game:news:6 [Labyrinth]

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====== Week 6 News ======

===== News from the Front =====
The war has waged unceasing for two long years, and it shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. Progress has been made by the South, though that progress has not come cheap and southern forces grow increasingly taxed.

The Southern Empire has focused its efforts on the Western Front, with over half of their and their allies from the land of Endless Sky invading Altalyria. Lead by the Grand Duchess Amalina Kalliani and her wife Princess Aolin, the southern army has made slow but steady progress through the meshwork of forts and castles established across the province. At the current pace Altalyria may fall within the next few years, allowing the Southern forces free reign to move on Kanuum and Corpunia.

Meanwhile, on the Eastern front, forces from the Northern Empire mostly comprised of soldiers from Yulaia and Surimutum, along with their allies from the Legion, have found ways to make use of a smaller force to harry and punish the south on its weaker flank.

Lead by Duke Tiberius Carnifex and largely composed of soldiers from the 13th Legion, the North's forces on the eastern front make quick and savage raids on towns on the northern border of Helat, appearing swiftly and leaving just as quickly once the battle is done. Towns that resist are slaughtered. Even towns that do not are put to the torch.

Central Helat swells with refuges from the northern border, placing strain on a system already stretched by war. Only the famed bureaucracy of the Southern Empire keeps them from complete disaster and famine. Supreme Duke Meleion Kallianos is coordinating the Empire's forces in Helat, and relies on harassment and fortification to stop the Legion from pressing too deep into the province rather than meeting them in battle.


===== New Principia of Tharena =====
> By the grace of his Imperial Majesty, Callistian, Empress of Divine Tharena, a new Principia as been elected by the Curia of the Dominion of Tharena. Principia Siciana VI assumes her rightful place as first among equals.
//--- Proclamation across Tharena and the Northern Empire.//

The new Principia has declared the former Principia Vena XII apostate, along with all those that would follow her false authority. The Principia of Altalyria has given assent to Principia Siciana, and acknowledged her as rightful bearer of the title. The Principia of Corpunia has declined to make any declaration so far, and the Principiae of Kholeis, Nanteia and Alasset have all condemned Empress Callistian and false Principia Siciana, recognising Vena XII as continuing her work.

Declarations of excommunication have flowed freely between Principiae.

Many say that the Church of the Guardian is in the throes of a schism, and multiple groups of Bishops have resorted to declaring one Principia or the other of Tharena to be a False Prophet and Abomination in the Guardian's Light. Opinions on who is the rightful Principia and the Antiprincipia vary region by region, but are broadly defined by the Northern and Southern Empires, the North support Principia Siciana, and the South Principia Vena.

Additionally, Principia Siciana has issued a decree that the Order of Word-Keepers must surrender Vena, or be disbanded, and their territory seized back by the Dominion of Tharena.

The dispute appears intractable.

===== Excommunication of Empress Callistian =====

Principia Vena XII, speaking both in her sole authority as Principia of Tharena and Mistress of the First Seat, and with the assent of the Church's Principial Council, has declared the excommunication of Empress Callistian for her unlawful captivity and for his attempt to drag the Guardian Church into schism.

All citizens, lords, and knights of the Northern Empire are formally released from any oaths they might have sworn to Empress Callistian in the name of the Guardian, or on the basis of his legitimate standing as an anointed soverign ruler in the name of the Guardian. Any person who continues to discharge their prior duties to the Empress is also to be considered excommunicate, until such time as they reconcile with the true church.

===== Weapons of War =====
Two years of fighting has seen strange new weapons deployed on the battlefields contested by the North and South. The Southern Empire has long used 'Kholeian Fire' --- an alchemical weapon that produces fire that burns for a long time and sticks to surfaces --- as weapons in sieges and in particular in its navy. Now the North seems to have found an answer as Northern troops are seen deploying throwable explosives that spread a bright-burning, sticky fire across a small area. Northern infantry will often throw these to break charges or formations, in an imitation of the natural fire-spitting capabilities of Dragonblooded.

More worrying still, Northern Mages have deployed packs of strange rabid creatures, which they seem to be able to control and direct to disrupt or harass lines in battle. Soldiers barely surviving these attacks claim that these creatures seemed to be able to fight on even when attacked, and do not behave like wardogs, being relentless. It is unclear what unusual Magic the Northerners have weaponised!

=====New Map=====
In preparation for the new investigations into the labyrinth ordered by Grand Duchess Amalina Kalliani, a new map of known areas has been published for the returning experts. With thanks to Kallidion Savkohos and Pree Norbu.

===== Riot in Wyrm's Maw =====
A fight broke out today in Wyrms Maw after a surprise sermon from Bishop Deep-Lantern. Proctor of Primus Maximo Drax requests that if anyone has information on the Bishop's whereabouts they should contact him directly, as concerns have been raised regarding her wellbeing.

===== Lord Harol Disgraced =====
Once known as the right-hand man of Empress Callistian, Lord Harol is said to have fallen out of favour with the court of the Senior Empress. Whether by fickle whim, a mistake in war, or some other reason, Lord Harol no longer plays a pivotal role in Northern Empire politics.

Rumours abound that he has found employ elsewhere, or simply retired to a quiet life at his family's estates. Still darker rumours suggest that he has been sent by the Empress to a Holy Order to live out the rest of his life.