Dragon Attack on Stromness Citizens!

Kishi returns once more with another harrowing tale from Stromness! The Mystara Tribune gives its thanks to this mysterious writer as her submission details a direct antagonism by dragonkin…

A citizen of Stromness, a short, blind girl wearing an elaborate head covering, was violently slammed against the bookstore by a local dragon this past eve. The bookstore, occupied at the time by patrons, quickly emptied with the abrupt commotion as they came out to investigate. The group consisted of an elderly dwarf, an aged banker, a drow, and a tall fair-skinned woman (whom also appeared blind). Little did the well-meaning denizens know that their presence would escalate the situation.

Page Five is All Chained Up

Tangled up in knots while awaiting the next sultry spectacle? Well wait no further– we have a man of mystery to sate your curiosity!

A Sorrowful Message from the Chamberlain

An official word from the Human court has been passed to the Tribune for public release on the passing of their king. 

Dear People of Stromness and all of Mystara,

It is with a heavy heart that I must report the death and burial of King Declan Stirling. Not two weeks have passed since his Majesty set sail from our docks, and now, too early, he has been returned to us. May he rest in peace. King Declan faithfully served the people of Stromness and the realm. He has been a sturdy rock for this kingdom through some very hard times this city and realm has had to face. Over the past year, there have been many unfortunate occurrences that have brought us grief: a plague, friends and loved ones lost, and the letter from Eyr to name a few. Now we must face the tragic loss of our King. His memory was honored and remembered on Monday the 24th. Thank you to all who attended and gave words of praise and joyous remembrance of our King.

Best Wishes,

Anja Mari Rosenthal
Human Council – Chamberlain

Published by the Associated Scribes

Out of Character Information

Written by χíííí (lalita18). Photos by Triana Mills.

Beast Attack on Stromness Unrelated to Eyr?

Another in-the-field report has come forth from the enigmatic Kishi! This time, her quill portrays an intense foray that recently unfolded in Stromness Village and an interview of another individual at the scene.

As Sunday’s afternoon shifted to evening, Stromness shook from the thundering feet and the bestial howls of a massively deformed hound! The hound – later to be found to answer to the name of “Clifford” – arrived just outside of the village smithy; luckily, the house of smoke and steel required no time to take up arms and fought valiantly against the creature! The scene soon erupted into chaos as others joined in the fray– though not all were attempting to put the beast down. Rather, they seemed more intent on taking advantage of the situation to sink their blades into their own neighbors! I was unable to follow the high-paced actions, especially after the beast erupted into flames, and thought best to seek an interview with one involved.

Below is a record of my interview with the Prince Ka’al, as I felt his particular presence at the scene might hold some valuable answers. 

A Sorrowful Note

BREAKING NEWS!

Stromness Citizens,

It pains me to have to write this in the town’s such high spirits, but we have been struck with a devastating loss. Earlier this week, our beloved King Declan Stirling was found in the depths of Mystara’s bay, drowned. Those who read the Tribune regularly will note that his majesty was currently on a quest to Aradia in hopes of diminishing trade and contact with the Kokarri. He was on his way back to the island his ship was caught in a storm and strayed from its path, resulting in shipwreck.

As of now, no one on the isle is to be the blame for this tragedy. Our King died of natural causes in hands of the sea god’s fury. We must now turn to our Queen, Aiyana, for guidance and strength in this most difficult time. Needless to say, Stromness has missed a great man but we will continue to push on and not let this be a downfall.

Let us celebrate the life of our King and mourn his passing. For those of you who wish to attend, a funeral is being held tomorrow, the 24th, at the church around 6pm. Please note that we will not tolerate interruption and any who cause chaos or disrespect in the presence of this funeral will be escorted out and/or reprimanded by the guards.

Gods Preserve You,

Town Crier Humphrey

It is with great sorrow that the Tribune distribute this message; less than a month ago, the good King Declan left the realm, leaving the newly crowned Queen Aiyana de la Vega to lead the Human Kingdom and oversee the village of Stromness. This news comes at a very turbulent time, with Eyr issuing threats, whispers of shadowy markets and odd missing reports. We can only hope that the strength of character shown in Queen Aiyana’s response holds firm.

Distribution and afterword by the Associated Scribes.

Out of Character Information

Text written by Chase Varonia. The In Character funeral for King Declan Stirling will be held on Monday, June 24th, at 6:00pm SLT at the Church in Stromness; if you have questions or concerns, please contact Aiyana de la Vega (miss.mai).

Golden Greed Descends upon Auction

Another article from the mysterious ‘Kishi’ has made it’s way to our press, this time featuring the successful Charity Auction held by the Mercantile of Stromness Village. It also contains a bit more than observations, with this kiss having a bit of bite.

The town hall came alive in a recent night (Thursday the 20th) with excited clatter as everyone awaited. A single gorgeous woman stood bravely at the front of the room. “Welcome everyone to the Mercantile Charity Auction! Gather your coin purses and your currencys. Jump, scream, sing, or clamber your number. Highest bidder wins! Happy biddings to all and may the odds be ever, in your favor. The infirmary and bookstore appreciate your patronage. Also, I am Raine. Owner of the Mercantile… Let the biding begin!” She declared and the room only erupted further into anticipation!

The massive list of items that had obtained was astounding! Did people really care so much to aid the book store and infirmary or was their a great deal of greed present? I could only peer about the room half expecting a patron of Greed to be feasting upon their sins growing ever stronger! It took but a moment for many of the bids to escalate to the cost of not just months but years of food and housing! It was unbelievable the amount of gold people were throwing out in droves to purchase material items, as splendid as they are!

What Shadows Lie in Page Five?

We all know what goes on in the dark– but what happens when the dark takes on curves and steps out into the light? The Tribune gets its next Page Five!

A hidden market in the shadows….

This mysterious first-hand account slipped onto our desks a few nights ago; it lurked amongst the shuffle of the dramatic letter from Eyr and the wait Queen Aiyana’s response– until now.

In the depths of the interlacing tunnels that encircle and twist about underground, I came upon the noise of a commotion up ahead. My ears were greeted with the clatter of various bottles, the sound of heavy objects being moved about, and a gathering of individuals! As you can imagine this drew my attention and I crept closer, hiding in amongst some various plants and other unidentifiable items. It looked like a secret market going on. And just a few days after the Bazaar too? How curious! I dared not stay long… already my heart was pounding and the excitement sending shivers down my spine! But lo and behold, was that money I just saw exchanged? Surely this is some kind of dark market hiding in the shadows of the underground.

My fear got the best of me and I darted away. A few hours I returned… but it was quiet once more.

~Kishi Kiss Kiss

Published by the Associated Scribes.

Out of Character Information
Brief introduction and featured/top photo by Terry Toland. Main text and body photo by Jens Ix’Chel (jens.ixchel).

Stromness Crown Responds to Eyr!

After the shocking message left from an unknown source, the Tribune publicly asked the Human Crown to make a response; we waited with baited breath and damp quills to see  what action – or lack thereof – might happen, till at last, Queen Aiyana herself issued the following letter to the Realm:

My Fellow Countrymen,

For the past few nights, I have remained awake. It is unfitting for a person in my position to admit such weakness but when the lives of many can be affected by one single decision, it can make even to wisest of leaders take pause. I write, of course, of the Letter that has been posted in the Tribune.

Charity Auction Wants Your Baubles, Bangles & Boogles!

Get ready to empty your pockets! On the 20th of June, the Mystara Mercantile shop brings all Mystarians a chance to get their hands on mystical goods, rare plunders, and an assortment of items that would make any fare man drop!

But wait– the auction needs items! Do you have an object weighing down your pack you’d wish to donate? Magical properties? Anything with a cool story? Bring it to the Mercantile shop today! We’ll accept any sort of bauble, brandy, basket, brooch or boogles you dig up. The money earned goes straight back into the Bound to Please Bookshop and the Infirmary Healers, too, turning that burden into a boon!

The Auction will commence at 6pm in the Stromness Village town hall. Drinks will be served after the event at the Royal Oak. Be there and have the right to call a rare good or part of Mystara’s history your own!

Out of Character Information
Silent bidding options will be available in addition to the live auction occurring on June 20th at 6pm SLT. An Event forum thread with more information can be found here. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Raine (Nyxlight).

Text by Raine (Nyxlight). Photo by Terry Toland.