The Black Bear Bulletin, 245 S.A.

[Sander 3312]

 

VOL. 1

EDITION. 2

Baruch & Kortrevich Publishing

 

Two Minas per Edition

Coming soon in Naumariav

 

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THE BLACK BEAR BULLETIN

Grense, Empire of Man

245 Second Age.

5 pages

 

 

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Written by: Charlie Baruch & Etienne Halcourt

Published by: B&K Publishing

 

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Pg. 1

THE MARCH TO NORLAND

The late King Haakon of Norland

A Norlandic artist’s portrayal, 245 S.A.

 

Three Saint’s days ago, sudden activity stirred the palace in Grense as the Imperial Guard sprang into formation. Shortly after this, the Emperor appeared to take his throne - a delegation from Numendil was coming for an unplanned meeting. As it turned out, a Numendilian prince had been insulted and robbed in an incident in Vjardengrad, Norland. The prince had been challenged to a duel, during which the High Keeper (the Norlandic pagan religious authority) showed up to steal the prince’s shield. The Adunians of Numendil, not the kind to ignore such a slight against one of their own, promptly set out for the court of the Emperor to demand his permission to right this wrong against the Empire’s pagan ally.

Such permission was granted, for Emperor Tiberias reasoned that the wellbeing and honor of his vassals precedes that of his allies, and thus an impromptu host that quickly swelled to a sizable army marched on Norland. Once there, they were received into the city upon declaring the purpose of this appearance and proceeded towards the throne of King Haakon. Here they were met by the King, the High Keeper as well as various Norlandic onlookers - the city still in tatters from the recent assault by the Mountain. The representatives from Numendil, as well as the Emperor and Crown Prince of the Empire stated their business plain and clear: hand back what was stolen and let the High Keeper answer for his transgression and all would be well. The High Keeper however threw up a fuss, his pagan zealotry clouding his mind from the kind of reason that would have made him choose the wellbeing of himself, his king and his country above the idiocy of greedfully holding onto stolen property. The High Keeper denied the Emperor’s reasonable request, and thus it fell onto King Haakon to cut the knot.

King Haakon, honourably, reasoned that the wellbeing and honor of his council member preceded that of his allies, and thus after several chances reluctantly gave a definitive denial of his allies’ demands. Both sides took to their arms and what followed was a chaotic battle where King Haakon and his men were outnumbered twenty to one as they tried to flee the city. Still, a hulk of a Norlandic warrior, King Haakon wounded pursuer after pursuer before he was eventually caught on the outskirts of the capital. He was brought before the Emperor who solemnly had his old ally executed, for such was the necessity of what the world had come to. But there would be no war, no crusade, upon Norland as some radicals had hoped for when they marched to Vjardengrad - this dispute would end with the deaths of the King and the High Keeper who condemned him, and that would be the end of it.   

 

Written by: Charlie Baruch

 

 

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Pg. 2

DISCUSSING THE CHURCH COUNCIL:
An Interview with Patriarch-Cardinal Alaric

 

Patriarch-Cardinal Alaric of Jorenus

With the Church Council set to take place next Saint’s Day, which will be a momentous occasion for the faith, we thought it might be good to get a deeper understanding of what’s at stake. For this reason we sought to interview a member of the curia. As it turns out, Patriarch-Cardinal Alaric, shepherd of Jorenus, was more than willing to answer some questions on the topic.

Could you give our readers a summary of what the upcoming Church council is about?
Everything really. From a reexamination of our Dogma, to a total overhaul of our organization, to likely a new Leadership within the Church.

 

What makes such an overhaul of the organization and leadership necessary and to what degree will the leadership change? The High Pontiff included?
It is difficult to speculate, but this council comes at a time when a large portion of the clergy disagrees with some of the recent actions of the Pontificate. Many were offended when the Throne of St. Daniel was burned, and Canonism was rejected. Sigismund’s status as a Prophet is at the core of a lot of these issues. It will be a central topic, I imagine.

Like you say, recent actions like the burning of the throne of St. Daniel or the proclamation of a second ‘high priest’ have rubbed many traditionalists the wrong way, with some going as far as to decry the Pontiff. Why did the Pontificate deem such actions necessary?
High Pontiff Harrentzedek and High Priest Carandir are staunch True Faithers. They believe the Canonist Church to be a machination, contrived on false beliefs, and built on incorrect doctrine and Dogma. They seek a return to the Temple of the True Faith, which was the Church in its original, ancient form. That was originally led by the Twin-High Priests, Evaristus and Clement. They believe Daniel the Reader (St. Daniel), to be a heretical man, as far as I understand. His throne therefore was an object in need of destruction.

The High Pontiff is famously a hardline Owynist and fierce denier of Sigismund as a prophet. Why does he not believe in Sigismund, and should we expect any compromise with the ‘pro-Sigismund’ faction to be possible at the Church council?
That is a better question to ask him, than I. I have never heard a convincing argument against Sigismund to this day. I think there must be a compromise, and that is what I will be seeking at the Council. It is the only way to prevent a Schism.

Considering you say a compromise must be reached, should such a compromise not be reached and the High Pontiff decry canonists to be heretics, would you support a Schism?
It is my utter and absolute last wish for a schism. But, I have believed in my doctrine, in Canonism, for 80 years. I have fought, bickered, and battled for Sigismundite ways, since I was merely Father Alaric. I won’t tolerate my faith and my rite being silenced, just as I would never seek to quell or trample the beliefs of the true faithers. Co-existence must be achieved. If there is no other path than to separate, then perhaps I shall. But not before I spend every last breath fighting for a united temple.

So the status quo as it was before High Pontiff Harrentzedek must be restored, in your view?
Before the War of Crown and Crozier, that is the time I wish to return to. Doctrinally. I’m well aware the world cannot return to its prior state, but I pray the Holy Mother Church can. 

 

Considering the High Pontiff seeks radical change in the form of a return to how the Church existed in its original ancient form, does this involve reverting reforms made since then, such as women being allowed to join the priesthood?
Many reforms are, and will be rolled back. I doubt any action will be taken against women in the clergy, no.

Isn't that hypocritical? Why revert one reform but not the other?
The reform is too popular.

So the Church's doctrine depends on popularity? But the High Pontiff's recent changes are decidedly unpopular among many canonists.
Some changes are so adored and beloved, even those who would try to unwind them would be met with fierce, unified opposition. Not even the Pontifical Curia was willing to rollback this change. Cardinal James expressly forbade Acolytes from writing against the policy, for instance. And the good cardinal is a dear supporter of Harrentzedek in most matters.

Alright, as a final question for our readers. Should the High Pontiff say believing Sigismund is Exalted is heresy, does that make you and any fellow believing readers heretics?
In name, perhaps. But, the Lord is the only one who can truly name a man a heretic; and all devout canonists who believe in the Lord’s truth, even if they find themselves disagreeing over some things, should they practice virtue, shall be received into the skies. The High Pontiff’s opinion on the matter is certainly relevant. But there is opinion, and there is truth. And I believe no Sigismundite to be heretical. No opinion from anyone shall persuade me otherwise.

 

Written by: Charlie Baruch

 

 

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Pg. 3

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Pg. 4

THE BUTCHER OF ALBA
When Will The Killing Stop?

 

The midnight streets of Alba, an artist’s rendition.

 

For some time now a serial killer has been making the streets of Alba and its surroundings unsafe. Going around murdering people, sometimes even several at a time before disappearing again with no trace, this murdered goes by the name “The Butcher of Alba”. Many in Alba and the surroundings are scared for their lives and rightfully so. However not everyone has yet heard of the Butcher of Alba, worryingly enough. So here a detailed overview of everything that we know so far: 

 

Who or what is the Butcher of Alba? The Butcher of Alba is a serial killer that has been on the loose in recent years in the Archduchy of Alba and its surroundings. We know nothing of who he is nor what he looks like. We do know that he gave himself the Moniker of the “Butcher of Alba”, and most likely takes some sort of pride in his handywork as he even manages to send others in his place to announce his return. It is the typical image of a serial killer as he definitely seeks the attention and must show his deeds to the world. 

 

Who are his victims? To this date the Butcher has killed a total of 6 people. There does not seem to be a particular pattern with his murder victims, as peoples from all walks of life have been killed. From simple citizens like a peasant named Gort over to Captains of the Guard like William Spencer, it seems that no one is safe from this killer.
 

What's the stand of the investigation? As it stands the guards have not communicated much on their investigation. We are scheduled to have an interview with the Lord Marshal of Alba to bring you more news on the matter. Some concerned citizens are complaining about the lack of presence of the guards in the city however, or asking why the city gates are still wide open while a serial killer is about. Yet on the other hand the guards do try their best to keep the citizens safe, getting immediately into action when danger arises. A good example is the two murders that took place during the local Comedy Night. Guards secured the whole area while looking for the Butcher, allowing citizens to continue their evening in safety 

 

What can we do? First of all everyone who reads this article is encouraged to share it! Share it with your family, your friends or your colleagues to spread awareness! The more people are aware of this serial killer the safer we are. At this time it is still easy for the killer to find unsuspecting victims, who have not heard of the Butcher of Alba yet! However if we share this knowledge we can ensure everyone will be on their guard. During those uneasy nights where murders took place, we have often heard the talk of hiring private security or guards for those that can afford it. We simply recommend trying not to walk alone at night, walk in pairs, or best avoid any empty areas! And lastly of course if you have any information about the Butcher, please come forward to help the investigation of the guards.

 

Written by: Etienne Halcourt

 

 

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Pg. 5

THE CURIOUS CASE OF KRASIMIR THE TRAITOR

 

The slippery traitor is cut down outside Grense, a woodcut.

 

When Imperial troops marched out towards Norland, there was one among the Imperial Guard who refused to take up arms against the men who had wronged a vassal of the Empire. This was Krasimir, a lowly peasant who while seeking military service did not want to take orders. He did not listen to the orders of his superiors out of a feeling of camaraderie with the pagans who were damned by the High Keeper’s misdeeds. For this, he was ordered to be arrested once back in Grense to receive a punishment for disobedience. However it then turned out that Krasimir had fully turned traitorous, slandering the Empire to all who would listen. He insulted his brothers in arms, spoke ill of his superiors including the Emperor himself!

Krasimir was soon arrested again, now on charges of treason. When he was brought before the Reiksmarshal and his fellow guardsmen he was given a chance to renounce his treason and get a lighter punishment. Instead the snake Krasimir doubled down, insulting his brothers in arms and the Empire again, right to their faces. This sealed the traitor’s fate - execution would befall him. When the Reiksmarshal asked if he had any last words however, Krasimir somehow, against all odds - we still don’t understand how - wrestled his way out of his binds, threw coal dust in the eyes of his brothers and made a run for it. He somehow got past several other guards and knights and made it out of the barracks. He was chased down the streets of Grense but managed to hide somewhere, disappearing.

This snake was as stupid as he was slippery however, as he thought it wise to show himself again the next day, continuing on his spree of slandering the Empire and its men - even gaining some supporters among the foreign sods who wander the heartland’s roads. It was however just outside Grense that the traitorous Krasimir would finally have to answer for his crimes. On the road to Alba, he was surrounded by Imperial knights and guards and justice persevered as he was unceremoniously cut down then and there, having spoiled his right to last words or any honor to speak of.

 

Written by: Charlie Baruch

 

 

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This concludes this edition of the Black Bear Bulletin. We hope to bring you our next edition by the end of next year.  

 

[PrinceTheDM 275]

Elijah read the missive, a grave expression on his face. "You're doing good work Charlie, the people need to know what's going on."

[Sonybut7 530]

A Nord reads the missive, a shake of his head before he tossed it into the flame. "You are doing bad work Charlie, it is a dishonor for you to lie to your people. The truth will be found, and the people will learn the Devil's that call themselves guided by God."

[PanicZealot 648]

Finally, a good forum posted RP newspaper +1

[Calise11 841]

Spoiler

This is such an amazing format for roleplay News paper. Abouslately love it. Major respect for the time it must of taken you to write this. 

A young blonde would squint as she read the 'news', her knuckles blanching with every minute that she entertained the paper "Truth... Once stretched beyond its bounds, it can become but deceit in verse. So sweet to the ear... Yet bitter to the soul. Of course... Now they only realise what they have done." She sighed, shaking her head, "May your lies be the lullaby that grants sounder sleep," And so the paper would not go to waste. Flame licked up as she used the paper now for kindling a flame to bring a pot of soup to heat, which would be cooked for the children left behind from that dreadful day. 

Edited August 8, 2025 by Calise11