August 2014

Pretty, Pretty Princess Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 29, 2014 at 1:17 PM CDT From Dot Warner, Governor of Britain: Last Thursday, DJ Scorp of Majestic Oaks Auctions made a wager with me that I couldn’t answer a trivia question before the crowd did. The loser would publicly sing the other’s praises or wear something silly. Due to the auctioneer’s bluster, Heart’s Desire of Hearts Inc. upped the ante to include a year’s worth of trade deal gold for Britain. DJ lost. So, last night, DJ presided over the MOA auction as the prettiest pink fairy princess in all of Sosaria! I made him a fetching pink satin gown with matching cloak and sandals, exquisite amethyst jewelry, a glitter-encrusted tiara and a delicate fairy wand. Wasn’t he lovely? A big thank you to Melian of MOA for DJ’s title. A gigantic thank you to Heart’s Inc. from all the citizens of Britain! [Discuss This Article]

Award Hall Celebration Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 28, 2014 at 6:20 PM CDT Originally posted August 28th, 2014 by EM Elizabella on the Great Lakes EM Site: You are invited to the grand re-opening of the Great Lakes Award Hall & Museum on Saturday, August 30th, at 8:00 p.m. CDT! Come explore all the new exhibits and participate in the festivities: Dunking Booth – Take aim and try to dunk us! Find Yourself Scavenger Hunt – Let’s hope you’re there… Zox’s Museum of Fish – It has been said that there are only two types of stories: a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town. There is now a third: A goblin gets her museum of fish. The new Award Hall (43° 52′N, 46° 28′W and 47° 33′N, 47° 10′W) is on the island north of the former Award Hall. There will be a gate from inside the Britain Counselor Hall. If you would like to participate in finding yourself, please bring a blank book, which can be purchased from a provisioner. [Discuss This Article]

Bordermarch Naval Summit Hits a Wall Submitted by Vivian_Fellows on August 28, 2014 at 4:38 AM CDT Reporting from Skara Brae: The Bordermarch Naval Summit organized by Governor Knighthawke ended with with the Nujel'm delegation led by Princess Zaida walking out. Sir Sentri, representing the king's interests, tried to calm the negotiators, but there was no way to soothe the growing temperatures. The governors, along with several concerned citizens, represented the interests of the various cities and trade guilds of Britannia.  The central point of contention was the sultan's kingdom took offense with the way Britannia's proposed treaty seeks to interfere with what they feel is their sovereign right to have indentured servants. It is no secret that for decades, the sultan has lived a lavish lifestyle on the backs of those that fall into his debtor prison and then have to spend their life working off a debt they never will be able to fully pay. The renown gardens of the sultan's palace are some of the most amazing in Sosaria. However, what would cost most others a fortune to build and maintain, the sultan is able to do for free. Most of the governors held fast, agreeing with, believing in, and towing the line of King Blackthorn who said slavery and indentured servitude have no place in these lands. It was then that the governor of New Magincia, Miss Kitty, did not see it fit for the practices to be completely banned. Having successfully split a city from the King, the princess didn't seem to be in any mood to compromise. Governor Riley of Skara Brae, fed up with negotiations, pointed directly at her, threatening to combine the fleets of Skara Brae and Jhelom into a strike at the city and then blockade her to strangle the sultan's grip on the island. With Governor Jameison backing Riley's play, the princess grew visibly annoyed with the Britannia delegation. Stating that her diplomats might contact ours, she stood from her chair and exited the meeting. While the central point of contention was the issue of slavery, it must also be noted that the island kingdom objected to Britannia's claims of controlling all the islands of Sosaria. The kingdom of Nujel'm didn't wish to be hindered from future colonial expansion. The section in reference to asylum was also objected to, as the sultan's delegation did not wish to see any of their servants flee to Britannia, seeks asylum, and escape their debt. It would seem unacceptable to most Britannians for such items to be left out. I doubt any reasonable person would want to return to time before the virtues written of in the tomes. Governor Knighthawke released the following statement after the meeting: I found the summit to be an interesting process. We seem to have found a means by which Jhelom and Skara Brae have decided to speak to each other. The talks with Nujel'm was much more heated than anticipated, I am still hopeful despite some distance over three issues that something can be managed It is good to see the governor hopeful that the talks can still bear some fruit. Her hope may not be in vain, as the princess released a statement shortly after we received Governor Knighthawke's statement. Princess Zaida released the following statement: HRH Princess Zaida states that Nujel'm will reluctantly agree to the offensive and unnecessary anti-indentured-servitude clause, if another clause is added that states that anyone who owes a debt in Britannia will be absolved of repaying that debt if they take up residence in Nujel'm. HRH would be happy to answer any other questions Britannian reporters have for her. It seems there is wiggle room to be had in the talks! Will there be another summit soon? Stay on the lookout for any announcements! Hopefully we can get a Tribune reporter out to the island to hear Nujel'm's reasoning. [Discuss This Article]

Sailors & Marines Wanted! Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 26, 2014 at 2:09 AM CDT From the Wilkes Family Merchants of Skara Brae:

442nd Meeting of the High Council Monday at 8 PM CST Submitted by Vivian_Fellows on August 24, 2014 at 1:31 AM CDT 442nd Meeting of the High Council Greetings to one and all! This coming Monday (August 25th 2014) at 8 PM CST will be the 442nd Meeting of the High Council of Britannia. The Council is the dutifully elected representatives of the kingdom that serve the people of Britannia and promote their interests across the lands.  Location: Jerred Ghyss Civic Center at Compassion Grove (12o34'N 37o58'W) Quoting the Previous Meeting: DaKaren: While Minax may desire the necklace for sentimental *shudders* reasons, there are fanatics that might see this artifact as the means to rescue the wizard from the fate dealt to him by the Stranger. Dot Warner: Trebr Drab must be elated somewhere Ra'Dian Fl'Gith: *shakes his head with a thin grin* Malag aste: *mutters* DaKaren: I remind you the havoc wrought by the followers of Zog in their successful quest to resurrect his eons old insanity. Meeting Agenda: -Nujel’m Peace Treaty Talks: The first round of talks end with the representative of Nujel’m, Princess Zaida, walking out. Where will they go from here? -Outbreak in Cove: The city’s chief healer is flummoxed as to what is causing the illness. Is there anything that can be done? -Tensions in the Valorian Seas: Merchant ships continue to be attacked mercilessly by raiders. Skara Brae offers a twig of peace while Jhelom conducts naval drills. Will there be peace? For the People: Each High Council meeting begins with issues from the town representatives and a report from the ministers. It ends with the floor being given to the people. If you have an issue that you feel needs the attention of the kingdom, bring it to the Council to hear. Representatives: Britain - Governor Dot Warner Jhelom - Governor Thom Jameison Minoc - Governor Tanda Moonglow – Governor Silrien Aegnor Newcastle - Councilor Guntur Kivlov New Magincia - Unfilled * Skara Brae - Governor Captain Riley Trinsic - Governor Ra'Dian Fl'Gith Vesper - Governor Aornis Yew - Councilor Pab II ** (* - Elected Governor Miss Kitty has not exercised her right to sit on the Council or appoint a representative. ** - Governor Willa of the Yew Wood of Yew exercised her right to appoint a representative for her town.) Elected Officers: High Council Chancellor - DaKaren Chancellor's Ministers: Minister of Virtue - Malag-aste Minister of Foreign Affairs - Earlhad Todie High Court Chief Justicar - Max von Bayer Your Malag Meeting Moment: Malag-aste: Yeah but obviously you are either blind..... or a Yibin sharus wael.... to believe he even remotely resembled the former governor.

Smuggler's Run Regatta Winners (2014) Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 23, 2014 at 2:36 PM CDT From the desk of Dot Warner, the Governor of Britain: It was a very close race, with second place being decided by a difference of only six seconds! Congratulations to our winners and participants! A big thank you to our official race passengers and supporters! The regatta will return in 2015! [Discuss This Article]

Cursed Tontine (Felucca) Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 22, 2014 at 6:46 PM CDT Originally posted August 21st, 2014 by EM Elizabella on the Great Lakes EM Site: Many years ago, a crew of midnight smugglers called the League of the Night Sky ran across an incredibly wealthy merchant ship. Opportunistically turning to piracy for one night, they plundered more doubloons than any could ever spend! They knew that anyone seen with a lot of gold right after such an infamous act of piracy would be suspected. So, they decided that each would take a small amount and go off to build a new life. They hid the rest and formed a tontine. Each received a key. Whoever outlived the rest would inherit the fabulous fortune. Each smuggler left the group and plotted. At the same moment, they all betrayed one another and cast their deadly spells! All died screaming and clutching their keys! Over the years, their story faded into legend… Until Sweet Maid Sally found the captain’s log, and figured out where to find their treasure. She just needs the keys. She plans to ask the assembled thieves to search for the bodies. However, be warned, she does NOT intended to share the treasure! Thieves can meet with Sweet Maid Sally at Felucca Vesper Bank on Saturday, August 23rd, at 8:00 p.m. CDT. [Discuss This Article]

Orcs NOT to blame for Cove Illness! Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 20, 2014 at 5:37 PM CDT In a shocking turn of events, it has been determined that the illegal orcish mining operation in fact did not contaminate Cove's water. A team of acclaimed Britain alchemists has tested the water and has deemed it safe for consumption. No toxic chemicals were found. Earlier today, the Chief Healer of Cove, Ingrid, apologized at a distance to the local orc chieftain for blaming his clan. Witnesses state the chief's only response was a dismissive snort before he turned and stomped away. Ingrid, whose patients now number twenty-one, vows to continue searching for the cause of the illness. She continues to believe that the cause chemical in nature, not some sort of plague. Relief shipments of food and water continue to arrive from Britain and the Red Ankh Society. [Discuss This Article]

Politics! Britannia! Interview with Governor Jameison of Jhelom Submitted by Vivian_Fellows on August 19, 2014 at 1:34 AM CDT With Vivian Fellows Welcome to another edition of 'Politics! Britannia!'. It is our personal goal to always bring you the most relevant interviews with the kingdom's movers and shakers. Governor Thomas Jameison of Jhelom will be joining us to talk about all the recent events: from peace negotiations with Nujel'm & Skara Brae to whether our kingdom should ever support slavery. The governor was kind enough to sit down with us shortly after the naval summit at Bordermarch. Vivian Fellows: Greetings Governor. Thomas Jameison: Greetings my friend. VF: Thank you for agreeing to stay after the treaty negotiations to have this interview. TJ: *nods* VF: The Tribune and its readers greatly appreciate it. VF: *looks at his papers and then folds them* VF: Well, all my questions are now old news after that meeting and the possible developments between Skara Brae and Jhelom TJ: *nods* VF: Before we get to that, lets start with the meeting. VF: The princess left feeling insulted. VF: How does Jhelom feel regarding the issue of servitude based on debt.. or well.. in honesty.. slavery? TJ: We oppose it, no, we abhor it is a better description. TJ: While we cannot agree or even condone the laws of Nujel'm, we reserve the right to act in our own lands in accord with our conscience. TJ: If someone escapes and comes to Jhelom, they will be offered sanctuary with or without a treaty. VF: Speaking on that, you say Jhelom cannot agree or even condone the laws of Nujel'm, do you feel Britannia should even be in negotation with such a nation for a treaty such as the one on the table? TJ: Well, we must negotiate to make what changes we can. TJ: That, or go to war. Those seem to be the only two courses we can take. VF: *nods* VF: That is a bold stance.  VF: It would be even bolder if not for the seeming change in attitude from Skara Brae. VF: You have called Skara Brae imperialistic in nature before... What stance does Jhelom have on the peace overtures made by Skara Brae tonight? TJ: Skara Brae's intervention in our territorial waters was a hostile act motivated by expanstionist desires. TJ: If we go to war with Nujel'm with all the cities of Britannia, it would be to rid the world of slavery. TJ: Those are two very different objectives. TJ: Now, as to Skara Brae's overtures of peace and co-operation... I am willing to keep an open mind and a wary eye. VF: Would Jhelom rather keep a wary eye from an island outpost such as this upon Dragon Isle? It is no secret that your island city-state once regarded it as your own territory. Are you ok with not having a presence here at the moment? TJ: No, I eventually would hope that we could peacefully regain the lost territory. TJ: In these troubled times, I will seek a way to have an outpost near here to keep an eye on Skara Brae's activities. VF: Are you not worried that Skara Brae might find such an act provocative? TJ: I worry more that they will see a lack of action on our part as weakness. TJ: Captain Riley is an unkown factor, his predecessor was a danger to my island. TJ: I must be wary and watchful. VF: Final question Governor... we are approaching election time soon for the High Council and I've heard your name in the rumors. VF: Is it true you might be considering challenging the Chancellor? TJ: I have made no decision regarding other political office. TJ: I remain focused on serving the citizens of Jhelom at this time. VF: A political non answer if I have ever heard one! TJ: *smiles* VF: Thank you once again for the interview, Governor.  TJ: Thank you. VF: Have a safe journey back to Jhelom. Governor Jameison left the main hall to make his way out of the fortress. From the parapets, I could spy a repaired orc ship flying the flag of Jhelom. With the workers of Bordermarch hustling about to finish repairs for Sir Sentri, I found my way out of the fortress. I looked back and saw the paladins stacking cannonballs. They were certainly not preparing for a sustained peace. Politics! Britannia! is an article series that tackles the goings of the King's Council, the High Council and it's many apparatuses, including the High Court and Britannian Armed Forces. Host Vivian Fellows maintains a small cottage north of the city of Britain [Discuss This Article]

Jhelom Naval Drill Monday! Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 17, 2014 at 10:40 PM CDT From the office of Thom Jameison, Governor of Jhelom:

Relief Efforts to Cove Continue Submitted by Vivian_Fellows on August 17, 2014 at 5:07 PM CDT Filed from Cove: The BMV Benevolence arrived in Cove with a large supply of needed fresh water for the hamlet. Also heavily laden with food, the ship managed to outrun raiders that appeared as the ship approached the lake. A surprising turn of events for the crew, as it had been a long time since any such activity had been reported in the area. Surely an additional concern for the King now that the chaos of the Valorian seas is starting to spread. While the mission was spearheaded by Governor Warner of the Britain, Governor Knighthawke, always known for her kindness, supplied a portion of the supplies that were part of the relief effort. It is reported that the famed lady even ignored the suggestions from locals to be wary of contact with those infected and delivered to them directly the aid they needed anyway. The citizens of Cove were greatly thankful to the city of Minoc for heeding the call to help. Word is that the Red Ankh Society is in the process of sending additional healers to assist the local Chief Healer, Ingrid. The Chief reported grave news that the water supply appeared to be contaminated for such a wide swath of people to be infected. She also could not confirm if the sickness was contagious at this time. Governor Warner of Britain released this statement once initial round of distribution was complete: The citizens of Britain want our neighbors in Cove to know we will always be there for them. We will be partnering with the Red Ankh Society to ensure that shipments of fresh water, food and supplies reach those Covians in need. Additional healers will also be dispatched to reinforce Ingrid’s staff at Cove’s Healing Hand. I encourage everyone to contribute in whatever ways they can, every little bit helps! Keep an eye out for announcements as the attempted raiding of the Benevolence may increase the need for able sailors and marines. Those wishing to donate supplies to the relief effort are encouraged to seek out Director Ashburn of the Red Ankh Society in Compassion Park. [Discuss This Article]

Skara Fishing Fleet Routs Raiders! Mistress of the Sea Arrives in Trinsic! Submitted by Vivian_Fellows on August 14, 2014 at 11:21 PM CDT Reporting from Skara Brae: What was expected to be a safe journey through the Valorian seas to Trinsic turned out to be anything but. With the opening of Bordermarch and defeat of the Black Bladge, activity, especially sea serpent, had been on the wane in the Valorian seas. Many assumed that it was safe for the more risk averse to resume travel. They were wrong! Within minutes of spotting the waters of the West Valorian Sea, the Mistress of the Sea was beset by raiders. Luckily, Governor Riley of Skara Brae knew better and wisely advised that the BFV Iver's Rounding from the Skara Brae Fishing Fleet escort the Mistress. Under the command of the former Skara Brae ranger, Basil Thorn, the Iver's Rounding was able to critically damage the ship of the raiding party, forcing them to retreat away. Governor Riley released the following statement upon news of the attack: I am happy to hear that the Skara Fishing Fleet was successful in defending the merchant ship that was under it's protection. We all know that the seas can be a dangerous place. After talking to the captain and crew about the events that have accrued, I am pleased to say that they all served Skara Brae in an honorable manner and fulfilled their contracts to the fullest. With a captain and crew such as those aboard the Iver's Rounding, Skara is proud to have such great citizens defending the city. While hard to determine in the fog of war, the raiders were identified to be henchmen of the foul slaver known as Rodrick von Karl. It could not be determined if Rodrick himself was aboard the ship, but it is assume he was not among those killed. Rodrick is an enemy of the state, and is to be arrested on sight per the warrant issued by the Chief Justicar of the High Court. The following marines exhibited valor in the face of battle in service to city of Skara Brae and free sea lanes: Piero, Cap'n Anny, Checkmate, Oreo, CriosTem, SnowBird, and Ramadar.  Wilkes Family Merchants assured travelers that they will not be deterred and vow to maintain passenger service between the three cities of Skara Brae, Jhelom, and Trinsic. [Discuss This Article]

Bordermarch Summit Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 14, 2014 at 2:59 PM CDT Originally posted August 12th, 2014 by an EM on the Great Lakes EM Site: There will be a summit at Bordermarch on Friday, August 15th, at 9:00 p.m. CDT. Attendees shall depart from the Castle Blackthorn Council Room. All are invited to attend. [Discuss This Article]

Fifteenth Royal Council Meeting Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 14, 2014 at 2:57 PM CDT Originally posted August 12th, 2014 by an EM on the Great Lakes EM Site: His Majesty King Blackthorn invites the governors and all interested citizens to the fifteenth meeting of the Royal Council. It will be held in the Council Room at Castle Blackthorn on Friday, August 15th, at 8:00 p.m. CDT. If a governor will not be able to attend a meeting, please contact one of the King’s secretaries. [Discuss This Article]

An Appeal from Governor Warner Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 12, 2014 at 5:38 PM CDT From the office of Dot Warner, Governor of Britain: [Discuss This Article]

Potential Cause Found for Cove Illness Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 12, 2014 at 12:26 AM CDT Ingrid, the Chief Healer of Cove, reports that she may have discovered the cause of the illness now afflicting seventeen people, including two adolescents. An illegal orcish mining operation was discovered on the mountain forming the majority of Cove’s natural barrier. The healer believes that chemicals used by the orcs to extract gold from low-grade ore may have leached into the water supply. At present, potable water is being shipped in from neighboring Britain until the means to purify Cove's drinking water is found. The chief of the nearby orc clan violently refused to comment. The current detente between the orcs and Cove is not expected to last. [Discuss This Article]

Moonglow Zoo Benefit Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 11, 2014 at 5:20 PM CDT From the desk of Silrien Aegnor, governor of Moonglow: The Citizens of Moonglow are hosting a benefit for the Moonglow Zoo! We are concerned about its current state and would like to raise awareness of the Zoo, its animals and exhibits. Towards that end, we are holding a contest for those would like to donate to the Zoo on Saturday August 16th, at 3pm CDT. We will meet outside the Moonglow Zoo entrance where the Donation Box is. Each tamable creature that the Moonglow Zoo donation box accepts will be worth points in the contest. These are as follows: 1 point – Wolves (Grey Wolf, Timber Wolf, White Wolf) 2 points - Slimes 3 points - Polar Bears 4 points - Unusual Riding Creatures (Ki’rin, Nightmare, Unicorn) 5 points - Pet Beetles (Fire Beetle, Giant Beetle, Rune Beetle) 6 points - Dragons and Drakes (Dragon, Drake, White Wyrm. Greater Dragons are not accepted and will receive no points in the contest.) 7 - Reptalons In order to receive points for the contest, the tamer must check in with their donateable tame to the Contest Moderators, prior to actually donating the creature. First place prize – Four Million Gold and an Engraved Statue commemorating the Occasion. Let's see if we can get the Great Lakes Moonglow Zoo its last two exhibits back! [Discuss This Article]

Sailors & Marines Wanted! Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 11, 2014 at 1:50 AM CDT From the Wilkes Family Merchants of Skara Brae:

Smuggler's Run Regatta Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 6, 2014 at 5:49 PM CDT From the desk of Dot Warner, Governor of Britain: Please see the information button on the right side of the Tribune for more information and registration. [Discuss This Article]

Cove Illness Proven Real Submitted by Martyna_Zmuir on August 5, 2014 at 7:52 PM CDT Contrary to the Chief Healer of Cove’s statement reported last week, the hamlet does indeed face an outbreak. Ingrid now admits to having three patients showing the signs of an unknown illness, though one that does not immediately appear to be contagious. She says her three patients are local dock workers and may have been exposed to a toxic substance on one of the ships they were hired to unload. She asks that all captains who have recently visited Cove to review the health of their crews and ensure that their holds are not chemically contaminated. She says to look for the following symptoms: -Glassy-eyed expression -Lethargy -Flaking or pealing skin Any afflicted with the illness should be allowed bed rest, given adequate fluids, and returned to Cove for treatment at their earliest convenience. [Discuss This Article]