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Voreem Herald - News from 2143 Saltwave Campaign Log - 30-Jul-2002 1 Growing
2143 - Four Kingdoms Announce Trade Pact; Dragon Involved The president of the Ion Corporation of Technikor, the great irridesium dragon, Lord Zkydraksys, personally arranged the deal over the last six months. Lord Zkydraksys is a noble dragon of irridesium hue who has established a reputation for superior business dealing and negotiation over the last ten years. He is a citizen of Technikor, as well as holding independent territory in the Outlands of Te-Qal. Although he is a very powerful dragon, he has maintained that his best interests lie in a peaceful and prosperous trade community among the nations of Saltwave. The Technikor Senate and Crown of Landers have no reason to doubt his motives, and congratulated him on his success with the trade pact. Master Hulcorn, Speaker of the House of Wealth, also commented. "This trade agreement will remove barriers to commerce for nearly all types of materials and goods. This is a good deal for the common man, who will be able to buy things that were once out of reach due to the high import taxes. Only the traditional trade rivalry between Japan and Qoolm is unaffected by the deal, and we have high hopes that those two nations can work out their differences with the help of others." 3 Growing
2143 - Kyriaborean Senate Attacked with Poison Gas! 42 Senators Hurt! Half-elf separatism has been growing rapidly over the last year. Many Kyriaborean half-elves have become aware of the tragedies that Smeisserand has inflicted on children of mixed parentage for centuries, and this has inflamed their ire. Last year, a group demanding a separate homeland for the half-elven presented its demands to the Chancellor and the Senate. These matters are still under deliberation. Fortunately, not all senators were afflicted by the poisonous gas. Some managed to avoid the cloud entirely by luck or quick legs. The Kraanicher senators were apparently immune to the effects of this type of poison. Garth von Harbruck, senior senator of the Aristocratic school, admitted that the Kraanicher people have been selecting representatives who are most resistant to poisons and diseases for the senate positions. This stroke of good fortune leaves the Aristocratic philosophy with a current majority in the senate. As yet, the Aristocrats have declined requests to use their power to impose martial law and bring retribution down upon the half-elf movement responsible for the attack. This attack may be related to events in Smeisserand, our neighbor to the west. King Wulfram Haansa was assassinated by Adriana the Black last month on the 5th of Greening, in his royal privy. Despite a thorough search, the assassin escaped. Four of the potential Gesselring relatives who could claim the throne were also killed by unnamed assassins between the 4th and the 6th of Greening. At a stroke, the king and those most likely to benefit from his death are removed from the political scene of Smeisserand! 5 Growing
2143 - Rebellion! With King Wulfram Haansa recently assassinated by Adriana the Black, our fair Dominion is now under the firm rule of King Florian, the eldest son of the late King Wulfram. Sadly, the nobility of the northeastern provinces have thrown their lot in with the evil halfbreeds hiding like dogs in Faereaver Fortress. Even the noble General Andreas Kettner, now Count of Contradina, has lost his honor and knuckled under to the spell of the Lady DuKott. This foreign countess has been taxing her trade routes most heavily, growing very rich through her questionable activites. It now appears that she has established herself as "Queen" of the territory called Lebensbruck. This area of rebellion includes the counties of Voyreem, Contradina, Maastricht, and Saalz. It seems likely that the half-elves will fight for her, as will the elves and the barbarian highlanders from Tarnia. Imagine the audacity of this foreign-born woman to style herself queen and lead four counties off into rebellion! She isn't even a proper noble at all! She's just a sellsword warrior set up on the late king's sufferance for being in the right place at the right time in the Redcloak War. His Royal Highness, King Florian, was at Faereaver, ready to take it back from the halfbreed scum, when the archmage, Lady DuKott's husband (another foreigner!) stopped the battle and captured the Golden General and Duke Paezaar. Dark Schnyder the renegade druid was with him, and an elf sorceress, too. They dared to lay hands on the King! Sadly, the magic that the archmage had at his beck and call was such that we would have lost most of the army trying to fight. So, the king withdrew to Norton, as any sensible commander would. I'm quite sure that the commanders are planning a campaign to end this rebellion, even now! 6 Growing
2143 - Queen sets Lebensbruke Charter The monarchy of Lebensbruke has been formed from those portions of Jaastenland that included persons of intellect, daring, and high moral fibre, that the subjects of that land might create, through tolerance, understanding and goodness, a better place for all. We welcome to our land those persons without a champion, as well as those who already reside within its boundaries. We welcome those who choose to do good for their fellow, regardless of his form or face, because he chooses to respect each according to his gifts. We welcome all who would discard the machinations of selfishness, the guises of "political expediency" in which small men have ever couched their reasons for and means to self-aggrandizement. To each individual, regardless of race, there is given a place in this world, and to each shall be afforded a level of respect as a part of Lebensbrüke. The Queen herself, being upon her honor to do no less, will endeavor to structure the rule and organization of the land to maximize the opportunities for all, enrich the lives of all, and enable the harmonies between the races to develop. The lords and ladies of the manors, being upon their honor to do no less, will support and develop their lands, peoples, and holdings, and support the protection of same, and support the developments of art, science, literacy and magic by monetary or other means, to promote and strengthen the land and its people, in the name of harmony and strength. The merchants and holders of offices, being upon their honor to do no less, will support and develop trade, honest dealings with those of all races, and support by monetary or other means the instruction of those who are able and wish to take up similar duties, in the name of harmony and strength. The peasants and farmers, being upon their honor to do no less, will support and develop their lands and their children. They will support the instruction and training of these children by sending them to school wintertimes between harvest and planting, from the third through the twelvth winter of age; they will also support the tolerance of those of other racial characteristics by refusing to speak ill of another with referent to their race, in the name of strength and harmony. These duties, and the respect due any living being, are incumbent upon all who live within the realm of Lebensbrüke. We wish our land to be a shining star, that all who see it are amazed, and wish to pattern their lives after ours. We wish our land, named Lebensbrüke, to be as it is named, a living bridge from one to another, for as long as the mountains touch the skies, for as long as the seas spawn waves, for as long as time itself exists. Her Royal
Majesty, Queen Anisette duKott 12 Growing
2143 - Northeastern
Territories of Smeisserand in Rebellion Lady DuKott's forces attacked and destroyed the security troops invited into the region by King Florian of Smeisserand. An organization called "The Brotherhood of Thought" supplied these troops at the King's request to keep order during a period of unrest apparently caused by a movement of half-elven people. The half-elves claim to be seeking freedom from oppression and a land that they can call their own. A major Smeisserander fortress in the area, known previously as Faereaver Fortress, was captured by the half-elves last summer, and they have held it since then. The half-elven leadership has named the lands they hold "Tir Parivel," or the Land of Freedom. Lady DuKott is thought to be a supporter of the half-elven cause. Lady DuKott took with her four major counties into rebellion. These are Voyreem, Contradina, Maastricht, and Saalz. Together, they comprise almost one-eighth of the territory of Smeisserand, or an area about the size of the Orcish Confederacy. Lebensbrüke also has an ally in the elven folk of the Aelvenwode, the major forest which forms much of the eastern border of Smeisserand. Early military victories within the first week of the rebellion secured the entire territory of Lebensbrüke and captured several top Smeisserander leaders, including King Florian himself. Lady DuKott did not hold the king, but expelled him and the remains of his army from her territory. Reports of the battles tell of overwhelming military and magical force brought to bear against the Smeisseranders. In that, there may be some concern for citizens of Landers. Sir Lord Drake Hedgerton, R.O.S., Baron of Shalecourt and Archmage of Landers, is the husband of Lady DuKott, and is likely to have supplied much of the magic and military might to the rebellion. As Lady DuKott is now assuming the title of Queen, this puts Sir Drake in a rather unusual position as head of a sovereign state, as well as a baron and citizen of Landers. Early news from Laran suggests that His Majesty, King Rupert, is taking the matter under advisement. While we are certain that Sir Drake would not support an ignoble or questionable cause, this paper asks whether he remains a proper ruler for a Landish barony. 16 Growing
2143 - Independence for Lebensbrüke "Lebensbrüke is now a reality, with the Brotherhood of Thought and the forces of King Florian defeated and expelled from our borders. The doubters among us have seen the power of freedom and equality of the people firsthand, and have quieted their worries. Queen Anissette has proclaimed proper laws to protect the interests, privileges, and freedoms of all Her people, and the support of Contradina, Maastricht, the half-elves of Tir Parivel, Tarnia, and the Aelvenwode is assured. "With the inestimable help of Master Jann Wenner, bard of Voyreem, and his companions, including Dark Schnyder, many people have had their questions answered and their concerns addressed. Queen Anissette has spoken publically and privately with many citizens and has conveyed Her authority upon just and proper people who can govern well and truly. Her plans to support trade and a good and useful education for all have been announced and Her defense of the Realm is assured. "There are still adversaries to face and defeat, but these are now mostly from without, and not from within our own ranks. Indeed, Tarnia will soon be joining Lebensbrüke, so great is their appreciation for our success! With the joining of Tarnia comes additional help to fight the skulking of the Brotherhood of Thought. The Brotherhood, once thought to be merely a fine, charitable organization, has been revealed as a cabal of tyrant wizards and mindbenders. They are a dangerous foe, so do not take stories of their capabilities lightly. Please provide whatever assistance you can if asked by Her Majesty's officials. With the help of all those who love order and freedom, we will prevail against any odds. "As you may know, Sir Drake defeated the Northern Army of Smeisserand at Faereaver, now called Tir Parivel. He had the valuable assistance of Lady Roxy Candleflame, a Landish Wood Elf sorceress, as well as that of our own Dark Schnyder and Jann Wenner. The half-elf people of Tir Parivel had also put up a great resistance over the last eight months, and their struggle for freedom was what brought Lady DuKott to the decision to break away from Smeisserand and found Lebensbrüke. She could not stand by while the Crown of Smeisserand and the Brotherhood of Thought wrought injustice upon an innocent people. "So it is that we have faced our first challenges with glory! Congratulations and good tidings to all of Lebensbrüke!" 25 Growing
2143 - Borders of Lebensbrüke Established
Country Borders: School Plans:
Noble Landholders:
Merchants:
Farmers &
Crafters: All Subjects:
Her Royal
Majesty, Queen Anisette duKott 29 Growing
2143 - Kraanichers Volunteer to Lead Senate! As a counter to the effects of the half-elven rebels' poisonous gas, the Kraanichers of the Aristocratic and Moderate Philosophies have agreed to lead the Kyriabor government until the danger is past. Much more resistant to these poisonous attacks than others, the Kraanicher leadership is necessary to keep the Republic functioning. Senator Garth von Harbruck has assumed the position of Speaker of the Senate, and is advising the Chancellor on defensive actions against this surprising threat. The Brotherhood of Thought, a charitable organization of scholars and aristocratic Kraanicher explorers, has stepped in to help restore order. Several hundred troops from the organization's frontier outposts have supplemented the police forces and guards of Aelizon, Kantraal, and Vargas. These experienced defenders have already had some success against the half-elven separatists in actions along the frontier. Citizens are requested to give the Brotherhood of Thought the support they need to help the local authorities control the half-elf threat. For the time being, martial law is being considered, but not yet imposed. If half-elf attacks continue in populated areas, guards and police forces will be augmented with additional strength from the Wizard's Colleges and the army. Because of the ability of many half-elves to pass for human, citizens are requested to remain near their homes and neighborhoods unless business requires them to travel. The half-elf separatist movement has already gained ground in Smeisserand, where the northeastern provinces have broken away to form a new kingdom. Lebensbruke, as it is called, has proclaimed racial equality and friendship. How the rebel leader, Queen Anissette DuKott, can claim friendship with the likes of these vile poisoners is quite the puzzle. Already, Lebensbruke has handed King Florian a bitter military defeat, routing his forces from their seige of the half-elven stronghold in Saalz County. At present, the borders with Lebensbruke are closed. Kyriaborian citizens were ordered by the Senate on Friday to cease any trade activities with persons, organizations, or business ventures operating within the territory of Lebensbruke. 14 Flowers
2143 - Lebensbrüke Defeats Smeisserander Attack at Velaana Pass! A regiment of Smeisserander troops attacked the Velaana Pass border troops last night. They were soundly defeated by the Lebensbrüke forces (the 2nd Wyvern Watch, 1st Hobilars, Kentor Guard, 3rd and 4th Shield Knights of the Komatsine Militants). While the Smeisserander troops were well protected by several powerful wizards and mighty magic, the defenders were able to break the spells and defend the border. Battle was joined shortly after 2:00 AM, and the last of the defeated Smeisserander troops were rounded up only two hours later. The heroes of the battle were General Alexandro Keltenscher and Sir Drake's noted pilot, Charlie. These two heroes defeated the wizards and commanders in personal combat. The Wyvern Watch took heavy casualties from the enemy magic, but pulled through the battle with high morale and about 75% of their troops. The Komatsine battle and healing spells helped win the night. The enemy commander was captured, and will be ransomed back to Smeisserand. The troops who surrendered will be given the option of joining Lebensbrüke or being held until ransom can be arranged by King Florian. 19 Flowers
2143 - Airfield Attacked! Scirocco Flyers Destroyed! Early this morning, foes of the kingdom attacked the Voyreem Airfield, destroying all of the wondrous Scirocco flyers. These were the same flyers so instrumental to the defeat of King Florian and his troops last month at Tir Parivel (Faereaver). There were no injuries to people, only the flying machines were harmed. While the loss of these incredible machines is a great blow to Lebensbrüke, Sir Drake did not seem to be very concerned. "I am most happy that no one was hurt in this attack. The flyers were powerful, but we can do without them. We have other tricks and tools available to us that will confound our enemies. I am not worried. Lebensbrüke is still very safe," he said. As to the means of attack, the Archmage replied, "This was a mercenary attack by someone who is very powerful, but known to us. The weapons used against us will be dust by sunset." The King and Queen are very confident that the attackers will be disarmed or brought to justice, and that Lebensbrüke will remain safe from Smeisserand and the Brotherhood of Thought. The upcoming Rialla will provide an opportunity for Their Majesties to share additional details and plans with the people. Until then, remember to remain vigilant against spies and saboteurs.
Last updated
30-Jul-2002 |