The Flagship [Vol 5]

[VonEbs 1224]

The Flagship

Vol. V (5/25/31)

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Contents:

Lines Drawn in Leaves

Champions of the Trees: A sit down with Arch Druid Arum

Resignations Wrack Malinor

Orcs Clash with Templars

Analysis of the Recent Treaty with Oren

Iron Prices Rising Steadily

Kal’Halla Withdrawal

From Regent to High Lord

New Bookshop in Kingston

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Lines Drawn in Leaves

 

Due to the recent proclamations by and treaty between Oren and the City-State of Malinor, the Mali’Thill of Haelun’or have been formally recognized as an independent nation by the Holy Oren Empire. Emboldened by this, and drawings of maps provided by humans, the Mali’Thill have expanded their territory beyond their walls, claiming areas that were previously forest owned by Malinor. This went mostly unnoticed until the druids discovered the deforested areas, and planted trees in order to restore it to its previous natural state. In response, the Mali’Thill cut down the trees, and when the druids tried to confront them, simply ignored them. Since the initial incident, the druids and Mali’Thill have engaged in a struggle over the land, with the druids claiming that the Mali’Thill are defiling the land, abandoning their elven heritage, and have taken to calling the Mali’Thill human elves. As onlookers watched, horrified, the Mali’Thill have repeatedly assaulted druids as they tried to grow trees. Silir, Kalenz, and Delonna have all been seen attacking mostly peaceful druids, who were protesting by growing vast numbers of trees both outside and within Lin’everal.

 

Below this article, I have transcribed an interview with Arch Druid Arum of the Druidic order and his take on what happened. When I asked for a comment by the High Council of the City-State, Embehard said “Rather sad to see what is ‘as all come to... I was on the council that managed to get us two unified. Hell, its still on the Council application, it asks ‘What is your opinion on the unification of Mali?’’ and when asked what the Council was doing to end the conflict peacefully, he said, “Well, we ‘ave course been collaborating heavily with the druids... I do believe they plan a future moot on the subject, and I ‘ave also been getting our foot in the door with Healun’or.” None of the rulers of Haelun’or were available for comment.

 

The implications of this conflict are dire, as Kalenz Uradir, who serves as Sohaer of Haelun’or, has repeatedly threatened to go to Emperor Horen in response to violations of the borders he claimed were set by Horen himself. This relatively small conflict could quickly blossom to a regional conflict, and jeapardize the fragile peace with the Holy Oren Empire. Currently, it does not look like either side, the druids or the Mali’Thill, will be backing down from this line in the leaves.

 

~Ebs

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Champions of the Trees: A sit down with Arch Druid Arum

 

Editor Ebs Telrunya met with Arch Druid Arum in Lenfarthing to hear what he had to say, as a leaqder of the druids, about the current conflict with Haelun’or. The interview is transcribed below.

 

Arum: So, what is it you wish to speak of, brother through the Mali blood?

Ebs: Well, I do not yet know much on this matter, so I would appreciate it if you could provide some background on the current disagreement between Haelun’or and the Druids?

Arum: Well... what is there to say? I suppose, the simple fact is, the High Elves hate trees. *chuckles and sighs* How did this entire fiasco start...? It started as soon as us Mali found these forests. Indeed a great forest was the indigenous inhabitant of the Human Elf City. They chopped it down, with their cold hearts... but t’was not why we attacked with our trees.

Ebs: Pardon me for interrupting... “Human Elves?”:

Arum: Yes, yes! Only a Valah would hate trees. No Mali does such a thing.

Ebs: I see.

Arum: They must not be of true Malin blood, but true Human Elven blood. Therefore, I, alongside my brothers, have given them their true names as Human Elves.

Ebs: You are implying that somewhere along the line, the “pure” Mali’Aheral mixed with humans?

Arum: Who knows..? All I know is that anyone who claims to be a pure Elf would not hate trees.

Ebs: I see. So, could you describe in some detail what has happened, and what your response has been? Specifically events in this past elven week?

Arum: I believe... I believe it started with the Sunshine Brother. Mister Verden. I forget the reason... I believe he was studying his knack for herbs. He traveled to the Human Elven city, whose impenetrable gates must have been left wide open, to get a glance at their library on the subject. He was forcibly kicked out of the city, as one would come to expect the Human Elves to do. While he was picking himself up, he discovered that a great field of flowers had been planted.

Ebs: I see.

Arum: As I said, the land was originally a forest. These flowers being over bred and placed in this valley was cruel unto them. Truly a crime against nature. In retalliation, after Verdun has spoken with us, we decided to restore the valley with a few of it’s true inhabitants.

Ebs: I see.

Arum: Once we did so, the high elves cut the trees down, only for us to find their(the trees) dead bodies a few days later. Once we saw this, we did the same thing again, except with a warning this time. They were to either keep the trees, or we would grow them again twicefold. The first time we planted six, second time twelve, third time twenty four. The third time is the time I believe you were present.

Ebs: Indeed.

Arum: I hardly witnessed the event as well, but I believe one of our druids, Elphaba the Ash Druid’s Orcish blood got the better part of her when the Human elves began insulting her. She went into a rage, not hurting anyone, but threatening to. I believe you saw the rest of that event.

Ebs: It seemed as if the Mali’Thill were using quite a bit of force in response. I saw several daggers flying through the air.

Arum: Indeed. It is quite a peaceful movement by us druids. We only wish for a few trees to be littered in the valley in front of their city... It is only brought upon themselves that such force is being taken.

Ebs: I believe, perhaps, that this might blow into something much greater than just the druids and Mali’Thill.

Arum: If they continue, that entire valley will be overrun with trees.

Ebs: Has Kalenz not threatened to go to Horen to file a complaint?

Arum: As soon as he does, I’ll be sure to grow a tree up his ass.

Ebs: Also, before I go, I have heard that the druids were not consulted on the signing of this recent alliance with Oren. And I use the term alliance loosely. I would much rather call it a surrender.

Arum: Our two members on the High Council did not even have a say in the matter. Calling it a surrender is nay (nothing) but the truth.

Ebs: I can sympathize. I take it the druids are not pleased with this?

Arum: No, we are not pleased one bit.

Ebs: Well, if you have nothing else to say llir... that is all I have for you.

 

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Resignations Wrack Malinor

 

Very few expected the departure of Avern’len and Elorna from the Councils of the City-State. Elorna, who entered the council as the head scribe many years ago, worked her way up to MaliAme steward, and then finally to the only steward. To say that no one has a harsh word to say about Elorna would be an understatement. She was loved by the people of Malinor, and was always willing to help any Mali that required assistance. Avern’len, on the other hand, had very little to do with Malinor until recently, and one of his first acts as Prince was to vote for the Treaty that destroyed the Princedom. One elf who was asked his opinion on Avern’len’s departure simply replied, “Good riddance.” Neither Avern’len nor Elorna could be reached for comment, and the Council of the City-State of Malinor was unwilling to say anything on the matter. Also, Meta Soloray disappeared from Malinor unexpectedly about two years ago, and a new Treasurer was just appointed, Xalarium. He is currently attempting to tax the people of Malinor, who have little money and less confidence in the competency of the treasury after the disaster brought on by the Malins system.

 

~Ebs

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Orcs Clash with Templars

 

In a fit of of what seemed like temporary madness, Editor Ebs Telrunya accompanied an Orcish War Band in an assault on a fortress that appeared almost out of thin air in the Orcish badlands. After rallying at the fort of Clan Lur, located near where a group known as the Templars had hastily set up camp, numbering about fifteen, the orcs attempted to overwhelm the defenses of the fortress, and after causing losses among the enemy, were on the verge of victory. However, Wargoth Shar’ku Gorkil, Wulgehn Lur, and Nux Gorkil were killed in an ill conceived charge against the main body of Templars. Soon afterwards, a detachment of what I was told were the White Roses arrived and reinforced the position, and the orcs, after launching several feints, eventually withdrew when they discovered more Orenians were flooding into the Bad Lands. It seems, though these Templars are not sanctioned by Emperor Horen V, they are receiving considerable assistance from Oren. I do not know what the intentions of the Templars are in the Orcish Badlands, though if the Orcs cannot dislodge them, I foresee trouble for the Orcs in the future with a human citadel so close to San’Orka.

 

~Ebs

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Analysis of the Recent Treaty with Oren

 

This is the list of the terms of the treaty made public by the Holy Oren Empire. Below each is the points, followed by the writer's reaction or thoughts on it.

 

The Holy Oren Empire

 

1-  The Holy Empire is to protect and maintain the independence of the city-state from all forces.

 

The only forces that were threatening the independence of the Princedom were in fact Orenian in origin, lead by the Emperor himself.

 

2- The Holy Empire, shall also have officers that supply and train the City-State’s Military.

 

As far as supplying, there have been no shipments of supplies, nor has there been any training provided for the Highguard, who are currently plagued by several defections and inactivity, with their numbers shrinking daily.

 

3- The Holy Empire, shall not restrict, the travel or trade of The City-States People to it or from it.

 

They have in the past, if things were to happen, what would stop them from closing off the Thersist Checkpoint? Nothing, nothing at all.

 

4- The Holy Empire, shall in time when need be supply lands opening them up for future projects for the City States prosperity.

 

This is quite vague. What does this mean? It could mean that Oren could build forts within the lands of Malinor in the name of "prosperity."

 

5- The City-State of Malinor shall still hold ownership over, Darkhaven and future settlements as well, that are south of the river. Future settlements shall be created with the agreement between the City State and the Empire.

 

Firstly, Darkhaven is not exactly under the control of Malinor at this point. Also, if we would have the numbers to create a new settlement, why would we need to discuss it with Oren if it is OUR land?

 

6- Prince Avern’len San’taeleh shall be placed within the Emperor’s court. In the efforts to maintain steady and firm lines of communication between the two peoples.

 

More like a hostage, one we were too happy to give up. Unfortunately, he has already left the High Council of the City State.

 

7- Citizens of Oren shall be welcomed with open arms, should their intentions be of a peaceful end. Those that do not comply with Malinor’s laws, threaten or kill any citizens within the borders of the City State of Malinor, shall be dealt with as a criminal would if found guilty. Regardless of social standing.

 

Who will enforce this? Will Orenian Sheriffs be installed in Malinor to make certain real criminals are brought to justice?

 

The City State Of Malinor

 

1-  Malinor Cede's all land south of the Elven river to the Holy Empire of Oren, in the interest of unhampered patrols and overwatch and the protection of such large land.

 

We ceded much of our land, about half, without a fight so that they could protect it? It seems like just plain greediness to me.

 

2- Malinor shall be referred to as the City State of Malinor, instead of the The Princedom of Malinor, establishing it under the military protection of the Empire.

 

We cannot even use the name used for over a millenia, the name of the nation which hundreds of Mali have fought and died for. The Princedom as it was is truly dead.

 

3- Malinor will maintain its own governance, with an ambassador/representative of Oren placed within the High Council. In the efforts to maintain steady and firm lines of communication between the two peoples.

 

A human representative on what is left of the High Council? What powers would he have? Could he veto anything the Council tried to do? Too much ambiguity for my taste.

 

4- The Citizens of The City State of Malinor are welcome within the lands of Oren, to be treated as class B citizens (Non-nobles) and free from undue harm, harassment, or questioning. Should they commit a crime they shall be tried in accordance with the law as any citizen of Oren would be.

 

So, now, by default, all of Malinor are citizens of the Empire? That means we are subject to the Emperor, which essentially means Malinor and the elves were annexed outright, with Malinor and her people be incorporated into the Holy Oren Empire.

 

5. Trade between The City State of Malinor and other lands in Oren shall not be restricted.

 

It was not before, under the Dalroi Non Aggression Pact, which was blatantly and purposely broken by Emperor Horen V before the time had elapsed to renew it. What is to stop him from breaking this treaty, which put Malinor in a much worse position that the previous one? Malinor is now adamantly tied to Oren as the junior partner in an all-encompassing alliance, the terms of which Oren can change at any point with little to no say by the elves themselves. This grants Oren sweeping powers over Malinor and the elves. It is useless to keep up the charade that Malinor is independent, it is the exact opposite, it is now dependent upon the Empire. In many’s opinion, when the High Council of Malinor agreed to this Treaty, it was as good as total and unconditional surrender, and whatever is left of the High Council of the City-State are no longer the heirs to Malin. The Druids were not even granted a say on the matter, as the treaty was pushed through without any consultation of the druids sitting on the High Council. Many elves are angry, and justifiably so, as their government has apparently completely failed them. The High Council of the City-State is not much more than the puppet of Emperor Horen, and the Mali that have not yet fled now have to deal with the consequences of generations of failures by various High Councils of Malinor, all which have lead to this point. I expect not too far in the future, there will be a reckoning, and those that supported this treaty will not be pleased with the results.

 

~Ebs

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Iron Prices Rising Steadily

 

 

After a recent storm delayed iron shipments to Kingston in the Kingdom of Salvus, a run on the iron stalls occured in Malinor, leading to almost all iron in Anthos being purchased in a shot amount of time. Afterwards, the price iron rose from 25 minas to 28, and has settled at 30 minas an ingot. This is a 50% rise in price since Toveah Goldman died about two elven years ago. The current price of iron is stable, but it is likely to increase if a major war breaks out and no new source of iron is discovered in Anthos.

 

~Ebs

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Kal’Halla Withdrawal

 

In a somewhat surprising move, the dwarves Hold of Kal’Halla is withdrawing from the wilds, moving its inhabitants and flourishing economy to continental Urguan. It will be refounded as Kal’Karin by Indago Stormhammer. The withdrawal of Kal’Halla’s and the Legion’s presence from the Wilds leave the remaining settlers there open to annexation from Emperor Horen V. It is not known if he is going to move on them, however, he in the past has expressed the wish to clean up the wilds and restore it to its natural beauty to be used as he sees fit. I would caution anyone moving to the Wilds now, as it may become unstable quite quickly if an invasion were to occur. Additionally, King Thorin has said that he will shelter any wishing to leave the wilds in one of the existing settlements or Kal'Rin.

 

~Ebs

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From Regent to High Lord

 

Regent Dreek Stormhammer has been raised to the position of High Lord in the Kingdom of Urguan. Now, some might be asking what the bloody nether that means. It means that King Thorin is still ill, and he is expected to stay ill for some time. Now that Dreek is High Lord, Low Crown Authority is in place, and that means that the power of the throne is severely limited. Much of it now rests in the hands of the Lord’s Council, such as the power to declare war and call elections. These may be troubling times for Urguan, with Horen threatening from the North, wanting more land, with the dwarves in possession of much more than they can possibly defend.

 

~Ebs

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New Businesses in Kingston

 

A new stall selling books has opened in front of the Church of the Faith in Kingston. It offers different books each day, and is constantly offering new titles. Run by a friendly woman, this is one store you must visit if you find yourself in Kingston. It is located next to Lionsgate Brewery’s stall, which offers a fine selection of wines and ales. Supplied from the Lionsgate Brewery located just off the Anthos Highway, the dwarf, Dun Irongut, occasionally sells gold affordably as well. On the Brewery’s land, there are two new stalls, a new location of North Malinor Trading Company, owned by the Editor of the paper, and stall set up by a company based out of the Orcish Badlands, which offers building supplies that can be hard to find in the Empire. These new businesses exhibit signs of some healthy economic growth in Oren.

 

~Ebs

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Editor’s Note

 

If you are interested in working for The Flagship or would like to report on a story in Malinor or abroad, please contact me, Ebs, via messenger bird. (Please pm on the forums, I do not bite... often.) Also, if you or your business is interested in advertising it’s products or services, please contact me via messenger bird for more information and pricing. This publication will be regularly printed every elven week.

 

Many thanks,

~Ebs

[Pato 82]

((This has been more than informative. Many thanks for the efforts, my good man!))

[meg 1994]

Elene sits at home, having the flagship delivered from malinor via Silverblade courier. She raises an eyebrow at the news of Avern'len's resignation. She chuckles, thinking to Ebs and then back to herself.

 

"Why does it seem like Malinor scares away everyone who's tried to help it?"

[Didag 4]

((Erm, Didag is my main, Xalarium is my alt. The Treasurer is Xalarium and he was never a Highguard. Sorry about the confusion.))

[VonEbs 1224]

((Erm, Didag is my main, Xalarium is my alt. The Treasurer is Xalarium and he was never a Highguard. Sorry about the confusion.))

 

((Thanks, I knew I was forgetting something!))

[Old-Rattlesnake 1534]

Verden kicks up his feet and relaxes in his deck chair with a glass of ice-cold Hyssop tea. He takes a sip and unfolds the newspaper, finding a mention of himself on the first page, "Well, that's mostly right. Though, I certainly had nothing to do with starting the protests." His fingers pinch the bridge of his nose and he sighs, "Well, great. The Mali'aheral probably hate me even more now."

[racingbrother 226]

The Arum Druid folds one leg over the other, his face gleaming with delight. He sips the tea, spilling it on on the newspaper, "Pah!" He exclaims in frustration, taking a look over what was ruined, "Eh... Templars... Kingston..." He turns to the front page, squinting down at the mention of the Human Elves, his face filling with relief. He reads over it slowly, nodding at the paper, a smile running over his face. He finishes reading his interview, throwing the newspaper in his desk, still smiling, "Let's see what the Human Elves think of that!"

[Dreek 1633]

*Dreek picks up a copy of the paper and scans it for news, only reading the sections regarding the dwarves and Orcs. As his eyes land upon the articles that mention Stormhammers, he smiles to himself, glad that his clan is getting it's name out there. Reading further, he sighs as he hears about the Teutons pushing into the south and mutters to himself*

"Feckin Orun, breakin promises agun an agun. Actiun mey beh comin suun..."

[PtahWithin 1320]

Ptah Remneal, Preeminent Savant of the Ministry of Contemplation, chances upon a copy of the Flagship in Cloud Temple lands. He reads it, intrigued, and frowns at the reports of conflict between the High Elves and the Druids. He reads intently, and stops at one part:

 

Silir, Kalenz, and Delonna have all been seen attacking mostly peaceful druids, who were protesting by growing vast numbers of trees both outside and within Lin’everal.

 

Someone named Delonna, and who is a High Elf, he recalls is currently a member of the Ministry as a Pupil. This action clearly violates the Common Clauses, and so measures must be taken to expunge such a person from the Ministry. Ptah sighs, and says to himself "The first one I will have to have Thrown Back..." But he pauses again, after seeing the name Ebs. Rhetor Ebs Telrunya, his name plastered at the end of every article. He reads in many of the articles a great sense of duty and obligation to Malinor, and a distrust and anger at the High Elves and particularly Oren. All of this, printed to the public, with the name of a Rhetor of the Ministry of Contemplation on it.

 

Ptah sighs again, and begins to write a letter.
 

[Bashar al-Assad 120]

Baudouin laughs as he reads the flagship.

 

"They honestly think the Knights of St. Amyas are Templars? Since when have we called ourselves Templars like those little silly dwarves?"

 

Baudouin de Boulogne begins to write out the letter to Ebs.

 

"Good Editor, we aren't those silly dwarves who call themselves templars. We are the Knights of St. Amyas. You best be knowing that.

 

-Baudouin de Boulogne."

[Moot 1719]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.