Travelers passing by the Brotherhood Guard outpost just north of the Crossroads report a strange sight. They say they've seen something as aberrant as an Elf wearing the Brotherhood uniform. The Elf was missing half his face.
...no-one cared to inform the travelers that it was, in fact, Elves who trained the original "Brothers."
You heard it first from the Steinkreis Times! For the first time in the history of Steinkreis, following a three-days session with emissaries, the Lord-Regent has secured an alliance spanning six free cities of Thain! It has just been officially announced by the Lord-Regent's staff that Steinkreis has entered a military alliance with Hammersong, Hamley, Sandburrow, the Northlands, Feywoods and the City of Elisara. Steinkreis Times has been told by an undisclosed staff member that as this article is being formulated, at this very hour, the Alliance of Seven is mustering a regiment to be stationed at Grey Iron. "This is the greatest alliance in the history of Steinkreis. No, the history of Thain! This alliance shows that the free people of Thain, regardless of race and religion, stand united as one against the yoke of war and tyranny," says our source within the Court.
But this is not all! To fortify her friendship with her allies and show a token of goodwill, Steinkreis will be posting a contingent of Kreis Kinhunters to each of her new allies to ensure that the Kinsarmy menace is appropriately addressed, that is, with cold and unforgiving steel! Asked to comment, the Kinsbane, Lady Ashellia Adair, promises that the Kinhunters are not beholden only to Steinkreis. "Yes, we are handpicked from the Kreisian army. Yes, our hearts beat for Steinkreis and her people. But the Kinhunters have pledged to quell the dragon menace anywhere it is encountered. To all of Steinkreis allies, the Kinhunters promise this: we will protect you with our lives! Thain hält immer aus (red. always endures)!"
Steinkreis Times has also spoken with representatives of the Alliance of Seven who attended the Lord-Regent's council. We could not reach Elder Councillor Narade of Feywoods or Sir Jestin of Greenvale, but we bring the following commentary from the other emissaries:
Zrogan Redcloak, Hammersong: "Of course Hammersong stands firm and stalwart with her old ally, Steinkreis. Whatever that crooked vulture, Twistback, is scheming with his fell associates, we will not submit! Not to the Watch and not to the Kinsarmy!"
Peragrin Greenleaf, Sandburrow: "They were all very friendly. They gave me a box to stand on and that was mighty kind. Sandburrow welcomes the Kinhunters and we are mighty glad to be allied with Steinkreis. It's good to see the tall folk haven't forgotten us right-sized ones. And we'll repay their consideration with great mettle. We won't have another Davenshire tragedy! Not ever!"
Colonel Bennars, Empyrean Aurora, Hamley: "Hamley is a protectorate of Steinkreis and we are bound by law to answer the Lord-Regent's call. That said, the Empyrean Aurora does not stand united with her allies solely out of obligation. As servants of Andarus and the Celestial Light we will defend the free peoples of Thain from the Kinsarmy because we must! No man should abide by tyranny or cruelty."
Lady Arianna, the Northlands: "Most of us Northlands settlers have roots in Steinkreis. When the home of our ancestors bids us to help, it is our honour and plight to do so. But the Northlands also remember that it was the Kreis Kinhunters who stood valiant and gave their lives against Yssirlexa's horde so the Northlands could endure. We have. We always will. And so will our allies!"
Registered Member #23785
Joined: 7:24:15 am GMT 02/20/14
Posts: 229
Just days after the formation of the alliance ; preliminary actions to encroach the territories surrounding Raven's Watch, and Fort Crater led to a small engagement between a Kinhunter and a pair of the Red Kin, leading up to the capture of the Kinhunter. Witnesses indicate he was dragged into Fort Crater.
Hundbert Registered Member #293
Joined: 1:22:43 am GMT 10/06/04
Posts: 3123
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Steinkreis Times, Volume 29 War Edition!
EMPYREAN COMMANDER DEAD!
Colonel Armand Bennars, 76, dead today in Hamley. The storied commander of the Empyrean Aurora Crusade fell in battle, his duty sergeant reports. Colonel Bennars served the Empyrean Aurora for over fifty years, rising through the ranks as an eager recruit, to a sergeant's position, and eventually became a captain. The title of colonel was bestowed upon the able commander following deeds during the Shadow War. He was a fearless leader to the men and women under his command, a force for good in the village of Hamley, and a shining beacon to all who follow the Eternal Light of Andarus. His contributions to the Empyrean Aurora, and indeed the entire island of Thain, are many and varied, but most all longterm residents of the island will doubtless have several fond memories of the colonel.
Colonel Bennars will lie in state in Hamley for a period of two days. Those wishing to pay respects may visit him and offer a final word to the beloved commander. He is to be interred in the nearby thicket, longtime friend and current Lord-Keeper Dace Sontan to offer final prayers.
Though unable to be reached for comment, it is rumoured that Captain Darienne, Celestial Knight and commander of the Empyrean forces in the desert wastes, is to be promoted to Lord Commander of the Empyrean Aurora Crusade.
Registered Member #23932
Joined: 1:14:58 am GMT 05/12/15
Posts: 408
From the top of Kinhunter base several times a day, arcing streaks of green fly and then fall into the basin of Crater Lake. Where they land, a caustic black ooze causes the plants to wither and die.
Farmers coming in from west of Hamley to sell their grain and timber complain about the theft of various mundane items. Tools, rope, and scrap lumber are all reported missing.
Registered Member #267
Joined: 5:31:12 am GMT 09/21/04
Posts: 1253
The word on the street of Steinkreis is that a man in red robes made a deal with the smith Seth. A large sum of several hundred thousand and some strange crystals were exchanged after the handhake of agreement was done. The man were most probably a Red Wizard and the crystals those of the Riftstones, damn Thayans to take advantage of the curse placed on this island!
... But how much can your really believe when the source of the information comes from Steinkreis lowtown and the Ogre Belly Inn? It might all be the ramblings of a drunk who lost someone in the battle of Davenshire.
Talk may or may not reach the Grey Iron mines area that a bear breathing fire was seen stalking the mountain passes in close proximity to the Shrine of Fire.
Registered Member #24148
Joined: 5:42:35 am GMT 11/06/17
Posts: 260
Rumors circulate that Iron City has sent a lawyer in Hell Knight uniform to Steinkreis. She is rumored to stay in the prison, to ensure the safety of another Hell Knight who's presumably being held prisoner.
[ The Island of Thain ]
Curious Rumours IV ((the 2017 remake))
