Story Archive II

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The Year of Souls has arrived. With its arrival come both reflection on what the previous year held and fresh developments of the new year. People everywhere make new resolutions and plans for those resolutions. The newspapers also release their first issues of the year; already they promise an interesting time ahead:


Depict/write about either a) your character's reaction or involvement with the developments of the new year OR b) a personal update on your character's past year and/or what they plan/hope to do in the coming year This is an activity check prompt, see THIS JOURNAL for more information

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The Year of Souls is considered by lore as a year of changeable fate - both potentially lucky and dangerous under the influence of Aurea, Atros or the sibling pair together. As the needle of time moves towards the end of the Month of Mirrors, an important two days which superstition holds could affect the fortune of the entire four-year cycle to come arrive - Spectre Day, held on the 'ghost day' that appears only during a Souls year, and the preceding Day of Forgiveness. Both are the subject of superstition and cautious reverence to the gods, even for those who would ordinarily ignore such things. While traditions vary from nation to nation, even from family to family, all over Alva people turn to old practices... just in case.

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Delverne brims with activity as preparations for its navy continue. Through aggressive recruitment tactics, enough able-bodied sailors have been gathered for the fleet's first squadron. Having a son or daughter volunteering for the navy catches on as a way to bolster a family's apparent patriotism, even moreso after a parade is announced to present the new recruits to the city. The route ends in a square which overlooks the city's busy shipyard, where revelers will be able to watch the launch of the armada's flagship Radiant.

The rapid militarization of Delverne is not without its critics, although they tend to voice their opinions privately. The city remains steeped in tradition, and as the buildup of naval armament has been endorsed by the church itself any naysayers risk appearing borderline heretical. However, questions begin to surface about how quickly the ships have been constructed. Some people are of the opinion that consultants from Miras would be able to speed things along, but others wonder if these plans were made far in advance of their announcement.

Features: Flags, parades, boat paraphernalia and lots of gossip
Colours: White, silver, navy blue in stripes

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It started quietly, but strange and disturbing events on Spectre Day have gripped Bratkowice - namely, a series of disappearances wrapped in mystery. At first they were locals and vagabonds - a few citizens, some of them wanderers, a local noble of an unremarkable family - so days passed before the strangeness became obvious.

Witnesses say they simply up and left with vacant expressions, heading north... To the Molvahain forest, claimed some, to atone for the sins of general Strashanov who once sent a hundred soldiers into its darkness never to return. A site of many tragedies, Molvahain is also known as the forest of suicides, as many who travel there to lighten their hearts by confessing their sins become overwhelmed when the forest begins to whisper back. To this day, no one ventures too far in - where the whispers grow loud as a waterfall and one’s mind might break.

Whatever the explanation, Bratkowice will not simply bow to this curse. Two weeks after Spectre Day the Serdar calls the great hunt, where every noble house must contribute their best and every township their brightest, and sets out northwards on the tracks of the missing. They indeed lead to Molvahain, which the great hunt descends upon like wolves. They seek the missing with determination - among them the Serdar's own small son.

Features: Hunt for the lost in Molvahain, superstitious whispers

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As the Day of Keys, and the anniversary of Koben's declaration of war, approaches, restlessness rises in the hearts of many Kingdomers - especially those of displaced Northerners in Cantor. The Day of Mourning has come and gone, bringing with it fresh rememberances of their terrible losses. Dissatisfaction at Miras's inaction simmers. Lost Valski and Belporters are increasingly carrying one shared question on their minds - why are we waiting like beaten dogs?

The epicentre of this restlessness is Valevo - the 'New Valsk' of the Kingdom. What used to be a small town on the mouth of Cantor's Veron River is growing rapidly with new construction and a swelling Northern community. Here a grassroots movement is stirring; their goal - to take back the North themselves, with or without Miras's help. It's early days and pipe dreams yet, but words of action are snaking their way through pubs, forges and gatherings of all kinds. Quietly spearheaded by Valevo's overseer, the former Regent of Belport Gideon Eaves, those who know of it can only see it gaining steam as more and more pledge their commitment, and long-nursed discontent coalesces into something tangible.

Features: Small shows of Northern patriotism, rumblings in pubs and gatherings, general heightened emotion
Colours: Valsk/Belport colours as a subtle declaration of support

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Much of Linhythe has returned to a comfortable routine after the last tumultuous seven months. Rebuilding continues, but by now the most important infrastructure has been replaced, and life in the city has regained a sense of normalcy. On the cusp of the Month of Arrival, the dreary cold of winter starts to ease and the first glimpses of spring usher in a much-loved Linhian tradition - a festival of kites. Perhaps because the feeling of respite has been so scarce for so long, this year fervour for it is greater than ever.

In celebration of Iridus's blessings to the windy city, citizens take to the rooftops, courtyards, and squares of Linhythe to fly hundreds of colourful kites. Streets and homes are decorated with streamers and ribbons. Some retreat to the countryside for picnics and relaxation - under windmills, in fields, on seaward cliffs for those seeking the choicest winds - while others dive into the raucous city center with its overflowing pubs. At night occasionally fireworks, often brought from Song-Lu, rocket overhead - although this year they've been hard to come by. All in all, the day is a joyful one in the port city.

Features: Kites (most normal but some competitively intricate), pinwheels, gaudily coloured street decorations, drinking, picnics, Iridus paraphernalia, kids with firecrackers
Colours: Everything achievable.

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Tusa is seething. Despite Yazgur Nasrin's recent efforts to appeal to her people with tradition, her name is tainted and her decisions during the Prison Tower Uprising have left a deep scar among the Tusar citizens. The atmosphere is more threatening than ever; many are still imprisoned and the streets are still thick with military. The burgeoning revolution boils over - no longer will they hide in the shadows.

A public rally takes place on the 20th Arrival, bigger than any seen before. Spurred on by their successes, the goal of their leader Shirin is to occupy Central Plaza, including the University Library and Research Center, the Court of Law and the International Trade Center. A peaceful but aggressive move to be underlined with symbols signifying Mareus for change and renewal. It does not, however, stop there.

As Shirin feared, her supporters have grown beyond her control. Chaos breaks out - ruthless looting, violent clashes with soldiers as well as innocents or even supportive members of nobility. Their original aims of peace and democracy are lost to high emotion and encouragment from a growing radical movement. Instead they cry out in an increasingly unified voice for real revolution - for Shirin as their seventh Yazgur...

Features: Green sashes, green- and blue-burning candles, Mareus or water runes, blue face paint, a peaceful rally turned violent
Colours: Green and blue

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Reluir is abuzz. Their Princess Lorna is holding a party on the 2nd Seeds to mark a decade since her public debut and, perhaps more interestingly, to find a suitable husband. Whispers run rampant - this is a time-honoured practice followed by many Queens past, but it is unusual that Queen Morven should call it now for Lorna as it's a decade early and she didn't follow it herself. Nevertheless, the thoughts of most are on romance and which dashing bachelor will end up with her hand - a dream come true for any young elf.

An open invite for all dark elves across Alva to attend has been issued. The ballroom and gardens of the royal palace are opened for an extravagent garden party and evening ball. The lucky few whose hands will be considered by Lorna - nobles all - gather there for the opportunity to woo her, along with much of Reluir's high society spectating. Outside of the palace, a public holiday has been called and fairs and races organised to bring the cheer to all of Reluir. The palace and streets are adorned with bluebells - Lorna's favourite flower. Many young swains follow the example set by the Princess and her suitors, in the hopes that it will give them luck too.


Features: Bluebells, showy overtures of romance, garden parties, street fairs, races
Colours: Blue, pastels

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New hope has come to Miras. After the devastation of losing a long-time king, spirits are lifted upon the arrival of the next: Silvan Lucilius, the steadfast elder son of King Giovan, has stepped up to take the throne.

His coronation takes place on the 19th Seeds. Although an air of sobriety remains in the wake of their last king’s passing, the city is reinvigorated with anticipation and energy. Blossoms of spring are decked in every street, signifying the birth of a new era, and banners in the colours of Miras fly from every high point. Word is abuzz already of their king-to-be’s initiative and calls to the senate to end the war, and these signs of action ease the worries of many.

People gather in the expansive front courtyard of the royal palace to witness the emergence of their new king. The coronation ceremony itself is a closed and sombre affair, attended only by the influential and invited, but as King Silvan leaves the hall to address the populace from the balcony, a cheer rises. Resplendent in the gold, white and sapphire robes of a king, his speech meets the energy of the crowd, ringing out in reassuringly firm and uplifting words. The Miras Kingdom, he promises, will be safe and radiant once again in his hands.

Features: Blossoms, petals, confetti, banners and flags, the crest of Miras, patriotic signs, toasts to the new king
Colours: Blue, white, gold

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Reinvigorated by the coronation of a new king, the mood of the Kingdom is buoyed on the arrival of a much-loved holiday: the Spring Festival. Although the end of planting season has less significance on the rocky plains and cliffs of Amedra, it is celebrated for being the start of a different kind of harvest – as the ocean warms, streams of shimmering summer fish begin to arrive off the coasts.

With this new bounty comes new vigour, and a famous – or infamous – Amedran tradition begins. From sunset on the 26th Seeds to sunrise on the 3rd Flowers, it is said to be the luckiest time of year for love. All over Amedra, hopefuls set off on a no-holds-barred quest for romance, throwing themselves heartily into courting or pampering their heart-throbs. Fragrant flowers of passionate reds, oranges and pinks adorn the streets and music – especially balcony serenades – resound. Every restaurant provides a candlelit air, every romantic boat ride is secured, and jewellers work overtime to inscribe intricate locks and rings with the names of lovers, to be fastened as promises on bridges and fingers. Truly, at this time of year, there is more than plenty of fish in the sea.

Features: Flowers, gifts, music, serenades, ballroom dancing, small boat rides, star and sunset viewing, candlelit dinners, public confessions or proposals, ridiculous stunts in the name of love
Colours: Red, orange, pink – and, of course, the favourite colours of your love interest

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On the night of the 9th Flowers, those on the Pell Strait coast notice warning signs - enchanted buoys begin to lift as if invisible water were rising. Soon alarm bells begin to clang urgently all along the seaboard - a sky tide has arrived.

People rush to make sure their neighbours know and bring their families to higher ground, a task made all the more difficult in Nisalvini by the great numbers bedridden with Ash Fever. The quarantine district calls on all available help to move the sick up - it's a long night of work and they must keep climbing as the tide ascends, but it's a matter of life and death for those too weak to walk.

Come morning, the tide reaches its peak and everyone can stop to see the result - an aquarium city (or village in the case of a few Cantish fishing towns). Fish and sea creatures of many colours and kinds swim through the streets on invisible 'water'. Fountains and wells flow up-wards, and objects with liquid float around if not tethered. Those who can take advantage of the event - some walk in with breathing spells or aids, others sail boats enchanted to float on the tide over the rooftops. There'll be a mess left after it recedes in the next couple of days or so, but until then may as well enjoy what can be.

Features: Fish in streets and buildings, enchanted boats and breathing spells for the adventurous, crowded temporary camps

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The mood in Koben and Bratkowice is high - the tower revival worked, and while there's still much to do to save their Air Force's capability, a big hurdle has been heroically cleared. Congratulations and bar taps flow freely for those returned from the effort. Their first-hand tales are in high demand everywhere.

In Koben, it coincides with and heralds a Grand Fair buzzing with optimism. While the annual magic, science and technology fair - the biggest of its kind in Alva - was originally planned leaner than previous years, the revival news drives a surge of interest. Many who would otherwise have stayed home come out to enjoy the vibe and take a peek at the gadget presentations - possibly even catch a glimpse of the expeditioners. Entertainers come out in force, drawn by the story and jubilant spirit, making this a more party-like Grand Fair than usual.

For those interested in the magic and technology, alchemy and scrying are the golden children. The possible return of trade with Iadlain has alchemists and tinkers excited, as do rare dragon parts brought back down from the mountains. The revived scrying towers get a running start, with both worker recruitment and client interest booming.

Features: Free-flowing alcohol, glorious retellings of the revival, an overflowing Grand Fair
Colours: Koben & Bratkowice national colours

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On the last day of Sun, Delverne wakes the Kingdom with a message that sends jubilation throughout - after a difficult interrogation of the heinous thief captured in Cantor, the Templars have found the lost Leywood relics. Salvation is close at hand for ravaged Nisalvini.

News spreads quickly. Soon Nisalvers and Nisalvas are celebrating on the streets. As the sun rises, more is revealed in a noon address by the Dominus, relayed everywhere by scrying crystal and word of mouth. He praises the mercy of Aurea for leading the hard-working Templars to the thief and the stolen relics, and entreats her to bless Nisalvini with another miracle. He states that the relics will remain in Templar hands for safe-keeping, but warmly invites Nisalvini's researchers to come and dissect them with Delverne's own experts.

Spurred by elation and renewed enthusiasm, droves of the interested make their way to the light elf capital. A warm welcome awaits them, and soon joint efforts to decipher the artefacts begin. Delvan churches flood with pilgrims praying thanks to Aurea. Churches all over fill with joyful regulars as well as casuals freshly inspired to pray - and even a wave of new converts moved by the good news.

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In the chaos of the coup that overturned the old Yazgur regime, Shirin and her close council are scrambling to implement radical new structures, while dealing with fire from all sides. Especially the merchants, local Kobeners and the Tusar upper class feel threatened, despite Shirin’s continued appeals to the Tusar values of respect and compassion. Traditionalists, startled by the sudden change, try to rally against the newest Yazgur, but are generally met with rotten vegetables from civilians. It’s a time of great insecurities, but also of hope and future possibilities, and in that spirit, the Yazgur has extended invitations to Estran, Relan and Iadlish officials to renew trade agreements with them.

All throughout the city, people come together to repair damage to the city from the past months and elect representatives for the new government - a Parliamant. There are 26 Boroughs, of which each is to elect 4 mabeuth - representitive speakers for the Borough in Parliament. Each of the city’s 6 districts can elect 2 wasi, who are responsible for collecting local data and reporting to the Parliament, the yet-to-be-announced Minister of National concerns and the Yazgur.

If you would like your character to be a member of this Parliament you can check here for eligibility and chose a District/Borough for them to represent.

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The streets of Miras are abuzz. Just as the royal palace was settling with its new king and court, it has been stirred up again by an alarming event among the resident White Oracles. On the 18th Harvest, several of the oracles were shaken with terrible dreams in the night or seizures in the day. Visions came to them during these, visions that have enraptured them more than any other before them. From their muddled recounting, an image emerges: a figure of light and fire, standing taller than mountains with a golden scale in one hand and a shield in the other. On the shield are the faces of six people and six beasts, and at her feet a city is wrapped within her endless, fiery hair.

Speculation spreads like wildfire. It's a vision of Aurea, everyone is sure – but what is the city and who are the six upon her shield? A missive is sent from the palace, detailing the prophecy and asking scholars from every field to come forward if they have any insights. At the same time, special squads of the Royal Guard are sent out with the oracles so they may roam the city and see if they, by chance or fate, can find the faces of those they have seen. Eager to glimpse these heralds of Aurea, many take this chance to greet and give gifts to the oracles, and perhaps witness another miracle in the making.

Features: Eager speculation, busy libraries, white-cloaked Royal Guard patrols, crowds trying to see the White Oracles, crowds of scholars (and wannabe scholars) outside the palace, crowds in general

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On the 14th of Harvest, the Koben Navy makes a triumphant return to the rebuilt docks of Linhythe, bringing along all manner of fanfare and celebration in its wake. The Imperial Navy is shifting from its temporary headquarters in Song-Lu back to a permanent one in Linhythe, as the bulk of the Jewel Sea Fleet finally arrives in its homeport. Admiral Hertz, commander of the fleet, announces a week of leave for the sailors. To reward their valient efforts in the invasion of the Northern Continent and the protection of the Koben coastal cities, she encourages relaxation, leisure, and revelry - a savvy move to bolster morale for what she expects to be a long fight ahead.

Linhythe, true to form, accepts her sailors back with open arms. Inns become flooded, and even people from the countryside take the opportunity to visit the city to take part in the celebrations. Citizens put up old acquaintances in their homes, cooking lavish meals for friends, friends of friends, or anyone with even the most tenuous claim to hospitality. Taverns overflow into the streets, debauchery clouding the long nights and stretching on to daybreak. Although there are always some who turn up their nose at a week of raucous partying, participation is widespread among the city-dwellers and sailors alike. The city itself seems ecstatic at its navy's homecoming, eager to forget the circumstances in which they were first lost.

Features: Unbelievably busy markets, shops, inns, and bars, a veritable ocean of alcohol, harried mothers trying to keep their children from learning curse words from sailors, sight-seeing, delirious celebration into the early morning.

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A seed of hope returned to Nisalvini when Delverne declared the lost Ley relics found, and that seed bloomed when the discovery so long desired revealed itself. Among the relics was a set of vellum scrolls. In those vellum scrolls was an account of the white thorn infestation that researchers hoped would bring clarity to the black thorn plague... and in that account was a blessedly detailed description of the spells that fixed it millenia ago. Full relic report here!

From the moment of its reveal on the 17th Harvest, word spread like wildfire. The key to the black pestilence was found! Preparations began immediately to gather the manpower and expertise needed. A final call for volunteers was broadcast to all Sorcerors, Wizards, Sages, Shamans and Druids to help carry the magical load, as well as general logistical helpers as always. The plan: to start at large magic circles dotted along the coast and push inwards, eradicating the black thorns in a closing ring. The start date: 29th Harvest. For once in a painfully long time, bursting hope underlines Nisalvini's cry for help - the light at the end of the tunnel is within sight, within reach.

Features:Mages and healers of the Sorceror/Shaman type descending upon Nisalvini in hoards, frenzied spell preparation, scrying overload, magical accidents, huge positivity, many diagnoses of 'overstressed self from too much excitement' in quarantines

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Bratkowice bustles with activity as the old airport just outside the capitol prepares for its grand reopening. Long neglected in favor of faster, more profitable routes going via Tusa, the airdocks had its heyday decades before the fields of Bratkowice began to falter. Now, the fields are recovering from the Kingdom’s sabotage, and Tusa’s internal conflict means Kobener investors and officials alike are turning their eyes back to their close neighbor and faithful ally once more.

It may be the Year of Souls, but for Bratkowice it is also a year of recovery, a return to a greatness the people can only vaguely remember. Heads are held high, and backs straighten as the hearts of Bratkovans across the country swell with patriotic pride.

At the center of the celebration is the airdocks, where a grand airship from Koben is expected to arrive at midday on 1st Fire in time for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Features: Streamers, belts, flags and pennants in the Bratkovan colors, woven flower crowns, heirloom weapons proudly worn on display
Colours: Red, black and yellow

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For five days and five nights from the 29th Harvest, the mages and healers gathered there work feverishly to weave the spell that could save Nisalvini. In a constricting ring of magic they push towards the centre of the island, destroying the black thorns as they advance. Many fall from exhaustion but many are there to step in and let the weary rest - together they will conquer it. The unearthly glow of high magic fill the skies until finally, on the 3rd Fire, a final burst of light shatters above Nisalvini. The spell is complete.

The rest of the Kingdom waits with baited breath for confirmation of its success. On the 12th Fire, the message comes - the black thorns are truly eradicated. Relief and jubilation sweep the nation. Those who fled the island for safety return home in droves. In every city from nearby Cantor to the northern tip of Miras, sympathy and fashion for anything Nisalvinian surges. A grassroots movement also grows from the hearths of homes - families and communities chip in to make care packages of food, clothes and above all seeds to help Nisalvers and Nisalvas in their ravaged home. With goodwill from all over the Kingdom, Nisalvini's restoration has begun.

Features: Nisalvian things (food, customs, dress) suddenly in fashion, care packages, lots of letters and travel to and from Nisalvini

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The mood is high in the Kingdom, higher than it has been for a long time. The Leywood relics are safe, cities are cleaner of dark elves than they have ever been and Nisalvini is well on the mend. Now, several new changes and policies made by King Silvan are coming to fruition: after pouring funding into all aspects of national security, the Miras military has been on the rise. Infrastructure, equipment, research and recruitment have all improved dramatically, fuelling both connected industries and the sense of national pride. Freshly boosted patrols in the sea and air have citizens feeling safer than they have during the war, and a continued, long-term project to crack down on dark elf and Empire sympathisers keeps the populace assured that there will be no more foul play from within.

New military airships, built together with Delverne, are unveiled and blessed on the 1st Rains. Mirians take the opportunity to flock to the streets and watch the maiden flights, accompanied by jewel-bright processions of military pegasi and dragons. Magic and confidence shine in the air, along with renewed hope in their new king’s rule.

Reference: Mirian airship
Features: Lively and helpful soldiers, regular patrols, excitement to enlist, all manner of flying mounts, white and blue flowers and flags, a generally confident and upbeat atmosphere

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While Wispwood roils and the war front in Iadlain stalls, the Empire moves hastily to address the new enemy that is Reluir. Military resources are poured into Bratkowice, accelerating the revival of their airship ports and establishing patrol lines across its border with the elven state. Navy ships are sent out from the east coast, hoping to secure both the maritime borders and circle around to aid Iadlain from the sea, but the journey for the latter is long and through hostile waters. To make up for this, a deal is quickly struck with Estraude, who openly condemns Reluir’s aggression on their neighbour and offers to lend their own navy to defend Iadlain’s southern coast.

As military forces from all sides swarm and clash within the skies and seas of Iadlain, the people on the land continue a different kind of battle. Although attacks from Relan soldiers no longer come along the forest paths, Iadlain’s northern towns are besieged so heavily with Wispwood’s beasts and hauntings that even weathered locals hardly sleep. Twisted creatures and gruesome phenomena seep from every street, ready to consume the unwary, and many escape the relentless nightmare via Koben’s supply airships, which carry as many refugees and stranded outsiders away to the rest of the Empire as possible.

Features: Boosted military activity in Bratkowice, patrols and skirmishes along the border with Reluir, Estran naval aid, constant cleansing of the eldritch within Iadlain (with salt, iron, fire, magic, etc.)

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Harvest Eve is here - but this year there is little thought of celebration. Turmoil has spread its grip around Alva, with bloody battle raging in the North and conflict bursting everywhere. This year, it is quiet fear and superstition which rules. This year, they whisper, the terrible harvest of Spectre Day has come too.

The usual Harvest Eve celebrations give way to smaller gatherings and vigils, and unbridled joy gives way to desire for solidarity. Gone are the open banquets, fairs and drinking - instead people hole up with family and friends for a good but prudent dinner as harvests are stored to safeguard the future. There is merriment of the usual kind, but it is pared back and undercut with worry. Traditions believed to protect against evil spirits are followed with rare diligence. Fires, candles and warding lanterns light many homes in the Harvest Eve weeks. Prayers for safety and gestures of thanks to the gods rise everywhere.

Features: Harvest Eve celebrations (see link above) but in smaller scale and more focused on warding. Lots of superstition.

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The battle in the North is won, but there is still much work to do. In the immediate aftermath of the victory, tension still runs high as the Kingdom watches, wary and uncertain, for any more tricks the Empire might have up its sleeve. With each passing day, however, the dust settles, assurance sinks in and the northern cities begin the long road to recovery. 

The Miras military, its duties far from over, sees to the many injured during the fighting and aids in re-establishing local order and security. Those imprisoned during the Empire’s occupation find themselves finally walking free and families are reunited for the first time since the invasion. Across the continent, civilians come out in droves to assist with the rebuilding of their cities and celebrate their newfound freedom. Meanwhile, any Empire soldiers and civilians stranded in the North are quickly captured and either sent to the mainland for justice or forced into hard labour for the cities’ reconstruction, just as the locals laboured for the Empire before. Despite the deep scars and long recovery ahead of them, there is hope in northern hearts that things will only get better now that Valsk and Belport have finally returned to their rightful owners.

Features: Rebuilding homes and defences, victory drinking, capturing Kobeners, shows of patriotism, Valski viking funerals for the deceased

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The Empire is reeling. Between a war front still raging with Reluir and a devastating defeat over the North Colony, both its strength and morale have suffered. Concern is on the rise among the populace over their weakened military and the encroachment by belligerent nations - and yet, despite all this, Emperor Artur appears unaffected. Barely a week after the surrender of the north, with airships still limping home, he renews calls to recruit mages, scientists and certain healers for a mysterious, apparently crucial government project with the support of the Wissen Fellowship. Little is explained about it other than its importance.

The move takes everyone by surprise, and for many comes as a slap in the face – countless researchers were just recently lost in the north, and the Emperor calls for more as if it’s nothing? Discontent brews and then spills over as a well-respected military official voices her misgivings and anger over the decision – only to be quickly dismissed for daring to speak out against their monarch.

Despite stern reminders that loyalty is paramount, doubts fester. What will happen to the Koben Empire now, and is it really safe in Artur’s hands? As new recruits gather in the capital with a mix of patriotism and trepidition, everyone watches, whispers and waits.

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In the month of Flowers, 8290, Song-Lu was host to a hopeful gathering of leaders from all nations. The world watched as representatives from both Kingdom and Empire sat at the same table, and expectations were of lasting peace and trade. Everything fell apart when it became clear that Fabian Roenach, Crown Prince of the Empire, had been killed. Delegations scattered and fled, leaving the scene of the failed talks behind.

In the time that has passed since this tragic event, an elite team of Peacekeepers have been working hard at gathering evidence, interrogating witnesses and doing everything in their power to find the guilty party. On 4th Stars, 8292, during a Year of Souls which has been memorable in many a dreadful way, rumors begin to surface that the Peacekeepers' hunt is coming to a close; they are circling the murderer at last. But who is it? Virtually everyone who attended the talks are suspect!

A short series of articles published worldwide in a special edition of Alva Weekly make bold claims and point fingers in every direction, encouraging the citizens of every nation to speculate and make up their own minds about the truth. The Peacekeepers refuse to comment, but an anonymous source claims the newspaper has accurate information.

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The long investigations into who assassinated Crown Prince Fabian have, at last, come to a head. On the 19th Stars, the news is released: the murderer was none other than former Consul of Estraude, Akiela Fakhri.

Held by the Song-Lu Peacekeepers since her mysterious disappearance over a year ago, she finally confessed to the assassination - a deliberate move she made in order to end the peace talks that could have allowed dark elves into the Kingdom.

Disbelief and outrage sweep Alva. Anger quickly turns into violence. Across the Empire, the small and already ostracised populations of wood elves are attacked indiscriminately by furious patriots. Calls come for the Koben government to cease all friendly contact with Estraude. In a move that seems to echo these sentiments, Koben disregards consulting Estraude and publicly executes Akiela the very next day.

The Kingdom, although mostly in shock, does not escape unscathed: on the 21st Stars, the Day of Prayer, packed Estran churches in Miras and Amedra are set ablaze by alchemical explosives. The royal military swiftly finds and captures the pocket of Koben expatriates responsible, but the damage is done. What should have been a time of year for celebration is instead one of bitterness and bloodshed all over Alva.

Skin by 2StreetsDown