Zombie War Over - Zombies Destroyed
Eastern Empire on Full Alert
Mysterious Skyship Sighted Over Isle of Dawn
New Protectorate of Siltshire Created
Eastern Empire Embarks Upon Massive Reforms
STOP PRESS - Dedites and Free Realms Forces Battle
Society: Heirs to Them
Editorial: No time for complacency in the struggle with Mogador
In a stunning victory for the forces of good, all the undead legions of The Opposition have been destroyed, bringing the war against the Zombies to an end.
From far and wide, nobles, heroes, adventurers and clerics of neutral or good persuasion gathered at the Cathedral of the High Church of Haranlarche in Mythtropolis on the thirteenth day of Ninemonth. The Heirs of Skull Craig arrived, as was foreseen by the High Cleric of the Church, Patriarch Feyne.
The Heirs were welcomed with all honour, by both King Pelops of Haranlarche and the High Cleric, in a magnificent ceremony. They were then presented with medals by the realm and warmly welcomed and ennobled by the assembled nobles of the Wild Lands and beyond.
The hundreds of heroes and champions then knelt in the Cathedral as Patriarch Feyne used the Book of Elevatus, returned by the Heirs, and transmitted waves of light and holiness from The Source, which radiated across the firmament, clearing 120 miles in all directions of all of Mogador's Zombies. Several of the Heirs themselves seemed to be blessed by the light of The Source. Oddly, prior to this part of the ceremony, the Ienian contingent excused themselves, stating that they were needed back in their own realm.
An artist's impression of the ceremony
In the days following the ceremony, the Prayer of Elevartus spread further and further, carried along by travelling bards, criers, pilgrims and adventurers. This destroyed all the remaining Zombie Hordes, ending the undead threat of Mogador.
A spokesperson for the Militia said "While the Zombie threat is now over, it is worth remembering that Mogador himself has not yet been defeated, merely setback. His living armies are still a threat to peace everywhere."
There has been no comment at this time from the Heirs of Skull Craig.
For the first time in 87 years, the Eastern Empire has gone on to full alert, with all thirty-one of its legions on active duty, all leave cancelled and all waycastles, legionary camps, fortresses, castles and strongholds closed to commerce and the public. The last time this extraordinary status arose was in the summer of 1014 YAC during the threat of war and full scale invasion from the Master of the Desert Nomads.
This time the alert has been caused by the fall of the Isle of Dawn (other than its central plateau), the secession of the rebel province of Cyg, and the new alliance concluded with Korenzea following which the Eastern Empire has sent two legions to the Eastern Highlands to crush Dedite forces there. The Emperor of the East is said to be "pleased" with the speed of mustering within the Empire, but the many foreign observers present noted that many of the legions are understrength, with a varied selection of weaponry and dress standards. This made an unpleasant spectacle when compared with the golem-like rigidity and uniformity of the armies of the East of 1014.
Dragonriders of Whitemere operating over the Isle of Dawn report that they were followed and "buzzed" by a mysterious black, purple and green-glassed sky vessel, nor larger than an aerofighter or wind dhow. The craft was vaguely insectoid or manta ray-shaped with pointed extrusions at the front that might have functioned as ram. No-one from the Free Realms has come forward to claim credit for the craft. If it belonged to the Opposition, it took no other hostile action and appears to be a scout craft of some sort. A similar sighting has come to light from eight days ago, when an adventurer in an Apparatus of Kwalish reported seeing a similar vessel underwater in the Deeps of Alpha.
The King and Emperor of Haranlarche, in accord with his treaty with Ienos, has created a new county. This new shire, to be known as Siltshire, is a protectorate of Haranlarche until 1110 YAC. The capital of Siltshire is the ruined city of Highport, now a village-sized encampment of newly settled retired veterans, settlers, pioneers and specialists who want to live the rough and ready life of a settler on the high cliffs or sand-swept marches of the Siltshire.
The protectorate has been given to Veteran's Council to run until they are satisfied that a true hero or heroine has arisen to answer their call for a leader. When they elect this person he or she will be the Count of Siltshire, with the title and duties of the Waywarden of the Western Cliffs and Grand Sherriff of the Desolated Hinterlands.
A mammoth sitting of the Eastern Empire's Senate has passed laws to dividing the empire into two administrative zones. Despite the full alert and all of its armies being on active duty, thousands of citizens of the empire are also flooding the impeccable imperial roads to locate themselves in whichever of the two empire zones they prefer - mostly the warmer and prosperous south. A new law has been passed prohibiting such movements except on certain strict grounds, and the legions protecting the interior have begun to forcefully repatriate people back to their home provinces.
Another new law makes possession of any weapons illegal without a permit. Permits are issued at legionary camps and administrative fortresses, and take the form of small lead charms to be worn at all times by whomever is licensed to bear arms. No-one knows at this point how successful this law will be in practice.
In other legislative news from the Eastern Empire, the Emperor announced a new imperial fiat, a law not requiring senatorial scrutiny or approval. The edict states that no artificial citizen (Magen, Golem or Simulacrum) is considered to be alive, and therefore cannot vote, serve in the legions other than as an object or war machine, and cannot own slaves or be elevated in rank. Other than the effect it has on the handful of artificial people who have become famed heroes in the Empire, this law has little effect. It does however bring the Eastern Empire into line with the Seven Shires, one of its major food suppliers and an increasingly important ally. There was an attempt to assassinate the Emperor as he made the announcement of his edict in person in the Great Forum of Empire City. The assassin was burned down by the Imperial Wizards.
Dedite marauders supported by Juggernauts are battling Eastern Empire Legionaries, Korenzean wizards and Korenzean allies in rainy mountainous conditions in the Eastern Highlands. Casualties are already severe, with several hundred warriors dying in flash floods. The Dedite forces were supported by a massive disk-shaped metal skyship until it was brought down in a fiery inferno by Knights of the Air flying in support of the Eastern Empire Legionaries. Battles are continuing across the southern hills of the Eastern Highlands.
Well, the latest toast of the town of Mythtropolis are a band of youngsters known collectively as the 'Heirs of Skull Craig'. These stylish young people have not only saved the relam from the ravening hordes of zombies that plagued our land, but they have also introduced a brand new sense of style to the jaded Mythtropolitan, tired of utilitarian war fashions.
Leading the way in exotic fashions is Damma Undarev, scion of the caravan clan of the western deserts. Her stylish, yet comfortable desert clothes are proving a big hit with the Mythtropolitan youth. It's kaftans all round for those in the know.
There is no toddler or pre-pubescent child in the entire city not smitten with the colourful clothing displayed by the group's resident leprechaun, Tryst Jankins. His dapper use of silver and black make him stand out from a crowd, and a big hit with the kiddies.
Oakman Wheeler brings a fresh perspective on the humble labourer look. Sure he fills a room by himself, but no one looks more at home in that old time farmer gear, lending it a new sense of haute coutre. One can see that the next big thing amongst the fashionable of the Capital is going to be peasant tops, as well as peasant bottoms!
Shanbos is the new black for the up-and-coming adventurer, at least if Wren Dairen is anything to go by. His stylish seashell armour has been drawing envious glances from the local roustabouts, and no wonder. Polished to a sheen, it positively screams "Don't tread on me!"
Lending a touch of imperious elegance is everyone's favourite sorceress, the gorgeous Thrella D'riftwode. Always impecable in anything from the most expensive ceremonial gown, to a simple dress for visiting the markets, she is an absolute vision, providing a much needed touch of class wherever she travels. Always on her arm is the stately Kasparov Pavaney, bearing himself with the grace and stunning fashion sense as befits his elven heritage.
Mythtropoolis has rarely seen such a stunning collective of super-adventurers. Brawn and beauty has never looked so fabulous.
The fantastic news of the defeat of the zombies of the Opposition has been welcomed with joyous celebration. And it is a cause to celebrate, make no mistake. But let us not become compacent at these glad tidings; as noted in this organ, Mogador has more up his sleeve than undead.
Battles rage even now across the Word of Mystery: Dedites fight the Eastern Imperial forces, Whitemere tries to repair the damage done to the Isle of Dawn, Pirates still aligned with Mogador present a hazard to shipping, the list goes on. Mogador himself is a being of immense power, and no doubt has more tricks up his sleeve.
Let us rejoice that one threat has ended. But let us not think that we are now safe. There is a long hard road still ahead of all of us.
