NOTE: This is just pre-game news. Other news will be done in newspaper style.

DEATH of a PRINCE

Tragic news out of Avanil as Prince Darien Avan has succumbed to an illness he had been fighting for years. His son and Heir, Kendrik Avan has assumed the mantle of Prince of Avanil. Many events await the young prince as he works through his first few days of office, his main duty being the funeral of his father.

Many dignitaries have stepped forward to offer kind and inspiring words in honor of Darien Avan
……………………..

Royal Decree from Avanil:

 “In memory of Prince Darien the first week of Sarimiere will be a week of mourning. Business may be conducted the first seven days but all shall wear an armband of black on their right arm. On the eighth day all businesses shall close so that proper respect can be paid to our good ruler”

As the first golden ray of sunlight strikes Daulton Castle silvery trumpet
notes rise up to greet it and the new day. More trumpets join in a proud
but somber fanfare. Finally the last note dies. A thousand hooves striking
cobblestones replaces the sound of horns. The sound of hooves and that of a
solitary carriage pound out a song of sorrow.

One hundred knights, in sable attire, march out in columns of four from the castle. Behind them eight black stallions draw a unique black carriage. Following the carriage nobles follow. Four ducal crowns may be seen in the entourage along with that of a princess of the blood. Twelve champions of Avanil accompany their leaders. Behind them another hundred knights follow.

Just as the sun clears the horizon the procession reaches the gates of Daulton City. Knights in the front raise horns and clear notes great the city. The gatekeepers respond similarly. The gates of Daulton open for the last time for Darien Avan.

Slowly the knights wend their way through the capital of Avanil until they reach the temple of Haelyn. None other than the Arch prelate greets the assembled nobles. The twelve champions bear a casket out of the carriage into the temple. Noble’s follow and others behind them.

The services are concluded and final rites said. The procession reverses it’s course and returns to Daulton Castle where Prince Darien Avan is laid to rest next to some, if not all, of his ancestors. Kendrick and Aubrae symbolically throw a clod of dirt on his grave. The Dukes of Avanil follow along with other significant followers. Finally all leave the crypts of Daulton.


From the Orthodox Imperial Temple
“Honored regents, worthy people of Avanil, travelers, commoners and nobles, I thank you for joining me in paying a great man respect for the final time, and I thank you all for welcoming the new Prince to his respectable, prestigious and honorary position as holder of the throne of Avanil, Liege of Avanil, Diemed, Mieres, Taeghas and Brosengae.
I, Patriarch Laronae of the Orthodox Imperial Temple, offer my gratitude for the chance to speak here, to show my grief and respect on this occasion, and I warmly accept the extended hand the Prince has offered all of us, and which I now accept.

Prince Darian Avan accomplished much. More than many of us can ever dream of accomplishing. He lived by the laws of Haelyn, and fought the enemies that threatened us all with never-failing dedication or loyalty to his people and allies. In the end a life as a servant to his people, the Prince gave in to age, the one enemy we cannot defeat, and he now resides in the Halls of Haelyn, taking his rightful seat next to the Lawgiver and is given the chance to take a well-deserved rest. His son, Prince Kendrick Avan, has now taken up the responsibility handed to him by his father, and it is my duty – our duty – to aid the young prince in any way we are able. Indeed, Prince Avan holds the strength of arms, strength of will and strength of speech to accomplish what none of us can, but he has yet to live the lives, gain the experience, that we have. For only through defeats and victories are the true lessons learned, and through our counsel, our wisdom added to his, he may accomplish more than his father, expand the sphere of lawfulness and justice that has been created.

My personal friend, my diplomatic ally and my trusted companion, Duke Heirl Diem of Diemed, has served his nation well and forged a bond with Avanil. With the added strength Avanil has prospered, and with the Principality at its side Diemed has managed to bring order and civilization to Mieres. That is one of many examples of what can be achieved in unity. Unity between nations that works like one being, with Avanil being the heart of this being and the Prince the lifeblood.

And in unity we now stand, mourning the loss of a great man.
I, as Patriarch of the Orthodoxy, bring the words of sadness from everywhere the Orthodox priests preach, but also do I bring the hopes and expectations that the new light, come to cast illumination over the dark places that place fear in our hearts and minds, will guide us onwards, grant us the strength to defeat the demons that plague the surface of Cerillia, and point out the wicked, who hide behind false titles and words, so that Haelyn’s Justice may be a force of lawfulness everywhere.

By Haelyn’s Will you are now Prince, the leader of Anuire’s greatest realm. As always, he who serves Haelyn is served by Haelyn, and I shall serve you, my Prince. I humbly offer my guidance on matters religious, and welcome you to visit the Grand Temple of Aerele, where the holiest of all relics reside: the Book of Laws.
In Diemed, the banners wave, the soldiers march and the people mourn. We welcome you among the ranks of regents and see in you the leader your father was, and the friend of Diemed that Avanil has always represented.“

AVANIL

Prince Kendrik Avan has been busy securing his realm. This includes a major public speech in throughout all the provinces of Avanil and a donation to Stormspoint to aid in the repairs to the city after the recent confrontations there.

It also appears that the docks in the Imperial City have suddenly been swamped with new laborers and supplies. Seems the new Prince has need for a ship or two.
Along with this is news of massive amounts of stone being quarried and transported across the province of Bhrein. Word of mouth is that the Prince has ordered extensive roadways built throughout Avanil.
…………..

“People of Avanil, truly this is a time for mourning. The greatest lord of Anuire has passed but a month ago. Prince Darien Avan, Heir to the Iron Throne, Protector of Avanil, Savior of Osoerde and other titles to numerous to mention has passed from our midst.” Kendrick pauses. “All of Anuire has suffered a grave loss upon his passing.”

“But People of Avanil!” Kendrick’s voice rises in triumphant tones. “Surely we shall celebrate Darien’s life more than mourn his death!” The new Prince smiles at his people. “Prince Darien ensured peace in Brosengae and Taeghas. He went beyond his princely duties and aided the Imperial Temple of Haelyn in restoring Osoerde! He was a noble example for all of Anuire!”

“Let none doubt that Prince Darien preserved our Empire! The principality and four duchies still swear fealty to the emperor that will be! The Empire SHALL be restored!” Cheering from the commons drowns out the prince.

“Momentous times confront us. The Imperial Temple attempts reunification. Surely this must grant hope to us all. Let us all follow the will of the Temple and Chamberlain, in this course surely empire must be reunified.”

Kendrick smiles upon his people. “You, you alone of all Anuire have been faithful to Imperial Temple and Imperial Throne. Doubt not that you shall be rewarded for your faithfulness when the emperor comes into his own.”

……………

Prince Kendrick Avan is led around the capital of Taeghas to witness the suffering and loyalty of the citizens. Gold crowns flow freely from his knight’s hands to the people who stretch out their hands. More gold is given directly to the leadership of Stormspoint.

“Men and women of Stormspoint, I share your sorrow and your dead in recent events. My heart aches along with your own.” Kendrick falls silent.

“Words are inadequate to speak of what you have suffered so I will not insult the dead with words. Instead I will speak to the living. You have been betrayed by those who should have been your strength and support!” Kendrick pauses for the applause that surely must come. “You were betrayed by the Khorien line!” Silence comes over the crowd for agreement on this point does not come lightly.

“Yet even as some would betray you other’s supported you with word, deed and gold. Facellies Sloere was one of these. Facellies Sloere, descended from those who opposed Azrai upon Mount Deismaar. Facellies Sloere, next Duke of Taeghas!” Kendrick pauses for the applause that surely must follow.

“In the name of Duke Sloere the principality of Avanil donates 4,000 pieces of gold to Stormspoint to repair the damage done by the priest of Saramie. If this is not sufficient petition the crown and we will see justice done!”

Kendrick smiles. Knights shower the crowd with copper and silver pieces.

DIEMED

Duke Diem has decided to take a long deserved vacation, and along with his family has departed for Bhreine. Longing for peace and solitude he has also made mention of a chance hunt or two while in the countryside. The Duchess plans on visiting her many sisters while there.
It also seems that the Duke is counting on Prince Avan to put in a visit, though for what purpose none can say.

The OIT has been active on the Duke’s benefit in Diemed. Their attempts at raising the loyalty of the citizens was met with success in all instances.

AERENWE

Queen Liliene Swordwraith has kept busy expanding her holdings, though a disaster nearly leveled a guild outside her realm boundaries. A decree from the Queen is sure to cause dissention among the other guilds that currently operate within her nation as the monarch seems to wish a monopoly on activities in Aerenwe.

“From this day forth The Royal Guild of Aerenwe is the only guild permitted to operate within the borders of Aerenwe and all other guilds shall forthwith be expected to ask our permission before any operations are begun within our borders. All guilds other than the Royal Guild of Aerenwe shall henceforth remove their facilities with all haste lest they incur our displeasure.”

– Queen Liliene Swordwratih

ROESONE

Baroness Marlae used this month to increase some of her holdings. News has also reached our ears that she has moved a fair amount of troops into her northern provinces.

MEDOERE

It seems that Archpriestess Suris Enlien has made a major push to build up the province of Braeme. Housing facilities are sprouting up throughout the province and the capital city, with numerous other public projects being created.

ILIEN

Lady Melonie Tyien has followed the example of her close neighbor Medoere and worked diligently on expanding Ilien, with good success. Ilien remains the single largest province in all of the Southern Coast.

The IHH has been fairly quiet this month though there is news of a possible confrontation in the Aerenwe province of Dhoenel with the ETN.

MIERES

Much activity was seen in Mieres this past month.

The OIT strengthened it’s holding in the province of Mielien against opposition from Eloele of Mieres.

EOM was noticed wandering the countryside, possibly in pursuit of magical knowledge.

Hermedhie made her prescence known as she has recently ruled one of her source holdings.

The POM peacefully purchased the remaining guild holdings of the Southern Forest Products
 

CARIELE

Lord-Protector Viktor Doome sold Caerlinien Imports and Exports to Andien Imports and Exports. The agreement was reached in Riverford, during negotiations on which Bannier Andien was represented by Romel Harris. Bannier Andien paid 10GB for this transaction and promised to pay tax of 2GB per season to regent of Cariele. After the results of negotiations were announced, both sides were asked for commnets.

Viktor Doome: "After leaving the bothersome bookkeeping of the guilds to an able man, I will continue my work for Cariele with renewed fervor. Cariele prevails!"

Romel Harris: "Andien Imports and Exports are working to supply Cariele's population with needed goods for more than 3 years now. It was the only logical conclusion to enable us now to care for the supply with wares of the other provinces. Unfruitful competition has been avoided, both Andien and Cariele will profit from the agreement."

BOERUINE

Archduke Aerin IX Boeruine declared himself the rightful heir to the regency of Boeruine and declared war on his brother, Aeric II Boeruine. Aeric, weakened from recent war with the Holy Allaince was quickly defeated with only about 200 men dead on the attacking side. All his lands are occupied by the armies of his brother. There are no news about the fate of defeated Archduke.

Serwyn Quarnae, a young merchant from Boeruine, was elected as new Guildmaster of Boeruine Trading Company. After the formal confirmation, he gave a speech to gathered merchants of war-torn Boeruine.

" I am honored by your trust, my dear friends, and I know that being a guildmaster of the Boeruine Trading Company is not an easy task, but I can assure you that I'll do my best to expand and protect the intrests of Boeruine Trading Company and the brave and hardworking people of Boeruine. I must say, my friends, that Aeric II and Aerin IX are not here today. As you know the former Guildmasters have stayed neutral in this conflict and I can now announce that it is in best intrests of the people of Boeruine that we stay neutral until the conflict between the brothers is over. I would like to call them to end their problems peacefully, because as they are both growing weaker our enemies are waiting to take their cahnce after they worn each other out to destroy our beautiful realm. As we all now, my dear friends, and man who tought me a lot in life and to whom I owe a lot, Arien Borthein, was the first guilder to go missing, than Shaene Raesa was lost on sea in unknown circumstances. I am not stupid to believe that this was an attack on Boeruine Trading Company. This was an attack on Boeruine's economy, an attack on the realm of Boerune and its rulers and their people. this is all a big intrigue by our enemies who incited acivil war in Boeruine. That way, they weakned the army and the economy just waiting for their chance to attack Boeruine when the time is good. I'll do my best to try to stop this enemies make any damage to Boeruine or Boeruinians. "

TALINIE

The army of Talinie invaded the lawless region of Five Peaks. Two armies crossed the border of Sermiset and attacked into the Gorge and Helmshaven. The smaller force, attacking the Gorge, was lead by Trogin of the Aelvinwode. Thane Thuriene Donalls, accompanied by Torelle Anviras, lead the larger part of her army into Helmshaven. Trogin met no resistance in the Gorge, but once the province was occupied a clan of Ogres stirred from their caves, attacking the army of Talinie with a lots of zombies summoned by their shamans. Once the undead were destroyed, the Ogres fled, but not before destroying the best of Talinie's troops. Rumors say that Thane is very angry with her lieutenant because of his display of bad leadership. The larger army numbered about 2000 soldiers and met slightly larger one in Helmshaven, led by unknown Dwarven warrior. Rumors say that he had the tatoos which marked him as one of Mur-Kilad Dwarves. He lead an army of Goblins, Orogs, Ogres and Undead against the invaders from Talinie. Although the enemy archers hid in the woods, archers of Talinie, blessed by Haelyn, easily exterminated them, allowing other troops to break the humanoid army. Thuriene Donalls showed great courage, killing the Dwarf general in single combat and destroying most of the undead with her divine powers. Remnants of defending army tried to flee eastwards, but were mercilessly cut down by invading Knights. The western provinces of Five Peaks, called the Gorge and Helmshaven, are now occupied by forces from Talinie. Dark Knight was not spotted by invading armies of Talinie, nor those of Cariele in Puniol. Rumors say that Eyeless One killed him or enlisted him as his general. Time will tell.

ELINIE

“All Temples of the Life and Protection of Avanlae are now officially to be actively searching for Imana Daouta.  If information found about her whereabouts should be sent immediately to the Temple of the Sun in Ansien.  Any temple who finds her should attempt to detain her as well, and to place a detachment of guards to her person.”                                                           High Hierophant Miara

Grandmaster Algaron Niendes was saved from loosing his honor and probably life in the last moment, and he was saved by leader of rival church! High Hierophant Miara charged into the courtroom with her guards just as the judge prepared to decide about Grandmaster's punishment. According to her words, someone of Elven blood is responsible for the murder. After it was confirmed that Grandmaster is of purely human blood, he was found innocent and set free by the court.