Rumor Mill Turn 28
HeroCooky
Unverified Monstergirl
Rumors:
News From The Front! Valiant Heroes Saving Civilians By Paying Ultimate Price!
The armies of Slatnan are the mightiest in the world, only eclipsed in numbers by the fanatical hordes of the Eversun or in power by the greedy companies of mercenaries bought by Dul. They have time and again proven that few things can stand against our combined might and courage. Yet, we do not face Humans, Mutated, Mutants, or Machines in Starlight, but an abomination against man in its entirety, mindless and insane. Which would choose to pile up its corpses against walls to make a ramp, rather than build and climb ladders. One which cares no for the sanctity of childhood, the iron bonds that a surrendering enemy places upon the victor, or even the acknowledgment that civilians are not to be killed in wanton slaughter as one pleases. An enemy that broke our ranks, not by valor, but by numbers, which forced our soldiers to retreat, shielding the Starlighters, which had escaped the insanity of the Council. Without our Knights, many would have had to choose between duty and life, between allowing a village to flee and their salvation. Yet, even as we are pushed back, we prepare to receive the Flood at the walls of the Cities, which have sworn fealty to the Empire and Emperor Elianus, in exchange for safety from the crimes of the Council. And as the shell-shocked survivors hide in their homes, our soldiers will ensure that these new subjects and soon-to-be citizens of the Empire will not regret their decision. We will win, and we will triumph, as we always have.
Forge-Clans Rejoice At Massive Order!
After many Knights fell in both defense and attacks against the Flood, Emperor Elianus has commissioned the Forge-Clans to construct over 2.000 Knights! They are not only intended to cover the recent losses, but to allow for the founding of five new Chapters that are to be stationed inside Starlight to hunt the Mutants, Monster, and Bandits that are sure to spring up in a region choking on the dead as it currently does. However, It has dropped the treasury to a record-low in decades, as Knights' construction and materials are not cheap. At least trade with the Shieldbelt-Alliance is kicking up, with the brewing Cold War between them and the Eversun, despite the disruption of the Tessen-Route because of the Dreadnought.
The Dreadnought Has Arrived!
A piece of news that is received with terror beyond all else; the arrival of the Butcher. The dreaded Machine has already claimed settlers too stubborn or idiotic to abandon their homes in favor of safer havens, beginning its rampage and path of carnage to its destination. Sources tell that Jokvi, Strul, or Mirn could be its intended target, set on killing all that seek refuge in those cities. But fret not! Marqui Tessen and the Chapter of The Blue Lance are beginning to dig in, co-ordinate with Forge-Clan Vanar-Feer, and various Mercenary Companies to meet the dreaded Machine in battle! After they have weakened it with several Harpoons, of course, and forced it into a disadvantageous position. There are even rumors floating around that an expedition from the Forge-Clan went deep into the Forest of Rust to discover where the Butcher came from and seek a way to shut it down if possible. Let us hope that they succeed!
Mass Murder In Zulmni And Jokvi!
At first, it had been an isolated incident. Only another unsolved murder, while terrible and uncommon, was expected in a city housing over a hundred thousand souls. What was unexpected was the symbols carved into the flesh of the killed; a circle with several inward-facing triangles. Worrying, but there had been weirder things, as it could merely be a personal thing between the dead and the killer. Yet, the worst came true, as more corpses were found, each having the same symbol carved into them. At first, the guard thought it was merely the work of a serial-killer whose favored targets were too random to predict. Then the body count rose, and rose, and rose. Until Jokvi reported the same murders and the same symbol, indicating that something more is at work. The Captains of both cities have sworn that they will see the perpetrator found, tried, and hanged, though that is barely any consolation for the 38 deceased's families.
Baron Esker Recognizes Mutated Son!
In a shocking twist of events, Baron Esker reverted on his decision and officially recognized Jari as his son, even born with his chitin-armor and multi-hued eyes as he is. Doing so has given the newly born Mutated many rights and duties of other noble sons of similar status, though without the right of inheritance or the privilege to pilot a Knight. What had driven the Baron to do such a controversial act is unknown, though there are whispers of him receiving a visitor wearing a white triangle on their clothing a few months prior.
***
Spy-Network:
The Church Of Eden looks down on you with disdain. The lower members incorporated Anti-Pilgrim sentiments in their sermons, which, as far as you can tell, are encouraged by the higher clergy. Several traders seem to have been "convinced" to take their trade elsewhere. But there are reports of some in the upper echelons panicking due to a break-in into an archive, where several important financial and confidential ledgers were taken. Though who could have done that and why is unknown. Except it was you, and what you now know is deliciously hypocritical. (-25 to all diplomatic rolls in Turn 28, +2 Material cost to all actions due to traders refusing to sell.)
The Common People seem ready for whatever may come out of the coming struggle. Many have readied themselves for emergency evacuations of their homes. The most pressing matter (besides the Titan) is a lack of sanitation, though expanded sewers are currently being constructed. Estimates say they will be finished in six months.
The Mutated are acclimatizing to their new normal. Sure, they are still not allowed to visit or buy in many of the same places as humans do, but they won't be beaten for being near one for more than a few minutes. Some have started to own businesses outside the slums, which have seen an uptick in sales due to panic-buying in reaction to the Titan. No refugees have harassed them, and if what you are reading is correct, the refugees are more or less friendly or neutral to the Mutated.
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