Peacock Gazette/Issue 2
Title: Peacock Gazette: Issue 2
Author: Various
Headline: Lady Polimynia Gael Returns, Wax Eloquent Reopens
Correspondents and writers around the Shining City breathed a sigh of relief last month when Lady Polimynia Gael returned safely to the city from an unexpected trip home to see to the health of her great aunt. Lady Gael had been one of the citizens feared endangered earlier this year by the machinations of Thaiagol Razan-Dhur and his cabal.
Headline: A Brief Sojourn to Jirkirl’s Hilltop
Unperturbed by the inclement weather and remote location, elves made their way west to Jirkirl's Hilltop to participate in this year's Kindred Games, which saw fearless - some would say foolish - adventurers gathering in muddy fields to toss cabers, throw hammers, and tug ropes. Some even went as far as to hurl themselves recklessly down a snowy slalom course on shields, often ending in serious injury or death. This writer questions their sanity but admits to having enjoyed watching the perilous exploits from the safety of the sidelines, especially with the wry commentary and refreshments offered by Fryzel, the Master of Ceremonies. With the snow now falling in the east too, one wonders if we will see similar hilarity on the slopes of the Masked Hills. Doubtful!
Headline: Noontide Nuptials in Nielira Harbor
Lord Yfane proudly and attentively hosted the union between High Lady Caelesta Aelvryn'iel Loenthra and Valciaran Linaes. The wedding was a touching blend of City-States cultures and appeared to be attended by some of the most (in)famous faces in all of the Elven Nations. The Most Esteemed Envoy Eruien traveled from the court of Ta'Loenthra and was received fondly by the Lady of House Eilstina, Naevys as well as Princess Lesiette Nalfein. Her Highness excused herself early into the reception presumably not at the call of her royal mother as it was suggested she was instead making her way to the Fortress of Vaalor.
Lady Oirisu was escorted by her beau, renowned botanist from Ta'Vaalor, Vanathys. It has been well over a year since she was witnessed in the company of the Vaalorian Sovereign, Qalinor who has since become reclusive from the public eye. Lord Commander Jaranzair may have to remain even more conscientious of his liege if the courtship between the King's favorite and the royal botanist ends in an engagement.
The wedding itself was a feast for the eyes and the reception was simply a feast. Yfane spared no silver in offering some of the finest in local retsinas and seasonal fare. Though some of the attendants were overheard expressing concerns that a number of the serving dishes had gone missing over the course of the afternoon. We can only hope that Lord Yfane will be even more eager to host the grand reopening of "A Twist of Roses" in an effort to recoup some of his spend from the elaborate affair. The whole of elven society knows that Ta'Illistim could certainly use the morale boost. As the search for Ardtin and Gasen seems to have stagnated and many are calling for a boycott of the season's events including the Silver and Gold ball which has long been a jewel in the social crown of the Shining City.
Headline: Shining City’s Stony Silence
There is still no word from the Keep on the city’s remaining missing citizens. Those stone walls are certainly keeping their secrets and the general populace are left wondering if anything is actually being done to find the esteemed Lady Ardtin Greyvael and troublesome Gasen Nellereune. Both have been missing for some time and, while some are quietly hoping the latter - wherever he is being held - is finally learning how to behave in polite society, rumours are rife that perhaps Myasara doesn't wish to see the return of her fellow Council member and - dare I say - Court nemesis. After all, Lady Ardtin is known for openly voicing her opinions and they are not too favourable of the current Mirror's policies and style of rule.
Headline: Where Have They Gone?
While conducting investigations into the recent visions experienced by Aelotoi, a small group of adventurers made their way to Zhindel's Post where they were heard that many of the local folk from villages scattered around the Dragonspine and east toward Cysaegir had mysteriously gone missing. This was news to all in the group, as no word of the disappearances had spread to major commerce centers east or west of the great mountains, nor even into the caverns of Zul Logoth. Cindek, the proprietor of the tavern in Zhindel's Post, shared his theory that the missing persons were joining a cult that worshipped a pig demon or bullfrog with horns, and otherwise seemed completely nonplussed by the numerous queries after a missing loved one or the sudden decline in his business.
Further investigations around Zul Logoth led to the discovery of a titan encampment at the crown of Stormpeak, near the ruins of Li'aerion, that was filled with storm griffins among other dangers. Not long after the discovery of Stormpeak, another group of explorers delved into the tunnels to the north and east of Zul Logoth, looking into the alien presence that had invaded the minds of Aelotoi across Elanith for a week and had begun reaching to other humanoids. A magical barrier deep within the Czeroth Caverns led to a collective of humanoid grotesques surrounded by advanced kiramon that some theorized may have been poorly conducted or even failed experiments of the kiramon.
While there is no confirmation that either discovery is related to the missing persons, those that travel the Dragonspine are encouraged to take caution.
Headline: Walking in a Winter Wonderland
The Sleeping Wood area of Ta'Illistim is due to wake up on Feastday, 23rd Eorgaen, as the Winter Wonderland Market arrives. It promises to be a fun few hours with stalls offering a variety of artisan-crafted goods and services, as well as seasonal food and drink. Come for some last-minute gift shopping or simply to enjoy the ambience.
Headline: Court Circulars
Our correspondents at the upcoming Silver and Gold Wintertide Celebration later that evening and the Military Ball on the 30th day of Eorgaen will certainly be sure to stay until the bitter end, lest they find themselves called before the Inquisitors of Ta'Illistim to answer to accusations of murder!