TownCrier/Faction Attraction/Echoes of War

Deep in the cold north, a new, blossoming government manifests slowly, forming an identity of freedom distinct from Empire or the Elven Nations. Dubbed Northwatch, that diversity now houses the krolvin, the giants, practitioners of blood magic, and other controversial means ideologies. Its government, firm but fair, operates within the confines of Icemule's judicial system and the eventual constitution of Northwatch, fashioned by the men and women of Briarmoon Cove, Icemule Trace, Cold River, Pinefar, the Giant tribes, the krolvin survivors of Glaoveln. Unlike in most towns, local militia, known as the Regulators of the Northern Frontier, patrol the lands. However, with the expansion of threats near the Frostmain, another fighting force rears its head to deal with ships of the nautical variety. Led by Loralaii, this pirate faction carries the banner of the North, shielding away adversaries from crashing into the northern shores. This is Echoes of War.

Hosts

You see Necrotic Admiral Loralaii N'Harren the Northwarden.

She appears to be a Giantman of the Vaikalimara Clan.

She is shorter than average and has a particularly plump figure. She appears to be immature. She has violet-ringed nebulous grey eyes and tanned skin. She has very long, sun-damaged ebon-hazed purple hair gathered into a mass of intricate braids, the ends dangling several golden pieces of eight. She has big hips. She appears to have a sap-filled wrotwood globule in her eye socket.

She has a tiny red crystal rose in her left nostril, a discolored and crooked pickle tattoo on her finger, a hempen-hued inked noose dangling a dead pirate on her neck, an inked skeletal hand draped across the back of her hand, a crossed green pair of pickles tattoo on her wrist, a jack-o-lantern tattoo inked within a cobweb-like mist on her neck, a black deathstone stud in her lip, and a black-inked skull and crossbones wearing a sanguine-hued crown of molded flesh on her neck.

She is in good shape.

A knobby sentient potato wearing an orange and yellow jack'o'lantern costume is settled on her shoulder.

She has a chrome faewood arrow stuck in her right leg.

Her ankle bone is exposed, a fine trail of ichor green pus and blood trickling from an open wound where a smooth bone anklet pierced by tiny crystal shards rests.

She is holding some candied lemon lipbalm in her right hand.

Her form is concealed within the folds of a violet-tinged nacre velvet robe with ermine tippet sleeves.

Introduction

My travels took me to the harsh cold, the tundra of Icemule Trace. It was where I was reborn, a fresh start meant for the strong, the bold, the hardened. It was here where I met Loralaii, who I had known from a mutual friend named Illumiada. After several hunts, Lora and I became friends, and I've always enjoyed her kind yet firm demeanor -- she is not one to tolerate foolish or surly behavior. We met in Town Center in Icemule Trace, though it was surprising to not see the other members of the Echoes of War. Perhaps the night was busy. Yardie waves at Loralaii.

Loralaii waves to you.

Loralaii ponders.

Loralaii: Maaaybe?

Yardie: Heya. Doing a bit of work for the Town Crier. I was hoping to do an interview with Echoes of War?

Loralaii nods to you.

Yardie: Do you have a base of operations or the like?

Loralaii nods to you.

The Echo Chamber

The Snowcat's Den, Common Room
Guarded by a long counter of dark-stained pine, the common room's bar boasts an impressive array of spirits in pristine bottles that come in all of the colors of the rainbow. Several leather-upholstered stools sit along the counter's outer edge. A half wall behind the bar provides a glimpse of the inn's kitchen and its hearths, above which game birds and other meats roast on wooden spits. Nearby, a carved white pine stairway ascends to the second story.

Loralaii: We like to spend time here.

Yardie: Never been here. But a rather interesting place. I take it you're stationed at the heart of Icemule?

Loralaii holds up her hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture. We prefer to be closer to the docks, but still a stones throw Icemule's heart.

Yardie chuckles at Loralaii. I like that a lot.

Loralaii adopts an agreeable expression.

Loralaii: So do we.

What is Echoes of War?

Yardie: So, for the first question: What would you say Echoes of War is all about? What would you say is its identity?

Loralaii: In a word, sell swords. Peace keepers.

Yardie (curiously): Sell swords?

Loralaii nods.

Loralaii: We will defend the fattest purse. Yardie: So mercenaries for hire, then?

Loralaii: In not such an ugly term.

Yardie chuckles. Loralaii: We had an agreement with the last group of government that as long we we keep Icemule safe, no one will harass us. And it's worked well. Yardie: Fair enough. Is this only with Icemule governments or others?

Loralaii: That's something I care not to discuss. Loralaii grins.

The First Traces of Echoes

Yardie: Understood. Next question: How did Echoes of War come to existence? How did you all come to be?

Loralaii: This has several stories, but the main, I suppose, would be I got tired of complaining. I was unhappy with how Icemule was run, so I put my money where my mouth was. And here we are. Loralaii grins.

Yardie: So it started with you, then? Were there any others?

Loralaii: My husband and myself, originally.

Yardie (sheepishly): Who's your husband again?

Loralaii: Lord Whirlin N'Harren..

Yardie nods at Loralaii. I know the name and the person a bit.

Loralaii grins. He is well liked.

Yardie: So I have heard.

Loralaii: Then the Ta'Mori joined.

The Ta'Mori and Echoes of War

Yardie: I'm curious as to how the Ta'Mori took up the charge of Echoes of War. That's rather remarkable and surprising.

Loralaii: Mystiq and I are soul sisters, it was a natural progression for our families to merge.

Yardie: So the Ta'Mori and the N'Harren merged? Unique to see Faendryl do such in a fashion like this.

Loralaii: We don't traipse around announcing things. We just work in silence and it's a beautiful thing.

Yardie: Much like the Ta'Mori...much like the Faendryl. Unique to see that position with giantmen...er....women....but a welcome one nonetheless.

Loralaii: Precisely. No one will see it coming.

Other Members

Yardie: This leads to the next question. Could you tell us more about your members? Are there any of note you wish to mention?

Loralaii: Our membership is...small. But effective. Always looking for willing crew.

Yardie: Any you wish to mention by name? And I see you have formed a nautical force?

Loralaii: Right now, I am comfortable with telling you myself, my husband, Mystiq and her husband Darphin.

Membership Requirements

Yardie: I respect anonymity. So I'll accept that. For newcomers, are tere any requirements to join the Echoes of War?

Loralaii: Not that we are a secret, but others identities is not mine to divulge. Just a love of the sea and a heart to protect The Frostmain. It's that simple.

Yardie: They do not need to be a native to Frostwatch....is it Frostwatch? Icewatch? Coldwatch?

Loralaii: Northwatch. And no, were pirates afterall.

Maritime Musings

Yardie: I'll ask the question as an aside regarding piratry: do you have any alliances with other nautical factions? There are quite a few throughout Elanthia.

Loralaii: We are friendly with RYSK and The Free Captians Company. We have yet to join forces.

Yardie: I'm familiar with both. The latter is definitely not a pirate faction, the former well....RYSK is....rather versatile.

Loralaii: It's comforting to know our ports are so well protected. Not pirate per se, just the seafaring life. And I assume the Fall's group is still going strong?

Yardie: It is. There are quite a few groups out there, and the Kraken Collective has a healthy allotment of ships.

Loralaii: Good, good. We are trying to get our name out there a little more than we have in the past. This year, we plan to be very active.

Events

Yardie: Sadly I missed the event you had two weeks ago. My next question involves events. Are there any events that you plan on running or have in store?

Loralaii: Oh yes, many.

Yardie: Any upcoming? " Loralaii: We will go sailing regularly and other light-hearted, fun events soon. I know Mystiq wanted to speak with you regarding a cooking cruise. Loralaii snickers. Yardie blinks at Loralaii. Yes. She did. I am apt to run that. Do you have a set day as to when you sail?

Loralaii: Without looking at my calendar, I believe we committed to the third Restday of each month.

Yardie nods at Loaralaii

How To Join

Yardie: For future prospects, who should they approach or speak to about learning more about Echoes of War?

Loralaii: Myself, Mystiq or Darphin. Lithyia and I are also in the works of something fun as well.

Yardie grins at Loralaii. Lithyia's quite the organizer.

Loralaii: She really is! Loralaii grins at you and nods. We are going to try to hold regular meetings so people can come and ask questions, take a cruise, and see if it is the life for them. All of which I will announce or post.

Yardie: That's a rather good thing. I think there are many who have curiosities about the seas, but are timid to discuss them.

Loralaii: Ive helped so many find the love of the sea. I imagine Niima and Charl would be rather proud.

Yardie: Do you have any landmarks aside from the Snowcat's Den? I imagine you have the ship. The...Chicken, correct? Loralaii starts chortling at Yardie. Terrifying Murky Black Chicken. Yardie (musing): So many Murky Black items.

Loralaii: We can mostlly be found in Town Center of Icemule. We conduct business here, usually. Loralaii's black comet goldfish swims right up to the edge of its glass fishbowl and puts it bulbous eyes against the fishbowl's glass walls. Loralaii's sentient potato hums an epic melody, filled with complexities!

Final Parting and Comments

Yardie: Perfectly logical. Well, I only have one question remaining, or rather one aspect remaining. Would you like to leave a parting note about Echoes of War?

Loralaii: There are no stupid questions. If youre interested, ask us. She smiles.

Yardie: Thank you, Lora. I appreciate it. I hope to have this published in a couple of weeks. I appreciate your time, and I'll be apt to cook on the cruise. Loralaii applauds Yardie, then hugs him, a faint scent of pitch, resin, and dead flowers around her wafts through the air. My pleasure. Icemule TC Yardie: Oh wow, that was....fast.

Loralaii: The expressway."