[Within the confines of Albern's Crossing, whispers echo. . .] "Bracchus--yes, the big one! Yes, well, I owe him my life, really. Really! [...] Fought off a near-dozen bandits. I and my sister are in his debt." "... oh, oh, yes, the jester-knight was there. He was in the group I found, the ones who helped my brother!" "Some set of nature-lovers, they were. Carrying a pound of feed [...] Ach, nae! Fought them off as well as that knight! And the other--she was kind enough to bandage my foot." Rumors of a band of fighters, each arriving at Albern's Crossing for various reasons, coming together to fend off a group of bandits on the southern road. This would not be as notable if it were not for the affiliation of these bandits--with whispers of an affiliation with the once-thought-defunct Locke and Keye group, who previously terrorized the Spire and Walljack territory both.  Spoiler Rite of the Peonies: Passage 10, Line 14The roots break this fragile form, for what are we but mere mortals.

Character Name: Kitty GrandineDesired Fable: Phoenix & Equinox: Touch of the Equinox What has your character done to qualify them for the fable / gather the attention of the fable?: Having acquired the first, Kitty has begun planning for the second pilgrimage, seeking the presence of the Equinox. Grappling with identity still, as well as the restlessness the Phoenix has placed upon his shoulders, he wishes to focus more on tranquility and serenity, the ability to calm himself in the face of adversity. Even then, he attempts to grapple with what is too much, and what is too little, and the balance between the two. Obsession versus isolation, a concept he has yet to grapple. Where does ambition stop and obsession begin, and where does tranquility become detachment? His largest fear is that the gain of the Equinox's blessing will make him detach further and further, but there is a part of him that hopes, that knows it will balance out the restless thing set inside of him that obsesses with action. At least to the point where it does not become uncomfortable to take a small break, once in a while. OOC: Hello! This is part of Kitty's journey through the twinbirds, and for this specifically, I would like to bring two people along with me! Caleb @BirdmanDean and Raven @Bliinx as they both have had a profound impact on his character arc and Kitty would also like them to be there ICly.

[Placed around the pit in various places--even on the roof--a set of flyers can be found. An image is painted with meticulous detail--seems like they were made in a haze of work. They read the following] If you frequent the pit and see THIS JESTER, DO NOT LET HIM FIGHT! For the next week, this jester is BANNED from pit-fighting. DOCTOR'S ORDERS. If you see this jester fighting at the pit--SEND HIM TO THE HOSPITAL, CASA DE MARCHESI, or to KAWATARE for pick-up. HE IS ALLOWED TO OBSERVE! [The notes are signed all with the same signature--Tomcat, with a small cat symbol near the corner of the posters.] Spoiler This was done with the permission of Caleb's player (birdmandean)! In case people were worried ;D  

[Mage I - 05/28/2026]{Character Playlist} ───●◎●─── Patron:      The Dreaming OneMentor:     AndromedaPrimary Branch:     ArtificeSecondary Branch:     Undetermined (Likely Cursesmithy) ───●◎●─── Cantrips:     Whisper, Self Delusion, Cognitive LithographyAnima:     8Hinderances:     N/A ───●◎●─── {See my house down there but I lost it long agoLost it long ago}    

[A note is left on each notice board in the Spire.] For my brother, Caleb Citranitas-De Marschesi It is with a deep, horrible sorrow that I write this note. On Snowmelt 14, 1642, my brother, Caleb Citranitas-De Marchesi was murdered. His killer, Dorian Locke, fled with his body, after claiming to come after us on the behalf of Harrison Bellefuelle. He hunted us down in the woods like we were animals, and all I could do was fire as he and his band of rangers killed my brother in front of me. They dragged his body away, and now not only have I been robbed of my family, but I have been robbed of the chance to even bury him. Harrison Bellefuelle and Dorian Locke cannot be allowed to roam free. We were hunted down because, as his estranged and disgraced brothers, we were causing him 'stress.' And to those still with him--escape while you can. I hold hope for those who still wish to leave, and know the Spire will still welcome you with open arms, despite what some claim. Live, how my brother wished you would, to love another day. To Harrison--one brother is dead. The other is not. Pray, which do you wish to be there in your final moments? [It is signed with a familiar catlike symbol and a signature with the name Tomcat.]