The Cordor Press - 184 AR, Month 10, Day 24
This is a copy of the Cordor Press, the finest newspaper on the isle!
The War in Minmir
Day 11, Month 10 (Marpenoth (Leafall)), 184 AR
The roots of the current disaster trace back to Earl Manfried. decades ago, the Earl sought the fabled Holy Light of Koholingen, on behalf of the Twisted Rune. Their goal: to corrupt the Light for nefarious ends.
Manfried's failure was catastrophic. In his reckless pursuit, he tore open a rift to the plane of negative energy, cursing Minmir with endending death. The undead armies he raised in an attempt to siege Koholingen were ultimately defeated, and the holy light was safeguarded and relocated to the Light Keep in Benwick. Meanwhile, the Earl himself was imprisoned in a stasis field within his manor. His ambitions frozen but not forgotten.
Following the Wharftown Incident, an accord of peace was signed between the Banites of the Minmir Church, Radiant Heart and Cordor. This fragile peace lasted until the current day.
The was began as a battle between the Order of Ascension, led by Dame Alis Diondair-Grantz, and the Church of Bane, which has allied itself with the Underdark city of Andunor. The Banites enacted a ritual aimed at subjugating all of Minmir for the Tyrant God.
As the conflict escalated, the Radiant Auxillary joined forces with the Order of Ascension, seeking to thwart the Banites ambitions. However, in their attempt to gain leverage, The Church on Minmir tampered with the veil containing Earl Manfried and his influence in his manor.
The consequences have been fire. The containment of the Earl's curse has been destabilized, unleashing a surge of undead across Minmir and beyond. Even regions as distant as the Arelith Forest and the Grove which resulted in the loss of a dryad in an undead attack. Cordor have reported sightings and attacks, particularly from the crypt, and attack from an abomination from a demonic aspect and the Earl esulted in a battle between it and Cordoria, which saw it flee into the Abyss to recover.
Recently Church of Minmir enacted a ritual to re-contain Earl Manfried. This effort has proven effective, stabilizing the immediate crisis and stemming the tide of undead, for now.
Emboldened by this success, the Church of Minmir has begun seeking to renegotiate its position with Guldorand, presenting itself as the heroes responsible for containing Earl Manfried's curse.
This remains a uncertain time, and we at the Cordor Press urge people to be careful whenever travelling towards Minmir way, and keep and eye and ear out for any new information.
Deity of the Month: Celebrating the Divine in Arelith
Day 11, Month 10 (Marpenoth (Leafall)), 184 AR
The presence of the gods in our lives is a cornerstone of life in Faerun. To honor their influence and deepen our connection to them, the Cordor Cultural Ministry along with the Ministry of Faith has introduced a new event: Deity of the Month.
Each quarter of the year will focus on a unique theme of deities, with each month spotlighting a different god or goddess. This initiative is designed to educate, inspire, and bring the community together through themed celebrations, activities, and rewards.
The first months The Red Knight, the Lady of Stategy. The second month is Tempus, Lord of Battles.
Each month during the features, the Cordor Cultural Ministry will have, in relation to the current deity of the month;
Themed Foods!
Information Brochures!
Community Challenges!
This initiative is led by Ashari Vahl of the Ministry of Faith, with enthusiastic support from Cordor?s Cultural Minister, Lady Abigail Rayne, and her wife, Lady Albet Rayne. The Cordor Press will post each pamphlet on the Cordor Press Board, just inside the Press Building!
The Deity of the Month celebration continues in the coming months, with new deities to explore, fresh culinary creations, and engaging tasks to tackle. Whether you're a devout follower or simply eager to learn more, there's something for everyone in these divine celebrations.
Interview with the Lovely Lady Albet, about Trivia night.
Day 8, Month 7 (Flamerule (Summertide)), 184 AR
Foreword:
The lovely ladies Albet Rayne and Abigail Rayne were generous enough to host a spectacular party event recently, where Trivia questions were asked.
Contestants were divided into teams of five or less and the team who answered the most trivia questions correctly would win!
Attendees were also encouraged to wear delightfully frightful attire, ranging from Witches wardrobes to Unholy undead costumes. I myself attended as a ghostly figure.
I approached the ladies Rayne for an interview on this and Lady Albet was willing to accommodate:
Interview:
Q1: "The recent 'Terrifying Trivia' party, that you hosted at the Hopeful Lotus, was a great success. Can you describe in your own words how it went down, for those who could not attend?"
A1: "While many rightfully found the questions difficult, and a million gold was at stake, everyone attending seemed intent on simply having a good time. Most dressed in costume and played some sort of character.
And we had a variety of thematic sweets that our talented chef Miss Dandi Barnes prepared, as well as many donated by Lady Rosette."
Q2: "What typically goes into organizing these events? How do you prepare for one?"
A2: "Most of the advertising for this event in particular was based around the fact that it would be Lord Khara'gos' last event.
He is our former Minister of Culture, and one that my wife and I have always looked up to.
Many ask us to help advertise their events, given that we are very well known and available within the square.
We have been wearing different costumes and holding different events within the square to try and advertise.
For this one in particular, we dressed as 'Zombees' that were tasking various people to collect flowers and honey (writers note: I can attest, they did indeed dress as zombie bees and it was adorable!), and I prepared twenty-four trivia questions that people could answer to help prepare them."
Q3: "What motivates you to hold these events? Does this help your charity efforts and if so, how?"
A3: "All of what we do as part of the House, the Ministry of Culture, and the Cordor Care Charity, is to help our overall goal of spreading hope and love throughout the community. My wife and I enjoy to do this through our own events, and through assisting others in holding their own."
Q4: "Do you have plans for any future cultural events?"
A4: "My wife and I are always expanding upon our charitable offerings.
We are currently building upon our quests by giving new adventurers stamp cards with randomly selected tasks for bonus gold.
The Iron Wolves have approached us for help with their tournament, as well as potential date auction.
Then we have been helping to advertise the fire-walk today by dressing up as dragons and asking people to burn notes that have writings meaningful to them. This is a common ritual amongst Kossuthian's faithful that is valued by them as it is a way to allow him to hear their passions."
Q5: "Moving away from cultural events, what can you tell me about your charity, how can people benefit from it and how can they assist it?"
A5: "The charity expends around nine hundred thousand per month on average, so gold donations are always welcome. Though, we have built up quite the surplus from the recent Art Auction, so that is not as needed.
We are running low on portal lenses to give to new adventurers lately, so those may help.
There is a sign within the square by our bookcase with our needs."
Article written by: Lucky Lucy
The following story on Cordoria was penned by Commander Gabriel
Day 11, Month 10 (Marpenoth (Leafall)), 184 AR
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SAINT CORDORIA LIVES.
Day 15, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 184 AR
Saint Cordoria lives and has returned, appearing before many of us.
Learn of Her, heed Her words, reflect upon them,
and fight the good fight.
The long night has arrived, but dawn will prevail;
These were the words Saint Cordoria spoke to us.
The Recent years have not been kind, to the City of Cordor.
With gritted teeth we pushed through the Weatherstone, the Rot's outbreak, Ssaerth, the Crowns.
We now face Manfried's army, and the Banites of Minmir.
But in spite of it all, the Walls stand ever tall.
We Persevere.
In the darkest of nights, I shall be the light of Cordor. When all seems lost, I shall rally the good and righteous. Cordor, I am with you;
These were the words Saint Cordoria spoke to us.
Order, Change, Prosperity, Cooperation.
Cordoria's Four Tenets that make up the Foundation upon which our Home is built.
Cordoria, a deva, Herald of the Divines, and Saint Patron of our City,
has many times throughout history come in the rescue of our people,
against the Greater Evils which plague our beloved island.
Go now, sons and daughters of Cordor. Let justice and truth be done;
These were the words Saint Cordoria spoke to us.
Cordor struggles yet again, facing a new threat, the offspring of Manfried.
The Heavens are with us, Cordorians. Planetars and many creatures of the Light descended upon Manfried's creations, to keep them at bay.
But they shall not fight alone. Prepare, Cordor. The days to come will be a challenge to us all.
Prove to the Heavens and our Patrons, we are worthy of their benevolence.
Call for Exhibits - Showcase Your Work at the Cordor Museum
Day 6, Month 9 (Eleint), 184 AR
If Lady Luck's smiling, then may she do so on your day. It's Lloyd Grimm here, director of the Cordor Museum & Gallery.
There's been no better time to visit, with the whole place cleaned up, spit-shined, and looking dapper with a brand new upstairs lounge, new literature, and new exhibits including a riveting vision into the world of Arelith's vampires, designed by renowned vampire hunter Atticus Stratlace. Admission is free and there's heaps of fascinating things to see!
And yet - savvy visitors might notice some empty exhibit slots. Keen eyes on you! That's why I'm sending out a call for historians, artists, and inventive folk of all stripes who are interested in showcasing their craft at the museum. Is there a historical event you're knowledgeable about or have artifacts pertaining to? Is there a piece of art you believe ought to be shown to the world at large? Colour us interested.
Better still, grants are available to fund your research and the construction of new exhibits. So even if you've nothing but an idea, then just might be your time to shine.
We're particularly interested in INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS. Give the good folk of this city something more than just a relic to look at - we live in a world of high magic and mindblowing artifice, don't we? I'd wager you inventive sorts could work up something truly mesmerizing.
Whether you've ideas, art, or artifacts, don't hesitate to reach out - or just swing by for a visit. We're located in Cordor's Cultural District, just up the hill from the bank.
Join the Cordor Guard!
Day 11, Month 10 (Marpenoth (Leafall)), 184 AR
New Arrival? - Veteran Adventurer? - Passionate Citizen?
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All are welcome to enlist and become part of the Cordor Guard! - Strive to see a safe and prosperous City alongside like-minded individuals.
Help us ensure the safety of our Crown, and City and its people!
Aid us in repelling evil-doers who seek harm upon all we hold dear!
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Enlist at our Recruitment Board in the City Square! Or at your nearest uniformed Officer:
* Commander Gabriel Blackwood de Leon
* Guard Captain Drakonus Mal'korith
* Staff-Sergeant Cinders Char
* Staff-Sergeant Rey
Day 11, Month 10 (Marpenoth (Leafall)), 184 AR
New Arrival? - Veteran Sailor? - or Adventurous Fighter?
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All are welcome to enlist and become part of our Cordorian Navy!
Strike to see our waters made safe alongside like-minded individuals.
Help us ensure the safety of our Crown, and City and its surrounding waters!
Aid us in repelling evil-doers who seek harm upon all we hold dear!
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Enlist ar our Recruitment Board in the City Square! OR at your nearest uniformed officer:
* Navy-Captain Gwendelyr Liadan.
* Navy-Commander Victor Varn.
* Lieutenant Julia Castemont.
* Lieutenant Halvard Arnbjornson.
Deities in Stories: Red Knight
Day 6, Month 9 (Eleint), 184 AR
This tale is not necessarily accurate, as nobody knows the exact events that had transpired. Much of Red Knight's mortal life is kept enshrouded. Perhaps on purpose.
As per legend, whoever would happen to learn of her mortal name, would gain all the knowledge of her genius tactician mind - every plan and strategy in the planes.
Let me take you back many years ago, to an unknown battlefield at an unknown time. Before the Time of Troubles, before much of recent history.
The woman, now known as the deity Red Knight, was once a military commander most devout to Tempus.
She must have led many campaigns and successful missions throughout her mortal life, for there are few who catch His divine eye!
It is said, it was after a triumphant victory of an army under her command, one of many, that He had decided the time is right.
With a roar of a warhorn, howling choir of warriors cheering from Warrior's Rest, the ground quaked! Raised upon a plateau of smouldering rock was the general, separated from her forces and Tempus himself, sided by his fully barded dire steeds. Foaming at the mouth, eager for a charge.
She stood, awed by her god's presence, so much so that she entirely forgot to kneel.
Her Lord approached her not like a stern warrior, but as a soldier greeting another. Many have tried to usurp his place in the divine firmament, and yet here he was, inviting his servant most devout, to fight beside him.
Thus, once mortal soldier became the Red Knight. Elevated to a divine status by one of the oldest deities, the Lord of Battles. This is only the beginning, for her reach extends even to this day.
Once a person much like any of us, now a radiant deity. She leads by example as to show us the greatness that is possible to achieve in a mortal life. Unmatched prowess of a keen mind and a focused swordarm.
Expertise beyond compare. Something each of us is able strive towards in our own way.
The Knight was not a fully-fledged deity for a long time. With Tempus as her mentor and friend, she has grown into certainty in her divine domain over time.
True show of her capability, perhaps an unintentional trial, happened during the Time of Troubles.
For during the Time of Troubles, when Ao cast all but one god away from the heavens down to Toril, the Knight had to forge her own path.
Though, none of those who live by Foehammer's virtues can stay down for long! This went much the same in the case of Red Knight.
Holding onto last vestiges of her waning power, she plummeted down like a comet of crimson...
North of Baldur's Gate, between a branching trade road, rises an imposing fortress of stone. This was the stronghold of the Bloodhawk clan.
Young Kaitlin Bloodhawk, an heir of Ronlar Bloodhawk, was devoted to the example of the Knight. Capable commander, warrior and a leader, she led her own mercenary band and cared greatly for her family lands.
During one of her regular rides across the rural landscape, Lady Bloodhawk visited a village called Tempus' Tears, a small earthkin settlement only a short ride from the keep.
It was on a rugged field past the village that Kaitlin became enveloped in wisps of red light. Time slowed down to a near halt, the world around her becoming more like an insect trapped in amber.
This moment was one of unspoken words between Lady Kaitlin and Red Knight in her weakening divine form.
The two had decided to work together, to temporarily become one, and thus Kaitlin had become an Avatar of the Red Knight herself!
Together with her band, the Company of the Red Falcon, she ventured south and put down a horde of monsters that charged out of the Forest of Tethyr.
Due to this grand battle, they earned the gratitude of the Tethyrians. After this huge success, Kaitlin returned home to the citadel.
Unfortunately, her valiant mission was at a terrible cost.
The Bloodhawk Keep, once vigilant over the crossroad, had been razed to the ground. All of her clan and their workers, slain. Mere ruins were a sign that something had once stood there, pointing like ribcage of a slain dragon towards the skies.
Mourning and rage gave way to resolute, focused anger, and anger to steel-like calm. It remains unknown who was the force that destroyed the fortress. However, we know what's been done next.
Through much sweat and hard work, the fortress was rebuilt. No longer a family hold, it has instead become a holy temple to the Red Knight.
Later as years went on, with Lady Bloodhawk herself again as the gods returned to their divine planes, the Citadel of Stategic Militancy became the home of the Red War College where advanced military knowledge is taught to this day.
This gave way to the first Paladins of the Knight, the Order of the Red Falcon, to work alongside the Red Fellowship who are her battle clergy.
Nowadays, a deity in her own right, Red Knight is a patron of strategy, tactics and games of wits such as Lanceboard. Known as the Lady of Strategy, Grandmaster of the Lanceboard or a Crimson General, due to her blood-red plate armor.
Advertising Space!
Day 3, Month 6 (Kythorn), 183 AR
Want your organization, shop or event advertised? Reach out to the Cordor Press! Leave a message on the Pressroom door, or speak to Charissa Seper (Char!), and we can see about adding an advertisement for you! Ads can be added during an issues run, so you won't have to wait for the next issue!