News and Rumors

Submissions for News and Rumors can be sent directly to Branwyn.Emerald in world via notecard, or preferably posted to the #wiki-news-and-rumors channel in Discord.

Event Calender

Wednesday, March 17th, Noon & 6 pm SLT Arcovia Guild Announcement Weekend, March 19-21st Spring Equinox Festival 1 pm SLT Saturday Valgard 5 pm SLT Sunday Drinks and dance at the Public House in the Aviary

Saturday, March 27th Weapons Free wrestling/martial arts tournament (Sean#2153)

March 2021

Novawick, Raa'Edan 1121 (3/16/21)

Poison and Assault in Al'Shadar

Tenysian citizens living in Al'Shaddar, along with Sythian visitors to the district have been assaulted en mass. Men dressed in armor of golden sand and black obsidian clearly belonging to Arjat and the prominent Red and Black of the Centurions of Tiberia seem to be working in Consort to drive them out. When questioned an answer is actually given. “Sythians have engaged in poisoning and manipulation through drugs of prominent citizens.” Furthermore Sythians carrying any letters or correspondence belonging to a noble who lives within Al'Shaddar gets released. It is well organized and seems to be have been planned.

Slaves, servants and shop-keeps rumor the poisoning of the Domina and the removal of an infamous harem girl of Arjat from the embassy were both linked to the machinations and actions of Sythian manipulators. Further spurring on acts of violence against their people in the Arcovian district.

Octwick, Raa'Edan 1121 (3/12-15/21)

Alfarian patrols within Suttenborg increase. Tis no rumor, tis clear as day to those that frequent the Northern district.

After a week of silence and business away from home, the caravans of Valgard return from beyond the borderlands of the Citadel, with new goods for the Northerners and for Trade. Led by the Old Wolf, once again the Caravans are bringing exquisite ingredients for bread, and mead, and other resourcers to strengthen their position within. It is clear they are not hiding this.

Rumors of tensions potentially rising between Northern factions of Suttenborg and visiting Dyrlings might spread. Whispers of Telrae'dor's agents allegedly seeking to steal a Northern slave during a sacred moot are perhaps upon the tongues of some in Suttenborg among the small crowd that likely witnessed the events of what may have been a stand-off.

Rumors would spread of a promiscuous pussy bearing their nipples and genitals to the masses within the district of Chayuan. Some offended nobles about sent for guards on a wild chase around the grounds but the brazen harlot escaped into a tea parlor.

A cousin of a brother's uncle's second wife, heard from her best friend's friend- who happens to be from Jarnfell, that one of the guards that visited the sake shop had at least two of the three predictions come true. Two out of three.....want to know your future?

Septwick, Raa'Edan 1121 (3/10/21)

Whispers Convene

Whispers convene within the streets of the Crossroads and Al'Shadar. Two legionaries accompanied by a well known noble lady were seen casually speaking in the streets before the lady was seen to have coughed up blood and carried away by the centurion. The other warrior sprinting in the opposite direction; seeking help no doubt. Al'Shadar citizens witnessed the centurion carrying the woman into the baths, his backside covered in blood.

Septwick, Raa'Edan 1121 (3/9/21)

Dark Clad Warriors

Word spreads quickly through the Aviary and the rest of the citadel, that a group of dark clad warriors, numbering a half dozen, went into the Albion Embassy and left with someone hauled over their shoulder with a rucksack over their head. They went off to an undisclosed location.

Khonzhou and Fendahl

Khonzhou Imperial officials would announce that a formal alliance has been agreed upon between Khonzhou and their distant relatives and neighbors of Fendahl. Although time will tell whether the people of the two city-states can really overlook each other's differences, the close partnership can be seen as the first step in unifying the East.

Halberg's Spymaster

Halberg agents in service to the small council are hereby officially notified that on this Sept'wick of Raa'edan your Emissary has rendered a charge of treason and issued a sentence of death for the Regidor to Halberg. Any Halstein wishing to challenge the lady von Röth's justice may do so during an open council meeting on the morrow at the bell's eleventh toll

Septwick, Raa'Edan 1121 (3/8/21)

Fortune Teller

Word has it, that if you seek to understand your future, one only has to visit the Fenrii dressed in white and her tiny companion in the Sake and Teawares shop in Chayuan. She might be slightly elusive, but if you catch her on the right day, secrets to what lay ahead may be bestowed upon you, as well as a free drink of sake.

Septwick, Raa'Edan 1121 (3/7/21)

Knights of the Iron Hand

A warning is nailed to the walls of every district. It contains the following message:

We will reclaim our traditions back in blood. We are weary of our just ways being trampled upon by the degradation of societal values. Now is when we will act before it is too late.

We will take back our culture before it becomes too sickened by the impure diseases of wickedness and immorality. We will demand chaste virtue and moral righteousness at the points of our swords.

We are the militant defenders of what is good and holy. We will defend the just and the righteous by killing the morally bankrupt. All that is evil will be made to suffer before death.

Consider yourself warned by the Knights of the Iron Hand. Tread carefully with your morals. You have been notified.

Septwick, Raa'Edan 1121 (3/6/21)

Announcement of the Ball

Come one, come all to the Arcovia Citadel Raa’Edan, first sign of green jubilee

In celebration for the cold break in the Central lands and the waters fall in the South signaling the coming planting the Citadel will be hosting a ball for natives and guests of Arcovia who wish to mark another blessed turning season with merriment. The festivities are funded by a council of local business’ and patrons, hosted by Eckard Asher von Wahle with the blessing of the Arcovian Guild.

The gathering will be on First Septwick of Raa’Edan at the fourth bell of the evening. All are encouraged to dress in the traditional garb of their home to celebrate what their State provides for the wider community.

Sexwick, Raa'Edan 1121 (3/5/21)

Rumble in Chayuan

Peace in the East District! The Jurchen rejoice, celebrating a successful showing of their ancient martial arts when Hanza of the Red Sun, Lord of House Sekura defeated the Sythian menace terrorizing their fair maidens. The benevolent act finally puts an end to the rippling effect of the Snake People’s tumultuous arrival. Men, women and children alike; all rekindle their love for theatre and song while re-enacting the ‘epic’ fight, singing praises to the local hero.

Meanwhile, it’s not all flowers and lanterns after a prominent business owner in the area has gone missing. Sources say it was punishment by the gods, others have entertained the idea of gamblers taking revenge for the loss; a wager gone wrong. This comes after repeated reports of illegal activity in the Tea House.

Still, many believe these events are.. an attempt to sully the honor and prestige of the upcoming First Continental Martial Arts tournament hosted by Khonzhou; where combatants from all over the realm are expected to showcase their homeland’s martial strength. A blood sport.. in unarmed combat!

Back Alley of the Aviary

One of the walls in the back alley of the Aviary was found to have been graffitied. Local youths are believed to be responsible for the Golden Rooster image that will be cleaned up once the guild dispatches someone to wash it away.

Sexwick, Raa'Edan 1121 (3/3/21)

Arcovia Guild Announcements

Henceforth, quivers may contain no more than 5 arrows within the city bounds. The only exceptions to this rule are certain specified training areas, arenas where contests are being held, and within one's own domicile. Any individual found to be in violation of this decree shall be penalized with no less than a week in the stocks and a fine to be determined by the number of arrows that exceeded the enforced limit.

Shirtlessness within the city proper is forbidden, except in designated areas. This rule applies to all citizens regardless of age or gender. The allowed areas of shirtlessness are provided in a list that can be picked up at The Aviary, but include areas such as brothels, bath houses, private domiciles, and certain training facilities. If a guild member witnesses unauthorized shirtlessness, the individual is required to leave their location immediately to obtain a proper garment, after their name is taken down. Both those who refuse to cooperate and those who are repeat offenders will be subject to time in the stocks.

A reminder: All deaths of Ceon birds are considered the purview of The Arcovian Guild, and thus all matters regarded their deaths shall be investigated by The Guild’s agents alone. Any attempt to hinder an investigation or spread unverified suppositions before investigations have concluded will be dealt with harshly. Citizens are encouraged to refrain from any actions that could be construed as causing a hindrance to the spread of verified information.

The band of six pickpockets that were menacing the marketplace in Al’Shadar have been discovered, and punished. All six boys have had two digits from their right hand removed. There is a suspected seventh party that is believed to be the ringleader of this band of thieves. Any information regarding the identity of the youth is required to be provided to a Guild member as soon as possible. Anyone found to be withholding information will be subject to the same degree of punishment as the individual they are protecting.

Caravans from the North

The arrival of several Caravans of the North announce the coming of Ilcarion Wistari and his family to the district of Suttenborg, with the intent of trading the northern goods. More than six or seven full carts of different products from the Northern Lands could be seen entering the region guarded by several rough Valgard men.

The approach of more Northern men and women start to become obvious as Suttenborg becomes lively with new fresh faces eager for a chance in the great Citadel.

New Tenysia

After coming to a lull, irrigation and commerce slowly awaken in the mystic Mvau Marsh communities, there is still a mystery in general as to what happened that had cast what locals now refer to as “The Black Fog” over the month of Al-Sargas where Sythians en masse were sent to Arcovia, stifling governmental functions; causing some delay in the ssswing of things.

In Chayuan, the arrival of the “snake people” has been observed to cause a minor disruption in local businesses who live in relative peace that may have not been accustomed to these new exiles’ eccentricities. Patrons of the Teahouse reportedly heard a prominent merchant of the land proclaiming the eastern district as “New Tenysia”; the tail growss before it is eaten.

The streets of the Al’Shadar district seems to have been more grey in tones than its usual vibrant hue as the owner of the pottery shop has succumbed to death presumably of natural causes. New tenants have moved in as sightings of snakes crawling about the nearby garden, of varying sizes and color, rises. Two dead bodies wrapped in dirty linen has been reportedly seen being dropped off near the Bhekan embassy; body count: 03.

Sexwick, Raa'Edan 1121 (3/2/21)

Alteration in the Aviary

Passers-by in the aviary district report sightings of an altercation in the noble district. One witness says that after repeated insults, a Dyrling man with pink hair attempting to punch the other in the face whilst a darker-headed man stood by and watched. Another witness says it was an all-out brawl complete with hair pulling which awoke her from her sleep. In other news, the new diplomats have been chosen for Telrae’dor, and there is some speculation as to who was actually chosen. The public eagerly awaits word on who will be in charge of their prosperity.

Sexwick, Raa'Edan 1121 (3/1/21)

Opening day news ...

The city-state of Valgard has no current allies nor enemies. They are awaiting their winter wheat to bring to market. Alfarian armies have been seen on the southern border of Valgard and Telrae’dor as the fortification there is reinforced.

Tenysia remains, as ever, on unsteady footing with its surrounding city-states. Generally reviled but still, a provider of necessary resources, no clear lines of allyship have been drawn. With a treaty regarding shared trade routes with Bheka set to expire in the near future, tensions between the two city-states are at an all-time high.

Rusavik has begun its slow and deliberate expansion, bringing it dangerously close to conflict with Halberg. Relations with Valgard remain cordial, while those with Khonzhou are chilled but silent for now.

Khonzhou is enjoying a period of relative peace with its neighbors, its only current goal being to patrol and secure their part of the Ulikh Steppes, continuing to honor the Khonzhou/Halberg treaty of 1044. The current noble politics of Khonzhou can be divided into two groups: Those who support the warlord and his expansionist views, and those who support the unity and stability of east Essealas, with centralized power in the Emperor. Travelers bring rumors of an upcoming martial arts tournament being held in Arcovia.

Arcovia and the guild have expanded the wealth and grandeur leaps and bounds from years past. Prosperity reigns and new lawful measures have been expedited as a means of producing and maintaining peace in the city streets! Arcovias soldiers have gone out and expanded the hold of the city so as to maintain and keep strong its “neutral” borders. New officials from across the continent to oversee the handling of all communications. We are excited for the change away from the old guard.

The city-state of Tiberia is in active negotiations with both Arjat and Bheka to establish fair trading routes and commitment to not place forces on their borders. The talks are strained due to previous declarations of a 40 year trading ban on Tiberia. For now, they are peaceful discussions, but that may change should anything upset this delicate balance.

Aside from the previous comments about communication, Arjat has been keeping to itself and quietly expanding its borders. There is a sense of resentment or bitterness toward Tiberia and a feeling of friendship toward Bheka.

Bheka has begun establishing a solid friendship with Arjat. Although, there might be some debate about the line splitting the Flood Plains. There is some progress with Tiberia in developing a tradelines through Arjat and a possible connection with Halberg. No clear negotiation with Tenysia yet but things are strained a bit since there’s been bad history for a long time.

The Northern menace that is Jarnfell, continues to focus its raid efforts on Telrae’dor in response to their taxation. With the wolves otherwise tolerating the other neighboring city-states, their interactions with Albion has increased from necessity over want. In the meantime, with their armies on the move, it is rumored that they are looking to expand their reach.

During the month of Al-Sargas a cote of ceon departed from Halberg and arrived within the Arcovian city proper. Within days it was noted that a large number of the more recognizable and tenured members of the Halstein corps of agents have weighted travel wagons and left noble Arcovian residences empty. However recently, the decimated Halberg contingent of agents, has been showing signs of restoration. Unfamiliar, but distinctly Halstein, persons begin to descend upon the city. A drastic ‘changing of the guard’ is apparent though the cause has yet to reveal itself. Meanwhile, an aged and trusted bird arrives with a message from Halberg for the local Tenysian delegation, however before the delivery of its urgent words the bird is felled to a natural demise. It is rumored, in the absence of more detached modes of diplomacy, the first steps in a diplomatic dance between strange bedfellows has begun.

Ever a cautious crew, there have been rumors that the careful city-state of Fendahl has been shoring up resources. Those in power have been notably tight-lipped when questioned, but it seems like the prudent Fenrii may be preparing for something significant. A recent heavy increase in the Fenrii population within the bounds of The Arcovian Citadel seems to substantiate those rumors.

No other news is available from Albion and Telrae'dor.

Rusavik and Khonzhou

News quickly spreads of a formal land agreement between Rusavik and Khonzhou. In a show of mutual cooperation, Khonzhou has ceded land containing a derelict stronghold (shown in red) in its north-western territory over to Rusavik. In exchange, Rusavik formally recognizes Khonzhou's borders and vows to keep its troop movements outside of Jurchen land.

Khonzhou's proponents of war and expansion would likely interpret this gesture to be a move of cowardice, surrendering land to one of their oldest enemies. However, those who favor unity and progress would likely see this as a wise and strategic decision diplomatically, further legitimizing and strengthening Khonzhou's position in the east with recognized borders.

Last Month near Tenysia

Bog of War

A black fog has been seeping from within the Mvau Marsh towards Mirkwood, as if there has been the burning of flesh and surrounding foliage. Though witnesses say this ‘flash fire’ seems to be more contained than that of one that is wildly spreading. It may create an illusion of the swamp being more ‘haunted’ than it is, specially from a higher vantage point like the Ulikh Steppes. Rumors of a plague and the Omen abound as parties and social celebrations for The Scorpion, Al-Sargas cycle held by many Sythians come to an end, where many tend to continue the revelry and festivities for days, weeks and even months.

However a more pressing matter regarding the Black Forest and its surrounding borders being blocked off by what looks like a “dam of dead naked bodies” where news of “swampy boiling blood and melty rotting corpses” have been floating upstream contaminating the river passages are abound. Speculation is the entire Royal Banquet was poisoned, which has put the Tenysian commerce at a stand still.

With this comes reports of more smugglers, illegal trades happening in the routes established with Bheka, no official word was given about the matter except that Sythian delegates have been sent out in what locals are calling a ‘mass exile’ in which many claim is a “deliberate response for the befallen bird”, whatever that means.

February, 2021

Opening Weekend (2/23/21)

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their interest in Arcovia and joining us both here, on sim and in the SL group. Given the current progression of joins I am expecting this coming weekend to be very hectic.

To be frank I did not staff enough people to handle the potential influx. Consequently, I am going to ask everyone to help make this process as smooth as possible for new players. If you are able and willing greet new players, talk to them about faction ideas, encourage them, offer tours and try and help them connect with others. Many of you have experience as staff and admins on other RP sims and know what to do, I hope you'll reach out and assist here.

As we settled, and there is enough oxygen to go around I will look to hire more staff.

Thank you everyone for understanding. Branwyn, Bane and Torolf and the rest of the Arcovia Staff.

Regarding Faction Leads

I just want to take a moment to again address the topic of Faction Leads. We do not have pre-assigned faction leads. There are a handful of players who helped me establish the opening storyline. Some of these players intend to take leadership positions in their city state -- some do not. They get a 24 hour early access to choose their preferred role. ALL OTHER ROLES are first come first serve at noon SLT March 1st. More then 36 position will be available. You don't need to do anything to get one of these roles, other then to be the first person to request it via the hud at noon SLT. There is also a number of ways to get the position someone else has: How to Join

In a nut shell, no one know who's going to be ICLY "in charge" prior to opening day, even me. If you need OOC help, you can speak to any of my staff, myself or use the Q&A channel.

Status Update (2/20/21)

I know that many of us are waiting until opening day to know what our RPCSS role will be, and for some that stalls any early role-play. However, its perfectly acceptable to keep your role "secret" until such time as we have actual roles assigned.

Consequently, I both give permission and encourage you to set up role-play encounters with others on sim before we open. Most visitors in non-medieval clothing run through quickly and are easy enough to ignore.

Call it an unofficial soft open as of today if you like.

Hud Testing

There is a new TESTING Hud

1. Please delete all previous copies of the hud that you have.
2. The new Hud is available from the same box at the landing that you got the prior one.
3. Touch the box, not buy contents!

What has changed

1. Your Display name and HP's show over your head.
2. The dice use the account name not the display name so it no longer errors out on weird characters.
3. Using /4 you can type with your character name as a chat overide.
4. /4 afk will toggle on and off afk so you can not be attacked if afk.

This Hud attaches on click, and will deattach when you leave the sim, so you will need to re-click the box on entry again if you wish to continue testing.

HP regeneration and attack delays are still set for testing durations.

Duwick, Raa’Edan (2/11/21)

House Triarius welcomes nobles and citizens alike to the opening of their newly cleaned bathhouse

House Triarius understands that many nobles and citizens have unfortunately been affected by the temporary closing of the bathhouse in the Al'Shardar district. To apologize for this inconvenience, House Triarius has graciously opened the doors to the baths with flourish.

Please join us for a night of exotic food, the very best wine the Arcovia District has and the newly cleaned and sanitary baths.

As a special treat, Fade's Fabulous Pharmaceuticals has offered free oil sampling and perfume to the first 30 citizens. Friday 6PM (SLT) Al'Shardar district.

Menu

Dormice stuffed with honey, walnuts and poppy seeds (limit 4 per customer)

Goat milk cheese with an assortment of nuts, pork and bread

Garum sauce (fish gut sauce) with tender new apples and honey

Plum wine and House wine (dark and oaky)

Priwick, Raa’Edan (2/7/21)

We are on schedule. The sim build is 98% complete, the lore is complete, character bios are being submitted, and even some role-play is happening on sim. Right now we are just waiting on the Hud for testing, which we expect to have this week. We are go for March 1st! The sim will be opening on Noon SLT March 1st which is when the factions will be formed and faction roles are chosen.

The pre-opening faction leads will get 24 hour advanced opportunity to pick which of the four roles in their faction that they wish. All other roles will be on a first come first serve basis at Noon SLT on March 1st. If you are looking to have a lead role as head agent to the diplomat, warlord, spymaster or coinmaster, you will want to be on sim to pick up the hud and set up your profile.

January, 2021

Octwick, Al-Sargas (1/26/21)

Just a quick status update for everyone. Of the five districts, all of them have been started and layed out, of those three still need to be finalized with deco; Suttenborg, Chayuan and the Crossroads. Suttenborg has had a recent revamp as we didn't like the back end of the district and have rebuilt it. So the building is totally on schedule for March 1st. Thank you Torolf, Raven and Panda for all their help and support.

We have all but one faction lead, and the others have been doing an amazing job of knocking out the recent Timeline. Thank you guys and gals and gxxs! Bane has implemented the new Essealas map into RPCSS and has moved onto the account and promotion system. The timing on having RPCSS and the Hud totally ready for March 1st is tight, but we are hopeful.

I have some more work to do on the NPCS for each city state, as well as some wiki work on the RPCSS manual, but I am on schedule. I will probably send out another newsletter on Friday and hope to catch a few more past Comraich Players.

Faction Starters

I am looking for a handful of players to participate as early RPCSS faction leaders for the city-states. The job is much like a normal faction lead, but I'm looking for players with experience in RPCSS to do play testing before we open. This play testing will be used to establish "a current politics" debrief at the time of go life. The role will involve communicating with other faction starters, establishing RP reactions and submitting actions via RPCSS. If you are interested, please contact Branwyn.Emerald for more details.

Quadwick, Al-Sargas (1/8/21)

We have set up the landing zone on the production sim, as well as having two of the builds; Thanhold (Nordic) and Carthage (Roman/Arabic) finished and usable for casual role-play. We are hosting an Ur Tournament and the occasional tavern night between now and opening. Please stop by, grab a group invite and consider your new character.

December, 2020

Development begins

December 19

A few of the city-states have been written, and the layout of both the northern and citadel districts of the city have been tossed around.

Archive

• News and Rumors 2020-2021