Week 9 News

- Get up Markion!
- What? What's going on, why is there fire everywhere?
- The North is attacking, you idiot, grab a spear, a helmet, anything!
- I thought there was a truce being negotiated?
- Aauuurhghhheeeeghhhhuuughlaaabflaaagh!

— Conversation between Southern soldiers truncated by a crossbow bolt, southern Altalyria

Despite the temporary cessation of hostilities agreed between the Northern and Southern Empires, confusion and chaos reign on the Western front. Unexpected attacks from Northern armies in Altalyria have led to sweeping advances, retaking most of the land previously occupied by the South. By the time the Supreme Duchess was able to return to the front and stabilise the situation, her forces held only a few towns and a single port north of Dolom.

Rumours abound that Empress Iohanna, previously commanding her armies directly, was back at the Imperial capital in Lyre. Yet more rumours suggest that the Legion's forces have been pulled from the eastern front, and have been rumoured to remain under the command of Duke Tiberius Carnifex in Altalyria. Speculation abounds on whether Empress Callistian has taken a very personal interest in prosecuting the war…

The Emperor of the Land of Endless Sky was found decapitated in his study. First Daughter Tai-An Zhulin will succeed him as the next Emperor.

He was found by his Second Spouse, the mother of Second Daughter Tai-An Aolin. She reports him going into his study and then a little while later hearing a thump. With help from the guards, she broke into the room where she found his body.

A manhunt ensues for the perpetrator of this crime. Since the Emperor always locked the study when he went in their alone, a small Wildborn is suspected to be responsible as it would of been nearly impossible for anyone of another species to sneak into the office unseen.

Since the death of the Emperor, the military of the Land of Endless Sky has been cracking down on would be dissenting tribes at a nearly unprecedented level. It is believed that the murderer could have been motivated by the unrest that had been spreading amongst the steppe. The unrest has since quieted as few wish to be seen as enemies of the Tai-An Tribe during this moment of anger and sorrow.

Second Daughter Tai-An Aolin has been seen leading a horde of warriors from the Land of Endless Sky since the death of her father. She has been reported as yelling out during the attacks, “You all will pay for what you did to my father”. The rampage has caused significant damage to the Northern Empire's supply lines despite their recent gains in territory. Many recall why the tribes of the Land of Endless Sky were once a widely feared force.

Across Thyslann, rumours spread. Truths, originated from Kythara, as a supplement to existing Unspoken Word doctrine.

A companion of the Guardian Goddess, the Mother of All, sacrificed her existence to give mortals the capacity for creative and independent thinking. In their vulnerable state, mortals were watched over by the Guardian, who defended them from other, malevolent gods. Once the final god was defeated, the Guardian returned to the Labyrinth, from where the Crown of Horns was received by Kallia. The Guardian wishes for mortals to fulfill the values that the Mother of All would support: to live in peace and harmony with each other.

The revelations spread far, yet remain cohesive in their message. While little time has passed, the religious situation across all Dominions of the church has not broken into conflict. Even amongst followers of Sathism, Za-Rin, and Purdanism, the words seem well received.

Whether this stability will persist remains to be seen.

A Ms. Agahaina Remisi has been charged with the murder of Supreme Duke Meleion Kallianos. The housekeeper of the ducal palace had apparently been involved in a long standing affair with the Supreme Duke that he had recently ended, leading to her slowly poisoning the Supreme Duke. She pleaded innocent, but was found guilty upon the discovery of substantial evidence by inspectors. Her execution was well attended.

The word of official tenets for the newest sect of Za-Rin has been spreading around.

Our freedom of creativity comes from the sacrifice of the Creator Goddess.

We shall all strive to be as selfless as Her.

We are all one and connected through the Creator.

Because we are one, we shall respect all life, aiming to do no unnecessary harm to others.

Because we are one, we are all equal, with equal moral value and importance.

The Creator gave us creative thinking, and so we shall use it to think for ourselves and honor Her.

The Prophet Zhi-Zhu Lin has sacrificed herself to bring the truth of the Creator to us all, which is why even though we are all her equal, we shall take heed of her advice and consider it carefully.

Further speculation grows on Kythara around the mysterious statue that was erected in the centre of the island. Those travelling anywhere near the area report the appearance, almost overnight, of the statue. Standing at over 33 feet tall, in a strange white, gleaming stone, it is a marvel to behold. A beautifully-sculpted depiction of a stoic man, those in the know have confirmed that it is a likeness of Forgemaster Bacculus Fornax of the 13th Legion.

Nobody can answer the why but the piercing, judging gaze of the Forgemaster now watches over all Kythara and perhaps Thyslann itself. Some are already hailing it as a wonder of the world. Others, notably Grandmaster Zellus of the Word-Keepers, are asking “who did this?!”

Those venturing closer have found a number of smaller statue, made of salt, surrounding The Bacculus. Discussions and conversations have led to their identification as some of the delegates come to the Labyrinth:

• Gorina 'Rina' Epheri — wonderfully accurate, there almost seems to be a salt halo around her.
• Jean des Champs — looking super protective and strong.
• Lady Corin Mycenea — looking wonderful, very weirdly ageless. It says 'Salt Disciple Level One' at the bottom of her statue.
• Typhlos — looking pretty good, a bunch of earth is in their hand, salt in the other.
• Messenger Ziruna — inscription saying 'Salt Disciple Level Two' on the bottom of the statue. She is shrouded in a salt robe and in her hands she worshipfully holds a salt shaker.
• Qu-Yu Xiaowen — same as Ziruna, but it says 'Salt Disciple Level One'.
• Miyel — nice statue of a bee, each wing holding at least two swords. Zhi-Zhu Lin (absent the wings and crown) is behind the bee, being protected.
• Vidina Ouri — almost a fine and accurate depiction, but something is just a bit off about the statue. It is weirdly just squatting with a book in hand.
• Grand Duke Apeiron Kallianos — he looks fine, though a bit sad, and there is an inscription on the bottom right of the statue which reads 'lesser son'.
• Vita — eventually identified as such, as it looks terrible, and is incredibly wonky. Proportionally to the other statues about a foot shorter than she actually is. She is under siege by vines, not unlike the plants that plagued Ulane a season ago.

A formal warrant for the Capture of Quercus Silvax and Maximo Drax for the crimes of treason and treachery in service to the Legion's enemies, has been posted in Fort Primus and Fort Hestina. A bounty has been placed for their successful capture, dead or alive.

Buy your select pieces of genuine Zhi-Zhu Lin memorabilia now! We have spider silk, wing feathers, pieces of the clothing worn the day she ascended to her most holy status! Limited availability! Get yours now before they're gone from ZZL, the official Lin Reliquary Boutique in Ulane!