Meanwhile, in the south, a new power has arisen in Valgaris. Christopher Kane, a man who had fled from Mercadia after seemingly going on a killing spree of Edana’s guards, has declared himself Grand Emperor and taken the throne of Valgaris from the absent D’Neri family. Bolstered by converts from the Mercadian guard, the Emperor has established a firm grip on the southern lands.

Emperor Christopher had managed to calm tensions with a story about how the guards of Edana had attempted to murder him due to him speaking ill of the division of Blackwatch and Mercadia, but not all seem to believe his tale. Still, it begs the question, why would a man who stood accused of murdering guards in Edana have many of the very same cities guards join him in Valgaris?

The Emperor is swift in his reforms, cleansing the crime ridden city of criminals by enacting new laws and harsh punishments. Bodies of criminals are chained to posts along the path to Valgaris as a warning to citizens and visitors alike that Valgaris will not tolerate crime.

The city of Valgaris has seemingly embraced their new leader, who has managed to make needed repairs to the cities infastructure and economy, as well as bolster the guard ranks. Morale is high in Valgaris as the citizens stand firm and united. The Emperor has been seen often in the company of Dame Lia Dunharrow of Mercadia. Dame Lia has also been given the title of Advisor of Foreign affairs, but rumors circulate that there is more to the two’s relationship than meets the eye.

The races of Drow and Orc also stand behind Valgaris, as the Emperor has embraced the long standing Valgarian tradition of allowing all races entrance to Valgaris, much to the discouragement of many other races and cities. Blackwatch, especially, has been opposed, having been reported to the Emperor that they refer to Valgaris as a “bastion of darkness”.

Because of this, tensions have arisen between the nation of Valgaris and the nation of Blackwatch after a meeting between the Emperor and King Talon De Thari. Both sides prepare their troops for war, stating they will not start it but will indeed finish it. Will tensions escalate further and fling the continent into a war?

 

Photos by rusty001, Lindsay Archer and Chris Becker

Meet Lancaeriel the elf

 

This 6′ tall elf is  long limbed, with delicate, expressive hands. Sable hair past her shoulders is often tied in intricate braids and decorated with gems, shells and beads. Large, daring, cobalt eyes peer intently at anyone approaching. Her voice is smokey, with a silvery laugh. She smells of a glistening, moonlit night along a coastal waterfront.

Find more Teiravon character descriptions here and add yours!

Mercadia

In light of the split with Blackwatch and military defections to Valgaris, Mercadia seems to be attempting to foster peace between the other human nations. With the Mercadian throne remaining unclaimed, the current leadership has begun to make subtle but noticeable changes to the government. Noble titles are missing from a current list of government and military positions. A system has been put in place for the council to continue, by election, should no monarch arise. There is rumor of a new place of worship coming for those of Kinarugian and Kamalinian faith. Additionally, the castle remains empty except for guardsmen but there is rumor that a large scale project will soon be underway involving the building that has so long stood as home of the Mercadian government.

Blackwatch

Much has changed in Blackwatch as of late; turbulent as the Kingdom of Mercadia has been. With the untimely death of Queen Adele, the northern Duchy of Blackwatch has declared their independence and made several changes to their government. With independence, an era of change is occurring, and the newly appointed Chancellor of State, Helena Pembrooke has announced the coming coronation of Talon de Thari and Kathryn de Thari as King and Queen respectively. The newly minted country of Blackwatch is governed by their coming monarchs, as well as a body of state named the Curia Regis, and it is rumoured that the Kingdom is searching for able-bodied troops to bolster their ranks and administration. The Kingdom’s claim of independence was received well by Mercadian Steward Grant Jackson, and the two factions remain friendly.

Event Spotlight

Several posters are hung around Oakvale’s public buildings. Blackwatch couriers, bearing the colors and uniform of their sworn kingdom, are sent far across the lands to hand deliver carefully written and sealed invitations to various heads of state.

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As always, remember to vote, the links are on the right!

Thank you Greydale and DKayro for the update!

As always, remember to vote, the links are on the right!

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Current News

The North:

In the cold, harsh lands of the north, after the ascension of the House de Thari as rulers of Blackwatch, a period of growth and strength was ushered in for the parish. The Duke and Duchess formed the Green Cloaks and a Town Watch for Oakvale. The Green Cloaks are easily distinguished by the cloth they wear around their shoulders, and are all sworn men and women to the throne of Blackwatch.

The Duke and his bannermen collaborated with the government and crown of Mercadia in order to plan an expansion to the township of Oakvale. Said expansion was completed recently, and rumours say that the Duke plans to appoint a Baron and/or Baroness of Oakvale, though he has yet to pick whom shall hold this position. Unfortunately, tragedy has struck the lands. After the Duchy of Blackwatch announced the Duchess’ pregnancy, she recently gave birth to a healthy son, though, dreadfully, passed while giving birth. It is said that the Duke received the news and appropriately wept, donning black to signify his mourning, urging his citizens and compatriots to do the same. The Duchess is to be buried in the de Thari family crypts in Edana.

With the expansion in place, new housing is available in Oakvale to those that hope to settle in the hard lands of the northmen, and the Duke urges all those interested to appear before him in court. It is rumoured that he plans to make his fief of Oakvale thrive, and host regular jousts and other tournaments. He seeks for his gentry to grow in numbers, and there are ample opportunity to be found

(Contact Greydale on IRC, or make an appearance at Blackwatch Keep IG!)

 

Edana:

In recent times, has cleared many crypts filled with undead, due to the efforts of the Lord Commander of the guard, zealous Sir Grant Jackson, and the undead slayer, Duke Talon of Blackwatch. Their just Kingdom seeks periods of peace and prosperity, but also growth. In light of this, the city of Edana has expanded, and long stretches of land have been turned into fields of grain and other important resources for the Kingdom of Mercadia.

The heir to the crown of the Kingdom, Daryn Dunharrow, is said to be under the tutelage of the Duke of Blackwatch, a Kingmaker in his own right. Daryn, first of his name, is said to be both strong and tall, not to mention caring for his people and their best interests. The citizens of Mercadia are said to be both hopeful that he will live up to his namesake, and positive to his recent appearances.

The Mercadian Kingdom mourns the loss of the Duchess of Blackwatch. The Queen Adele the First has been seen wearing black to show her respect, and mourning.

 

The South

Word has quickly spread throughout the lands, heralding the arrival of Victor d’Neri and a small band of soldiers from the North. People say that Victor has arrived in Valgaris after receiving notice that his cousin, Nicholas, survived the gruesome attack on the d’Neri family and has now returned to Teiravon to take control of the Empire of Valgaris. Some who have seen Victor thus far say he is
a terrible, hulking beast of a man who dresses in black armor, with a large black axe strung across his back, its blades in the shape of the wings of a bird.

The d’Neri family has also made quite a splash in the south as of late, with Benjamin d’Neri being named the Grand Duke of Wolfsmouth, putting him in control of one of the most luxury locations on the continent. Offering a casino, wine house, and… house of pleasure… it is sure that Wolfsmouth will be able to please any who bring the right amount of coin along with them. With the d’Neri family
securing their place in the South, it is clear that they are seeking to firmly engrain their position.

 

Rumors

While all of this goes on, rumors begin to spread that a war may be on the brink between the Kingdom of Mercadia and the Empire of Valgaris. So, too, do the people talk about happenings of the Queen of Valgaris aiding the liche Keldueth Septre, the powerful necromancer who has come back to the lands with unknown motives. Is she truly trying to empower the Undead to return in masse to the lands?

This is hardly known, but the secrets of Teiravon remain. Word is that the plans to liberate and aid Ka’Mella have been cancelled due to the political conflict that rose with the Empire of Valgaris

 

Thank you Greydale and Don for this update!

 

 

In these peaceful times…

– A multitude of power changes have shifted throughout Valgaris. From the Dunharrow family’s unseating to be claimed by Volgrin, then to be ushered out and claimed rather quickly by Amun. His untimely death left the city without a leader. The one to step up to the throne, curiously enough, was Nicholas d’Neri. However, he holds the throne as King Regant, paying respects only to the former late King Ethan Dunharrow. It is only now, finally, that the war is over.

– With that being said, it is with great pride that the Valgarians re-open their ever famous and renowned Valgarian Battle League. Details can be found for the grand re-opening event here: Valgarian Battle League Event

– It appears that Valgaris has much going for them even after such dark times. The attractions in Wolfsmouth have been opened. They feature a casino, a winehouse, and a grand bath house that bolsters fantastical entertainment and dining. The Chained Martlet is what this wondrous place of posh entertainment is called, and it is a gathering grounds for those that know true wealth and political intrigue. A trading place of not just goods, but information, makes it lively as well as beautifully dangerous territory.

– With heavy hearts, the Dunharrow family have procured the body of the late King Ethan Dunharrow. The old warrior and king, the shield of Valgaris, has left the realm. There are as many heartsick by this news as there are relieved. The late king was a force to reckon with, just as his brother. Their tales will never be forgotten.

– On another note, the building of Wolfsmouth went entirely uninterrupted by the wildfolk. This was found to be rather curious, given how close the small duchy is to the more wild parts of the land. Valgaris is far more familiar with the wildfolk than the rest of the world is, and they were prepared for altercations with them as they cut down trees and built rather close to their long understood sacred territories. It is left to questioning amongst the people as to why nothing took place. There is a rather pointed silence, and villagers suspect that the wildfolk have moved on or otherwise disappeared. Many of the farmers are relieved by this. Some believe that their return may arrive with their wrath in the form of old wild magics. However, one thing is for certain. Sightings of the wildfolk have dwindled to nothing, and there is a respective quiet since King Ethan’s fall that feels more eerie than it does a relief.

– Quite the opposite is the building of the orc folk. They have made the long haunted pass of Amaresh their new home. Structures have sprouted up in the often tread passage way. It is now a place that most travelers avoid. Traffic by sea has increased astronomically, according to many fishermen. Many feel it best to simply avoid the orcs and their brutish ways altogether, than to risk foot travel through their newfound territory.

– Sightings of the ice kin have increased, though to what ends, the people cannot say. Long have they become myth. Yet, their very real sightings ensure that they, indeed, are not just a bedtime story. In the tales it is often told that they held alliances with the dark elves. With their sightings proving them to be very real, it may also be believed that this is a coming warning of the dark elves’ return as well.

– More terrifying to believe is the return of Vucarik. It is merely rumor at the time being, but rumor is enough to send most locking their doors and warding their walls. The Demon Prince, if truly he has returned, can mean nothing well for the people of Teiravon.

~RP Post Spotlight~There were so many fantastic stories to choose from this time around. It was rather difficult to choose. Keep updating your stories and you may well yet find yours up here!

– An Unburied Past
In this story here we see a young man who has been captured! For what reason? And what is this young man’s story? It appears a man sinister enough to dispose of his own wife and children intends to take revenge on the poor fellow. Follow Edric’s story as he endures.