Editor: Blister Verrawise
Newshounds and writers: Karma Freeze, Winfrey Goodenmal,
Guzzle Gru'kur, Flash, Changeman
Contents:
1.)A few words from the editor
2.) Letters to the Editor
3.) Blister's Buzz
4.) Top Fives
5.) Rise of the Classes - Karma Freeze
6.) Trouble
7.) A hospitable host, or harvester of souls?
Tension is still building of the war which is bound to approach. We've been given much to think about, our new governor, Murdach's antics, an alliance with Taath, strange prophecies, and the LoC themselves! Hold on and stay safe everyone, it's going to be a long and twisted ride. This is issue is packed fuller than a mule, longer than Jazbo's lance, and more exciting then Koni's hobbies! If you're in a hurry, you might want to take this one to go, and read it when you're at home. We have all your normal features, stories, and more news and gossip! Enjoy, and keep the letters coming!
Who is Khatmandu to comment on Halfaloaf's attendance? He's no Pride khat, just ask him. Besides, Halfaloaf resigned from the Pride a long time ago. As for Halfaloaf's death, whether right or wrong it is a tragedy that events drove him to such an action.
Barra Sharpfangs
Thanks Barra! Want to speak your mind, share your side of the story, prove us wrong, or be just plain nasty? Write in here!
The LoC hoards are close enough to spit on. From a few sources we heard that the Lords of Chaos may be attacking this weekend or next week. So practice, practice, practice! Sharpen your weapons and shine your armor and prepare for battle!
A new citizen Flerian, Mildew Dastump has been seen wandering the town and singing his song about the Tome of the Dead. The Tome is rumored to be in the hands of Archmage Crow, LoC follower. The Tome has some control over the dead of the forest and can raise great spirits to assist the LoC. Mildew urged us to reclaim the Tome, and use its magic for good. Several assassins of the Lords of Chaos have already tried to kill Mildew for his mouth, the Leuian Kilnu fended off several of the monsters in time for Mildew to hide.
A Sanene hand of Chaos also darted into the area, screaming, "Die Taathian!" We assume this was implied towards High Priest Tylar. Quickly the group dispatched the assassin.
Recently, Foom brought up an interesting point. Did you know Lord Guaire, a follower of the LoC is still allowed within Spur? Why? Because he's a 'Lord' of course, and has special privileges. Even though he is constantly picking fights, and even killed Lord Knight Meqetlh in a battle. Yet, he is still allowed in Spur, actually welcomed in Spur. In fact, recently I came upon Guaire, Lexington, Danecker, and Sir Stanrar all having a jolly time in the Tavern. Rotgut and whiskey jugs scattered the bar, with Guaire and Lexington drunker than a Drag-al. Stanrar and another Spurian Guard looked on and shared pleasant conversation with his good, banished pal.
Later that evening, our reporter Flash, claims he saw Lord Guaire running around Spur naked, still drunk obviously. He was ranting about being "bit by a Taathian warrior and that he was quite mad." He continued on his marathon into Temple Rinanni where he came upon several blushing worshippers, when finally he fled away madly on foot. His whereabouts were not confirmed, but its rumored he spent several hours passed out in the Poor Quarter, in the rain, and naked. So much for the "High" Race, eh?
During Guaire's exploits, Rogue Draco Pertinax Falco said in the Central he would give 100 gold for Nalpac's head. Not too long after, Nalpac jumped in and clawed at Pertinax, while he stood like a helpless child. Meanwhile, Lexington fell over and passed out, Aeslyn laughed, and Stanrar woke up and finally restored the peace by dragging Pertinax away and slapping Nalpac on the hand.
The Thieves' guild was rumored to have a meeting and sewing contest, several tried and several failed but Merrimax Maxonus was our winner! Good job Merrimax!
Anyone remember Tarr'khat Melraath Enstice SilentPaw? Well, you may just know him as Melraath. One Leuian, Darkpaw Rhaeop was seen wandering Spur, who almost looked alike. Similar height, same charm, and of course his last name. We spotted him in TS, boasting, "A new Prince of Thieves in town," and, "followin in Pop's footsteps." Rumor has it he is the bastard son of one of many of Melraath's 'aquaintances.'
Speaking of Tarr's, the Pride is cracking down on Setites, most likely due to outside pressure and criticism of the informal relations of the Pride. Word is, they've all been ordered not to speak, or associate with any Thief, or Setite. If they do, their position in the Pride could be removed. Karma Freeze, a long time friend of many Pride Khats was very disturbed by this especially. Karma, Purrkin, Darkpaw, Kaytrina, and Sandoria were arguing over this issue for quite some time:
Karma says in Leuian, "I've lived in Spur for years and years now. No one, and I repeat, absolutely no one, will tell me where I do or do not belong, and who I can or cannot befriend."
The pride was very firm on their decision, Sandorian said, "There is no place for Tarr's in Leuian culture. It is more than a Pride thing."
Most Egotistical
1) Slepinfire
2) Kymberlee
3) Litorth
4) Kassandra
5) Bizriel
In first, came Slepinfire, with Kymberlee one vote behind! A Drake who worships himself and is quite surprised when others don't, I'm not surprised. Kymberlee is often known to try to be the center of attention like a spoiled Noble's brat, and thinks the world revolves around her--or so I'm told. And, Litorth, he made a contest to see who could flatter himself the most, c'mon!
Most Dishonorable Knights
1) Stanrar
2) Dredd
3) Tygraa
4) Gruber
5) Jazbo
Complaints from Stanrar have been beaten with an old stick, he violates many of his own mandates, he's lazy and slow to respond, and usually chooses when to be just and when to look the other way. Dredd, well even though he's gone, he's left his slimy name on everyone's memory. Probably one of the worst Justices ever, and the reason our whole government was reconstructed! Well, at least he did a good cause.
Town Fool
1) Guzzle
2) Sweetie
3) Pertinax
4) Voodo
5) Jullwup
I think Guzzle's first place speaks for itself, he smells, his breath smells, his drool, and those clothes! His first place is a birthright, just don't tell him, I said that! Sweetie? No comment. Pertinax and Voodo practically volunteered themselves to essence hunters, need I say more? And, Jullwup well, he wanted to be the Town fool, that's merit enough.
Most Cowardly
1) Guzzle
2) Pertinax
3) Felixim
4) Muck
5) Sweetie
Again, Guzzle is a winner! Don't know if you'd consider that a good thing, though. Guzzle's actions speak for himself, he's quite brave or..fanatical when he's at an advantage, but runs like a...Gobbie when he's not! Pertinax talks the talk, but rarely walked the walk, and was reduced to a poor naked Draco after threatening many Secians and Drakes.
Most Traiterous
1) Kagee
2) Guaire
3) Pertinax
4) Khane
5) Oraculo
High Priestess of Taath one minute, High Priestess of Evoloch, the next, Kagee was the popular vote for this one. Guaire, a Noble Lord of our city, and now a soldier of the opposing force attacking our city. Then we had Pertinax who came in for his opposition to the Secian and Dragon community, and downright murder of them..or at least the threat.
Rise of the Classes
Karma Freeze
This issue's Rise of the Class's fastest climbing Spurian Award is tied. Both Leuian Hand Clerics, Kilnu Overlas and Katze Offaces have shot up from virtually nowhere and claimed the top two spots of the Hand Cleric's guild list. Lately, there has been much competition between the both of them for the number one spot. Good luck to both of you!
1. Kilnu Overlas the Leuian
2. Katze Offaces the Leuian
3. Sammeth Offaces the Leuian
4. Khatmandu Snaggletooth the Leuian
5. Thandril Impsbane the Leuian
6. Remath Windkick the Flerian
7. Gwon Noggy the Leuian
8. Tygraa Furbelly the Leuian
9. Callar Makath the Leuian
10. Tzchitinous Pentblood the Arachnian
11. Keaweone Kealoha the Leuian
12. Tyson Lector the Leuian
13. Shaey Faireydelven the Secian
14. Lorianna Odea the Anthian
15. Lei Kurilian the Leuian
16. Canaris Stonefist the Flerian
17. Trenor Offaces the Leuian
18. Stoker Minnion the Leuian
19. Sash Musashi the Leuian
20. Odessa Immena the Human
21. Shinto Askani the Leuian
22. Java Savitch the Leuian
23. Khendeul Remphal the Leuian
24. Paratwa Oskaloq the Leuian
25. Ignatus Jaskee the Anthian
26. Hottshott Lastshot the Leuian
27. Ichiban Corkscrite the Secian
28. Pipper Timbally the Flerian
29. Matsuo Nakamura the Leuian
30. Caravel Mystfire the Leuian
31. Honorable Tigerblood the Leuian
32. Maeon Fiekan the Leuian
33. Kara Purrcel the Leuian
34. Malakia Nothor the Leuian
35. Jawzz Kctrkrk the Arachnian
36. Mamoru Chiba the Drag-al
37. Kryton Amnahl the Leuian
38. Sandorian Kylla the Leuian
39. Darius Kentaro the Leuian
40. Panthroe Lyonsmane the Leuian
41. Nathal Griim the Hithual
42. Khaldrith Luenvar the San Elf
43. Soaren Cerlonian the Psycian
44. Xanthos Demosthenes the Leuian
45. Elronde Malkyrie the Leuian
46. Sampson Kirpaw the Leuian
47. Brarleath Masakeker the Leuian
48. Puss Ecat the Leuian
49. Nievo Goldenhands the Leuian
50. Khytira Khritt the Leuian
Mirielle's Story
By Mirielle Ono
My name is Mirielle Ono, But you can call me Trouble. I came to Spur long ago with only one goal in mind. And that was to cause as much trouble as I possibly could in the Temples of Taath and the CL respectively. I had been plenty of trouble to my parents all throughout my young life. They could not control me, or make me adhere to their strict rules and ridiculous parental tactics. It seemed only fitting when I could take care of myself, that I head to Spur and continue my mad existence.
My parents? Well, lets just say that they made no effort in hiding the relief that showed on their faces when I got in their face that last day and told them I was heading out, and that I never wished to return.
I became more proficient with my weapon, not that that matters now. I was a quick learner and advanced quickly in various aspects of my training, then again maybe I just advanced so quickly because I made the trainers life hell whenever I showed up for my next lesson. Not that any of that mattered to me then or now.
I had my own plans, my own schedule and nothing was going to get in my way or prevent me from doing what I wanted to do.
So off to Spur I went with a serious attitude and a mouth big to express it. One of my first stops was town square. It was a good first choice, being as how all the locals and not so locals were frequently found Laying around doing nothing more than either bickering with some other lazy cur to see who had the loudest voice or were simply just sitting there in some self induced trance that they entered before uttering the strange initials, AFK...What that stands for has not been verified yet but I truly believe it stands for Available-for-killing. Heck why not? It's not as if they will feel anything while in this strange stupor, and heck if they come back dead....It must have been their time to go right? A higher power must have called for it, for it to be so.
OK, where was I....
I knew what I had to do and I set out to do it. I eavesdropped whenever I could, lied, cheated and stole whenever the opportunity became available. I made a few very powerful enemies also, mad enough to kill me? Possibly? But Hey that was a risk I was just going to have to take. I was not afraid to die and I knew if a fellow follower of my lord saw it fit to end my life, then chances were good we would both be damned to eternal hell.
Those last days were certainly wild. I was in the Temple Taath once working my disguise skill when several other Taathians showed up. We all gathered around and followed Grachus to the Healer's shack. He uttered the words, "Triumvirate Forever" and down we fell into some ancient caverns with only torches keeping the area lit. A battle was already underway as Renshi, Rannvi, Tylar, Tony and several others fought to gain the upper hand against some nasty pulsating tendrils. I failed to even strike the wild plant once but I kept at it anyway. Not long after, the walls began to tremble and a low rumble was heard beneath our feet.
And I mustn't forget my bestest buddy Vollid...the one who said I have a loyalty problem. You know he was one of the Taathians fighting so hard against that tendril, being such a loyal follower and all..And yet I saw him just the other day and low and behold, he is now a follower of the Chaos Lords himself, Yet he whines and moans and gripes because I waited oh, maybe a minute and a half before I took him, Tuvor, Vekkattraka down to where Colonel Palin was, talking with Vectoran.
Colonel Palin advised us we should leave but Vollid, great big lug that he is insisted on flapping those big jaws at me, while Palin attacked Vekkattraka, knocking her down. Did Vollid help? NO, Did Vollid defend her? NO. Vollid kept sniping at me as this was unfolding. There are some more silent threats, fingering blades and such and then Palin attacks Vekkattraka again, Vollid still don't lift a finger to help, and then Palin and Vekkattraka start doing some fancy footwork as Palin starts chasing her about. Finally Vollid gets smart and takes her and Tuvor out, before Vekkattraka is killed.
Yes, the great Vollid who rants about my loyalty problems now follows someone other than Taath. How amusing...Oh and Grachus the Leuian...Now he is an interesting one for sure. I ran into him in the healers shack and said that I was thinking of converting to the CL myself, I asked him if he was and he said probably not, but he was not sure though. Those were his exact words. And now what is he? A Lord of Spur. Hrm, do I smell another loyalty problem here? Oh and we mustn't forget Vectoran, another esteemed follower of the Chaos Lords. I have gotten information that he is also a Knight or something or other.
Hospitable host, or host of souls?
Blister Waytoobrave
Many of you know of the Leuian, Oraculo Hentai. A Leuian warrior, who has made a big impact on many Spurians in a short time. Former Odarian priest, he is now a devoted follower of his Lord Moloch. Most of Spur thinks of him as a traitor, a harvester of souls, and a chaotic being with no respect for life. I was able to catch up with him in Edgewater, where he is currently residing quite peacefully. I found a different side to him..
I first came across Oraculo in a trading post, owned by Bergeron, a favorite among many of the locals. After respectfully declining a dominoes game from many of them, and a little confusion over a domino being found in my backpack, my good host Oraculo entered! After some small chitchat with the old men, Oraculo offered me a seat and some refreshments. Buttered toast, seasoned filet fish, a mint leaf (I find this rather insulting), and some Edgewater Fizz (I hear its an acquired taste) was my dinner. Oraculo was dressed simply and comfortably like a retired farmer, a fisherman's hat, some simple pants, and his pale blue mark of Moloch were the highlights of his wardrobe. After laying down a few rules before beginning, I found out Oraculo is quite the host, and maybe even honorable?
I first wanted to find out where this Oraculo came from, he is rather new to our city.
Blister asks, "Lets start from the beginning. You are rather new to Spur, right? Where did you come from? What drew you here?"
Oraculo says to Blister, "My parents were emigrants from Leuia. My father was an Odarian bladesmith, my mother a hunter who worshipped Elindale. I always was a somewhat...studious youth, and wished to enter the service of the God my father worshipped. I traveled far before venturing here. I have at alternate times lived a monastic life at the Temple of Truth, been a religious advisor to a Frontacian noble, and transcribed Odarian texts. I completed my time as an initiate, and came to Spur so that I might serve Odarous as a wandering priest."
From this, I gathered he'd be an orderly fella, right? Respectful of laws, 'order', and government. Yet, our reporters have seen him in town frequently, even selling goods to Symher. I wondered why he would disrespect the order like that, and how this banishment made him feel.
Oraculo says to Blister, "I do not respect the law of one who follows the God of thieves. I believe in order, a proper and moral order, order when used improperly is often a tool of oppression. I do not enjoy being an exile from the city of Spur, I am outraged by the fact that I have less rights than a pet dog."
Oraculo says, "I believe the exile was an obvious attempt by Perin to escalate tension between the Holy Triumvirate and Spur, to demonize us in the hearts of the people and at the same time prevent us from displaying our side of the matter, and to force a battle which will benefit the temples of the Jackal and Taath, and lead to Taathian martial law over the city of Spur."
Oraculo obviously has theories of his own, whether true or not. Many do not pay heed, and consider them idle threats. We ran into some troubles with the domino players again, apparently there was a fight about who cheated their last poker game. A respected citizen, Oraculo stepped in and settled the matter like a Judge and we got on with the interview.
Blister asks, "Now, on to the question everyone is probably wondering. What was the main reason you left Odarous, to Moloch? What turn of events, people, and ideas made you do this?" Oraculo says to Blister, "I will preface my statements on the matter of my conversion to Moloch by stating that I have found every Odarian I have spoken with to be quite honorable."
Oraculo says, "I have nothing but respect for them, yet I found some very troubling contradictions between the Odarous I was raised to worship, and the Odarous I found in Spur. I knew Odarous to be foremost a God of unconditional justice, battle, and honor. In Spur, I found that the justice system was a creation of him and his avatars, and that this justice system was lenient to extremes, punishing a crime as heinous as murder with only a two day imprisonment, less if the victim was not an adventurer. Two days for murder? Even with Moloch's absence, this sentence is laughable at best."
Oraculo says, "I also found that several Odarians served as Lords and Council Knights for Perin's government. I found Odarians who put more emphasis on their personal friends than upon the will of their God. I found that the Odarous worshipped here was a God who compromised, a God who placed more importance on bureaucracy than on justice"
Oraculo says, "The very core of my being was rocked. I spent much time deep in meditation, searching for guidance. I found none."
Oraculo says, "Then one day, wandering in a stupor, I came upon a Hithual who lay dying, left for dead after being waylaid by highwaymen. He bore a God mark I had never seen before. He told me his name was Rudd, and that he came from a clan that worshipped Moloch from deep within the heart of the Great Divide. He was venturing to Spur to preach Moloch's ways. He told me several things, things that struck me to the quick of my soul. He spoke of a God of the past, a God known for putting fairness above all else. A God that rewarded the good and punished the wicked."
Oraculo asks, "I was intrigued, yet troubled, was it possible I had been worshipping the wrong deity all this time?"
Oraculo says, "I went back to the gaudy Spurian temple of Odarous, resplendent in its marble and statuary. I meditated for a full day, and received a vision, which is quite personal and not for the reading public to know. This vision was not from Odarous. It was from the God whose strange mark that Hithual had worn, the Hithual who had permanently from the poisoned blade of his murderers. The Hithual that was not afraid of knowing that his last day was at hand, who was honorable to the end, who spoke to me the truths I had always wished to hear. That foreign God was Moloch.
Oraculo sure can talk, and I almost fell asleep when the strangest thing started happening. The mark started to hum and glow, Oraculo smiled without looking down as if he knew. The mark grew dormant again and he continued, myself a bit more attentive.
Oraculo says, "I knew that I could no longer serve Odarous in good conscience, when there was another God who stood for the things I held so dear to my heart. So I left Odarous' temple to its politics and partnerships with the God of thieves, I had failed the eagle as much as he had failed me. And, now I have found in Moloch the peace and conviction I need, and a worthy cause to vie for. In the end, it was in everyone's interests that I leave, I could not have served Odarous with the passion a cleric should have."
Blistur asks, "Many think of you as a dishonorable traitor, and a Molochian fanatic of death, a harvester of souls. What do you want Spur to understand about Moloch and you?"
Oraculo says, "I want Spur to understand that while Moloch's followers once sought to send souls to their God for judgment, this has not been the case for over three hundred years. Right now our sole concern is seeing the return of our Lord to this dimension.
Oraculo says, "I want them to understand that we have no qualms with any member of the Spurian pantheon save Taath, and that we do not seek Taath's destruction, though he seeks ours. Our arms are too short to box with gods, if Taath is destroyed, it will be at Moloch's hand, not ours. We will not seek the destruction of his temple as his followers destroyed ours. His followers will be judged by Moloch once my Lord returns, we are content to wait for that time."
Oraculo says, "I know that I am a Leuian of honor and integrity, even in parting ways with my former God I did not betray him. He recognized this, and did not punish me when I left his church. It was the best thing for both parties, any Odarian who believes I betrayed their God is more than welcome to discuss the matter with me"
Blister asks, "Last question, what hopes and plans do you have for your future here in Spur and as a Molochian?"
Oraculo says, "I wish to be see myself and my religion accepted by Spur as being legitimate. I wish to see my True Death return to this world. I would like to one day find a khat'sara and settle down peacefully to raise Khits and live a life of quiet contemplation, though I cannot bring a new life into a city so currently torn. And when the time comes, I will willingly give my soul to Moloch."
Oraculo smiled contentedly, with a grin to the domino players and says, "As you can see, I am a khat of simple desires, ones not so different from any other citizen of Spur."
His curt, but polite manner presented him as quite a respectable Leuian of honor. Although, it was hard to convince him to sit with me, often muttering about my profession. For the record, I am in no way associated with this "Thieves" guild. I can't imagine such a thing!
Anyway, perhaps this will help people better understand Oraculo, or maybe hate him more. Ladies, we hear he is single, if you are looking for a sturdy Leuian with honor and a hobby of souls. All jokes aside, maybe Oraculo and Moloch are misunderstood? Maybe we should forget this war and let them worship peacefully? Maybe not. You decide!
| -Blister |