Frontier Herald Newspaper
25th of Flowerbloom, 1348
BE VIGILANT, BE SAFE, BE PROACTIVE
Safety Bulletin by Deputy Auditor, Marcellus Avenicci
These times of uncertainty and growing concerns about safety and law have us working harder than ever to keep the Fort safe and secure. We, the good people of the Fort, must work together as a community to help bring better-unified order in upholding the law. Over the last few months, the growing concern of thievery and home break-ins has been mentioned around the Fort and at community watch meetings. As such, a new initiative shall be started, by myself and other willing supporters, to offer a bounty on credible information on these recent acts of lawlessness. The bounty will be paid in silver to people who come forward with usable and credible information that assists in leading to the capture of criminals that elude the watchful eyes of the law.
By proactively assisting the law, we will bring a small amount of comfort to your sleep and daily lives. The bounty amount will be discussed at the time of information; it is based on quality, legality, and how much it helps in bringing in criminals around the Fort.
Remember: Together, WE will show unity in the community and protect each other from the greedy who seek to undermine our peace of mind.
COMMUNITY MEETING
A Recap By Constantine
On the twentieth of Flowerbloom the community met to discuss a recent problem plaguing the province; the rash of thefts which have seen belongings removed from both person and personal property.
Our meeting was joined by two guest speakers in the form of the esteemed Deputy Auditor, Marcellus Avinicci, a prominent member of the community and representative of Foundry Justice, as well as Kaelius Mercantile's own Gryhun Kren, another well-regarded member of the community highly praised for his skill as a thief catcher.
A plan to survey the community was formed, entailing the following:
I.) Upon waking, before going about your business, and before retiring, take the time to check on your neighbors. II.) As you go about your day, take the longer path past properties on your route. III.) Keep an eye out for exterior doors which have been left ajar. IV.) Keep an eye out for anyone loitering on doorsteps or is somewhere you know they don't belong. VI.) Don't accuse anyone falsely, but make it a point to look out for open for strange or suspicious behaviors or activity. VII.) Make note of suspicious deals and those brokering them.
Should any suspicious persons or activity be identified, the following steps should be taken:
I.) Take careful note of the situation; the time, the location, and the date. II.) If the person is concealed, take note of identifiable clothing or jewelry. Hair color, skin tone, height, build, facial hair, tattoos, weapons, armor type; any and all details you can offer may be integral to to further investigation. III.) If you're offered goods by a suspicious person, make note of quantity and distinguishing markings which might be helpful later. IV.) Finally, find the Deputy Auditor or Constantine to report the aforementioned details. V.) MOST IMPORTANTLY: Any direct observation or concrete evidence of a crime taking place within the Fort should be reported directly to Overseer Holmquist.
Our esteemed Deputy Auditor works tirelessly on behalf of the Foundry to investigate these crimes. However, it is my sincere belief that we, as a community, may be able to help him in his endeavors and safeguard one another. The more eyes we have, the more likely it is these perpetrators will be brought to justice.
However, we must proceed with all due caution; paranoia and fear are the lodestars of tragedy. They lead to suspicion and anger, to rash action and dire consequence.
I beseech any inclined to help with this emerging crisis to do so in good faith; justice quickly becomes wrath, and it does not become us as good members of this Republic to take such matters into our own hands.
We must approach this with the spirit of Compassion which it demands. I beg you; do not accuse falsely, do not accost strangers, and do not rush to judgement over suspicious circumstance.
Together we may navigate this crisis with the compassion and justice it deserves; uplifting one another in an act of greater cooperation which pushes us ever forward unto Reclamation.
SEARCHING FOR GRAND PRIZE RAFFLE WINNER
Announcement by Nicolien de Ravin
The de Ravin Parish is pleased to announce that all prizes from their Spring Fling raffle have been claimed except the grand prize of a two-room apartment in the new tenement building.
Whoever is in possession of ticket number 13 is urged to speak with Nicolien de Ravin or Lucien Silvercrest at your earliest convenience so you can take possession of your prize.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the raffle and attended the Spring Fling, as well as Mister Constantine and Mister Atticus Black, for donating their time and expertise for some of our winners. Only as a community can we continue to grow and thrive.
AEDENSHYR SEVEN - LOOKING FOR PLAYERS!
Invitation from Jakell Wormwood
Looking to put together a friendly game of Aedenshyr Seven that might turn into a weekly or bi-weekly game between friends and those looking for a little break from toil within Fort Praesidium.
Aedenshyr Seven is an easily learned game of poker where each player receives two cards face down. The game progresses with betting going about the table as new community cards turn up each round. Each player receives an equal amount of clay chips at the start of the game, with no option to buy back in.
The object is to accumulate all of the clay chips in play and be declared the winner. Players can accumulate chips by constructing the best five-card hand by using their two cards in combination with the ones flipped up each round on the table. Players can also choose to 'bluff' opponents, which will cause their opponent to fold their hand and thus win the hand without exposing their own hand.
Please contact Jakell Wormwood or slip a letter of interest under the door at the Unreserved Grasshopper, right across from the Memorial Park in Fort Praesidium, to reserve a spot at the first table or make other inquiries.
Our first game will be held at the old Meddler's Rest on Back Street, the 31st of Flowerbloom on the 21st hour. Polite bystanders are welcome!
[OOG Note: This will be an In-Game event on May 31st at 9 pm Central Time, but the actual card play will be on a muted requiem discord chat channel to allow easier roleplay between hands and interaction from bystanders in the side chat. Please change your discord name to your character name for the event if you plan to watch, emote and interact in the discord game. Please, NO exchanging information or communication in relation to card hands. Colluding with other players impacts the integrity of the game and makes it unfair for other players involved. It's not clever; let's keep it to skill and luck so we can keep doing this!]
FORSYTHE TOOL CO. IS OPEN FOR BUISINESS! Come see James Vaughn in Market Lane for all your tool needs. Gardening tools? We got Carts and Scythes. Firearms? We have limited stock on display but offer firearms of any type by request. Need Powders or Ammo? We can do that too. Foundations built? We offer all sorts of floor plans. Locks? Leave word, and We will get you safe and secure. All tools are crafted above Foundry Regulation Standards of high-quality iron and ash handles by a retired Foundry Tool Maker. Forsythe Tool Co. - THE TOOLS THAT BUILT THE REPUBLIC! Located in the small green tent on Market Lane at the Beaten Path
ONE QUILL JEWERLY SHOP IS NOW OPEN! Fine Jewelry, Polished Gems, and more! Please see our clerk Gemma on the 2nd floor of the craft hall. Please seek out the owner Quill for specialty orders.
PARISH GENERAL STORE: The newly opened stall on Market Lane offers a plethora of goods at reasonable prices. From new arrival kits to harvesting tools, grooming kits, repair deeds, beginners weapons and armor, and all manner of foodstuffs. We have newcomers covered. Stop by today!
ADVENTURER'S ASSOCIATION IS SEEKING MEMBERS! If you like to explore foreign lands, ancient crypts, and ruins of long-forgotten civilizations, you have everything needed for membership. Meet many other adventurers, go on epic explorations, and take numerous quests, from the collection quest to the monster-slaying quest. This association has several ranks, from Rank F to rank A. The highest rank is Rank S. While doing quests, you can earn coins and fame within the association. When you reach a specific fame, you can get a rank-up quest. After fulfilling this quest, you rise in the ranks and get more difficult quests with better rewards. You also earn merits by raising your ranks, like repairs free of charge and so on. Leave a message at the Hearth and Hale Tavern, or message Rhonja for application.
DR. PEPPERDEWS CLINIC & PEPPERMART GENERAL GOODS SUPPLY: Whether it be Injury, Industry, Poultices or Produce - Doctor Pepperdew has the treatment for you! Stop by Dr. Pepperdew’s Clinic located just south of the Foundry General Store in the red wagon for everything one could possibly need! The doctor takes both private consultations as well as offering Potions, Medicines, as well as Herbs, Produce, Lumber & Textiles to save you time at an affordable cost from PEPPERMART, located on the premises!
FALL BACK TO YOUR FAVORITE COLORS! Fall-inspired PREMIUM clothing dyes are now available for purchase for a LIMITED TIME by traveling vendor Tynna Craycraft located at the Bright Lantern’s Rushlight Emporium! Get these ONE OF A KIND dyes before they’re gone!
THE BEST METHOD OF THEFT PREVENTION IS A STURDY LOCK. Don't delay, get a new lock today from Barnabas Haim of KM&A!
KM&A CARPENTRY SOLUTIONS: Our specialist carpenters will provide everything you’ll ever need. Located at the Blue Wagon on the east side of the General Store Mercantile Zone! Unsure what you need to furnish your space? We also offer consultation with special discounts for full house furnishing orders. Just send word to Kaelius Rest to set up a consultation.
The Second Anniversary of the Teneborough Massacre, an Interview With Viola Wandren
Article by Vera Shelby
The thirtieth of Flowerbloom will mark two years since the massacre of Teneborough, a day which left thirty-five people dead and everyone’s lives forever changed. The echo of that day surrounds us even now, creating tension, strife, and even more bloodshed in its wake. It has been two years, yet unfortunately, we have learned nothing from our past mistakes.
The clearing in the north where the large settlement of Teneborough once stood has been reclaimed by nature, leaving no trace of the carnage nor settlement that was later razed to the foundation. There is no marker to be found, no plaque or statue for the men and women who lost their lives there. Recently, a memorial park was constructed in Fort Praesidium though there, too, is an absence of those who died at Tenebrough.
The only place that has worked to keep their memory alive is the fort of the Kaelius Mercantile and Acquisitions, affectionately named “Kaelius’ Rest.” There, within the walls of the fort, is a small paved park bursting with wildflowers and a carved stone dedicated to members of Renatus and Thrupp who lost their lives in the massacre. Though that isn’t the only thing within the walls that grasps tightly to their memory, Viola Wandren, the adoptive sister of Khalkeus Renatus, now also rests within them.
Viola is a charming woman and successful business owner who is well-liked and respected by the community. For someone who lost their brother, home, and livelihood in one evening, she has conducted herself with nothing but poise and grace over the last two years.
I recently approached Viola for two reasons, to seek her forgiveness for my role in the massacre and to inquire if she would allow me to interview her for this article. While I write under my maiden name Shelby, many of you likely know me better as Vera Silvercrest. I was on the field that day at Teneborough and, for a time, even convinced myself that our actions there were justified. A fallacy that has grown harder to maintain as the months turned to years. With the same respectful decorum I have come to expect from her, Viola agreed to the interview. Her forgiveness, however, may be too much to hope for.
Before the Renatus and Thrupp’s company-backed settlement came to its dramatic end, Viola recounted that it was an “Open but busy community; we’d hired many guards to keep watch, especially at night. I never felt lonely there, even if the others of R&T were away on business.” She went on to tell me that she hadn’t yet tilled the earth for garden beds, but they had plans to as well as to expand the amount of housing offered before the Flowerbloom “incident,” as she described it.
Though I hadn’t spent much time there, I, too, remember the settlement well. It was a series of closely constructed buildings near the blighted forest, an interesting choice made by their architect Galryth Winterborn. I remember studying its design, but what I remember the most was the total lack of fencing or walls around the settlement. Looking back, it seems almost reasonable that they would employ so many watchmen with the rabid animals and specters of the forest so close by.
Viola also spoke fondly speak of her adoptive brother, “He’d never been the pushy, annoying salesman to me nor anyone else at R&T, so I found it a bit hard to believe all of the unpleasant opinions there were of him. In fact, he had been quite protective of me from the start and really took Wonderous Wares under his wing.” The caring and brotherly side of Khalkeus Renatus was not one I was familiar with, but hearing this made me wonder how many other facets there were to this man who had become so hated in many circles.
I don’t feel I am equipped to, nor have the right to tell you who Khalkeus Renatus was, though I am one of the people Viola spoke about, someone who had seen him in his “pushy salesman” persona. Hearing about this man who had generated so much ire in life and who has remained a point of contention since his death through the view of this gentlewoman was eye-opening. It is easy to paint Renatus as the villain, but what I think we’ve all forgotten is that he was a human, full of faults and aspirations like the rest of us.
The lead-up to the Teneborough Massacre is a tangled web of poor communication, hasty decisions, and bruised egos. There were so many parts and willing participants that brought us to that day, none of whom are innocent or totally to blame. I know this, though I often feel as though I may be more at fault than others. It was the breakdown of my personal relationships that led to the chasm that grew between The First Torian Legion and Highfield, and it was my own husband who wouldn’t hear reason on the field at Teneborough. I won’t recount all of it here, but if you are interested in knowing more, the fourth issue of the Frontier Herald lays out the events in great detail.
I asked Viola if she was told about the final members of Highfield joining their faction, and she said yes. “I was told that [they] left in a hurry, and after ensuring nobody was in there, they blew it (Highfield) sky-high. We (R&T) were anxious about the Legion coming after them but wouldn’t turn them away. We thought it would be more than likely that we could talk it out, but Erillian [Lemora] advised me not to be there for the actual proceedings in case things turned violent. Tiarnan ap Howell had promised his men would stand guard if things went south. They stood firm to the end.”
As Viola spoke of her fallen friends, to my surprise, there seemed to be no malice in her recollection. I, of course, remembered Tiarnan ap Howell vividly. He met us alongside a man named Kole at the clearing and, indeed, had stood firm with his men. Tiarnan tried to reason with us, tried to convince us that who we’d come looking for wasn’t there, and if we’d only come back the next day, something could be arranged. His words convinced most but fell on the deaf ears of one individual who refused to back down; my husband. I, too, had tried to convince him, and for my efforts, I was shushed and swatted away like a beggar. Unfortunately, egos had grown too large and became too wild for peace.
The fight started suddenly, and when the dust cleared, Tiarnan ap Howell, most of his men, and Khalkeus Renatus were dead. The bodies were collected, and a pyre was constructed right there on the lawn before their meeting hall. Moments later, Viola came out of her cafe with wide eyes and asked where her brother was. The silence among those that remained was deafening; he’d already been burned before she could say her goodbyes.
I told Viola what I remembered and asked if she’d seen anything from her cafe, an establishment set to open just the next day.
“I did not see the main fight,” she said, “But I saw most of the things afterward, like Samara telling Lucien off for kicking Kole’s teeth out and Josephine passing away from her gunshot wound.” When asked how things were when we’d all finally left, she told me that Kole died of his injuries despite Doctor Hanlon’s efforts and that she (Viola) had found Erillian Lemora dead by apparent suicide in his dressing room the day after the massacre.
“When Teneborough was still around, I was grateful for a place to call home and to learn how to run a business. After the Flowerbloom incident, I regretted not showing up to the final meeting, even though I had taken Erillian’s advice for my own safety.” As Viola answered, it became apparent to me that she and I had more in common than I expected; we both were living with the guilt of that day and the torment of “what if?”
What if Viola had been there? Would we have listened to her? Would the male posturing and vibrato have been extinguished by the presence and words of this spritely woman? Or, what if I had done things differently? If I had kept my opinions and stories to myself, would the relations between Highfield and my former group have dissipated? There’s no way to know, but it is difficult not to be kept up at night by the intrusive thoughts.
As my list of questions ended, I finally managed to ask the question I had been dreading; Have you forgiven those responsible? Viola answered, using the same class and restraint she’d exercised through the other questions, “Even if I never forgive them,” she said, “it won’t bring the others back to life. Though I feel it resulted from several horrible decisions that blew up and led to tragedy. All I can do is move forward in life and be more willing to stick up for my convictions.”
Recently, Viola opened a cafe in the new tenement building that was finished last month. The single-room cafe is decorated with draping fabrics, hanging plants, and tables draped in crisp linen. I visited it recently, and it brought me back to that cafe she’d been set to open in Teneborough; it took two years, but she’d finally made that dream a reality.
I asked her if there were anything she’d want people to know. She told me, “While I didn’t see the actual fight myself, nor was I fully aware of the extent of the previous decisions that culminated, I am certain that the Teneborough council didn’t go down easily in their final hours, especially not Renatus, ap Howell, or Kole.”
It is not my intention to shame those involved in the events of the 30th of Flowerbloom two years ago or to pick at the wound it has left to ensure it never heals. It is my hope that this piece keeps the memory of those lost alive and presents a stage to one who has otherwise been silent since the tragedy. To mark the second anniversary, I will be approaching the Overseer to see about adding the names of the fallen to the new memorial park’s plaque. While the events of that day are still sharp in the minds of some, those memories will fade with time, and they deserve to be remembered.
If you have a loved one who has passed since coming to the First Provence and is not listed on the dedication plaque at the memorial park, please approach me so I can add their name to the list I will be discussing with the Overseer. After all, if we forget our history, we will only be doomed to repeat it.
THE DOCTOR IS IN
Advice Column by Doctor Theo Hanlon
Could you use some helpful advice? Write your questions to the Frontier Herald office at the Foundry addressed to Dr. Hanlon to be featured in our next issue!
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Dear Doctor Hanlon: I've been at a crossroads for a few years now, but I finally decided to aid humanity with my gifts and become a physician. I'm the most intelligent person I know, and I firmly believe I can learn everything encompassed by the medical profession in the next couple of years. What tricks did you use to cut corners, if you don't mind sharing? Considering it will benefit everyone alive, I think you won't deny me this knowledge. Moreover, it's not unheard of that extremely bright individuals be targeted by lesser minds solely based on envy or equally inferior feelings, so how would one lower themselves (if only on appearances) in order to evade such hazards? Presumably, you must have faced this on occasion, even though you are certainly not on my level. I don't believe anybody is. Respectfully awaiting your response, A.F.
Dear A.F.: Perhaps before you journey down the path of medicine, you may want to pause and attempt to take a lesson in humility, as your letter seems to imply you are well seated on the Throne of Pride. It would bring me no pleasure to mentor one with such disdain for others. The field of medicine is not one to take on a whim, or for bragging rights; it is to give yourself in service of others and the pursuit of knowledge, neither of which you seem apt to do since you wish to cut corners. If you genuinely wish to pursue this, I wish you well, but as it stands, I would not be the one you should turn to unless you rebalance your mind and behavior.
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Dear Doctor Hanlon: I have an embarrassing problem with my bowels. I frequently feel the urge to defecate, and when I go to relieve myself, it is normally just flatulence, sometimes with a little bit of stool and a little bit of blood. As I wipe my backside, I continue to find blood on the paper immediately after these events, which happen approximately 20 to 30 times. It's very inconvenient and disruptive to my life, and I grow embarrassed of having to make up excuses for abrupt departures from the company to visit the toilet. Please advise me on what this is and how to fix it. - Urgent Unease
Dear Urgent Unease: Firstly, if you are using rough material that is causing you to irritate your backside, that could lead to bleeding the more you wipe. However, if there is blood with every bowl movement, I would urge you to see a medical professional of your choosing for assessment. It could be an easy fix, such as your diet. Perhaps your movements are too firm and large and cause minor tears as it evacuates. If it is not hard stools, it still could be something upsetting your digestion. Try drinking ginger tea to see if it would relieve any of these symptoms. If it continues or gets worse, I do urge you to visit a physician.
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Dear Doctor Hanlon: I've been with my partner for some time and believe we have a great relationship. But he's always been really close to another woman, and they talk all the time and are the best of friends. He says it's just friendship, but I can't help feeling jealous and insecure. I've tried to talk to him about it, but he just gets defensive and tells me I'm being ridiculous. How might I best shake these feelings? - Probably Just Paranoid
Dear Probably Just Paranoid: Unless this is a subject that your partner has now filed away in their mind as “nagging” to them because of the frequency in which it is discussed, I am sad to say that the reaction of defensiveness is not good. That said, it is not uncommon for great friendships to be shared between the opposite sexes, but it can be a red flag if they are crossing established boundaries with said friendship. Have you tried befriending this woman? Perhaps you may join in on the friendship, but also be aware that it is quite alright for your partner to have their own relationships outside of you and those you may share. At the very least, you may need to do some self-reflection in this situation to determine your feelings. Are they born of jealousy or insecurity in any way? Do you have a pattern of feeling this way in prior relationships? Are there personal boundaries their friendship is crossing? I would find out the answers to these questions for yourself before you speak on this matter with your partner again. It is best to understand all angles as you can in regard to your feelings and expectations. If you both have not yet had a discussion on your boundaries, perhaps that is a conversation that needs to happen also.
MEDDLERS MISSIVES
Article by Constantine
Have burning questions for the Meddler? Want the inside scoop on current events or select topics from a well-respected authority on the subject? Meddler’s Missives will bring you a new guest writer every week to answer all your VEXING QUESTIONS along with our host, the Meddler himself.
Next issue’s SPECIAL GUEST will be none other than Vespera of Visconti Parish, LA VESPERA, Last Prima Donna of Tor, First Lady (of the Stage) of the First Province! We’ll be discussing FASHION, TRENDS, FAME, and FORTUNE with the First Province’s own fashion maven herself as she prepares for the launch of VISCONTI and her first fashion show on the 9th of Greengrass!
Be sure to submit any questions you may have for either our Host, Constantine, or our Special Guest, Vespera Visconti, through normal Herald channels! While the topic is ‘fashion, trends, fame, and fortune, other INTERESTING questions may be given sure consideration for discussion at a lower priority.
MURDER AT THE MUSEUM AND A MAN SULKING IN THE NIGHT
A Society Update by Olivia Buttonwillow
What started as an otherwise traditional exhibit at the museum last month turned into quite the spectacle! This writer has been given the whole scoop from someone working the event, and my, the entire affair is simply to die for!
The charming and tragically off-the-market Atticus Black hosted the event “An Evening in Prodai” to mark the end of his successful Western exhibition. The event, which was a formal affair, started with drinks and the promise of the expertise of Amaranto Massaro and a showing of a real-life mummy! Chaos erupted when the sarcophagus was opened to show the recently slain body of Padhraig Witherby.
A scream issued from the back of the room, and the exquisitely dressed betrothed of Mister Witherby, Lucia Amavilia, fainted immediately. Former eligible bachelor Constantine and possibly-soon-to-be-off-the-market Mateo Cassini came to attend to the fainted woman and took her downstairs to recover. Deputy Auditor Marcellus Avenicci began investigating immediately with the assistance of those attending.
The evening was a whirlwind of clues, accusations, and lies. The event was a real “who dun it.” When it all came out in the wash, it was discovered that Miss Amabilia had been exaggerating the truth about her prelacy lineage, which made Padhraig Witherby’s nephew Tristen Witherby quite upset! It is unclear what the relationship was like between Miss Amabilia and the junior Mister Witherby. Still, this writer would suspect it was a spicy one as the pair rushed off to the bathroom together to continue their argument.
The identity of the murderer was later revealed to be one Ralph Libratius, an invented with the foundry who invited a rather complicated lighted top hat that has yet to catch on with the far easier-to-make lantern cap available. Mister Libaratius stated that the senior Mister Witherby had stood in the way of his progress and even took a woman hostage in an attempt to escape. Thankfully, he was apprehended by the Deputy Auditor, and the woman was taken to the hospital to seek medical attention.
Besides this thrilling tale, I have another story based on an anonymous tip submitted by a reader. It seems a blonde man has been seen lingering around the doorways of women. The blonde man was caught standing in the dark at the doorway of a single woman’s home. When asked what he was doing, the man feigned ignorance, stating he was there to visit someone.
Thankfully, the man was easily chased off, but there is a rumor that he has been lingering in the doorways of other young women. It is the opinion of this writer that all of my female writers should invest in a good lock and practice mindfulness in the evening time. There is no way of knowing what this mystery man was after, but if this writer had to guess, she’d say it wasn’t the good word of Decus.
As always, tips are welcome and can be submitted at the Frontier Herald and will be kept confidential. Until next time reader!
NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! All previous issues of the Frontier Herald and Republic Sentinel are now available in the basement archives of the Public Library! Located just inside the Southern Gate of Fort Praesidium.
WRITERS WANTED! Interested in writing for the Frontier Herald? Want us to cover a story for you? Leave word for Jeane Harlow at the Frontier Herald Offices located on the 2nd Floor of the Fort Praesidium Library to get involved.