Volume 2, Issue 2: Septimus Year 25

The Brightshore Observer
Septimus YEAR 25

Potential Dangers

Citizens of Brightshore should be aware of dangers that threaten our city. I do not share these to incite fear, but rather to open our eyes and encourage us to band together in defense of our city. Those whose skills lay outside the martial realm can be of great assistance alongside our brave adventurers and guards.

Recently, a band of adventurers caused upset amongst a fearsome priestly order. This order, called The Watermakers, controls the flow of water in their desert city of Qatec. They force those living in the city to purchase all water from the order, which shows to what horrific lengths they will go to maintain power.

The Brightshorian adventurers prevented the Watermakers from obtaining a powerful artifact, and as a result, it is likely they will strike at Brightshore itself in retribution. Thus, we all must be prepared. There are citizens and members of the guard working to defend the city, but watchful eyes could save lives. Be aware.

Additionally, a long-lasting war rages below the ground, in the Underdark. It may eventually involve us here. While the Drow Houses of this land are presently engaged in fighting one another, there is a House that has taken insult at the actions of some Brightshorians, and the day may come when they will decide to attack our city. We must stand strong and find true friends to help us in the days to come. We can survive, and thrive, but only if we stand united.
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The Brightshore Observer, Triciary 25

The Brightshore Observer
TRICIARY YEAR 25

A Northern Voyage

This month with approval from my fellow council members, I traveled north on Marxa’s Eel to a land called Wyrmfrost. I learned much and had successes in both exploration and diplomacy. In the northern lands, we found vast portions of the ocean flash frozen into crashing waves of still ice. The Eel became trapped and then was beset by a great white dragon named Kithog.

With the aid of a goliath named Volgo, my team and I were able to fell the beast.Volgo said he was to be named King soon in his lands of Castimir, south of the Wyrmfrost.Slaying the dragon was part of his quest, and a heroic deed required for the earning of his title. Volgo welcomed me and the crew to come visit Castimir, where we would be welcomed as brothers and sisters. It is my hope that we will be able to continue positive interactions with him and his people and establish trade, maybe even an alliance.That is not all though.

We were able to learn a great deal about our surroundings and additional peoples of this continent. Further south of Castimir are crags we learned are called the Giants’ Stair. East of Wyrmfrost is a village of small timid fish folk. South East of the Wyrmfrost however, we were informed there is a desert where the people are rich with the finest steel and gold.
— Chancellor Galvan Gost

I accompanied Sir Galvan and other fellow members of the Gost citadel on a mission of exploration along the northern coast. We set sail upon the Eel under Captain Marxa. The accommodations were most disagreeable, as the Captain refused my most reasonable request to evict one of her officers from their cabin so I could have lodgings that befit my age and station, instead having the audacity to suggest I sleep on deck. I ended up in a hammock below decks beneath a snoring, farting dwarf. To make matters worse, there was a storm and the ship rocked so violently I couldn’t sleep. I had to give the captain a stern talking-to before the situation was resolved. Oh, and also we fought a white dragon and gave its head to a fellow who called himself King but didn’t look very regal at all.
— Ezra

Life Lost Amongst the Lizardfolk

Kehlgin (the Dwarven monk), Yarrrr (the Kenku bard), and Jeff (as the Tabaxi bard who performs at the Nicked Rock is known) were tasked by a lizardfolk to help free the breathmaster from some foul magic that was making him more violent and mean than usual. After 10 days of travel they arrived at the old structure where the lizardfolk were staying.

They attempted to sneak in, but Kehlgin slipped on a moss covered rock and fell into a sort of moat. With the element of surprise lost Kehlgin charged into the keep but was unable to successfully defeat the breathmaster.

However, Yarrrr was able to snatch a magic pipe that the leader of the lizardfolk had and when Jeff broke the pipe every lizardfolk fled. A heavily injured Kehlgin fled as well. A short time later a sort of tiger man flew out of the keep chasing Yarrrr. Kehlgin tried to aid the clearly out matched Kenku, but was swiftly knocked unconscious by the powerful tigerman.

When Kehlgin regained consciousness he discovered that Yarrrr had somehow managed to kill the powerful enemy, but that Jeff had been killed by the evil creature. They took a day to travel to the Skipriver village with Jeff’s body, where the villagers explained who the adventurers had fought. Unable to resurrect Jeff, they provided aid to help Yarrrr and Kehlgin return to Brightshore hoping to find someone capable of reviving the Tabaxi hero.
–Kehlgin

Family Notices

Our prayers are with the family and loved ones of the adventurer Enailis Glanodel, who passed away on a venture outside of the city this month.

We congratulate the family and loved ones of the adventurer Jeff, who was returned to life after a short period of being deceased. May the light of this world continue to shine on you for many years to come.

Editorials

Zentariel’s Parting Advice
By now, I have been exiled by the Council, but I want to leave Brightshore some final words of advice and knowledge. This is both about the Council and other enemies.

More than half the Council knows how to make a magic item that allows the bearer to look like anyone, as does the Hall of Hunters and many other individuals. In addition, the Red Sash goblins are able to do the same. Keep alert and maintain constant vigilance. The illusion is only for your eyes, so touch hair, listen to voices, smell their scent. With this warning, you should not be deceived.

The Second Council are but five kings on five hills. They do not work as one for you and keep their counsels hidden. Archon Twice-Blessed said I would likely get a warning for my actions. Arbiter Fallwood decided that my efforts to help Brightshore were worthless and I should be cast out.

Do not trust a Councillors words. They will double back on them in a week or some months. Do not give them service when they ask it. It will not be considered. The Consul even lied to the rest of the Councillors to try to buy my allegiance.

If you wish a better place, go to Saltrock or Boviomatua. There at least you won’t have to deal with the Councillors.

Max: Missing?
It has now been several months since any Brightshorian has seen Consul Maxmillian von Tibblesworth. Where is the Consul? Why is he neglecting his duties in the city? The people elected six councillors, and we are now down to four. The Arbiter is doing the work of three–Indomitable, Arbiter, and Marshall–and the Chancellor has been picking up the duties of the newly created role of Consul. Why was the Consul’s only official act to instigate a treaty with a vampire? Why has he not been seen in the months since? There are rumors of war and peoples who wish to ally with Brightshore, but the Consul is nowhere to be found.

The Second Council, in the few months of its existence, has gone from six people chosen by the people to replace those we trusted to a oligarchy of four. Why has the Indomitable not been replaced? Where is the Consul?
– A Concerned Citizen

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The Brightshore Observer, Docembrus 24

The Brightshore Observer
DOCEMBRUS YEAR 24

The Loss of The Luminaire
Although it is never my intention to make the news, sometimes I happen to be along when it happens. Such was the case when I set sail with Zentariel of the Hall of Hunters, the esteemed Ezra and the delightful Cornelius Agrippa aboard The Luminaire, ostensibly on a trip of ‘diplomacy and trade.’

This was, in point of fact, a ruse that Zentariel chose to pull upon the Council – intending instead to sell The Luminaire to the highest bidder she could find. This ship, as you will recall, was key in defeating the bugbear and goblin forces in the Battle of Brightshore.

Although we were attacked by a ghostly, three-headed dwarf king, the gentlewoman from the Hall of Hunters was ultimately successful – selling the Luminaire for some several tens of thousands of gold pieces to the settlement at Boviamatua. She gave the bulk of those to the Council, but was also generous in the payment of myself, Ezra and Cornelius.

We are saddened by the loss of the last ship in Brightshore’s navy, but, according to all accounts, the Council is pleased with what they have received in return. Registrar Atwood said that Zentariel had “done a great service to this city” and even Arbiter Fallwood called it “clever.” This summary must also stand as my excuse for the late delivery of this newspaper.
– Hraesvelgar Katla

A Journey to the Underdark in Oncemas
The below account was provided in Draconic, with translation by Hraesvelgr Katla.
So, for my part the whole event began when I was using the time they give away at the stage, over at Errol’s Nicked Rock, for people to play instruments, sing, and so on. I saw the Yeoman having conversation with someone who was clearly looking for a job to be done. You know the kind I mean; he had a long cloak, and a hood that you knew he’d be wearing even if it wasn’t cold.

Sure enough, he was looking to take the Yeoman to meet with some elvish house off in the Underdark. I had some tales of this place, but I had never been, and they seemed to need a group to come along, so there we were.

The Underdark was pretty much everything you’ve heard, but I’ll say it’s good to have the knowing of it myself.
Dark, lots of monsters… I’d advise anyone to have caution, and make sure you have a guide… I have a good head for maps, but I don’t think I could retrace our path, at least not the way we went. Maybe the way we came back.

Apparently the elves just below us aren’t too fond of us, because they think someone on our council took someone who was theirs.
I don’t have the full tale there, but they seem to take it seriously. The elves we went to meet… certainly had a high opinion of themselves. They didn’t want to admit that they needed something, even thought they went through all the trouble to get us there.
They eventually allowed that us having city itself was something they might want to take advantage of, but they didn’t seem to have complete confidence it would work out.

So, from what I understand, they’ll be having talks with the Council, or at least staying in touch.
– Gethrisj

Hints from the Aukāri Pine
For our adventure in early Docembrus into the Aukāri Pine, Galvin, Maevis, Pietro, Riyla, Zren, and Goldie ventured forth to visit the Bear Discipline to search for survivors. It was a five day journey until they came to a magical entrance that they entered to find a cave filled with black moss and terrible insectoid creatures. They battled bravely and defeated the creatures, only to find that the people they were searching for had been taken. Needing information, they sought out Behmeiv and tried to put the pieces together but it seems they’re starting to edge into things only known about in story and myth.
– Sunlight on Golden Boughs

Eye on the Council
Since our last publication, the Council has been exceedingly busy, with multiple announcements and meetings.

In late Oncemas, the Council stepped forward to provide information about the financial status of the city of Brightshore. As of that statement, the city expends more than what it takes in. As such, the Council proposed and validated a sales tax to assist with the flow of income. Additional information on the financial details can be requested from Registrar Atwood. In addition, during this address, Indomitable Cleo also spoke out, requesting volunteers to help with the city’s defenses. However, current affairs leave this request in an unknown status.

In early Docembrus, Consul Maxmillian von Tibblesworth announced the Second Council’s first treaty: a recognition of borders with Lord Armastus of the Dark Forest. The treaty is as follows:

  • Brightshore recognizes the Ava river as the western border of Lord Armastus’ lands. The portions of the Dark Forest west of the river shall server as a neutral zone.
  • Brightshore residents are forbidden to cross the river into Lord Armastus’ lands without express permission. They may visit the keep at Kavonia Ma to request passage or discuss other matters. Any resident who crosses the river forgoes all expectation of protection from Brightshore and places themselves wholly under the law and will of Lord Armastus. Furthermore, residents who trespass and return may be subject to prosecution should a formal complaint be issued.
  • Likewise, denizens of the Dark Forest will not cross into Brightshore territory without express permission.
  • Vesfyria Pyrehart is recognized as Lord Armastus’ chosen representative in Brightshore.

This treaty brought about much discussion amongst the people and politicians of Brightshore. Many spoke up for and against the treaty during the meeting, and the opinions of a collection of townspeople can be found in the Editorials section of this issue.

Only a week further into the month found Brightshore without two of its councilors. Indomitable Cleo Catra Moon-shadow, her husband Norio, and their recently born kits repaired from the city without notifying anyone other than the Indomitable’s friend, Vesfyria Pyreheart, who, the careful reader will note, was named the chosen representative of Lord Armastus. All that is known of Indomitable Moon-shadow’s departure comes from the note that she left in her home:

To whoever finds this,

I write this stating that myself, Norio, and our children have decided to leave the city of Brightshore and we do not plan on returning. Given the events that unfolded at the announcement about the vampire, I have come to realize a lot about others in this city. I do not believe this town is as good as I originally believed it to be due to the amount of hatred and bias the people have. All we wanted was to establish a peaceful border agreement to attempt to not make another enemy, and we were at first seen as the ones who ruined the sanity and safety of this city.

I questioned if I was protecting the correct people…

All I worked for was also taken from me and some of the people I trusted and respected the most turned their back on me when I needed their help most. Even some friends who I helped obtain their life back seemed to hold distrust against me in the end given all I’ve done. I knew I couldn’t look back after all that…

I leave my home and whatever possessions it contains to Vesfyria Pyreheart, and her only. If she does not want it, I would ask the home be dismantled and tree cut down and burned.

I am sorry to those I called friends… I did not feel my family was safe after the announcement so we left the very next morning. Please make sure you question who the correct people to protect and save are… do not look for me for all I want now is to live in peace and simplicity in a safe place with my husband and kittens.

-Cleo Catra Moon-Shadow

When announcing the disappearance of Cleo Catra, the Council also made known that Consul Maxmillian von Tibblesworth is also no longer in Brightshore, but is expected to return at an unknown point. In addition, it was announced that the Council would be permanently reduced to five members instead of six, with the defense of the city (and the remaining Defenders) being placed under the jurisdiction of the guard. The public was welcomed to comment on these issues, and various opinions were noted, but no movement towards an additional election or replacement of the sixth councilor was made.

Editorials

Editor’s note: Any resident of Brightshore is welcome to make their opinions heard through the Brightshore Observer. Please see Hraesvelgr Katla in the Nicked Rock if you wish to share your own opinions. All opinions published are that of the submitter and do not necessarily represent the opinion of anyone else. The Brightshore Observer does retain the right to edit for length, threats of bodily or spiritual harm, or crass language.

Letter from Zek
Financial Tips for the Council
The Council has made much noise about their lack of funds. Any lack of funds is due to not properly applying the Precepts of Profitability to your enterprise. However, here are three concrete things any merchant would advise the council:

Tax the Rich – There wealthy people who come to Brightshore every day – tax them! Tax adventurers and merchants entering the city for the gold that they bring! They come to Brightshore for a reason, make them pay for it! Remember, Councillors, exploitation begins at home!

Tax the Land – Speaking of home, for the landowners in Brightshore, charge them a fee for their property yearly. This is only fair as they partake in the wondrous benefits of Brightshore currently for no cost. One could imagine that the taxes from Gost Citadel alone could pay for ten guards! Dignity and an empty sack is worth the sack!

Sell Unused Assets – With the sale of the Luminaire, it shows that the Council is finally showing some fine fiscal sense. There are surely other things owned by the City and therefore the Council that could be sold. The Defenders barracks! The Park! Or, when they stop paying the Guard, the Graystone! After all, faith moves mountains … of inventory!

These strategies may seem strange, but remember – free advice is seldom cheap!
– Zek

On a Treaty with Vampires
While I was not able to make a full study of the opinions around the city, I was able to speak with a few citizens who were willing to share their thoughts on the divisive treaty.

Look, if making a deal with Mr. Pointy Teeth means we all get to keep our blood in our bodies where it belongs, then so be it.
– Gail Sanza, dockworker
A treaty with a vampire? What next? Are they just going to go around an invite him into each an every home to ensure he has plenty of snacks? Pah! One of them new council members is probably already charmed by the foul creature.
– Abigail Farnsworth
As a tiefling, I know what it’s like to have people assume you’re up to no good just based on who you are. What has Armastus done to us other than ask us to respect his territory?
– Gliftrix
I get their point, but can we really trust a vampire? I think we’re trusting an enemy with our back and hoping we don’t get stabbed.
– Anonymous guard
If the council wants to not keep ‘avin money problems, they ought not annoy the goddess what puts gold in the ground.
– Anonymous citizen

 

Lifestyle

Family Announcements
Our prayers are with the family and loved ones of the eighteen brave sailors whose lives were lost during the battle with the undead on the Luminaire this month.

An Apology
Due to my month-long adventure, I am unable to share more about the life and doings of your fellow citizens of Brightshore this month. Please look forward to the return of more Lifestyle news next month, including an interview with Chancellor Galvan Gost.

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The Brightshore Observer, Oncemas 24

The Brightshore Observer

ONCEMAS YEAR 24
Inaugural Edition

New Leadership for Brightshore
Last month’s election results are in, and we now welcome six new councilmembers: Arbiter Fallwood, Archon Errol Twice-Blessed, Chancellor Galvan Gost, Consul Maxmillian von Tibblesworth, Indomitable Cleo Catra, and Registrar Atwood.

Earlier this Oncemas, citizens gathered to hear the new council’s first address. Though the weather was cool, there were bonfires in the park, and the Hall of Hunters distributed hats and gloves to the citizenry. Members of the Hall were seen throughout the gathering. Chancellor Gost initiated the address, flanked by his personal guard, the Knights of the Order of the Black Veil. The crowd, while not the entire city, was large and attentive.

In his address, Chancellor Gost began by declaring that “Today is the beginning of a new age!” He thanked the people for their faith in him and the others elected, and extolled each other member as he introduced them to the crowd. Additionally, he addressed the changes made to the council by the new members (the specific language of the rulings can be found in this issue of the Brightshore Observer). These include changing the names of some of the positions, rearranging duties amongst the members of the council, and verifying their codes of conduct.

Indomitable Cleo Catra also spoke, though more briefly than the Chancellor. In laying out her plans, she indicated that she wished most of all to protect the inhabitants of Brightshore. Her policy also included making use of knowledge and reports from the public and adventurers in addition to what the Defenders learn on their own.

Members of the citizenry were able to ask questions. The council did not shirk from these questions and answered forthrightly. The Chancellor, Indomitable, and Archon all fielded questions regarding their plans and intentions. Archon Twice-Blessed requested that all followers of the Four pray that the council’s actions be “in concert with the will of the Four.”
– Hraesvelgr Katla

Red Sash Threat
Adventurers have encountered red-skinned goblins throughout the ruins and elsewhere outside the city. As they often wear a red sash, they have cleverly gained the moniker “Red Sash.” These particular goblins appear to have fiendish connections, as adventurers have found ritual circles of infernal power in and around the the goblins’ inhabitancies. In addition, many of these so-called Red Sash, once killed in battle, have given way to imps and quasits, further supporting the theory of fiendish relations.

Inside their territories, those who can read the correct languages have seen statements of “Death to Brightshore,” “Death to the enemies of the Red Sash,” and similar phrases. Some adventurers, including yours truly, discovered a Red Sash outpost mirroring the development of the outpost being defended by Arbiter Fallwood and the Hall of Hunters. Another group of adventurers encountered a group of Red Sash moving towards the Skipriver Village, south of Brightshore. The party was stopped by the adventurers, and no Red Sash attack on the Halfling village has yet occurred. However, a Skipriver Halfling was found murdered in the ruins.

Additionally, these infernal goblins may have the ability to disguise themselves. One masqueraded as Jorpot the Shineyman (before his untimely end during the Trouble at the Tower) in an attempt to lure adventurers deeper into the ruins. The Guard and the Defenders, as well as the Council as a whole, has been made aware of this threat and related issues. As always, we warn those not properly outfitted to defend themselves stay away from the ruins and keep a wary eye when outside the city.
– Hraesvelgr Katla

Eye on the Council
The council had a busy first month, establishing new roles, standards of conduct, and an official policy for interacting with foreign states. If members of the citizenry wish to contact the council, they may do so via the council’s steward, located at Gost Citadel.
– Hraesvelgr Katla

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Voice of Brightshore, Nonagon 24

Kintsugi Tower Explodes, Council Election Called

In a startling display of pyrotechnics, the landmark Kintsugi Tower exploded and collapsed. Details remain sparse, but early reports indicate that Chancelor Orrin activated the magical power of the tower to achieve some unknown end, though credible rumors indicate it involved opening a portal to the lower planes and summoning an Archdevil, and the rest of the Council followed to assist. As the magic surged around the tower, monstrosities and aberrations appeared outside the tower, and Indomitable Bradford and the Defenders held them off while brave adventurers ventured inside to help the Council.
Accounts of the events inside the tower vary wildly, but it is clear that the heroes were scattered along with the council members and that all of the adventurers faced dire trials and strange events.

It is unknown what caused the tower to collapse, but it was impossible to miss the massive explosion of magical energy that preceded the tower’s fall. Magical energy radiated outward from the tower and spread from horizon to horizon. Then the top of the tower imploded, ejecting the adventurers who survived the experience outside the tower.
Marshal Veil, Jorpot the Shinyman, and Grenmöre were among those killed during the events, and Selene immediately called for the election of a new Council to ensure Brightshore’s continued prosperity.

 

Editorial Submission: Errol Twice-blessed

Friends and Neighbors,

I write to you today in response to the monumental change Brightshore has seen in the last month. The destruction of the Kintsugi Tower has shaken us all. It had stood as a pillar of consistency since before Brightshore was founded and now that it is gone, it is only natural for us to question what the future has in store for our fair town. Undoubtedly some will take it as a harbinger of the future; that more pain and suffering are in store for we who have already suffered so much. Some will take the opportunity that Captain Sol is providing with his voyage to the Smoking City; I can not fault them for that. Brightshore has not been what I expected. Perhaps some normalcy can be found beyond the fog. I pray you brave souls will find what you are seeking. But many more of us will stay in Brightshore, for it is our home and we will continue to make it a beacon for those who fight oppression; a place where neighbors stand together and help each other in any way they can. We will strive to make it a more perfect community, knowing that while we may not reach “perfection,” we will attain excellence.

For those who stay and continue our journey, we have an opportunity not often granted. For the first time since I arrived, we have the chance to reshape the Council of Brightshore. With so many former council members lost and unable to continue this monumental service to Brightshore, the new council will certainly look much different. There are many outstanding options for us to choose for the council. Truly we would be blessed to have any of them serve, but there are a few that stand out from among all these exceptional candidates. I hope you’ll indulge me as I sing their virtues.

First and foremost among the potential candidates is Cleo Catra. Of all the friends I’ve met in my time in Brightshore, Cleo is the one who has always put the needs of the town ahead of her own. I truly believe that in her mind we are all her family and anyone who knows her knows how hard she would fight for those she believes in. I don’t know if she would accept a council membership, and if she declined it would surely be because she felt she could do the most good being out in the wilderness beyond our walls, identifying threats, and protecting us in countless ways. I hope she’ll get the chance to make that decision.

Among the existing council members there is one who has already done much to change the nature of the council. I believe he deserves more time on the council to continue his mission. Malcolm Bradford, the newest member of the council, the inaugural indomitable, has a clear head and a willing and able sword arm. He has many times shielded others in danger. If not for him I shudder to think of what would have happened at the Battle of Brightshore, or when the Owl and his minions arrived, or when the chaos happened at the tower. There are countless other times he has been instrumental in the protection of Brightshore. I implore you to vote, as I will, to return this true Defender of Brightshore to the council.

My third recommendation may come as a bit of a surprise for he is a polarizing figure to many. In the nearly two years I’ve spent in Brightshore I’ve found no one more compassionate and caring, though he may not like me to say such a thing. I speak of Sir Galvan Gost. I have seen this man interact in the kindest of ways with the youth in the farms beyond our walls. I have seen him stand alone against overwhelming odds while extolling his companions to escape as he covers the retreat. On one particularly dark day, I joined him in an attempt to recover his most cherished friends from kidnapping. I have no doubt he would gladly have traded places to grant them freedom. I believe he would do the same for any of us. Galvan would be a great addition to the council.

As for the remaining candidates, I’m not sure we can go wrong with any of them. Enkeh Nere has been in Brightshore since birth and I believe we all know she is destined for greatness. Perhaps it is time she joined the council. Fallwood, the druid, is among the wisest people I know. Compassionate and caring, fiercely protective, he would be another great candidate. My good friend Ezra has a unique perspective on the world. He has seen so much over so many years, perhaps he should help guide our path into the future. Baern Wildeheim is another fine option, for although he is a young dwarf, he has been with so many of us since the founding of Brightshore and truly has its best interests at heart. These are just a few of the candidates who I can vouch for. Truly, any of the candidates would be good choices.

As for myself, I would be honored if you considered me for a council position. If you were to elect me, I would spend all my free time doing everything in my power to make Brightshore a better place for all of us. They call me “Twice-Blessed”, but if you were to elect me to the council, I would consider myself Thrice-Blessed. Rest assured, whether I am elected or not, I will continue to serve all of Brightshore in any way possible.

I thank you for your time.

-Errol Twice-Blessed

 

Lavonia Lost

Lavonia has been officially stricken from the maps as the latest attempt to establish contact found the colony in ruins.

Lavonia was a village started over a year ago by a band of ambitious explorers and settlers looking to start their own colony apart from Brightshore. They had hoped to build a point of contact between Brightshore and the halfling tribes to the south. However, they settled farther afield than the Council had recommended, choosing a spot by an uncharted river at the edge of the woods, about two-weeks’ travel away. They were supposed to report back to the Council regularly, but if they were sending messengers, they never reached Brightshore. All attempts made by the Council to reestablish contact with them failed.
Seven months ago, a group of adventurers set out to the colony and found that the villagers had been afflicted by some sort of curse that transformed them into monsters with the heads of bulls. The adventurers were able to reverse the curse, and the determined colonists continued to live in the area, despite the obvious perils their chosen location posed.

A month ago, another party was sent to try and make contact once more. This time, they found the colony in ruins and discovered that it had been attacked by cyclopes. Although the party succeeded in defeating the cyclopes and rescuing the survivors, only five colonists were still alive by that time.

The Council (this was before they were disbanded, following the destruction of Kintsugi Tower) remained interested in sponsoring attempts to establish new outposts in the wilderness, despite Lavonia’s tragic end, but recommended a closer, more defensible location for the next attempt. But now that the Council has been shattered, this may have to wait until after the votes have been counted in our upcoming election.

 

Letter from the Ambassador of the Dark Forest

Dear citizens, but mostly adventurers, of the great city of Brightshore:

As many of you are aware, the Dark Forest to our city’s southeast is a place popular for going on quests and adventures. At this time, I would like to urge you to look elsewhere. Our city is currently involved in diplomatic negotiations with denizens of the Forest who desire peace, and incidents could prove not just hazardous to yourself, but to the city as a whole. If you have urgent need of something in the area, or have additional questions, please speak to Ambassador Vesfyria Pyrehart, normally in the Grove but spending a fair bit of time in town this month.

-Ambassador Vesfyria Pyrehart

 

Lighthouse Construction Begun

Reports indicate that the ruins of the ancient lighthouse on Lookout Isle have been cleansed of undead by a band of adventurers.They reportedly braved numerous undead and a number of deadly traps before accomplishing their goals.

Though there is no reported undead activity, a handful of builders entered the ruins below the lighthouse and were swiftly killed by some of the cleverly hidden traps that remained untriggered. Access to the tunnels has since been blocked off and further exploration of the tunnels banned, while work has resumed above-ground.

Additionally, there are reports of a strange cliffside temple on the island, and it appears to be dedicated to a kraken. Unusual noises have been heard there at night. Builders and guards alike refuse to approach the temple.

The council has announced that the lighthouse on the island will be rebuilt and that a permanent garrison will be maintained there in order to keep the lighthouse running and to ensure that no more foul creatures attempt to make their home on the island.

 

Silver Crawfish’s Maiden Voyage Marred by Murder

Tragedy struck the Silver Crawfish, Brightshore’s first and only riverboat casino, on its maiden voyage early this month. The Silver Crawfish is a large, oar powered vessel that makes its way upriver early in the evening and then returns to the city early in the morning. The ship boasts the finest complimentary food and beverage selection, and patrons are treated to a night of dancing and rolling the dice.

The ship was designed to skirt gambling regulations implemented by the Council, but it found itself in deeper trouble when Lady Agnes Toustain was found murdered by poison aboard the ship on its first voyage up the Olteus River.

Thanks to the quick thinking of a band of adventurers led by a soldier named JT, and the decisive actions of Captain Miriam Cortes, the murderer was apprehended before she could strike again.

Priestess Petrina of the Shrine of Menran was found to have killed Lady Toustain and was in possession of more vials of deadly poison, enough to easily kill again. Though she was found guilty, no motive was established, and the Priestess is to be sentenced later next month.

During the course of the investigation, a Mage of the Arcanum, Vanuath, assaulted young Lord Osmond Quincy and was fined after a brief jail sentence.

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Voice of Brightshore, Septimus 24

Vampire Lord in Dark Forest Seeks Treaty

A party of adventurers led by Vesfyria, herself a new arrival from Goodleaf Jungle, was dispatched to further investigate the ruins of Kavonia Ma, an ancient city on the edge of the Dark Forest.

The city was found to be partially reconstructed. A bridge of the Ava River has been built, and reports are that there is a keep under construction as well. The party arrived to find a female elf yelling for help from inside a corpse flower that was headed across the bridge. They gave chase and were attacked by undead and gargoyles.

The party made it inside the keep and found the elf being chained to a wall next to an unconscious human man in a dungeon of vampires.

As the party fought with the vampires, another vampire, apparently their master, arrived. He called himself Armastus, claimed the whole affair was a monstrous misunderstanding, and invited the adventurers to negotiate over dinner.

Armastus agreed to release the adventurers, along with the two captives in his dungeon, on the condition that the party promptly return with a treaty from Brightshore recognizing the Dark Forest across the Ava River as belonging to him.

Though the council has yet to make a decision, it is rumored that a dialog between the vampire lord and the council has been opened, but as a warning for now at least, anyone who wanders into the Dark Forest is liable to be captured and likely killed by Armastus and his followers.

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Hector’s Heckler, Sextus 24

Hector’s Heckler, Sextus 24

How’s it hanging my beautiful bodacious Brits? I’m back! After several months of malignant maleficent turmoil, the sensuous serpentine claws of censorship have been shed and I, Hector the heroic and handsome have returned!

Our dashing and darling daddy Drax has no titillating tales for us tots today but I’m sure once he’s picked up his jaw off the ground at the marvelous Maevis’s dainty feet he’ll have a heck of a harrowing hook for us all to tell tale of throughout the halls of hoary history.

I won’t ostracize you with old hat owl oration or the odd event to which it owes its infamy. Instead I’ll illustrate and illuminate the information encompassing the ill known mad, macabre, malaise and malcontent mediocre menace of misbegotten mistake…

MRS. MAGU!

I sat down with a brawny and brutal battle born barbarian of Brightshore.
His tantalizing tattoo and top-notch transcribed towering talwar triggered shivers and goose pimples to grace my silken skin.

H: “So, Var-var! What manly muscles you have there, Mmmm, May I call you Var-var? I’m sure all the ladies are pining over those tattoos. Tell me, what happened to Mrs. Magu?”

V: “Var-var… hmm well sure you can call me that if you like. The goblin leader Magu or so I am told, was killed by me and a group of adventurers. It was really quite a long and strange journey, it started when I was recruited by a group of adventurers to go out and kill some goblins. We traveled for a few days before coming upon this elf in a cave who transformed into a dragon.”

H: “A dragon! Oh my! What a powerful elf indeed. What was the elf’s name?”

V: “I think his name was Grant, or Gelt or something like that, he was a mighty weird fellow too he was eating leaves and twigs and stuff, and he had this weird little blue fellow with him.”

H: “Oh! that sounds absolutely atrocious and awful! You might tell him about the fine dining to be had at the Citadel Lounge! Its definitely better than leaves and twigs. A little blue fellow you say?”

V: “Yeah some weird little guy seemed to serve the dragon, think there called kobolds or somethin’. Well anyways, after spending the night there we wandered out into the wild try’in to find some sign of these nasty green men we were out to kill. We searched n’ searched all over the area for about a day. Nearing the end of the day we found a sign of them, they were lighting a convenient light every few seconds. We approached the camp quietly, or at least tried to but the rest of my party seemed to think it wise to be as stealthy as a tap-dancer with boulders for feet and we got ambushed before we made it anywhere. A couple of them jumped me and I slew one of them, retreatin’ to others.”

H: “I see, I see, so these green men were they kobolds as well? Do kobolds travel in little gangs and represent the creed of their color? Would the Blue Blood Basilisks have Beef with our beloved Ixi of the Pink Pygmy Pals? Did you slay every one of these green goonies or did some live to tell the tale?”

V: “Ah well no they weren’t kobolds they were mostly goblins, some of them were being bigger and hit harder while the goblins hid in trees. There were also these weird glowing red suits of armor, but I stayed clear of them. A bit into the fight the flashes of light they were makin’ turned out to be them activatin’ a giant hobgoblin-looking-hill-thing. It was really odd, they seemed to want to use it against Brightshore but they could never get it to work it was runnin’ in the opposite direction. Naturally we took off after it and began scaling up the sides to try to stop the thing. It was shooting beams of what looked like fire and swatting at people, the whole thing was covered in goblins. Eventually we got to the top of the thing and one of our group took out what was powering it, and it fell. The leader, a goblin inside a big metal creature fell underneath it and nearly got killed. She did when one of our party digged her out of her shell and stabbed her bleeding body multiple times. Magu had this weird magical circlet that made her smarter, though one of the party claimed it right away. The whole experience was rather odd, do these things typically happen in Brightshore?”

H: “Goblins you say! How Ghastly! Red suits of armor? Horrible hobgoblin looking hill thing? Who was it that stabbed the still beating heart of the motionless mortified Mrs. Magu? How Morbid! Is there a Mr. Magu? And was it he who claimed this circlet of savvy and superiority? Is this man now King of the Goblins?”

This and more, in the next episode of Hector’s Harrowing Heckler!
In the merry mean time, let’s throw back to times past and revisit a past promise from a prior paper!

As alluded, here is:

Lord Gost’s gratuitous gamble with a real ghost of a girl.

For four fours of fortuitous fortnights the famed fabulous Gost has been flirtatiously fishing for a fräulein friend of fashions. Facultative and faithful, far-reaching and fertile, forthcoming and frolicsome, funny and fearless; These are the traits which catch my master’s eye. Forsooth, he has found nothing. Though I do hear hearsay of who caught his herculean eye. Why, it was young Lady Agrippina Oleg, maidenly mate of the merry musical Marco. Alas, it was not to be. I hear his eye has shifted, and now rests in the seas of more troublesome waters. When will my misunderstood master understand?

Lucky my lord is loathsome to learn my lyrics, lest I be lambasted for my lawfully layered liable.

A Ballad to the Four

As the month of Sextus is a most troublesome of times, I will now share with you all a more serious affair, my sullen song to the fallen. It was well received the day the gods inspired me to sing it. Please see the hand drawn portraits to study and receive the accompanying choreography.

♫ Ava my lady, please tell me my sweet,
Why the destruction? My heart skips a beat!
Your fire, it burns, it inspires our meet.
Please let down your sword for I can’t bare its heat. ♪

[[ A Picture is Displayed of a formless man with a scarf swinging a quill as though it were a sword ]]

♪ Tell me please Menran of luck you will bring?
Ill tiding’s end Summer, of chaos I sing!
Of all times a wedding, your wind on black wing,
Now comes the Autumn, show mercy my king. ♫

[[ The shadowy silhouette tosses its scarf over one shoulder and weaves the scarf sign ]]

♫ We’ll endure ‘til Winter, oh Unre my dear,
Embrace those delivered to earth full of fear!
The children, you keep them? This law must we adhere?
Your silence is deafening; so, we turn to your peer. ♪

[[ The figure stands arms outstretched facing the ground. A mandatory 3 second pause is noted for dramatic flair ]]

♪ Olteus please save them, help me my dove!
Springtime is fertile, healing hands fit the glove,
Harriet, you sent her, like rains from above?
The water, we’ll drink it, return us our love! ♫

[[ The dancer is shown making a sign of Olteus ]]

I hope this has helped to ease some hearts.
If you need a distraction or are in search for a supped up magical remedy, I encourage you to stop by:

The Owl’s Nook:

“ With The Owl’s Nook being in business for several months now, I would like to announce new services and options. We all know that The Owl’s Nook is the best place to get spell casting and scribing supplies in Brightshore, but now the Owl’s Nook is doing identifications/appraisals of any items. Also, The Owl’s Nook is going to be buying wizard spell scrolls and magic items, depending on their worth of course, if you want to sell an item or scroll simply contact myself and I will get you a price. Prices for spell scrolls and magic items may be more or less than market value depending on their worth.”Zren Catsa

That’s all for now Brits, may Septimus sing us all a simpler song.
Hector the Bard♟

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Voice of Brightshore, Sextus 24

‘Til death do us part.

I had drafted a very energetic and warming article in anticipation of a desperately needed day of love and union. However, I will not publish those words, blatantly ignoring the cries of those who have lost someone from recent events…

Many of us already know what happened, so this is just for the record.

Sextus 20th, the day of Cleo and Norio’s wedding, the weather was perfect as we neared the end of summer. The venue was an elaborate re-decoration of The Park, where Cleo and Norio were wed by none other than Errol Twiceblessed, guided by the light of The Four. Nearly the whole town showed and everyone shed tears of joy as we watched our beloved tabaxi companions walk together down the aisle as one.

Then shadow covered everything.

One of the musicians saw it coming first and apparently screamed, “OWL!!!” Everyone turned in panic. No one was prepared for this. Why now? It was too late. The enormous owl, stained black and with billows of dark smoke trailing behind it, had already descended upon us. In the blink of an eye, it unleashed a shock-wave of powerful wind, knocking everything and everyone over just before ~50ft tall walls of black, unholy thorns separated and caged people throughout the park.

Groups of adventurers, including the newlyweds, were seen locked in combat with not only the owl but also new foes whose names vary from person to person. Perhaps the one ray of hope that split the darkness engulfing our city was the Kintsugi Tower. I saw it with my own two eyes and darn-near lost my hearing from, the two – yes, two – cleaving laser strikes that were unleashed upon an area within The Park. After the second strike, everything stopped and the owl was seen flying to the North.

I pray to The Four that we can recover and strengthen ourselves from this tragic day. I pray that Cleo and Norio do not blame themselves for this occurrence, and that they can still find solace with one another. Lastly, I pray for all of those who lost someone they love — please do not give up hope.

 

MAGU IS NO MORE!

Magu, the goblin warlord responsible for the Battle of Brightshore in which more than 100 brave citizens gave their lives, was discovered and slain earlier this month.
Flint, Revan, Stopp, Varish, Kora, and Otirry spotted Magu along with dozens of goblin and bugbear followers near the Ava River Ruins. According to the adventurers, Magu used some sort of magical artifact to awaken a towering, 50-foot construct resembling a hobgoblin that had been buried under the ruins. Varish, who understands the goblins’ language and was able to catch a few of her words, believes Magu was trying to command the construct to assault Brightshore.

The brave adventurers gave chase, some attacking Magu from the ground and others climbing the lumbering titan to engage the warlord directly. Flint found and removed the artifact powering the construct, which caused it to collapse. The Four must have been smiling on the adventurers that day, for all of them were able to maneuver out of harm’s way while Magu fell directly under the titan as it fell. The adventurers pulled her crushed from the wreckage and confirmed that she was dead.

Townsfolk in the streets cheered as they recognized the warlord’s body and the ruined pieces of the (smaller) war machine she once rode. Although we may never know why Magu was bent on the destruction of our fair town, it is certain her name will live in infamy, and the glory belongs to the six brave souls who ended her reign of terror.

 

Eyewitness Account of the Harrowing Recovery of the Statue of Ava

“Our adventuring party went back to sea to reclaim the Statue of Ava from the clenches of darkness in the deep ocean. We were guided by Ava’s light aboard the Albatross, helmed by Captain Fairbeard. As our hopes of finding the statue began to dwindle, Ava’s inspiration struck Baern, and into the water he went to find Her light on the ocean floor. For nearly a day, we sailed towards Ava’s light that guided the plate-armored dwarf below until She was finally spotted: a water temple of darkness, void of light, held the statue. As we prepared for battle, Ava once again gave us all inspiration as our party dove deep into the waters below. As the darkness began to overwhelm us, we reminded ourselves that it is in the twilight that Her light shines brightest.

Smashing in the door to the temple in honor of Ava, our brave party easily bested any who stand in our way: the sea goblins, the octopus, and the steel monster. Ava gave us all her blessing that day: Baern struck true with his hammer forged of Ava’s might, Atwood invoked Her wrath as a giant octopus, Vanuath punished our enemies using Ava’s light, Mazikeen pierced the creatures with force of Ava’s wildfire, Haryll embodied Her energy to strike with both javelin and fist, and I used my gifts from Ava to ensure that the flames of our souls were not extinguished. I saved many that day: Baern, Mazikeen…but I digress. After all, it was Ava who truly saved them.

After sending our enemies back to ashes, back to the darkness from whence they came, we liberated Her statue from the temple and began to guide her back to the surface and back to Her light. However, darkness was not yet ready to relinquish its grasp, as the iron brute stood back up and gave chase to the statue. Armed with little left but Ava’s inspiration, Baern and I stood our ground against this wicked darkness once more. As the steel monster grabbed ahold of the statue, we tried everything to break its grasp, from prying its fingers to attacking it hands to using Baern’s final javelin as a lever to heave its hands from the statue. But it was no use — it was clear that the light, and our chances, were fading.

That’s when I dropped to my knees and looked to Ava for guidance… and She did just that. With Her inspiration behind us, Baern and I put our remaining strength into one final attempt with the remnants of Baern’s broken javelin and watched that evil pile of scrap fall back into the watery depths below. We got the statue aboard the ship, spent time in prayer while restoring the statue’s beauty, and felt beyond blessed to be able to present it to the temple. Praise Ava!”

Grenmöre

 

New Guild Founded

Citing an increase in the amount of filth in the city, a gnome named Rasputin Cruelhammer has taken it upon himself to create the Brightshore Brighteners, a guild devoted to keeping Brightshore clean and tidy. While he claims his purpose is pure, the Brighteners have already created no small amount of controversy by dumping a wagonload of fish guts in front of the Tower, which led to minor fines being handed out, as well as to the arrest of Abigail Farnsworth.

Farnsworth, who remains behind bars, said she stands in solidarity with Selene Skipriver and refuses to pay her 10 gp fine until the council clears the beleaguered halfling’s name. When asked for comment, Farnsworth would only say, “Free Selene! She’s innocent!”

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Voice of Brightshore, Quinton 24

Holy Airship!

Citizens and dockworkers alike were startled with what seemed to have been a miniature, and focused, tsunami last week in the Dockyards District. An enormous wave swept through the Northwestern corner of the Dockyards late in the afternoon, but what remained in the aftermath of the upsurge is still being talked about today! As the water drained back into the bay, resting upon the streets of Brightshore lay what appeared to be an airship of sorts. It was a water-logged wooden vessel riddled with barnacles, seaweed, and crabs, and it had sustained heavy damage, possibly from an ancient battle. Yet the strangest part were the wings that stemmed from its sides! The ship was delivered by workers to an unpopular workshop in the Gate District known as ‘Brytva’s Bolts’ for reasons unknown. Additionally, I have been hearing rumors that the people responsible for this delivery were adventurers who surfaced from below the waves: thus far I have heard of a dark elf, some sort of robotic looking person, two farmers, and a hulking Goliath woman – who might these people be? And why have they returned such a vessel to our town?!

 

Blue Dragon Killed by Brave Adventurers

A band of adventurers, Ves, Dragone, Zren, Revan, Flint, and Stopp have put an end to another threat to Brightshore.

They traveled to Tierrios and slew a mighty blue dragon, whom other adventurers had tried unsuccessfully to kill before. The adventurers also put an end to the lightning-possessed kobolds that worshipped the dragon, and it is believed that the area is significantly more safe, though Defender patrols have not yet scouted the area in depth.
Tragically, the wizard Finder Sinclair was killed in the course of events. The specifics are unknown, but it appeared to the party as if he had been possessed by the dragon, and somehow killing the dragon ended his life as well.

 

Heretic Undermined and Brought to Justice

Citizens of Brightshore have endured the harassment of the banished heretic Alabaster for years, but the madman has been brought to divine justice after he claimed he would assault the Shrines of the Four and destroy them. Thanks to the concerted effort of the guard, the temple, and a handful of heroic Brightshore citizens, he and his army of elementals were repelled from the Temple District Bridge. Upon his death, it was discovered that this blasphemous villain was in fact a doppelganger, a monster able to read minds and take the form of any man, woman, or child it wished. In light of this, the Temple is offering clemency to any current members of the Underground Cult in exchange for information on the cult’s whereabouts and structure.

 

Masterpiece Ava Sculpture Lost at Sea

For the past several months, noted master sculptor Fimdurim Trollhand had been taking advantage of the quality of stone offered by the Saltrock Quarry to craft what was by all accounts a truly stunning statue of Ava. Though Ava is not typically depicted as having a human form, Fimdurim claimed to have seen a vision of divine inspiration that guided his chisel. The statue was due to be placed in the Ava Shrine this month, but a storm wrecked the ship that was carrying it from Saltrock to Brightshore.

A band of adventurers were said to have located the statue but were unable to retrieve it. Some have indicated that they will seek to try again.

Fimdurim Trollhand himself has been said to have hung up his tools for good as he is wracked by a crisis of faith.

 

Order of the Duskmoon

Rumors have been circulating through the town about an extinct ancient order known only as the Order of the Duskmoon. Supposedly, Brightshore rests atop the proving ground for this ancient order, and there is some manner of ever-weakening guardian that is the only thing preventing these undead from invading the city. Abigail Farnsworth had this to say, “Undead? Under the city? Sounds like the kind of story mothers tell their children to try to get them to behave. I don’t believe a word of it.”

 

Cleo Catra Manor Infested with Rats

For the second time in as many months, Catra Manor was infested with rats. Luckily, adventurers were again on hand to help stave off the worst of the infestation, which was rumored to be backed by some kind of demon or a Rat King. Unfortunately, Aelor of Aelor Construction was killed during the incident.

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Voice of Brightshore, Quarton 24

Ruins Reclamation Sanctioned by Council

The Council has formally established a fund to encourage expansion into the western ruins of the city. Volunteer craftsmen and trained soldiers drawn from the ranks of the Defenders stand ready to assist any who seek to expand the borders of the town, and to help ensure that threats long buried beneath the ruins are discovered and eradicated.

Indomitable Bradford, speaking in place of the now rarely seen Chancellor Orrin, said, “This marks a new era for Brightshore. For too long we’ve lived in fear as to what might be on the other side of the river. Now, we will face those fears head on, find whatever evil may lurk under those stones, and grind it to dust with our armored fists.”

In related news, the Guard has cautioned anyone from entering the sewers in the ruins unless they are properly prepared. Rumors of strange baying beasts and hordes of spiders have made it back to town from survivors.

 

Wildeheim Dwarf Clan Moves to Saltrock

After months of squatting in public places, and lately on Cleo Catra’s property, the dwarf clan from Vessar has moved to the quarry and mines of Saltrock. There, Illuminator Ignatius says, the clan will help the settlement beyond measure as well as help ensure a source of raw materials to Brightshore.

Judge and Protector Askada Wildeheim also issued a formal letter of thanks to the Council for their patience and support in allowing the clan time to get back on their feet again. She is said to have delivered the letter personally and was well received by the council.

Despite its name, Saltrock has also been rumored to contain a deposit of diamonds and other gemstones. Perhaps the dwarves know something we don’t!

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