SPECIAL EDITION! EMPIRE ABANDONS BLACK MARSH!

In a move sure to shock all citizens, the Elder Council has approved measures put forth by Imperial General Graniacus Municeps to withdraw the Imperial Legions from the strange homeland of the Argonians.

The move follows months of anxious negotiations regarding the fate of Fort Swampmoth, the provincial command post of the Imperial Legion. Rumours abound that the misty bogs of Argonia are becoming more dangerous than ever before, with outsider travellers disappearing into the gloom, never to be seen again. The heartlands of Black Marsh are occupied by a network of bandits and mercenaries of questionable morals, known colloquially as the "Blackrose Brigands."

Merchants in Cyrodiil have ceased visiting Black Marsh out of fear, impoverishing the already backward region. Imperial sources claim that native ruling Archeins will maintain order and fealty to the Empire, although with no Imperial presence it remains to be seen just how loyal Black Marsh will remain. Controversially, King Helseth of Morrowind has dispatched a contingent of Royal Guards to the south, in the event that the newly-independent province attempts to exact revenge upon their former slavemasters. Imperial commentators have condemned the decision as the first step towards war between between the Dark Elves and Argonians, emphasising that although technically independent, Black Marsh is still a loyal province.

The Black Horse Courier was unable to find any Argonians willing to comment, as many have already returned to their homeland and tribal families. High Chancellor Ocato has denied that this is the beginning of the collapse of the Empire, dismissing the withdrawal as a "...reassignment of the Empire's resources, in order to rebuild the damage done in the recent crisis."

The last Imperial delegation will depart from Soulrest shortly, leaving the vestiges of Imperial civilisation to be overtaken by the wilds of the swamp.

You always have the most ingenius twists to your writing - my fave will always be your Books (of course you know that already, lol) - but I love this idea too! How creative a person you must be to think up all these different ways to present your story! I am sure you know what is coming next. You aren't going to close out the Books are you? <--

Thanks mALX, don't worry; the books will be ongoing, but they are a disjointed way of telling a story. I want to tell a continued narrative (in a unique way), bridging the gap between Oblivion and The Infernal City - or at least setting the stage. That's where the characters of the title come in.

Aha, well that is an insight that adds perspecitve. It's funny how in the Books, even the disjointed journal entries had so much depth and detail that it brought the reader right in to feeling like they were experiencing it themselves. You are an Awesome writer!

Speaking of those books, I wish they had pulled the author of the Oblivion books from this forum, someone who knows the lore - and I am not tickled by the thought that the next in the series is 200 years in the future at all!

Thanks! I might well be tempted (especially with the later stages of the story) to throw in a few journal entries here and there...
:D

Hmm...that sounds interesting...something in the vein of Bram Stoker's Dracula (which I love) is coming to mind.

Champion of Cyrodiil Set to Retire!

In a statement issued by the Arcane University it was revealed that the current Arch-Mage is to step down, prompting a convening of the Council of Mages to decide a successor. Raminus Polus is an early favourite for the position, although competition is fierce.

The position of Fighters Guild Master has been ceded to the long-term second in command, Modryn Oreyn, who is expected to continue the work of the Guild in line with the leadership of his predecessor.

When asked what prompting the surprising decision to hang up his sword, Lorcka spoke candidly to a reporter at his home in Skingrad.
"It dawned on me what kind of a mer I was becoming," explained the enigmatic High Elf. "I have everything, artifacts of vast power and wealth beyond measure, yet I found myself unsatisfied. I had an epiphany whilst in the Imperial Reserve, bandit country. I had no good reason to be there. I was only there for...entertainment. Slaying bandits in ever more unusual ways for my own amusemant, becoming a gruesome fairy tale criminals would whisper to each other. I do not underestimate when I say that I've killed literally thousands of men, and it makes me sick to my stomach."

When asked what his plans for the future were, the former Arch-Mage, Master and Grand Champion replied only "Private study of magic. Somebody once said that I 'reeked of violence'. I'm trying to wash away the stench."
His response to the accusation that his retirement had been prompted by the prospect of an engagement? "No comment."

Interesting! Raminus will stand in the bottom of the rotunda and kill off all the competition for the post. I don't know if he did this in anyone else's game, but in mine he was decidedly ticked off that the position of Arch Mage bypassed him, lol. An engagement, huh? I loved your line about washing away the stench, too.

Fantastic ... yet another thread to read!!!

O, what good deed did this Buddhist do in a past life to deserve all this literary richness???

:thumbsup:

Oh, and by the way...regarding the title...

Am I the only one who is reminded of the film "The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover" ???

You do me too much honour, gentlemen! D.Foxy - the title is a sly nod to that film, indeed, although fear not - the plot is no simulacrum of it.

Trouble in Elsweyr! Mane Lies Dead!

In what has been described as a 'brutal, frenzied attack', the Mane, the de facto supreme leader of the tribes of Elsweyr, has been murdered in his palace in Corinthe, along with many of the Khajiiti Elite Guard.

Ri'Rakha, the highly respected warrior who came to power and exerted his will over all Elsweyr following the Oblivion Crisis was considered by many to be the last hope of holding together the province, preventing the land of blood and sugar from turning into to a series of warring, bickering city-states. Following the collapse of Imperial authority in the province, many are assuming the worst and leaving the province. Already, Leyawiin and Bravil have becoming bustling refugee centres, much to the fury of their Counts and citizens.

Racial tensions run high in Leyawiin. Sources wishing to remain anonymous describe the situation as "...a tinderbox, waiting for an errant wizard's flare.". Count Caro has posted Leyawiin City Guards along the Trans-Niben, in an attempt to stem the flow from Elsweyr. The same anonymous source criticised this move, asking "...where would the guard be if order broke down in Leyawiin? Outside the walls, standing uselessly in Blackwood."

In Bravil, the Great Chapel of Mara overflows with tired and weary travellers from the deserts of Elsweyr. The Argonian healer of Bravil, Beem-Kiurz, spoke out on conditions in the city, already a concern among many. "I cannot cater to all of these pilgrims," said the healer in exasperation. "Disease is rife. As soon as I cure one, others have spread it to five more. Blood lung, Witless Pox and Yellow Tick are everywhere. I advise all to avoid Bravil, at all costs!"

What of the Khajiit homeland? The city of Dune has re-established an isolationist policy. The 'city of monsters', Orcrest, has begun taking on mercenaries 'for self-defence'. One thing is for certain, the local strongman of Orcrest, Ogar Gro-Bludgar, is about to become even stronger, as many in the province turn to the only source of power and leadership. The Black Horse Courier would like to make clear that it cannot confirm reports that armed Orcs were seen in the vicinity of Corinthe on the night of the murder.

Bandit Raids on the Rise!

Colovia thick with thieving brutes - Legion powerless to act!

Caravans travelling on the trade routes between Chorrol, Skingrad, the Third Kvatch and Anvil had best look over their shoulder. Recent bandit attacks have deprived many such merchants of their wares and lives. Chorrol merchant Seed-Neeus spoke with the Courier on this new problem.

"Bandits have always been a problem out in the Imperial Reserve, but recently they have struck out on the trade routes - the Gold Road has become a death trap to merchants. I've heard tales of bandits armoured in fine glass, wielding ebony weapons. How are humble merchants supposed to defend themselves against this?"

Some hot-blooded citizens of Colovia have placed the blame squarely on the doors of one wizard, the recently retired Lorcka, who up until several weeks ago butchered bandits and marauders throughout Cyrodiil. The increasingly reclusive hero decline to comment, although Raminus Polus of the Mages Guild issued a joint statement with Carahil, promising that Mages Guild Battlemages would be used to combat this base thuggery. Wizard Renald Viernis, who challenges Master Wizard Polus for the position of Arch-Mage, has criticised the statement, arguing that "...the Mages Guild is an institution for the serious study of magicka, not a group of criminal-fighting vigilantes."

What are the common folk of Cyrodiil to do? Anvil Captain Hieronymus Lex told us in no uncertain terms that citizens should avoid all travel throughout Colovia unless absolutely necessary, to in no circumstances travel alone, and attempt to hire protection is travel is unavoidable. For those who cannot afford a mercenary sword, must we wait until a hero of old takes up the fight for us?

Your writing and plots are as good as they ever were, I am just having trouble getting addicted to this like I did "The Books." Your writing is peppered with so many outstanding phrases it would spam your page to list them - but the confines of the newspaper format does not give (me) the feeling of intimately being immersed in the story (as "The Books definately did). I think the journal entries were much less confining than the newspaper format, as you were able to give what the character was feeling in them. In this newspaper format, it is just facts laid bare (although with very creative phraseology).

In our conversation you said you needed more flow than "The Books" provided; I don't think you will find that flow in this format - However, if anyone could, it would be you; I have seen you say more in one sentence in a journal entry than many say in a whole chapter. (me included in that "many").

Your brilliance, creativity, innovative thinking - these all shine through in everything you do, and I am a fan of all your works and will remain so; I just don't see this format lasting, just because it hinders the flow that you are seeking, the ability to expand your thoughts is taken from you in this format. The niche I would love to see you find would be one that would give you the free rein to let that mind of yours go as deep and as far as it wants to - in your works that I have read so far, The Books came the closest - but you started a storyline and dropped it, and I wondered why. Could you not continue The Books, just expand it into a story? A longer journal, with each entry being a chapter?

Anyway, I am a huge fan of you as an author, and I think this format will prove frustrating to you. It just shows exactly how much creativity you have that you even thought of it, like the diaries of Lorca - sheer brilliance. I want to be sure to be reading when you find that niche you are seeking.

I see your point, and appreciate your concerns, but do not be troubled. I never really intended the books to follow an overall plot - you can take one book out and read it independently, for example, and not be confused as to what is happening. The books are intended to be written in the dying age of the Third Era, 435 to be precise - in other words, in reasonable gameplay time. What I want to do with this story is bridge the gap a bit - explore the ultimate fate of the champion and Empire.

As with the books (which set up the character and accomplishments), these entries are intended provide the political backstory and setting. You are right that it would be troublesome to continue a narrative with Courier articles exclusively, but they are just one medium of telling an overarching plot.

A New Man?

Mysterious Imperial "To bring order to chaos".

His name is Gaius Medes. His past is obscure, although like many in these times he claims royal blood. His actions however are not so obscure, for in a short time he has begun to reign in banditry in Colivia through a unique approach. Operating out of newly-occupied and rebuild Fort Sutch, in the heartland of Colivia. The new Lord of Sutch has grand plans, which he explained to our reporters.

"The Empire is in chaos," he began, "And it needs a man of iron will - of iron purpose - to find order amongst this chaos. I am not content to wait and see what happens, but to grab my own destiny and make what I will of it, through force of arms if necessary. So said the Lord Talos, so say I."

When asked what his strategy in regards to the Cyrodiil problem, Mede explained confidently;
"Bandits will reform their ways and join us, or they will die by the blade of Sutch. These are men driven to banditry by the times in which we live. I offer a better alternative. The only alternative. Flock to Sutch, cast off your shackles and find honourable work under a warrior's gaze. Either that, or fall beneath my blade. My son Titus is the only Imperial under 5 to have execute a bandit," he chuckled, "So the choice is clear. Eventually I wish to establish a new league, a Colovian Alliance against those who wish us destroyed. But, all in good time."

Will the approach of the Mede family be successful? One thing is clear - the dispossessed and desperate already flock to the banner of Sutch, swelling the ranks of a Noble lord who promises a return to Imperial glory.

You keep me amazed with your ideas, and I am excited to see the plot unfold. I am glad to know these are a tie in. It is a matter of knowing even a minute bit of what you are capable of and seeing you harness it in this format that is bothering me - but even still your Awesome ability is very evident, even in the confines of the newspaper format.

I'm reading, Lorca. I have no fear that you plot would be a simalcrum of that famous/infamous movie - this forum doesn't allow even 'R' rated threads, to say nothing of XXX rated ones...

By the way, you do watch some weird stuff, methinks, Mr. Lorca.

To Whom it May Concern,
~
You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of

Lorcka of Summerset

and

Nerussa

On Loredas the 15th of Hearthfire, 4E15, mid-day,

At the Great Chapel of Julianos in Skingrad.

Followed by a traditional Altmer reception at Rosethorn Hall.

BARRA NE-ALTADOON, NE-KARAN.

Guide to Sutch

By Alessia Ottus.

An overview of Sutch and its people.

Honour Talos, and all the Nine! My name is Alessia Ottus, and I'd like to tell you about the new-found town of Sutch.

Sutch is the newest of the county seats of Cyrodiil, Imperial authorities appointing much of the Imperial Reserve and parts of County Kvatch to its seat. What a necessity it was, for goodly Imperial authority was much lacking in these lawless wilds! The city itself stands near the barren border to Hammerfell, west of Kvatch and north of Anvil. The climate and surroundings of the Gold Coast are surely a gift from Kynareth.
Castle Sutch, formerly a ruined fort of bygone eras, now stands proudly in the eastern part of the city. Its lord, the noble and righteous Count Mede and his family are to be found here, well deserving of commendation for their service to the Nine and enforcement of proper Imperial values over lawless anarchy. If only more warriors fought in this way, rebuilding the many strongholds of old and casting our their wicked occupiers for good! The Count is frequently found campaigning with his men against banditry and marauders and is often absent from the dark corridors of the castle.
I am pleased to say that the city itself is clean and prosperous, petty criminals to be found on the streets toiling under the watchful eyes of Count Medes Imperial town guard. Shops are sadly largely devoted to violence, as the city is home to no less than 3 smiths, would you believe? I am at a loss to recommend any one of them, for they all appear equally competent in their grim duty. The town streets are wide and well-maintained, particularly in the residential district to the west, where many of the Mede family retainers are found. An inn is found just west of the main gate, serving delicious food shipped from Skingrad.
Sutch's stoic citizens sadly have no place to worship, although I am assured that the Grand Temple of Tiber Septim, promised to be the finest devotional building in all Cyrodiil, will more than accommodate citizens of Sutch and pilgrims from other cities. At the moment I cannot comment, as the Temple resembles a grand building site. I pray that Zenithar aids them in construction.
Fighters and Mages Guild branches are yet to be established in the city, although I understand Fighters Guild members from Anvil are seeking to establish a branch here. With the Mages Guild currently leaderless there is fortunately little chance of seeing blaspheming wizards wandering about the streets.
Follow the commands of the Nine!

And yet.... you recognized it instantly! ROFL! I can't say much though, I enjoyed The Night Porter, lol. - Also, Nerussa...yes?


@ Lorca1 - I am intrigued, do you have the "Ft. Sutch Rebuilt" mod?

No, the description of Sutch there is completely out of my head and related to this FF. I am familiar with efforts to put Sutch in Oblivion, I might check it out eventually. I've got the Elsweyr: Deserts of Anequina mod, though.

A pamphlet making its way around the Empire

The Strength of Malacath

Orcest is rising. In the wake of the tragedy in Corinthe, all eyes in Elsweyr turn to its right lord and master, the mighty warrior Ogar Gro-Bludgar. Even now he calls all races, all occupations to the banner of the Orsimer!
Do not believe Imperial lies! The Empire crumbles all around, abandoning the beastfolk, allowing Black Marsh and Elsweyr to fall into chaos and weakness! All those oppressed, now abandoned, by Imperial yoke - know that Ogar Gro-Bludgar shares your plight.
The warrior-king of Orcrest gathers all willing to stand up for the spurned and ostracised, like the Lord Malacath. Like the mighty patron of the spurned he offers protection through strength and has sworn a most solemn oath against those who would attempt to weaken his children, putting all who would oppose him to painful death.
Save Elsweyr from civil war and bloody power struggles! Save the beastfolk from chaos and abandonment! Join Ogar Gro-Bludgar and the coming glory of Orcrest, to seize the future!

Wow, you are producing today! Great chapter! I have seen the Sutch mod in vids and it looks Awesome! I believe it is completed, is it not?

Thanks! I believe the stage is now set. The personae dramatis have been introduced, the setting explained, we are now ready for the journal entries of our conflicted hero. Launching into them would have given too narrow a view, I think, the events too obscure. Expect to see other mediums coming up, too!

As for the Sutch mod, I believe that there are several up and running in one form or another, http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16815 being the most popular. I haven't used it, so cannot personally speak of it's quality, but it does seem to be a very good mod by all accounts.

You are right, I was combining Kvatch Rebuilt with Sutch reborn, sorry.

17th Hearthfire, 4E15, Skingrad.
Wedding a huge success, as have been the past few days. I'd wager that old fool Valandrus has never seen so many in the Great Chapel. Little wonder, for only he could make the master of agea a mundane matter. Hopefully Baurus appreciates his gift, genuine Akaviri is hard to come by.

19th Hearthfire, 4E15, Skingrad.
Nerussa wonders aloud if I should release Eyja from my service. The first quarrel of an eternity together? Eyja has served me faithfully for 16 years, it seems foolish to dismiss her now.

23rd Hearthfire, 4E15, Skingrad.
Nerussa's alchemical ability is starting to rival my own. Soon Skingrad will know three master alchemists. I gifted her my apparatus, master quality all. A small sacrifice to see her smile.

24th Hearthfire, 4E15, Skingrad.
A letter from my old friend Raminus. He begs me to intervene in the ongoing Council debate on the succession. I declined to involve myself in the dealings.

26th Hearthfire, 4E15, The Palace.
More unblessed adventurers enter The Fringe. What demented delights in seeing them introduced to the Gatekeeper! Haskill reports more attacks on Deepwallow. A contingent of Mazken was sent to deal with them,.

27th Hearthfire, 4E15, Skingrad.
More requests for my blade. When will these people realise that I am not some mercenary for hire? The gods help those who help themselves.

29th Hearthfire, 4E15, Sutch.
Took Heart of Darkness to the 'Noble Experiment' of Sutch today. The place is bustling with Imperials of all professions, reformed thugs, noble retainers, smiths and merchants, but few merfolk. The Temple there, a recreation of The Temple of the One in its heyday, is almost finished. I wish them well, although Gaius Mede gives me pause. He has written me many times expressing his gratitude for the smiting of Umaril, how Pelinal Whitestrake is an inspiration to us all. When I pointed out that Pelinal was a bloodthirsty killer of innocents he remains tellingly silent.

4th Frostfall, 4E15, Skingrad.
Ocato has called in Orc mercenaries under Bludgar's command to deal with the escalating situation in Leyawiin. Isn't he the one these unfortunates are fleeing from? His growing power in the south is cause for alarm.

6th Frostfall, 4E15, Skingrad.
Nerussa is leaving for a few days to tend to the stricken in Bravil. I am ashamed that I did not go myself, to cure the wretched masses. Our blood ensures we won't catch anything. Stendarr must be as proud of her as I.

7th Frostfall, 4E15, Skingrad.
With Nerussa away for a few days, I am left to my studies and writings. Mede has contacted me again on 'a matter of most urgent importance.'. I shall again ride to Sutch to see him.

8th Frostfall, 4E15, Sutch.
A Colovian League. Strength through unity. With Mede at the head. This is what the Count of Sutch wishes, seeking my approval. Politics has never been my domain. He is best off speaking with the Countesses.

9th Frostfall, 4E15, Skingrad.
My love returns. Being away from her...it's almost like the feeling of stunted magicka, or Silence. Missing something crucial.

13th Frostfall, 4E15, the Green Road.
Problems in Leyawiin. Never trust an Orc. I ride with Nerussa to tend any wounded.

14th Frostfall, 4E15, Leyawiin.
We arrived too late. The Orcs have dispersed, back to Elsweyr. All about are dead Argonians, on the last stage of their journey back to Argonia, put down in the course of the strife. There is nothing I can do for them now.

21st Frostfall, 4E15, Skingrad.
Mede's Colovian League has been established, a pact of 'mutual defence' among the Colovian Estates. Anvil, Sutch and Kvatch contribute their manpower to it. I hear word that Count Bittneld is also considering it. Skingrad will never join, of course, for that would mean Hassildor showing his face.

30th Frostfall, 4E15, Skingrad.
Today I have cause to give great praise to Arkay, the bringer of most holy joy! My beloved Nerussa is with child. Detect Life confirms the presence of a tiny mer life distinct from her own. It is too early to tell if my blessed child will be a son or daughter, but for me it matters not. The creation of an Altmer life is always cause for celebration and thanks.