173 Cordor Press Archives
Guldorand Officials Send Thugs to Chancellor Marshall!
Fresh from the Press! Earlier this day Crimson Quill staff were present as Kaadius of House Vasquire, current main body of the Guldorand Government with almost all their members nepotistically placed in high-ranking places within the Cabinet, arrived in the Cordorian square, fully warded, and proceeded to slander and mock Chancellor Marshall, a Magistrate of Cordor, and a member of the Cordorian Guard.
His reason for being here? House Vasquire was instigated violence against the selfless members of the Gauntlet, and when they were found wanting and fell to those they enacted violence upon, they were punished for provocation and some were given the status of Pariah in our fair city.
Kaadius ignored both the Guard and the Magistrate's cool, calm, and collected attempts to reason with him, instead settling for a childish verbal diarrhea of slander, rudeness, and vague threats of violence. After being given a fine and a sentence of Pariah too, the man was escorted from Cordorian premises by our devoted Guards.
Did Kaadius come here of his own volition? Was he sent as a thug by House Vasquire to brow-beat and intimidate our city into releasing a just and fair punishment upon their member? We reached out to Kaadius for a comment, but he instead returned a rude gesture and fled through the portal.
Perhaps we'll soon see another article of his Smiling Dragon posts?
As always, your friend in the Press,
- Gideon Oakley, Editor & Publisher of the Crimson Quill.
Day 9, Month 9 (Eleint), 173 AR
Anonymous
Cordor's New Monthly Gladiatorial League
A fan of Cordor's archipelago-famous Tournament of Champions, but sad it happens only once a year? A fan of blood sport, or simply love to spend some time out in the city? A competitor yourself with the need for more competition? Then this article has good news for you; the Culture Ministry is organising a series of team-oriented fights that are to take place monthly!
Consisting of teams of three, contestants will need a team name and uniform to match so that the audience can root for their favourites. With a monthly prize pool of two-hundred and twenty-five thousand gold, the winner's purse is sure to attract a number of fighters, and an even larger audience!
Any skills, items, and schools of magic permitted by Cordor law are allowed, though one should not have visible wards before the fight begins. These rules offer a lot of room however, and the posted notices even come with a warning for the audience; incidental harm from being too close to the action is taken at the audience's risk. For those too close to the "splash zone", you may be risking your health! If that isn't a tantalising tidbit, I don't know what is.
We?ll be keeping our eye on these events as they progress, and wish the Cultural Ministry our thanks for their tireless work at making Cordor the best and most vibrant city on the archipelago.
As always, your friend in the Press,
- Gideon Oakley, Editor & Publisher of the Crimson Quill.
Day 13, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 173 AR
Anonymous
High-Sheriff of Guldorand Wants Cordorian and Myonians Dead!
Three days ago, High-Sheriff of Guldorand 'Itzal Mayar' issued a signed proclamation that calls for the cold-blooded murder of Myonian Elves
The majority of these names are proud and true servants of Myon, who work tirelessly to protect the city of the Fair Kin and its allies. Nylaathria Willowmoon is a skilled and loyal Knight of Cordor and Darrowdeep, who has worked tirelessly to defend our city against threats both above and below the surface, even proving instrumental in the attack against us by the Song Dragons where she slew Andunor's strongest warriors from atop Castle Darrowdeep's ramparts.
It is well known by many however that these four have been a thorn in Itzal and his House's side for some time, now. The growing volcano of his many failures to solve his issues fairly and diplomatically seem to have reached a peak now, and the explosion of anger and cold thirst for blood has signed for the death of our selfless protectors, and those of our allied cities. Myon and Cordor are supposed to be allies with Guldorand, so why are they signing for the murder of our citizens?
How long will this proclamation last? How long will the Northern city tolerate and enable their tin-pot dictator and his bloodstained delusions of grandeur? How long before this rabid dog turns his milky gaze to our great city, and bites at more of our citizens?
As always, we encourage you, dear reader, to extend the open hand of love and friendship rather than the closed and clenched fist of violence.
As always, your friend in the Press,
- Gideon Oakley, Editor & Publisher of the Crimson Quill.
Day 24, Month 9 (Eleint), 173 AR
Anonymous
High-Sheriff's Kill-List Overruled by Founder's Council!
As reported on our last article, High-Sheriff Itzal Mayar had issued a kill-order list on three Myonian Elves and one Dame Willowmoon of Cordor and Darrowdeep. However, moments ago, the Founder's Council of Guldorand, the few men and women of Guldorand that sit above High-Sheriff Itzal Mayar, overruled his list in a letter that is making the rounds of the settlement cities.
This two-part order informs the reader that Lysanthir will be punished by Myon if necessary in the future, and that the Council will step in if the punishment too lax. The rest of the letter stressed the aim and need for peace for the two settlements, that both should seek diplomacy and peace, talking to one another instead of resorting to violence. One can only imagine that they were most unhappy with the letter from the High-Sheriff, which prompted such a quick investigation and issue.
The Founder's Council state that Myon and Guldorand are not to feud with one another, and that morality will not be used as an excuse to do such. They also elected not to weigh in on Oahn's murder or the death of Gwyr, but after it stressed that their mission is one of peace and prosperity. They name Nathaniel (Brightburst) and Daeran as "loud and violent instigators who want to undermine peace", and promise severe punishment to those that work with them to undermine the peace of the republic.
This comes only a few days after Derristan Barley overruled Itzal's proclamation with his own, that the four on Itzal's list would not be hunted by him or the rest of Guldorand's armed forces in an effort to avoid a civil war. We at the Press are happy that the city has a cool head to lead it when necessary, and our thoughts and thanks go out to General Barley for his efforts towards peace and justice.
As always, your friend in the Press,
- Gideon Oakley, Editor & Publisher of the Crimson Quill.
Day 9, Month 10 (Marpenoth (Leafall)), 173 AR
Anonymous
A Lot to Catch Up On
Welcome once more, dear readers, to the latest edition of the Cordor Press! Due to refurbishments, we've been quiet for a short time and have much to catch up the good people of Cordor and elsewhere to.
Firstly, Mila Poklona, who previously left the Gauntlet began the race for Chancellorship with ex-Chancellor Marshall's blessings. Seamus, previously of the Cordor Guard, did likewise in order to run against her, but it ended up being Seamus that took the seat after the dust and clamor of the elections had ceased.
Ex-General Gaist Beoluve, who is currently under investigation by the Ministry of Justice, was asked by the new Chancellor to step down from his position, likely due to the negative attention his many tyrannical actions have garnered. We have a witness report of one such action where he marked an innocent and defenseless woman as a Pariah before cutting her down. What was her crime? That she was in his way and refused to move when he barked at her. It seems that Gaist has taken a new job to train the Guard, let us hope he is not training them to murder innocent women.
Thirdly, the Rivorndir Wardens have finished their movement out of Castle Darrowdeep and its new occupants, Lord Varfogar and his "piglets" of the Boaracious Appetite have moved in! They promise revelry to be had as a changing-of-hands ceremony, and that guests will be invited. Keep an eye on the messageboards for the date and time, as everyone loves a party.
Fourthly, the latest edition of Cordor's Gladiatorial Tournament saw the Redcoats taken the winning spot and the prize money! The final fight ended in a marvellous clash as Aideen fended off two Redcoats herself for almost an hour before eventually taking to a knee. Congratulations to all who participated, Cordor is all the better for your entertainment and the honour you bring the city!
As always, your friend in the Press,
- Gideon Oakley, Editor & Publisher of the Crimson Quill.
Day 5, Month 12 (Nightal), 173 AR
Anonymous
Cordor Tournament of Champions - 173
Another year, another tournament! The call of battle, the clamour of steel on steel, the thrown spell and martial might!
An event with standing-room only due to how packed it was, Cultural Minister and Warden Flavius Florus put on an incredibly successful event with a wide variety and number of participants.
Fighters from Cordor, Guldorand, Bendir, and beyond stepped up to the challenge; even Chancellor Devon Marshall and High-Sheriff Itzal Mayar engaged in the fray! Single combat, one against one, and after the dust settled and the battle faded, three victors stood above all!
Third place was taken by Warden Nilith T'lora, who defeated High-Sheriff Itzal Mayar for the position. Second place was taken by Lord-General Gaist Beoluve, while the prime and prized first place victory was taken by the mage and guardian of Bendir, Nathaniel Brightburst! Many arose for the fight, but ultimately their forces were swept aside by these three champions of Cordor and Bendir!
Chaos ensued afterwards however, as Elain Hakissa, the ex-employee of the infernalist and necromancy-focused von Brandt family, climbed into the Chancellor's box and pulled the lever that removed the preservation and life-saving wards during an after-tournament match of two teams from the entire event! Gods allowing, none fell for too long thanks to the many priests and holy followers that were in the audience. Elain, however, fled her arrest, and is considered at large and wanted by the city of Cordor!
As always, your friend in the Press,
- Gideon Oakley, Editor & Publisher of the Crimson Quill.
Day 17, Month 7 (Flamerule (Summertide)), 173 AR
Anonymous
Cordorian Streets: A New Crime Wave?
After something of an oasis in the hustle and bustle of day to day Cordorian life, a brief period of quiet and calm where the day contained only what you made of it, strange and violent events are once more unfolding with saddening and confusing regularity.
Sources inform the Press that only a few days ago, a pacted Warlock entered Cordor with the intent to summon a small army of Balors! To those that don't know, when a Balor perishes, its body detonates in an explosion of Hellsfire! We're informed that the Warlock wished to have the Balors do such, a terrifying spectacle before a deadly detonation, with the intent to murder and maim the good citizens of this city on a large scale, and cause countless golds-worth of destruction to property.
If this were simply its own reward, or a piece of a greater scheme, we are unsure, but the good Cordorian Guard put an end to the Warlock's plans before they could be enacted. This incident is only the most recent, however. More are occurring with alarming frequency; a Pale Master sat in the Cordorian square, bragging about the many poor folk they had slain and animated to serve their foul and evil deeds. They were being escorted from the city when a vigilante took justice into their own hands, ignoring the Guard's lawful orders, and slew the Pale Master.
With these growing public incidents, there is yet even more going on in the shadows. Reports tell of pickpockets growing increasingly more bold, and that they love to operate around the public shops; the trade hall, near the portal in the Cultural District, the bank, and more.
Are all these related, or random acts from the evil, the insane, and the greedy? Are they affiliated with other organisations, or the whims of the individual? A cog in a great machine, or the whole picture itself? Who can say? All we know is that you should be alert, and never unprepared. Stay safe!
- Gideon Oakley, Editor & Publisher of the Crimson Quill.
Day 23, Month 6 (Kythorn), 173 AR
Anonymous
Interview with Chancellor Marshall: Vol I
Chancellor Marshall is a shining example of martial might as he sits across me from the table, sipping his water. Badges of Darrowdeep and the Cadre Metallicus affixed to his armour, and the strength and marks of a man who is fully familiar with the labor of hard work and battle. Despite it, he wears a warm smile, and carries himself with a confident and approachable, yet sometimes distant, air.
Press: "Chancellor Marshal, congratulations on your victory in taking the seat. Did you expect it to be such an easy transition?"
Chancellor Marshall: "I was very forward and honest with my intent to run with the previous administration and the nobles of Cordor, I talked to make sure I was running with the kind of policies that would keep the city safe and top notch economically. I hope I can provide Cordor what it needs in a leader."
P: "Precisely what the people need. Speaking of policies, are you making any grand, large changes? Something the people should know about?"
CM: "Relative to the viewer, but in my opinion I think the changes to the legislation towards evil faiths is going to be a lot more strict. Likely going to be one of the bigger changes, first and foremost open displays of banned faith symbols; cloaks, banners, altars, etc, will be prohibited. No more Banites strutting around with the symbol of their tyrant God in the city."
P: "Good news to many, I imagine. What would the punishment be for doing so?"
CM: "The same punishment for illegal preaching; a Misdemeanour. Repeated offenders or faiths that turn one into persona-non-grata likely will result in removal from the city."
P: "Do you plan any big changes to the cabinet? Any new departments, or merging of the old? Another rebranding of the Military?"
CM: "The military will be focusing more on engaging its recruits and guards with more training and exercises, but I have good faith in the current leadership to make that a reality."
Day 9, Month 2 (Alturiak), 173 AR
Anonymous
Interview with Chancellor Marshall: Vol II
"As for the ministries, Diplomacy will be having some restructuring; likely myself, my vice (Silanah Enkhadu, also of the Cadre Metallicus), and our aides will assist in speaking and relaying messages to the envoys of each settlement."
"The Ministry of Culture will see Flavius Florus, who has told me he has a whole list of idea for fun and interesting events for Cordor to enjoy. And I have faith in the Department of Health, physician Cailyn Meyer. We?ve gained a lot of new space since the renovations, likely we will turn one room into an infirmary for her to assist the city."
P: "And since we can only fit so much in an article, do you have any messages for the good Cordorians who will be reading this?"
CM: "Justice and good above all, good people of Cordor."
Short, sweet, and to the point. We the people look to Chancellor Marshall with eagerness, to see just how he handles the Chancellor's seat in these tempestuous times. With Pirates and Cyricists of the Abyssal Citadel assaulting Cordor seemingly monthly, these will be trying times for any Chancellor.
With faith, we hope that Chancellor Marshall will weather this storm for us, and that the sun will shine on our fair city once more, brighter than before.
As always, your friend in the Press,
- Gideon Oakley, Editor & Publisher of the Crimson Quill.
Day 9, Month 2 (Alturiak), 173 AR
Anonymous
Keep Yourself Safe From Raiders!
Greetings, my dear readers! I hope this article finds you all well, even if today's subject is a bit of a grim one.
I'm sure you've all heard of the recent attacks, boasts, and threats from Sencliff and Andunor. Just the other day there were reports of Gnolls and Orogs roaming the Trade Road!
If Tymora smiles on you, hopefully you'll never run into any of those monsters on your travels. But still, we've all got to be prepared for the worst. Here's some helpful tips for you ordinary folks and fledgeling adventurers that should help keep your limbs attached and your valuables in your possession.
Always carry a Portal Lense, and make sure you're attuned to a leyline in a safe location! Portal Lenses are useless if you're not attuned to any leylines.
Trust your intuition! If a situation seems strange, or if a person seems shady, don't stick around to find out if your instincts were right!
Watch out for heavily warded strangers! Most people on mundane errands haven't magicked themselves to the teeth. If someone's dripping with wards and enchantments, they're probably on some dangerous business, so it's always safe to steer clear from them.
Don't assume that daytime is safe! Many denizens of Sencliff and Andunor have no fear of the sun as the Drow do, and can raid the roads whenever they feel like it.
Most importantly, there's safety in numbers. You don't have to travel everywhere with an entourage, but it never hurts to have friends and contacts. Get to know who the local defenders are.
And lastly, don't be a hero. Your life and safety is more important than money or pride! Run away if you can, barter your way out of a fight if you must.
Stay safe, and until next time,
Ernie Keen,
Correspondent of the Crimson Quill.
Day 21, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 173 AR
Anonymous
Keep Yourself Safe From Raiders!
Greetings, my dear readers! I hope this article finds you all well, even if today's subject is a bit of a grim one.
I'm sure you've all heard of the recent attacks, boasts, and threats from Sencliff and Andunor. Just the other day there were reports of Gnolls and Orogs roaming the Trade Road!
If Tymora smiles on you, hopefully you'll never run into any of those monsters on your travels. But still, we've all got to be prepared for the worst. Here's some helpful tips for you ordinary folks and fledgeling adventurers that should help keep your limbs attached and your valuables in your possession.
Always carry a Portal Lense, and make sure you're attuned to a leyline in a safe location! Portal Lenses are useless if you're not attuned to any leylines.
Trust your intuition! If a situation seems strange, or if a person seems shady, don't stick around to find out if your instincts were right!
Watch out for heavily warded strangers! Most people on mundane errands haven't magicked themselves to the teeth. If someone's dripping with wards and enchantments, they're probably on some dangerous business, so it's always safe to steer clear from them.
Don't assume that daytime is safe! Many denizens of Sencliff and Andunor have no fear of the sun as the Drow do, and can raid the roads whenever they feel like it.
Most importantly, there's safety in numbers. You don't have to travel everywhere with an entourage, but it never hurts to have friends and contacts. Get to know who the local defenders are.
And lastly, don't be a hero. Your life and safety is more important than money or pride! Run away if you can, barter your way out of a fight if you must.
Stay safe, and until next time,
Ernie Keen,
Correspondent of the Crimson Quill.
Day 21, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 173 AR
Anonymous