REQUIEM WIKI

Article by Quincy Everhard

Few celebrations were more anticipated than the Ancestry Treasury museum's reopening by yours truly, and surely by many other republicans as well. I witnessed first-hand the degree of dedication that was dispensed so that the evening would transpire as expected and, judging by the reception of praise and astonishment I gathered all around, I dare say it was an astounding success!

I hereby declare Atticus Black, the director's assistant, as the backbone of the entire ceremony: not only was he the one who contacted me for a thematic performance, but would also receive me way past sundown to shed his insight on various matters concerning the event. I'm under the assumption that Mr. Black's pocket watch registers the time differently than anybody else's, but I won't be the one to let him in on this secret.

The reader might as well consider it strange the offer of praise to the director's assistant. What about the museum director himself? Well, Padhraig Witherby is an unusual fellow: in our brief encounter, I could tell he was not only utterly disinclined to address my questions but also unfazed in having missed the entire gathering upstairs in the very museum he holds quite a privileged position. Thus, whatever his (alleged) contributions might have been, I daresay they'd seem innocuous if compared to those of his assistant.

Now, for the exhibits themselves: the newly renovated building offers a basement, the main hall for the reception and two upper floors for most of what is currently exposed to the public. Books of times past are continually being scrounged and salvaged by expert hands on the lower ground floor. Right above the main hall, visitors can find relics from as far back as the Second Century, including tribal masks and a drum hailing from my place of birth! The Foundry provides all sorts of gizmos and curious devices for the entire top floor, and such contrast was the most meaningful design in this writer's opinion: one floor with the past and the one above with the force driving our future, a millennium of separation roughly twelve feet apart.

The only hiccup in an otherwise exuberant evening was the arrival of yet another contributor to the Frontier Herald, Samuel Walsham: given his tendency to aggrandize the Foundry's achievements and latest developments, apparently he entitled himself to this very article you're reading now. This notion was quickly put to rest in a heated argument between Mr. Walsham and Jeane Harlow, the editor of the newspaper, but it is likely most visitors weren't made aware of the fact as the unpleasant exchange took place in the building's basement. It is this journalist's perspective that there's enough room to collaborate on a piece as large as this, considering the Ancestry Treasury offers enough material for the entire Herald staff should they want it. After this display of poor workmanship, however, I trust Mr. Walsham to be very capable of covering new stories on his own.

I hope the fair reader will forgive me, but I chose to be especially vague regarding the exhibits themselves. Why? Because unlike the interviews carried only by me and the interviewee, everyone can visit the museum and form their own opinions as to how the pieces strike your sensibilities. Personally, I've seen Prodean pottery we are unlikely to reproduce in this age, along with a distasteful bust I was honestly appalled to see on a pedestal. But that's Art for you, branching from Culture itself which may be two-fold: a wicked one such as the Resolvists' who brought forth innominate grief for our good people, and the Decusian one to remind ourselves of our duty to rebuild and restore. If there's one thing on our side against the raw rage and instinct of the disease on our doorstep, that thing is culture. And as of this moment, no other place serves it better to our brethren than the Ancestry Treasury museum.

Announcement by Barnabas Haim

It is the pleasure of Kaelius Mercantile & Acquisitions to announce the construction of a new bridge. The crossing shall join the southern region, permitting access from the path leading west of the Spectral Camp to the eastern swamps. This construction additionally provides alternative access to the Old Monastery occupied by Ashwalkers. We hope this will allow for more frequent trips to recover their horde of engineered filament for use in the future development of augments.

Our collective engineers opt for stone as the base material for the bridge. Stone is the most economical material to use for its abundance and endurance to weather against expected traffic and weather. Routine maintenance should be minimal.

Construction is expected to begin within the coming month of Warmwind.

Article by Sammie Walsham

Compassion. A virtue that stands strong within the pillars that hold up this great Republic. But what does it mean? It is simple at its face: love and show empathy for your fellow man. Help when help is required. Give when want plagues those around you. Alleviate the suffering of those you meet, for as one suffers so do we all. But where does that compassion end? Do we extend it to those who would see the end to the sanctity of all we hold dear? Who forsake the very teachings that have brought us here today? The murderer, the heretic…the druggie?

I’ve recently had the cause to take an unfortunate stroll in our very own Old District, here within the fort. What I saw sickened me. It wasn’t the taste of squalor in the air, no, nor the foul smell. It was the very people who without any sense of pride call it home. The worst of us, loyal readers, but some stand low even amongst these dredges. You know them, I am sure. Stumbling about, sleeping in the allies, and pissing on your doorstep. I speak, of course, of the addict.

Murders we set to noose, heretics the flame. Yet content we are to allow the moral corruption that is the addict to plague us. These vermin take advantage of the compassion that we faithful Decusians hold dear. Like a drain, they suck it up until we’ve none left. Lying, manipulating, and stealing all so they might get their next ‘fix’. They hide beneath the Old District like rats, surfacing only to pray on the good people of this Fort. These wretches would kill their own mother just so they might have the privilege of wasting away.

Well, I’ve good news, loyal readers. NO MORE! This stroll led me to seek out the reason as to why our beloved hosts, The Foundry, have allowed this daemonry to take root. It was in this inquiry I came upon the most joyous news. News I will share with you now, my loyal readers. At this very moment, a new law is being put to parchment, to be stamped and signed by the Reeve himself. A law that will see the end to the plight of the addict. See them cast out and drove away. Very soon, we will be able to walk the streets once more without fear. Very soon, we will be able to save our compassion for those who deserve it.

Annoucement by Jahandar Hassanzadeh

In these trying times I have become witness to much catastrophe and destitution. The struggle against the woes of the evils here in the First Province, and the reclamation efforts of said province are now fully upon us.

A middling economy of a year or thereabouts has been the source of much grief. Daytalers have been made into paupers, and the paupers into starvation cases especially in the last few months. I myself, a discharged soldier formerly of service to the republic have made several forays into the realm of business in varied fields including real estate to thunderously poor reception and the loss of wealth.

The desolation has been worse in the Fort nowhere more than the Old-Town Quarter. Such superfluous niceties as enjoying a play can no longer be partaken of; for the tickets cost too much, the writers have turned to physical labor and the actors have turned to beggaring upon the streets.

The Most Venerated Apothecary Corps has been at work in the Old-Town Quarter as well. The sums of money they offer in exchange for a day’s work upon their allopathic benches have given many a poor wretch a day’s respite from the incessant pangs of hunger, but a person can only sustain such things for so long a time.

Opportunity by travel is limited as well in spite of the efforts of Kaelius Mercantile & Associates. When excluded from the counting, Market Lane is at half-occupancy and many of the small traders which once marked the exchange places of the Fort have gone bankrupt leaving many clerks without employment.

Such privation is the case as well in the area around the Foundry’s General Store. The varied wagons, carts, and buckboards from which many people plied their skills are now generally unoccupied. Notable exceptions being the Blacksteel Armory & Shop as well as Hammerin Shizzle. The total employment of all businesses in this area is no greater than one half dozen.

Now, where I have previously done everything in my power to assist others to the calling of charitable works such a crisis has now arrived in the affairs of the Fortress Praesidium that I believe it my DUTY to go forth with such an endeavor as outlayed hereafter;

Upon the intersection of Memory Lane and Apothecary Alley in front of the Hostel commonly known as the Squatting Corner, on the 2nd INST. of Warmwind beginning there about the time of supper a luncheon of no less than one pound of bread, two pints of soup containing meat, and one gil of good quality Liquor shall be conducted in good order

This Luncheon will be of no cost to the unemployed, temporarily embarrassed, or permanently disabled of the Fort. This will be accomplished at my own personal cost and there shall be no levy upon any person who comes to this place at the above time for sustenance.

Article by Mackey Madison

It’s clear skies from here on out! Until it rains or snows in the upcoming weeks. On the eve of Highsun 26th, a group of concerned civilians set forth from the Meddler’s Risk on Back Street to face Anslem in the depths of Aiwella. This particular night was of grave importance, as the significance of the waning moon above gave advent for the next step in Anslem’s plan to dominate Vitaveus; it was also his most vulnerable moment.

At the cusp of obtaining higher power, he again was made earthbound by the reassembling of his body. For weeks local Decusians pursued the remnants of Anslem, unaware of their purpose. It was later revealed that if he were properly assembled, within the crypts on this particular date, the former archbishop would be forced to return to his mortal form. If slain, he again would return as a prisoner within the old monastery. After weeks of dismal overcast, clear skies above are testament to Anslem’s downfall.

This however is not the end of our archnemesis. He shall remain a persistent evil within Aiwella for there is purpose behind his continued existence. As a powerful creature of the undead, shambling corpses seek his company. Were he to be utterly eliminated into oblivion, the dead shall rise from their labyrinth of terror and swell into the valley beyond. Their numbers would be overwhelming to the point of societal collapse.

In wake of this grim realization, dangers of the Darkest Hour significantly diminished. The presence of abominations significantly waned following Anslem’s defeat. Anselm’s cult is now few and far between. Blood Locusts withdrew from our fields. Nightclaws no longer terrorize the roads and twisted woods.

Our forecast ahead looks good. Tomorrow shall bring the dawn terribly missed by the obscuring overcast that lingered over our valley. The Flame again brings light to us all.

An Open Letter from Francis “Franz” Model

Recently have been besmirched by Gryhun K., a notable ignoramus and man of dubious intent. A man of poor education and bitter attitude, he has taken the pen in his hands in an attempt to ruin me. I believe I have a plain explanation for this; once many moons past I bore witness to Gryhun attempting to write an article. Being A Decusian true, I took him under my wing and showed him the proper way to form letters and words on parchment, though I was a harsh master. I now taste the bite of the man who seeks to embarrass me with falsehoods to recoup his own embarrassment at formerly being unable to write! BEWARE ALL WHO HAVE DOINGS WITH THIS MAN! He will turn upon you more swiftly than you might imagine and while he is a novice in writing the lash of his wit will do you much emotional damage. Any who wish to know more may seek me out at my residence.

Advice Column by Doctor Theo Hanlon

Could you use some helpful advice? Write your questions to the Frontier Herald Offices addressed to Dr. Hanlon to be featured in upcoming issues!

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Dear Dr. Hanlon: I’ve been mustering the courage to express my feelings to a woman, whom I find to be very dear to me. She has intelligent eyes that compliment her brown hair, a keen mind for science, and is self-driven to help the people most in need. She is truly stunning, and a well established doctor across the First Province. Like a man who was born blind, she has given me the chance to see the light. How do I get her to see me more than just an acquaintance, Dr. Hanlon?

Dear Lovesick Suitor: I’ll admit I’m not the best to be seeking out romantic advice from. Matters of the heart are complex even without the struggle of life in this world as it is. That being said I find honesty is usually the best policy and you should be true to yourself and your feelings. However there’s no secret trick to get someone to like you if it isn’t something they would be open to on their own. You must be ready to accept rejection gracefully, especially if you wish to maintain whatever manner of relationship you currently share with this woman. Admitting your feelings to a person will likely change things, but hopefully if navigated with empathy and sincerity it will work out for the best. - Doctor Hanlon

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Dr. Hanlon: In the recent weeks I’ve amassed a daunting task of sorting out immense collections of the paper variety, and I’ve managed to smudge just about every shirt I have with ink from this process. Without your intervention I will soon be left with no choice but to take to market for replacements, and I fear I will be forced to learn how to style myself with multiple obis - which do nothing for my figure. As a doctor, I’m sure you have also been faced with a particular subset of stains that vex the more routine laundry practices. How would you recommend I remove ink stains?

Dear Ink Stains: Cleaning the more stubborn stains from clothing would take nothing short of the skill of a tailor or seamstress. Though, there are a few things you can try to do it yourself if you must and if you can get a hold of the ingredients. Most simply, soaking items as soon as you possibly can will help, and salt of sorrel does wonders for ink stains. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to have a set of work clothing, or some fashion of apron or coat that you would not mind getting dirty to spare your more typical outfits. Hope this helps. - Doctor Hanlon

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Dear Dr. Hanlon: papa ded i first born no no wat do al look for me to giv feed i no have we eat litel ones first less moth then still many moth hungry i try get rid fur what best use for no fur? i scard they eat me if i no giv feed i am papa now but i no want to be i wish for papa but no mor wat best clothing to be human? I give derk to you take kind to him he is good miss papa to you is his papa now WARNG he like chew wood why i sent no much wood hear where do human make their smell? you no any other who will take moth? I to many will give but kind person only some hav swor vengants for papa start make boom booms but i no papa no want kill wat is people thing to do wat say hello for human i am in thanking of you

Dear Anonymous: I must admit I am unsure if this letter was legitimate or a prank, but I will try to answer as best as possible of it was real and commend you on trying to advance yourself. You will need to see a barber, or purchase some basic tools such a barber shears and a decent razor to be able to shave and maintain your hair. I don’t typically advise removing all bodily hair, but to wash their own. Clothing is an objective choice and working with a good tailor or seamstress would be beneficial in that regard but you should have no issues finding styles you might like in the markets. Unfortunately, I do not know what a derk is and there was nothing else provided to me with this letter. With that in mind I’m unsure how to advise you what to do with the rest of them you have. Human smells happen through a variety of circumstances based on personal body odor and general hygiene. There are ways to improve one smell of they wish with scented soaps and perfumes. Lastly, killing is bad and carries many consequences with it. I hope you can talk your Papa out of doing anything drastic for his and his family’s sake. Please be well. - Doctor Hanlon

THE BEST METHOD OF THEFT PREVENTION IS A STURDY LOCK. Don't delay, get a new lock today from Barnabas Haim of KM&A!

Article by Jeane Harlow

A group of Templars arrived yesterday on an unscheduled train to the Rumbling past and have made begun to make camp north of Bright Lantern into what is deemed Territory of the Naum’s Venerated Inquisition outside of what is colloquially known as “The Vault”.

To provide both myself and our readers more context I took a trip to the newly reopened Ancestry Treasury Museum to talk with the staff, and learned more about this this landmark as I myself am not from the region originally. Arcem Caelum Vultus was originally a mountain stronghold constructed by early Decusian settlers in the 5th Century and had served as a military outpost and armory for the Legion up until 1315, when it changed hands to the Ecclesiastical Authority. No public records indicate what the stronghold was used for further. After the fall of Tor, Naums Inquisitors would take over the protection of this site.

The appearance of the Templar stationed outside the Vault should not surprise anyone closely following the political landscape since Tor was lost. Over the past few years, various attempts to coerce Naum Alexander’s Inquisition back into the Republics fold have been ongoing and without much movement. Naums Inquisitors and their supporters have made Penitence Valley their main region of operation, this land corridor divides those in Fort Praesidium from the eastern side of the Province, including the town of Orespod and the city of Tor.

Before heading eastward to the Vault, the Templars left official comment with the Foundry in Fort Praesidium is they are conducting official business for the safety and security of the Republic.

Understandably, they are not interested in taking audience with local representation at this time. Their camp is off limits to unauthorized personnel. They will not comment on whether or not their arrival is related to recent reports of Archbishop Lancaster touring the First Coast.

It is in this reporters opinion that whatever their reasons for being here, readers should keep a wide berth of the campsite and leave the Templar to their business until word reaches us otherwise.

REPORTERS WANTED! Interested in writing for the Frontier Herald? Leave word for Jeane Harlow at the Foundry’s General Store located southwest of Fort Praesidium to get involved in the upcoming issues!