The Spire Weekly
Issue 11 || Highsun 1, 1642

The Siege of Ysait Hold
The Spire Militia plans to liberate the Stonerunners' occupied stronghold, following the recent success at the Second Battle of the Striped Pass. The siege is planned to last at least a week, with the soldiers resting a few days at Sanshi camp as preparations are made. Marshal Helara Umeneri is taking more personal command of the initiative, as civil authority is ceded back to Lady Stewardess Meriel Noctis back in town.

Should the Spirefolk be successful, the Ysait greatlings will have a home to return to once more; and the Striped Pass will be under the control of a Spire aligned Stonerunner clan— permitting free travel from the Southern Reach to the Faded Steppe. This will free up Spire envoys to travel into Fallstone to deal with the warring factions, and possibly reopen the trade routes through the mountain.

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Recent Fire Outbreaks
On the night of Greenrain 25, the old Midnight Circus tent was apparently burnt down after investigation. Eyewitnesses report a pale, dark haired human man and a Fey-touched girl in a burned dress with white flowers in her hair leaving the scene.

Around Greenrain 27, a thick column of smoke rose from the canopy of trees along the coast in the residential area between the Valley of Flowers and the main town. A fire had broken out in a house belonging to Nergui as marked by the gate, consuming the interior with the smog initially too thick to have gotten details on the damage. Both residents were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Investigations point to the latter fire being tied to the rumours of odd letters, that when read aloud tend to cause terrible things to happen. It's recommended to not do this, should you receive one by any means. Other accounts include almost being drowned by unspecified entities, the general area combusting into flames, and being cursed directly after reading.

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Upcoming Events
The Roots are seeking vendors, entertainers (alas, yours truly has errands to be getting to), and vulunteers for the upcoming Festival of Belonging! A celebration of the diversity of the Spire, and the uniqueness of its people. Whilst details have not been revealed, those interested in assisting are to seek out Meridy Illuma

The upcoming Starry Night Gala hosted by Nia Belot and Lady Ofelia has released details on the event! Held on Highsun 21, the gala is to help raise funds for those affected by the fungus in Albern's Crossing. There will be auctions from merchants, food and drink, and music provided throughout the night.

The dress theme, of course, being Starry Night. Entry fees for those interested is priced at 15 crowns. All money from auctions and entry funds will be headed toward the cause.

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Rumours, Gossip, and Everything Else
In the early dawn of Highsun 1, a message was left for the Spire using the blood of Ser Maliketh; who was unconscious and battered. He was said to have been dragged through the streets of the Spire, left in a trail of blood and dumped amidst the crossroads where he had once felled Terryn Bellefuelle. A single withering white lily and the feather of a corvid were all that was left at the scene after the knight's departure

A well with golden paint etched into its cracks has appeared near The Sinner's Rendezvous in the Undercity, filled with papers. Poems, love notes, confessions and other such written things. They're pinned to the notice board situated in front of the bar, displayed in a small gallery.

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OOC LIST OF STUFF I COULDN'T WRITE NICELY ABOUT

Countess Petrova was killed!
https://avalore.net/forum/topic/2101-the-wolf-in-sheep's-clothing/

A previously posted letter finds its meaning changed in the middle of the night.
https://avalore.net/forum/topic/98-rumours-thread/?p=42#post-8195

{!} The following letters find themselves distributed en masse, both in the Undercity and various locations on the surface. It's contents speak about a Civilization... for Mutants. {!}

OOC stuff + formal break notice

"Lumu these are from almost a month ago" you might say. To that: um. Yea...... they are.... I wanted to post what I did have at the very least, since I already had it written. And.. accepted I probably won't be completing it nicely despite being So close

The Spire Weekly
Issue 12 || Bloomburrow 14, 1642

Hello, hello~ Yes it is I, your dear beloved bard. Yes, I was recently kidnapped by the Mire's Mouth for the few of you who may be wondering of my disappearance. No, I am not harmed. Just a touch ill still. Barely got this edition out because someone kept coddling me… but I am off my break now.

The Bloomburrow Games
The Bloodburrow Games is now ongoing! Started on the 13th of Bloomburrow, and planned to last until the 16th; come down to the festival grounds for a few days of fun!

Festivities include the big contests such as the Pearl of the Town pageant, jousting and the Burrowshot Marksman Games and Tournament! Of course, food, snacks, crafted goods and entertainment are all present as well.

Unfortunate to say, your dear bard has things to be attending to during the entire event. But I do wish you all have fun~

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Curses out at Sea
There's been recent reports of some form of Nocturne curse affecting people, turning them into fish like monstrosities amongst other oddities; such as the extremely large, seemingly dead, tuna that had washed ashore on the beach south of the docks.

Kyrus had left port with a few others in the morning one day, vanishing before returning in the evening. The boat itself was in heavy disrepair once returned.

A strange, thin line of mist that never seems to dissipate has also recently appeared upon the horizon of the Spire’s shores. Resting atop the ocean and can be clearly seen from the docks. Ships arriving and leaving the Spire's docks seem to disappear, and those that do make it are empty the moment they wash up on the shallows

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Mire's Maw Caught
The vampire behind some of the recent attacks, known by the people most commonly under the title of Mire's Maw, has recently been captured. Their face has been revealed, but no name has been attached to them.

The battle took place on Bloomburrow 10, over by the pale tree. Lasting around a few hours supposedly before being brought to the guard.

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Further Misfortune at Sea
The Gilded Kestrels was reported to have crashed along the southern shoreline, with fifty six Korami sailors confirmed dead as a result. Their names being posted with the assistance of Chancellor Anwar Ibn'Fadil. 

Further rumors speak of two Moon clan nobles that were held captive by a cabal of mages, led by one known only as Order; performing cruel experiments on strange creatures and people alike including on one of said nobles. They were tracked down to a ruined watchtower near the Ouroboros river delta, and pulles out alive with a planned ambush and some help with from the Spire militia in the middle of the night. A sizable number of the Order had allegedly managed to flee out of the Reach, however.

Dozens of dockworkers, sailors, and volunteers have begun working on clearing the wreckage and marking bodies for transport back to their families in Ko'ram since then, a sizabe effort undertaken by several members of the Seneschalty council to improve foreign relations with the Arsa clans of the west.

Seriously, why are there so many horrors out at sea lately?

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Common Law and Dinah Act Amendments
The Common Law and Dinah Act has recently been amended, due to the recent increase of severity in vampiric attacks within the Reach and recent confirmation that slain vampires may be restored after death.

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A Safe Haven for Those Who Differ
A haven of sorts meant for mutants, called La Dernier Pari is being created by Enzo as a result of the incidents caused by Locke & Keye. The goal is seemingly to gather mutants and show them that the illness of Bloodwrought thrives off isolating them, but when banded together they'll be able to spread out the effects and benefit from the strength it gives.

Overall, it seems to be meant to be a civilization for mutants, and even perhaps vampires and some mages that goes beyond the current lingering issue of L&K. The main goal being to find a new place to settle away from the Spire.

There are uncertainties still, but Enzo is determined to prove the concept; even going as far as being brutally beaten while in the peak of the illness to show that even when his body lost control, his mind held on— and that much can be used in their favor.

All who may be interested are encouraged to reach out to Enzo.

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Instrument of Independence
The Instrument of Independence has been signed; an agreement between the former Deputy Stewardess and present Marshal Umeneri Helara, and the Emperor's Envoy to the Spire Maximilian Beckett— formally recognising the Seneschalty as a soverign state south of the River Albern.

It was recently proclaimed in the Great Hall of the Realm in Mariza, and also shared at the Town Hall of the Spire

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Rumors, Gossip & Everything Else
A small moth-like sprite that enjoys playing small games is said to linger around on first floor of the SIA building.

Rumour spreads that a few of those working under Locke & Keye have recently been revealed by name; and recently one marked by the bounty has been mysteriously swept away. All that was left in the area was a single note, painted on the wall with marker reading "You call play unfairly," and signed with a black lip mark.

Some people have been speaking of someone named Cj having bad omens following him wherever he goes.

A loud explosion was heard, by the water north of the Spire on a rocky shoreline— loud enough to be heard from as far as the Guardhouse. Investigation yielded not much, except for a strangely small, wet piece of ice melting away underneath the sun and a few shards of glass.

Rumor goes about there's been two Kyrus' going around town! How odd…

Whispers speak of Ser Maliketh having a daughter from Sanguifleur

A different albeit equally loud explosion occurred rather recently near the dockyard, happening after a flash of sudden heat and rapid cold. An obelisk of ice and flame stretching up in a coiling spiral, followed by flames turning it to nothing but mist and; supposedly— fireworks after. Additional reports speak of the flame casting out into the shape akin to a worm. Writer thinks everyone should stop exploding things at night, personally.

Some common patrons whisper of how Meli's shop has been closed for some time now due to her new job with the government to prepare for the festivities.

The Spire Weekly
Issue 13 || Bloomburrow 22, 1642

Updated Bounties
A collection of new bounties has gone up onto the board! Including payment for any information regarding the red markeds 'Dahlia'; described as a mask wearing performer, known collaborator of Franklin Keye. And The Crooked Crossbowman; described as a tall man wearing an eye-patch. Said to have participated in assault alongside the vampires Eta and Ulti.

Any with information are encouraged to reach out to the guard.

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Kittens for Adoption
A litter of kittens was recently found in the Undercity directly outside the Sinner's Rendezvous's wishing well; along with the father cat. The kittens are all said to be orange tabbies, and are available to adopt at the Happy Paws Sanctuary

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A Meeting Regarding the Mist
Posters have been going up around the town and Undercity for a brief informational meeting regarding the cursed mist that has seemed to settle on the ocean. Aimed to inform and debrief all people about the current phenomenon and its dangers. 

It is also said that Ser Gambeson has been kidnapped by something in the mist. All residents are adviced to stay cautious of anyone with rotted and fish like features as they are highly dangerous.

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Missing People & Notice of Death
The bountieds Locke (the coyote) and Perilla are currently missing, with unknown information regarding their current whereabouts. Locke was last seen in the hospital before being taken elsewhere, supposedly.

The red marked vampire known as Chidi has also been slain by Magister Petrus.

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Current Weather
A heat wave has slowly been making its way down the Southern Reach; with temperatures and humidity both rising progressively. All residents are adviced to stay out of the sun in the day unless necessary, and stay cool as needed.

The Dumont Estate is also currently seeking any tellurgists to provide ice in exchange for some coin.

Writer also thinks it is rather unfortunate that the ocean is so cursed at this time. Ah, what I would do to enjoy the cold waters there without risk…

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Upcoming Events
A few posters advertising a game of knowledge and puzzles has been going up around, seeking two teams of four people. Topics will test the knowledge about the world, and places outside of the Reach. The date for it is currently still unknown, but the studious are encouraged to sign up if interested

The Fey Masquerade is also approaching! A social event set for Bloomburrow 24; with a dress code of a fairytale themed outfit and an appropriate mask. 

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Rumours, Gossip & Everything Else
An unsigned poster with giant words reading "Anwar I need you. I will find you." was put up upon the board recently. Writer thinks Anwar is needed, apparently. That, and there's easier ways to ask for someone than ominously putting up a poster publicly.

The Exchequer was not seen around town for quite a few days, many volunteers from the Militia leaving for the east. Rumor says the construction of bridge across the Ouroboros River is finally underway.