Andhilki News

Updates, Stories and Rumours from around the lands of Andhilki.

[andhilkinews]

Crisis in Northbridge Orctown!!!

Jonathan LaRue Reporting for CNN Community Northbridge News

Special Report - Exclusive to Andhilki News

Recent reports coming out of Northbridge are suggesting that a major gang war is brewing.

Just recently it has been learned that a gang of halforcs originally thought to be the victims of “death by misadventure” were in fact the victims of a full blown gang war. Anonymous government sources reported that a prominent Half-orc gang leader known as Goudar or Gouda and most of his gang were annihilated by an obliviously more skilled and larger force yesterday in the seedy part of our fair town, disdainfully referred to as the half-orc quarter. Unnamed sources claim that a pitched battle lasting close to an hour with at least 10-20 combatants participating. At present, no one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Area residents remain tight lipped about any details pertaining to the attack.

"I never saw nuffin', now get outta my face!", was the response received by reporters on more than one occasion, as they probed the local populace while searching for witnesses.

City officials willing to talk on record were quick to dismiss such reports as ludicrous and nonsense. Furthermore they repeatedly deny any strife or crisis in this part of Northbridge.

"There are no indications that this was anything more than a normal event in that part of town. I mean, really - you know what they're like.", said one city official, on condition of anonymity.

Unsubstantiated reports allege that witnesses exist to the carnage. A young mother of stunning beauty with two small children in which one was described as “really, really ugly” are being sought by authorities.

Repeated requests for interviews with the Watch, Marquis and Mayor's offices have been politely declined (no reasons given).

 Posted with Blogsy

[andhilkinews]

House Is Haunted By Ghost Of Dwarven High Priest of St. Cuthbert

The Deepholm Dispatch

It's not often one gets to see the spirit of a dearly departed religious figure without dying first, but Korög Lagershard claims that's exactly what's happening.

The spirit of the recently deceased High Priest of St. Cuthbert in Deepholm has been spending time in the kitchen and den of bachelor Korög Lagershard of Negelshiem, a community on the northern border of Deepholm. Mr. Lagershard spends his days in the militia, guarding his community from incursions from the Blasted Lands, but instead of having peaceful evenings to himself, he's been repeated woken by a regular visitor.

"It all started after we sat and prayed for retribution against a merchant that had cheated us out of our share of the profits of a successful expedition to the south. We performed the ritual in our local chapel, and three days later, I was woken from my sleep by the wailing of the spirit.", he explained to this reporter.

To date, no one else has confirmed the reports, but neighbours have confirmed that there has been wailing and noises late at night. Since his untimely death earlier this year, rumours have travelled from Drawming to Haggothorpe that he was murdered. The Dwarven Council has yet to appoint a successor, and the faithful are more than a little perturbed by the current state of affairs.

Apparently, so is the former High Priest.

"He's right pissed off that they haven't appointed a new High Priest", reports Mr. Lagershard. "He told me that it's high time they promoted the next in line to the office, so that retribution could be delivered to the one that murdered 'im. He goes on about it every other time he shows up, ranting and spluttering about how the church needs to be faster, and complaining about the bureaucracy and politicking involved."

 Posted with Blogsy

[andhilkinews]

3 Teens Apprehended: Mayor Says No Goblins In Northbridge

Northbridge Examiner

Three Rivertown teens face charges after they allegedly wore disguises, brandished a knives and chased a man and two women in an early morning attack over the weekend.

Northbridge Militia say that a man and two women were walking along Rosegarden Road, near Riverside Lane on Marketday.

Police say the trio saw three male suspects gathered in an alleyway.

It is alleged that the suspects had their faces covered, one of whom, police say, wore “a goblin mask.” One of the suspects had a knife, and the others had shortswords.

The man and two women ran. Police say the suspects pursued them, until the victims made it to a nearby home.

The militia soon arrested the three suspects. Disguises and a knife were recovered.

The three suspects are male — ages 12, 14 and 15 — and each face charges of assault with a weapon, and disguise with intent to create panic. The Militia did not release the names of the assailants, but did emphasize that the reports of goblins wandering the streets of Northbridge were patently false.

Mayor Walter Harris, reached for comment, decried the reports of goblins in Northbridge, claiming "This is all a scheme to terrify the good people of this city through reports of goblin incursions into our fair city. I applaud the quick action of the militia in determining the real source of these false rumours. It was obviously the intent of the Sentinel to make our citizens lose faith in the militia. I have personally spoken to these three youths, and I am certain that they are nothing but bored youths. It is an indictment of the Sentinel, and their years-long campaign against myself that they were able to find such credulous witnesses to help them stir up trouble."

 Posted with Blogsy

[andhilkinews]

Couple menaced by large poisonous snake in their home. Authorities baffled.

Northbridge Examiner:

A Northbridge woman got a nasty scare in the middle of the night when she woke up to find a slithery intruder in her east-end dwelling.

The woman, named Donna, found a snake on her bathroom floor in the early morning.

She told authorities that she woke up at about 3 a.m. and thought that she saw something.

“When I went inside my bathroom… I saw a snake,” she said. “I'm panicking, I cry, I scream.”

She yelled at her husband to get out of bed when she came across the black and yellow reptile.

Her husband, named Gregory, said he thought his wife was seeing things, until he walked over to the bathroom to see for himself.

"I opened up the door, sure enough, there was this huge snake staring at me and hissing," he said.

George said he slammed the bathroom door and called the watch. Watchmen soon arrived, and the snake was contained in the room.

Local alchemist, Othar Whiteshale, arrived and deployed a calming potion to the snake by concealing it in a large rat. He has since taken the snake into his care. According to him, the beast is not local to the area, and he has no idea how it got there.

"It's not commonly found this far north. This species of snake is normally found in the southern parts, nearer to Kenderbriar. It's quite poisonous, and the couple are lucky that they could contain it in the room."

It is not yet known where the snake came from, or if it belongs to somebody who lives in the neighbourhood, near the Whitefish Inn. The inn's owner has done some initial canvassing to see if the owner of the snake is a visitor to the inn.

 Posted with Blogsy

[andhilkinews]

Goblins Hunting Children in Northbridge

Northbridge Sentinel: Local News

Earlier today goblins were seen on the street in broad daylight. Citizens are now demanding the city guard protect our children.

News spread fast from the business districts today, where locals Eldreth Wyse and Sonia Goodheart were shocked when they saw a Goblin. Dressed as a young boy, a chance gust of wind removed its hood revealing the hideous face beneath. The proprietor of The Maul and Walnut didn’t actually see any goblins, claiming he was busy serving an Elf and his party when the incident occurred. Publican Ormond added that there have been few visits from the Militia since the troubles started in the North. Others in the neighbourhood expressed horror that Goblins in disguise could be dragging off children to eat. An unconfirmed rumour said an Orc was also seen skulking in the area.

The city guard had no comment other than that they would “look into the stories in due course”. A spokesman for the Mayor’s office was unavailable for comment.

Amidst growing concerns for public safety, calls have been made for the Mayor to add more patrols. Many are wondering whether our hard earned tax coppers are going into yellow march instead of keeping boots on the streets.

- Lorelei Leafsister, reporter at large.

 Posted with Blogsy

[andhilkinews]

Hundreds Of Residents Flee Homes As Huge Fireballs Tear Through Alcohol Distillery

Careoth Journal Register: Western News

Terrified residents fled fireballs as an alcohol distillery went up in flames in Oldbury, in the Western Marches. More than 80 men battled flames as explosions can be heard rocking building. Only one injury was reported in aftermath of the giant blaze.

Today a huge blaze broke out at an alcohol distillery - sending flames and smoke billowing 300ft into the air. Hundreds of terrified residents fled from their homes as the huge inferno spread through Alcohols Ltd in Oldbury, shortly before 10am. More than 80 local men helped to fight the blaze, and eyewitnesses described hearing loud explosions as thick plumes of acrid smoke could be seen from more than 15 miles away.

A burn victim was taken to hospital after the fire.  Local officials confirmed that a man in his 20s was treated at the scene for burn injuries before being taken for treatment. A spokesman said a 100-yard cordon was put in place around the scene as crews attempted to contain the blaze. Meanwhile, residents in the immediate vicinity are being asked to keep windows shut as a precaution. Healers remain at the scene, continuing to work alongside the other emergency services.  The injured man was treated for burns to his hands and back, and given pain relief before being taken by carriage to a local cleric who specializes in treating burns. Residents - some clutching family pets - scrambled to safety as they tried to escape the path of the terrifying blaze.

 Incredibly, despite the ferocity of the blaze, just one man was taken to hospital after suffering burns to hands and back.

Oldbury residents quickly set up a bucket brigade at the scene of devastation as hundreds of residents were evacuated from nearby homes. 

Residents living nearby spoke of hearing a loud bang at the factory and fleeing their homes, with some still wearing pyjamas.

Mother-of-two Neelam Dass, 37, said: 'I heard a massive bang, I thought it was a wagon crashing into something, but when I looked out the window I saw the flames. 

'I grabbed my coat and shoes and ran out on to the street and knocked for my neighbours to make sure they had got out. It’s just so scary, we just ran.'

Tracey Benoist, 47, who lives next door to the factory, said: 'I was chatting with my neighbour, and I heard a massive bang. I ran up the stairs to look out my landing window.

'We grabbed my dog and ran down the street.'

 Robert Rockland, director of Alcohols Ltd, today confirmed there would be a lot of ethanol at the site of the fire.

He said: 'We are aware of a fire at one of our sites and emergency services are in attendance. 

'My senior colleagues are currently on their way to assess the situation. 

'Early indications are that all our staff are accounted for but it is still early days. 

'It is a dual purpose site, it is a gin distillery and we supply chemicals to a variety of distributors. 

'So there will be a lot of ethanol on site as well as a variety of other chemicals.' 

The chemical distribution company was formed in 155 and their head office is in Stortford.  They describe themselves as one of the best independent gin distillers in the kingdom, and say they use traditional copper pot stills which are over 100-years-old.

[andhilkinews]

Changes In The Tyonath Consiglio Delle Famiglie

Journal de Tyon: News

Changes are afoot in Tyon, as families jockey for position in the governing Consiglio Delle Famiglie.  Tyonath's appears to be heading toward gridlock, with the centre-left forces of the Montenari family moving toward victory in the Consiglio and the former ruling family of Angelo Dovemiso gaining the upper hand in the equally powerful trade commission. The upstart protest campaign of comic-turned-political agitator Beppe Uendinysi was also showing a stunningly strong result in both councils, confirming its surprise role as a force in Tyonathi politics.

    The unfolding murky result bodes poorly for the Tyonathi's willingness to endure more tough reforms the country needs to snuff out its economic crisis and tame nervous markets. After rising in the wake of news of the changes, optimism among Tyon's merchants dissipated with the revelations. If the results verify that the council is split, Tyonath could be headed to more inter-family strife in the coming months. The shuffle among the ruling families has been one of the most fluid in the last two decades thanks to the emergence of Uendinysi's movement, which has capitalized on a wave of merchant disgust with the ruling political class and harsh austerity measures imposed by incumbent autocrat Angelo Dovemiso.

    The decisions Tyonath's government makes over the next several months promise to have a deep impact on whether they can decisively stem their financial crisis. As the region's third-largest economy, its problems can rattle market confidence in the whole region and analysts have worried it could fall back into old habits. Under Tyonath's complex rules, the distribution of the Consiblio's seats depends largely on how the candidates do in Tyonath's regions, since the more populous regions, like Vrenidia, get a greater share of the seats. Whether the centre-left takes Vrenidia might well decide if the coalition could stitch together a coalition with a workable majority in the Senate, as well as in the lower Chamber of Deputies, where the regional factor doesn’t exist.

[andhilkinews]

Sinkholes In Rivertown Cause Traffic Diversions, Threaten Safety

Rivertown Tattler: Local News

Two streets are closed in Rivertown this morning, after the ground sank overnight.  Three people are hurt, and several buildings are damaged as a result of the collapsing soil.  While Rivertown officials say the sinkhole will be patched soon, but locals are tired of all the temporary fixes. 

The latest sinkhole has opened up on Giantsbane Street, right off Redwine Ave.  Mike Coopersmith said crews have been dealing with this sinkhole for a number of years, and now it's back open again. Crews worked to repair the problem three years ago, but this morning, they found another section of the street had caved in. 

"There are a lot of sinkholes in the area.  It has to do with the geology and the way water flows underground." Coopersmith explained.  "Now traffic remains diverted on a busy street and while theyre lucky they have the space for another lane, the surrounding businesses see it's direct affect." 

"The sinkholes have NOTHING to do with geography", said Reverend Allistair Reeves.  An expert on the local geography, the Reverend Reeves put the blame on local dwarves.  "The little buggers can't help but tunnel, and they've been undermining Rivertown for years.  They were the ones that built the original sewers, and who knows what other tunnelling was done down there.  I tell you, the entire CITY could fall into a sinkhole if nothing is done about this menace..."

Chris Decker, is the General Manager at 'Simons Furs', he says these sinkholes happen all the time.  "Every couple of months, couple years,  it opens up and we have to shut down our main entrance so they can patch it over again."  Even though the business can get large crowds coming to see the sinkholes, it's a burden on business. "How many times did they fix over the last three years? I actually have to say at least 5. Without hesitation at least 5."  Decker says. 

It also appears that something similar is happening near the Bull And Mattock tavern, where the ground has sunk substantially in the alleyway behind the tavern. Tyrone Dagostino told the Tattler that he thinks that the water used to douse the blaze in the kitchen may have soaked the ground sufficiently to cause the collapse near his business.  In contrast to the sinkhole on Giantsbane, this one is in the alleyway between two rows of buildings.  City engineers are checking to ensure that the buildings to either side of the 60 foot long hole are still stable enough for safety.  

City managers say they have a plan for more permanent fixes, but it's unclear when it will happen. 

Rivertown spokesman Mike Coopersmith says until they have money, the problem will be there. "Until we actually have a dedicated funding for an actual project to move ahead there this is that's where we are." Rivertown City Works officials say they are planning to patch these sinkholes on Monday after the spring storm blows through. 

[andhilkinews]

Fire Days in Rivertown

Rivertown Tattler: Local News 

    A hazy smoke lies over the dockyards this evening, caused by a small fire that broke out in a dockside warehouse in Southlock.  The fire, contained to a single warehouse, was quenched by passers by who quickly formed a bucket brigade and quenched the flames before they could spread.  The fire broke out at approximately 4pm today, when workers at the warehouse behind Wright's General Store and Mercantile smelled smoke.  The building quickly filled with the noxious gasses, driving the workers out into the spring sunshine.  Jeff Wright, owner of the business, told the Tattler that some cleaning supplies had caught fire, and were quickly extinguished.  Several witnesses told us that Mr. Wright had risked his own life to investigate the source of the blaze, heading into the smoke as soon as his employees reported it to him, before safely emerging from the black clouds.

    At almost the same time, the Bull and Mattock tavern had to be evacuated when a small kitchen fire filled the tavern with smoke.  The basement kitchen had been the scene of a similar fire three years ago that tragically led to the death of the then owner Scotty Cooper.  An investigation at that time determined that he'd been trapped in his office by the flames, and suffocated before the fire could be put out.  The new owner, Tyrone Dagostino, a recent immigrant from Tyonath, has since moved his office to the top floor, converting one of the rooms for let into a modern office.  A large crowd formed outside of the tavern, a favourite among the officers of the City Watch, as streams of grey smoke poured from the windows before the kitchen staff extinguished the flames.  Once the fire was safely drowned, the staff joined the throng outside, waiting for the building to be safe to enter.  No one was hurt in the conflagration, but a barrel of beer was broached to help extinguish the flames.  

    And a third fire was reported in Asplin's Millinery, scene of a bizarre confrontation earlier in the day.  Reports indicate that a large crowd of half-orcs, chasing someone, entered the shop, rampaged about, destroying several hats and assorted garments before exiting the rear of the building.  Both pursuers and pursued were apprehended by Lieutenant John Atkinson, and taken to the City Watch House for interviews.  The brave lieutenant apparently subdued the entire mob of half-orcs by himself, a feat unsurprising to those who regularly read the pages of The Rivertown Tattler.  He previously came to notice when he discovered and halted a major smuggling ring two years ago.  Two hours after the incident, a small fire broke out in the storerooms under the shop, and smoke filled the store, and spilled over into the neighbouring tobacconists' and jeweller's stores.  Joanne Asplin, spokesperson for the family, announced that the shop would be closed for a period of two weeks for cleaning and renovations after the fire.  The tobacconists' shop was minimally affected, but the jeweller was unavailable for comment.  

[andhilkinews]

J'hanoth Has Not Been Kind To Careoth's Big Mining Concerns.

Careoth Record: Business

The Ellwood Minerals today revealed that his mining company has posted a loss of 400,000 GP in the last year, or 4GP per share, with a hit of 200,000GP on its copper business amid higher costs at a Northern J'hanothi copper mine.

As Careoth Record’s Peter Jameson reports, that came just hours after Kenderbriar Mining Corporation late yesterday announced an impairment charge of 450,000GP on a project in Southern J'hanoth, also amid surging costs.

“Rising costs, poor capital allocation and the pursuit of production growth at any cost in the industry have led to declining equity valuations across the sector,” said Ellwood chief executive officer James Baldwin.

“The message is clear: the industry must chart a new path forward. Ellwood highlighted the need for change last year, and we are increasingly taking strong action and re-focusing our business based on the principle that returns will drive production, production will not drive returns.”

Ellwood Minerals is 55% owned by the Marquis of Ellwood.  Kenderbriar Mining Corporation is 75% owned by the Hugh Sumner, the Duke of Kenderbriar.  Neither noble could be reached for comment before this issue went to press.

[andhilkinews]

Found: One Horse, complete with tack, saddlebags, and food

Rivertown Tattler: Local News

In the end, the horse was lifted free with ropes, soggy but evidently unscathed. The Rivertown City Watch got the call shortly after 5:30 a.m. In a farmer’s field near the bank of the Holly River, a horse had been spied, trapped on the shore of the river.

“A person came across it,” a spokeswoman for the watch said. “It was believed it had been there all night.”

Either way, help was needed.

The Watch was summoned, and the organized several citizens from nearby dwellings. While they waited, several dwarves discussed the problem.  One suggested digging a tunnel to the edge of the river, and leading the horse to safety through it.  Another suggested cutting steps down the bank, and leading the horse that way.  A passing wizard offered to change the horse into something smaller, so that someone could be lowered down to retrieve it.  In the end, the dwarves fashioned a kind of sling, made of ropes, and began hoisting it out. Half an hour later the beast was walking free and the search began for the owner.  

Based upon the contents of the saddlebags, it appears that the owner is a young man, either human or half-elven, versed in the magical arts.  No signs of a struggle were found, and the watch is making enquiries at inns and taverns near the site.  

[andhilkinews]

Temple of Pelor lodges complaint with Marquis after vandals attack priceless religious artifact

Rivertown Tattler: Religion

The Resplendent Temple of the Divine Pelor today lodged a complaint of aggravated vandalism in the Marquis' Court.  It's alleged that a short, unpleasant worshipper of Vecna invaded the temple with destruction on his mind.  

"I had finished the evening rites", reported the Reverend Nathaniel Thomas, "and I was in the process of counselling some of my flock, when I heard the most ungodly noise from coming the chapel.  I returned to the chapel to find someone attempting to smash the stained glass portrait of St. Antoine of Riverrock.  The portrait - famous throughout Careoth for it's historical accuracy - was badly damaged in the attack, and I demand justice."

The attack left the window cracked and chipped, and the Reverend has contracted specialists to repair the damage.  No one seems to have seen the vandal clearly, as he was in the process of exiting the chapel at the same time as the Reverend was entering.  It appears that he slipped away into the crowd of evening worshippers.  

The Reverend has several ideas on who could have perpetrated the crime, including followers of Vecna, Nerull, or Hextor.  Unfortunately, no trace of the vandals was left behind at the scene of the attack.  The City Watch have been asked to begin an investigation, hoping to forestall the kind of sectarian violence that gripped Rivertown a decade ago.  

"Nobody wants to see a return to the faith-on-faith violence of the 240's", Captain Allen Briggs told us in an exclusive one-on-one interview, "It's not in anyone's best interest for open religious warfare to return, and I won't stand for it."  

"I've contacted the heads of each of the churches in town, and we're going to find out who committed this blasphemy, and make sure they are appropriately punished."

Representatives of the Church of Wee Jas cautioned against false accusations and jumping to conclusions.

The Church of St. Cuthbert called upon it's followers to both help identify the vandal, and to wreak holy vengeance upon him.

Clerics of Fharlangn refused to comment upon the incident, other than to urge everyone to put it behind them.

Clerics of Nerull and Vecna, whose religions have been outlawed in Rivertown, could not be reached for comment.

Authorities are on the lookout for a male, human or half-orc, between 3'6 and 5'4, heavyset, carrying a large axe, and covered in glass splinters.  If you spot this man, do not approach him, as he is considered armed and dangerous.  

[andhilkinews]

Legal FLAP resolved in Port Aden

Port Aden Observer: Court

In a court judgement that seemed to please everyone, a major land developer and landlord accused of illegally hunting when countless migrating birds were killed or injured when they crashed into the reflective, glass-sheathed towers in Port Aden was acquitted Monday on all charges.  

There was no doubt the birds were coming to grief, Justice Melvyn Green concluded in his keenly awaited ruling. But the owner, Carson Williams, has been diligent in rectifying the situation, the judge found, and the lawyer for the group that initiated the action was pleased with the outcome, calling it a landmark decision that will encourage other building owners to take similar remedial action. 

“I find that the prosecution has established the actus reus of two of the three offences charged but that the defendants have demonstrated that, in all the circumstances, they acted with due diligence and have thus discharged their burden,” Justice Green wrote. Lawyer Albert Cole, acting for Friends of Ornithology Society, a Careoth-based lobby group and law firm that brought a similar but unsuccessful action last year against the wizard Darius Whitetower, said he was content.

“The judge acquitted (Williams) based on the fact that he had taken all reasonable measures in the circumstances. This is, however, a significant legal precedent and we would call it a major victory, not a complete one. It means that other building owners now would be liable. The message is: The law requires you to address this.”

The solution currently being implemented entails placing a net on the side of the buildings, to catch the stunned birds as they fall from the sky.  As part of the settlement, Williams has agreed to donate all carcasses to a local project to feed the poor.

“The judgment today has certainly started to set up the future for this issue on a totally different plane than it was before.”

[andhilkinews]

Westfort Region CRAWLING with Giant Insects

Ravenbrook Examiner: News

Reports have reached us that a virtual insect invasion is going on in Westfort.  Several nests of ankhegs have been found near villages on the sunset side of Westfort, and the creatures are reportedly attacking villagers, travellers, and stock.

The Marquis Of Forrester has reportedly sent out a force of men to deal with them, but thus far, they have been ineffective.  Several soldiers have been killed during encounters with the giant insects, and the Marquis has been forced to send out a group of specialists to deal with the infestation.  While the extent of the infestation is unknown at this time, villagers are huddling inside their dwellings in fear of the giant insects.  

Ankhegs are normally found in the forests outside of the borders of the Kingdom, but this year, something seems to have driven them to the fertile lands around Westfort.  The orchards of Westfort provide some of the finest fruits and wood to much of the Kingdom.  The presence of the ankhegs has disrupted the normal spring planting, and officials in Westfort are apparently concerned for the long term effects on the region.  

[andhilkinews]

Elven Ship Lost at Sea. Survivors Rescued by Dragon's Crown

Careoth Record: Shipping News

The ship Dawn Portent out of Elezim Harbour was attacked on the open sea by a huge kraken, and sunk with great loss of life.  Survivors, picked up by the Careoth trading vessel Dragon's Crown, told of the attack before being returned to the port.  

Dawn Portent was three days out of Elezim Harbour, on her way to J'Hanoth, when the first signs of trouble became evident.  Massive waves began to batter the ship, although the weather was fine and fair.  The 15 foot swells were pushing the ship northeastward, off course, when the first tentacle came over the side of the ship.   

The ship's mage attacked the beast, using fire and lightning to attack the numerous tentacles, but it was no use.  Despite his prodigious skills, the hapless mage was plucked up from the deck, and crushed by several giant tentacles, before the ship itself was destroyed.  

 When they were picked up, the survivors all told of a ghastly green glow around the creature, which some are suggesting indicates eldritch influence on it.  Representatives of the court in Istyllin are saying little, olther than making observations that the creatures of the deep can oft-times mistake surface ships for large prey, and attack.  

[andhilkinews]

Local Artist Announces Plans To Leave Rivertown

Rivertown Chronicle: Court News

Local art lovers were devastated today at the announcement that famed local artist,  Gillian Welsh, has announced plans to move her studio to Kenderbriar. For years, Welsh has been complaining that the culture of Rivertown has been declining, and her decision to move to Kenderbriar is seen as a slap in the face to progressive elements in the city.  Over the past two decades, Welsh's paintings become popular in court circles.  

In announcing the move, Welsh once again criticized the ethnic make-up of the city, stating "Things have gotten so bad here that a woman cannot even shop for a hat without being accosted by dwarves and half-orcs.  I cannot work in a city where respectable, upstanding citizens can be nearly bowled over in a millinery shop by uncouth ruffians chasing thieves.."  

When reached for comment, Welsh's long-time partner and agent, Jonathan Redstone, said that his client "has been considering an offer from the Duke of Kenderbriar for some time, and she had reluctantly decided to accept.  She feels that she has done everything that she wants to in Holly, and it's time to move on."  Friends and acquaintances told us that she wants to focus her talents on telling the very human stories of the nobility of Careoth.  

Welsh's works include portraits of many members of the Marquis' court, including a particularly stunning portrait of our current Marquise and her two children.  Court gossip indicates that this is a stunning loss of face for the Marquis, and a brilliant coup by the Duke.

[andhilkinews]

Scandal in the Jeweller's Guild!

Rivertown Tattler: News

Officials of the Jeweller's Guild turned one of their senior members, treasurer Cedric Wood, over to the City Watch, along with a signed confession.  The obviously injured Wood was led, at the head of a near-mob of jewellers, apprentices and gemcutters, through the streets from the guild hall to the Watch House, in manacles and bleeding from several wounds.

Apparently, over the last several years, the sticky fingered jeweller regularly made substitutions of gold painted lead into the Guild's Strategic Raw Materials Reserve.  When confronted by the head of the Guild, Wood apparently denied all involvement, and resisted efforts to place him into custody.  Several senior guild members were injured in the ensuing fracas, and Wood was taken for interrogation.  After several hours of enthusiastic questioning by Guild Auditors, Wood admitted to his crimes, signing a confession despite an apparently broken hand.

The crime was discovered by accident, when new apprentice Brian Sharp got lost in the Guild Hall after being sent to retrieve materials for a training class.  Through an incredible series of coincidences, he was able to get into the room where the reserves were kept, and brought back the ersatz gold.  His master quickly determined the true nature of the material, found out where the lad had retrieved them from, and sounded the alarm to senior officials.  

They quickly began an investigation and determined that the only person that could have organized such a scheme was the treasurer. As a result of his confession, all of Wood's posessions and property have been seized by the guild to make restitution for the theft, and his wife and three children have been returned to her parent's home in shame.