The Cordor Press - 186 AR, Month 08, Day 10
This is a copy of the Cordor Press, the finest newspaper on the isle!
Moander's Rot Contained: No Cause for Alarm
Day 24, Month 5 (Mirtul), 186 AR
by Madeleine Orlin
Editor-In-Chief
Cordor residents can breathe easy once more as word from involved parties confirms that the recent Moander's Rot issue has been fully contained. Authorities report that the drinking water remains safe, the infection is no longer present in the sewers, and all three individuals affected have made a complete recovery.
Despite initial concerns, swift action from local healers and officials ensured that the outbreak was swiftly managed. Experts have verified that there is no lingering threat to public health, and routine checks continue to safeguard the city's infrastructure.
Further bolstering Cordor's defenses, negotiations with Guldorand are currently underway to establish an agreement for sharing cures and intelligence regarding Moander's Rot. This cooperative effort aims to strengthen both cities' ability to combat similar threats in the future.
While the recent situation was met with understandable concern, officials urge residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities as normal. Cordor remains vigilant, and with the new partnership in development, the city is more prepared than ever for any future challenges.
For further updates, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official city notices, and by speaking with government employees.
Pariah Changes: Are You Affected?
Day 24, Month 5 (Mirtul), 186 AR
Big news for Cordor's Pariah system - new changes have officially been put into motion, and if you or someone you know holds Pariah status, this directly affects you. As of 22nd of Month 5, 186 AR, policies have been refined to introduce clear timelines, structured rehabilitation, and certain protections for those under the designation.
So, what does this mean? Let's break it down:
First off, Pariah status is no longer indefinite. Depending on the ruling of the presiding Magistrate, it will now come with a set duration - ranging anywhere from two to five years, possibly less. The exact time will depend on individual circumstances and rulings at the time of sentencing.
Second, every Pariah will now have a mandatory rehabilitation program tailored to their case. This means that alongside the restrictions of their status, they'll be given a structured path to redemption. What that looks like in practice depends on the Magistrate or Minister of Justice overseeing the process, but could include restitution to victims, resource gathering, or skill learning.
Third, there's a new safeguard in place: While Pariahs still lose all legal rights and may be required to leave the city at a guard's command, they now have explicit protection from physical harm within Cordor's borders.
And lastly, when the designated time period ends, the status is lifted - Pariahs will officially be removed from the classification.
If you currently hold Pariah status, you're required to report to the Ministry of Justice to discuss these changes and how they apply to your case. The new policy, issued by Dame Amber Lyonson on behalf of the Chancellor, marks a shift toward a more structured approach - offering a way forward for those who have been affected.
For official inquiries or more details, contact the Ministry of Justice.
Poem: 'The Road Called Love'
Day 24, Month 5 (Mirtul), 186 AR
by Oriah
I met love first on quiet feet,
A glance, a laugh, a moment sweet.
It danced with me in fields of spring,
With every word a golden wing.
We walked through summer, hearts ablaze,
With hands entwined in sunlit days.
The world was wide, the sky was true-
And love was all we ever knew.
Then autumn came with wind and weight,
And love grew quiet at the gate.
We spoke in leaves, in silent hours,
In learning how to hold with power.
Winter passed - cold fingers, bare,
But still, I found love lingering there.
Not always warm, but always near,
A shadowed thing I chose to steer.
For love's not just the easy part,
It's made of tears and stubborn heart.
Of walking on when hope feels thin,
And trusting spring will come again.
So let it bloom and let it burn,
Let it rest and rise and turn.
The road winds far, and none arrive-
But those who love, they are alive.
Agony & Advice with Madame Yelatska III
Day 19, Month 4 (Tarsakh), 186 AR
Greetings of spring to you all,
Greengrass fast approaches! A time for reflecting on promises made, debts owed, and growth that must be made afore the peak of summer.
-
Dear Madame Yelatska,
My best friend is dating someone who constantly belittles them, but they don't seem to notice. How can I help without pushing them away?
-Concerned
Concerning my concerned,
You see the thorn where they smell the rose. To point out the thorn o'ermuch might send you up as jealous - instead, show kindness and solidarity with your friend, without restraint, though censure their partner when the thorns grow too sharp. If your friend's hand should reach for yours in comfort, they should find it a trusted companion, not a tutting tongue.
Suggested tea: rosehip & honey
-
Dear Madame Yeletska,
My partner and I always work incredibly together in a crisis, but everything seems to fall apart when we're alone. How do I fix this?
-Heartbroken
My most broken of hearts,
That you work well together in one way must be cherished, delighted in. If you have discovered a way that you operate best to the exclusion of all others, you must find more means to do so together. You must find more crises to fall into and embrace one another in.
If there are none convenient or handy, you must create some! You'll know the right ones for your beloved.
If all else fails, I may be contacted discreetly to manufacture some for you.
Suggested tea: straight whisky; easily punched walls
-
Dear Madame Yelatska,
Help!! - I've fallen in love with an elf, but I don't know the first thing about elven, even though I said I did! What do I do??
Dear elvishly elided,
A commonplace conundrum, to be certain. Who among us hasn't pretended to know more than we did? But these pantomimes usually end poorly, without a bit of cleverness. Might I propose something out of left-field - get your beloved hooked on something else (ideally something you've a great knowledge or keenness for) - enough that they may overlook your lack of tel'quesses or aegiskeryns. Are you a keen inventor? An astronomer? Have you a kelling for an unusual spell school? Or just get them hooked on gnomes. Something a little out-there.
Suggested herb: oneironyptic bathing sodium
-
Dear Madame Yelatska,
Work Troubles - I'm currently feeling overwhelmed with my day job, and I constantly wonder if I could get away with poisoning. What's the best way to poison a bunch of people and it not be pinned on you?
To the overemployed,
Alas, this is a public gazette.
Responsibility comes to us all.
Sometimes, we find ourselves at an impasse.
Even though I may feel sympathy to your plight!
No answer shall be forthcoming.
I regret to forbid you an answer.
Certainly, I pray you find an answer soon.
Suggested tea: no comment
-
Dear Madame Yelatska,
Thank you so much for your tea examples! Please can we have some more tinctures and recipes? - Budding Witch Hopeful
-
My little bud,
Thank you most kindly. For your most delightful words I shall let you in on one of my favourite little secrets - a restorative, a rejuvenative, that is certain to bring vitality to even dullest of beings.
For to make a potion of vitality; take two measures of fine whisky made of rye; one measure of sweet red fortified wine, preferably from the Western Heartlands; and a dash or two of gentian extract - your local merchants may have particular blends you may prefer. Pour all liquors into a large glass of good ice - the dwarf-kingdom of Brogendenstein may sell Spire ice, this suffices well. Stir briskly. Strain into a glass, garnished with a candied or preserved cherry, and serve it forth.
-
Should you too, dear reader, wish for my advice and auguries, please submit all of your queries to the door of the Cordor Press or to Madeleine Orlin, in a hundred words or less, and anonymously, or with a pseudonym. Anything may be asked, from matters of love, money, politics or even the esoteric. Private consultations may also be considered.
Upcoming Events
Day 24, Month 5 (Mirtul), 186 AR
Nomad Poetry Night
Where: The Nomad, 2nd Floor
When: https://a.chronus.eu/1BCA830
What: A regular poetry evening where punters are encouraged to share their works, enjoy the drinks and atmosphere, and appreciate the arts.
Fool's Clover: Theatre Show TBC
Where: Nomad Basement, Fool's Clover Playhouse
When: https://a.chronus.eu/1BCB514
What: A performance by the Fool's Clover staff.
Moander's Rot: Conference & FAQ
Where: Town Hall, 2nd Floor
When: https://a.chronus.eu/1bce610
What: A conference held by Cordorian government officials, on all things Moander's Rot.
Got a hot tip? A quirky tale? A lingering mystery?
Day 28, Month 11 (Uktar), 185 AR
Come find me, Madeleine Orlin, the new Editor-in-Chief of the Cordor Press, or post on the messageboard / door just inside the printing press by the barracks.
Do you have stories that beg to be told, rumors that demand a good snoop, tidbits too juicy to keep to yourself, or even requests for us to dig deeper into the unknown? How about a good joke, or serialised story, or even a nice poem that you'd like to share?
Whether you've spotted something newsworthy or simply want to share a laugh, this is your stage. Let's make it a patchwork of everything intriguing, inspiring, or downright amusing. Who knows, it might make it into the next issue of the Cordor Press!
(Also taking interviews for regular employees who are interested in the world of journalism.)