The Trinsic Beacon - Page 2

The Trinsic Beacon · 6th July 2009, 05:52 PM

Monday, 6th Day of July

Dorat Captured for Trial
(PLC)

The career of former Commander of the Royal Guard Dorat was an ambitious but luckless one. Having barked up the wrong tree, he and his army are now facing charges of high treason, treason, various cases of murder, assault and kidnapping. They are deemed responsible for these attrocities while following the orders of the usurper to the Throne of Britannia, the now fleeing Casca. On Thursday the guardforce of the Duchy of Trinsic, with the assistance of a delegation of paladins and several other citizens of Britannia managed to apprehend Dorat while he was attempting to prepare a large-scale attack on the villages of Yew and the militia headquarters in Stonekeep. After scattering Dorat’s army of brigands, the commander himself was dragged out of hiding and to a cell in Trinsic, where he is to be put on trial on Sunday, the 12th day of July.

From the office of Duke Irvyn Middlethorn we hear that his Grace himself will fill the role of the judge in that case, but that the decision over guilt and innocence shall be made by an independent jury consisting of Citizens of Britiannia.

Keeping an Eye Out
(PLC)

Tonight, One Eyed Pete and a fleet of brigand ships were caught green-handedly as they were poisoning the waters around Skara Brae with great amounts of poison, killing a large number of fish and risking the lives of the citizens and visitors to that town. While investigating the dead fish, the party found a clue leading them to the coordinates at which the fleet was anchored. A lengthy and bloody sea battle ensued, in which many were wounded by the formidable Juka archers that the brigands employed to keep the defenders of Skara Brae at bay. In the end, the brigands were defeated and One Eyed Pete, during an attempt to swim to the shore, was run over by a ship and might have drowned.

Another clue was found by Van’s Ilshenar Expedition, who discovered a short missive from Mericles:

Quote:

White,
Wings at the mount.

W

Yew (B)eaten.
(PLC)

Our most honoured readers may excuse the tasteless pun, but this bit of news is a rather gruesome and difficult one to report.

After the mysterious disappearance of Captain Dart’s wife, Tanya Dart, her corpse had been found washed up on the shores of Cove. But as if this were not hard enough a blow for the good citizens of Yew, the caravan sent out to transport the mortal remains of Lady Dart back to yewish lands was slaughtered by vesperian forces, who apparently felt threatened by the presence of yewish troops in their territory. It would seem that the simple solutions, such as asking questions first, did not occur to the somewhat overeager vesperian soldiers, who instead proceeded right on to the killing of the yewish and covian escort, vanquishing the surprised and grief-stricken mourners in but a few minutes of fighting.

While this is no more than the normal madness to be witness in the north and not worth a report in itself, the story manages to become even more bizarre, for the casket with the remains of poor Lady Dart was apparently either set on fire or fell victim to some explosives employed by either side. Even worse, numerous citizens of Cove and Yew claimed during interviews that chancellor Escaflowne himself as well as marshall Damien and Devante, later declared with certain amounts of pride to have eaten from what must by then have been the charred remains of the corpse. Our reporters could not find out whether this was supposed to be a calculated insult, general idiocy combined with an inability to tell edible meat from the other kind or (and for once we dearly hope that this is the case) another round of propaganda.

Uncollegial Behaviour
(PLC)

It would seem like the colleagues of the Collegium favour some rather uncollegial behaviour, at least towards some of the realm’s cities. While they pretend to be honest citizens and scholars in Yew, where they appear to conduct some kind of weapon research, they overtly attacked high ranked citizens and leaders of Cove in a series of failed assassination attempts meant to target the baron himself along with some of the military leaders and even their wives. According to the covian army all attacks were repelled and none of the targets were seriously injured. The Beacon was further told that the Collegium previously attempted to scam Baron Octovious by means of some forged contract that they tried to force upon him.

A clerk of the Duchy Guard told the Beacon that up until now the Collegium had not attempted anything vastly unlawful in Trinsic yet, merely being a minor nuisance for the guards on duty.

Feuilleton

Trinsic Campus nearing Completition
(PLC)
Dear Readers, your Trinsic Beacon team is especially proud to announce to you today that the construction work for the new Trinsic Campus is nearly complete. The finished venue will house a theatre and exhibition room, a public library and study hall as well as the Beacon Offices. As soon as we have a date and time for the opening celebrations set we would be most honoured to welcome you at these new premises.

Save the Last Dance
(ELE)

The dance with Death is a commonplace institution in many works of art and poetry, but for a wealthy merchant of Jhelom this fantasy became a short but intense reality as he ended his life during a private performance by a dancer from Nujel’m. Despite the naturally appearing suspicions the captain of the guard ensured us that even after a “long and intensive” questioning there would be no doubt in the “integrity of such a fine and strapping young lass”.

Shortly after, the widow was arrested on the charges of assault after she attacked the brother of the deceased, who apparently suggested the dancer perform as a last farewell at the funeral. The Beacon had acquired a picture of the dancer in question, but it mysteriously disappeared before it could go to the press.

The Farmer’s Guide (Summer Edition)
(FB)

Welcome landowners to this new category that is bound to give yer fields and gardens a second spring, just incase they missed the first one due to the uncut grass that was blocking out the sun. Do not miss these wonderful tips and turn your little cut of good Britannian soil into a paradise (which does NOT mean to make it a place where all the dead things go).

July and August are the mating season for mongbats. If your neighbourhood suffers from the lovesick little buggers be sure to keep buckets of cold water around and do not eat onions. Mongbat nests can be removed with a gentle poke, in which case they will fall apart. And remember: absolutely no onions, unless you are –really- desperate for a date.
The tedious work of cutting the lawn can be avoided by purchasing sheep. Note that these, too, have mating season. In case of overpopulation apply small amounts of wolves.
If the compost heap moves around avoid contact and purchase a guide for dealing with bog things. Do not feed!
Bonsai plants are a must for any garden with style. They also take an incredible amount of work to wire, unwire, bend, break, cut, trim, shape, mend, water, dry and whatever else the silly little things need doing. The morale: style is for those rich enough to have a gardener.
Many exciting new plants and seeds have led to an influx in hobby gardeners. Avoid contact or, if unavoidable, treat with disdain.
Careless handling has led to an outbreak of zoogi fungi. Eat onions to avoid infection by poisonous spores.
Do not fall for fraudal advertisements. Reapers end your life, not just your boredom.
Dried walrus and dragon droppings still make the best fertiliser. Apply generously. One walrus last for one acre of garden or half an acre of forest.
Roses suffer from heat in the summer. Provide shade and fan continuously.
Cheap wholesale offers of Yewish agricultural products should be treated with care. Note: the blight is never fully extinct.
Heartwood is a cheap alternative for home owners. In merely four generations your grand grand children will be able to build their first house amongst the branches. Consult neighbours to avoid arguments about overhanging branches.

That is all for this time and always remember: true gardeners suffer. Enjoyment is gained only from stylish gardens.

Quote:

On an OOC note:

Keep up to date about events in, around and with the Duchy of Trinsic with these exciting new ways of communication! *squeals*

The Duchy on Facebook!

And the Ducks Twitter, too!

And even as RSS Feed. (If you have no more idea than I did what that is just click the link, it won't bite...)

The Trinsic Beacon · 13th July 2009, 12:07 PM

Monday, 13th Day of July

Trial of Dorat Becomes Trial for All
(PLC)
Yesterday, the more than inept jury effectively prevented a continuation of the trial of former Commander Dorat, who stands accused of several charges that might lead to his execution. Mere minutes after the opening speech of the Templar Taggart, who spoke for the accused, parts of the jury decided that the sound of their own voice was more important than a lawful trial and they began a discussion that led to the premature end of the first day of the trial. Once it became clear that the jury was extremely prejudiced and obviously incapable of listening to the statements of either party, the judge, Duke Irvyn Middlethorn of Trinsic himself, called for a continuation of the trial on Monday evening. A clerk from the Duke’s office later explained that the legal procedures for exchanging the parts of the jury that prevented a continuation of the trial are currently being considered.
The Beacon will present a special edition for each day of the trial, to keep you, our honoured readers, informed about each new turn in this important process.

Research Beacon – Interview
(PLC)
PLC: In order to help our readers understand the complicated legal circumstances of former commander Dorat’s trial we have secured an interview with Professor Dorian Abronsius, former head of Umbra University and lector at Spiritwood University.
PA: Oh, only once or twice. At Spiritwood, that is.
PLC: Thank you for your time, Professor. Now, the trial seems to have come to a lockdown concerning the question of whether Casca is indeed the current king of Britannia or not. What is your stance on this, from a legal point of view?
PA: Not so hasty, young man. Not so hasty. It is my firm opinion, that said question is of no further importance to the trial at large, nor to the individual charges laid down against Dorat.
PLC: Would you explain that, Professor?
PA: I would, if I were given half a chance. Now, the question is not whether Casca is king or not, but whether Dorat, at the time that he was made commander of the royal guard, was in a position to have doubts concerning Casca’s claims to the throne. The royal army is not merely a tool, it is a weapon that is yielded only for the sake of the kingdom and its people. Now, by the time that the lad was made commander, the entirety of the kingdom had already turned its back on Casca. There was no legitimation for his ascend to the throne whatsoever. Each of the individual city states had made it clear that they had had no hand in said choice and that they were not supporting him. There was no trace of a council, no proof as to whether or not they exist at all. The realm was in turmoil. A commander of an army as important as the Royal Army must consider such aspects before obeying commands and…
PLC: So you are saying that commands in an army are open to discussion and personal interpretation, Professor?
PA: What? No. No, of course not. The average soldier… well… let us say, they are not paid to think, yes? But the high command is beyond the ranks where blind obedience is an option. In the same way in which the guard asks for a password to confirm the identity of a messenger the high command has the duty to ensure that their commands are from a valid member of the government, in this case, the king. Had Dorat considered all the facts publically available at the time then he must have had doubts concerning the validity of Casca’s claims. Then there is the nature of the commands he had been given. Attack citizens of the realm, harm women and children, fight side by side with the spawn of the Abyss? Even the dimmest star in the sky must have become suspicious by then. More so, Lord British based the kingdom on the virtues just so that the people would always have a moral guidance to base their actions on in…
PLC: An interesting theory, Profes…
PA: Nonsense! Not a theory, legal facts. If a stranger demands anything of me, then I have to make sure that he is within his authority to do so. Especially when the demand is to kill women and children.
PLC: Yes yes, I think you made that sufficiently clear now. But, Professor, if you were judge and jury combined, what sentence would you set?
PA: Oh, me? Ah, to throw around with things like treason is a bit high in this case. The poor sod was undoubtedly chosen for his inability to think properly and the riches and power heaped on him will have snuffed out the last bits of common sense he had left. The boy is a soldier and he should never have been given such a command. I would think a few years in prison with continuous education and community work to help him see the error of his ways sound like a virtuous and fair punishment.
PLC: Thank you for your time, Professor.

Casca Fails to Raid Luna
(PLC)
Several of the people we interviewed seemed vaguely uncertain on whether this was good or bad news, but the facts are that an attack led by Casca and his ‘beast’ was repelled by a concentrated force of defenders from all corners of Sosaria. Even without a coordinated command the attackers charging all of the four gates were defeated and thrown back (in some cases into the void); though a small commotion appeared when some of the supposed defenders tried to torch some of the buildings of Luna themselves.
During the battle, both Casca and the ‘beast’ managed to escape, though the latter confused some of the defenders with vague and bizarre tales of old knights and orders, hinting that it had been a knight himself, once. As such, its hatred seemed to turn against the templars, which it swore to haunt and kill as revenge for wrongs it supposedly suffered. The Beacon is still investigating these accounts.

Britannia’s Food Supplies in Danger?
(PLC)
The forces under Casca’s influence have turned to a new strategy, which is to starve out the citizens of Britannia. After the waters around the island of Skara Brae had been poisoned during the last week, disrupting the work of one of Britannia’s biggest fishing fleets, new attempts have been made in Britain and Vesper.
In Britain, all the fields and crops were torched by Casca’s followers, leaving the citizens on the brink of starvation. While the trinsician fleet with supplies reached the harbour unchallenged (possibly due to the destruction of Casca’s fleet near Skara Brae) the help and food caravans from Yew met heavy resistance in the pass leading to Britain. With the combined strength of several towns however the packhorses reached their destination and the food was distributed amongst the taverns of Britain to be passed on to the already queuing and hungry people.
In the meantime, Vesperian forces struggled to counter an attack on their food supplies, which were apparently poisoned. The citizen Olk Samsca and the staff of the Swagger’s Inn explained to the Beacon that the poisoned food had been destroyed and that nobody had been harmed by this attack. At least nobody important. (quote) Overall, the food supplies of the town are now guarded and no shortage is expected.

Feuilleton

Dead Men need no Gold…
(PLC)
…so what better way to spend it than by gambling in a casino? During our usual rounds our surprised reporter stumbled over the Dead Man’s Hands Casino in Cove, which apparently opened not too long ago. According to the barkeeper, the casino opens every Saturday Night to offer a variety of different games, drinks and entertainment to the paying (or hopefully occasionally winning) customers.

The Trinsic Beacon · 14th July 2009, 01:33 AM

Tuesday, 14th Day of July
Trial Edition

Desperate Defense
(PLC)

Yesterday saw the second part of the Trial of former commander Dorat, this time with a new jury after the obviously incapable and prejudiced members had been removed in order to allow for fair and correct proceedings. Due to this necessary step the court was finally able to begin the actual hearing of witnesses and to evaluate the presented evidence.

However, this time the trial was thoroughly ridiculed and turned into a test for the nerves of all attendants when the new addition to the defendants of Dorat (most likely due to a lack of any real strategy or evidence) began to deliberately lie and twist the words of all the witnesses presented to the court. Only due to the diligent recordkeeping of the court scribe Haphazard Scrawl and the judge was it possible to retain an amount of truth in face of the shameless lies and exploits of the defending knights templars.

Despite this blatant sabotage two witnesses managed to make their statements and we have compiled the most interesting scenes of the day (together with the opening words of the judge) for you to follow.

Opening Statement – Judge Irvyn Middlethorn, Duke of Trinsic

Judge Irvyn Middlethorn: The second trial of Dorat will therefore commence. Before the charges, I will make a brief statement. Yesterday the proceedings degenerated into a discussion of the legitimacy or otherwise of the self-proclaimed king Casca. Whilst that is indeed something that must one day be determined, today is not that day; Dorat is on trial, not Casca.

Further, this trial is taking place in Trinsic under Trinsic Law. Therefore, the scope of the trial will be narrowed to crimes committed specifically against Trinsic.

The charges are that you (Dorat) conspired with others to commit treason against the city and Duchy of Trinsic; that on the 28th of June you committed said treason by leading an attack on the city in company with Balrons and brigands; and that on the same day you assaulted, kidnapped and unlawfully imprisoned citizens of Trinsic. Do you plead guilty or not guilty?

Former commander Dorat: Not guilty

Statement of Witness Sparrow

Prosecutor Nico Viechamalli: Lord Sparrow here will bear witness to the events of 28th June.

Witness Sparrow: Well I was present at the attack and I will answer as required. I saw the attack at the West gate by brigands and (at) the South gate by Demons. These forces were the king’s and attacking Trinsic.

Defendant Hebrind Kelter: You were present at the attack on 28th June - and you say you saw the armies attacking.

Witness Sparrow: Aye.

Defendant Hebrind Kelter: Tell me, what units did you see attacking? You mention demons.

Witness Sparrow: Brigands Juka Lords Balrons

Defendant Hebrind Kelter: So by your own admission, you didn't see my client, Mr Dorat at the battlefield, or anywhere in the vicinity?

Witness Sparrow: You are unlikely to see the Commander of an army in the front line

Defendant Hebrind Kelter: Indeed - so you didn't see him. In fact, you only saw the demons, Juka Lords and Balrons you were intent on fighting. Is that correct, Mr Sparrow?

Witness Sparrow: That is so.

Defendant Hebrind Kelter: To conclude, Mr Dorat was nowhere to be seen?

Witness Sparrow: I can only say that I never saw him.

Defendant Hebrind Kelter: Thank you. No further questions, your honour,

Statement of Witness Calvin

Prosecutor Nico Viechamalli: Please would you state your name and occupation for the record?

Witness Calvin: Uh, me name is Calvin, sir. And I is a fisherman here in Trinsic.

Prosecutor Nico Viechamalli: Thank you. You are doing very well, very well indeed. Tell me, do you remember Sunday the 28th of June?

Witness Calvin: Um. That been the day where there was war, aye?

Prosecutor Nico Viechamalli: Indeed it was. And what did you see?

Witness Calvin: Aye, then I do. Lots. Nothing much at first, really. Them guards make sure us is all inside walls and away from it. And it been... uh... quite merry, too. What with a lot of the lads around being bored and waiting. Thens the fighting comes nearer, so we hears swords ringing and screams and all and all goes a little testy.

Defendant Hebrind Kelter: Testy? Explain.

Witness Calvin: Stand at the door with some clubs n all. Never know who comes in, aye? So, ol Harland been behind the door with that club o' his. And me swears there ain't a soul in town what gets past him, but then door flies open and it ain't a soul, but some... thing *makes gestures with arms* Like like a daemon, but nay red, cause it was more... grey?

Prosecutor Nico Viechamalli: They are called balrons, but we know about them.

Witness Calvin: An an it just beat ol Harland dead with is own club and it was horrid, really.

Prosecutor Nico Viechamalli: It must have been terrible for you. What happened next?

Witness Calvin: Then it shoos us all out and into the road and there be more of em and they ... well, ems just pick us up in one and twos, see, and em fly up and over the wall and me nearly got sick, what with being scared and all the bouncing.

Prosecutor Nico Viechamalli: Indeed... and was anyone else there?

Witness Calvin: And then that guy in the armour is there too, on the wall, and he tells em things to take us through a gate like and then all was dark and dank and there be wet bricks but me nay saw well in there. Me hears the others in the dark, what with the women crying and all and it stay dark for lots of time and suddenly there is shouting and soldiers and all and fighting again and torches and we is dragged back out. I nay really knew what to think, so me just walked along till someone said to go home, then me ran.

Prosecutor Nico Viechamalli: A terrible tale, and I am sure we are all pleased to see you back safely. Just to be absolutely clear, is the man in armour in here today?

Witness Calvin: But not all was back safely, me knows that. Um, aye. *points at Dorat*

Defendant Nico Viechamalli: And you are certain of that?

Witness Calvin: Aye, me is good with faces.

(Note from the editor: the defendants of Dorat had a chance to question the witness Calvin, but the majority of statements was ruled out by the court due to objections and the twisting of words by the defendants. The Beacon therefore decided not to print these attempts at twisting the truth.)

The Trinsic Beacon · 18th July 2009, 04:01 PM

Saturday, 18th Day of July
Trial Edition

The Last Night?
(PLC)

Tonight might indeed be the last night for former commander Dorat as his trial for crimes against the Duchy of Trinsic and its allies comes to a conclusion. Statements from the Duke’s office indicate that justice in Trinsic is supposed to be swift, meaning that a death sentence might be executed immediately.

Observers and legal experts agree that Dorat is likely to be found guilty. His own admissions shocked the audience and the defendants made some grievous mistakes out of their lacking knowledge of the Trinsic law.

To keep you informed about the proceedings we offer to you the full testimony of Dorat as well as the concerned laws in question. Another special edition of the Beacon on Monday will cover the end of the trial.

Dorat’s Statement

Accused Dorat: I am Dorat, Commander of the Royal Guard

Defendant Taggart: Did Casca bring you into the Royal Guard when he allegedly became king?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: No, not until later. Sir Hawke was first appointed Commander of the Royal Guard. I took over from him on the 1st of June.

Taggart: but you had served in the guard before becoming commander?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: For 14 years

Taggart: so you have served the Kingsom for many years

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: Yes

Taggart: And have you have been in trouble during your service?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: Nay, I have an outstanding service record. I wouldn't have been Commander otherwise

Taggart: Very well. During the 28th june did you strike anyone or threaten anyone with harm that could be classed as assault?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: I was leading an army. So in the heat of battle, yes I did strike several soldiers down.

Taggart: And where they defenseless?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: They were soliers. Well armed

Taggart: So would you class that as Assault?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: I would class that as the normal proceedings of a battle

Taggart: Which correct me if I am wrong your not being charged with

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: *shrugs* I don't think so.

Nico Viechamalli: Excuse me sir...another witness.

Taggart: did you illegaly remove anyone from the City of Trinsic?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: I did not

Taggart: Prosecution’s witness.

Nico Viechamalli: Mr Dorat, I believe you admitted to leading the army against Trinsic on 28th June?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: I did

Nico Viechamalli: The balrons, and the brigands - you commanded them?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: No, the Daemons were commanded by The Beast

Nico Viechamalli: But it was a coordinated attack?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: It was. As ordered by Lord Casca

Nico Viechamalli: So there must have been some plotting going on. Where is the proof that it was ordered by Casca?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: Lord Casca is the King sir. All large militairy actions are ordered by him

Nico Viechamalli: That is not proof, only speculation.

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: If you would permit me to return to the castle I could present you with written orders

Nico Viechamalli: Do you have written orders, protocols, rules? I see ... and yet in the note found outside the gate discussing the attack there is no indication that Casca was even aware of it.

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: He is the King! Of course he is aware....

Nico Viechamalli: So he is ordering demons to attack his citizens? To the matter of the kidnapped citizens then. This court has heard three witnesses who described citizens being taken away by you. With very positive identifications. Do you admit that you did this?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: I do

Nico Viechamalli: And were they unwilling to go with you?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: They were.

Nico Viechamalli: And were they happy to stay where you trapped *coughs* took them?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: They were hostages, they weren't supposed to enjoy themselves

Nico Viechamalli: I see. So... you admit that you attacked Trinsic in alliance with demons and you kidnapped a group of defenseless citizens and attempted to hold them in a rather unpleasant place?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: Those were Lord Casca's orders

Nico Viechamalli: Alas, I regret that Casca was not present. It is your actions we are considering. You led the attack, did you not?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: I led my battalions

Nico Viechamalli: They were not your normal troops, were they?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: Soldiers come and go. That's the nature of the profession

Nico Viechamalli: You stayed for 14 years. Are you so unusual?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: I am not a soldiers

Nico Viechamalli: Are you not?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: I am the commander!

Nico Viechamalli: And I am sure you have been a good one. Do you look after your troops?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: Not individually. That is their respective luitenants task

Nico Viechamalli: But overall, you have responsibility for them?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: I am their commander... So yes

Nico Viechamalli: So you ordered them to attack Trinsic in company with demons but did not give them any armour or decent weapons?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: The troops that attack trinsic were mostly new recruits. They have to prove their worth before we issue them expensive armour

Nico Viechamalli: So you sent raw recruits against the most heavily fortified city in the whole of Britannia?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: I was ordered to do so

Nico Viechamalli: I fear your claim to be a good commander really does not add up. But as you have admitted to attacking, kidnapping, and unlawful imprisonment.

Taggart: Objection. Assumption of Facts as it unlaw imprisonment

Irvyn: He did admit to leading the attack, and to taking the citizens and imprisoning them.

Taggart: but never that it was illegal

Nico Viechamalli: Oh? And how so?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: The citizens of Trinsic openly defied Lord Casca. An act of treason against the crown.

Nico Viechamalli: But that is not at issue here. What is at issue is that you personally led an army here with the intent to overthrow the Duke as shown in the note of the conspiracy, and you took citizens and held them against their will which is unlawful imprisonment.

Taggart: Objection. Assumption of Facts. That the note was from Dorat

Nico Viechamalli: Not at all. The note merely proves that there was a conspiracy to attack Trinsic. Since Dorat freely confesses to leading this attack he must have been aware of the conspiracy. In point of fact, it is unlikely that he wrote it. As it refers to a commanding officer and he is adamant that this was himself and the note is not written by the officer.

Irvyn: It would be good if you could comment on Mr Viechamalli's observsation.

Nico Viechamalli: You were the commanding officer, were you not?

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: I told you before..

Nico Viechamalli: Please say it again, just for the record.

Dorat Royal Guard Commander: I am Dorat, Commander of the Royal Guard

Statement of Witness Floria Tenne

Floria Tenne: Well I was amidst the attacks at the South gate with many others. Doing what I do best... observing whilst lending a hand with fighting off the attacks. I noticed a gathering of Civilians on the roof of the building beside south gate. I ventured up there, in the hope of calming them down and ushering them to safety. When I arrived at the top of the building "Commander" Dorat was there amongst them, and wash herding them into one of those blue portals. Shouting at them.

Nico Viechamalli: Did they go willingly?

Floria Tenne: He appeared to be using force

Nico Viechamalli: And were these soldiers or civilians?

Floria Tenne: Civilians. Trinsicans I'd say from their attire and accents.

Nico Viechamalli: A most concise description, thank you. Mr. Taggart, do you have any questions for my witness?

Taggart: Just one. Did you see me Dorat harm the civillans?

Floria Tenne: He was shouting and demanding they enter the gate. Whilst wearing armor and appearing threatening. So I guess it depends on your opinion of the word harming.

Hebrind Kelter: I suppose that is your definition of "Force"...?

Floria Tenne: Physically, no. Mentally? Emotionally? Yes. You can force someone to do something in many ways.

Hebrind Kelter: Indeed. So... He had no accomplices?

Floria Tenne: And I believe Lord Taggart is the prosecution. So take your seat as requested by the judge?

Hebrind Kelter: Or I could stand here like I did yesterday and help second-chair... Maa'm.

Taggart: But he could of been moving them for their own safety.

Floria Tenne: The civilians ended up in a dungeon, with worse things than what was in Trinsic and without the safety of guards. That's not for their safety.

Closing Statement of the Defendant

Taggart: I am ready for my closing statement. On the charges of Treason the prosecution has said very little. I must remind the jury that treason is committed against the government or a nation and Trinsic is not a nation it is just a part of the kingdom. And for Dorat to be guilty of treason then it most be proven that Casca is not the King. For the kidnapping charge…

Judge Irvyn Middlethorn: You should acquaint yourself with the law a little better. But please continue.

Taggart: …it would need to be proven that Dorat acted illegally. Maybe if he was just a brigand he would be but he is following orders from his king and nation. And as for assault all he did was take part in battle with guards who were trained for it. Which is not what assault is about. His action are more akin to pillaging. So in summary where as Dorat may be guilty of crimes the ones this court was brought up against him he is not guilty of.

Closing Statement of the Prosecution

Nico Viechamalli: Your Grace, my lords, ladies and gentlemen. You have heard from those who saw the defendant taking citizens of Trinsic against their will and using force to do so. Further he admits imprisoning them unlawfully. In addition, we have submitted proof to you that there was a conspiracy to attack Trinsic. Deliberately aimed at damaging and destabilizing the Duchy, which is treason under Trinsic law. The defendent insists that he is the Commander and is responsible for his troops. To attack any citizen of Trinsic is assault again under Trinsic law. It is his actions for which he is on trial today and I submit to the court that by his own mouth he stands condemned.

The Laws of Trinsic

Quote:

Kidnapping
No person shall restrain or otherwise imprison another individual without their consent, unless to protect themselves or other individuals.

Assault/Conspiracy to Assault
* No person shall commit or conspire to incite/commit an act of sustained and harmful violence against another individual without extreme provocation by being first attacked themselves, or intervening to defend another innocent from attack.
* Assault on another individual’s pet may also be considered grounds for prosecution.

Murder/ Conspiracy leading to actual Murder
* No person shall end the life of another individual with violent and unprovoked force, or by any other means, unless absolutely necessary as an act of self-defence or to defend another innocent.

Treason
* No person shall conspire, alone or in league with others, or actively take action, to damage, defame, discredit, remove or overthrow the rightful government of Trinsic, being the Duke and his chosen Council of Nobles.

The Trinsic Beacon · 19th July 2009, 04:04 PM

Sunday, 19th Day of July
Trial Edition

The End
(PLC)

Tonight, at the end of a trial that spanned two weeks, former commander of the Royal Guard Dorat was found guilty by the jury (with four votes against one) and condemned to death. The sentence was carried out swiftly and a sergeant from the Duchy Guard operated the guillotine that severed Dorat’s head from his body.

However, Dorat did not plan to go out of this world as easily, for a daemon-like, vengeful spirit shot forth from the corpse to take its revenge on the Duke, who barely escaped with his life. Once the initial shock had been overcome a long and hard battle erupted in which the unholy beast was brought down.

Now, after this end, none will doubt that the right decision had been taken, for the corruption of Casca has turned even his followers into daemons and monsters of their own. Now that the daemon-king’s commander has been dealt with it is time to begin the hunt for Casca again and to finally protect Britannia from this menace.

The Vengeful Spirit is Defeated

The Last Words

Judge Irvyn Middlethorn: *takes a deep breath and looks to Dorat with cold anger* Dorat, you have been found guilty of treason against Trinsic, of assaulting, kidnapping and unlawfully imprisoning my citizens. You have chosen to ally yourself with demons, and led attacks on my city and others without regard for innocents. I consider you to be a clear and present danger, not only to Trinsic, but to the Kingdom. The severity of your crimes, coupled with your lack of remorse, is such that with consideration for my citizens I have no choice but to condemn you either to death, or imprisonment for the rest of your life. *looks down for a moment, takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly* *looks back to Dorat without anger* However, before I formally pass sentence, I will give you a final chance to make some atonement for your offences against us; an appeal to your better nature, which I hope you still have. You are determined in your loyalty, which is an honourable thing. But an oath sworn to evil is an evil oath, there is no dishonour in breaking it. Ask yourself: do you really believe, in your heart, that Casca is virtuous? That what he is doing - and asking you to do -is honourable, or just, or in the best interests of the Kingdom and the people? Choose now to leave your pride and turn back from this madness. Help us, and you shall have sanctuary until Casca is defeated. *looks at Dorat* How say you?

Dorat: The Kingdom has been torn apart by mongering warlords for years. Casca is the only hope for the Kingdom!

Irvyn: That is your final word?

Dorat: *Raises his head proudly, eyes still glassy* For King Casca!

Judge Irvyn Middlethorn: *sighs and closes eyes for a moment* Defiant to the last. So be it. *looks back to Dorat and speaks formally and coldly again* Dorat, former commander of the royal guard, the penalty I decree for your crimes is death. You shall be taken from here to a place of execution, where your head shall be severed from your body, and displayed publicly as a warning to all who seek to destroy the Kingdom. And may the gods have mercy on your soul. *looks to the guards* Take him away.

Dorat’s Head and Body Displayed as a Warning

The Trinsic Beacon · 13th August 2009, 02:25 PM

Thursday, 13th Day of August

Picture blatantly stolen from Nyte Doombringer. Many thanks!

The Quest for the Rest
(PLC)
In its attempts to locate and defeat the remainders of Casca’s armies the Royal Army under the guidance of Lady Dawn and former commander Hawke scored another victory as they repelled the usurper’s forces once more from the ruins of Luna. While the population still argues on whether Luna was indeed razed by the daemon armies or whether it had already been this ugly beforehand, it is clear that the attacks last Sunday were amongst the most severe that the usurper had unleashed onto Sosaria this far. Terrible magic was wrought while warriors were locked in their deadly struggle until, at last, the attacks were finally repelled. While the more or less grateful citizens of Luna returned to the ugliness of their homes the Royal Army gathered in Britain, where both Lady Dawn and former commander Hawke thanked the fighters for their efforts. Due to the benefits of corporate sponsorship all attendants were given a ‘cloak of silence’, a green cloak of elfish making that helps its wearer to sneak past foes without being seen. Rumours of a sudden influx in thefts and burglaries appear highly exaggerated.
Thursday night saw a training session with a twist, a form of advanced bagball that thoroughly confused most participants.

Hide the Mugs for War is comming
(PLC)
The seed of war sometimes brings forth strange blooms, in this case a tavern war between two of the busiest taverns in the high north. Apparently, competition between the Green Goblin in Cove and the Swaggers in Vesper has turned more than just their ales sour. While the bringing of gifts that reek might be considered a harmless prank (and happens often enough alongside the usual food deliveries), the recent attacks on the Goblin and even an attempted bombing of its facilities certainly endanger its patrons (yes, even more than the food already does). The Beacon was not yet able to get an interview with the tavern owners but will continue to keep you informed about whatever developments are on the menue.

According to Plan
(PLC)
While the scenery of a war does not generally lend itself to order and timetables the war in the north seems to follow a strangely meticulous plan, enflaming the hearts on either side once every few days for a hefty, but generally useless encounter. Last night, the combined forces of Cove and Yew stormed against a fortified vesperian position which served as base for a sea blockade of the covian bay.
In a valiant but chanceless rush the alliance soldiers tried to overrun the cleverly chosen position, only to find themselves trapped in between several rows of wooden barricades and fields of magical energy. Beaten down by the vesperian archers and mages the attackers retreated to Cove proper to regroup and rest. However, instead of continuing the blockade the vesperian forces suddenly turned towards the village itself. With plenty of warning ahead of time from the watchtowers the defenders of Cove managed to throw the invaders back into the sea from where they swam to the shores to try and hide in the woods. A last futile resistance was wiped out and finally, the vesperian forces were forced to retreat back to their own lands.
Considering that neither force had been able to shift a border or to score any mentionable successes the war in the north has turned into a stalemate in which neither faction appears to make any progress. Once more it is mostly the population that suffers from the situation as malnourishment, plagues and poverty spread in the streets.

Trade Picks up in Britannia
(ELE)
Trade around Britannia appears to be picking up again after the mismanagement and the attacks from Casca have been overcome. Harbourmasters in Cove report an influx in shipments as local traders begin to re-establish trade with their former partners in other parts of the realm. On a similar note, Trinsic recently saw the appointment of Pierre Le Canard to trade minister, tasked with the strengthening of the local economy and the negotiation of new contracts with other towns.

Feuilleton

Gorgon’s Primer on Arms n’ Armour

‘Have at thee!’ ye lads (and ladies if one can call you that) from the armed forces all around Britannia. What with the battles raging back and forth against Casca’s daemons and all the ruckus way up north ye olde Beacon is going to give ye some tips on what weapons to choose and what armour to protect yerself with. So listen up, lads (and those women wanting to be like them) for these tips might save your hides!

Armour

Strongburn’s Iron Heater (Britain, price app. 460 gold)
This heater shield does all it says on the crate lads. Arrows, swords, lances and even the odd fireball glance off this baby like a fly of a cow’s hide. Of course, said protection comes at a weight and unless you are a troll, you better nay expect to be able to move or lift this thing off the ground. One test participant was crushed by his own shield, lowering the rating to two of ten possible ankhs.

Rashid’s Helmet of the Cyclops (Nujel’m, price app. 2 to 3 diamonds or six lamas)
Name says it all really, no ankhs. Unless, of course, you have a squint to kill with or believe that what you can’t see can’t hurt you.

Tamachika’s Throat Protector (Tokuno, price app. 250 gold)
A mempo that is sure to protect your throat and neck during battles. Well crafted, but lacking flexibility, so unless you have the kind of neck it was crafted for you will most likely garrotte yourself. Save your foe the effort with a bleak four out of ten ankhs.

Arms

Olof’s Big’un (Minoc, price app. 230 gold)
Quit yer sniggering, ye louts, this is a lance and we nay want any letters from the readers that include jokes ‘bout yer poles. Stout everyday lance, though somewhat lacking in balance. Tester was able to vault himself over the Trinsic city walls with the right technique, but the lance is tiresome to actually fight with. Three out of ten possible ankhs for its use as a siege weapon.

Darina’s Mechanical Accelerator (Trinsic, price app. 680 gold)
This crossbow comes with a manual thicker and more bleary than the Lord King’s own ‘Virtue’, but once yer figure it out yer will have a weapon that makes your foes tremble. None of our test shots hit anywhere close to the bullseye, but the dart went through the butte, two wooden walls and an unfortunate packhorse (blessed be its sausages) before burying itself halfway in a solid stone wall. And before any daft rumours pop up: whoever manages to pull it out nay wins a kingdom or such nonsense. Eight out of ten ankhs.

Garvin and Rogen’s Pitchfork Emporium (Yew, prices depend on whatever copper is worth)
Peasants and militia’s swear on pitchforks when it comes to making a good mob, but we nay understand the hassle. Unless you are attacked by a hay stack the thing is going to end up in pieces at the first blow from a serious weapon. Three ankhs for nostalgia and cheapness, large selection available.

The Beheader (Minoc, price app. 300 gold)
Merchants will have you know that this katana is so sharp that it will go through armour and flesh like a dragon’s breath through butter. This is true. Once. Afterwards the thing is blunt and bent enough to use as a plough. So unless you are an executioner or Vesperian you will want another weapon. Three out of ten ankhs.

The Reaper (Trinsic, price app. 680 gold)
A scythe, by all means. However, for those not minding to look like a rabid farmer in a frenzy this blade offers a sharpness that is not matched by many weapons. With the reach of a sea serpent and the speed of an ostard in full run you’ll give every charging enemy a pause; though don’t expect any allies to come near you, either. A full harvest of nine out of ten ankhs.

And that is all for today, lads ‘n lasses. Behave yer well and keep your shields up and maybe yer’ll live to read another edition of this. Yer’s frightfully, Gorgon.

(Note from the editor: mild adaptations were necessary to transfer the original manuscript into an at least halfway readable article)

Trinsic Moot!!

On Monday the 24th day of August the Duchy and City of Trinsic invite you our dear readers to a week of events, entertainments, markets and political meetings.

The schedule so far:

Monday - Introduction Ceremony: The Duke of Trinsic and the Mayor of Trinsic will both be giving introduction speeches of what we expect the week to include. This will all be taking place around an open bar, with a market at the West Gate of Trinsic. Bar opens from 7PM GMT onward.

Tuesday - Trinsic Fight Night: Show off your skills as a champion fighter in a grand tournament. Winner gets a trophy prize. This will take place on the roof of the building next to the bank connected to the wall, at 8PM GMT.

Wednesday - World Leaders Meeting: Tradition for these types of gatherings, all of the self-proclaimed "World Leaders" are invited to take seat and discuss what their motives are for the current conflicts and if there's anyway for some common ground towards that tranquil place called peace. This will take place at 8PM GMT at the Central Halls.

The Beacon's Grand Paperboy Race: Solve riddles to work out where the papers need to be delivered to. Whoever delivers all the papers correctly in the shortest amount of time, wins a prize. This will be taking place at the same time as the meeting, 8PM GMT. Meeting at the Park.

Thursday - Bagball Tournament: Teams of three will compete against one another in Britannia's favourite sport, Bagball. Winning team will get a cash surprise and a trophy. This begins at 8PM GMT at the Market Square next to Trinsic's docks.

Insult Sword-Fighting: Battle your enemy using the sharpness of not your sword, but your tongue. This follows the Bagball tournament.

Friday - Trinsic's Got Talent: A talent show like all the others. Show off any skills you may have to the judges. Winner gets a huge cash prize! This starts at 8PM GMT at the Market Square next to the docks.

Saturday - Story Contest: Share your stories, most creative one wins a prize. Starts at 7PM GMT at West Gate.

Sunday - Closing Ceremony: We put an end to what hopes to be a great week with a thank you message from the Mayor of Trinsic. Again around an open bar at the West Gate of Trinsic from 9PM GMT.

The Trinsic Beacon · 24th August 2009, 08:04 PM

Thursday, 25th Day of August
Moot Edition – Day 1

Trinsic has called…
(PLC)

…and the realm has gathered for another Moot, meaning one week filled to the rim with events, political talks and just general activity taking place all over the golden city. Attendance on the opening night was promising, with large groups of representatives from all the major political groups and towns of Sosaria moving into the city itself, where they will stay during the week to come. In order to help you find your way around, here are all the quarters that we heard about so far (in alphabetical order):

Collegium: tinker shop
Cove: western guard tower (north of the western bank)
Knights Templar: Trinsic barracks
New Haven: jeweller shop
Vesper: paladin island
Yew: southern councillor’s hall

When there is a Stage…
(PLC)

Whenever there is even a small chance at gathering some short-lived attention, there is always some poor soul trying to take it. As such, the opening event of the Trinsic Moot was overshadowed by an attack on Mayor Cocidius. According to eye-witnesses, the so far unidentified assailant charged the Mayor, injuring him and the his Grace, Duke Irvyn Middlethorn, before fleeing. The local healers told the Beacon that none of the injuries inflicted during the attack were dangerous and that both the Duke and the Mayor will be able to continue organising the Moot and attending its events.

In the absence of a political statement of responsibility for the attack, it has to be assumed that the incident was no more than the deed of a lone madman.

A Chance for Peace?
(PLC)

Beyond the events and shows, the Moot in Trinsic has a deeper, more important meaning. Once more the leaders of the realm gather to discuss the current affairs in Sosaria. In a time in which Casca is still unapprehended, in which his armies still assault towns, in which the Shadowlords wander freely across the land, in a time of war and suffering such a meeting is of vital importance for the shaken realm. However, how much of a chance for peace is there, in such a meeting?

Already, a woman from Vesper was shot at and wounded by a member of the yewish militia. The first breach of the peace in Trinsic, but just the tip of the serpent that lies curled in darkness. With her being the same woman that provoked the other towns on a constant basis and with the vesperian delegation spending much of their evening going into the quarters of the other cities to trade insults, a true chance for peace hidden in this Moot becomes doubtful.

Once more the expectant eyes of the citizens of the realm rest on the leaders of the cities and groups that hold power in Sosaria. Will they finally prove themselves worthy or will the childish quarrels continue even in the face of much greater dangers? The next days will tell.

Auction fetches Record Sum
(PLC)

Highlight of the opening events was the auction in which numerous items of value and history were offered to the crowd. For the best part of an hour the bids rose, partly into incredible heights. Most sought after item was a cloak of Nathan Hawke, which brought the immense sum of 4.5 million gold pieces for charities. Overall, the entire auction raised more than 9 million gold pieces that will be distributed either to those who provided the items to be sold or to charities.

Tuesday will see the always popular fight night, organised by Sergeant Reann of Trinsic as well as a rather bizarre event in which the avatarian church wishes to enlighten people about how women are supposedly lesser beings. Good luck with that and while we understand that being single can be embarrassing, this seems still a little drastic.

The Trinsic Beacon · 25th August 2009, 08:14 PM

Moot Edition – Day 2

Vile Murder
(PLC)

Tonight, the second day of the Moot in Trinsic was overshadowed by the assassination of a member of the yewish church, the cleric Emmeline. She was struck down at the end of her speech, in which she presented the views of her church concerning the role of women in yewish society. While her opinions might not be shared by many, the freedom of speech is still an important right in the realm and all those interviewed condemned the vile attack sharply.

Even though the murderer, Elaine from Vesper, was apprehended only seconds after the deed, the investigations are still ongoing. Guardsman and healer Iljian told the Beacon that the crime had possibly been committed under the influence of a mind-affecting drug or poison. Shortly after, a warrant for the member of the Collegium, Melanctom, had been published by the guards. Later on, Sergeant Reann of the Trinsic guard force confirmed that the man had been apprehended.

We will continue to report on the investigations and offer our condolences to the family and friends of Emmeline as well as to the other members of her church.

Massive Fight Night
(PLC)

While the usual Fight Nights in Trinsic, hosted by Sergeant Reann every Tuesday, tend to be very popular, the attendance on its Moot-Edition broke all the records. Spectators crowded the seats all around the arena while the contestants from all corners of the realm measured their strength and wits against each other in a long series of exciting duels.

In the end, Marshall Damien Bedford from Vesper defeated the Grand Templar Gendin, thus claiming the title for himself and for Vesper.

Wednesday Events
(PLC)

Wednesday night will see the first meeting of the politicians and leaders of the cities and factions of Sosaria. Main topics are the current political situation of the realm, the war in the north as well as the one against Casca and the Shadowlords. However, in the light of the recent assassinations, more and more calls can be heard for an outlawing of the Collegium and its helpers from the Realm.

For those not admitted into the meeting of the leaders, your most favourite newspaper (and we want to hear no protests after that line) will stage the Grand Beacon Race for you. Gathering point is the West Gate of Trinsic at 8p, Britannian Standard Time. We ask all participants to form groups of three people and to prepare for a race of both wits and legs.

The Trinsic Beacon · 26th August 2009, 04:44 PM

Moot Edition – Day 3

First Meeting of the World Leaders
(PLC)

Tonight saw the first political meeting of the Moot in Trinsic. Leaders of all the towns of the realm, as well as from Vesper and Cove gathered to discuss the political situation and the war in the north. In addition, Lady Dawn and Nathan Hawke were present to rally support for their battle against Casca and the Shadowlords. The following is an official statement from his Grace, Duke Irvyn Middlethorn of Trinsic, coming freshly from the conference table:

Quote:

The Duke first invited Lady Dawn to speak, and she asked us a question: “How much do we love our homes?” She went on to say that it is all our homes that are at stake in the war against Casca.

All the representatives present agreed unanimously that they would fight to the death to defend their homes, and all will stand together to fight against the evil that shadows our lands.

However, discussion of tactics was limited. Nathan Hawke was not able to provide any knowledge of Casca’s whereabouts, nor that of his allies. Thus no firm planning was possible.

It is known that Casca has directly threatened Dawn, and Nathan was most insistent on her being protected. This was borne out by an attack on her by Casca’s hired brigands as she and Nathan left Trinsic, but the attack was swiftly repelled and they left safely.

The rest of the meeting took some time, but in the end two basic agreements were thrashed out. Firstly, that attacks by Vesper on Yew and her allies, and vice versa, will cease with immediate effect. A formal peace treaty was not agreed upon, but this verbal arrangement will surely be cause for relief and rejoicing for all the embattled areas in the north.

Secondly, Minoc has been a bone of contention and the site of many battles. It has been left scarred and battered, with little chance between the serial conflicts to regain any of its former prosperity. To protect it, and to allow the citizens to rebuild their lives in freedom from strife, the Duchy of Trinsic and the Knights Templar will put a peacekeeping force at its borders. This force will be supported entirely by Trinsic and will put no drain on Minoc’s resources. Further, with donations from other cities including Yew and Moonglow, the peacekeepers will assist the Minocians in rebuilding the city.

It is hoped that as peace is maintained between the cities of Sosaria that all of us will benefit from the increased trade and mutual support. Further, we will be able to join readily and swiftly to combat the threat of evil facing us from Casca and his minions, also the Shadowlords and other evils which endanger us.

Moot Entertainments
(PLC)

While the official meeting took place, the remaining visitors of the Moot in Trinsic spent the night with various events and activities. After a somewhat tense start into the evening, the yewish and covian forces began a joint training session.

At the same time, Paladin Isle was turned into a location for a garden and pool party, hosted by the staff of the Swaggers tavern as a birthday party for their friend ‘Paps’. Happy Birthday from the Beacon and its readers as well!

Thursday Events
(PLC)

At 8pm Britannian Standard Time a bagball tournament will be hosted on the market square in Trinsic. Participants should form teams of three players; gold and a trophy will be awarded to the winners.

Following that is a duel of another kind, namely an insulting-contest in which the fights are won by those with the sharpest tongues rather than the sharpest blades. This will begin right after the bagball tournament.

The Trinsic Beacon · 27th August 2009, 07:04 PM

Moot Edition – Day 4

Duke Assaulted
(PLC)

Tonight, during the fourth day of the Moot and while the bagball tournament was taking place, his Grace, Duke Irvyn Middlethorn of Trinsic was attacked by a so far unidentified assailant. According to the local healers at the Trinsic Cottage Hospital, the Duke suffered from a poisoning as well as an explosion and will have to rest for several days. In the meantime, his son, Lord Isidore Middlethorn of Trinsic, will take over the affairs of the city.

At the same time, a note was found from an “enemy of Trinsic” that declares Casca the rightful king and threatens the town with more attacks and bombs should the Duchy not swear loyalty to him. Since this is not going to happen, all citizens of Trinsic and all visitors for the Moot are asked to be careful and to report suspicious activities and possible explosives or traps to the Duchy Guardforce.

The following image shows one of the trapped containers left in town. Please watch out for similar contraptions:

Bagball Tournament
(PLC)

Despite the grievous assaults and threats against Trinsic, the Moot festivities continued as planned with a bagball tournament taking place to entertain the visitors. Out of the many teams from several towns the team ‘Scoregasm’ from Yew came out the winner (even though their own church would probably not approve of that name).

More Colleagues getting together…
(PLC)

…in a cozy jail cell in Trinsic. Tonight, the Duchy Guardforce apprehended just another suspected part of the Collegium, involved in the happenings around Elaine and the attacks on members of the yewish church. Since the investigation is still ongoing, the Beacon could not yet obtain any more detailed information on the case.

Friday Events
(PLC)

Friday night will see the “Trinsic Got Talent!” show in which all that believe to have a unique and exciting talent will get a chance to thoroughly embarrass themselves on the great stage. Starting at 8pm Britannian Standard Time at the market place.

The Trinsic Beacon · 28th August 2009, 05:33 PM

Moot Edition – Day 5

Trinsic has Talent
(PLC)

Supposedly.

At least, that is, according to the event invitation for tonight, which suggested that people with talent take to the stage to entertain the audience. However, some of the displays certainly stretched that claim, leaving the audience barely capable of suffering through yet another one. But, after the darkest nights follow even brighter days and as such, the stage was populated by a few wonderful and inspiring acts, ranging from poems to displays of fire breathing. The latter being the one that finally won the event as well, with the performer, Dorris, claiming the prize money.

Saturday Events
(PLC)

Bring your best tales for Saturday’s event, which is a story-telling contest. Meetingplace is the Western Gate of Trinsic and the contest begins at 7pm Britannian Standard Time. Tell your tales and win a prize.

The Trinsic Beacon · 30th August 2009, 05:45 AM

Moot Edition – Day 6

Why bother!?
(ELV)

None of the filthy peasants that we offer our precious paper to can read anyway. And if they actually manage to save for a month to afford it, then it is likely as not ending up in the outhouse. Anyway, tonight saw the ‘insults competition’ which was marginally less dull and unexciting than the rest of that tree-hugger-lets-all-like-each-other week of a moot. Out of the sorry lot of spectators an entirety of eight contestants weren’t complete cowards and gave it a go, though most of them had to find out that the wish to do something doesn’t mean you’re actually able to (something their wives probably found out about them long ago). In the end, Hoagie from Cove won the prize, even if just for the reason that they had to give it to someone. Congratulations then, finally his life has got at least –some- meaning.

Duke’s Health Improving
(PLC)

Tonight, Beacon reporters were allowed into the Trinsic Cottage Hospital where they had a chance to speak to Duke Irvyn Middlethorn and the local healers. After the attack on his life, the Duke has regained consciousness, though he still requires extensive treatments and, most importantly, rest. According to the healers he will be discharged from the hospital during the next few days. His Grace himself declared that even these attacks on his life will not keep him from fulfilling his duty to the citizens of the Duchy of Trinsic and the entire realm.

In the name of its readers and staff, the Beacon wishes a speedy and complete recovery.

Unfunny Insults at the Sideline
(PLC)

After the Duchy Guardforce had managed to uphold the peace during the last week, it was now the yewish militia that spoiled the remaining days of the Moot with its misbehaved and wilfully provocative manners. Seemingly unused to such lengthy spells of peace, yewish militia members had begun to become restless, insulting and provoking both hosts and guests of the Moot. Yet, while the differences arising on Friday night could be calmed down, they led to a short fight on Saturday, after which the few remaining members of the militia in Trinsic returned to Yew. Rumours that Captain Dart withdrew to protect Yew from further embarrassment could not be confirmed so far.

Sunday Events
(PLC)

The last day of the Moot will be a final get-together with an open bar at the western gate of Trinsic. The organisers of the Moot are expected to hold a small speech, thanking those that attended.

P.S. For all those that did not quite get it: the first article is not to be taken seriously. If that still confuses you, have someone write us a letter in your name and we’ll send you some pictures to try and explain it.

The Trinsic Beacon · 8th September 2009, 02:55 PM

Tuesday, 8th Day of September

(Note from the editor: the Beacon apologises for the bad quality of the images. Due to the dreadful circumstances in the caves our artists were not able to produce a better impression)

Shadowlords Banished?
(PLC)

Yesterday, after a long and fearsome battle against the Shadowlords and their minions and conjured images, the Royal Guard and some of the more loyal armies of the city states of Britannia defeated and banished these personifications of cowardice, hatred, jealousy and falsehood back into the ether. While philosophers and researchers still argue on whether it is even possible to defeat the Shadowlords for good, the strategists and fighters celebrate a great victory against the dangers that threatened the realm.

While the victory is already important in itself, it also robs the usurper Casca of his support. Scouts could not yet determine where Casca is hiding, but with his most powerful allies defeated there is a chance to end this war and return Britannia to stability.

Scientists still riddle about the meaning of a large ruby gem, which was found suspended in the midst of the hidden cave in which the Shadowlords had been hiding. Other than that, the cave, located beneath the daemon temple, had been mostly empty, but for the horrific apparitions summoned by the Shadowlords.

In the days before, several desperate struggles had taken place, involving a battle between the fearsome crimson and plantinum dragons as well as an attack by Casca on the Meer, the former allies of the Realm. However, now that the Shadowlords have been banished, even if temporary, there is a chance to finally end the evil that is Casca and his supporters.

To Keep the Peace and Raise the Fallen
(PLC)

On Monday night, a peacekeeping force consisting of the Duchy of Trinsic and the Knights Templar embarked on its first survey of the war-ridden town of Minoc. During the Moot in Trinsic, the decision had been made amongst the leaders to try this way to restore peace to Minoc and to help its citizens in their plight. And indeed, according to the scouting parties, both the citizens as well as the infrastructure had suffered greatly during the many years of occupation and war.

As such, the citizens welcomed the peacekeeping force with open arms, quickly dispersing the first of many loads of supplies and materials that will be supplied by the Duchy of Trinsic in order to rebuild the town and to allow its citizens a self-sufficient and stable life again. As a first step, large amounts of supplies were brought in for the healers of Minoc to finally offer a proper treatment for the many wounded and maimed citizens that could only be roughly patched up so far.

According to information from Duchy officers, further caravans with materials and supplies will be sent towards Minoc during the next days.

Feuilleton

Gargoyles and New Worlds
(PLC)

Dear Readers, exciting times lie ahead of us and the world of the gargoyles awaits us all, along with the depths of the Abyss. Send your tales and pictures of the new world to the Beacon and help us show our readers the wonders of the new age.

The best stories (with pictures) will be rewarded with 50.000 gold pieces!

The Farmer’s Guide (Autumn Edition)
(FB)

Welcome again, landowners! For those of you who still have left anything alive in your fields and gardens the following tips will surely come as a revelation. But before we begin: I said it before and I will say it again – even if its healthy, green and blooms… weeds do NOT belong into a good garden!

Hedges need to be cut within this month to remain healthy and decorative. Remember, by having an intentional wave-pattern right away you will look less of a failure afterwards. If you are one of those snobs cutting their bushes into geometric forms then go away and stand with the bonsai owners.
Autumn is the not only the time of harvests, but still a time of good weather and lovers seeking solitude in the fields and gardens. So careful with that scythe!
Are your pumpkins growing nicely for Halloween yet? Aren’t you just so excited?? Just think of the scary pumpkin faces… and the pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, pumpkin jelly, pumpkin bread, pumpkin vegetables,… who wouldn’t love this wonderfully versatile gift of the soil? Your family and friends, for one.
Have your fields been devastated by armies and monsters? Are corpses littering the ground where your wheat should have grown? Fear not, simply remove all disturbing metal tiles and plough the rest under, then look for a wonderful harvest in the next year with this amazing organic fertiliser. Note: clever farmers can make an extra bargain by selling the loot.
If you still haven’t gotten around to shooing that bog thing out of your gardens then it should by now have begun to fall apart. However, its not dying, but multiplying. Purchase more land to make sufficient room and congratulations for the lucky parent.
Its mushroom season! Especially valued are the dark green toadstools and the reaper’s veins, which come in a pale grey colour with blue veins. Most of the others are just for eating; don’t bother with them. Seeing colours is fine, but if you start to taste colours, see a healer immediately.
Horde minions are excellent for keeping the garden free of leafs in autumn. However, remove pet animals, garden implements, decorations and everything else beforehand. Also, try not to smell edible.
With the right tools, insect problems can be removed without the use of dangerous pesticides. Calculate three farmers with pitchforks or one armed warrior for each Solen.
Harpies roosting in the trees can generally be ignored, preferably with some cloth in your ears. And even though they do look like women halfway through: don’t!
Vines are a beautiful and easy to tend to addition to your house. They will grace the entire wall with their thick, leafy beauty. They also create a convenient ladder for small mammals and insects of all kinds, enhancing your enjoyment of Mother Nature even in the upper floors.

That is all for this time and always remember: true gardeners suffer. But when the first corpser saplings wrap their tentacles around your finger in spring, then you know that all the effort was well worth it.

The Trinsic Beacon · 15th September 2009, 12:05 PM

Tuesday, 15th Day of September

The king is dead, long live the Queen!
(PLC)

Yesterday night, one of the darker chapters of Britannian history finally found its end, as the usurper Casca, self-proclaimed second king of the Kingdom of Britannia, was captured and judged by the virtues himself. Once more the realm owes thanks to one of the most unlikely helpers and friends, namely Sherry the Mouse, who had managed to overhear Casca’s minions and their preparations for an assault onto the heart of the Realm, Castle Britain. With the fiendish plans uncovered, the Royal Guard stood ready to drive the assassins back into the sewage out of which they had crawled and to even push onwards into the caves in which Casca and his few remaining minions hid from the gathered wrath of the realm.

Once the usurper was apprehended, Lady Dawn, leader of the defense of Britain and the attack on Casca at that point, called to her aid a creatures from Ilshenar, one of the ethereal warriors who lend aid to those who are pure at heart and strike down those who have strayed into evil and unvirtuous ways. Judgement was swift and Casca was slain by the being, his corpse later displayed at Castle Britain as a proof of his death.

Once the deed was done and the Royal Guard once more assembled in the throne room of Castle Britain, Nathan Hawke, former Commander of the Royal guard and now trusted leader of the efforts against Casca, surprised many by offering the Throne and Kingdom of Britannia to Lady Dawn in the name of the people. After a great commotion, in which the majority of people cheered in favour of the proposal, Lady Dawn accepted to become the first Queen and the third monarch of the Realm of Britannia. Her first statement was that together, the Realm should be rebuilt once more and its army restored to its old strength. Also, she hinted, that Nathan Hawke might once more be appointed as Commander of the Guard.

A date for the coronation has not yet been set but preparations are to begin as soon as possible.

Lady Dawn I, Queen of Britannia – A Commentary
(PLC)

Not long ago, the staff of the Beacon sat just where it did today, brooding over the words that would proclaim to you, our dear readers, the ‘appointment’ of a new king. Yet we did so with heavy hearts, for the appointment was overshadowed by the massacre in which the former ruling council had been slain, by the movements of cultists, by appointments of dubious new councils that had never been seen beforehand and by the bizarre entertainments hosted by this new king. Today, not long after these events, we have again the duty, and the honour, to announce a new monarch on the throne of Britannia.

And yet again we find uncertainty, doubts and suspicions. But even so, hope prevails. Lady Dawn might not be a politician, scholar or tradeswoman of repute, but she is, and has been ever since the battles in which she first distinguished herself, a protector of the Realm, a follower of the virtues and a heroine in the eyes of many people.

It has been many years since the beloved King of Britannia, Lord British, departed from our world. Never since had it been possible to find a worthy replacement, to find one that would rally the people and maintain the realm in the same way that its creator had intended it to be. Yet even Lord British himself had struggled to maintain peace and prosperity at times. And in those times it had been the heroes of the realm, great names beginning with the fabled Avatar and its companions, who had come to the aid of the Realm in its times of need. Who then, if not one of those, could be worthy of such a legacy?

Now, at the Dawn of a new age (excuse the pun) all that remains for the Beacon to say is that we hope that the legacy of Lord British, its ideas, its visions and its virtuous soul, might be rekindled now under the guidance of the new Queen. May prosperity and peace once more reign, where chaos and malice (this is not a pun) lurked for too long a time.

Long live the Legacy of Lord British. Long live the Virtues. Long live the Realm. And in their name, for the People of Britannia…

Long Live the Queen!

First Statements…
(PLC)

Quote:

Nathan Hawke: Pray silence for the Queen!
Lady Dawn: Together we will rebuild! And clean the lands of the stench Casca left behind. In the following weeks we will rebuild our army and appoint a new captain of the guard.

(many shouts from the audience in favour of Nathan Hawke)

Lady Dawn (speaks smiling): If Nathan wants the job.... perhaps. I will have a word with him.

Nathan Hawke: Milady Dawn you must reinstate Avery

Lady Dawn: And I hope you all will be ready when I call on you again. Until then my friends!

Nathan Hawke: Please be quiet a moment! Lady Dawn will be our new Queen and we shall follow her. We will talk to the rebels of Vesper and we will see what terms we can come to. Lady Dawn will lead us in the rebuilding of our Kingdom. We will look at righting all wrongs and returning justice to the lands. We will be petitioning the people to find out what you need us to do. We will listen to all.This is a new Kingdom reborn! We will listen and where we can, we will act to bring peace and prosperity to the lands.

Now, I think we need to begin planning Lady Dawn’s coronation.

The Collegium stumbles again…
(ELE)

On the sidelines of last night’s events, the Collegium once more embarrassed itself with an attempted assassination attempt on Lady Dawn. However, one could argue that such an attempt in the midst of a gathering of a few dozen armed and alerted members of the Royal Guard is somewhat short-sighted and indeed, the wannabe assassin was apprehended only moments after her failed attempt. Since the Templars, who performed the arrest, are apparently ill-equipped when it comes to dealing with prisoners, the prisoner was moved to Trinsic for the second act of the drama.

Shortly after, a larger group of the remaining Collegium members attempted, and consecutively botched, a prison break, leading to the swift incarceration and added public punishment of three more members, while the rest had enough sense to make off into the woods.

Feuilleton

Gargoyles and New Worlds
(PLC)

A quick reminder that we are still encouraging our readers to send in stories and images of their adventures in the newly discovered lands of Ter-Mur or in the fiery depths of the Abyss. So, lay aside the weapons and reagents for a while and let others know about your discoveries!

The best stories (with pictures) will be rewarded with 50.000 gold pieces!

Where is Sherry the Mouse?

Hello, children! Have you heard yet that you cute friend, Sherry the Mouse, is a real hero? If not, ask your parents about it and they might tell you the story from the grown-up sections of the paper.

But before you do that, we want to tell you about Sherry’s new adventure! You see, Sherry went allll the way to Ter-Mur, which is the place where the gargoyles live. She told us that gargoyles look mean and grumpy, with horns and claws, but that they are really friendly and nice people when you talk to them politely.

And just for your fun, Sherry hid again for our painting, to make it harder for you to find her. So, can you spot Sherry the Mouse on our picture!?

Irvyn · 26th September 2009, 01:06 PM

Saturday, 26th Day of September

A Meeting of Queens
(PLC)

On Monday, Queen Dawn received Queen Zhah, ruler of the gargoyles, at the palace in Britain. The meeting was short, with promises of friendship and cooperation from either party. Under the eyes of the audience, both queens pledged to uphold the peace and maintain good relations in the future. Finally, as a gift from the gargoyles, Queen Zhah linked the moongates, thus opening an easy passage to and from Ter-Mur and the Royal City.

War in the North?
(PLC)

On Tuesday, Vesper reached a new low as it elected Olk Samsca to be its new Chancellor, a man known for his habit to talk madness and to place mushrooms with hats wherever he goes. Overall, a fitting highlight of the Vesper festival, in which ten years of rebellion, separatism and mindless warfare were celebrated. Observers debated whether the mind numbing golem tournament might have caused serious harm to some of the voters, since not only a madman was elected, but even the also running ape managed to gather nearly as many votes as candidate Damien Bedford.

In the aftermath of the election, Marshall Damien Bedford resigned from his office. It seems that even though Samsca reached the majority of votes, his clutch for power scares even the Vesperians themselves. Several voices were heard openly rejecting the idea of him as the head of their ‘state’.

The election of Samsca ends a period of relative peace and hope for the north. All the efforts and achievements of Escaflowne were ridiculed just one day later, when Samsca, in a fit of madness, declared war on Minoc and the loyalist troops defending it.

Statement from the Duke’s Office

Quote:

As you will all know, the Duchy of Trinsic has sent a peacekeeping force to guard the borders of Minoc, to maintain its independence, and to allow its citizens to once more take up the reins of their own affairs and govern themselves. Captain Reann and Major Sakaki are leading this force, which is working in partnership with the Knights Templar.

Already the Minocians are beginning to rebuild, and free trade has started again with the outside world, including a shipment of high quality stone to Templewood where the Knights Templar are doing their own rebuilding.

The success of the peacekeepers so far cannot be allowed to falter. Minoc is the city of Sacrifice, but over the years it has been sacrificed by others who seek to make war over it. Now it begins to find prosperity and confidence once more.

The new Chancellor of Vesper has appointed a diplomatic envoy to Trinsic, thus showing himself to be, in some ways, a man of vision. But his demands that the peacekeepers abandon Minoc, or face the threatened hordes that he plans to bring up against us, are not acceptable.

We have sworn to keep peace in Minoc, and we will guard its borders with all the strength that we can. The Honour of Trinsic will not permit us to sacrifice Minoc again.

In the meantime, Nathan Hawke, acting Commander of the Royal Guard, has promised the support of the crown. Additional royal troops will be stationed in Minoc to help protect the citizens of Minoc from rebel invaders.

Inferno in Trinsic
(JS)

Wednesday evening a fire broke out at the lower level of the Trinsic jail. Due to the quick response of the guards and citizens the fire was quickly put out. Main suspect is a member of the Collegium, who was found in the otherwise empty building. While he was arrested immediately, no public statement has yet been ushered as to his guilt.

Scholars agree that the fire was laid purposefully in an attempt to destroy the jail. Damage to the building is considerable and the reconstruction has begun.

Templewood Construction
(ELE)

Templewood, new home of the Knights Templar, begins to take shape. The area in between Yew and Minoc was set aside to be a place of peace and refuge, even if not fun and entertainment. Already the new stronghold of the Templar begins to take shape. Aided by the Duchy of Trinsic and the people of Minoc shipments of stone were delivered to continue the works. Pictures of the progress of the works will follow in the next editions.

Feuilleton

Royal Fashion
(Jolie Richesse)

Ah, my dear readers, it has been a most long summer away from you all. But now I, your very own Jolie, have returned from far off lands to once more bring my insight and experience to you!

And what a summer it has been! After many vicissitudes, the so-called king, Casca, has been deposed and his forces destroyed! Of course, one could tell he was no true king just from the way he was dressed – he presented himself no better than those brigands he paid to come against us! But now, with great good fortune, he is no more and the brigands have returned to their rude camps.

However, I most deeply regret to say that our new Queen, the illustrious and mainly beloved Lady Dawn, has been so terribly ill-advised when it comes to clothing. Alas, that astounding white dress and astonishing yellow cloak, whilst undoubtedly of a richness far outside the common way, do nothing but make of her for all enemies an easy target. Even at night, for that intolerable cloak must surely glow on its own!

I make now an appeal to Queen Dawn: your Majesty, please gather around you most quickly some good advisers, ones who can not only tell you of the state of the Kingdom, but who can find you good tailors! Have pity on your poor loyal subjects, who must soon begin to suffer from eyestrain and headaches. I, Jolie, say this to you with the most humble hope that your Majesty will forgive me – it is only that I have the welfare of all at heart. Truly, fashion is a great part of life, and neglect of it can lead only to distress, especially for so great a lady as yourself!

A bientôt mes amis!

[Note: posted by me because of Trinsic Beacon account problems, not because I wrote it ]

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