State of Play Rebirth Cycle 724
Current Rumours:
Azrael:
Rumor: It's said that Azrael is a Grandmaster Sculptor, who will do commissions for the highest bidder.
Accolade: Sightings of Azrael in the company of a high military official, a werewolf, and a commander of mercenaries has led to a string of strange bar-room jokes. A wereowl, a thunder priest, and Azrael walk into a bar, ask for drinks. The Bartender says... Etc that sorta thing. In addition, he's increasingly recognized in taverns in general, for whatever reason.
Old Rumours:
Rumor: Speculation abounds that Gennadiya is the lovechild of not just any Shadow Quarter luminary, but the Cheshire himself. And that anyone who messes with her signs their own death warrant.
Accolade: Gennadiya acquitted herself well upon the opening of the Willow Tree Memorial hospital. Many hail her as a fitting successor to Faith Augustin, and funds pour into the Willow Tree Hospital's coffers, opening up the opportunity for Gennadiya in the next arc to work on the expansion of the facility, for a new ward of her own choosing.
Netzach Embersoul:
Rumor: In the gambling halls, it's whispered that Netzach has fallen prey to a ghostly possesion. And that as part of his faustian bargain, the ghost siphons his life force in exchange for a glimpse of the other players' card hands. Given his low level of renown he's recognized only some of the time, sometimes by name, othertimes by his face. Othertimes he's not recognized at all. Many dismiss this rumor as foolish superstition, at any rate.
Nir'wei:
Rumor: It's said that when in his wolf form, this famous wolf-walker can paint with all the colors of the winds.
Accolade: The Tribune Kennel wishes to make contact with Nir'wei, in order to commission his services as a trainer. They have a newly hatched litter of Barghests that they wish to have him bring up to Dire status. They are willing to make an exchange with his office in Scalvoris, for the trade of every breed of canine unique to Rharne, in exchange for this service.
Praetorum:
Rumor: Speculation has spread that Praetorum has lost his magic abilities. A mad dash ensues to find the site of his 'De-Sparking' in order to locate a non-existent well type known as a 'thirst diamond', rumored to have the power to transfer his arcane might to those who find and consume them.
Accolade: Praetorum is sent word that a job to explore the Rhaumine Fracture has been posted, and delivered specifically to his Skydas Company. The bounty is 50 wp, and the objective is to find out what the Blackout contains.
Revan Blackhand:
Rumor: A rumor begins to circulate, that links Revan to a jailer named Grimwald. Grimwald is sought for questioning regarding the mass escape of recent times, which Revan is implicated to have had a part in.
Vega:
Rumor: A peculiar rumor has arrived, that Vega had a body swap with her niece Seriel during the Rharne Fire when she disappeared. They say that Seriel wanted to go on adventures, and so took on the guise of Vega, possessing her while leaving her body behind. How odd!
Vincent Steinitz:
Rumor: Rumors emerge that finger Vincent as the owner of a shop of illegal curios and antiques, the source of which are often under the table, and less than legitimate. However, the sources of these rumors always claim he has the real deal, however he came upon these goods.
Vivian Shiryu:
Rumor: Rumors of her other daughter's death or disappearance has led to a wave of sympathy for Vivian, flowers and other offerings showing at her home, and also at her office.
Accolade: Not only is she being seen as a prime candidate for leading the Rharnean military, but perhaps as a viceroy to Ilaren herself. Obviously she'll have to prove her mettle in the former role before she'll be considered as a Viceroy, and a Viceroy in Rharne has not been heard of since the inception of the semi-democratic council was formed.
Old Rumours
Balthazar Black
Rumor: Rumors persist that Balthazar and Ilaren met after the All-Taverns Tournament. Ilaren insists that it was just a training session for the Star of the Tournament, but the more she denies it, the more rumors persist there was more to that meeting. It's thought that perhaps Balthazar is a secret agent for Ilaren, who has infiltrated Scalvoris society. Reputation Very Positive
Dandelion
Rumor : News of a Buckwheat Beer has trickled down from the Sky Quarter, to the lower Quarters of Rharne City. As such, Dandelion will find a decent amount of beer tourists showing up at Rosebay wondering where the watering hole is.
Rumor : Dandelion is praised for his part in the fire fighting late last cycle. However, a strange rumor emerges that he can move through the earth with the ease of water. Occasionally an annoying request to test the rumor may emerge from those he encounters. Reputation Excellent
Rumor: Some people outside of Eureka who know of and have heard of Dandelion have begun to wonder if he's a telepath, that can communicate without speaking. This rumor is tempered though by the people of Eureka, who assure anyone who asks that he simply speaks with his hands.
Rumor: Word has spread that Dandelion has established his own settlement in the new Stormlakes region in late Saun. It's speculated that perhaps he has some faustian bargain struck with Lovalus in order to cause the rainfall of last season, but this is only heard from the truly delirious gossips.
Rumor: It's whispered that a group of tunawa slaves have taken residence in Rosebay, and this is how Dandelion was able to start agricultural pursuits so late in the growing season.
Accolade: People call for the formation of a Civil Office of Agriculture in Rharne. Dandelion is floated, quietly, as a potential candidate for the position. Whether he takes the opportunity or not, he will find his profile and that of Rosebay rising. Several settlers will petition to join the growing settlement (OOC: optional consequence, must be threaded in order to count the settlers)
Elisabeth Angelus
Rumor: There's a rumor that Elisabeth is a powerful Empath, who managed to thwart the anger of the crowds attending the tournament as she forfeited the Semi-Final. Reputation Positive
Eliza Soule
Rumor: A curious rumor begins to circulate about Eliza Soule, claiming that she is somehow the daughter of Ymiden and Ywyngyll, formed out of one of the Hearts of Unibor itself and given life. Amusing conversations persist about whether she's tunawa beneath her skin, or if that's just the color of her 'bark'.
Accolade: Eliza Soule dreams of ducks one night, specifically the ducks that live in the pond behind her house. Here, they talk to her, as if commissioning a family portrait from her. When she awakes, she will find a brush in her hand, although she may not remember having fallen asleep with it in hand. The ducks are quacking loudly outside, but there's no disturbance. They just seem more spirited this day. Reputation Slightly Positive
Faith Augustin
Rumor 1: General disbelief that Faith is gone, and that there's no trace of her soul left on the world of Idalos. People mourn the loss of a great force for good, and wonder what the future might hold. There are rumors of ghosts seen who bear a resemblance to Faith in several parts of Rharne. However, any Zuuda called to investigate will debunk this vehemently.
Rumor 2: In spite of the confirmation that Faith has indeed passed on, rumors of an unnamed Wisp, glowing red wandering through the halls of the Willow Tree Hospital persist. Is this an echo of Faith herself? Or merely some anomaly of the magic that went into building the hospital?
Accolade: Given the chaos of the Hot Cycle, the memorial for Faith had been cancelled, and was rescheduled for the middle of Vhalar instead. Multitudes of Igelak wash up on the shores nearby the WIllow Tree Hospital, where the Memorial is to be held. They all come to pay respects to one of the mortals that saved them from slavery to Pearl Hopper. Reputation Legendary.
Rumor 1: After turning into a glowing tree in the middle of the Lightning Dome, Faith Augustin is believed to be the daughter of Ashan by many who witnessed the miracle.
Rumor 2: A strange rumor begins circulating about Faith Augustin, that she is related in some way to the deceased necromantress, Ellasin. Where this rumor came from is a mystery, it just seemed to pop up out of nowhere and trying to trace the source of the rumor leads to dead end after dead end.
Rumor 3: It's speculated that Faith has devised a way through her extensive medical knowledge to create a body double that follows her will to the letter. Rumor has it that this is how Faith manages to get so much done.
Rumor 4: Faith hasn't been heard much of, even as the progress on her hospital has somewhat stalled in the wake of the agreements to establish it. Some speculate that she joined the Skydas Company under Praetorum, and left to join him on a quest to liberate Sirothelle from the Faldrunites.
Accolade: There are calls for Faith to assume a more active religious role in the city, and some people, particularly a section of Quacian refugees, wish for a joint temple to Famula, Vri, and Moseke with her as the high priestess. Some are even suggesting a broader, ecumenical role that develops, incorporates, and represents the various religious interests and aspects of Rharnean culture. There's some movement on the council, from adversaries as well as allies, to give her a better defined role. Her adversaries promote this idea to limit her influence, while her allies wish to harness her specific talents in the best way possible.
Gennadiya Lyosha
Rumor: Rumor has it that Gennadiya is the daughter of one of the Kingpins of the Shadow Quarter, and that's why she does so much good. To make up for the evil that their parent has wrought on the city.
Accolade: For her great service to the city and the populace, Ilaren has offered to pay the entirety of Gennadiya's Wedding expenses. Please notify me if you wish to take advantage of this gift (mod note and reward) ReputationHeroic
Kasoria
Rumor: Rumor has it that Kasoria murdered the cousin of a highly placed person in the Shadow Quarter. He becomes the toast of some taverns, and can expect a hidden shiv in others.
Accolade: Kasoria has rubbed some people wrong while pursuing his magic, and engaging in the dumping of bodies and dispatching of smugglers. As such, he will find a bounty hunter on his tail in the following cycles, who will pursue him across the Eastern Continent. Apparently there's a bounty of ten Onyx Nels on his head. Reputation Suspicious (Positive by the Shadow Quarter)
Revan Blackhand (As Grimwald)
Rumor: His guise, Grimwald, is known as a dillegent and loyal worker for the Rharne Prison, it's nevertheless rumored that Grimwald is actually a long-lost mortalborn of Beleara and that he has a dual life as a villainous scoundrel. This rumor is widely discredited however, by those who know Grimwald and doesn't really form legs to travel. Reputation Slightly Positive
Rumor: It's speculated that Gennadiya Lyosha is adopting the Imperial custom of holding several spouses. These rumors intensify as she is seen dating no less than six different men in quick succession.
Rumor: The establishment of a support group for addiction by Gennadiya becomes a widely known project run by the healer. It's speculated that this is some ploy by Gennadiya to rope Ilaren into quitting alcohol, put upon her by Ymiden himself.
Rumor: Gennadiya is seen to be proposed to by a Lightning Knight. However the identity of the said Lightning Knight being obscure, the people of Rharne who hear of it fill in the blank with a more well known Lightning Knight, the Commander, Vig'tyrn Urien, who they assume to be the lucky man.
Accolade: Gennadiya is already the head of the Order of the Adunih in Rharne, but now people are wondering if she should take a greater, more global role in that organization or branch out. There's even talk about establishing a state health service, and she is considered as a potential councilor for the establishment of such.
Leander
Rumor: Since solving the dying cattle crisis in prior seasons, word has cropped up and it's speculated that Leander can speak to dead cows simply by reading the patterns of their entrails on the ground, a real Augur. MooooOOOoooOOo.
Rumor: Since Leander is making small waves in the community by donating his time to the Order of the Adunihi, and also becoming a student of Tristan Venora, people begin to speculate and wonder more about who this mysterious man is. There is a rumor that he's an exiled noble from Viden, or else an intelligence operative of Yvithia. People begin to assume that he knows things, and this may lead to uncomfortable questions being asked of him.
Accolade: Seen in the company of socialites in the Glass Quarter, as well as helping out in the Order of the Adunih, Leander's star is ever so slowly growing in Rharne. People begin to seek out their expertise, and he begins receiving more commissions for potions and medicines across the various organizations of the city. Reputation Positive
Orik Qe'Ryn
Rumor 1: Orik is rumored to have beaten a higher ranked priestess in the Thunder Priesthood in a drinking contest. Suddenly, when visiting taverns, he finds himself the subject of many challenges to drinking contests, or arm wrestling alternatively, as everyone wants to be the toughest drinker or arm wrestler, who beat someone who beat a Thunder Priest of such high rank. Reputation Positive.
Perdita Westcott
Rumor: Perdita is rumored to be a grandmaster basketweaver, as reports filter in of her efforts to catch slimes with copper-wire baskets begins to spread. She finds herself the recipient of many invites to basket-weaving clubs or societies across Rharne's territory, and also the giftee of many basket weaving materials, including metal wire of various kinds. Less welcome perhaps are the requests for special basket designs, that are somewhat beyond her current skill to accomplish. Reputation Very Positive.
Praetorum
Rumor: It's rumored that somehow, Praetorum is the son of a benevolent dragon, and in fact has attained some form of power from the awakening dragons across Idalos. Many requests from annoying townsfolk come, and some perhaps flattering, asking him to prove his heritage by breathing fire, or sprouting wings and flying away.
Accolade: Praetorum and by extension Skydas Company is given preferred status among the military of Rharne. He will find much of the intelligence about criminal and Shadow Quarter activity, and also enemy movements are shared with his Company almost automatically, through an echo scroll that is gifted to him. Such is Rharne's trust in Praeotrum and Skydas Company. (Any wealth threads pursued while in Rharnean territory or for Rharnean interests abroad as a mercenary will earn him an extra 5 WP) Reputation Heroic.
Rumor: There's a rumor that Praetorum intentionally threw his match in the All-Taverns Tournament in order to make way for his friends, Balthazar and Elisabeth Angelus.
Rumor: A rumor emerges that Praetorum is capable of seeing out of every corner of the Zynyx region, and that this was what contributed to his culling of the River Pirates. These rumors gain traction, when certain people around Rharne complain of hearing a vague ringing in their ears when near him.
Rumor: Rumored to be on an errand for a newly awakened dragon, Praetorum is thought to be pursuing a war campaign against the Faldrunite faithfuls in Sirothelle, however little else is known of his activities there, which has led to a rise in activity among the River Pirates.
Accolade: Praetorum's presence in the Stormlands as a stabilizing force is missed. Messengers are sent far and wide to ask Praetorum to return from his crusade and aid the people of Rharne against the growing menace of the WIndshear Brotherhood of Athart. Help us Praetorum, you're our only hope. ReputationExcellent
Thomas Karver
Rumor: Captain Karver is reputed to reneg on his trade agreements, and to drop cargo at the first sign of storms or pirates. However, as many don't know what Thomas Karver looks like, this will only be a problem should he conduct the negotiation under his real name. Reputation Mostly Unknown
Tristan Venora
Rumor: It's rumored that Tristan has brought in even more Rynmerish refugees, given a sudden influx from lands to the north of Westwind. Whether rightlly or wrongly, the people in large part attribute this migration to Tristan's efforts to ease tensions between Rharneans and Rynmerish.
Rumor: It's rumored that Tristan has brought in even more Rynmerish refugees, given a sudden influx from lands to the north of Westwind. Whether rightlly or wrongly, the people in large part attribute this migration to Tristan's efforts to ease tensions between Rharneans and Rynmerish.
Rumor: A rumor persists among cat-lovers in the Glass Quarter that Tristan's cat Mistral is actually a totem locked mortalborn mage, who is the son of Aelig.
Accolade: A few cycles after the creation of the Rynmere Memorial, there is a movement from Rynmerish refugees that wishes for Tristan to take their people from the city of Rharne, those willing to move, and petition Ilaren to form a new Duchy under Rharne for them to build anew. Somewhere in the Stormlakes Region Reputation Heroic
Vivian Shiryu
Rumor: Vivian is said to be considered a very important person in the military, an increasingly important person given her recent defense of Rharne's borders against monsters, Rhaum, and even treating with the Melrathi beasts that had gone wild on their shores. It's even said that Ilaren is considering handing over the leadership of the Knights to her champion.
Rumor 2: It's speculated that Vivian is, in fact, the mortal incarnation of an Induk of Storms. Many rumors persist that she can summon enough wind and lightning to bring down the spires of Volta.
Accolade: Ilaren is considered for leadership, as the current Head of the Lightning Knights considers retirement, stepping down to a lesser rank in order to focus on family matters. However, in order to rise to the heights of the Lightning Knights, as their General, she will have to meet with both the current General and Ilaren, and give an interview to ascertain her suitability for the role.
Accolade: Ilaren has a task for VIvian. The privateers operating out of Athart have rown restless, and are invading all along the Zynyx River. Ilaren has declared that VIvian is to be made the Commander of the Expeditionary forces. She's given broad latitude in how she deals with the privateer threat of the Windshear Brotherhood. Reputation Heroic
Vincent Steinitz
Rumor: Known as a villainous rake who groped a woman during Buskerfest, Vincent is thought to have fathered a number of bastards, and when recognized is infrequently even approached by young children and orphans who think he's their father. Reputation Slightly Negative
Rozkia
Rumor: Rumor has it that Rozkia (known as the Naer that raked the Angler) is related to the Witch Doctor, and is in fact her granddaughter.
Rumor: There's a rumor floated that Rozkia is marked by Yvithia, and is in fact a spy from Viden. ReputationSlightly Negative
Seira Shiryu
Rumor: A rumor spreads that claims Seira snores in a sing-song voice. This is not commented on by the hospital workers tending to her during her coma, and anyone trying to ascertain the truth of it is vehementlly rebuked by them, turned away at the door.
Accolade: Should Seira awaken in the next cycle, or afterward, she'll find her hospital room filled with all manner of flowers, stuffed animals, poems written by Shadow Walkers, and also seeds from the local herbalists. In addition, an un-labeled gift that is a small red lantern, which has no visible flame to it, but strobes in rhythym with Seira's heartbeat. Somehow, she knows it's from Seriel. Reputation Excellent
Rumor: Rumor is that Seira has decided to quit singing somber and sad songs. This upsets her most devoted fans, the Shadow Walkers, who are found loitering around her home, leaving gifts, flowers, and other valuables in hopes of encouraging her to return to singing.
Rumor: Rumor has it, that Seira is secretly a master gardener, who can identify no less than forty facts on every herb on the Eastern continent.
Accolade: Seira is noted for her voice now, and many beyond her usual fanbase have begun to crave the unique sound and artistry she brings to the stage. A strange and somewhat unique offer comes to her one night, after she performs. They are a director for an upcoming opera, titled "The Grace of Leviana", Leviana being Ilaren's deceased daughter. It's up to her whether she'd like to take this role up or turn it down. They of course request her as the titular character's actress.
Reputation Excellent
color=#0000ff]Winston Miller[/color]
Rumor: Winston is rumored to actually be a mutated rodent that emerged from the sewer one day when their warren burned down during the Sliming of Rharne. Tall tales, and small stories begin getting shared among the populace of Rharne, particularly among children, about the noble rat that rose from humble origins to save the city from harm.
Accolade: Along with the rumors of Winston's humble origins, toy-makers capitalize on the sudden explosion popularity of the Cadouri hero, by putting out Winston Plushies of varying degrees of quality. Some of them bear a striking resemblance, others are less faithful to the source image of Winston Miller. Reputation Excellent
Magic
Abrogation: Generally positive attitude.
Attunement Generally positive attitude
Becoming Some suspicion, slight negativity.
Defiance Largely positive - Defiers helped in the defense against the Flameborn and Rhaum.
Empathy Large amount of suspicion
Glamour Large amount of suspicion and skepticism that it exists.
Graft Neutral attitude. There haven't been many graft mages known in Rahrne.
Hone Lucis Runic Magic: Well regarded as being instrumental at the defence against the Flameborn and downfall of Rhaum. Umbral Rune Magic: Neutral.
Necromancy Very negative attitude following the War of Death & Souls especially.
Rupturing Moderately negative, as it's learned that the opportunistic villain who abducted dozens of citizens was a Visitant, and the one behind the Westwind Ruins anomaly.
Sovereign Slightly Negative. Rumor has it that the Sky Suite in the Flying Moon was trashed by a Sovereign mage.
Transmutation Largely positive