Dale News - 2013-01

Date	Location	Title
02	ESGAROTH	Barging in
04	ESGAROTH	Grand designs
05	ESGAROTH	Arresting Development
06	ESGAROTH	Large packages
06	ESGAROTH	The Eagles Are Coming
07	ESGAROTH	The measure of a man
08	ESGAROTH	On guard
10	ESGAROTH	Liquid Brunch
12	ESGAROTH	(Un)lucky break
12	ESGAROTH	The Unexpected Visitor
13	ESGAROTH	Behind Closed Doors..
16	ESGAROTH	Almost-visitors?
20	ESGAROTH	Greed is Good
22	ESGAROTH	What's cooking?
22	ESGAROTH	Lord vs Lad
23	ESGAROTH	Strange bedfellows..
23	ESGAROTH	Pride (In The Name Of Love)
23	ESGAROTH	A Captain's Inquest
24	ESGAROTH	A little drink?
25	ESGAROTH	The Father And Child Reunion
25	ESGAROTH	Connections..
26	ESGAROTH	A frosty meeting
26	ESGAROTH	Concerns and congratulations
27	ESGAROTH	To Be A Karath
27	ESGAROTH	Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
28	ESGAROTH	The biter, bit?
28	ESGAROTH	Meeting at Healers
29	ESGAROTH	News from Girion Place
30	ESGAROTH	Training Exercise
30	ESGAROTH	Turnip-tossing!
30	ESGAROTH	Tell me it ain't true

Post Title:	Barging in
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	02 January 2013
I happened to be walking along the Docks the other evening when I noticed Lord BERNAR of Karath hanging around like a man with a purpose. Well of course I was curious, so I kept an eye on him ... Sadly I didn't witness any clandestine meetings. All he did was greet some Dwarf fellow (BARDUR) fresh off the barge from North Port. Offered him Karath hospitality and started walking back to town with him. What?! You think House Karath is bringing in Dwarven troops to patrol the streets since the unrest over that Arathmor traitor's murder? I never thought of that! I only saw the one fellow, and he was grim and dour enough ... though come to think of it he wasn't wearing mail. Had some pack he said was an instrument, threatened to play it for Bernar. Maybe the plan is to keep the streets clear by unleashing Dwarven caterwauling on us!

Post Title:	Grand designs
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	04 January 2013
Did you notice that Lady ISOBEL went to visit that carpenter BREV's workshop on the Business Parade yesterday afternoon? Getting information from that stuttering prentice Ottar is like squeezing blood from a stone - why, he wouldn't even tell me who that fine-looking pinewood crib I glimpsed the other day was for! But I did hear him say something to one of the other lads about measuring Taurdain Suites. Do you think Lady Isobel has expansion plans? Where would she get the money? I'm telling you, these nobles don't know which side their bread is buttered on! Most of us are worried about just making it through the winter ...

Post Title:	Arresting Development
Author:	Celys
Date posted:	05 January 2013
Storm or not, it was getting right stuffy in the Flagon the other night so I just had to cut out and get some fresh air. And then I saw a curius sight: a lady, with as fine a cloak as you please, with some men carrying heavy parcels. I was curious, so I crept in to have a better look. Turns out it was the Lady NAVERINE of Arathmor, with some liveried couriers. They all ducked into the barracks, of all places! Well, I wasn't about to duck in after them, but you can bet I spent the rest of the evening watching the windows. It was hours later that they finally left. And I swear it wasn't just a trick of the lightning, that NAVERINE lady was as smug as you please on her way out. I didn't think much more of it, only then one of my friends down at the Docks came in and said he'd just seen one of the old Arathmor merchants arrested in his offices! Seems the Watch did proper raids on a handful of the old devils--smuggling, theft, transport of stolen goods, and so on. I don't know what Lady Naverine said to make the guards so angry--but I bet it wiped that smug look off her face when her cousins were getting locked away. Or maybe, as my friend says, she's gone turncoat and turned them in herself? I sure hope the Council actually gives these Arathmors a trial, though I can't say as I know anyone who'll mind if they get hanged. I'd sure like to know more, but the boss has us working double since the news broke--I'd bet my boots he's looking to horn in on some new assets, mark my words. Perhaps you could RP and find out what's going on?

Post Title:	Large packages
Author:	Bernar
Date posted:	06 January 2013
The weather was just terrible last night, terrible. That's why I was so surprised to see that moneylender, BAN Rhinvan, visiting Master BREV's workshop. I could see from my window that he brought some rough-looking customers with him, but they left empty-handed. I tried to get something out of Ottar, but you know how he is. He got so tangled up and upset, and the only word he got out is "cudgels." Did Ban mean to rob Brev and backed down? What heavy object were Brev and Ottar carting out in the rain later that evening - a body, or something more innocent? What's the whole story? RP and find out!

Post Title:	The Eagles Are Coming
Author:	Isobel
Date posted:	06 January 2013
You wouldn't believe what I saw the other day - a Giant Eagle (RAUGSAUL)! Oh, you laugh, you do, but I swear I saw it! And Lady ISOBEL spoke to it! It spooked her horse but she and the bird seemed to be conversing peacefully enough... you wouldn't believe how big they are! - Oh, is /that/ why she came back into town with an elf in tow and grass stains all over her back? I figured... well, never mind. She did say her horse threw her but, well, isn't that what one /would/ say? Though... where does the elf figure? Master ORMESIR is his name, I think. He's staying at the suites. - Um, well... I dunno. Maybe it was the chap who turned up with her horse after it had bolted? He had his hood down so I couldn't really tell. Anyhow, what does it matter? A giant eagle, man! The stuff of legends! And, ahh, the sight of it taking to the skies again... majestic, I tell you!

Post Title:	The measure of a man
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	07 January 2013
Did you see Master BREV and his apprentice Ottar out measuring Taurdain Suites the other day? With a ladder to climb up to roof height and all. I heard him telling an enquiring Elf that it was for some sort of survey. What's he need to go doing one of those for? We know how big the place is - too big! Shades half the light from the street ... Anyway, that Elf. I thought it was a bit odd that he was staying in the Suites and not the Embassy, so I - all right, I listened. Wouldn't you? He said that his name was Or-messy or something (ORMESIR) and that he hadn't come from Mirkwood but some place beyond, I didn't catch the right name. Brev must've been having trouble with the fellow's accent too, going by one unguarded comment. What? No, I won't tell you. The Elf did say he might share some songs or tales in Great Hall or tavern, so maybe you'll get the chance to hear that fancy title of his first-hand.

Post Title:	On guard
Author:	Isobel
Date posted:	08 January 2013
The guards were edgy the other day and I'm not sure why. They usually throw me a coin or some bread when they pass by but the night patrol was really late! Think they're afraid to go out since they let Roskar die? When I asked Sergeant LOREN (played by ISOBEL) just shrugged and said that Captain CELYS had wanted to discuss a few things. Queer, don't you think? Suppose they might have lingered on purpose so they didn't have to be out in the storm though!

Post Title:	Liquid Brunch
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	10 January 2013
That young tearaway LOUSE grows bolder by the day! Why, the other morning she burst into the Flagon (I'm telling you, with the way she treats those swinging doors I'm surprised they're not off their hinges!) and no sooner had she spotted Lady ISOBEL than she was asking the noblewoman to buy her a bowl of stew. Well, I'd not have fallen for it but those Taurdain are always soft in the head. Someone else who might well be soft in the head is Lady ORIANA. Oh, she's quiet I grant you, but it's the quiet ones you have to watch. Louse spotted her just as she was trying to leave the Flagon ('sneaking', according to the youngster) and the Karath lady confessed to having not yet slept. And she'd been drinking whiskey! Louse started scolding (just what does that sprat know about drinking spirits, I ask you?) and Lady Isobel had to give the girl coin for stew to shut her up. The noblewomen left then, I've no idea what matters they discussed on their walk home. What could have caused Lady Oriana to drink alone? Which will give out first, Louse's cheek or Isobel's purse? RP and find out ...

Post Title:	(Un)lucky break
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	12 January 2013
Did you see the Warden's son, RIOLAN, stumbling in to the Healer's House the other day? Green to the gills he looked, and clutching his arm to him. Master BREV the carpenter had to open the door for him, suppose he must have been passing. Lucky, that. Lucky too that the Healer on duty wouldn't let the foreigner 'help' out by treating the injury. I've heard a thing or two about his methods I'd not care to repeat! But not so lucky to have hurt himself in the first place. Just what was RIOLAN doing tripping on the job? Reckon he's been at the bottle while his father's away? He'll rue it now - he can hardly work with his arm bound up. Funny, I did hear Master BREV say something about finding him alternative employment. Wonder what that was about? I thought the carpenter was supposed to have turned respectable? Time will tell ...

Post Title:	The Unexpected Visitor
Author:	Isobel
Date posted:	12 January 2013
I daresay that Lord BERNAR was surprised when Lady ISOBEL of Taurdain stopped by, and so late in the day! I know I was, at least. Still, aside from the... unusual calling time there was nothing really odd about the visit. They holed themselves up in his office, the conference broken only by the arrival of some refreshments, and that's what Lord Karath usually does when he has visitors. Of course they tend to be of a more military kind... what lady calls on a man so late anyway? Why, he could have been in his night clothes!

Post Title:	Behind Closed Doors..
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	13 January 2013
That carpenter BREV sure is popular around the Suites lately! (Well, I think he and Lady Arla had a bit of a tiff but other than that..) First he was shut up with Lady Niamh, and now it's the daughter! What could he have to say that is so interesting? Why, I'd say that he and Lady ISOBEL were holed up together for at least half an hour! And he certainly seemed uncommonly happy when he left... suppose something good happened? Or maybe he was just glad to be out of there. 's true, Lady Isobel *can* be a bit... overwhelming when she gets in a mood. Ach, like mother, like daughter..

Post Title:	Almost-visitors?
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	16 January 2013
You get some strange customers coming to the doors of Taurdain Suites. Like the other day ... Lady ORIANA showed up and asked for Lady ISOBEL, so of course I hurried off to find her. True to form, there she was with a book stuck on the end of her nose ... what? No, it's a turn of phrase, you dunderdhead! What was she reading? She /said/ something about Beomia, but I couldn't help noticing that her hand was covering the title. If you ask me, it was one of those dodgy manuscripts from the top shelf in the library! Why else would she try to hide it? Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, Lady Oriana. She'd said she wanted to speak to Lady Isobel but then she changed her mind - kept claiming Isobel looked 'very busy'. Busy, my foot! Reading trashy novels ... and the only other person around was the carpenter BREV. He's just been made a retainer of Taurdain, did you know that? You should have see him grinning from ear to ear when it was announced, clearly he reckons he's been offered a good deal. Hah! You want to tell him, or shall I? I imagine we'll see a lot more of the fellow now, to cadge free meals if nothing else. He wasn't slow to head for the kitchen area, leaving Lady Isobel alone with her guest. Lady Oriana wouldn't stay, though. What did she come here for, then? It beats me, truly it does. When I passed Lady Isobel and Brev a little later I hung around a bit, hoping to hear something, but all I could make out was something about 'ant-trails'. Do you think House Karath has an ant infestation? At this time of year?! Most strange ...

Post Title:	Greed is Good
Author:	Bernar
Date posted:	20 January 2013
I saw Master Ban Rhinvan (BERNAR) wandering the library as listless as could be the other evening. Children... they suck the life right outta ya, don't they? Master BREV came in looking for a familiar face, and found Ban instead. They were making sly comments like old pals from their faces. Until they sat down at the same table, and something that foreigner said - "Infirmary," I think - and something the moneylender said - "treasure," "treasury," something like that - and that Brev, he froze right up. Kept a polite face, but things looked cold at that table. And it's like Ban didn't even notice! Come to think of it, Ban's been acting queer for a little while now. I wonder if he's right in the head... or just got the Dragon's greed-madness.

Post Title:	What's cooking?
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	22 January 2013
Did you know that friend of Master BREV's is back in town? The one who slinks along and never speaks. What? He told you his name is GIDON? How in the Bowman's name did you get that out of him? Anyway, I could tell he was around because of the cooking smells. Master Brev always makes more effort when he's got company - sometimes I wonder if he feeds himself at all when he's on his own (you know what men are like!). Sure enough, I saw that Gidon fellow being let in some time afterwards. Funny, when I was passing on my way down the street a bit later I heard raised voices, something about 'leaving'. Do you reckon Master Brev's cooking's that bad? Or maybe it was the carpenter who was leaving - no, I suppose you're right. He'd hardly spend all that money on workshop premises if he wasn't going to stay there. Anyway, that's what I heard before it all went quiet again. No, I couldn't have hung around longer! Next time you want gossip, go freeze your own arse off!

Post Title:	Lord vs Lad
Author:	Bernar
Date posted:	22 January 2013
An odd pair dueled one morning at the Training Yard. Overseen by Lord BERNAR Karath, Lord GERIK Karath matched blades with Bernar's young squire, TRISTAN. The youth showed quickness and adroit footwork, while Gerik's swordsmanship was befitting a more experienced soldier. The young squire received a leather buckler to add to his practice regimen before dashing off to do his chores for Mistress Conwy, while Lord Gerik needed to return to his duties at Thrush Hill. Truly, a soldier may work from sun to sun, but a squire's work is never done.

Post Title:	Strange bedfellows..
Author:	Bernar
Date posted:	23 January 2013
Those out-of-town Arathmor twins, Lord Thurstan and Lady Naverine (played by CELYS) came calling at Karath Manor last night. I know! Not the usual kind of visitor, and Lord BERNAR was clearly only asking them in out of hospitality. In they went to his private study, and then he offered them a drink. No idea what they were talking about, but when I was bringing the drinks in, Lord Bernar went abruptly silent. You know how he trusts everyone in House Karath, but whatever he was talking about, he didn't want overheard. A Bit later, he showed them out, and all parties were quite cordial. Bernar even thanked Thurstan for a gift. He better be careful; we all know Arathmor generosity hides fangs!

Post Title:	Pride (In The Name Of Love)
Author:	Isobel
Date posted:	23 January 2013
That carpenter BREV, he must be crazy - he asked to see both Lord BRAEDON and Lady NIAMH (both played by ISOBEL) at the same time in the same room! Doesn't he know how uncomfortable it can get when you get them cooped up together like that? But he would do it... Quite a lengthy conversation it was too and for some reason he was grinning from ear to ear when he came out! What do you make of that? Well, I'll /tell/ you what I make of that - he immediately went looking for the Lady ISOBEL and for my part I caught a glimpse of them holding hands! You don't think...?

Post Title:	A Captain's Inquest
Author:	Celys
Date posted:	23 January 2013
A courier arrived at the office of the Council early this morning bearing a letter bearing the official crest of the City Watch, and the personal seal of Lord Celys. After the Council had met to deliberate, it was put on display in the town hall. The message reads: It has been a long time in coming, but the Watch has completed its inquest into the events surrounding the death of Roskar, Lord Arathmor (for so he must be called, as he was never brought to trial). Many sworn witnesses, including myself, can vouch that Roskar was long in ill health. This much was not in dispute: unless the office of the Steward is in the habit of burning the letters it receives from the Watch, it will have received several letters written in my own hand and bearing my seal asking that the trial be held without delay. I never received a response to those letters; I humbly suggest that the Council will have an interest in seeing those letters released to the public. I have extensively reviewed the evidence surrounding the evening of his death. There was no lapse in security. There was no ill-treatment of the prisoner. The only irregularity that occurred at all is that a prisoner was allowed to die before the King's justice could be served, and that irregulary happened outside of the scope of this inquest. I write this as a humble and faithful servant of the King and of the city of Laketown, and I swear to the verity of these words on my honor as a Taurdain. Lord Celys Captain of the Esgaroth Watch

Post Title:	A little drink?
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	24 January 2013
Will Lord BERNAR never be free from visitors? When it's not nobles from other Houses holding clandestine meetings at the dead of night (really, what are they thinking of! Daylight would be so much more civilized), it's members of House Karath pestering him. Some of them old enough to know better, too: like Mistress AEBBE, who called on our Lord in his study the other afternoon. I know, because I had to pour tea for them (tea! I'll wager Lord BERNAR would much have preferred his usual whisky). I thought perhaps it might be something about her son - isn't he in Buhr Marling? - but when I answered the bell Mistress Aebbe was asking Bernar when he would marry. That brought on a red face, I can tell you! Do you think Aebbe has someone in mind? Or has Lord Bernar perhaps made his own selection? But after I poured the tea, just as I was leaving, I heard some mention of Lady Oriana and the word 'erratic'. So perhaps there was another purpose to the conversation, after all.

Post Title:	The Father And Child Reunion
Author:	Isobel
Date posted:	25 January 2013
The wanderer returns! I heard from their man that Master RIORDAN of Karath has returned to town once more and if you believe the steward it might be about time... seems like young RIOLAN (played by ISOBEL) has been at a bit of a loss without his father though he may not care to admit it! Let's hope the stories their steward has been telling of the youngster's escapades don't get back to the old man, eh?

Post Title:	Connections..
Author:	Bernar
Date posted:	25 January 2013
In the Fishtale, it isn't what you know but who you know that matters. So I looked twice when merchant SAEREDA Conwy, Linnea the urchin-monger (played by CELYS), and moneylender Ban Rhinvan (played by BERNAR) were all at the same table acting like fast friends. When connections, savviness, and money travel in the same boat, I want to know where it's going, I'll tell you that. Ban passed something shiny - coin, it looked to me - to Linnea, and a slip of parchment to Saereda. Is this the beginning of a beautiful friendship?

Post Title:	A frosty meeting
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	26 January 2013
Ah, but it's cold and frosty in Firespark Lane. The sun never quite seems to reach down there ... and some of the interactions are pretty frosty too. Take the other day. Master BREV and Lady ISOBEL greeted each other quite civilly (more than civilly, I would say! Since when were silly grins and taking a lady's hand part of meeting and greeting?) but when that quiet fellow, GIDON, saw them he looked quite ill and tried to bolt. Brev ran him down (Lady Isobel gave up the chase and followed rather more sedately) but it looked to be a less than a happy meeting. There was talk of hunting, but then Brev must have said something really bad because Gidon hunched up like a snail in its shell, wouldn't look at anyone. Or maybe it was Lady Isobel's mention of a wedding? Any road, she left the two men to their disagreement and they parted ways soon after, both with faces like thunderclouds. Don't they share quarters? Must be pretty grim in that house in the Business Parade after hours.

Post Title:	Concerns and congratulations
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	26 January 2013
It was a lovely sunny afternoon, and I was just heading down to the Docks to admire the Lake (well, all right, I /was/ hoping to watch the men working too ...) when I had to stop at the crossroads on Merchant's Way to let a cart pass. That's when I noticed Lady AILITH Girion and Master BREV stopping to greet each other. I must say, "How the flames are you?" isn't my idea of civil, but Brev took it in good part and the two were soon chatting like old friends, which I guess they are. Then Lady ISOBEL Taurdain joined them and things got really interesting. I heard it with my own ears (and saw them with my own eyes, ugh!): the Heir of Taurdain and that foreign carpenter are to wed! Though they didn't seem too clear on when - 'autumn' says Lady Isobel, and 'spring' countered the carpenter hopefully. Why, that poor, poor lady! Her so gently born: to be taken in by some foreigner who's only after her money. Oh, that arm around the waist may have fooled /her/, but I know men better. No wonder he wants to marry her quick before she works it out! I'm surprised her family has allowed it - but then House Taurdain always were far too charitable. Sadly they didn't reveal any more juicy details; the happy couple-to-be were too busy fussing over Ailith, they seemed concerned she was acting a bit odd. Don't know what they were worried about. If you ask me, anyone who can blaspheme like that is in rude health! Brev rushed off to speak to someone or other and Lady Isobel didn't linger much longer ... oh, wait! There was one more thing: Lady Isobel seemed to want a healer's advice, and agreed to call on the Girion later. You don't think there's sickness in the Taurdain household?

Post Title:	To Be A Karath
Author:	Isobel
Date posted:	27 January 2013
Seems it was finally time for Royal Warden RIORDAN's lad to be introduced to the Head of the House now that the High Warden is back in town once again. RIOLAN seemed a bit stiff if you ask me, but I suppose he's rather young still, and to those who have not met Lord BERNAR before he must seem a bit intimidating. What with his impressive build and noble stature and all! Anyway, it went mostly well (Riordan seemed so assured of this that he went to talk with a friend; they were exchanging old battle stories, very interesting!) and Lord Karath graciously offered to help the young pup learn to use his sword. Hopefully Master Riolan gets around to it soon; a Karath who doesn't know how to fight? What is the world coming to?

Post Title:	Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	27 January 2013
I've often wondered how a big bear of a man like Lord BERNAR is so quick on his feet. Now I know - in the Training Yard the other night he had his sword on the ground and was leaping back and forward over it. Looked like some barbarian dance! Then Lord GERIK appeared and we got to see some real pretty blade-work too, as the two faced off for a spar. Someone else must have admired it - I saw that sprat LOUSE pick up one of the wooden training swords and start trying to copy the two men. How I laughed! The combatants didn't seem to mind overmuch, I heard Lord Bernar giving her some good advice afterwards, though the brat took umbrage at being told to 'dance'. Apparently that's only for girls! Hmm, wonder what that makes Bernar and Gerik?

Post Title:	The biter, bit?
Author:	Bernar
Date posted:	28 January 2013
It was a bitterly cold evening, but that wasn't all that was bitter! My shift at the Flagon was just beginning. Master Delling (played by ISOBEL) had been performing real crowd-pleasers, largely traditional drinking songs. At his first break, a few people came in by different doors: Master BREV, who runs that infirmary, didn't have the Lady Isobel on his arm, and it was a good thing, too! But I'm getting ahead of myself. There was also a real shady-looking customer, hood pulled high to obscure her face, who Brue assured me was actually a Lady - and he was right: the Lady Naverine Arathmor (played by CELYS). How does Brue always know? I saw the moneylender Ban Rhinvan (played by BERNAR) bring Delling a drink, and then it all went to the Dragon. I know the bard said Naverine looked suspicious and then, of all things, brought up the sordid business with Master Brev's - well, Master Ban's - wife! Brev went expressionless - you know how he does - but I thought the moneylender might have an apoplectic fit. No, this was before the Lady Naverine offered Delling a florin to shut up for the rest of the evening. Well, I thought Ban might beat the bard with that cane he always carries, but instead he just said something, raised his hood, and walked away. Brev wasn't far behind. The Arathmor stared Delling down before walking back to her own food, and then Delling went back to practicing his trade. Not that, I mean performing! Delling didn't win many loyal listeners that night, I dare say!

Post Title:	Meeting at Healers
Author:	Gerik
Date posted:	28 January 2013
A strange meeting in the healing house, the other day. It seems a healer remarks. Gerik walked in carrying a satchel wishing to have it refilled for the tower, but met you with Lady Isobel who was being tended to it seemed for feeling ill. The young Lord of Karath offered to escort the other back home to help but she declined him saying she had errands, seemed she didn't want help just then. He offered to even help her with errands so she could rest. It was then that the Lady of Taurdain just up and walked right out the door!

Post Title:	News from Girion Place
Author:	Riordan
Date posted:	29 January 2013
I was cleaning the floors at the Girion Place last night - you know, I got a job there, yes? Oh you didn't? Well, I'll tell you about it later! Either way, I was polishing the pretty tiles and saw Lady ISOBEL come in which apparently isn't uncommon seeing as her cousin lives there and she comes to visit her often. But this time she asked for Miss... well, I guess she's no longer a Miss... well, she asked for AILITH! Why? She sick or? Their meeting was so secretive I couldn't get much information on it because they closed doors and were all quiet in there. But I did 'accidentally' look inside once and saw Lady Taurdain be all red in the face. The Girion healer was as always, I suppose. Did you know she's expecting? No?! Where have you been living? Yeah, she's already about third into the whole ordeal. Everyone's making such a fuss over it here. I wonder why? It's not like Girion doesn't have plenty of children for noble heirs and such. But eh. You know what I'm gonna do with my first salary? I'm going to buy a nice pair of shoes. Spring's coming and all...

Post Title:	Training Exercise
Author:	Bernar
Date posted:	30 January 2013
The horns blowing at Thrush Hill could be heard from nearby Esgaroth: the troops are to march. Thrush Hill is where the Knights of the Black Arrow can instruct the most promising in order to make them the best. But garrison experience can only carry you so far, the officers explained to the men. Accompanying the preparations in Thrush Hill are those in Karath Manor, where Lord Bernar has ordered the House's armsmen to be prepared for their own training exercise. A destination has not officially been announced, but as one wise old Sergeant told his troops, "If they take you to Buhr Mahrling, you'll take on their rot. If you go to Dale, you'll just learn how to talk pretty. No, boys, it's Iach Celduin for you. I'd stake my life on it." But Sarge stakes his life on a lot of things... (OOC Note: All soldiers stationed at Thrush Hill and Esgaroth have orders to march. Attendance is not OOCly mandatory, of course, but this will be the primary chance for an intercultural TP. Enter the Barding Camp at the Hillside outside Thrush Hill two rooms west of the Esgaroth Bridge to join the adventure. Onward!)

Post Title:	Turnip-tossing!
Author:	Bardur
Date posted:	30 January 2013
Did you know there were Dwarves in Laketown the other day? There was a whole bunch of them camped across the bridge, and they must've been on some trip or other because they were buying up supplies. You couldn't walk through town without bumping into one - why, poor Meggie had her basket of turnips knocked over by one black-bearded fellow (BARDUR) carrying a sack almost as big as himself. He told another skinnier Dwarf (DORN), some pal of his (or his son maybe? Couldn't see anything under that cloak and hood!) to pick them up but that was even worse: next thing the fellow was doing a spot of vegetable-juggling whilst the first one chanted some nonsense rhyme! Now, is that socially acceptable behaviour? The second dwarf even had the cheek to ask for a fee for his 'assistance'! Meggie was having none of that, of course, and eventually the black-bearded one coughed up some money for the basket of damaged vegetables. What he did with them I don't know - I heard him asking in horror if Men-folk actually ate these things ...

Post Title:	Tell me it ain't true
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	30 January 2013
I'm telling you, that cocky young Greenshirt LOUSE has a right cheek! The other evening in the Flagon she dashed up to Lady ISOBEL Taurdain, who was having a nice quiet meal in the seat over by the window, and asked her if it was true that foreigner was marrying her for her money! (Not like we didn't all want to know, but there's some things one just doesn't say.) Lady Isobel denied the charge, but Louse wasn't satisfied and kept pestering the poor woman further until she bought some stew to shut the girl up. Just as well, too: why, some of the things she asked - mind you, growing up in the Decks she can't have any idea of how decent people behave. Why, the poor kid likely never even knew who her father was! Though I can't help wondering if she had a point about Master Riordan ...