Scars of Risenholm

DROWNED RISEN ILLUMINATES RIFT IN LEADERSHIP

A second tribunal trial has concluded here in Risenholm, with the first Risen since the surge finding his way back into the well. Charged with the murder of a local dredger, a tribunal of three decided the man’s fate, but had Olenka not stepped in, events may have played out more expeditiously. I spoke with one of the tribunal members, Gaven Holt, to get details on what happened.

“Grillson wanted to get right to it,” he explained, “He was pretty pissed. Understandable, I guess, when you see one of your own people murdered right in front of you. Cold blood and all that. Rothed wasn’t having it. Rotheld won.”

What many witnessed could be described as a mob, whose intention was to enact swift judgement on its own accord, but others insist the initial group was acting in the best interest of Risenholm, and that Olenka’s interruption could have led to further mishap.

“For someone unfamiliar with the happenings, I could’ve seen how it can look like Markus was being hasty,” said Gammon, well-known for his ability to smash things, “but knowing what I had seen and knowing the capabilities of the mage, the delay almost let him get away.”


It is an interesting perspective, I’ll admit, having now reported on two trials here in Risenholm. Both carried a mixture of bloated bureaucracy, and measured justice. However what sets this apart, is that the punishment more clearly fit the crime, and indeed, both parties agreed on that.

“The law on this is clear. Murder is a crime. And endangering the Well is, too. That’s what we sentenced him on,” said Holt.

Between the lines of this case, however, and in congruence with the last, it is clear that there is a rift in leadership here in town. I spoke with Grillson, who commented on his feelings regarding the Reeves taking control of the scenario.

“They know I ain’t gonna drown some idiot just because they’ve annoyed me. I ain’t got time for it. Nah - Olenka, much as I like her, is under orders to harass and stall me at every opportunity.”

He would continue to make this point, suggesting his standing in the town was ignored,

“So it should be known that if someones getting hauled all the way up to the well, I probably got a good reason for it. You can just hear me out as the Reeves and we can get on with it, but no. Gotta get the tribunal, bunch of strangers who aint got a clue what's going on. Just to go on and on and on about possible scenarios mr skull clark might be innocent in. You get some skinny srger in a coat squinting like he's real smart, pondering if the conjured tentacles to kill my crewmate was a “side effect” or some shit. All just theater. Would they have bothered if that happened to Reeves or Millers?”

One might indeed be inclined to empathize with this sentiment, having witnessed Cynemaer’s judgment so clearly in the favor of Reeves and Millers, or that the tribunals are picked by the Reeves solely. In a conversion with Quartermaster Olivia, however, a different perspective was offered. After relaying her respect for the dredgers community, and their important role in the town, she would continue to single out Grillsson from their ranks.

“Markus is notorious for having a short fuse - like the millers used him as a schematic when making their satchel bombs.. I find it somewhat grim that he thinks “stopping someone from taking justice into their own hands is harassment or stalling…,” she remarked as we conversed in the Refuge, “... Maybe his intentions when he started were pure, but i think his position has gone to his head. The dredgers are an integral part of this community - they work alongside the Millers to ensure we are fed, and we make the most of our space below the village as well. I just hope they can realize that putting their opes in a volatile Grillson is doing more harm than good, for their own progress.”

She also insured me that the Reeves are diligently watching the rising population, and are committed to maintaining law and order.

“The Millers and Reeves both stalled their recruitment as there was a lot of.. Uncertainty about what the surge actually meant. Our population has swelled dramatically, some of the new risen are especially powerful as well. I’ll leave theorizing as to what that means to the MIllers, but it's caught our attention at least... Yes, we’re adapting to the situation.”

There are two clear sides to this disagreement, but of course, we are a community of many faces and beliefs, and fair judgement seems to have been passed regardless. Fairness should be examined for all of our sakes, but the safety and survival of the people here in Risenholm will hopefully remain the main priority.

Penny Aller
True & Neutral News


BEWARE OF MARSHES. ROAMING SCARS AND MYSTERIOUS BEASTS CATCH REEVES ATTENTION.

While on a patrol, a group of Reeves led by Captain Vollan have discovered a novel beast that has adapted itself to the specific environment of the marshes.

“The scar beast was strangely suited to the marshes we fought it,” said new recruit, Tarkhan, “Adapted to fight in the mists.”

While not terribly disturbing compared to what many have bared witness to in these lands, it does raise concern regarding an increasing number of Scars, and what seem to be ‘temporary scars’ revealing themselves.

Described as a ‘cross between a snake and a worm,’ the Reeves have expressed concern about the danger it poses to those exploring the marshes, and have issued a warning to all who intend to travel through it.

“The Beast was a hunter, and far more dangerous than anything else in the area,” commented Erhi, Reeve recruit.

It is my understanding the seriousness of this event will require efforts from both the Millers and the Reeves, and I have faith with their combined efforts, Risenholm will remain safe. This will undoubtedly involve us Risen, however, and I implore those wishing to provide aid to do so with transparency. All ships will rise with the tide, and with a growing number of threats revealing themselves, it is a safe assumption that the worst is yet to come.

Any information regarding temporary, or new Scars can be reported to the Millers or the Reeves. Should you wish to remain anonymous, I am always a resource to you.

Penny Aller
True & Neutral News

CYNEMAER’S SENTENCE FULFILLED. MISSION TO CITY YIELDS POSITIVE RESULTS.

A successful scouting missions has been confirmed this week. Acting on some new information from Forden, Cynemaer gathered a small group and marched through the Ceaseless City gates.

“I was given two satchels and a task, “said Cynemaer, “... and so this became my charge, issued by my peers.”

With a small group assembled quickly after his orders were given, Cynemaer pushed through what seemed like a diminished force of defending constructs. It has been reported that in their search through the city's districts, however, any hope of finding substantial supplies of food seems less likely.

Regarding the malevolent voice that called out from the city, no definite information can be ascertained as it seems to have retreated to the City’s noble district, barricading itself in. To the question of whether it is sentient or not, Dean remarked,

“No tellin’, since we ain’t seen it,” and would continue to discuss a still looming potential threat, “ [and there’s] no way to tell for sure they’ve been beaten back… Could be waiting with a big bunch of them inside the noble quarter.”

Also discovered in the city were two previously unknown Scars, and members of the Millers were dispatched to determine their power and threat.

When asked why someone who was so outwardly in defiance of Cynemaer’s original mission, Hensley Bellerose had this to say:

“It is a collaborative effort with the town now. Instead of assuming to go over their heads for their benefit without their input. If damage was done, then it’s done and now it’s important to gather the information we’ll need to deal with a potential new threat.”

Their willingness to work together for a common goal is inspiring, but it feels like there is more under the surface. A city of constructs, a man’s punishment identical to his crime. I took the time to speak with one of the gentlemen that participated in the final judgement of Cynemaer’s trial.

“... I was simply picked out from the gaggle of onlookers...” said Ambrosius Bathazar, adorned in a beautiful, golden outfit, “... I suppose the whole affair could have been handled with more tact and protocol. I understand it is the first of its kind for some time, but… perhaps in the future we can speed up proceedings by leaving insane jabber and personal spite out of it.”

And whilst commenting that if he were to join the scouting mission, some may have considered his judgment bias, Ambrosius did admit curiosity did weigh on his final decision.

“ ...why not make the man do some good for us all, and have him repeat the mission, with his newfound wisdom, bring back specimens for study, so we can better understand what we are dealing with here.” He would continue, “... and while this is not spoken out loud, I believe [the three of us], deliberating, understood one fact. People will go out and poke the city regardless. Sooner or later.”

I cannot help but feel torn, learning that our systems of judgement are predicated by strategic gain. I believe Cynemaer led this charge boldly, and was in fact proud to do so, but wonder if the act being carried out as punishment diminishes the credit he deserves for these discoveries. There is precedence in the notion that his actions are reckless and draw unneeded attention to our town, but it is just as likely that his bravery is the catalyst of what we now know about this potential threat.

Penny Aller,
True & Neutral News


BANDITS IN SUTHWOOD. CROWLEY’S GANG ON THE LOOSE.

Reports of robberies in Suthwood this week, local Risen struck down by a hooded woman and her gang. Little detail is currently known, but we at T-N-N are actively seeking information regarding Crowley’s Gang of thugs. Authorities have been notified, and any who would like to find me in private or in public I encourage you to do so.

It is known that the gang will strike when you are unexpecting, and with the aid of traps. I recommend extra caution when traveling through Suthwood, especially at night. There has since been two attempts to track Crowley and her gang, but to avail.

Penny Aller
True & Neutral News

SHADOW OF SUTHWOOD SLAIN. STRANGE DEVICE RECOVERED.

Risenholm town’s folk may rest easier after a large group of local heroes have found victory over evil forces deep in the Suthwood Forests.

While not much was known about it prior, there had been rumors circulating as to just what it might be. Even after slaying the shadowy monster however, little has been illuminated.

Led by one ‘tall, slender, and crouching shadow’ a horde of smaller visages surrounded the party, only to be pushed back by our heroic Risen. It was then that Lucius, newly risen, was allowed to perform ritual acts that aided in destroying the shadow.

“The ritual did not go the way I had wanted… “ Lucius commented, “ I had to change it up last second, and it almost cost us a few people, and a small portion of the forest.”

Aided by Lynda Rhodes, Professional Battle Baker, ‘who helps out when people need it,’ intense positive energy was channeled through the shadow, causing an ‘explosion of primal force.’

“Lucius did this ritual and then after everything was set up, I did my best and hit it really hard. Then there was a massive explosion,” she recalled.

In the wake of this shadowy figure, was left a strange device, composed of scar fragments. Specific details about said device, however, have been deemed too dangerous to expose publically. In a statement from Cilas Forden, Miller Foreman, who is in possession of the device for examination, a message to those curious to learn more:

"The Millers are committed to finding the truth of the matter - no doubt the efforts of the surgers have proved invaluable, but I would exercise caution against any who would try manipulating scars or fragments outside of a controlled environment. We’ve the tools for making sure our search for the truth goes safely. We have the Reeves to support this... But don't prod sleeping dogs you don't rightfully understand… join us so we can teach you.”

I will do my best to disseminate what I can about the device, but I feel comfortable knowing such capable, and willing heroes protect our walls, especially with rumors of a second shadow lurking very close.

Any who seek to gather arms, and aid in the hunt for more of these creatures, or devices, I would point you to the Millers, The Reeves, or to local Lucius, who is gathering materials in case he is needed for a second ritual.

More to come, as this story unfolds,

Penny Aller
True & Neutral News.

RISENHOLM’S POPULATION SOARING. EXPANSION EMINENT.

With Risenholm is in the midst of a surge of newly Risen, Rothed’s Refuge is being pushed past its capacity, and food shortages continue to worry locals. With expansion plans in the works, I took some time to speak with locals about any concerns they have, and what they would like to see considered.

“For the most part I think our masons and builders are quite forward thinking,” commented Negrui, who possesses a quite respectable stature, “I’ve yet to hit my forehead on a door frame.”

He would continue, however, to describe what I believe will be an important consideration during the coming expansion efforts.

“However I would not say no to bigger chairs. We have some but if there were more than one Orc at a table at any given time, we’d have to draw straws.”

This thought was echoed by local Battle Baker, Lynda, whom I personally witnessed wading neck deep through the marshes just outside of town.

“A bridge would be nice,” she remarked, as water poured from the cracks in her armor.

Spearheaded by architect Matthew Alexander, a group has begun gathering supplies, and scouting the surrounding area, securing what need be. When asked whether resident size will be considered, Matthew remarked, while perched on a chair far to small for him,

“Sometimes, it’s important for those that are vertically inclined to make choices that enable everyone to participate a bit more equally,”

Witnessing this act of self-denial, and hearing such a considerate statement, I believe we can trust the needs of all to be considered, but I will remain steadfast in my mission to represent the people of this town.

While important, all of this begs a larger question, why is our population growing so rapidly? Are we cursed, or have we been drawn here for a purpose. In the days to come I will be investigating this further, and would seek any who claim to have answers.

Penny Aller
True & Neutral News.

Two new articles, seen dispersed by a woman in a red tunic.

*Penny is seen restocking new articles, passing them to townsfolk with a smile.*