Elanthian Journal/Edition 01

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                     The Elanthian Journal
                           Edition #1
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The following articles of interest are contained herein:

1 ........................ THE SNAKE SLITHERS FORTH
2 ........................ DARKNESS GATHERING?
3 ........................ THALENN SPEAKS!
4 ........................ TERAS UPDATE
5 ........................ AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE BORTHUUM CLAN OF TERAS ISLE
6 ........................ NEWS BIT: THEFT RING UNCOVERED!
7 ........................ NEWS BIT: WIZARD GUILD EXPLOSION ROCKS ELANITH
8 ........................ A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR



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THE SNAKE SLITHERS FORTH
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Dateline: Day 8 of Ivastaen, 5102: Wehnimer's Landing

Over the last week it has become increasingly obvious that the Snake and its followers have begun another attack on the enlightened.  The Griffin Sword, powerful relic such as it is, has come under scrutiny and attack once again.  Undead minions are rising from the earth, our deaths feeding their power, while its followers plot and skulk in the shadows of deceit.

Most recently, a sibilant voice has been heard echoing throughout the Landing and surrounding hills, taunting and promising death and destruction upon all that is holy and good.  Accompanying these dire threats and disgusting rhetoric have been hordes of relatively weak undead minions, yet they grow in strength and purpose daily.  Further, and most disturbingly, the Griffin Sword itself has become tainted!

The Sword still holds its powers of blessing, but black energy was seen racing along its length and pooling into the ground on Volnes.  Despite repeated attempts by the Faithful to cleanse it, the taint still remains and can be felt by those with the purity to do so.  So far this taint has done nothing to disturb the Sword's powers, but the future holds no such promises.

We must unite against this thread of evil!  The Snake's slitherings and blatherings do naught but weaken our resolve.  Let the words of the grizzled old warrior harden in our hearts and stay in our minds for they are wise.  He stated, "Don't let that rain spook ya.  That's what they do, try and spook ya.  Take yer focus off the battle."  His words are wise, especially his inherent knowledge of the Snake and its followers when he said, "Just gotta be watchful.  Fer every onna these confused youngsters babblin' about power and death, there's 10 others ya don't see."

We must NOT succumb to random violence, striking out at the first Snake we may see.  It breeds discord and unhappiness among the faithful and does nothing to sway those that are as of yet confused as to which side of Truth to pledge.  We must stay vigilant, defensive, wary and cautious, but we must NOT defile places of unholy worship, taunt, or otherwise attack the Snake as these acts only serve to empower It.  We must remain strong, righteous and pure.

Trust in Lorminstra in all Her glory.  Trust in the power of right.  Trust in the power of the Griffin Sword.  Trust in the faith of your brethren.  Trust in the knowledge of right and wrong, truth and lies, power and pomp.

Most importantly, however... trust in yourselves.

Truekillr Strickulis



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DARKNESS GATHERING?
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Dateline: Day 8 of Ivastaen, 5102: Wehnimer's Landing

Recent tales of the Griffin Sword (found just outside of the local temple in Wehnimer's Landing) becoming tainted have come to the notice of many across the continent.  Many believe that this will lead to a second and perhaps greater war, for the Griffin sword, while others shirk the supernatural signs as nothing more than parlor tricks of a power-hungry mage.  Well, regardless of either view, many of the followers of the crimson moon have taken this as their cue to gather.  Luukosians, Sheruvians, and followers of many other Lornon Pantheon affiliates have heard the call of the Serpent, and come to the source of his many signs.  Rumors of the gathering of both mortal and undead forces have shaken the followers of Liabo, and word has spread that the Order of Voln has been mobilized against them (an act that has happened but one other time, in this reporter's memory).

Several signs revealed the coming of the darkness, the first being a voice hissing up from the ground to bring message that ancient business will soon be finished, followed by a commoner stalking past the ancient blade imbedded in glowing white rock, his slitted eyes revealed to those gathered as he disappeared from sight.  Undead of incredible power surging within the Graveyard's gate, undoubtedly attempting to burst free and make their way to the temple.

Will the time come when citizens who have semi-peacefully lived alongside one another will cast aside the veil of civil-nature and reveal themselves for their inner selves?  Or will this fade like so many other trials in the history of Elanthia that proved to be of too little importance to last as more than a lingering memory?  There is not much yet to do but wait and guard the blade for the safety of all, or aid your deity in the tainting of the sword's power.  Where do your loyalties lie?  The time to choose is now.

Volsix Nai'Mos



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THALENN SPEAKS!
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Dateline: Day 8 of Ivastaen, 5102: Wehnimer's Landing

A missive from the priest Thalenn Chelinaere was delivered to the Elanthian Journal office from the far south:

"Friends, word has reached me of your troubles and this is indeed grievous news.  If I could halt my pilgrimage, I would gladly do so, but there are things preventing me from journeying back.  I only pray that this missive reaches the right hands, for you must know this - Do not believe a word this Morvule says, anything that comes from his mouth is a lie meant to divide you and distract you from the true threat he seeks to stir.  Beware his power, both direct and subtle.  Stay clear of the maelstroms the Luukosian calls down, they draw out the cursed undead from the ground to add to their foul armies.  Would that I could be there, I would, but the brothers and sisters of Voln are already making plans and we are thrice as active as the enemy."

Do not fear, do not falter, do not let their words plant the seed of doubt in your mind, for it will spread like a disease among you, and they will take full advantage of it.  Know that we will stand, know that we are strong, and know that we will celebrate the dawning of a new day under the banner of triumph no matter how long it takes."

By my hand, Priest Thalenn Chelinaere"



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TERAS UPDATE
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Dateline: Day 8 of Ivastaen, 5102: Kharam Dzu

A degree of normalcy has returned to the isle this week, after Chutheras (the wee fire elemental), Nelemar (the mighty elemental of water), and Aqualthu (his sidekick) helped us defeat the dreaded fier'dracus and sent Avregol packing.  However, the volcano itself continues to rumble and churn, spewing an unending cover of heavy ash and soot upon us, along with occasional lobs of lava.  Those of us who've been here, since the volcano awakened after years of dormancy several months ago, have become somewhat inured of the earth shaking under our feet and the continual battle to keep our persons free of the soot.

Perhaps, indeed, we're all foolish to stay, but we seem to be able to carry on our daily affairs without too much interruption.  At any time our lives may be swallowed up by the lava that flows so freely all around us, yet we are willing to risk that rather than lose our beloved Teras home.

Prospera Aedien



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AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE BORTHUUM CLAN OF TERAS ISLE
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Dateline: Day 9 of Ivastaen, 5102: Kharam Dzu

The Volcano's recent surge of activity is nothing to be concerned about.  It is a simple cycle, like the sun and the moons.  The citizens and visitors of Teras Isle should continue their normal activities.  The government and militia of Kharam-Dzu will keep the population safe.  Merchants and traders have nothing to fear.  Teras Isle will remain as grand as it is today.

Krangar of the Borthuum Clan



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NEWS BIT: THEFT RING UNCOVERED!
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Dateline: Day 8 of Ivastaen, 5102: Wehnimer's Landing

The nefarious duo, Farn and Defij, were caught stealing from the Grocer this week in Wehnimer's Landing.  The Grocer was quoted, saying in regards to the theft, "My dear wife and wee ones are weak with illness and hunger.  How could those demons steal the food from our table?"

In their defense, the thieves had little to say for themselves other than, "A hungry man's gotta eat."

Editor Rharosch Dashovath



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NEWS BIT: WIZARD GUILD EXPLOSION ROCKS ELANITH
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Dateline: Day 4 of Ivastaen, 5102

Dozens lay dead or wounded following a recent explosion.  A congregation of wizards attempted to anchor a mana pool in one of the newly-opened Wizard Guilds, and the spell went awry, resulting in an explosion that wounded and killed many.

Wizard Guild officials have not been available for comment.

Editor Rharosch Dashovath



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A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
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Dateline: Day 9 of Ivastaen, 5102

It is with great pleasure that I present the first edition of the Elanthian Journal.

Our goals are simple.  We wish to provide an accurate representation of current events to all the true peoples across the continent of Elanith.

Toward this end, we are in need of submissions.  We are looking for updates and summaries on current events.  We are disinterested in histories, legends, lore and any other bits of useless garbage.  All submissions must be no longer than 100 LINES. (No, Lady Avira, not WORDS.)

Until such time as the Elanthian Journal is established, a minimum fee may be charged to Journalists once their submission is accepted for publication.  We regret this necessity.

Please send all submissions to Editor Rharosch Dashovath in Wehnimer's Landing, care of MELISSAC@SIMUTRONICS.COM.

We thank you for your assistance, and hope you enjoy the Journal.

Editor Rharosch Dashovath

See Also:

• List of newsletters