists, in fact, told her she knew nothing of their “Grand Scheme.”
What can Outlanders say, in turn, of their captors? With a certainty and as the Mists treated with Ezra, they are not honest, nor are they transparent. They have taken Outlanders against their will and failed to explain their motives in doing so. If their actions were to serve a good purpose, would Outlanders not be better able to serve this purpose knowing its nature?
Do the Mists work to our good or to our harm—Outlanders and Natives alike? At best they are indifferent to us as our senses provide no evidence that they work to our good. When the Mists appear, it is always an ill omen. To go into the Mists is to expect to lose one’s way and to encounter only beings that mean our destruction.
When those of the Mists contemplate our actions—that feeling many of us have experienced of someone observing us and sitting in judgment—no one can report that they were ever aided or rewarded for doing good deeds. Indeed, those who lurk beyond the Mists studying us like captive animals have only ever interceded when those they observed were performing evil acts of darkness. They have ever bestowed “rewards” (curses) on the monstrous that ensured greater acts of depravity.
In each of the many realms, who rules in turn over the people? Wise and benevolent stewards who treat their subjects with kindness and encourage mutual love and respect among those they govern? Or warmongers, undead monsters, and diabolical wizards that create entire cities of undeath? Ought we in reason doubt that this state of affairs is with the acquiescence of the Mists? Nay, we must conclude the Mists will it so.
To those who have known nothing but hundreds of years of despots on every throne, this, then, is the natural order of things. But beyond the Mists are judicious and strong men and women who their people are loyal and faithful to and who govern from authority and consent rather than fear, torture, and hatred. Those who have come from beyond the Mists bear witness to such truths.
When every temporal leader is an unrelenting example of the worst kind, then our reason leads us to conclude those empowering them must be of a similar nature. Simple logical deduction from the evidence of our senses causes us then to accept that we are trapped in the grip of a force most likely malevolent but clearly not benevolent.
Do not despair, Beloved. Know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free. In the second part of this encyclical, we will explore how we can respond to the truth of our imprisoned existence…and give hope to all our captive brothers and sisters.
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Responses have been left tucked into those found copies of Encylical: On the Nature of Mists.
Dear Author,
Your work cites careful observation, but you clearly have not bothered to do more than the cursory amount of research required to produce a facade of scholarly work. The predominate faith of Dementlieu is Ezrite, yes, but we follow Her Third Revelation, not Her First. The Third teaches the truth that Ezra was an Outlander goddess in origin, not a mortal.
Moreover, the duplicity of the Mists of Death sans Ezra's intervention is uncontested in any of the Four Sects of Her Faith. The mentioned lack of 'light, hope, and happiness' in the Hollow is foundational to all of Ezra's Revelations, and is internally consistent with church teaching.
By your own reasoning, you are incapable of seeing past your own biases as you have never experienced Ezra's grace. The rest of your arguments are similarly built upon shoddy understanding of Our Guardian's doctrine.
You are invited to attend Fifth Day so your limited understanding can be broadened through reasoned discussion rather than anonymous diatribe.
Warden Jacinth de la Rochenoire
Her Third Revelation
Sainte Mere des Larmes Cathedral
//Placed in game.
(http://i.imgur.com/34UwDPl.png) (https://imgur.com/34UwDPl)
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A new round of jests sweeps the City of Light, as a new joke emerges: what sort of strange creature or foreigner won't House de la Rochenoire hire as a retainer? The rumors begin as mild japes, but anyone attuned to the whispers of the city realize that the apparently indiscriminate taste of the House's representatives is offending deeply-held sensibilities about who is fit to wear a House uniform and be treated with respect. Such offense, in turn, might yet lead to alienation or worse, open hostility.
There are lately far fewer retainers dressed in the turquoise of House de la Rochenoire. Whether it has something to do with the youngest daughter of Baron de Charbonne having married into House Vaillant and bringing several retainers with her or that retainers have been completely removed from service is a matter of speculation.
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A dark haired commoner was seen being flagged down by a gendarme only for argument to follow suit. She was quickly placed under arrest after giving her name, Juliette Germain, causing quite the scene with no charges given. The woman was soon led to the Gendarmerie shortly after.
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Word begins to spread through the City of Light that Antoine Vaillant, the Baron de Duchbourg, has passed away. Although a few whisper about scandalous circumstances surrounding his death, nothing concrete has come to light. The Baron is not much mourned; his dissolute lifestyle and generosity made him popular at times, but his expenditure was considered quite vulgar by Dementlieuse taste, and he often had to borrow money from his friends he never repaid. His brother, Gregoire Vaillant, has taken his place as heir apparent to the duc de Bourdonney and the holder of the courtesy title of Baron de Duchbourg.
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Music, zaps, shouting, laughter and applause can all be heard from the Governor Hotel's penthouse as Vinter and Engels' Lamordian science show takes place. The duo take a skeptical lens to their own acts, dissecting each after performing them. In a surprise turn, Raymonde de la Rochenoire-Tremblay is challenged to present her rumored "gift" of communion with the dead. Though her act elicited reaction from the magicians, it was ultimately debunked. The noblewoman admitted the "gift" was an act intended to entertain and amuse, a part of her creative life as an actress.
Superficially, at least, the show is another evening of entertainment lost to the stream of artistic expression in the City of Lights.
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Fits of manic laughter can be heard echoing from the penthouse suite of the Governor Hotel interspersed with the sound of objects breaking.
It is some time before the more eccentric occupant of the suite is again quiet.
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Long into the night of the 4th of June the sorrow-wracked grieving of the occupant of Guest Suite One can be overheard on the same floor. It continues until sometime after midnight, where silence is found for but a few hours before the sounds of a grief-stricken young woman bleed from the room anew, coming and going throughout the night well into the morning, and even the afternoon of the 5th of June...
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A Gendarme is seen exiting the Western Gates alongside a red-and-black-clad noblewoman and a Le Jeune Compagny soldier. Later, the same Gendarme re-entered the city, alone, and dripping blood. A trail is left from the Baie to the Gendarmerie, where he was last seen limping about...
(https://i.imgur.com/t2Xk8wA.png)
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By the memorial for Raymonde de la Rochenoire-Tremblay a tall masked woman in winter themed clothes places an unopened Tremblay Family Fizzy Elixir and then a painting on an easel. The woman's demeanor is morose as she silently looks at the two before walking off in to the lower income areas of the city of lights.
(https://i.gyazo.com/e74e59b514dc0415ce0838917b9ca2e0.png)
Memories
This oil painting uses bright colors and delicate brush strokes. There is no question who this painting depicts; This is a painting of Raymonde de la Rochenoire-Tremblay. She wears her usual green and cream suit that she had often wore before her marriage. The Souragnien woman has a playful smile as she plays her accordion.
Behind her a well lit ballroom where various nobles dance though who they may be it is hard to tell based on the perspective.
On the bottom left corner there is a masquerade mask with odd grooves on the sides sits on the floor. The name Madame Silver is signed under it.
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A rather skittish looking man wearing Bellegarde clothes was seen conversing with a blonde, rather academic man. The Bellegarde man looked left and right as if paranoid of the shadows. He clutched a parcel to his chest with one hand and wiped the sweat from his brow with the other. The man mumbled madly about something before the pair disappeared into the backrooms of Le Croissant Bleu.
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The quiet of the night was broken as a fight erupted on the terraces. Gendarmes quickly halted the altercation and led a large number of people through the streets towards The Gendarmerie itself.
Rumors soon begin to circulate that the altercation might have an attempt on the life of a halfling by a foreign criminal element.
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In the morning the usually friendly demeanored Madame Abigayle Smith entered in to the Theatre with it's manager under a more stoic mood. After a while she returns from her meeting with more somber mood heading in to the lower income districts and disappearing in to the day.
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The sharp screech of a gendarme's whistle was heard piercing the air of the Publique last night. A fully plated man wielding a hammer and tower shield was driven from to the Western Gate by a procession of gendarmes. Clashing steel rang out into the night, and the gendarmes returned to the City of Lights with the body of the fallen fighter.
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In the dark early hours of the morning the resounding sound of footsteps echo in the streets as soldiers of the Jeune Companie prepare their march. Candles light the path through the city, a carpet of beautiful flowers of all colours and types laid by commoner and noble women alike. They take to the streets to see off the troops and the quiet morning is broken with roaring applause, cheering and the occasional patriotic cry.
Rain clouds converge over the city as the last soldier donned in red and white departs and the cleanup begins.
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Word spreads through the city of Port-a-Lucine as it awakens today. In a shocking reversal, the Council of Brilliance re-entered the city by sea, landing in a small ship under the gunfire of Claude, the Pirate Queen. The Provisional Government, under orders, it is rumored, to avoid bloodshed at all costs, fled the city before them, and their whereabouts are unknown. And from the East a column of red-armored soldiers marches back towards the city--this time, on an errand of peace.
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A single man is spotted trudging silently westward through the Quartier Publique, covered in blood. His gaze remains fixed forward on an unknown destination. In his arms cradled is a bird of prey, alive but too worn to fly.
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A dark-haired elf is seen frequenting the bibliotheque, often spending entire days inside of the lavish library. Helping out, working as an archivist, whenever he does not have the free time to read at his own leisure.
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Narcisse de Verley could be seen walking through the streets of Port-a-Lucine with the intention of making his way to the Gendarmerie to answer his summons. (https://www.nwnravenloft.com/forum/index.php?topic=40227.msg658105#msg658105) Half-way there, he was joined by Baron de Mouisset from the terraces.
It would perhaps be noted by some that his wife, Renelle de Verley, was not at his side.
He is not seen leaving the Gendarmerie building.
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After nearly two days, Renelle de Verley is seen making the same walk as her husband. She stopped briefly on the terraces to speak with the solicitor, Senna Merula, before giving herself over to Gendarme de la Rochenoire.
She has not been seen to leave the Gendarmerie since.
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A new face is seen on the terraces of the Publique, donning the colours of house de la Rochenoire. He stands with an open journal, resting it against the stone railing, repeatedly mumbling basic Mordentish words and phrases to himself.
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Sounds of gunfire and steel clashing with steel can be heard throughout the Publique in the early hours of the morning. When silence once again filled the streets, a Gendarme clad in breastplate can be seen carrying a corpse and leading a shackled, dark clothed man towards the Gendarmerie, joined by three individuals bearing the heraldry of the newly founded house d'Espérance.
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A man familiar to some can be seen walking along the water, uncorked bottle of spirits in hand. He is visibly agitated, but makes no move to approach anyone while his poison of choice works to calm his nerves.
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[double post]
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A Vistani caravan laden with incongruous armored folk arrives in the night. As the group disembarks, they quickly change clothes, murmuring with disgruntlement in foreign accents and tongues before making their way into the City of Lights. For a long time they stand and converse on the terraces, as though waiting for someone. Their appearance is tired and perhaps anxious.
During their conversation, one voice blurts out with emotion, "Can we refrain from speaking about it, please?"
For a moment all is awkward silence save for the never-ending hawking of the wax museum by Belker.
Eventually, a gendarme arrives, and the group disappears with him.
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This evening, the booming sound of an operatic duet spills from the foyer of the Grand Opéra Nationale: one voice is spinto soprano, and the other, dramatic soprano.
Pregnant pauses between verses suggest that it is a practice session.
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Mademoiselle Manishie Chanteuse has been frequenting La Grand Bibliothèque, along with the university and various book-shops around the city, with two goals in mind. She spends time tracking down new books for Salon Duet's little library, mostly historical tomes and political commentary. Additionally, she has been spending much of her free time studiously researching uses of illusion in music.
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The giamarga songstress from the Theater's troupe has been performing a few songs on the street as many performers in Port-a-Lucine do, singing and playing her harp or lute and often braving the cold when other performers retire from it.
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The noblewoman Eglantine Desrosiers has made very few public appearances as of late and when she has been seen, she seems to favour the walking stick more heavily. Her time is mostly spent at the University at the Faculty of Arcane Sciences, burying herself in her studies.
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An odd sight of a man wearing all black wandering the University is seen spending his time from dusk to dawn at the Medical segment of the university. Rumor abound of the man's attention and study is feverous. Those of Vallaki studying would recognize him as "The Doctor" when approached the man merely gave a courteous smile and wave. Though mostly kept to himself the androgynous face never seeming to show much emotion anymore. Various books upon Chigure, Herbalism, Surgery, and Alchemical History seem to be checked out from the library time to time the man also known as the Archivist Dracos in the Bibliotique can be seen with such books at his side at all times.
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Rumors surface that the scandelous personage of Lilith Farthingdale, last seen being questioned by the Gendarme, has once again been since in Lucine, patronising Emmanulle the tailor and holding hushed whispered meetings with a number of regulars in that beautiful city of lights.
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As one waxes another wanes: the singer Manishie Chanteuse has retreated rather suddenly from society in the last week from an apparent illness, following a recent trip out of the city from which she returned weakened and withdrawn. It appears that she has departed from the Theater in a gentle manner, and can occasionally still be seen about the city quietly working on The Gallery and her research projects.
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Residents of the Governor's Hotel, if present in their rooms might have heard someone muttering to himself in a rather bitter tone as he ascended the building, the pauses between his mutters might suggest it was a conversation, but only one side could be heard.
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On a related note, Madamoiselle Farthingdale returned to the hotel, tear stricken and half out of it, mumbling something about 'getting drunk', before vanishing into her room accomapanied by an elf with many horns. This is the second time that day she has been spotted around the city fresh from sobbing. Scandelous.
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After the announcement of the Artois Vineyard's tasting event, the youngest Artois, often accompanied by her dutiful custodian, hustles around the city to make preparations. From flower maids to carpenters, to artisans in their glass-shops, the Artois girl saw to every detail of the event with loving attention. In the wake of the craftsmen she speaks to follows a rumor that the event will also host a private tasting of Le Sang de Leon 758, the Artois family's signature reserve with a price tag and pedigree that made it only to the hands of the elite.
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[Word spreads of how a host of mostly women, many of them sporting the tell-tale hawk-shaped brand worn by Falkovnians, made their way in grime-covered clothing and broken fetters to the Gendarmerie, accompanied by an officer. Many socialites in the City of Lights wonder as to who they are, how they might have escaped Dementlieu's horrifying neighbor, and whether or not they mean good or ill.]
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The same group is seen being led from the Gendarmerie to the Governor's Hotel, with Caporal de la Rochenoire at their head. He escorts them inside.
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[A number of the aristocrats that gather out on the terraces can be overheard wagging their tongues and speaking on the subject of the Baron de Sebastian's murder at the hands of the dangerous firebrand and revolutionary anarchist Felix Touré; they speak positively on the efforts being made by the Gendarmerie to work with Le Jeune Compaigne in seeing the lawless Quartier Ouvrier pacified and hope that this villain can soon be brought to justice.]
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[On the 5th of December, a well-dressed Gundarakite man, accompanied by a man in a foreign mercenary uniform arrived at the Publique. They both claimed to represent the so-called 'Black Army of Gundarak' raised funds at the V&D Reclamations Auction held in the Théâtre de la Cathédrale. Both men solicited donations from the wealthy Dementlieuse people in order to support their supposed just cause of liberating Gundarak from Barovian and Invidian occupation. The men made a show of demonstrating that the self-proclaimed Regent was a man of Ezrite Faith and that his previously small Black Company had militarily supported the Council of Brilliance both against the Covenant rebellion and the recent Falkovnian invasion.
Their words were summarized, "We fought for your liberty, so fight for ours; by funding our noble cause!"
Ultimately, few paid them much attention other than being a fleeting curiosity. However, according to some they acquired a few interested donors to humor them. Their presence thereafter seems relegated to the occasional poster here or there that most simply ignore as a scam or an unimportant cause in some despotic backwater.]
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Murmurings roll through Savant and Publique of a splendid Artois party planned for the first weekend of the new year. Invitation only, mutter the rumors. A guest list boasting the dignitaries from Vladantialian among other well to do aristocrats, the invitations seem to have been purposefully delivered to the society's elite and their entourages. Nobility are enticed with the promise of grandstanding displays celebrating their accomplishments of the year, thinly veiled in the party's theme of patriotic reflection through revelry.
The rumors follow in the wake of the Artois girl as she orchestrates the considerable undertaking.
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A well dressed Richemuloise prosperite has been seen entering and touring the Musee du Port-a-Lucine. The woman takes her time examining each piece carefully as if readying to give tours. After finishing rounds in the Musee proper she retreats to the basement, it seems a new Assistant Curator has been found
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The day of the rumored Artois gala (https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20210102T16&p0=165&msg=End+of+the+Year&font=cursive) has come, and the Artois girl is seen busily buzzing from business to business getting the finishing touches in order. The small hours of the morning are lulled with the quiet chorus of work as decorations and accommodations are set. Only the elite have been promised invitations, but rumor has it anyone could get in if they fell in with an aristocrat's party.
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While many in Port-au-Lucine speak with delight of the Artois event others wonder about the curious scene created by the Artois girl, Claire. It is said that when the Phoenix Company delegation went to express it's regrets at the absence of their Director the Dame d'Estellier they were greeted with an outburst stating this was the last in a long string of insults that the Artois girl had endured at the hands of the Dame d'Estellier. The delegation seemed both puzzled and amused and left shortly after looking embarrassed for their host. Several in the crowd wondered in hushed tones how much the Artois girl had been drinking that night while others were delighted by her boldness.
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Early in the morning hours of the 5th of Janvier, 776 B.C., a procession of soldiery wearing black cloaks and wine-red sashes is seen moving out from the City of Lights, due East, along the Avenue du Progres, escorting a sizeable labor brigade of common men and women, architects, and otherwise notable skilled artisans from the City of Lights. Among their number, the oddest sight may have been a Dwarf seen wearing a wine-red justaucorps -- the usual corporate attire of Martineau Maritime Acquisitions & Shipping Concern -- who is rumoured to be a stonemason or an architect, with the armored soldiers appearing to group at least four to him at all times. Where are they due? Most speculate Estellier, as the emblazoned symbol of a stallion upon a shield-crest denotes them of La Compagnie du Phénix's "Estellier Garde."
The procession of soldiers numbered somewhere between fifty and one-hundred, and the labor brigade half the size of that. Horses laden with food and supplies joined them, yet even more of the soldiers of fortune are housed in the city yet still, out-of-uniform, and seen training in the Baie de Sable at off-hours under the direction of the Compagnie's Garde de Commandement. One thing becomes clear to the casual observer; Their ranks are growing in size at a rapid pace, and recruitment has yet to cease.
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Pamphlets appear in a few places: Le torchon lugubre 1
https://www.nwnravenloft.com/forum/index.php?topic=56960.msg673896#msg673896
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[Much talk among the socialites in the City of Lights seems centered around the auction that took place a few days ago, hosted by the Dame d'Estellier, but with most of the focus on how it ended. It is said that Maîtresse Francette Vaillant elected to dance with the brutish and uncouth Falkovnian 'ambassador' Hermann von Wittendorf at the evening's conclusion; even more egregious a transgression, the Dame d'Estellier took a bid of a hundred thousand falconheads from the man for some manner of belt offering magical protection to its wearer. Tongues wag about whether or not the Falkovnian embassy has some manner of leverage on both these individuals...]
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[The great game of jeu force that is played in salons and smoke-filled rooms all throughout Dementlieu has changed; the table the game-board rests upon has been tilted and certain pieces have advanced to the end of the board.. and yet have they become something other than pawns?
The half-brother of Juste Marceaux, a man named Severin, pressed a claim for Roissy, and was successful despite the clamor made by other titled nobles present; already men and women of the gentry have developed a special sobriquet for the man: "the Bastard of Roissy". Maîtresse Francette Vaillant was likewise issued letters patent and has thus been named the new Baronesse of Fincelles; this was done over reservations raised by peers who were concerned about her stated focus on the plight of the poor; at the expensive of her own, some would say.
A lot of talk centered around who was there, but there was also some talk about who was not there; The Dame d'Estellier, recognized by many for her ambition, was not present and no discussion about the issuance of letters patent for her took place. Biding her time, perhaps?
The evening concluded with Joséphine d'Évreux ascending to serve as the new Duchesse de Beauvais, Comtesse de Angoulême, and Marquise de Calmont. Overnight, the woman has gone from but a woman of gentle breeding to one of the most powerful figures in Dementlieu. Curiously enough, the Comte de Nievre was seen leaving the Palais Dirigeant after all was said and done with tears in his eyes and a look of despondence on his features. Those who inquire as to why he looks so glum only get tittering and amused expressions in response.
Other matters of import took place as well, with men representing the nascent Republic of Gundarak pushing not just for recognition but a place in the Treaty of Four Towers. There was talk of the impending food crisis and of the need to ensure all mouths are fed. A new captain for the day watch was finally chosen, though few know anything about her, save that she comes from Chateaunoir and survived the butchery carried out by the Company of the Fox years before. Beyond that, the Council of Brilliance's chief clerk is honored for his service to the republic, being named "maître".]
(https://en.chessbase.com/thumb/90813_l200)
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Inexplicably during the course of the day and night, Club L'Artiste shutters up - closed.
The doors are secured tight and no one is allowed entry. The hub of legerdemain and acts of illusion and stage trickery grows eerily silent. Those that pass make note of it with idle curiosity, but nothing more. There is no mention of why it was closed, nor how long it will remain so. For now, it is just a silent backdrop in the otherwise vibrant City of Lights.
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The gossip stirs about the publique that the Courteney sisters are in town, the last two of three surviving members of the ill fated Courteney family, and heir to the title of Vicomte d'Orleon.
Rumors spread of some sort of welcoming ball due to be held soon and the fact they are in need of hiring new retainers for their stay.
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Scant two days after their arriva Elise Courteney challenges the newly titled Baroness de Rosacier to a duel. While Elise asked to appoint a champion in her stead, the Baronesse insisted on a duel on her terms - Rapiers, no magic, till third blood.
The duel was fought shortly thereafter in the open air theater, and Elise Courteney emerged victorious, three strikes to one.
How the fair people of Lucine take the actions of Houses Rosacier and Courteney remains to be seen...
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The youngest of the Artois is seen busy about the Capital, seeing to the final preparations of the newest social club in Savant heralded as the Elysium. Rumor has it, outside of scheduled events, the club is open to guests when a candle is lit in front one of the trees on the terraces.
In addition to the budding new entertainment lounge, the youngest Artois sports an expensive engagement band set with a blue-diamond. News of her engagement to the Vicomte de Roissy comes with the implications of a wedding to be held in the beginning of February.
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After a short discussion, and a perhaps overloud accusation of strong-arming, Aldous Hargreaves was taken into custody by the Sargent Anatole de la Rochenoire and escorted to the Gendarmerie.
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On the 3rd of February, carriages bearing the lavender hues of House Artois were seen buzzing around outside the gates of Port-à-Lucine, welcoming a slew of guests. They were bound Westward, to the Viscounty of Roissy, where the Vicomte himself married Mademoiselle Claire Artois - Now Vicomtesse. The festivities took place in the town square, complete with dancing and fireworks, and word quickly spread of the Vicomte's declaration of a mass pardon which freed dozens if not hundreds of Dementlieuse citizens from debt bondage, as well as the subsequent invitation for them to settle down in Roissy.
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[Word spreads like wildfire that a trial is soon to be held for Mlle. Elise Courteney and Mlle. Esme Courteney, daughters to the Vicomte d'Orleon, on the 16th of Fevrier, in the late afternoon. It promises to be the trial of the century (https://a.chronus.eu/19A562C), and the nobility cannot help but gossip about the two's presumed guilt or innocence.]
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[Word spreads that men wearing black and gold, with the image of a gryphon emblazoned upon their pauldrons, were seen escorting carts overburdened with crates of wheat and barley that they said were stolen from the grain stores of the Falkovnian military in a daring raid north of their holdings; in the words of Vladantilan diplomat Nira Volkaar, it was offered to Dementlieu and its people "as a showing of solidarity of friendship among allies". Various members of the Gendarmerie gathered up the crates and saw them brought to Government Food Providers in the Quartier Ouvrier, who will see to the grain's fair distribution.]
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In the mornings and evenings, Arsène can often be found near the shorelines outside of the city running laps along the coast in attire appropriate for the activity.
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In the early evening, the Ambassador of Falkovnia, Hermann von Wittendorf, was seen walking down on the terraces to a group of Dementlieuse and foreigners. He quickly and loudly started to brag about the Falkovnia victory over the rebel state of Vladantilan. While meet with an initial cold greeting, spirits quickly rose after an altercation between the Ambassador and a member of the gentry. A challenge was issued by the young Aubry, and the crowd moved over to the outdoor theater after it being accepted. The bout was quick and fierce, and while it was quite close the Falkovnian Ambassador was declared the winner. After reasserting Falkovnia’s dominance over Dementlieu and making sure to humiliate the noble who had challenged him, he was seen walking back to the embassy with a smug look on his face.
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[In the late evening, commotion overtook the Muse du Port-a-Lucine with terrible shrieking over what should have been a night of art and beauty. Blood and gore riddled the descent down into the exhibit. Rumors and speculation are that the victim was the Assistant Curator, with only a handful of her bloodstained belongings found at the scene...]
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[At the Governors hotel, upper floor, outside the Penthouse is left a message, a very clear message. Nailed to the door of the Penthouse and smeared in blood, it is a grizzly, upsetting sight, a tortured Hare, and the words, "YOU KILL MINE, I KILL YOURS" smeared in its blood.]
(https://i.imgur.com/kDyiiCq.png)
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[Activity fills the halls of the Palais Dirigeant as another meeting of the Lady-Governor and her Council of Brilliance is held in its chambers. The country’s peers and their retainers watch and comment as two items are discussed in great detail.
The first issue brought forward concerned issuance of letters patent to Alix Sinclair Martineau, Dame d’Estellier. Touting the reconstruction of Estellier and the building of new roads throughout the country as achievements, she promoted herself and her deeds as noble in character, with Councilor Drukker and Dame Renèe Delven also speaking favorably on her actions. A man purporting to be her father also made an appearance.
Others spoke in favor of the Dame d’Estellier as well, though their voices were eclipsed by those who spoke out against her; vicious polemics came from the Baron de Mouisset and his brother, with others joining in not long after. Of particular note was the Vicomtesse de Roissy’s own condemnation of the Dame d’Estellier’s past conduct, sharply delivered in rhyme and meter.
In spite of this, the matter is put to a vote and the decision to issue the Dame d’Estellier letters patent is made by a narrow margin. House de Phélypeaux is born and Estellier is made into a barony, generating a fair amount of talk among the gentry in the process. Some remark that the decision was clearly made in a smoke-filled room and not in the floor of the chambers, with prominent voices of the nobility with reasonable concerns about her past conduct being ignored. Others quip that the newly ennobled fought and secured Silbervas for its people; her detractors only succeeded in losing it. It is clear that tongues will be wagging about this for years.
The Council, however, moved on to Councilor Wymmer Drukker’s proposal to earmark public funds being given to the University of Dementlieu, with the expressed intention of cutting spending on “frivolity”. Lord Balfour de Casteelle, president of the University, was outspokenly against this; joining him was the Duchesse of Beauvais, the daughter to the Baron de Granthe, and others. The nascent Baronesse d’Estellier suggested requiring a license for arcanists, to be renewed monthly and approved by high-ranking University officials. While Drukker’s proposal failed, the Baronesse d’Estellier’s own may be revisited at another time.
At the end was an announcement; an election would be held to fill the seat left empty by erstwhile Councilor of Culture Ricardo Diosa upon his resignation following the Blood Opera Massacre. Those who wish to announce their candidacy are expected to publicly post a manifesto laying out their politics and where they stand on various issues persistent and current. Any can run for the seat, yet only the nobility are counted among the electorate.]
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Blood covers the hallway of the Governors Hotel outside the Penthouse, whatever sudden violence that happened here was severe, quick and brutal.
All that remains, amid the bloody puddles, is a singular Token of Despair.
(https://i.imgur.com/TzNNLNK.png)
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[At the Governors hotel, upper floor, outside the Penthouse is left a message, a very clear message. Nailed to the door of the Penthouse and smeared in blood, it is a grizzly, upsetting sight, a tortured Hare, and the words, "YOU KILL MINE, I KILL YOURS" smeared in its blood.]
(https://i.imgur.com/kDyiiCq.png)
[The rabbit was taken down from the door. Blood was cleaned off it (the door) and whatever damage was done to the door was repaired by Faermund]
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Away from the bright lights and bustle of the terraces, in the shadow of the crumbling cathedral, strange patterns appear on the walls. Intricate spiral patterns forming odd hypnotic shapes are lit by candles. At times, a shadowy figure is seen dancing in and out of sight amongst them.
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In the same shadow of the cathedral a woman walks up several hours later seeming quite sullen and walking slowly, She pulls out a chalk of her own and writes in small neat script next to the spirals the following "Sorry I overslept.... This weekend for sure..."
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Away from the bright lights and bustle of the terraces, in the shadow of the crumbling cathedral, the candles return. This time, with an easel and canvases. Strange paintings are created by the shadowy figure, who often appears to pause, flicker and dance as she works.
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A woman dressed in red and black exits the grand library alone, wandering around dazed for a moment, she retches briefly in a corner before striding off in the direction of the bay...
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After several weeks of absence, Arsène has taken to performing in the streets once more. The young ledgermain utilizes magic tricks, stories, and songs to entertain his audience. Individuals familiar with l'Hôpital's acts note a presence of new magic tricks alongside some of his more tried and tested techniques. Most notably, though, is a song he plays at some point during each performance, one composed for the sole purpose of commemorating the Baroness of Fincelle's accomplishments while urging others to support her campaign.
The Scarlet Rose of Dementlieu
Whose face blesses the terrace?
Whose grin brightens the publique?
Who makes the sky its clearest
whenever she deigns to speak?
Who holds a heart of valour,
a soul undaunted and bright?
Who brings plentiful splendour
to the great city of lights?
La Baronesse de Fincelles!
Not another could come close!
Others could not do so well,
as well as the Scarlet Rose!
For as the summer flower
blooms for everyone to see.
So approaches her hour
for all to see her beauty.
Scarlet Rose, our defender!
A grandmaster of the blade!
Who never once surrenders,
who will always win the day!
When the hawks thought to bring harm
while our home was split and torn,
the scarlet rose took up arms;
drove them back with her sharp thorns!
Maitresse of many talents,
master of brush, song, and stage!
Her works of art are gallant;
her style will never age!
Great patron of charity,
teacher who tutors our youth.
She enlightens the city
and strengthens our culture's roots.
Now that a seat is empty,
the election looming so close,
none could be as deserving,
none like our Scarlet Rose!
Arsène performs every 2-3 days out of the week, either in front of the tree at the terraces or the outdoor theatre by the bay.
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[Horrific and unbelievable news spreads like a bushfire throughout the City of Lights; a group of dangerous assailants held the Lady-Governor and Councilor d'Honaire's niece hostage, holding them prisoner in Councilor d'Honaire's own study before his retainers could break their way in; the kidnappers made their way out the window; many hint at this being some sort of conspiracy or coup. Around the same time, the Baron de Mouisset, his brother Caporal Anatole de la Rochenoire, and the Baronesse de Fincelles are led inside the Gendarmerie.. and they do not step back out.]
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Following the Baroness of Fincelles' summons to the Gendarmarie, Arsène's performances reach another hiatus, and he no longer advocates for de Rosacier's candidature through song.
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[A man by the name of Xavier Perrier, once a Gendarme, loudly shouts of how a woman in the cells of the Gendarmerie was bound, gagged, and stripped to point of indecency; he says his superior, one Caporal Jacques Boucher, is operating the cells of the Gendarmerie in the same way one would expect a gaol in some provincial realm sworn to a despot would be managed. He claims to have done what any red-blooded lover of liberty and the republic would do and quit on the spot.]
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A woman can be seen entering the theater quietly sobbing as she heads behind the curtain.
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A commotion is seen today in the Quartier Publique as rumors spread that the daughter of the Duc de Chantres, Marion Lécuyer, was escorted into the city by her family today after a standoff between the criminal kidnapper Felix Touré and a combined force of Gendarmes and Lécuyer guards. The conflict occurred at the Lighthouse and nearly became bloody until the arrival of Lily-Rose and a group of commoners. They managed to enter safely and secure Marion's release without bloodshed.
Lily-Rose is quickly gaining attention. Despite being of common birth, rumors grow that she heroically killed the criminal Felix Touré and has received the support of the Duc de Chantres. In front of the Governor's hotel, the entire immediate family of House Lécuyer appeared and endorsed Lily-Rose by signing documents that could see her made a candidate for the upcoming Council Elections...
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[The gentry who gossip on the terraces and elsewhere throughout the well-to-do parts of the city make no point of hiding what they think about those whom the Council of Brilliance has bestowed honors, accolades, and titles upon. Their grousing and griping fills the streets and word-of-mouth travels fast.
The nascent Baron of Fincelles has already generated a great deal of controversy over the company he keeps; already he is being labeled by his noble peers as a firebrand and a revolutionary, exactly the sort of person who does not need a noble title or an estate. The fact that his father, the Baron of Duchbourg, is a conservative man valuing tradition above all else, is certainly not lost on anyone; people openly comment on how far the apple has fallen from the tree. There is likewise concern amongst the nobility that House Vaillant is growing too large and influential for its own good... and who is Jean-Guy Vaillant, anyway?
Many bemoan the knighting of Jacques Boucher and his newly-found status as Chavelier d'Avejan. While some speak highly of his work within the Gendarmerie, others point suggestively towards his relationship with the Baronesse d'Estellier, suggesting that he is being used and manipulated by her to exercise control over the Gendarmerie in all but name. For those who remember the Company of the Fox and how they came to dominate and eclipse the Gendarmerie in power and influence, the Company of the Phoenix generates similar anxieties and the Baroness d'Estellier of late gets occasionally referred to as "Justine Marceaux".
The newly knighted Chevalier de Magnoac fares little better, in the court of public opinion. The sewing circles speculate as to what exactly goes on inside L'Occultiste, the club that is owned by the man within Port-a-Lucine. Does he flirt with dangerous, forbidden spells within its walls or is he but a huckster hoping to defraud the masses and delude them, and himself, into thinking his parlor tricks and legerdemain are somehow something more?
Public opinion on the Chavelier de Mouisset is likewise lukewarm, at best. Who is this foreigner from Mordent and what gives him the right to tell Dementlieuse families, some of whom have lived here for generations, what they ought to do with their land? Only a month ago, "Sieur Creighton was seen waiting on the Vaillants, and suddenly he thinks his voice should be measured as being equal to ours?", they argue. In their mind, "L'Observateur ought to stick to reviewing wine".
Last, but certainly not least, is the unorthodox behavior of Maîtresse Michelle Anciaux and her so-called wife. "They openly flout tradition", one noblewoman cries. In their mind, it is the responsibility of nobility to see marriage as a duty, not as the product of love. They scoff and deride their future, remarking that the Anciaux family will more likely as not simply terminate with those two; a dead end, a full stop. It ends as soon as it begins. How is the new custodian of Beauvieres expected to be given a title if there can be no one to inherit it? A few cynically reply that the Duc de Chantres was more than willing to let his sons and daughters be named their heirs...]
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The songstress Manishie Chanteuse returned from abroad some weeks ago, though her reclusiveness seems only to have increased. What time she spends in the city is mostly spent alone or in the Opera building, as she seems to have little interest in the terraces or their social games. Occasionally she might be spotted traveling abroad again or outside the city, as if answering the unfortunate call of her elven blood.
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An unexpected appearance arrive in the terraces of the publique the lost daughter of House Bellerose, Claire de Bellerose, thought to be dead during the revoution, has shown herself, a great day of jubilation for the young rising noble House Bellerose
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In the wake of the Barovian strike on Zeidenburg, a small makeshift memorial has amassed by the baie in the Quartier Publique. So far the shrine is small, boasting only a pair of candles, a cup of coffee, a bottle of rum, a bouquet of flowers, a note, and a prayer scroll.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/826914043800322148/851293532979462154/20210607035611_1.jpg)
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Dionisio Scarlat, Borcan expatriate, librettist, and divo of the Grand Opera National, is seen and heard performing a sonette for the upper crust of Port-a-Lucine on several occasions.
Hélène
Much can be said of fairest form possessed
by she with elegance beyond compare.
Who breathes as grace and beauty coalesced.
Whose mein in nat'rul poise the eyes ensnare.
Yet her resplendent visage does oft' show
second to wit and wisdom's guiding rule.
She has in Leon's own reflected glow
made whole a once most fractured jewel
Her gentle voice like cannon pacifies
crude discontent and beasts of tyranny.
In velvet glove rests blade of compromise.
O! Noblest heart! Foremost of clerisy.
Her virtues counted in tears Ezra cries.
Her brilliance exceeds the stars in night skies.
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Rumor spreads that Grégorie Vaillant suffered a heart attack in his room at the Manor Retreat after visiting the city. It seems that recent events pushed the man to a breaking point such that he fell with his heart stopped. The man was certainly dead for at least a short time before Doctor Laroux utilized an experimental Lamordian device called 'Mordenheim's Lightning Box' to revive him. Stunned onlookers witnessed Grégorie rise again. The Baron de Duchborg is spoken of as the man who was resurrected by lightning...
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Shortly after her husbands heart attack, the allegedly laudanum addicted Viviana Vaillant is seen speaking with her son, Alexandre Vaillant. The discussion seems to go poorly and the woman is seen crying and shouting that Gregoire Vaillant's first wife is a whore and courtesan and that Fleury and Severine are illegitimate. She raves that Alexandre Vaillant is worse than his father and that everything she has worked for in life is in vain before making her way toward the Sea of Sorrows.
Rumor has it that she has filled her pockets with rocks and stepped into the sea.
The Sea of Sorrows lives up to its name, claiming another victim.
If she were mad or not remains to be determined. Regardless, she is not to be seen again, the pressure of being baroness and high society too much for the fragile woman.
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In the early hours of the afteroon a travel worn expedition of over a dozen mismatched individuals scatters into the Terraces of Port-a-Lucine. Headed by a woman in Grey, Black, and Green, calling herself 'Lady Beauregard', these individuals appear to be the Beauregard expedition, a group of travellers come all the way from Barovia to the city of lights. Once arrived and deprived of their common purpose, the group scatters, some to different quarters of the city to find work or homes, the others bound onwards for Lamordia or further afield.
Lady Beauregard arrives shortly after to the Gendarmie, a halfling in tow, intent on seeing one 'Caporal Sautereau' when the woman in question can not be found, the halfling is soon seen departing the city. Lady Beauregard however, remains...
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[A series of hand-written posters can be found on the various noticeboards of Publique and Savant]
(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/851839629555793980/866768032171687960/2796643.png?width=283&height=447)
DANCE LESSONS
Offered to adults and children, couples, bachelors and bachelorettes.
A perfect gift for the beloved or a way to stay in shape!
Inquire about miss Henrietta Voltaire at Jacques Roussin's Tenements, room 3.
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(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/880238416837627964/881742424479772753/unknown.png)
A hastily painted mural painted in the night is found in the Publique.
Broad strokes of bright red ink depict a mangy coyote fleeing an enraged boar. A bejeweled goose struggles in the thief-dog's maw. Quickly applied feathers and pearls splatter the surrounding wall.
Abandoned near by is a set of house paints and a broad-brush that had been repurposed for petty vandalism.
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Some man called Oriel Kurin failed at a simple magic trick by the bank. This happened just after he mentioned how his great début at Club L'Artiste would take place tomorrow. The only option left for him was to flee the scene in shame. Will he crumble under pressure during his big night as well?
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[Yesterday, a rather furious Stella Seifert elected to cancel the show she had planned for that evening before entering a row with those standing on the terraces, chief among them the Baron de Duchbourg. In spite of this, it seems preparations remain underway for a show tonight, with no visible signs that it will meet the same fate…]
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[Word begins to spread of a series of raids performed by the private military contractor known as La Compagnie du Phénix. In just as many days since the first of Septembre, senior command staff with the Compagnie, collectively known as La Garde de Commandement, have been seen congregating and organizing military raids against well-known criminal hideouts. Early into the morning of the third of Septembre, a series of bright flashes of light in rapid succession numbering twenty or more events emanated from a barren stretch of the Baie de Sable, and just as many thunderous sounds followed in their wake. Whispers and gossip suggest the area was cordoned off by top-ranking Compagnie brass under the pretenses of, "The safety and well-being of the Dementlieuse public," with Gendarmerie Nationale Officer Corps oversight in what is being called a routine training exercise and a demonstration of the Compagnie's field siege equipment capabilities.]
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While news of the latest scandal to wrack house Vaillant is initially greeted among both the commons and nobility with scorn for the cuckolded Baron, prominent voices within the nobility are quick to silence such talk among their circles. Instead, they heap sympathy and praise upon the Baron de Duchbourg's dedication to the noble traditions of Léon, and celebrate his prospects for the future.
Further rumors spread that the newly made bastard, Fleury Vaillant, his wife, his half-brother the Baron de Fincelles, and a former compatriot of post-Revolutionary icons Guy Maurice and Felix Touré, ran straight to the penthouse suite of the Baroness d'Estellier, where they remained for several hours.
In the East, the old conspirators of the Solemn Covenant whisper discontent that the supporters of the former Provisional Government are finally receiving their comeuppance on razor-thin pretense. Under scrutiny of the Gendarme occupation at Ameranthe, however, such grumbles are impotent.
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Emeric Desrosiers is seen being followed back from the Publique by Somnia Venenum, after he refused to speak to her on the Terraces. She follows him inside the hotel, wherein his voice can be heard shouting at her to leave him alone. She herself departs the hotel angrily soon after.
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A hooded woman, some whispers calling her a famed stage magician's assistant, is seen leaving the city through the western gates; she does not return in the morning.
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In the night a large painting and statement in Low Mordentish is left prominently on a terrace wall:
The painting features a male figure in a red coat, a sneer on his indistinct features. At his side is a female figure: gagged, bound in chains, eyes downcast. She wears a bridal gown. Both of them have indistinct forms. Over the painting the following words are written:
"Vaillant likes his wives like he likes his workers: shackled and disposable."
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Using a canvas nearby the last, a painter Graffitis the front of the banque with a plum tree with roots extending into a pool of red smeared indistinct faces, all set in an expression of agony.
The words: "Tsuika. Now with real Gundarakite blood!" accompany it.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/607938450154455046/901052615293550622/Tsuika.png)"
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There are screams of shock and gasps of outrage near the bay, as a Barovian man reels back
and hits a smaller, hooded man hard enough to make him spit blood.
The two share words for a few moments more, before parting seemingly amicably.
One heads to the Marchand, the other staying behind.
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The infamously fickle terraces, salons, and parlors of Port-a-Lucine are a cacophony of whispered innuendo and cruel rumor, making claims that many of the city's most prominent up-and-coming nobility have been caught up secret assignations, debauchery, and even conspiracy. The hints and gossip spread like a wildfire set by a hundred arsonists feigning reluctance and pity, and the fanned flames promise to burn more than one house to the foundations. Ambitious men and women of means wait impatiently for the truth to come to light, like vultures poised to pick the charred meat from out of the ashes...
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The infamous solicitor Aldous Hargreaves is once again, lead into the Gendarmerie mid conversation and does not return.
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The allegedly corrupt Gendarme Rouen Chasseur is once again, led into the cells of the Gendarmerie and does not return.
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The former Sargent-Inspecteur, Sieur Jacques Boucher, enters the Gendarmerie of his own volition alongside legal counsel, the Chairwoman of the Workers' Congress. His counsel departs shortly after, but he does not return.
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The infamous Gendarme, Beauregard, unlike everyone else, emerges from the Gendarmerie Barracks, without her omni-present uniform, or lamp. She leaves the barracks and does not return, taking up residence in the manor retreat.
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Once more Charlotte Beauregard is seen doing something strange. Dressed in the latest fashion from Emmanulle Perrier herself, a flowing floor length silk dress, the now ex-Gendarme is seen visiting the Palais itself. Staying for around an hour she emerges, looking somewhat unwell before retreating wordlessly to her new residence in the manor retreat.
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Sobs and wails of grief in a male voice can be hear echoing for a time from Guest Room II of the Hotel; the room held by the late Eglantine Desrosiers.
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Brielle Desrosiers, somber in expression, with bags under her eyes and tear stained cheeks would be seen leaving through the East Gate with her Grandfather, the Marquis de Valey. They moved arm in arm, supporting one another until they boarded a caravan and set off for their estate in Valey.
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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.
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[A courier is said to have arrived with a package from Mordent addressed to Monsieur Cornelius Valcourt in the early morning, much to his excitement. As the day winded down, the young Valcourt gentleman could be seen pacing around the halls of the Manor Retreat on the occasion he was not tirelessly writing letters and discharging them via couriers of his own to many places amongst the city, from the palais to the Quartier Savant and beyond.]
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//Locked for length. New thread. (https://www.nwnravenloft.com/forum/index.php?topic=61330.msg714558#msg714558)