Announcements | Xadune

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

Goblin Invasion?

Goblin Invasion? Archived May 5th, AFS 088

Goblins en masse have been sighted outside Barbaroy. While the goblins do not appear hostile, they could be a threat none the less. Our economy and our resources cannot support this many immigrants.
Thousands of goblins are approaching the eastern borders of Barbaroy. Over fifty percent of the population is presumed to be females and children. Not much is known about the intentions of this massive amount of goblins, but rumor has it they are carrying all of their belongings.
Normally, Barbaroy would not close its borders to any immigrants in need of a new home, but this throng will eat us out of house and home. A petition has been drawn up and is being passed around the populous to encourage the government to step in and do something. Maybe they Barbaroy can offer them rations and supplies at the borders to the swamp to assist those in need, as well as encourage them to not continue their journey into the cities and towns. Use of force is not ultimately necessary, however should be used to detour the advancement.
If nothing is done to stop this movement, it will not only be their children and females looking for a place to sleep and eat, but our own.

Geoffrey Thompson
Senior Editor, Barboroy Herald

The Goblins Are Here archived June 14th, AFS 088

Despite any encouraging the government could do, the goblins have scattered and populated the cities and towns of Barbaroy. Many of the larger settlements within Barbaroy have been affected; however there does not seem to be a great struggle for competition of survival.
The goblins entered into Barbaroy and spread throughout the country, leaving the countryside and smaller villages to the natives, they chose to inhabit the outskirts and slums of the cities and towns, particularly in the junkyards. While at first, the presumption was they would take over the cities with their populations, they kept to themselves, and made do with what they had. Many reports have come back that the goblins are utilizing the debris and trash of the cities to construct jury rigged shelters and habitations in the less pleasing areas of major cities.
The majority of the locals do not seem to mind this incursion as it has decreased crime within the slums of the cities and allowed the authorities to gather the so called â€œratsâ€ as the scatter into the light. Many of the prostitutes, thieves, murderers, and such that have remained in hiding have been flushed out of their homes and promptly arrested. One local sheriff reported that his prison is overflowing due to this relocation.
Where the appearance of the goblins homes is not an attractive sight, the locals have voiced that they appreciate the goblins handling the garbage industry. The goblins have displayed skills in the engineering field that surpasses some of our best, and are offering their services in the field of repair and refurbishing. Many of the lead Barbaroy engineers have headed to the slums to see what techniques they can learn from these adepts.
This coexistence can be a success after all. I am glad that Barbaroy was able to assist these lost souls, and sincerely apologize for my earlier comments.

Geoffrey Thompson
Senior Editor, Barboroy Herald

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

NEWS FLASH from 053

World News Flash archived on March 16th, AFS 053

In the late summer of AFS 052, on August 28th, reports came in from all around Pha that an earthquake had occurred. Reporters in Barbaroy reported a tremor was felt throughout all districts. Several buildings collapsed, and almost one hundred were killed with hundreds suffering injuries. Kinsley confirmed the tremor, however suffered fewer deaths and injuries. In the weeks after the shock, more reports came in that the tremor was felt as far off as Jar, yet no one was injured. This followed similar claims from New Zeal and Greachen.

Some scientists from Barbaroy conducted an investigation of the mysterious tremor, tracking its wake on maps and graphs. Their conclusions led them to central Pha. An expedition was launched simultaneously from Kinsley and Barbaroy to the epicenter of the quake. Barbaroy was the first to arrive. The epicenter was located at the Hobgoblin Stonescourge stronghold. The devastation was unbelievable. The scientists continued their investigation further, while the Kinsley contingent arrived on the scene. The Kinsley diviners began researching, while the other mages attempted to pick up the pieces from what had already gone under investigation.

Nearly six months after the quake the Barbaroy scientists had claimed that they had located the cause of the quake felt round the world. Under a mass of stone, buried almost a mile underneath the surface of Xadune, weighing more than three metric tons overall, chunks of metal with high amounts of gunpowder residue were located. After further research the scientists suggestion that a bomb was planted into the goblin city that closed off many of the passageways, obliterated many of the subterranean goblin and stonescourge hobgoblin populations, and triggered the earthquake.

The Bureau of Archeological Research and Development has chosen to continue the investigation into this massive weapon, partially funded by the world government and other private organizations.

We of compassion feel sorry for those that suffered loss on this fateful day, especially for the Stonescourge and the Subterranean Goblins and will forever remember this day as the Day a bomb shook the world.

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

The Funny Thing about Portals…

“How did you get here without any of my militia noticing you?” The blue elven girl stares up at the taller figures shadowing her in the bright midday’s light. “Well? State your case, child.”

She swallowed hard and caught her breath before beginning, “It was a typical day of bathing in the sun for a while to warm myself only to dive back into the lake to get a breath of fresh air. I swam around a while when I saw something glint in the sun light in my peripheral. Out of curiosity I decided to investigate. If it were something of worth I could always take it back to town to barter before I had to go back to my home for my usual meetings.

Some of the members of my crew were getting impatient and wanted things to move along quicker than had been planned. It seems as though the people of this supposed “hero town” are too dense to realize what was actually going on around them. Regardless, things were still moving as planned and that is all that matters.

Back to the glittery mass in the sand, as I picked it up and swam a little bit I noticed it had some strange writing on it. Catching my interest as I flipped it over to get a thorough examination a bright light surrounded me and time seemed to stop for a moment. All sound was deafened for only but a moment. It seems as though I fell through a portal of some sort and landed roughly on my backside. I glanced around to take note that I was on this island, thank goodness I was near water. Without it, I was surely a goner.

I dove into the cold water to try to get my bearings. It took a breath or two for my body to realize that it was alive. I had no idea where I was, the shiney object was gone and I felt a slight tingling to my skin– the same feeling I always have when I portal jump. What was I supposed to do but to explore around when I felt a little better to find out how to get back? The island looks like any other typical tropic area and if I had my map I might have some sort of idea where I was.”

One soldier looks to the other and looking back to the small elven figure, “What are you?” Taken aback by what was an odd question to her, “Wait, what? Here you are telling me that I am no longer on my own world? You honestly don’t know what I am? And I’m supposed to believe you? I mean, planar traveling is no big deal where I come from, but this isn’t some joke? It takes longer than a mere few seconds and a ritual to get anywhere outside of my plane… I can’t remember how to get home or how to do anything I could earlier today. And it seems as though your magical energies aren’t like what I know anyway. So, what do you suggest I do about this?”

Stern looks cross both their faces as they take up arms, “You are going to have to come with us, ma’am.”

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

The Views of a Kanadian Elven Woman

I always wondered what it was like to be of my race. A very strange thing to say about oneself, but it just seems as though I am wearing someone else’s skin. Most of us have been killed or bred out and it seems as though we had our own culture at one point or another. Why else would everyone have ill feelings towards us?

Fair skin, pointed ears, almond eyesâ; we all look the same. But it is as though we were all raised by others. We don’t have the same opinions, metaphors, beliefs and taste in food/clothing/entertainment or even virtues. We are one yet all different peoples. Is this how it is for every race of the world? I didn’t put much thought to it until I was left out of several events. The ball, for one, was an event I was looking forward to all year round. It happens during the winter solstice and I was hand-making my gown. I suppose everyone assumed I was a seamstress for a well off noble or something of the sort, because when I awaited my invitation in the mail it never came. Heart broken and infuriated the only thing I could think of when I gazed upon my lovely gown of gems and silk was hatred. When I asked my neighbors if they received theirs, they passed it off as if the mail was just delayed for me. But the look in their eyes told me differently. They knew that I wasn’t to be invited.

You would figure that a nation such as Kanada wouldn’t condone such behavior, but it seems as though I stand corrected. They prance around in their fancy clothing and treat everyone as though they sit in ranks of a militia. The higher the rank, the more privy you are to events and the like. The lower, the less you know. How ignorant! To think that I stand up for a nation I love and believe in so much as to let them treat me as if I were worth nothing. I see how they look at me, jealousy crossing their eyes like a mutt watching a family eating dinner in their nice warm home on a rainy day. Longing and envy.

What was it that made my people become this way? Was it about all of this? Was this hatred, jealousy, envy run through everyones’ blood but our own? Why are we so ignorant to the old ways? To just throw away the past as if it didn’t exist and pick up somewhere new; to relearn what we knew from birth and pass on new traditions to our children! how sickening.

I wonder if there are others out there wondering the same things as I am. Or if I am in a world of my own, daydreaming of impossible things.

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

Accounts of Those that Reside in Darken Wood

It was much like any other evening, damp with humidity from the summer night, the echoed calls of wild beasts that live within the forest, and the moonlight that attempted to break through the tree branches casting down shadows on everything like a blanket of darkness. Why was I awake at such an hour? That was an easy enough question to answer. The witching hour was a perfect time to hunt. There was nothing else like the thrill of dancing through the night’s dangers to get blood pumping. When hearing the heart beat in your ears and feel the body’s warmth with the excitement of a chase, knowing that this is what it is truly to feel alive.

The pigmys were fearsome little creatures. They were quicker that catadillos and had a fierceness about them that would take anyone aback at first glance. They were fair game but don’t provide enough sustenance for the work to get just one. I like the sound the hawksray makes in the night. A bellowing shriek that makes the common mans’ skin crawl. A noise that cannot be reproduced; although, the closest thing I could come by the make a similar noise would be a mixture of claws against a chalkboard and scratching on a record. They are enormous beasts that can grab and fly off with anyone or anything up to the size of a water buffalo or a gren, which ever is bigger is debatable.

My people are of a peaceful nature, according to our family lifestyle. In other nations we are considered war-like and aggressive. When put into our situation, it only comes natural to defend what we have and survive in any means necessary. Threats from every which angle are evident in everyday life, not only from the predators that live off of the land and the things on it, but also from the other tribes on top of the scavengers. Scavengers are what we, feline, refer to those others who live here; not only humans but elves and other races that are running from one thing or another. The Scavengers hop around like they have bugs in their clothing, wound up like a tight spring and explode at any moment over the smallest things. It doesn’t surprise me when I come across one half eaten by something that they came across in the woods. They don’t seem to know what they are doing half the time, when it comes to battle. Maybe, some day, they will figure it out.

Until that time comes, I will go at my own pace and enjoy the challenges that await me. There are still things to discover and new journeys to take within Darken Wood before I feel as though I need to wander out of these lands and go exploring elsewhere.

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

A Journal from the Past…

A blood stained and nearly illegible journal was found and released to the public; what little could be read says as followed.

I sit here writing, what I can only imagine to be my last entry, and I look out upon the undercity and I can see them moving, the shadows, all the other clans coming together to fight back that which we have brought upon them. Eberk, practically driving them all into slavery! We are all kin here; we should not be fighting!

Barely able to see I continue to write this in the Lower dungeons of Eberk Hall. I was once the greatest advisor to the king, second to only the prince. When the king went mad with power I advised him to rethink his actions, see that the clans were equal, we were not better than any other clan, and here I sit, alone, starved! dying!

..The walls just shook, the assault has begun. I can hear the cries of battle to Goddamas and Utili. I can hear steel upon steel, hammer against axe. How long can this last. How long will it take for him to see that we are only killing each other; we are killing family.

It has been 3 weeks now and the sounds of battle still ring as loudly as they did when the first rubble fell upon my beard. How much more blood will be spilled before peace is found. I find myself praying more often, not for myself, but for those of my kin!

The fighting has stopped; I wonder what I am to say if “we” have “won” or if I will be found. Will I be executed due to my clan name, or will I be spared for the cruelty that I have already endeavored. I can only hope that I will be shown peace, I ask Utili to please give me one last chance, so that I may make– (the rest of the entry is torn away and this is all that was legible)

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

The Coronation of a New Matriarch

Unlike Akila Darkstride’s coronation, Luna Crestford’s wasn’t a happy ceremony. Everything was somber and quiet as the party went on. The race was no divided and Luna had a lot on her mind. The Striped were banished for the murder of the matriarch and the Brown ran off for fear of what they attempted. The race divided at a critical moment, the feline were having unknown issues to deal with but were within close range of an opportunistic attack.

The ceremony began quietly as she slowly made her way down the aisle the participants made by giving way in the empty field. She held her head high as she walked passed everyone. The regally aura of was becoming of her. All of those years I have known her, she actually seemed to be at peace. Luna reached the end of the aisle and stood before one of the Bultungin’s few clerics. He made gestures thanking the Powers for the beautiful day, the peace that now entranced the gnoll race and for the hopeful glory of the future. She gracefully knelt and her gown beautifully spread out before her like an open lily.

Luna opened her eyes and looked up at the cleric slowly and repeated the words all of the matriarchs before her at one point said in the beginning of their carrier. He sprinkled the dust of night bloom that only comes once a year. She muttered under her breath and turned to the crowd; her hair framed her face beautifully and swung around her neck.

“I swear to uphold the rights of the gnoll race and treat everyone as equals. If I fail to fulfill my duty as a proper representation of the race, justice will be brought down upon my neck by the swords of my brethren. To bring glory to our race will bring satisfaction, not only to me but to my people and the future that I see before me. Our children and their children will see the light of another day that only a just and peaceful matriarch can bring. Glory to the Bultungin! Glory to our lands! Glory to the light of a promised future!”

The words rang true as it echoed over the silent crowd. She had recited the coronation words but added to the speech as well. This brought tears to my and several gnoll eyes as she stood proud before them. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause for this was the first time any matriarch had promised to give them what they all wanted and swear by the life line in her neck that it would come true.

It has been a week since the coronation and Luna has not stopped doing things for her people. Maybe this will be a turning point in the history of the gnoll race, but maybe it was all false hopes and lies like we have endured in the past. Unlike the others who had served under the matriarchs before me, I do not intend to stand by and let us fall to ruin. After all, I am in the same shoes Luna once was with Akila.

My name is Rehema, the last name doesn’t matter much. It is a tradition for the matriarch to have her own hand maid of the same culture to share what she wishes and get input when needed. I was her council, a friend and if need be – a lover. The gnoll race has been suffering, in my opinion, for years. Being oppressed by Akila and with the light beginning to shine over Luna, I’m hoping things turn for the best.

I haven’t found anything she has done, thus far, terrible but it does seem as though she does them clumsily. A new matriarch has shoes to fill and many roles to play. It just seems as though it is taking longer than usual for Luna to get used to it. She walks with grace and speaks eloquently. I see why Akila chose her for her own. She holds herself with such grace and beauty; it is difficult not to stare. She eats daintily, unlike most gnoll, and reads and learns often. Luna keeps to herself most of the time but when she does things, it is done in a timely fashion. Some say that she was raised by the Leona, that’s how prim and proper she seems to be.

But when it comes down to the wire, she seems to throw things together and hurry through things to get it done and out of her list… that it’s done clumsily and, pardon my saying, half-assed. Perhaps with enough time, effort and practice she will do things correctly and quicker. It has only been a couple weeks since the coronation, and yet it feels like longer. This energy that surrounds her and those who work closely to her is hypnotizing. Maybe it is because everything is happening so quickly… We will soon see what comes of the Bultungin. I’m sure an uprising will occur if the peoples aren’t happy with the new turn of leadership.

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

The Darkness

On the clearest of nights when the winds of the lower atmosphere were calm and peaceful the great merchant ships with their cargoes of Jarrian mitheral felt safe and secure. Little did they suspect that they were pursued by pirates. And the most feared of all these pirates was the notorious Captain of the Elfmörder, the Darkness.

Like a Zealian razortoe overtaking its prey, the Darkness and his band of renegades swooped in out of nowhere. And then; gathering up their spoils, would annihilate everything around and vanished without a trace.

For decades the crew of the Elfmörder hunted the skies of Xadune. No one ever had a chance against their vessel, and though many Sky Fleets tried to best them none had ever survived. Few saw the crew and lived to speak. Those that did only speak of the horror that engulfed them while they skated the edges of Armadel’s arms.

Tales of the city of Perth still ring out in the minds of port-fairers: It is said the Elfmörder docked there for repairs one day. By the end of the day when the people came in from the fields they found only an empty port city and the Elfmörder setting off in the distance. Over one thousand people, gone…

Those who escaped the dead book by the crew’s hands say that they are the most rag-tag viscous group of people the world has ever seen. They are armed with weapons most commoners could never imagine, and seem to be invincible by normal means. Tales of all sorts spring from the mouths of survivors: magic lost to the world, mitheral clad clockwork men, firearms that pierce through the thickest armor, and combat prowess never seen by the likes of any warrior lay at the Captain’s disposal.

Fellow pirates fear to speak his name; for fear that the wrath of the Darkness will descend upon them. Only one has ever been known to hold peaceful parlay with them, and that is the Queen of the pirates herself.

Then, nearly over a quarter of a century ago the ship and crew vanished. The Darkness’ secret trove was never found but stories have persisted that it remains hidden somewhere at the farthest reaches of Xadune stowed with riches beyond imagination.

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

The Meetings over XA0024

After the end of the first day in the World Meeting discussing the maters of XA0024, the doorways still remained closed to the City. Though most have been very hushed about what is being discussed it is hard to ignore the fact that the tone is ominous.

Reports are trickling in now that whole areas of XA0024 has “changed”, though we have not yet received clarification on what exactly that means. We have gotten confirmed stances from Kinsley, which oddly report that they are for a deeper explanation and exploration of XA0024 and the opportunities it holds. For those of you not aware, Kinsley was previously the leading voice in the annihilation of the island and all ruins on it calling it “an abomination of man and science that of which the Powers would despise.”

As almost always the clergy is reluctant to answer any inquiries; which just makes us hope that by tomorrow we will know more about what we are looking at for the future of XA0024.

It’s been nearly three days now since the conference started. Apparently heavy negotiations are still underway onto what should be done with XA0024 and if it should be reopened. We have yet to receive any answers as to what happened in the City, which has been exactly seven months ago.

Speculations to what has changed about XA0024 have only been made since then, but no reports have actually confirmed whether they are true. What is known, however, about the changes that were reported are drastic compared to what was last known about the island.

Kinsley’ firm stance to explore the island still holds strong over the previous months and some say that they were getting groups of 7-10 together to get ready to deploy once the order was passed. The odd change in their stance several months ago had thrown everyone aback. Currently Kinsley government officials give no comment on this matter. Although we are further investigating what may have caused this sudden and extreme flip in perspective, we only have speculation that there is a race for XA0024’s resources involved.

The same as Kinsley’s stance we haven’t received much word from the clergy either. Only words of hope for a new future for this forgotten island. Perhaps they too are hoping to send their best clergymen to the island to help reform those who may be on the island, if any survivors. Or to provide hope and peace for those who hope to establish themselves there, if indeed the they give the go-ahead to reopen it.

It has been over a week now since the conference began. Finally, it seems as though the conference is coming to a close and we can get some answers as to whether or not the approval was given for the reopening of XA0024.

Rumors are only now coming to us, but we believe what is being called Sector 3 is being reopened first. Though as of now we are unaware as to how this decision was made or what has taken so long for this to be determined. What we are now aware of is that almost every Nation seems to have a quick mood of transportation waiting on them.

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

Azrathia

Once there was a magical place but over time it was lost. This powerful and intricate kingdom was known to all as Azrathia. It was locked away in a grand magical place when time seemed to be stopped. It was the most prized and impressive kingdom on Xadune. It held secrets and magics so prized that almost everyone wanted to be there. The secrets to transdimensional travel, anti-magic magic, every spell a magi could imagine, and an almost endless supply of components. Their inventions and studies are still left to be understood by man today. The secrets of an inexhaustible power source, climate controllers, light focusing ray beam weaponry, and even a better way to slice bread.

But for all its glory and awe it attracted the eye of an evil nation that wanted to use its resources for nothing but personal gain. They sent one of their most powerful Nobles to seize control over Azrathia. He appeared on night at the drawbridge to the might kingdom, and single handedly entered the gates, made his way to the throne room, and over threw the king. The king was frozen solid and placed in the vaults, as the subjects were forced into slavery. It was said that the tears from the people of Azrathia formed a lake that surrounds the kingdom today.

But destiny dealt the evil a bad hand. The war they raged was fruitless, and in time the felt the wrath they dealt upon others. As this nation fell, orders were sent to destroy Azrathia, but the Noble did one better. After slaughtering off all the people of the kingdom the Noble setup and turned on all the kingdom’s defenses, making it almost impenetrable. Once done, he left. Now the fortune of the kingdom is locked up in its dungeon vaults and the castle floor lies in traps. The drawbridge was lifted one last time and it lays now in wait.

Over time the kingdom was forgotten over time to all but the brave that seek the treasures of Azrathia. It’s location unknown to the world, and its defenses seemingly unstoppable. None that have claimed to found its location has returned. Some say that enough riches lay in the treasure vaults to tip the balance of any country. And the vast amounts information alone would occupy the time of teams of mages and scientists for many lifetimes. Most believe that it is only a place of myth and legend, but some always say it is real and just laying in wait for the right person to bring the kingdom back to life.