Week 2 News

Multiple reports of the Northern Empire fleet are shared by inhabitants of the Northern region of Yulaia and Southern province of Helat. Few are privy to the purpose of the movements of the Northern Empire, but it has not been noted as far as Kythara, so speculation is wild as to its purpose.

Several Governors and Prefects in Helat have issued condemnations of Northern encroachment on Southern Empire territory, but so far this seems action to assure local citizens as nothing official has been proclaimed by senior Southern Empire bureaucrats or ministers.

Speeches heard in the Senate of the Holy City of Tharena have claimed that the Pirate Havens along the coast of Surimutum are finally being brought to order by Empress Callistian.

A popular poem is widely circulated across the Empires, quickly becoming popular and celebrated.

Cast your mind to darkest night
when Empire bold with ceaseless might
with horn'd crown the princess crept,
plunged us to cold and stony depths.
A people sound of honest heart,
extinguished by this devious art,
to sit astride the Empire's head,
but banished to the earth instead.
We toil burning with eternal flame,
Therena will we serve again,
and so the darken'd stone met steel
of we who to Empire alone shall kneel.
We who guided royal hand,
now o'er darkness have command;
preserved the flame of former glory
to light again deserv'd quarry.
We people swallowed by the sea
have outgrown caves of memory
spires of revered bone foregone,
our ancient love will crown the one.
The deep veins of this land we've known;
we sicken with the want for home,
to stop this endless well of blood,
and rest at last in embracing love.
There is no blood in Tharena's hills,
great halls delight of citizens fills,
mountains heaven-reaching with peerless face,
will our land us once again embrace.
That darkest night to us is near,
but we press on devoid of fear;
under glorious sky to assemble,
and lay kiss upon her divinest temple.

— Anonymous

Several scholars are debating the identity of the poet, and some have already claimed it to be the work of William Rattlestaff, an obscure playwright of the principalities beyond the Northern Empire. Most scholars of note have already rubbished this claim as denizens of rainy islands are unlikely to be writing so intimately about Tharena.

On leaflets spread across Kythara.

Planning an expedition?
In search of exotic wares?
Want to know your new friends above/below ground better?

Then look no further!

This Dolom-led investment in the burgeoning Market Street is here to bring traders together from across the Thyslann and the Labyrinth. Through trade, we can all work for a prosperous future.

Don't know where to exchange currency? Not a problem! Our exchange stalls can help you buy whatever you want, from whoever you want!

From the Land of Endless Sky to the underground city of Nodice, any and all coins are accepted!

Come to the Market Street! Now with more vendors and a higher guarantee of quality than ever!

A diagram of the various encampments around the Labyrinth entrance is included, showing a dot somewhere in the middle.

Current wares include:

• Pickaxes
• Rope
• Refined metals
• Forged plating
• Clothing and clothing alterations
• Sturdy knapsacks
• Salted meats
• Dried fruits
• Honey
• Wine
• Cheeses of all kinds

For further details, please speak with a member of the Dolom diplomatic team.

The Southern Empire is visibly throwing its weight around, sending a great convoy of ships under the imperial pennant and carrying trade goods: Materials not available in the labyrinth, and fine examples of southern craftsmanship. Organised by Vice-Duke Meraktos and Lord Savkohos, the empire's wealth has given it a considerable share in trading in the newly-established Dolomite market. Goods are sold at favourable prices, with many travelling from within the Labyrinth to enjoy the wealth of the Thyseran court.

Delegate from the Southern Empire, Brasse Kallianiskon is proud to announce the opening of a new community garden, available for recreational use and harvesting by all for all. For more information and any queries please contact Grounds Manager Alasseti.

On flyers distributed by members of the 13th Legion.

The 13th Legion. Indomitable. Unconquerable.
Wills forged in the trials and tribulations of the Labyrinth.

Now invites your strongest warriors to a true test of mettle!

Down in the heart of Fort Primus, in the Wyrm's Maw arena,
Legends will be made!
Victors will triumph!

Combatants will face each other in single combat!

Introducing…
Qu-Yu Xiaowen, brutal warrior from the Steppes

Coming to fight…
Guillaume Proulx, reigning champion of the arena

Only one can emerge victorious!

You heard it too right? That Blacksmith Stavri shouting about their horseshoes? Horseshit more like! Got Octavius shod at hers and it threw the shoes barely half-way down the street. And then she had the cheek not to honour her guarantee! Far as I'm concerned this vaunted Southern Steel ain't worth the mud in Anneia.

— Overheard in The Gilded Bucket, a popular tavern. Many similar comments heard over the last few weeks

Reports of Southern tax collectors being kicked out of a mountain village in the foothills north of Nanteia circulate repeatedly. Angry goat farmers are up in arms at what they claim are attempts to double-tax them by the North and South. It is unclear if the visit by Southern authorities is a recent introduction, or merely a long-lapsed oversight.

Principia Vena XII led the celebrations on the Rite of Mercy on the Feast of St Edina in Anneia, with many notable attendants including Grand Duchess Amalina Kalliani. She used the opportunity to again repeat the church's plea for peace between the two empires in the light of rising tensions across the Inner Sea. Amalina, amongst many other faithful, received the Rite of Mercy, giving a drop of blood from a fingertip which is then ignited in a vessel with the blood given by the rest of the congregation.