~✦~ Rumours From Distant Lands ~✦~

[Art By: Phade01 on DeviantArt]

These are rumors your characters may have heard around the Spire about the going-ons of the lands outside of the Southern Reach. Almost none of these now, or in the future, will be tied to upcoming events. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to @Moony

⌞Fallstone⌝

- Town criers warn of further tensions brewing in Fallstone. From what they say, after having vacated Stonebrook in the aftermath of a heated debate, Ser Chimeg's caravans have not seen going any further north than The Crossroads. A large amount of Feyguard followed him south as well. Caravans and settlements alike have expressed some worries over the movement of troops. Despite this, some reports state that there may be a chance for issues to be alleviated. Those same reports state that Ser Chimeg and Speaker Alvarez discussed the possibility of granting the Feyguard's leader independent control of the Southern half of the Faded Steppe, south of The Crossroads.

⌞Sudvalkia, Valkian Realm⌝

- An avalanche in the Noparate Mountains has caused the Terravecchio Pass to be rendered defunct for the time being. There have been minor concerns about the economic influence of one of the most important passes to the Sudvalkian people being closed, but currently the majority of focus is honed on finding and rescuing survivors for the surrounding villages and road-side inns that have been devastated in the wake of the catastrophe.  Thankfully, no major settlements or towns felt the effects, and relief efforts are already being well-funded. 

⌞Skykeep, Northern Kingdoms⌝

- Celebrations and cheers line the frigid streets of city below Skykeep. What is usually a dour city in this time of year has feasts and dignitaries from neighboring Northern Kingdoms visiting to celebrate the crowning of a new Petty King. The former Petty King Aitor, of House Greuthric, has abdicated in his waning years in favor of his son. Newly crowned Petty King Ganix is welcomed by the people who see him as an intelligent and formidable ruler. Many of the peasantry believe he may bring about a sort of golden age for his kingdom.

⌞Caz-On-Bord, Valkian Realm⌝

- Following a failed political marriage between Cazmuth and Sanguifleur, the state of affairs in Cazmuth's capital, Caz-On-Bord, has grown unstable. Pressured by wealthy merchants and nationalists within Caz-On-Bord's aristocracy, Duke Mercur Neredas has passed controversial laws pushing much of the blame of Cazmuth's economic and political instability onto the large population of Mistan within Caz-On-Bord's borders. Fervent taxation and invasive documentation of the population has resulted in heavy retaliation from Mistan pirates; The waters around Caz-On-Bord have become dangerous for any merchant willing to trade goods within their ports, and cultural differences within the city itself only continue to fan the flames of the conflict. Only time will tell whether or not Cazmuth will be able to survive these troubled times.