[Dandeli]

 

 

 Hello, Quill Readership.

I return to my post.

 

Uriah Dominic is with us no longer.
And it is my life I owe to him.
  
The son of Ulciel Dominic, son of Ustra and Lyseroth Dominic.
 Known for previously declaring conflicts with my people.
And yet, in spite of it, he was, in my experience, kind.
 
These are his last words, to my closest memory:

"I'll go with you Salem.

 

Place that sirenian down, but before I do go, there is something that must be done

I don't care what you all may think or what you aim to do, but before this all came to be, I made a promise to her.

That I will fight on the frontlines when her time to pass comes.

  

That I will ensure the cycle continues."

Uriah Dominic was one of the first people that showed me a kindness.
He was solemn outwardly, if not a bit brash, but when Raithe D. Folhammer took my first arm,
which would be followed by my second, he extended the hand of help without any desire for recompensating him.

On the island where we were all trapped, he spoke of his lamentations. He disliked provocations, and said he would stand his ground.
He helped Miss Mnemosyne, and wanted to return the Trident of Galene that summoned the Mori. He said that if he survived, he would go to Uraheim.
To that end, he also saved her from Wicked, when her mind went mad and the Deep One cruelly stole it's personal autonomy, drowning it in it's madness.

He said him and Syne were alike, save for their eating habbits.

He was a prisoner of Aegis.

 

"After I found out that Clementine was mostly fine, I turned myself in to save those who were willing to aid me, and to avoid walking down my father's path."

 

"I do not aim to be a hero, but I refuse to become a villain."

 

And yet, in some irony, I would say he died more than a hero.

  

   

An article proceeds underneath.
   

There were three Sisters, trapped in a cycle.
     
I.
Morana
The Valkyrie
Violence Warfare Anger
  
Killer of Oceiros Dawnseeker, banished first.
      
II.
Bronach
The Archivist
Mourning Cruelty Fear
   
Attempted to seperate Servant from Camino de Caewynn, banished second.
      
III.
Salem
The Curious Creator
Apathy Nihilism Curiosity
    
She did not believe death to be problematic alone.
  
She blamed human greed as an obstacle to progression.
  
She wished for growing, learning, creation and generosity.
  
She disliked us, who desired only to slay the enemy without knowing.
  
She said that we would repeat this cycle: that we would create to destroy.
   
"In the purpose of the righteous, one forgets the purpose of a safe passage unto death.
One would kill in the name of another, without realising the purpose is not to kill in the name of."
      
 
Abducted magus from around Meranthe, banished third.
I do not the full details of the ending.
     
All accounts and experiences are different in some ways.
This is my own half-complete recollection of what we, those marked by Salem, had to go through.
      

The fog thickened around the island and the earth trembled. Crows cawed in unison and encircled the gate where we would enter.

    

The portal grew darker, and soon it was time: all those marked would enter the Gate of Death, one of them never to return.

   

Ilysander was the first to enter, followed by the rest.

    

First, there was an empty void. 

   
  
"Before there was anything, there was nothing. And before there was nothing -- there were monsters."
  
 

Ancient monsters of old fought. And soon, in triumph, life began to emerge. Grass and sky soon visible, an anvil before us.

Echoes filled the mind, reminding us of creation, destruction, and most importantly: how those two often coincide.

   

Many made, and many destroyed, but soon at the elapse of creation or destruction, the ground opened up below.

  

Tumbling from the sky the beginnings of civilisation was seen, and the first of humanity, who accepted death with grace. There was even a funeral. 

Salem was there - and she made many things for these people, such as armaments. 

     

 

"I'm curious about their enjoyment and eargerness to face the unknown. Unfortunate it is, that the armour I made this dead man did not save him from the tusks of a boar.

    

I wonder if, perhaps... These ones who do not shirk their end, nor fear for their death..."

 

    

Soon, we waded further into these memories. The first wars between man, where Celestine found herself overcome by bloodlust and a wanting for carnate, not unlike Morana. She brutalised young Khive Aubreen, but was quickly put to a halt not by myself, who had looked to intervene, but her own will.

 

She shoved a sword through her chest and collapsed, narrowly avoiding bleeding out to death.

We soon found the bridge. Here, where Bronach is crystalised.

 

We walked across it, and with the help of Loramelian and Tandava, we sang a song to encourage spirits to go onwards.

 

And on our continued journey, we found the Gates of Babylon.

  

After explaining what we hoped to find, access was granted.

This story will be continued at a later date. 

 

[Dandeli]

Good morning to you, Readers.
Glad I am to announce the winners of the Summer Waltz voting period.
 
But first, I would like to express my utmost jubilation for all in attendance.
I hope that the Summer Waltz has taught a lesson in unity and the value of companionship.
Please, be unafraid of unwinding with a bit of fun now and again: it keeps you afloat.

And now, the winners, as was decreed by vote. . .
 

Best Dressed (Joint)
Sunsets over Moonlight and King Camino de Caewynn
 

Fanciest Footwork
Camilia Ediernon
 

Best Songster
Wormwander
   

Best Dancing Duo
Marfons Emeraldi and Rio Caldrott

You may collect your small prize of one Song Pendant and 2500c from Melionette Meandersong!

  
A story elapses, as was promised, in a column of the new day.
  

We entered the Gates of Babylon.

One half we could see was in it's age of splendour.

One half we could see was it's age of ruin.

Therein was a beautiful woman, who was there, and then vanished.

The war came, and would soon herald torment even in the City of Knowledge.

 

Azrael stood at the forefront.

Salem rushed through the castle's gates.

 

"Why did I make this world? The ones who taught me to create for those humans Mother loves so much.. yet the divine are so eager to destroy even a resting place."

 

"All their flaws in humans, and for what reason?"

 

"Destruction and pointless death of their own. Kraus forbid they give up the control on their freedom."

 

"Why should I offer my knowledge and care to any of them?"

 

"There is no purpose to it."

 

Many pillars fell to the hammer of Salem, the aspect destroying her own work.

 

"The end of life was never the problem. Greed in the hands of man stops the path forward.

 

Collecting, growing, learning, gifting.

 

You people who only desired to slay the enemy before understanding would repeat this cycle.

 

Create, so you can destroy.

 

In the purpose of justice, one forgets the purpose of a safe passage to death.

 

One would kill in the name of the another without realising the purpose is not to kill in the name of."

  

The air grew cold, and I could feel my emotions turn blank and dulled.

 

We fought her, then.

 

Tatsuya almost died at the end, when we finally brought her to a standstill.

 

By Uriah's good will, he, and myself, survived another day.

 

After she was defeated her regrets still stayed.

 

By choice of the group, she was bound to her own orb in a willing pact.

 

Urano inherited the orb of his Mother, in hopes she will one day find peace seeing the world through his eyes.

[Dandeli]

 

Melionette finds some time, and writes up an article. She sends it to her editor, and has it published alongside some normal, benign news, like 'cat saved from tree.'

 

Good day, dedicated readership of the Quill Chronicle & Tavern.
The Temple of Yama on Nereides has been granted some choice additions under the guide of myself, Melionette.

There is now a Library and a Museum:

I. Landlurker's Library
I have established this library with the intention of housing within it
information that will help and enrich the lives of those of Sirenia who
choose to pursue their life on land.

Information we are wanting should pertain to the world around us, but
can also be educating in the ways of necessary skills such as, but not
limited to: medicine, wayfinding, nature, the Gods of Land, the Cities
of Land, the Threats of Land, Cultures of Land and more!

All helpful knowledge is invited, if you have a book you would like
to be added to the library please contact Melionette Meandersong.

II. Mermaid's Museum

It is through the stories of adventure and the kind sentiments of the

day-to-day that we bond and find value with the world around us. As

children of the sea, we are always curious, and our kind has always had

an adoration of treasures found on the surface of the sea lost by the

wayward sailor, or the shining rocks that wash up on the banks of the

shore.

If you have anything especially interesting, be it found or created by

yourself, please be unafraid of giving the item to Melionette and she

will put it on display for you.

[Dandeli]

 

Melionette, uniquely, decides to write up some articles rather than enslaving her team of local reporters.

 

The Quill & Chronicle Contest: Meranthe's Most ____  

The Quill & Chronicle will be awarding individuals titles and officiated certificates to winners of these catagories:

  

I. Meranthe's Strongest                   
II. Meranthe's Wisest               

III. Meranthe's Friendliest       

IV. Meranthe's Most Inspiring 

V. Meranthe's Prettiest            

  

Please send in your votes via mail!

The Rising Undead Threat

---

There has been a recent uptick in sightings of undead within Meranthe, which is starting to spur doubts and worry.

Non-magi especially have been exceedingly scared to travel outdoors under the feeling that they might find even if they die, their corpse could be reanimated.

 

While there haven't been many reports of crimes committed by undead perse, the battles waged by warriors have left the landscape in disarray.

 

"I'M FECKIN' SICK'VE THESE UNDEAD FECKERS WADIN' ROUND THESE PARTS LIKE THEY OWN THE FECKIN' PLACE.

JUST GO BACK INTA YA HOLES, YOU'RE SCARIN' THE KIDDIE-WINKS." commented Joe, non-magi, aged 45.

 

The Dove, known as Aaliyah, is one of Meranthe's currently known necromancers. 

It is said she heeds the whispers of a maddened spirit that clings to her, capable of possessing her. 

It allegedly cares not for her suffering, and uses her as a tool for it's own goals to come into fruition.

One of such goals is urging Aaliyah to death so that she may be freed from her flesh which imprisons it. 

One of her books on Necromancy was recently found within Dal'thala and seized.

  
Xarxes Hel Myst is another one of Meranthe's well-known necromancers. He has existed beyond a century.
He ruled the Demonic Hoard for decades and is said to have risen up five 'Imperfects.'

He is typically donned in black robes, and his body seems almost invulnerable to magic. He also wields a scythe.
Injuries inflicted by the necromancer are unhealing, and require almost immediate medical attention.

His disposition is unique. He often does not seek out battle on his own accord, but is often in the company of his own raised dead.
As such, they typically do his bidding for him.

The Establishment of Midpoint 

---

Midpoint is a new hub for commerce, started by both Joseph Gregoris and Madavayanna Gregoris.

Some of the first companies to take root their were PEDRO'S PASTRIES, BUN-BUN BOTANICAL AND ALFONSO'S ARTIFICERY, capital letters included.

  

"You know.. the pastries weren't that bad, but then I started going every three days, and they started to get better. 
I started buying pastries every day, it was getting quite out of hand.

I'm not sure what addictive substance Pedro was putting in his pastries, but they were really good. Is his name even Pedro?"
Commented Lydia Brown, non-magi, 33.

  

"You know.. botany needs to pick up it's pace, and I'm glad that's what was happening here at BUN-BUN BOTANICAL. I really love natural products.

Though I've got to say, between all the flora and potions, I want to see something new and innovative. Someone make the flowers talk."
Commented Lucius Checker, non-magi, 25.

  

Midpoint does not discriminate on who can buy their wares, and as such people hailing from all backgrounds, including the fel, undead and demons, can purchase their

high quality wares.

  

"We are a company, nothing more and nothing less. 

We seek merely to make profit, none are barred from shopping at our hub so long as they maintain our single rule.

No violence on our land." Commented Madavayanna Gregoris, one of the establishers of Midpoint.

  

Plans for expansion have been recently sketched up.

This expansion will include grounds on the land dedicated for battle where warriors with conflicting views and values can settle their differences.

  

"We shall make grounds for those on our land to battle. Should you wish to hunt the Fel that shop then you may as long as it is taken there." finished Mr. Gregoris.

 

A small amendment is performed in later copies, a prior detail redacted.

[Dandeli]

The Quill ominously posts an article that could be considered both timely and current!

Renovations: All About Quill Chronicle & Tavern 

---

  

The Quill Chronicle & Tavern has recently gone through a renovation!

 
The interior is now more homely, and has a myriad of shelves which people may offer their books to for reading.
These shelves currently contain picture books, fictional stories, and poems for patrons to read as they drink their beverages, alongside older copies of The Quill.

   

"Thank you everyone for visiting the last few weeks, ho-ho-ho-ho!"

 

Up and Coming: All About Miyumi Shinjitsu Irontail, Lady Regent of Xuefeng 

---

Miyuhiko Shinjitsu, prior Regent of Xuefeng, has stepped down to allow Lady Regent Miyumi Irontail rulership over Xuefeng.

She is currently on a quest to find Seven Heavenly Generals before she turns twelve years old,four of which she has successfully acquired. 

 

“Before the war, my father told me stories of what it was. Before my grandfather stepped away. The kind of person he was."

"Divine power. And purpose. He brought people together and Xuefeng was.. is, only standing today because of people like him and my father who allow it to be."

 

Lady Regent Miyumi’s grandfather is Mikoto Shinjitsu, the Shogun and highest power, but allows the Regent to rule. He found the divinity in their bloodline. It is said the Shinjitsus harbour blood of the Grey-Winged Angel of Sheng: The Emperor.

 

Shogun Mikoto Shinjitsu forged many divine weapons, and helped many people over Meranthe.

 

"So, I will become that. In my own way. And then it will become what I want in my dreams, people will return like they were before. With a purpose."

 

"What do I want to accomplish? I want to rebuild my family's home and make sure it'll keep lasting as it has, but more. I just want more. I said before, but I'm not all alone. My siblings will be here too.. soon. In a few years and then they'll grow up and do the same.”

  

“Together, when we're all there and all doing it, it can't fail."

 

"Yin is my.. closest Heavenly General. She has done the most for me and I'd be happy with three more of her. My others are a girl named Mai Xiaoli, another named Chouko and a boy named Haerang.”

 

Lady Regent Miyumi took in Haerang because he looked like he needed help. He and Yin want to become samurai under her family’s banner in the future.

 

Yin, Heavenly General, said: "She has a clear vision. A clear goal. A clear dream, and ambitions, and she knows that she must do so one step at a time. She has much to learn, and it is my hope that she allows me to assist her in this growth as long as she allows it. I have faith and hope in the Xuefeng she wishes to cultivate."

"In time, the name will be on the rise once more, and at its forefront will be the name of Lady Miyumi Shinjitsu Irontail."

 

Lady Regent Miyumi asks that anyone who wishes to be part of Xuefeng, which she promises will soon be ‘lively once more’, to reach out to her – especially those that carry Sheng ancestry.

 

If they cannot find her, they may direct a letter to her.

 

Threats to Meranthe: All About Xarxes

---

Xarxes’ full name is Xarxes Hel Myst.

 

He claims he will acquire the ‘Throne of Eternity’ and believes all should bow to him.

 

Xarxes was recently 'killed' by Oceiros Dominic, but it was 'unsuccessful' due to the nature of the necromancer - though the Commander did manage to obtain a portion of his essence.

The Commander also had to cut through his undead Carmelita and Ophelia to get to him.

  

It is said his life continues on due to his phylactery.

  

Xarxes states that the version of himself was dying, and a more ruthless and unkind version will soon take his place.

 

Threats to Meranthe: All About Aaliyah

---

The Dove’s full name is Aaliyah Tal.

   

She is a necromancer and has been described as ‘Meranthe’s biggest enemy.’

   

She heeds the whispers of a maddened spirit that clings to her.

   

She proclaims herself the Prophet of Azrael and wishes to free him.

 

When she was young, she had dreams that tore her from the rest, which drove her to serving the Morninglord.

   

‘The Morninglord’ refers to Azrael, an angel of long ago, who now finds himself bound. She alleges she does not worship him as a ‘black-winged monster’, but rather worships the ‘white-winged’ version of himself of which she describes as ‘beautiful, kind and gentle.’ It needs be stated that the freeing of Azrael without him being 'cleansed' has profoundly worrying implications for mankind as he is tainted by a curse.

   

She professes that she has tried to step off of this path twice. One time she spoke with William Iscariot, who proclaimed her Prophet of Azrael and told her to follow her dreams. Another time she asked the Exarch for help, but explained she struggled to procure aid in time, consequently deciding to pursue her current path.

  

Two years prior she was there when a giant burst of necromantic energy exploded from the caverns within Arcadia. She proclaimed herself the Prophet of Azrael then, and raised a small army of undead. Her undead viciously attended to those who opposed her, before she fled with an army of them in tow.
    
Rumors have been circling, and it is said Aaliyah has been frequenting the circle of trees past the swamp near Gloomlight. People nearby, afraid to encroach upon her, have been disturbed and feel she may be plotting something.

[Dandeli]

 
 A new issue of The Quill is out now!
 

The Great Battle Of Meranthians: Meranthe's Most ____ Competition

---

The results for Meranthe's Most _____ are out!

All winners will receive a gold medal officialising their title. Second place and third place are also eligible for a silver and bronze medal!

  

These can be collected from Melionette Meandersong.

 

Meranthe's Strongest

1st. Exarch Eivor Ualdirsson

2nd. King Camino de Caewynn

3rd. Ex-Lord Regent Miyuhiko S. Irontail

 

Meranthe's Wisest
1st. King Camino de Caewynn
2nd. Illuminated Chancellor Hina Lam
3rd. Alacritas' Champion Svengalf Sandsker

 

Meranthe's Friendlist

1st. Goddess of Life and Harmony Azalea Aubreen

2nd. King Camino de Caewynn and Tandava Meanderdog

3rd. Leafblade Melionette Meandersong

 

Meranthe's Most Inspiring

1st. King Camino de Caewynn

2nd. Goddess of Life and Harmony Azalea Aubreen

3rd. Illuminated Chancellor Hina Lam
  

Meranthe's Prettiest

1st. Lady Hemera Vamonte

2nd. Mr. Too many to count!

Festivities in Summer: Xuefeng Summer Lantern Festival

---

Headed by Lady Regent Miyumi S. Irontail, Xuefeng will be hosting a Summer Lantern Festival.

 

There will be a haiku competition, art competition and paper lantern release.

  

Additionally I, Melionette, will be performing a song and manning the goldfish pond.

  

"It is said to bring good fortune if you catch a goldfish!"

 

Threats to Meranthe: Aaliyah Tal's Ritual

---

Just south west of the swamps, Aaliyah Tal was invoking a rite with the goal of destruction of the Lifestream.

 

"It was an immense disturbance of the Lifestream and the plant-life that had prompted us to approach and cease the efforts by Aaliyah and her undead."

"However, it seemed that with a significant opposition against her strives, I was able to assist Azalea and others to invoke the natures of harmonizing the elements, repairing the damages done, and stabilize the vegetation and mend our world's very boundary!" Commented Chancellor of the Illuminated, Hina Lam.

 

Libertato, under his inheritance of chaos, went through many of the magi to try and capture Azalea.

This came after Tenacity was grievously wounded in a battle against Necromancer Aaliyah Tal.

 

"I do not wish to see the advances of Azraelite worshippers become profound to that degree. Necromancers are not good for our realm. Removing souls from the natural cycle and using those endeavors under the guise of saving humanity, Azrael's reason for falling, is why I followed alongside the Seekers to ensure they could not push on with their motives then." Commented Chancellor of the Illuminated, Hina Lam.

 

"They were trying to get rid of the one thing that allows life to flourish. A little silly, considering what she screamed she wished to be... If one desires so much to be a saviour, they don't do it by killing men, women, or portions where the Lifestream grows strong." Commented Goddess of Life and Harmony, Azalea Aubreen.

 

"The fear and pain of someone blinded by their fear of loss. This goes for both Aaliyah and Libertato.
 
There comes a time in which one must accept and move on; be they spirit or man, from the losses that weigh so heavily on their soul. This does not mean forget them - but it means that to wish so desperately for one to continue living, they may very well curse that person - or themselves.

We live so we may experience growth, we live to do more than simply exist; but that, too, must come to an end one day. We are given Life to Love, so that we may carry that love with us when we pass, and return to the cycle of reincarnation. It is hard to not feel regret. Nor pain, sorrow, hatred, or more.

But the beauty of life is in which we manage to overcome our fears, worries, anxieties; or our sorrows and hatred.
The ones we lose are yet still connected to us, and can yet be met once again - whether it be in the spirit realm, or in another life.

And sometimes, our own light blinds us." Commented Goddess of Life and Harmony, Azalea Aubreen.

 

"When the lifestream is endangered, or hurt, it endangers all. What would happen if it became so unstable, or so snuffed out in enough portions of this world?"

 

The Embrace of Life: Svengalf's Championing

---

Svengalf Sandsker, in a rite headed by Lady Azalea Aubreen, Goddess of Life and Harmony, was made into Alacritas' first ever Champion.

 

"I have helped with many endeavors too, such as helping to restore balance and harmony after the discord brought by Catildre. 

 

Or healing those affected by her blight. 

 

And as the world bleeds once more, I am not ready to take my retirement yet. 

 

I will continue to follow my convictions to bring solace for the living, and the world we all cherish together." Commented Svengalf Sandsker.

 

There was pumpkin pie provided.

 

As the ceremony went underway, Svengalf exposed new lotus-shaped irises, and many emerald wisps flew toward the crowd.

 

Rising Star: Alistar

---

Alistar wants to become a recruit so he can make the headlines and be like his Father.

 

"The world will see me for what I am!

 

A master swordsman and a hero!" Commented Alistar.

 

Alistar's favourite food is Butternut Squash. Alistar's favourite time of day is Night. Alistar's favourite activity is Rock Climbing with his Father.

 

"It started with me wanting to be like my dad."

 

"He was the best swordsman in our village!"

 

"He always told me, don't tell yourself you can't, you can." Continued Alistar.

[Dandeli]

 
A new BREAKING NEWS article hits The Quill, with an illustration of a dinosaur-like beast, captioned as a 'typical Tyrann.'

  

Threats to Meranthe: The Tenacious Tyrann

---

In the midst of the wilds, there is a growing threat: the strong, ferocious Tyrann who can rip through the flesh of multiple magi.

 

One such encounter with a Tyrann almost left me without my life, almost felling me despite it having have fought and successfully fended against a member of Gloomlight's militia beforehand.

 

A recent scene of the Tyrann's brutality almost left one of the Leafblades without their life.

 

Successfully tearing through the Lady Regent and two other magi, the Leafblade presumed it would be capable of defeating it in its weakened state.

 

Much to their dismay, they were defeated, which spurred the efforts of my interviewee to save him.

 

"Despite our occasional arguments, I care deeply for him; he serves my house well. Yet, he was caught off guard by the Dino-beast, torn apart and captured in its maw.

 

No one else could stop it. Every battle was a landslide; it seemed impossible. But I couldn’t just stand there and watch my Retainer be dragged away to a possible death. I screamed at the top of my lungs, 'NO!' and did what I had to do.

 

It was my most arduous battle to date, even more challenging than fighting the Commander or Captain. It had nearly defeated our Captain when it was weaker, which is terrifying to consider. Its full potential will be mortifying, its rate of growth is disturbing." 

A strong party of magi will be needed to deal with this ferocious threat to the continent.

  

It is of my belief, after fighting the Tyrann, that it may be controlled by both undead and Xarxes.
 
While yet to be confirmed, caution when travelling is advised.