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Welcome to an Age of Heroes

In Taara's wake the earth crumbled. Gods fell, others rose, and the race of mankind looked forward and saw the destruction of nations. For five years, necrotech seared the world's landscape and forces unknown decimated the once-insurmountable Walls of Charn. Nations turned against one another with the vanishing of monarchs--brother to brother and kin to kin. During the struggles, the nation of Dragonier attempted to keep the peace before it, too, fell. Other nations threatened to follow.

Now returned from the Mists, Alexandria finds itself thrown into a world in turmoil. In this world, the Pantheon of Light stride forward in anger, the Twilight fall into debate, and the forces of Darkness are locked in a war between Maugrim and Taara. High arcana soars over the landscape with the renewed activity of the Old Races, while guilds and organizations struggle to find their footing with the fall of Rune. The sildanyar and khazad have moved forward into the world once again, driven by the perceived neglect of the world by humankind.

The world had waited for the return of Alexandria and the return of the Myrrish and Bludgun kings for five years--only to find Alexandria suddenly returned unchanged, and unknowing, from the Land of Mists. To Alexandria, the War of Sendor is just days past. To the world--

It is the time for heroes.

Recent Website Updates

May 5

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is: what's needed? Well, the best response is to play what you like. This is a game about having fun within a community. In that spirit, too...we thought we'd offer up a few ideas. These are not required, they're not even us or anyone else asking you to play them.

However, the question DOES come up. So, IF one of these strikes your fancy, and IF you'd enjoy playing it...why, dive right in!! Always, always, however: play what you love.

Oruch Bards

The 'goblinoid' races in general could use some love, yet here is a concept that is rarely played out. With their ties to their ancestors and great voices, oruch make strong war bards, as versed in blood as they are song and history.

Arvek Nar Cavaliers, Fighters, Druids

The arvek are an emergant race with ties unknown to the goddess Serriel. They are masters of war and combat. Cavaliers, fighters, are all needed and well-within their grasp. They feature druids as well--secret trainers of their famed war mounts.

Gobber Artificers

These gun-toting stinkers could use some love and flavor. Known artificers, inventors, and thieves, the artificer class lends itself to gun use with its Titan Armor, and gobbers...well. Gobbers love things that go boom. Firearms are iconic for them.

Khazad-Aul, Khazad-Mornir Warriors

The iconic warrior (with a usually level head), the khazad are sorely unrepresented in this area. So too, are their wise priests and clerics, who tend to hold a respected, and treasured, place within khazad society. A number of them are also famed beard-readers and diviners, a respected form of divination among the race.

Clerics

Clerics in general are always a welcome addition. They're one of the ones we suggest 'in general,' because not only are they always needed, they're a great way to get to know others, and make friends.

Wizards

Wizards! While the knowledge skill heavy or linguistically talented wizard is iconic, there are other avenues to explore with wizards. We'd like to see them.

April 30

There is now an +hp command available on all Timestops. It will display a handy-dandy table of current and max HP totals for all connected players in the room, except for the current DM. Please make use of it, and @mail all suggestions for improvements to Outbreak.

- Outbreak

April 29

Rangers (mounted combat) and cavaliers now have the abilitiy to summon their mounts to their side, a limited number of times per day. Each class flavors the ability differently, and according to theme. This is to help even out the playing field somewhat, and relieve some anxiety about such concepts.

- Lahar

April 25

Ten Years of Tenebrae

That's right, folks.

This May, Tenebrae turns ten years old. It's hard for me personally to believe that we've been going this long and we're stronger than ever. Hopefully, this is a trend that continues. This is not something we could have done without a lot of blood, sweat and tears from everyone who has ever staffed here and the combined efforts of all of you.

There will be more forthcoming on this front. Few MUSHes reach this kind of milestone and we'll definitely be celebrating it and talking more about our future plans.

- Whirl

Skills Now on Website

The skills page now contains a list of professions. Before, this list was only available in chargen and during advancement.

- Lahar

April 16

The Official Jinks' Sheet Contest

It is our firm belief that Jinks' +sheet is not yet long enough.

We are offering a 10 XP bonus for hilarious submissions of things that should be added to his +sheet under miscellaneous abilities. There is a maximum of 100 XP earned this way.

Please @mail Lahar and I with your submissions.

- Whirlpool

Already on Jinks' Sheet

Already on Jinks' Sheet:

    * Deadbeat Dad
    * Chopped Liver
    * Landscape Gnome
    * Lengthy Rap Sheet
    * Levels Inconveniently
    * Owes Child Support
    * Smartypants McGnomerson
    * Springheel'd Jinks
    * Typhoid Gnomery

Looking forward to your ideas. XD

- Lahar

April 12

Gentle Reminder!

This is just a gentle reminder to folks: If you think a time is going to bad for you for a scene you've been scheduled for, please remember to let the DMs know as quickly as possible. We put a lot of work into our scenes and having people no show or show late or tell us at the last minute they can't make can be frustrating. Keep in mind we have a lot of players in a lot of timezones, some of whom have to rearrange their sleeping schedules just to make their scenes.

No one is being pointed a finger at here -- this is just a general reminder from which we can all benefit. It is important to stay in communication and sometimes those things can slip.

- Whirl

April 07

Lahar. <3

So, earlier this week, Lahar told me she needed to take a break, and so she is taking a break. After several years of *incredibly* dedicated work to helping out here, she is officially on vacation. She probably won't be around for a while. If anyone needs to get in touch with her, talk to me and I will see what I can do. :)

- Whirl

April 05

Introducing... ME!

New staffette here, Pororoca, the destructive wave! In very short order, I hope to be crushing your hopes and dreams in the manner you are accustomed to from my mentor, Whirlpool. Thank you. You may get back to quivering in fear.

- Pororoca

April 02

CLOSED: Friendship Reports

That's it, it was fun while it lasted. No more Friendship Reports -- we shall sleep, and then see what everypony has written to us about magic of friendship.

- Cobweb Tangle

April 02

Thank you, everyone!

Hi, everyone! We want to thank all of you for getting into the spirit of our April Fool's Day Joke. Rest assured, all of you are a big part of what makes this game successful and awesome. We'd also like to offer a special thank you to those who helped us make it work: Eleria, Melon, and Azog.

We could not have done this without them.

We'll begin the process of unponifyng everyone tonight. :)

- Rainbow Swirl

April 01

Welcome to Ponyfinder!

Welcome to Ponyfinder!

Er...welcome, everypony! We're proud to announce that after a year and a half of work, we're ready to launch Ponyfinder here on Tenebrae! You'll see more and more of the Ponytheme appearing over the next week, so we ask you to be patient with us until that time.

In the meantime, you can catch a sneak peek at our new races by visiting People > Races. You will want to think of ponynames for your existing PCs, also (and we will be providing a tool to help do so, shortly).

Be sure to check out our new login, and website, too, for hints of things to come!

Your new staff are:

Whirlpool -> Rainbow Swirl

Lahar -> Chocolate Lava Cake

Lolth -> Aunty Cobweb Tangle

Pyroclasm -> Hippieclasm

Earthquake -> Cranky Doodle Donkey

Thunder -> Thunder Hooves

Welcome to Ponyfinder! Friendship truly IS Magic...

Pony resources

If you have trouble visualizing your ponyself, we recommend to use this handy tool for creating your ponysona:

http://generalzoi.deviantart.com/art/Pony-Creator-Full-Version-254295904

- Cobweb Tangle

Friendship Reports

Since our beloved cousin Celestia is not around, we accept friendship reports in her stead.

Everypony who sends a friendship report via @mail to us, Cobweb Tangle, today, will be rewarded for their effort.

Instructions: 1) Send @mail to Cobweb Tangle, titled "Friendship Report". 2) Write what you have learned about magic of friendship today. (Note that the best ones shall be shared with public, because everypony should learn.) 3) Only one friendship report per character. If you have used Pony Creator (see the link in a previous post) to create a ponysona, share the link for extra rewards.

- Cobweb Tangle

Ponyfinder RP

Today, a colorful mist surrounds Alexandria. For the next 24 hours, you may take your ponyfinder pony ongrid as the land of Friendship and Dreams briefly visits. RP for this day will be considered to happen in a 'pony sandbox,' so please have fun, everypony!

P.S. You can, of course, have normal RP. It just cannot involve ponies.

-Chocolate Lava Cake

March 24

RPPs!

The oruch stood his ground as the army marched away. He could not go with them--his destiny, as much as he cursed it, lay at the small bundle at his feet. An arm shot up, its skin oddly translucent, its interior filled with smoke. The djinn. Wanted their child back.

Stories. Roleplay. Adventure. These three are at the heart of Tenebrae. Though, we've always struggled with how to reward stories. When monsters aren't involved, DnD turns shy.

We'd begun this journey with Dramatic PrPs, and Aspects, and with their success, are looking to expand into a new, more flexible realm. We're pleased to announce RPPs, or Role Play Points.

RPPs are tied to you, the player. You earn them by doing awesome things, and logging it. Get ongrid, tell a story, and let us know about it. Once you accumulate these points, you can spend them however you wish, on any alt you like.

Aspects are being rolled into this system which is, we hope, an overall and smoother approach to them. As we prepare to launch, we welcome your questions, and while we may not always have answers, we will try our best. Bear with us, though, and keep in mind, as with any new thing there may need to be adjustments along the way, based on feedback.

To see what's down the line, visit Characters > RPPs.

- The Tenebrae Staff and Community

March 19

Time Is Out of Kilter (not)

Hello, peeps. As a reminder, Finland (where the server lies), does not warp into future 'till 25th of March. There's nothing wrong with the reality you observe.

- Lolth

March 19

Automagic Log Cleaner

Our automagic log cleaner is now available in two places on the website:

Roleplay > Logs > Automagic Log Cleaning, OR

Start Here > Wiki Help > Automagic Log Cleaning

Let me know if you run into any issues.

- Lahar

March 19

Reminder II

This is a second reminder to Whirl's first reminder!

Death in DnD isn't that big of a deal, OOCly. ICly, it's part of the profession you're in. People with Destinies (adventurers) have a chance to come back, and it's part of life (ha ha).

Althea even sponsors raises.

So sit back and enjoy the game. Stories are what you make of them.

- Lahar

March 19

Reminder

All DM plots and Plotmaster plots are ones in which you automatically consent to the risk of death.

That said, this is D&D. Death is not exactly the end of the game.

- Whirl

(p.s. Current DMs are: Whirl, Thunder, Pyro. Current Plotmasters are: Jinks, Spike, Eva. <3 Tsu)

March 12

Eva!

Eva has officially decided to join our Plotmaster squad. :)

Everyone give her a big welcome!

- Whirl

March 11

ASCII Art

Ported over from...way, way back in 2009, on crafting ASCII art, using it within a MU, and how to do so responsibly (and for effect). If you've any questions, please ping.

http://www.tenebraemush.net/index.php/ASCII_Tutorial

- Lahar

March 11

Automagic Log Cleaning!

With a click or two and a little help from Notepad++, you can now automagically clean your logs! A big thanks to Eleria for helping out with this project! Without his assistance with the RegEx, none of this would be possible.

You can find the instructions here:

Roleplay > Logs > Automagic Log Cleaning, OR

Start Here > Wiki Help > Automagic Log Cleaning

The tutorial gives you two options: manual, and macros. Manual is useful if you'd just like to clean out specific sections. Macro are useful if you want to clean everything at once (though I've included a macro for "everything except OOC," too).

You can also find the tutorial by navigating to Roleplay > Logs, and looking at the top help section.

Please @mail me with your feedback, and make sure to thank Eleria next time you see him.

- Lahar

March 09

I am running a little behind on requests. I will get to them this weekend. :)

- Whirl

February 29

Artifice Armor Clarification

Artificer's Titan Armor clarified a bit. We hope this helps. :3

http://www.tenebraemush.net/index.php/Artificer

- Lahar

February 29

Languages

Just a heads-up that the languages in CG aren't accurate. We'll be rectifying this as soon as possible.

- Lahar

February 26

Wow!

We broke our all time connections record. Yes, a chunk of that was connected alts, but holy hell. We broke the record. 70 connections. That's a lot of players no matter how you look at it.

Thank you, again, to everyone for making Tenebrae a continued success.

- Whirl

February 25

Alt policy clarified a bit. This is a direction we've been in for some time--it's about time to write it down. So we did! None of it should be a surprise, and is more a continuation with what we'd begun with forum logins.

February 24

Request Backlog

We have a backlog of requests. I will be trying to work through them and approvals this weekend. :)

- Whirl

February 22

They Said I had OCD...

...I believed them: http://www.tenebraemush.net/index.php/Feats

- Lahar

February 19

I'll be out of town on business this coming Tuesday, February 21st, through Friday, the 24th.

- Thunder

February 16

Recent History Updated

We've updated the recent history on the wiki at Roleplay > Recent History to reflect the 'Fake Mists' plot that ended recently.

This should bring several of our newer players up to date on what has gone on with that. :)

- Whirl

February 15

...I hate you, wizard schools!

This is why: Characters > Magic (updated)

- Lahar <333foreversquee!

February 06

New BBoard!

We're pleased to announce a new +bboard group: IC: RP Requests. RP Requests is a place to request a more specific type of RP. For example, you might advertise wanting to get together with other druids on a specific date. Or, you might also post a request for someone to play an NPC for you.

Remember, specific requests are better than general ones when it comes to getting responses.

We hope you'll enjoy the new board. As with any new feature, we'll be looking to make adjustments depending on how things go.

- Lahar

February 06

Egalrin page cleaned up.

- Lahar

February 05

Just a heads-up for anyone who wasn't sure how website logins worked, or who hadn't requested one yet.

* Your forum ID and password are also your wiki login. However, make sure to login to the forum first, or the wiki might not 'pick up' that you're there.

* Once logged into the website, you can edit or make a character page, post logs, or share your NPCs. We've a template for character pages, if you're not too familiar with wikis, and Tsu and I are here to help!.

If you haven't requested a login, and are approved, please @mail me with an email and a desired password. We'll get you up. :)

- Lahar

February 04

Diceless PrPs!

Did you know we have diceless PrPs? Dramatic PrPs are aimed at telling a story that's a little out of the way of the standard adventure. That is, they're great for festivals, for a dramatic chase of a thief across town, the exploration of foreign cultures and places.

They also involve as many, or as few (though at least 2) players as you wish, and any mixture of levels, to boot.

You can find a few more details here.

February 02

Upcoming Holidays

We've THREE upcoming holidays this month on Alexandria's calendar! These are:

2/12-2/17 Kegger Fest: A dwarven festival in honor of getting smashed. New beer is often introduced!

2/20 Deathwatch: A day celebrated by the followers of the undead god, Thul. This holiday is outlawed in many lands, and dangerous to boot!

2/21 Balefire: A ritual day of spring summoning usually held after Deathwatch; a Druidic festival.

We don't have anything planned for these, specifically, though welcome anyone who would like to step forward. All forms of PrPs are open as well--please check with staff if you've any questions, and we and your community are always around to offer ideas and support.

- Your Tenebrae Staff

February 02

For my latest scene, I've had a grand total of 14 applicants. Let's keep this activity going, folks! RP! Get on the grid! Support your fellow players!

- Whirl

January 29

Mists of Malik Update

The plot is over!

All RP will be unfrozen as soon as I can get a post up Sunday evening. :d

- Whirl

January 27

To those of you cgenning wizards right now:

There appears to be a bug where your 0th level spells are not being appropriately added to your sheets. We are aware of the bug and it will be fixed as soon as EQ has a chance. :)

- Whirl

Janurary 26

It has been pointed out several times that halflings are the only race that don't have a unique racial name for themselves. After some discussion and ideas being bounced around, we've settled on An Lucht Siuil, which translates into 'The Travelling Folk' in tradespeak, for the halflings as their proper name. Check out the wiki page for more details and we'll be doing some more cleaning over the next several days.

Thanks to Laoise for her suggestions and to our players for bringing this to our attention.

- Whirl

January 23

Special Materials policy updated! Basically, we've just made it a little clearer, friendlier, and worth a bit more. :)

Start Here > Game Policies > Special Materials

- Lahar

January 22

hi i kno ur busybut canyo u ...

Hard to understand that, eh? One of the things we're doing on Tenebrae is to encourage clearer communication. We're a text-based medium. Everything we do is based around how someone on the other end of the screen perceives what you've typed.

Since we see, and hear, one another by words across the screen, those same words are how we perceive others. If someone types and spells in a sloppy manner, without taking a moment to look over their spelling and use basic punctuation, then they appear lazy or worse, as though they don't respect or care enough about those they are communicating with.

So put a period or proper punctuation at the end of sentences. Capitalise the first word in a sentence and other words that require it. Take the time to spell out abbreviations, and watch your spelling. This isn't to say perfection is expected, everyone makes typos and mistakes. Just make an honest attempt to communicate clearly.

- Your Tenebrae Staff

January 20

Well, that wasn't MY fault this time.

I'll tell you a joke:

Q: How a lost network engineer will find his or her way back to civilization from wilderness?

A: S/he takes that six feet cable s/he was carrying, buries it to the ground, and thirty minutes later when the backhoe shows up, hitches a ride back to town.

In other words, the expected happened in a nearby excavation site, and some stupid ass dug through the main electricity cable to my neighborhood.

- Lolth

January 20

Hi everyone!

As you know, we've been looking into rebuilding the grid. The old one has been in service for a long time -- close to ten years now -- and it is time to take what we've learned in that time and make something better, stronger, (Tsu ed: faster!) and more useful to you players. Something easier to navigate.

While we're not quite ready to do a building push, we *are* getting ready to do so. This is where you, our players, come in. We're going to start pulling people aside for their thoughts on the grid and what's important and what isn't. You're going to be seeing more in this space going forward. We feel this is important and we hope you'll help us in this project.

- Whirl

January 17

Sit down and pass the nachos. Tenebrae's Geek Corner is now open! Share your thoughts, your favorites, your hate on recent video games, authors, RPGs, webcomics, music, and artists. Other community members are welcome to share and comment on your posts, too... just keep it civil.

Visit: Community > Our Geek Corner

- Lahar

January 16

This is just a friendly reminder to be respectful to your fellow players, give them a fair shake, and to remember to be respectful of the time that people invest in getting things done here. This goes doubly for the OOC room, guys. We're a community sitting around our shared gaming table. Make sure you're not That Guy.

I would ask that everyone take a moment and review our behavior policies at http://www.tenebraemush.net/index.php/Behaviour and remember that a friendly and safe community for people to play in is one of our goals here.

- Whirl

January 16

I will be away on a business trip as of this coming Wednesday, January 18th, through Sunday evening, January 22nd.

I may log in briefly in the evenings thanks to the free wifi at the hotel, but I won't be really be free to run scenes and so on.

- Thunder

January 16

The fancy skin works again, more or less so, and I'll puzzle the mystery of the drop-down menu later. -- Lolth

January 15

Updates done, but the fancy skin for the wiki is TEH BORKEN. Will continue figuring out what's going on with it.

January 13

When we launched Cavalier, one of our goals was to add more Teamwork feats...and I'm proud to announce that we just did. Proud, because we've a hard-working team who's been willing to dig in and make things happen for the Tenebrae community for over a year now. I am blessed to be able to work with each and every one of them. :)

So, hop on over to Characters > Feats, and you'll see a list of the new ones. If you'd like to trade out or exchange, just let us know via +request. A full list of additional Cavalier options (including some rules updates to make traveling with your mount easier) may be seen by visiting their class page.

This finishes Release Package Four, and we'll be gearing up to focus on Five, which focuses on our grid. Note, there may be a few bug fixes here or there, as per usual, and if so, please be patient, we're there with you.

- Lahar

January 11

"By fire and earth! By the divine and sacred blood of Bruce Campbell!" the oruch exclaimed as he raised shaking, scarred hands to the unforgiving darkness, "ARTIFICERS. ARE. DONE!!!"

Many thanks to Earthquake and our hard-working staffers! It has taken us a while to get here, though I think we are better for it.

When Pathfinder first released, most of us knew "3.5 compatible," though not the extent of it, or the changes and change of outlook that Paizo had introduced. It's taken a while to understand these changes. And we're better for it, overall.

We will be taking +requests for conversions to Artificer beginning this evening. Conversions will be handled normally, and report any bugs to Eq via +request.

Please be aware that things may be tweaked as play progresses--this is just normal for new material.

- Lahar

January 7

Classes and Races pages updated. Pretty! And, check out our Introduction to Tenebrae and new PrP Policies if you haven't already!

- Lahar

January 4

Firearms are a go! We've adopted the Inner Sea Guide rules for firearms, with a few minor adaptations.

* Firearms are artifice creations, crafted by gobbers

* We've updated Craft/Gunsmithing to allow for in-combat repairs

* We've added and tweaked a few feats to make them more awesome

* Ranger gunnery style has been updated

You will find the Skills and Feats on the Skills and Feats pages, respectively. Firearms and their new theme and base mechanics are availible under Equipment.

Note, we've removed bayonets until we can get a good look at how the new rules will test.

Respecs are availible via +request.

- Lahar

January 4

The updated artificer is not yet in code.

However, the version we will be using is now available on our wiki.

- Whirl

January 4

The Arvek Nar have a few new feats, and Unit Tactics has been updated to make it easier to track for our DMs. Mul'niessa also received a minor tweak. We're almost through...please send Eq a thank-you the next time he pops online!

- Lahar

January 4

If you possess a rifle, pistol, or other firearm, you will need to contact staff for a trade. This will just be an even trade-in for the new set at no charge. :3

- Lahar

January 3

As the new year is here, it is time we let you know what it is we're working on next.

Some of you have heard us talk about our dissatisfaction with the current grid. As such, our next major project after finishing the release of Package 4 is to do a complete rebuild of the grid for package 5. The grid is old and we've all learned a lot since then and it is something that's long been needed. Our goals are to highlight Alexandria's landmarks better, compress it and make it less difficult to navigate and add more colorful and useful locations *outside* of Alexandria for you to make use of.

We want to better incentivize the use of the grid and RPing at a variety of new locations.

As we move forward on this project, we will be enlisting the help of you, our players, in making this project doable, and opening a dialogue with you to find out what sort of things you want out of the new grid. More information will be coming soon. :)

- Whirlpool

January 2

You may now use content from Beastiary 3 in PRPs as long as you ask us first. :)

- Whirlpool

January 1

As most of you know, we've experimented with death consent PRPs. We are now reopening these once more. Players can ask for and receive permission to run death consent PRPs. This means full XP and treasure, as per a standard DM'd plot, but with the risk of death being higher. We ask that players communicate with us on these to maintain a standard of challenge to help players do so as well.

In addition to this, players are now free to use any and all Beastiary 2 content in their PRPs. That said, if a monster is a 'world spanning, soul devoring creature', we do ask that they come to us and ask us if it is okay to use. Moreover, if you're uncertain something fits into theme, or how it might fit into theme, don't hesitate to ask us as well. We'll work something out with you if we can. :)

Please peruse hte updated plotrunning guide and rules at Roleplay > Running PrPs > Introduction to Plotrunning.

Bestiary 3 is also now open on a case-by-case basis. Basically, ask us first--the tome is still new, and we're looking to avoid any unexpected surprises as things shake out within the greater Pathfinder community.

December 26

FYI, Finland is currently being ravaged by excessively strong winds (300K people are currently without electricity). Thankfully, central areas have been holding on in that respect, but one can never tell for sure, as the storms continue. Fingers crossed, folks.

- Lolth

December 25

The arvek stands over the ruins of the Thulite spires, his eyes filled with the Blaze of Dawn. He raises his spear, giving out a war cry--and finds the wind, the storm responding. Wind roars from the West and the East, tearing at his clothing, and bringing with it the scent of blood...

The world of Ea is saturated with magic, and we have struggled for years with ways to reflect this. Today, we've launched what we hope is the opening of a new chapter for characters within the world of Ea: the launch of Aspects.

Aspects are benefits, some supernatural in nature, some not, that reflect the effort, experience, and time you have spent on your character and their story. You may read more about them through our website, by visiting Characters > Aspects.

As this is the first time Aspects are available, we'll be working with you to offer them to PCs who have part of their stories told already. That is, characters 6+ may apply for Level I of an Aspect as normal, and then consider it 'earned' after 1 month's worth of RP. Level IIs must be applied for as normal. Characters of levels 11+ may do the same for both Levels I and II of an Aspect (that is, one month each).

As we move forward, we will also be looking at the response to Aspects and how they work ingame. That is, you might expect a tweak or two, just as with anything new added to the game.

Happy Holidays, and happy gaming, everyone. :)

- Your Tenebrae Staff (But mostly Lahar because she did the work on it.)

December 15

A big thanks to everyone who participated Make-a-Wish this holiday season! We've one or two more that've been scheduled, and those will be awarded as promised. Scheduling issues are scheduling issues.

Thanks again to everyone, and well, we'd love to do this again next year. Happy Holidays, and make a point of checking out +today. It's been snowing lately...

- Your Tenebrae Staffers

"The roads shall be painted teal!" announced the maddened hobgoblin king. And lo, his subjects bowed before him, and all roads from Hither to Yon became teal with bright green roses.

Recent Rumors in Alexandria

Variday, Hattanan 07

Groups of khazad are being spotted around the city. These khazad appear to be taking measurements of various locations, escorted by city guard. They meet with merchants and the heads of temples, and fierce arguments, debates take place in angry whispers. Even stranger, they appear to be in communication with a number of Blarite, arvek nar engineers and their counterpart architects among the Alexandrian populace. Something big, some sort of building project, is on the horizon, and prayers to Reos are accordingly on the rise.

Moreover, airships loaded with masonry and timber are arriving from various destinations and orders to local quarries have tripled. Stone is being stockpiled as government coffers, swollen by the recent increases in trade, are now paying out to purchase supplies for an as-yet unannounced project.

Gilday, Bernfleur 25

Now, an even *larger* and entire cadre of Arvek Nar from Blar has arrived in the city. While they aren't saying what they're up to, they *did* arrive by airship and most of them seem to be, or say they are, veterans of the First Blar Engineering regiment. Many of them are recognizable to veterans of the Sendor War for their talents with building and fortifications and relentless and well organized drive.

Something is up when this sort of work force arrives, but it isn't clear what projects they might be working on.

Tariday, Benfleur 17

Another foreign dignitary has now arrived today! This time, greeted warmly once more by city officials, one Khazad straight from Dun Moridin, said to be a member of Clan Masterbuilder.

The ruling council of Alexandria is clearly up to something, though there's little indication just yet of what it is. Time will tell what the arrival of these dignitaries portends.

Korday, Bernfleur 12, 1014

An Arvek General Arrives!

Today, an airship arrived at the docking stations with the symbol of Blar upon its bow. Disembarking were numerous Arvek Nar soldiers dressed in their colorful uniforms, escorting someone who is rumored to be one of the leading generals from the military-ruled city-state that's allied itself with Alexandria. What reason he has for being here is as yet unknown, but it's more than likely for the purpose of high level negotiations. The numerous Arvek Nar soldiers that have come along can be found in the city, drinking heavily and otherwise orangeing it up.

Gilday, Bernfleur 11, 1014

A magical confrontation

Overheard in a pub, and onward, "So, did you hear they blew up the Fernwood last night?"

The half-elven bartender passes by, drying a mug, saying "You're *in* the Fernwood, Tarn, what'd I tell you about staying off the gnomish stuff?"

"It's a special occasion!" The drunken fellow protests, "The Fernwood's been blown up! So I had a little something!"

Tarn's mustachoied friend clarifies, for a third patron, "I believe my esteemed cohort is in referral to the events here this past Variday night," he says, with a deep, airy tone of pretention, "where this fine stablishment was qute nearly destroyed in a duel of the wizardly arts. If I mistake her not, the lovely and fame-ified Mistress Gelfure, who'd been accosted by a black-clad magician from Rune, doubtless some dispute about the finer points of the magico-arcane arts. Fortunately, a sister of the most blessinged order of the Hearthguard interpostured...

"She was four feet tall!" Tarn interjects, gesticulating with a whacking motion, "With a ruler! Wasn't she, Knavel? "

The mustachioed fellow looks impatient a moment, and continues, "Be that as it may, my intoxibated friend, it was a disaster barely avertified, and a brassy piece of clericking on the young devotionary's part, if I may say. Unfortunately, I had an urgent appointment elsewhere... Needless to say, all's not well in the realm of magitocracy."

Tariday, Bernfleur 03, 1014

A New Partnership

It began in the battle-scarred land of Sendor.

Centuries of racial animus and entrenched positions waged until none are left standing. Months of preperation going into a single day of battle where only one can emerge to claim the title of 'Hottest Chili In The Land'.

We refer, of course, to the now infamous Oruch-Khazad chili cookoff. Another one has been scheduled and its date will soon be fast approaching. Oruchs and Khazad have been hard at work, trying their damndest to conjure up the hottest combinations they possibly can to put them to the test against all who dare take up the challenge of trying one.

What's unusual, though, is that recently, Kembar Mudslogger, a wealthy scion of one of the Khazad Trade Houses that has begun the process of opening a station for his House in Alexandros, has recently been seen with what can only be described as his counterpart amongst the Oruchs, one by the name of Krevik, a member of Clan Drum Reaver.

The two have been said to've struck an unlikely friendship and were recently seen together at the Guild of Explorers. Apparently, they've gone into business with each other. What this portends remains to be seen, but it clearly has something to do with the cookoff.

Or at least that's the -rumor- anyways.

Variday, Eatonis 26, 1014

Reports out of the Red Ridge Mountains indicate that a volcanic eruption is disrupting trade and agriculture in that area. Its /entirely/ uncharacteristic, but nonetheless the reports remain.

They're followed by reports that ashfall, while light, is starting to threaten newly-recovering crops. Intermixed with these reports are others, more outlandish and less-believed, about winged horrors in the sky that come with the ash.

Tariday, Eatonis 20, 1014

The elderly owner of the alchemist shop has put in a report with the guard. Rumor has it that a half-elf and a stubby little gobber have wreaked havoc on his store, destroying precious merchandise and beating feet before they could be caught. The half-elf called herself 'Melon,' which is obviously a codename of some kind. City guard urges citizens to be safe, and stay wary of persons of ill-repute! And should you have any information regarding these persons, it would be well-appreciated.

Tariday, Eatonis 13, 1014

Recent travellers from the Empire of Charn indicate that trouble struck the city of Aby'ssa not long ago. A host of demons was said to've attacked the city center and was defeated by the brave forces of the Black Dragon Army. The claim is that this attack was caused by 'traitorous servants of the so-called 'Platinum Dragon. The priests of Maugrim, enraged by this, have redoubled their efforts to stamp out every trace of uncontrolled demonic influence in Charn. Word of purges has already begun.

Additionally, a seperate rumor indicates that the government of Charn has now placed a bounty on the so-called scourge of Versus, the sorcerer known only as 'Asumit' for having some sort of role of this. Apparently, he is not making any friends anywhere. Charn has indicated that they believe the 'insurgents operating in the name of the Platinum Dragon' behind this have stooped to allying with this figure. That propaganda might work in Charn, but pretty much everyone outside of the Empire's reach seems relatively sure that that is an absurdity.

Variday, Pryntar 06, 1014

Solis calls the white knight down

pure of heart to protect our town.

The Sly One tricks and white knight falls

and our town burns by Deceivers' thrall.

The rhyme has grown popular with children almost overnight. Urchins chant it in the alleyways of the western districts as they skip to and fro, clap hands, or toss rocks. Powder monkeys and cabin boys do their duties to the simple rhythm around the docks. The Castle and Noble districts remain free of it by merit of the school marm's switch and the stern looks and hard palms of nannies. Parents around the city wish they could get their hands on the ill mannered 'fugee child that brought such filth into their fair city but tracing these things back to their source is all but impossible.

Kids these days.

Variday, Pryntar 06, 1014

With the mists dissipating and things beginning to really resettle back to normal, the fear that had locked Alexandria's people has begun to fade all together. Thusly, the merchants can no longer justify their higher prices. In fact, a mob recently drummed one out of town for charging too much. Once this occurred, other merchants were quick to show they had more 'reasonable' prices.

Eliday, Pryntar 05, 1014

Rumor has it that the druids in and around Alexandria are gearing up for their annual spring holiday, Balefire. There is more activity around and in the Druid Grove than usual, and druids rarely pass each other in the street without stopping to chat, once the secret signs have been exchanged. As per usual, they are also recruiting rangers and other outdoorsmen, particularly followers of Dana and Gilead. These trusted individuals are tasked with keeping curiosity seekers out of the druids' hair/grove while they do...whatever it is that they do every spring.

Generally, no one thinks twice about Balefire unless they are druids, but this year for some reason there seems to be a lot of talk about it. Just what -is- this mysterious holiday, anyway, and why can only druids celebrate?

((OOC: There will be an open Balefire scene sometime on Sunday the 26th. Go IC and talk to your fellow characters for more information. -Kama'o))

Variday, Vhast 31, 1014

Sometime in the after noon, there was some sort of commotion at the bank of Alexandria. It was surrounded by guardsman, and several people were arrested in what appears to be some kind of failed robbery attempt and a few bodies were also removed. Some sort of ground tremor had afflicted the area surrounding the bank and it is said by officials that this was part of a failed effort to break into the bank vault.

Those arrested in this attempt are now in the custody of the city watch, with a few more said to be on the run.

Variday, Vhast 31, 1014

Word spreads throughout Alexandria through news publications and rumor.

The mist-making machines that had brought such fear and terror to the area have finally been located and destroyed. The Taaran behind this have also been apprehended and slain, having taken over the dwarven fortress of Khamon Sotch and used it as their base of operations. The heroic forces acting on Alexandria's behest, ranging from members of the regular militia and the city watch, as well as hired mercenaries to support them, engaged in a titanic struggle over the fort before clearing it. At least one airship was lost in the ongoing battle.

By evening, the mists had begun to lift off Alexandria and, over the next couple of days, clear completely.

Merchants will be maintaining their high prices just a *little* longer from the look of things, but public anger on the overcharging has been mounting for a while and it's unlikely they'll be able to keep putting the screws to the populace.

Tariday, Khael 13, 1013

With the recent announcements from the government of Alexandria that the current mists are an artificial construction, and that they are doing something about it, people are just beginning to stick their heads back out of doors. Civilians are starting to return to the streets and to conduct business more regularly. Gold and red decorations, flags, and streamers are beginning to festoon the city in preperation for Yuletide celebrations.

In short, things are beginning to get back to normal, even though it is by a degree of inches.

Of course, the prices haven't dropped...

Gilday, Khael 07, 1013

The Ruling Council of Alexandria has released the following statement:

"We know that many Alexandrians have dreaded the return of the Mists that had locked our city away. After all, if such a thing could happen once, why not twice? But it is with determined satisfaction that we can state, categorically, that these mists are not the powers of Taara at work once again, but rather, the sick and twisted plan of one individual or a group of individuals, to spread fear and discord in our homeland through black artifice; one who seeks to exploit our understandable concerns. We have, through the aid of several of our very own local heroes, led by one valiant dwarf, Ser Otto, Son of Bandaerl of Clan Masterbuilder and his two assistants, been able to determine, through their efforts, the source of these mists as being from somewhere within the Red Ridge Mountains near the mining town of Denston."

"The Council has agreed to launch an immediate investigation into the area and has ordered the dispatch of available city watch and militia, along with mercenary forces contracted through the Guild of Explorers. We will find the source of these 'mists' and see to their end. Know that Alexandria will be protected at all costs."

Gilday, Khael 07, 1013

It has taken quite a bit of time to get the harvest together this year. With all the damage done by the mists, monsters, and fear stoked by various sources, food prices have continued to skyrocket. But today the government of Alexandros stated, having taken stock of all the food brought into the city from the surrounding countryside, that supplies are more than adequate to get through the winter and meet reestablished trade obligations. Even in the face of this news, prices have still continued their climb for basic food staples and have not yet reached their peak.

Though many farms were abandoned, city workers were hired to go out to the farms and collect what food they could from the fields and begin counting the tonnage secured with the help of adventurers and city watch alike.

While not everything could be saved due to the cold, wet and... misty weather, Alexandros' food supplies are now better off than they might otherwise have been.

Kesenday, Quintoos 25, 1013

The previous evening something went down in the market district.

First, there was a run on the alchemist's shop slightly before closing that resulted in everyone being thrown out.

Then there was an explosion that sounded like it came from just below the streets. Much cobblestone was actually damaged and a couple of manhole grates went flying. All of that was a prelude to the real main event.

Pastvale manor has always sat on the edge of the Market District, kept nicely on the orders of its Myrrish noble owners who visit during the summers.

Shortly after the first explosion, one rocked the market from the fifth floor of Pastvale Manor, sending a shockwave through the district that overturned carts, blew out shop windows, and more.

Rumors indicate a war golem was seen jumping onto the balcony of the manor shortly before the explosion.

The City Watch was one scene quickly, doused the flames (of which there were startlingly few) and took control of the scene.

One arrest has been made at this time and one guardsman is in critical condition at the Temple of Althea.

Eliday, Quintoos 20, 1013

The fog has not gone away.

Some days, it is thicker than others, though not as thick as the growing paranoia on the streets of Alexandria and surrounding Alexandros. Whispers suggest the anniversary of the Return is near, while others point to the increased activity of the Taaran cults.

OOC: As merchants react to the unusual changes, they've begun charging more for prices. The cost of any material or purchase is considered to be 5 percent higher than normal.

Tariday, Quintoos 08, 1013

Adding to farmers' woes, weather in Alexandria has been unusually overcast of late. River merchants report tales of increased fog and mists, with more on the way. With the Mists so recent in memory, such a phenomenon understandably has many nervous.

In response, some merchants have been raising their prices. This practice has drawn complaints, though not as much as it may have a month ago--the refugee issue appears to have eased, as recently as a few weeks ago. Actions of a Hearthguard, along with a number of adventurers, are cited.

OOC Note: Despite +today, weather will tend towards overcast and foggy.

Variday, Quintoos 07, 1013

Outlying farms in the immediate Alexandrian countryside have been inconveniently abandoned by their owners. Those who've come into town indicate, for whatever reason, they no longer feel safe there.

Exactly *why*, they aren't saying as of now. This close to the harvest and with Alexandria's population still swollen with refugees, its worrisome to see any farm abandoned and the fields left idle as the harvest continues.

Ceriday, Rhaltaas 29, 1013

"Well, he says he found somethin'," says one doubtful-sounding oruch. He looks back towards a group of refugees who are busy putting together a large wagon. "That uh, Hearthguard. So we're headed out, I guess." He pauses. "Well, my brother's staying. He found him a good job, though--out there cuttin' wood and haulin' it in for th' farmers. Some adventurer helped him git with the Gileans. 'Parently so long as you're all respectful and plantin' too, they're okay with it." He rubs at his nose. "The Essence don't agree, but what can you do?"

Thus runs the tale from the Western wards of the city. As the Harvest rolls in, a number of the refugees appear to be preparing caravans, though not all of them appear to be headed out. Some appear to be settled, or questioning the wisdom of traveling during winter. Not all of the tensions are gone.

In fact, a small riot broke out the other day in the Western ward between a young arvek nar and a Dranei, over a reportedly stolen loaf of olive bread.

"I say good riddance," reported another refugee, who was leaving (her aunt and two uncles were staying). "I lost a child to those Taarans running around the place. We thought Alexandria would be the City of Hope. Well, here's what I think of that," she says, and spits on the ground. Flecks of blood come with it, right before she crumples into her sister's arms.

Variday, Rhaltaas 17, 1013

The guards have spread out into patrols more heavily than normal in the western district of the city.

A riot nearly broke out in goblintown after arrests were made, notable of one goblin named Teb the White. He is now in custody, being questioned about his role in black market trafficing of magical components and alchemical supplies.

Furthermore, a house in the western district has been quarantined and, rumor has it, a druid called in from the Union to look into something that has been found there. Apparently, some unusual plantlife was found in it by guardsmen and contracted back up.

Eliday, Rhaltaas 09, 1013

As fall settles in, the farmers in greater Alexandros prepare to bring in the last of the harvest. Too, this year more than ever, caravans from all over the world come to Alexandria, to trade and share news in the last great Market season before winter closes the doors. Caravans from the exotic locations of Veyshan, from Am'shere, and more, and will make their way into Alexandria in the coming weeks.

OOC: Use this as an excuse to RP visitors from exotic locales, or involve your PC in trade and even inquiries into local customs. Merchants will be interested in what Alexandria has to offer, as well as selling and trading.

Ceriday, Rhaltaas 1, 1013

Word around the Explorer's Guild is more of the same. The collapse of the main chamber of the khazad ruins and widening of the first sinkhole that first led to the discovery of the ruins is still underway, held up by heavy rains to the north that have hampered progress.

The leadership of the Engineer's Enclave, the Explorer's Guild, and the khazad delegates have been in heated talks regarding renegotiating of the contract and who, if any, is at fault, but all involved have been tight lipped thus far. If exploration is to continue, it could be weeks or even months, though Alexandrians have gotten a taste of the wealth pulled from the ruins and the demand is high for more Khazdul artifacts.

OOC - This is my IC explanation for my extended absence. I lost all of my notes and maps when my computer crashed, but I will be piecing them back together and getting this show back on the road. Just bear with me, peoples. - Owen

Tariday, Daeshen 13, 1013

A second raid of the guardsman on the College of Magic nearly resulted in the apparent arrest of Madame Gelfure.

Harsh words were exchanged between guard units and the Madame but apparently whatever mix up had occurred was cleared up, as the Madame left the College under her own power.

That said, her estate in the noble district now apparently has guards surrounding it. Rumors are circulating that there may well have been some sort of assassination attempt and she was likely placed into protective custody of some kind.

A wizard. In protective custody. Yeah, right.

Variday, Daeshen 5, 1013

The Temple of Eluna held a quiet celebration and reconsecration ceremony last night (under the light of the moon, of course). It was more muted than most, but the high clergy are looking more relaxed today -- even if folks didn't notice they were tense before.

Eliday, Daeshen 4, 1013

Recently, a body was recovered from within one of the warehouses along the docks. After investigation by the guards and contracted mercenaries in support, some sort of monsters behind the slaying was found and eliminated. This in and of itself would not be so hugely unusual in these dark times but the investigation into the death appears to be continuing.

Recently, several guards were seen searching several rooms within the College of Magic, much to the frustration and consternation of the workers and academics there. These searches took most of the day. It seem the guards believe that 'a wizard did it' and plan to continue their investigation.

Korday, Daeshen 1, 1013

An hour before midnight, a piercing shriek hears in the alleyways near the docks, more to the point from the water itself. Crowds flocked to the docks to see one man sink in the water, his face a mask of terror and desperation. When the guards arrived, they found a corpse and talk of a priest fingered as the murderer. Once the guards were able to clear out the crowds, there is rumors of the fighter Alteri lead away bound for the guardhouse. Many tell of her also being drenched as if she had been in the water, and some speculation if she was trying to hide the body from discovery.

Variday, Callem 22, 1013

As the gifts from the Beyond, and from more mundane sources are poured over, scholars have of late taken a recent concern to the Council of Alexandria...

...and as a result, images of the Gods of Evil have been removed from the City for fears of security.

OOC: This refers (in part) to ramifications of the spell: Enter Image. ICly, all images of the dark gods are being removed, and nobles, merchants, and commonfolk alike are urged to examine the paintings which may hang upon their walls--images from Charnese nobility, even though political, might be considered a risk in some areas.

Variday, Callem 22, 1013

Since the Fall of Rune, individual Academy of Sages across the world have been undergoing retrofitting into more local-serving institutions. With no instructors, money, or supplies from Rune, each one has been having to make do. Alexandria's is no exception.

With several prominent mages, such as Madame Gelfure leading the charge, with Baldwin Addelberg by her side, along with generous backing from High Lady Rawyn Telenil, the Academy of Sages is now undergoing large amounts of reconstruction. The final construction, aided through a showing of Alexandrian magic, will better serve more local, Alexandrian needs, according to reports. Instructors are being drawn from the local populace and prominent adventures may occasionally be asked to guest lecture based on their experiences.

Ambassadors from Llyranost have also set up shop there--indeed, an entire new section of the College of Magic is dedicated to the sildanyari mages and their teachings. For their part, the sildanyari have sought to make themselves at home.

As the sildanyar continue to step out from beyond the fabled veil, one can only see their influence over local magical culture growing, despite the tension this might cause. This tension can be seen everywhere from the Academy itself, and into local politics--whispers of just what the sildanyar have been hiding, as well as perhaps, well-founded worries over Alexandria's hard-fought-for sovereignty.

Gilday, Callem 17, 1013

"We worked hard to get here." The oruch folds his arms across his chest. Behind him is the business he'd built--a small chili stall. It stands across from a well-known khazad vendor who even now eyes him.

The oruch's tale is typical. Rugged, inventive--is the Alexandrian archetype. A place unlike any on Ea and prideful for it--the people who saved the War of Sendor, who drew Blar from the reaches of Bludgun. The City who five years ago, stood being the place--not just any place--but The Place where world peace might first be achieved. The place where gods first spoke to mortal men.

Because every other Court is a copy.

And it's time to celebrate. Live, Alexandria! Today, banners whip in the wind, and the oruch decorates his stall in Alexandria's colors. Street-urchins wave copies of the Rose Treaty for anyone to read--and bards stand on street corners, telling a thousand and one versions of the tale to anyone who will listen.

The famous oruch and khazad chili cookoff will happen anytime.

Live, Alexandria! City of wonders, city of impossibilities. This month is the month of your independence!

"Siniath! Alexandrie!"

"Nuacht an tAlexandreann!"

"Korero! Alexandria!"

"Mrezne! Alexandria!"

"Alexandria-zagad Berud!"

OOC: In order: sildanyar, halfling, oruch, gobber, khadzul.

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