Depicted: A Black and White drawing of the Spire and surrounding area.
The Spire Inquiry is an independent news outlet dedicated to bringing its readers the news of the realm since 1635.
KNIGHTS OR KNAVES?
On the 1st of Goldleaf, a group of bandits raided the beloved Full Cask Tavern, attacking the staff and citizens present there and demanding their belongings at swordpoint! Luckily, our brave citizenry were able to fight them off, and even capture the criminals! The event spun the Spire into a months long struggle for control, and for some of our citizens - a fight for our own sense of safety. Despite the petitioning of the knight's leader, one Knight Garland - the town refused to return the knights immediately, and instead convened a town hall to discuss the strategy. A heated debate among our citizens lead to the decision to hold the knights where we had them - and not allow their return as requested. Though we stood firmly in our ground, the knave Garland kidnapped a woman by the name of Ceria - a beloved local who arrived in the recent waves of immigration into the spire. The one responsible for her kidnapping, a young bandit by the name of Nelson - was found dead outside of the Spire. Though reporting on this is unclear, it is believed that his corpse was returned to life through magical means, returned to our world as an undead. What became of him from there, is unknown.
In anticipation of the worst, newly formed volunteer force known as the Spire Sentry have come together to fortify the Spire's palisades. A monumental effort of our resident sentries, as well as many concerned citizens - has done much to further our small town's defenses! Future projects are in the works, rumor says - to fortify other aspects of our defense and prepare the Spire not just for this threat, but all those who threaten our peace in the future.
JOUST FOR JUSTICE
On the 14th of Harrowing, the disgraceful Garland invited the people of the reach to the outskirts of our fine settlement - to participate in a joust between the bandit forces and our people. In what was either a valiant sacrifice, or a foolish gamble - citizen Diarmait gambled his own freedom for the captive Ceria's -- should the town win the joust, she goes free, should they lose, he is taken as well. Through much fanfare, Sir Garland had a quiet bardic showdown with local musician Argenta, Though the bandit knight may have us beaten in terms of manpower - the soul of the Spire showed through in Argenta's performance, easily besting him.
As the joust went on, Sir Gwaine of the knights loses his tilt, leading to Knight Templar Bethany - a leader of the Knights Templar, joining the joust. Just when it seemed that the Knights had an upper hand, Sir Gwaine put shrine keeper Myra fourth as a last ditch effort to close the scores. Myra, however - isn't able to secure a win. As a result, local Doctor Konrad Radzwill issues a challenge to the knights - a duel for Diarmait's freedom. Sir Gwaine offered to bring this matter fourth to the templars, and the joust ended without much else of note.
Days later, Sir Gwaine appeared to Konrad, and gave the terms of the duel - a fight to the death. The doctor refused these terms, and Diarmait was taken into custody by the Knights. What fate lies ahead for him, only time will tell. Helara was however able to negotiate a truce between the Knights and the Spire, when Diarmait was taken .
PERIODICLES IN PERIL
Citizens of the Reach were called to a locked Library on the 15th of Goldleaf, only to find it locked shut - barricaded by barrels of salt. Valliant citizens broke their way in, only to discover the precious books and tomes stolen; entire shelves missing from the library stacks! More troubling still, the body of the honorable Councilor Pip* was found dead - killed by apparent poisoning. Along with him, subtle documents pointing to secrets in ancient Aedallic History, a mystery to be solved - and potential walljack involvement in the form of a group only known as 'Finns'! The Spire Inquiry has unfortunately uncovered no more information on this nefarious group than their name. Notable citizen Doctor Konrad Radziwill is leading an effort into investigating this mystery, only time will tell where it heads from here!
*Editors note: We found no records of Councillor Pip's Surname to include in this article.
TWO FOR ONE SPECIAL
Mere days after the untimely passing of Councilor Pip, fellow Councilor Leigh Hounsley was found dead in the Ketaware Shrine - killed an assassin with apparent mutant features. It is believed that the very same assassin escaped the scene, and was encountered once more by a scholar visiting from Tweedsmuir, and found to be collecting information of the Aedall from ruin sites along the eastern riverway. Rumors have it that the assassin is searching for the fabled - "Garden of Aedall", though those reports are unsubstantiated. An increase in security has been notable among the remaining councilors, as it is believed that the killings are connected. The great shrine maiden Myra, has valiantly began organizing an effort to take the fight to these assassins, and not let the death of our very own councilors be in vein!
