[Hibiki]

Interviews with people around Metherane!

Hello readers of the Quill and chronicels nera here with some Interview from diffrent folks around the land from my interview of two small foxes. to some folks living in Pscaela

First of the Intveriw with two foxes! in arcaida

Amara and Ayse!

Nera says, "So Amara and Ayse, what do you think of the world currently?. lots of scary stuff or is it okey?..."

Amara Akatsuki exclaims, "I think it's pretty okay! Bit of scary stuff...but I've not seen much!"
Ayse S. Akatsuki exclaims, "Hm! - I think the world is fine! Chaos is nice!"

Nera asks, "I see i see. now. what are you dreams when growing up....what do you wanna be when grown? up?"

Amara Akatsuki says, "Strong, rich with tummy full of sweets."
Nera says, "A good answer....nera agrees"
Ayse S. Akatsuki exclaims, "I want to be a grand theif when I grow up fully...! Rich, wealthy.. and a noble!"

Ayse S. Akatsuki exclaims, "Hm! I like, an color called 'Caput mortuum'!"

Amara Akatsuki says, "I like blue, shame my magic is not blue..."
Amara Akatsuki says, "Your color have hard name."
Ayse S. Akatsuki says, "Mm! I guess so.."
Ayse S. Akatsuki exclaims, "It's very dark red!"
Nera says, "Ohhohhhh"
Nera says, "So blue and dark red how nice"
Amara Akatsuki says, "Light blue preferably."

Nera asks, "Faviorute Non sweet food!?"

Ayse S. Akatsuki says, "Hm..."
Amara Akatsuki says, "Hm..."
Ayse S. Akatsuki exclaims, "I love, eating bread..!"
Ayse S. Akatsuki says, "Sour bread is, the best."
Amara Akatsuki exclaims, "Fried food! Burgers too!"

Nera asks, "Have you ever eaten Ramen?"
Ayse S. Akatsuki exclaims, "Mhm! Ofcourse!"
Amara Akatsuki exclaims, "Yup, I prefer non-watery salty foods but it's fine!"
Nera says, "I see i see."

Ayse S. Akatsuki could've sworn she heard her lineage crying at Amara's perspection of Ramen.
(Ayse S. Akatsuki)


Nera says, "Now. last question."
Nera exclaims, "Would you Hug this old cat?!"
Ayse S. Akatsuki says, "Hug.."
Ayse S. Akatsuki says, "Mm.."
Ayse S. Akatsuki asks, "Maybe....?"
Amara Akatsuki says, "Maaaybe."
Nera says, "Fair. fair.

Now our interview with some folks from Pscaela!

Nera asks, "First question!: how are you doing since we last meet?"

Nera says, "And what is your name. for the paper if i may ask"
Mántis says, "I have been better- my name is Mantis."
Mántis says, "With the constant string of fighting, I am growing tired lately."

Nera says, "Secondly. im a bit confused on this city names. what name is it autcaly now?. somepoeple call it arlyeans still or the remmants of it. but nera would like to know the offical name cause i either forgoten or well dont rember."
Mántis says, "The place you are at currently is Pscaela."

Nera asks, "You mentioned your grown tired of the constant fighting....can nera ask...what fighting extacly?"
Mántis says, "If perhaps it wasn't gleamed from the day you'd met me, the circle has been through near constant fighting since Ishildr and her people chose to attack us."

Nera asks, "Ah i see.....waht is the Circle?....is it a group?. a nation or just people calling themself taht?"
ántis says, "A group, the people who live on Nilhirra. We were a band of kids with grand dreams and ambitions."
Nera exclaims, "Oh i rember those. people yes i vsist them once!"

Nera asks, "Now....Nera is curious. you all live here on pscela and..im wondering. how do you guys see your self?"
Mántis says, "For a while I avoided this place like the plague, trying to bring life to Nilhirra. But with the constant action and hate pooling in from everywhere we have had to do what we must. I do not see myself in a good light any longer."
Dis says, "It's what happens when zealots keep pushing people."
Mántis says, "There's no point in being better, if the world won't believe you."

Nera says, "Now question wich i wanna ask but...nera doenst wanna seem like a meanie. but.....can you better the world threw killing. and if the world stands against you?. or threw magics wich cause harm more then good?......"
Dis says, "See, that already is a loaded question."
Mántis says, "We have not killed anyone, yet the people of Fortune were quick to kill Cryxarn...I believe the better question is if THEY believe this."
Nera says, "I see...."
Dis says, "Some of us don't have any luxuary of just going out there and doing whatever, even if we weren't associated with the people here."
Dis says, "Hel, the only reason I'm pretty sure that the circle is frequenting here is because the rest of the world is pushing them to here."
is says, "Can't beat aisen and varrach or whatever so they start picking on a smaller people they can call fel or whatever."


Nera asks, "But Mantis. or anyone in this room. if you could tell the World something you wanna do. what would it be?"
Dis says, "Well the only thing I have to say is, leave my fucking family alone."
Mántis says, "My ambition was to be a different man than I was prior, to change. Maybe one day when the fighting is done just spend time with my children."
Mántis says, "I don't expect the fighting to end, however."
The Esoteric Savant says, "I just want to learn all there is to know. Search every corner of every place. I wish to understand even the most Taboo for true knowledge is my true dream."

Nera asks, "If. If the Fighting would just end one day. or even today......what would you all do?"
Dis says, "Aim higher. Advance medicine. Challenge myself in other ways."
Mántis says, "I would live my life, the same as I have tried to do."
The Esoteric Savant says, "Fighting ending just means more time and resources to uncovering the Secrets of the Universe.

Nera asks, "Now a intresting question in my eyes....what do you think about Non magic people....the common folk of the world...?"
Mántis says, "I think they're fortunate not to have experienced a fate similar to mine."
The Esoteric Savant says, "A gift can be a curse. non-magi are fortunate to live pretty normal lives and can often travel from place to place without getting murdered by Magi. I go anywhere and I get a blade drawn to me."
Dis says, "Eh... I don't particularely care for them one way or the other."
Dis says, "But that translates to most magi too."

Nera asks, "I see.....now i wouldnt have anymore questions. but i wonder. do you have any questions for nera?"
Dis says, "Eh... not realy."
The Esoteric Savant asks, "Can I have your staff?"
Mántis asks, "How do you view Altharim, after everything they've done. How do you feel about the circle for making them specifically our enemy?"
Nera says, "My staff . no tahts mine. nera worked long and hard to make it. and i need it to defend myself."
Nera says, "How do i view Altheim....i see them as a city. i dont see them as perfect. i seen the bad and good. .....the Circle. i cannot comment for i only meet them once and only heard rummors....and such. so nera cannot give a honset answer of only rummors"
Mántis says, "Funny, many usually have opinions about us."
Nera says, "Nera is not many. Nera is Nera."

Now a special interview with Aisenlich!

Nera says, "How old are you?. nera is curious. and im sure many others are aswell."

Aisenliche says, "Sixty one."
Aisenliche says, "I arrived to Meranthe when I was twenty five."

Nera exclaims, "If you dont mind saying nera had assumed you are a bit older.....but in return i look young and im easily over 100 years old!"
Nera asks, "But moving on.....can you tell me what you do?. many people see you as an evil dooer ....but do you see yourself as one?"
Aisenliche says, "Do I 'do evil'? I do what spites the people of Meranthe, typically."
Aisenliche says, "My magics are those that are reviled by default; but I think what earns the real ire of Meranthe isn't the necromancy, riftmancy, or supreme witchcraft."
Aisenliche says, "I think it's how I choose to use it."
Nera asks, "So by your own words. you could be some loved or liked. or hated by the uses of your magic?"
Nera says, "Or ones magic"
Aisenliche asks, "Are -all- holy magi on the 'same side', Nera of Nightview?"
Nera says, "No. nera would say no."

Nera asks, "Question. do you have any grandplans of sorts? or just lviing in the moment?"
Aisenliche says, "I have plans."

Nera asks, "What do you think of Non magi people?"

Aisenliche says, "Every bit as potentially insightful as the common man. An unfortunate necessity in a world where the greater fate is dominated by magi that are ... few in number, great in power."

Aisenliche says, "Yet there are less in Meranthe than anywhere else."
Aisenliche says, "Every god sought to instill magical potential in their folk."
Aisenliche says, "You don't see quite as many nonmagi faeborne, after all. Every god has their own bid for control, after all."

Nera asks, "Whats your faviorite food?"

Aisenliche says, "I once carved a swath of meat from a great wool-beast with Manasseh in my younger years."
Nera asks, "Have you ever had something like taht ever again?"
Aisenliche says, "Nay. It was a delicacy of a magical beast. The closest thing to second that ..."
Aisenliche says, "Saige's heart was quite good in hindsight."

Nera asks, "Do you have a favirotie colour?"

Aisenliche says, "Lilac."
 Nera says, "Hmm righty i have one big final question. i guess"
Aisenliche says, "Ask. Then you will leave."
 Nera asks, "Your opnions on Stars. and do you wish to hurt them?"
 Nera asks, "And then to confirm. you would be alirght with nera publishing this here. questions asked and your answers?"
 Aisenliche says, "I believe the agents of the cosmos are often deplorable, including most prominently the name Eloise Equisol."

 Nera asks, "But would you harm the stars?"

 Aisenliche asks, "If it ever fell within my prerogative?"
 Aisenliche says, "I don't see why I wouldn't."
 Nera says, "I see."
 Nera asks, "And to confirm your fine with nera posting allof this yes?"
]Aisenliche says, "..I would not have taken an interview if you could not publish it."

Aisenliche says, "Resume your queries."

[Milly]

What's this? Chief Editor Gertrude Green with the Quill Chronicle has recently received an article to be published post haste!
Given the topic, one has to really wonder if she even read it... But what's the worst that can happen?!

The Madness of Witchcraft & the Price for a Pardon

Nicolas Kess

2189AC

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard of Mydaea, the fallen angel who had an entire cult surrounding her to worship her. You've heard of efforts to 'save' her, or however they want to flip the narrative any which way. What you probably haven't heard is what happened within Viritas before the world united to see it destroyed. Lucky for you, I have a firsthand account of such atrocities.

Have you ever stumbled into a tower and come across a united gathering of people praising something or someone? Seems like an ordinary church-going Sunday. Except this was further from that than you can imagine, pick if you would, innocents being murdered and their blood flowing while dozens of people chanted Mydaea's name, or offered fond words to the fallen angel, or prayers without missing a beat or blinking. These are the cultists, the fanatics who surround Mydaea's worship. Don't mistake my words, some genuinely wish to save her without doing such maddening theatrics, but there are still also those who participated in slaughter fests that seem to have been hand-waved by the general population as being okay.

And that is not okay.

Who do you believe they kidnapped, tortured, and brutally slaughtered? Sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, siblings, aunts, uncles. The list goes on endlessly, and yet it was always those who would least likely be missed, those whose disappearances would be hand-waved casually. The have-nots. The poor. Those underneath the foot and notice of those with power.

Everyone believes the threat of Mydaea's cult and those witches which tormented souls disappeared with Viritas' destruction, when in truth they're simply right in front of your eyes, daring you to act. They're protected now by the rich and the powerful, and those who are meant to protect the common man... But how can they protect the common man when they're too busy protecting those very people who tormented said common man less than a decade ago? They were cozy within Martyr's Vigil before its destruction, but should that really be so surprising when the Vicar-General herself utilized a blade forged of Chaos to enact her own path of authority against all who would question her?

No one blinked then.
No one blinks now.

It's time for people to put their money where their mouth is, and rise up to say that enough is enough, and those who slaughtered innocents should not be tolerated in this new world that so many people have bled and died to ensure happens. Wake up, people. The time is now.

[Milly]

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Interview With A Witch Hunter

An interview with Lorsha

by Nicolas Kess in 2190AC

In this article, I'd like to introduce Meranthe to a Drakanite who is actively working on curbing the dastardly elements which have either become rooted in the fabric of our society or are trying to establish their own footholds.

Her name is Lorsha, and upon conducting this interview, I learned a lot about her, and everything that is published here she has given permission to be public.

[img=662x3]data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABLQAAAAECAYAAACX3mbFAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAQpJREFUeF7t3DEKwkAQheEJBDzLHsYTWGq7p9lWSwvrHCZnERYRssEsthJsvjQhsNXjzb4/k8kOOedDSukeEcdo1zTP86mU8lyfPzdrmxR0oENfG/zAD/wgL+QmfsBReBIjbmmIjbARNsJG2Agb7cxGr4h4DKWU8ziO137TqbVecs6374aWtU0ROtChrw1+4Ad+kBdys1UBHeiAJ3E1Vt6qACNiRIyIEbHRvmykobXuMgJH4AgcgSNw9g0c+tJXs0OzQ7NDs8MHc4MDPoBsVYCNsBE2+o2NBiPBzUJ0oEO/mfADP/CDUXmj8ksVOIagbQZ0oIPjORxT4p2hgyOsjJWxMlb+Mysvvxy+AVHAiSPLjy5iAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC[/img]

Her parents were from Pscaela, and she was born there, but it was destroyed when she was just a baby. Obviously, she doesn't remember it, and her mother died in the war, and her father relocated them to Viritas, as with a lot of the Pscaela refugees. She lived there until it burned down, remembering the fires that consumed it, her home, her dad, and nearly her.

Her parents were part of Viraliche's cult dedicated to Felfrayxes and herself. She took Lorsha in after Viritas burned and adopted her, teaching her about witchcraft, Felfyraxes, marquis, meros, everything. Yet not once did Viraliche allow her to sign the book, claiming it was a decision Lorsha would have to make when she was an adult.

And it is a mistake she's glad she didn't make.

According to Lorsha, Viraliche died trying to kill her patron, uncertain if she'd given up on her coven or if she had gone mad. But it was around the time that Elowliche was captured by the Goldlight Order. Being left alone with Aisenliche and being so angry, she asked the Dragon of Dreams to train her. He drowned her in an occultic pyre, a lesson forged through dragonfire itself. To either embrace it or die, with him claiming that he was giving her rebellion incarnate to fight against the Republic, the Gods, and whatever it was she needed to rebel against.

Then Aisenliche too was captured, and succumbed to his injuries. Truly alone now in the Underdark, Lorsha wasn't sure what to do until she found a home in Sanctuary. Felice and others who worked hard for a second chance at life, and they took her in at her worst and most confused. When she was most angry, with little guidance and nothing but hate. There, Lorsha learned how to make a change for the better.

According to her, she stands against witches for quite a few reasons. She hates Meros, hates the Marquis, and she hates anything that tries to shackle someone's soul. Out of all of the tyrants that she's learned about, they are the worst. While she's perfectly fine with giving a witch a second chance, freeing them, and letting them do whatever with their new life, some do not deserve such a chance.

The ones who make soul contracts, who enslave people, who treat human lives like playthings, or toys, or objects. Sacrifices. So Lorsha started hunting them because she hates everything they stand for.

If you'd be interested in joining Lorsha in her hunts against witches, she does plan on recruiting soon. She has a few following her, and they've had a few successful hunts already. If you or a loved one are having issues with witches, you're more than welcome to find Lorsha in her home in Sanctuary or even to letter her. Furthermore, Sanctuary is working on putting together a military, with Lorsha as its second in command, in order to lead a specialized unit to deal with witches and other troublemakers. If you wish for more details, just reach out to Lorsha!

[img=662x3]data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABLQAAAAECAYAAACX3mbFAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAQpJREFUeF7t3DEKwkAQheEJBDzLHsYTWGq7p9lWSwvrHCZnERYRssEsthJsvjQhsNXjzb4/k8kOOedDSukeEcdo1zTP86mU8lyfPzdrmxR0oENfG/zAD/wgL+QmfsBReBIjbmmIjbARNsJG2Agb7cxGr4h4DKWU8ziO137TqbVecs6374aWtU0ROtChrw1+4Ad+kBdys1UBHeiAJ3E1Vt6qACNiRIyIEbHRvmykobXuMgJH4AgcgSNw9g0c+tJXs0OzQ7NDs8MHc4MDPoBsVYCNsBE2+o2NBiPBzUJ0oEO/mfADP/CDUXmj8ksVOIagbQZ0oIPjORxT4p2hgyOsjJWxMlb+Mysvvxy+AVHAiSPLjy5iAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC[/img]

Interested in submitting article ideas?

Want to be interviewed?

Write Nicolas Kess today!

[Milly]

A New Coven On The Rise

But will Meranthe listen…?

by Nicolas Kess in 2190AC

The following interview was conducted with one Tsuroma, a Faeborne who is a citizen of Caethir but frequently travels to Sanctuary for her work. Everything published has been permitted to be made public. Don’t sue me, y’all.

Tsuroma is one of two founders of a group of witch and bandit hunters going by the name of the Crimson Talon. She’s not an official member of Sanctuary, instead choosing to live and reside in Caethir. Yet despite that, she can oftentimes be found in Sanctuary, helping to put together the idea of hunting bandits and witches alike with like-minded individuals.

She’s been Lorsha’s friend (who we covered in our last article!) for many years now. Yet due to Lorsha’s magic, she’s unable to meet Tsuroma in Caethir, and so Sanctuary is where they can mutually get their work done without bothering or worrying about discriminatory laws and practices surrounding someone’s magic.

So, Tsuroma works diligently in passing on information whenever they find out something new, in order for not just Caethir but also Dal’thala, Arcadia, and even Enos, to limit damages done, and to protect younger magi from being ambushed unprepared. A true lifesaver, she’s thoughtful of those outside of herself, and she’s truly a credit to Meranthe’s safety.

Tsuroma’s parents lived in the Underdark before they departed Meranthe, and they had vaguely mentioned to her that by leaving her there, it’d be safer for her to avoid family troubles. Tsuroma’s hatred of bandits and witches alike stem from being mugged, and so she’s spent her life ensuring to repay what happened to her ten times over.

Which brings us to this New Coven that has been the talk of the town. There’s not much known regarding them, though some sources indicate they worship Indras, the Atrellyan Demon King. Potential Moonfall remnants from the fall of Pscaela, or wannabe copycats? There are also thoughts that they worship something even more dreaded than the deceased Indras - Ba’al. All of this is, of course, pure speculation, given the secret inner workings of a proper coven who don’t announce itself so openly.

According to Tsuroma, they attempt to get people to sign their souls away, and if they’re denied, then they assault people. One uses a blade and occult magic, another uses crystals and occult magic, and the third uses shadows and occult magic. They aren’t very creative sorts, it seems. They all wear masks and cloaks, and unfortunately, they do not stick around one general area. They’ve been found all along Meranthe, from Glufdor’s Peak, the ruins of Goldlight, and even the Silent Expanse.

Caution is, as always, advised for those less experienced in combat, should you come across these sorts. Of course, don’t sell your soul! Hopefully, Caethir focuses its attention on this pressing matter that’s obviously truly dangerous for its people and sends its Knights and squires to pursue those witches!

Tsuroma wishes to issue a public challenge to all bandits and witches. She wants them to come to her, all of them at once, so she may use them as stepping stones. She intends to strike them down and spread her name far and wide - for glory. This author can only eagerly await the show that should come!

Interested in submitting article ideas?

Want to be interviewed?

Write Nicolas Kess today!

[Milly]

Melionette Meandersong

Gone but not forgotten

by Nicolas Kess in 2191AC

Melionette Meandersong (nee Meanderwalk)
2089AC - 2191AC

Original creator, writer, and editor of the Quill & Chronicle newspaper.
Beloved mother, wife, friend, and songstress known across Meranthe.
Her son, Kalione Meandersong, survives her.
Her former partners, Kakku Alinteau & Tandava Meanderdog, preceded her in death.

She fell in battle against the Giantess, Gwenevere, during the battle of Nereides, with her body fostered off by the shamed Knight-Errant, breaking oaths of chivalry and just really being a decent fucking human being, I guess. This author, as well as Gertrude Green, head editor for the Quill, demands the immediate return of Melionette Meandersong's body for proper burial, lest you're keeping it to bring it back using Necromancy.

This author fully admits he wrote of a call to action and movement in the very first article he composed for the paper. Yet, never was the intention to murder innocent old ladies who had endured a lifetime of suffering. Melionette Meandersong never slaughtered innocents, nor did she crush rebellions or spit upon the common people. No, in fact, she willingly embraced the common man, understanding rare acts of kindness when she witnessed them, even during events of personal trauma and heartbreak.

So what, pray tell, Gwenevere, formerly of Caethir loyalty, had Melionette Meandersong ever done to you? The Quill - and certainly the entire world - wants to know.

Return her body, or else this author will snatch it from your bloodstained hands himself, for even I draw lines in the sand.

Interested in submitting article ideas?

Want to be interviewed?

Write Nicolas Kess today!

[Milly]

For Humanity
How many of us do they have to kill to set us free?

by Desante in 2191AC

There has been much talk and to do about the subject of 'Humanity'. I don't like working with ill defined terms, and so within this paper I will refer to 'Humanity' as the general populace of our world. The idea of a person, one who toils, struggles, and pushes through day by day like any other. If this is horribly vague, it's because it is. A nebulous term invented by those who claim to serve a common good, while in the same breath disavowing them of any particular allegiance to anyone or anything. A twist on the strawman argument that relies on the idea that someone, somewhere, at some point will eventually benefit from their actions while ignoring the people actually in front of them. A way to unify us under a common banner (Or to purposefully exclude people for not being 'real people') and sell us on the idea that there is someone who is benefitting from this, even if we do not know who they are.

Humanity has no creed, no tenets, no goal save for existing. And for many, existing at the cost of others who do not fit the mold.

I have lived through much war in my lifetime, as have we all. Meranthe has only known peace for brief, fleeting periods. And to say that there can ever be such a thing as a 'meaningful' war is something I have come to resent. There is ultimately no glory to be found even in the most necessary of pursuits. The Crusades singlehandedly displaced hundreds of thousands, Aetian and Delphinan soldiers salughtering citizens en masse and forcing the populace to stay on the sinking island when Pscaela fell. I saw families weeping, I saw parents desperately trying to save their children, pleading to please just let them escape. But few ever did.

I ask again, how many people did we need to kill to keep them safe? I ask again, and again, and again- I look in my own reflection and I find no answers. I do not think there is one. It would of course be reductive of the problem to say that we should all simply drop our arms, because we all know it's more complicated than that- and pretending it doesn't benefits no one save our own ego. But is this the hill we wish to die on? Sacrificed like sheep for an oppressed class that was conjured up by warmongers, glory hounds, and grifters?

We already have actual oppressed classes of people. We already have existing tyranny that needs to be pushed back against and dismantled. We don't need to 'save humanity', because you know what most of 'humanity' is doing? They get up at the crack of dawn. They work themselves to death in the fields, or the mines, or maybe they're merchants or scholars. They earn their daily bread, they spend time with their loved ones, they go home, they go to bed. All these things we talk about, the Lifestream, the Pantheon, combatting 'stagnation' in Meranthe. Every single one of these things is a Magi delusion. Nobody except for the smallest fraction of the populace gives a shit about any of these things. They are completely and utterly immaterial in their lives, and it is rarely 'humanity' that is benefitted in these conflicts so much as the vanishingly rare few Magi who perpetuate it.

Is this ideological war in the name of 'humanity' going to make them the masters of their own destiny, too? Or are they merely the grease for the wheels in another's ambition? Because right now, all I have seen and all the future holds is yet more lives uprooted and tragedy perpetuated in the name of 'freedom'.

This author encourages you to actually look at who these people seek to benefit, and ask yourself-
Just how long it will be before they decide to 'liberate' you from the things you care about?

Interested in submitting article ideas?
Want to be interviewed?

Write Nicolas Kess today!

[Milly]

Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing
Two different terms for the same side of the coin

by Nicolas Kess in 2193AC

If one were to be asked whether or not Genocide is bad, the natural answer is to say 'of course'. Similarly, if one were to ask if ethnic cleansing is bad, the answer would be the same. Most of those who live in Meranthe are not accustomed to the chaos and confusion that come from an act of Genocide, of those who lose not just a home but their culture, family, neighbors, and land.

Thankfully, for those who are unaware, this author is a particularly specialized expert in the act of Genocide: I've lived through it. I grew up in Drakanspire.

I naturally stand against acts of Genocide, ethnic cleansing, or whatever you want to label it. It does not matter if a group in particular marched against your land and kidnapped your duchess - this author has previously spoken on the believed death of the Duchess of Nereides, and we here at the Quill & Chronicle are happy to report she is back home safe and sound. Yet this kidnapping should not be grounds for an ethnic cleansing of Giant culture, or of religious idols and relics that have stood the test of time and faith, no matter this author's belief against organized religion.

What does the Elzara of Delphina do now with the displaced magi and non-magi, the children who are now orphans, and those who seek revenge? Is the peerless Commander of the Elzara, Yesyra Florain, willing to bring into her noble household those orphans from Enos and provide them with the basics for survival? Will the royal household of Caewynn personally offer aid and assistance to those magi and non-magi who have had their homes destroyed and their relics of belief desecrated? This author believes the resounding answer is: no. Otherwise, what is the point of them destroying such culture to begin with?

Yet Delphina has effectively and ironically shot itself in the foot with this act, should they themselves not act to temper what they have done. An entire generation of youth will grow up hateful and vengeance-filled, more willing to contribute blind acts of hostility against their people in response to what had happened to them, when they had nothing to do with Gwenevere's assault on Nereides. There are the rare few that do not view these things with revenge in mind, this author knows quite well, but the most accomplished in mind and standing understand the underlying trauma that comes from surviving such acts.

It's not something that you simply move on from. It's not something you brush off.

And even if you say to yourself: I'm fine. This did not bother me. I will keep living...? That's a lie you tell yourself to do just that: try and move on. Yet no matter how one tries and tries, pushes and pushes, it quickly becomes apparent how impossible it is to truly move forward without accepting that what one lived through is a terrible, monstrous act.

It does not matter how Giant history has spanned across the centuries. This author has written extensively on the oppressive regime Jokul Folhammar has forced across the denizens of Meranthe in his conquest of the land within a scant one thousand days. Will you ignore that those before him ensured the destruction of Barsburg, a hellhole bent on 'progress over mortality' no matter what? Will you ignore that those before him sought Ymir's blessing and fought against Grimnir's domination of their people?

Much like how there could be those of every race, every culture that are both good and bad, so too do you find it within the Giant kind.
Has this author, himself, found a decent Giant with whom he could trust?

Unfortunately, no. The singular Giant I did trust broke into my home and assaulted me, trying to kill me.

But that does not mean they do not exist, or do not strive to exist.

Just because a person or a handful of a particular race marches into your home and kicks down your door does not give you a blank check to wipe out their entire culture.

It is this author's hope and desire that the governments of Meranthe, un-united as they are, speak out against this travesty, so we can stop seeing so many displaced by wars they had no hand in or responsibility for.

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[Milly]

Concerns of Wasteful Military Spending
Is Delphina's military the best of the best?

by Nicolas Kess in 2203AC

If one were to look at the Kingdom of Delphina’s vast array of military members, from the outside they would see a well oiled machine. Various ranks, ranging from the bright eyed recruits to the grizzled veterans like Yesyra Florain, current Commander of the Elzara.

A well oiled machine, or a Nemean illusion hiding internal faults and failures that’s concealed right beneath the surface?

Take for instance, the recent issues a member of Arcadia’s military has been having, to the point he’s been demoted to that of a ‘Helper’. Rigor Fallspirit, a former member of Caethir’s military and then Arcadia. He’s had several dramatic run ins and has gotten in over his head on several matters that even the most highly trained politicians wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole.

For hopefully, surely, such a well experienced military man such as himself would be helping to defend the realm of Delphina from deadly incursions near and far, and helping to beat back those members of the Void Coven that’s been running around - or even dare I say it, take out Melos dul Vique himself, to be labeled as a hero?!

No.

He’s asking for help going from Delphina to Caethir because he’s afraid of people attacking him. Keep in mind, people, that this is a man who has, at this point, several decades of experience being part of a trained military. But he claims he gets attacked by Gorgons and Bats, and despite boasting that he nearly ‘cut her in half’, he requests aid in essentially crossing the street.

And when called out on these issues, he insults this journalist for taking the careful time to craft an exquisite article pertaining to Delphina’s heir, Sunsets over Moonlight. Because I guess Rigor Fallspirit is unable to understand the time and dedication it takes to write an article properly. Some of us get involved in matters that don’t matter. Some of us work to hone our craft, and understand what gives us our inspiration. Unfortunately for Rigor Fallspirit, my inspiration comes from righteous anger.

Bitch.

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[Milly]

An Interview With an Heir
Meranthe’s Most Notable Exorcist, and Their Top Doubter

by Nicolas Kess in 2203AC

Their full, real name is Sunsets over Moonlight. It’s not a nickname, but they’ve been given plenty of those. However they prefer to be addressed correctly and in full, in case anyone is ever confused let the record stand clear in perpetuity. But they’ve been called Sunsets, Sunlight, Moonlight, Sun, Sunny, many things - but they are, and will always be known as Sunsets over Moonlight.

They leave pieces of themselves within their writing and in their books, finding themselves able to be their most honest in moments of quiet writing. This is an interview with the Lumin King’s own heir, Sunsets over Moonlight.

They’re a writer. It’s their first love, and may this author add, perhaps their main love. Most know them as a prominent exorcist hailing from Dal’thala, Delphina’s capital, and the Lumin King’s heir should anything ever happen to him. She’s a dedicated luminary of Nemea, and for those who aren’t aware it signifies a heightened spiritual connection with Nemea. They say it’s deeply personal, and they prefer keeping it that way. So don’t try asking them for any tips or tricks.

They do not prefer sermons or lessons like many who worship Primordials from the Pantheons, instead offering quiet tokens of appreciation and affection to their chosen Goddess. What many may not know about Sunsets over Moonlight is their ability to exorcise the occult completely from a person’s body without harming them - as long as they don’t resist, of course. Of course. But this power also extends to Cambions, and even demons.

With Demons, Sunsets over Moonlight is capable of rendering them completely harmless, comparatively to how they had been prior. When I interviewed them they were one hundred and thirty-five years old. This article has taken an extra ten years to write and publish, and surely the interview subject will understand amongst everyone else why writing can take so long.

The realm of Delphina has held an anti-occult approach to those who cross its borders. According to Sunsets over Moonlight, it’s a destructive manipulation of natural feelings, that can spin itself into madness or violence. Gloomlight Grove as an example pride itself on balancing both exorcism and occultism.

According to Sunsets over Moonlight, it’s a painless process. However as someone who came into adulthood around many occultists, I understand that to them it’s their very being. So this author must wonder: is it only physically painless, or mentally as well? Yet according to the Heir Luminary, they weave veils to protect precious information such as memory, as that is still a part of them. They help lift the burden from their shoulders, if they’re open enough to it. Most of their subjects have come to them voluntarily.

For those who have not, the reactions have varied. How do you deal with the violence you’ve done, or has been done against you, in these moments of madness? Some have resorted to execution - though this author finds it difficult to believe anyone would walk willingly to their death. Sunsets over Moonlight, however, believes it’s both a blessing and a punishment. An occultist who commits a crime against the realm of Delphina as an example, one heinous enough to veer such a verdict in the removal of the occultism, it’s worse than dying to some people but they live still. Yet do they truly live, with a piece of themselves missing?

According to the Heir Luminary, how they render Demons harmless it’s much akin to how summer transitions into autumn. Harmless. Welcomed properly within Nemea’s woods where they would cause no further havoc.

As for how they became so faithful to Nemea, they had gravitated to the Lumin King in their youth, as he was older and wiser and they admitted they knew next to nothing. They were lost, due to their lack of memory as well as their lack of wings as a Faeborne. They found Nemea’s blessings cut off entirely from them, and they felt as if Nemea may have hated them altogether for their amnesia. They feel doubtful of the power of their voice in regards to the worship of Nemea, potentially as if they’re unworthy of it entirely. They do not doubt their love of Nemea, no, but they do doubt if the Goddess herself hears them.

Yet in their deepest hearts, Sunsets over Moonlight knows that when no one is there for them, Nemea is.

Camino de Caewynn, the Lumin King, explained to the young Sunsets over Moonlight how they and the land are ever connected and that feelings are quite tangible, felt, and shared. It’s no burden to carry alone. Yet at the time, they didn’t feel as if they were worthy. In the end, the main doubter of Sunsets over Moonlight’s own abilities and faith… Is themselves. They feel unworthy at times, they doubt themselves all the time which is why they lead such a secretive and isolated life. But they have faith in Nemea even when they hold none in themselves.

As for their opinions and motives against Occultists? Accordingly the Heir Luminary paints a picture as it’s the way of nature under Nemea’s embrace. Occultism is outlawed within Dal’thala, as per Nemea’s ways, but they insisted Dal’thala does not go out of their way to kidnap occultists in the wilds either. It’s part of their culture, and questioning it as akin to asking how the Faeborne know Nemea is of the seasons themselves, or how Gala is of the Night.

They’ve spent a great portion of their life mastering their skill to ensure it’s as harmless as possible - as long as the person is willing - and of course, Sunsets over Moonlight strives to take note there are many other places an occultist could reside within Meranthe, given it’s vast territory.

In addition, they seem very keen on the idea that absolutely nothing would ever fall upon the Lumin King, such as death. They go on to explain that worship of Nemea is decentralized, and how they are not a teacher, and they dislike the notion of teaching. It makes them uncomfortable.

Many would point to Gloomlight’s boasting of housing Occultists, and question whether or not Nemea considers Gloomlight unnatural of course, but the Heir Luminary states that they do not care what anyone thinks of Gloomlight, given the ban issued upon them from the Republic’s city states - a Republic that is now, a decade later, defunct by the way.

The interview turned to the recent wars of Aetius pressing against Martyr’s Vigil, and destroying it, on whether or not the Heir Luminary approved of such a move given their ban. They stated they do not approve of any place being destroyed, nor have they ever advocated for lost lives. They cite that it’s horrible. A befitting take from any exorcist, of course – yet in the same breath, when questioned on whether or not they disliked the Elzaran Commander, Yesyra Florain’s orders to commit ethnic cleansing upon the mountain against Enos, they claimed what they liked and disliked did not matter.

Thus, in this interview did the author find issues. Glaring issues when pressed further, and glaring issues that may be overlooked by the common people who may not know them deeper than their titles as Heir Luminary and populous writer within Dal’thala. I questioned them further, pressed them further. They’re in a position of power, how the people would listen to them, and they retorted that was the point.

They do not approve of any place being destroyed, but the Elzara, during this interview, had just recently marched upon the mountain and committed - according to Commander Yesyra herself – ethnic cleansing. Genocide. I questioned Sunsets over Moonlight whether or not they intended on speaking up on this or offering aid. They stated they had no comments at this time at what transpired.

A tacit approval of the genocide committed against Enos, or silent disapproval?

Sunsets over Moonlight cites for a century every word or lack thereof they have had has carried an impossibly heavy weight. Yet their position does not mean they are skilled nor geared towards politics. If it were up to them - in their own words - they would close off the Realm of Delphina from the world entirely. In other words, the Heir Luminary supports an isolation policy for Delphina. According to them, it would mean their family and their home would be safe. They referenced the attack upon Neireides, led by the actions of Gwenevere Folhammar, a descendent of Jokul, the former Emperor of Meranthe who had oppressed the people in his maddened delusion to rule the world.

In Sunsets over Moonlight’s mind, they are a walking liability. They’ve held fear their entire life from those outside of Dal’thala looking to harm them. Despite their strength as one of the strongest exorcists in Meranthe in recent memory, they cite the areas where they had failed to save their husband one time. How it carves a path through their stomach, and it’s a painful wound that refuses to fade. They cite how they cannot be there in such a way for the people they care about the most in their life. How they hold certain skills as a magi, but they are weak upon the field of battle.

In short, they focus on supporting those around them. When they get scared, they ground themselves.

Perhaps in this intertwining years between this interview and this published article, they have figured out where they stand upon the claims of Genocide and starvation of those within Enos… Or perhaps they haven’t, choosing instead to close their eyes to the outside world much as they wish for Delphina.

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[Milly]

Genocide by a Different Color
Is Maroon and Ruby the same if they all lead to Red?

by Nicolas Kess in 2207AC


There were waves made at Mount Pavonis, by the base of the Tower of Aetius as our Lumin King himself attempted the unthinkable: To revoke the blessing that Giants receive.

Many stood against him. But an equal number stood alongside of him, mostly those of Arcadia and Delphina, ever loyal to their King.
But let not loyalty and the stark contrast of that blind someone to what is being laid out before our very eyes, as it's quite obvious this is simply the second step in what had started at Enos.

First, they physically destroyed their home. They killed them. They took their culture.
Now, they aim for what makes them unique and special.
This is Genocide, just in another coat and a new brand of makeup. Do not let it fool you.
As per one of my previous articles, I am certainly not a man that's particularly fond of Giants. They are loathsome and annoying, they take up far too much space and they frankly just cannot be trusted. Those of Enos inevitably screwed the pooch by their actions at Nereides, and I am not defending that whatsoever, however...

I would never insist upon destroying their culture and their very way of life, not to mention their blessing. That makes the culprits no better than the ones who committed Genocide within Drakanspire. Naturally there will be those who disagree with me and my direct comparison of the Lumin King to one Melos dul Vique, and you're free and fair to your opinions just as this author is.

Allow this to be your food for thought.

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