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[[Image:FirstLandHerald.jpg|border]]
[[Image:FirstLandHerald.jpg|border]]
<br><br>The First Land Herald is a publication dedicated to the current events of [[Zoluren]]; "Zohlu Ren" is Gamgweth for First Land. When possible, the Herald may also report on other events throughout [[Kermoria]]. Disclaimer: All articles are written by players and submitted to a GM before being published in game. Articles are written In Character and represent the PC author's interpretation of events.<br>
<br><br>[[Publication pretty name is::The First Land Herald]][[Publication name is::FLH| ]] is a publication dedicated to the current events of [[Zoluren]]; "Zohlu Ren" is Gamgweth for First Land. When possible, the Herald may also report on other events throughout [[Kermoria]].&thinsp;<ref>'''Disclaimer''': All articles are written by players and submitted to a [[GM]] before being published in game. Articles are written In Character and represent the PC author's interpretation of events.</ref>


{{RTOC}}
'''Editor in Chief:''' [[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]]<br>
'''Reporter:''' [[Shaylynne|Shaylynne Kendialahle]]<br>
'''Editor in Chief:''' [[Navesi]]<br>
'''Occasional Reporter:''' [[Saragos|Saragos Daerthon]]<br>
'''Reporter:''' [[Shaylynne]]<br>
'''Assistant Reporter:''' [[Ruea]] <br>
'''Archivists:''' [[Diapsid]], [[Whiteburn]]<br>
'''Occasional or Guest Reporters:''' [[Miskton]], [[Mazrian]], [[Saragos]], [[Tirost]]<br>
'''Former Reporters:''' [[Leyhan]], [[Shannera]], [[Marcul]], [[Oscearo]], [[Klines]], [[Simera]], [[Tyrrum]], [[Izimi]] <br>


<br>
==Publication In Game==
==Publication In Game==
The Herald now offers newsletters exclusively IN GAME FIRST for at least one week -- possibly longer. Articles will not be available on elanthipedia until this waiting period is over. Thus if you want to be sure to read the news and get it as it happens, head to one of the imp locations in game.
The Herald now offers newsletters exclusively IN GAME FIRST for at least a day or two, possibly longer depending on when our staff can get the articles posted on the wiki. Thus if you want to be sure to read the news and get it as it happens, head to one of the imp locations in game.


*For updates when an article is published in game, follow [https://twitter.com/DragonRealms @Dragonrealms] on Twitter.
*For updates when an article is published in game, follow [https://twitter.com/DragonRealms @Dragonrealms] on Twitter.
*For updates when an article is archived here on elanthipedia, follow [https://twitter.com/firstlandherald @FirstLandHerald].
*For updates when an article is archived here on elanthipedia, or other news about the Herald, follow [https://twitter.com/firstlandherald @FirstLandHerald].


==Locations==
==Locations==
The Herald is proud to be partnered with the imps of Elanthia! Copies of the latest edition can be obtained from news stands manned by imps. Visit and {{com|GET}} {{tt|NEWS}} for 50 coppers. Currently located at most docks, and a few other places.
The Herald is proud to be partnered with the imps of Elanthia! Copies of the latest edition can be obtained from news stands manned by imps. Visit and {{com|GET}} {{tt|NEWS}} for 50 coppers. Currently located at most docks, and a few other places.


In Genie, the following #goto commands work if you're on a map with a news stand:
In [[Genie]], the following <code>#goto</code> commands work if you're on a map with a news stand:
*<nowiki>#</nowiki>goto newspaper
*<code>#goto newspaper</code>
*<nowiki>#</nowiki>goto news stand
*<code>#goto news stand</code>
*<nowiki>#</nowiki>goto First Land Herald
*<code>#goto First Land Herald</code>
*<nowiki>#</nowiki>goto Herald
*<code>#goto Herald</code>


{| border="1" class="wikitable sortable"
{| border="1" class="wikitable sortable"
Line 54: Line 57:
|Outer Hibarnhvidar, Market Road||outside The Singing Raven||116||13||
|Outer Hibarnhvidar, Market Road||outside The Singing Raven||116||13||
|-
|-
|''Aesry Surlaenis'a (TBD)''||by the Crystal Wave||99|| ||
|Aesry Surlaenis'a, Staho Pivo'hrr'schu'Mus||by the Crystal Wave||99||93||
|}
|}


* Outside the Muspar'i Trader Guildhall is a [[tall S'Kra Mur]] that does also sell newssheets, however as of August 2020, it was selling the (quite old) ''The Therengia Herald''.
* Note: There are other NPCs present in the game who sell newssheets, but only imps will sell the newsletter that has the Herald. Other newssheets are very much out of date.


==Latest Issues==
==Articles==
{{#ask:[[Publication name is::FLH]]

| border="1" class="sortable"
=== 436-02-37 - LATEST VISIONS: UNDERSEA GLOW, ALFAR WARRIOR, AND MORE ===
|?Publication article headline is=Headline

|?game date is=Date
Greetings, readers. My name is Miskton Ramahk, Court Mage of Ilithi, a member of the guild of Moon Mages, and by inclination a researcher of those visions of the future experienced by members of our guild. This article is intended to share those experiences with the public at large, to help keep people informed of what the future may hold. I do also host regular meetings in Shard on the subject where people can share their thoughts on the meaning of visions.
|?Publication article author is=Author(s)

|?Article number is=Article number
I will begin by putting down my impressions of what I experienced, as best I can. There may be some cases where the experience is difficult to put into words, but I will do as best I can.
|sort=game date is

|order=desc
I will put down those visions which are most recently being experienced by seers, but there may also be some cases in which notes about an older, related vision may be relevant to include as well. I have also in some cases included my own sketches of what I have seen, but I should stress that these should not be considered entirely accurate depictions of any people or objects which are the subjects of the visions.
|limit=30

|format=table|link=all|headers=show|mainlabel=Article Page|searchlabel=... further results|class=sortable wikitable smwtable|sep=<br>}}
To start, I will include a vision that seems quite relevant to the recent excitement involving the appearance of the Merelew diplomats:
{{RefAl|r=y}}

My lungs filled with salt water and my eyes adjusted to inky darkness. Gradually, I found I was able to make out pinpricks of dancing blues and greens, and I realized I was surrounded by schools of glowing animals, each rippling with pulsating bands of luminescence. Mesmerized, I reached forward to cup a small octopus undulating by, when something bumped my shoulder and swam away in a flurry of turbulence, only evident by a gap in the surrounding points of light. As I peered into the waters, I became aware of a softly glowing purple gleam far beneath me, rising closer and closer. Suddenly, the schooling luminescence surrounding me blinked off, leaving me floating in utter darkness, and the purple illumination grew in intensity, and the vision faded.

[Accompanying the description is a sketch of a small octopus moving through the water.]

According to Speaker Kolanem of the Merelew, the parts of Kurmin's metallic spider which have been scattered about the sea give off a purple light, and they are inimical to life in the area. This vision would seem to be a demonstration of the effect those chunks of metal are having on the sea floor.

My next vision is part of a long series of visions which have been occurring for some time and are probably too lengthy to recount all of them in this format. To summarize, they show an Elothean Empath and an Alfar warrior defending something in a mountain steppe area against soldiers on multiple occasions. Eventually, however, the soldiers were able to overwhelm the Empath with a flurry of crossbow bolts, killing her and severely injuring the Alfar warrior. They did not kill it, however, and subsequent visions have shown the Alfar warrior appearing to track down the soldiers responsible, or perhaps those who are part of the same organization, and taking revenge. One such vision:

I found myself on a long rowboat, a dozen soldiers intently peering into the gloom, the riverbank and forest barely visible from the light of flickering torches. The soldiers breathed heavily, clearly terrified. Suddenly, the water exploded into a column of spray and with a startled scream, two of the soldiers disappeared into the murky river. The rest of the soldiers alternated between firing crossbow bolts into the water and shouting at the oarsmen to row faster, and in the confusion, another column of water exploded and two more soldiers disappeared. Chaos ensued, and a strange black blade wielded by a pale arm slashed from out of the water, hamstringing and gutting the remaining soldiers. Some supplies caught on fire, and the boat began to burn.

Rising from the waters, a gaunt Alfar warrior slowly strode into the forest, snapping the blade to dry it and touching a faded blue strip of cloth tied to its bicep. The vision faded.

[Accompanying the description is a sketch of an Alfar warrior with scarred wrists and broken wings, a strip of cloth tied to its bicep.]

This next vision seems very likely to depict a Trader interacting with those beings known as the Negotiants:

A man dressed in fine silk robes and expensive jewelry sat cross-legged in an elegantly decorated room before a mahogany writing table. Arranging a beautiful gold and platinum pen and ebony inkwell, the man carefully spread two large sheets of crisp, clean paper and glanced out at the open window, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply of the starlight. Pursing his lips, the man reached into his robes and produced a clear tessera. With the sound of shattering glass, the tessera unfurled, involuted ribbons and nested octagons dancing in expanding and contracting spirals. Taking a deep breath, the man quickly placed the tessera atop his head, his eyes going wide, the pupils contracting to pinpricks, and he went perfectly still.

With unnatural grace, the man reached for the pen, and dipped it into the inkwell, gently tapping the rim to shake excess fluid, and began to write. The vision faded.

While the general idea of what the vision is about does not seem too difficult to determine, the actual meaning of it is less clear. It seems like the Trader is actually being possessed by something after putting on the tessera, but to my understanding this is not a normal interaction between Traders and the Negotiants. If they simply wanted to get something down in writing, they are already capable of communicating with beings on our plane to do so, so there would seem to either be some other motivation involved, or some other being.

The next vision, I must admit, is rather unclear. If any readers do have any inspiration about what it might be depicting, I am most interested in hearing your thoughts.

I saw a man ascending a wide flight of stone stairs, pausing periodically to catch his breath. With a grunt of frustration, the man pushed onward, occasionally taking two or even three steps at a time. Minutes passed, and he began to slow, taking a seat and hanging his head between his knees to pant. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and a single drop rolled down his nose, falling to the dry stone. As the droplet hit the steps, a low rumble vibrated the stairwell, and the stairs lengthened, the riser shrinking. The man turned and smiled, and began to once again climb the now easier steps, and the vision faded.

And finally, we have a vision which seems to be a follow up to a vision that was seen a little while back. Here is the recent one:

I saw a low walled city perched over a river delta. Two runners sprinted forward, a man and a woman, racing ahead. Naked save for flowing wraps, their dirt-caked feet kicked up a billowing cloud of dust. A shout went up from the city, and massive wooden gates cranked shut, a thick timbered jam dropping into position. The runners did not slow down.

When the runners were about three hundred yards from the gate, someone atop the walls shouted "Fire!" and a volley of arrows rose into the sky. The two runners increased their speed, leaping side to side to evade the falling shafts. As they approached the gate, both turned slightly and grunted, their shoulders slamming into the barricade, which exploded in a shower of wood splinters. The runners continued through the city, leaping over carts and around surprised children, and arrived at the water's edge, where they continued to sprint across the surface, disappearing around the curve of the bay. The vision faded.

It has been some time since the earlier vision was last brought up, so I will include that here as well, for reference.

I saw a vast open vista, salt flats stretching to the horizon, reflecting the sun in a vast expanse of white glare beneath a cloudless, pale blue sky. Everything was still and silent, when suddenly a man and a woman sprinted by, nearly nude save simple flowing wraps. Both were barefoot, their calloused feet pounding into the salty ground leaving cracked footprints, a cloud of dust billowing in their wake. Neither passed the other, and sweat poured from their flowing hair and long limbs. They heaved, their breaths in rhythm, and their hearts beat steadily, furiously. Muscles strained, tendons creaked, and still they pounded forward, eyes wide and faces grim. The man began to falter and pulled a vial from his belt, and without missing stride, drank it in full. He grimaced, clenching his teeth as blood began to stream from his nose, but he surged forward and matched the woman's pace. They continued to run, and the sun burned overhead. The vision faded.

This one is difficult to say. The more recent vision would seem to perhaps indicate the runners are not literally people, but represent some implacable force that will not be stopped. One that is not overtly hostile, however, because while they did smash through the city gate, they did not make any attempt to actually harm people once through, even going slightly out of their way to avoid running down children. But still, they are unable to be stopped by obstacles, even the water. The previous vision, however, particularly the part in which the male runner drank down a vial of some substance when he started to flag, would indicate that they actually are flesh and blood beings of some sort.

If anyone has any thoughts on these visions, or has any aspect of them jump out as particularly noticeable, I am quite interested in hearing what you have to say. Please feel free to seek me out or send correspondence, and we will in the near future be having a discussion in Shard to go over these visions.

[[Miskton]] Ramahk<br>
Visionist, Court Mage of Ilithi


=== 436-02-30 - MERELEW DELEGATE FORMALLY ASKS FOR AID ===

As I reported in the last issue, the Merelew island of Andreshlew is unwell, made "unhappy" by pieces of spider-shrapnel after the giant mechanical spider exploded in the ocean. Delegate Kolanem arrived recently in the Crossing to speak on behalf of King Galpelus, accompanied by the diplomat Cotovatre.

Included is a sketch of two Merelew holding themselves with stately poise, one appearing male and the other female. Although rendered in the typical black and white of the newsletter, their ichthyic features are striking; each bears delicate scales, a snub nose, gently webbed fingers, and pointed ears partially hiding a set of gills on the neck. The male's head is bald but features a spiraling tattoo of thick black lines, while the woman has a single strip of hair down the center of her scalp, worn to the left.

Kolanem told us that King Galpelus had been speaking of bringing the island to the surface of the ocean, a fact he found curious because Cotovatre's recent visit to our seers told her of a vision of just that. Once the king learned of this vision, he decided to act upon his desire, and the island will indeed rise. Kolanem admitted that there was some disagreement over the king's choice. Some would apparently prefer to handle the matter of Andreshlew's illness internally. But the king's say is, naturally, final.

Kolanem explained further the situation on Andreshlew. "Is know a little of what happened. We hear stories [of the mechanical spider]. But we did not realize how far damage went until too late. The sea is sick, and we need your help. King Galpelus will be raising Andreshlew and opening borders to all. King Galpelus asks that you aid in cleaning our waters, and that you enjoy our lands. We is rather, actually, some, are excited for this exchange. While we trade with the Elves along the rivers, there is much we do not know of you, and much we both have to gain."

Kolanem further warned us about the sea and the dangers it may produce. "The seas are sick, and they are very angry. Never safe, always must be cautious, but this is new. The sea is very sick, and we have been fighting very hard. And the sea is coming for you too now. Is come not only asking your help, but also to tell you to prepare. Migrations are in chaos, and they circle further from us. They will be here in a matter of days. Be vigilant. They are angered, and seem to be attracted to the source of sickness, the body of the spider and the gods' weight. Defend your temples. We have had to defend our altars." He also later suggested finding pieces of the broken spider to study.

When asked who or what he meant by "they," Kolanem said, "Creatures. Things of the deep, some of which once alive." It became clear with further questioning that he spoke of the undead. Somehow, it seems, the spider made them "very mad," which caused them to grow and roam further. They can even make it inland, though "not much far." "They walk. Breathe air for short time, not too long, but long enough." He also mentioned that there is a purple glow in the seas around the broken spider, which corresponded exactly to a vision shared by Visionist Miskton during the conversation.

When asked for more information on how to defeat the creatures, Kolanem said, "They are predators. They cooperate. They are also all prey. They are smart, and will defend themselves. Watch them well, and work as team. You will need, and I mean this, you will need to work together. Healers, guards, attackers. Move in and out. Is never seen magic do what some of them can do. But they fall to spear and spell alike."

Expect the rise of the magnificent city soon, and prepare yourselves for invasions of undead.

Sincerely,

[[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]]<br>
True Bard, [[Zoluren]]'s Herald<br>
Editor in Chief of the [[First Land Herald]]

----
MERELEW FACTS, PART 2

The Merelew enjoy cooking. Kolanem and his staff provided a number of types of seafood, such as raw tuna, boiled clams, and seared swordfish, in addition to a hard cheese that was made of whale milk. When asked how one milks a whale, Cotovatre responded, "Take much effort. Make whale happy, so whale cooperate." Kolanem added, "We keep whale herd safe. They trust us and come back." He also said about Merelew cooking, "Merelew have no sweet fruits, no berries. Trade for them. They find their way into our dishes, much improve. But also, original dishes have importance." There was also an alcoholic drink called zuoganaas, which is "kelp wine that has been heated to steam, making stronger. Name translates close to 'burnt water.'"

Underwater lava is a feature of their lives. Not only might it be involved in making their metals and their meals, but Cotovatre said, "Lava is much problem."

The Merelew mages do not receive visions as ours do. Kolanem said, "Our mages of tides and moonlight do not dream like yours do." Of their priests and priestesses, he said, "Ours hear Her always, others sometimes," presumably referring to Aluna. He also said, "Is joke that priests not willing to teach more, priests demand you learn more."

Merelew can stay on land for any amount of time, but over time their scales dry out and become itchy.

Only the Merelew queen and princesses wear their hair to the right. All others wear it to the left. Other jewelry and body decorations have no particular meaning, though they favor painting the hands rather than wearing rings, which can damage their webbing.

Coralite is a type of metal unique to the Merelew.

When the city of Andreshlew is underwater, it is entirely so. They do not keep pockets or areas filled with air.

==Notable Issues==
[[The_First_Land_Herald/Archives#416-02-32_-_A_Brief_Guide_to_Current_Events_in_Zoluren|416-02-32 - A Brief Guide to Current Events in Zoluren]]

==Archives==

'''[[The First Land Herald/Archives|First Land Herald Archives]]'''
{{RefAl}}
{{cat|Journalism|First Land Herald}}
{{cat|Journalism|First Land Herald}}

Revision as of 17:37, 10 March 2024

FirstLandHerald.jpg

The First Land Herald is a publication dedicated to the current events of Zoluren; "Zohlu Ren" is Gamgweth for First Land. When possible, the Herald may also report on other events throughout Kermoria. [1]

Editor in Chief: Navesi
Reporter: Shaylynne
Assistant Reporter: Ruea
Archivists: Diapsid, Whiteburn
Occasional or Guest Reporters: Miskton, Mazrian, Saragos, Tirost
Former Reporters: Leyhan, Shannera, Marcul, Oscearo, Klines, Simera, Tyrrum, Izimi

Publication In Game

The Herald now offers newsletters exclusively IN GAME FIRST for at least a day or two, possibly longer depending on when our staff can get the articles posted on the wiki. Thus if you want to be sure to read the news and get it as it happens, head to one of the imp locations in game.

  • For updates when an article is published in game, follow @Dragonrealms on Twitter.
  • For updates when an article is archived here on elanthipedia, or other news about the Herald, follow @FirstLandHerald.

Locations

The Herald is proud to be partnered with the imps of Elanthia! Copies of the latest edition can be obtained from news stands manned by imps. Visit and GET NEWS for 50 coppers. Currently located at most docks, and a few other places.

In Genie, the following #goto commands work if you're on a map with a news stand:

  • #goto newspaper
  • #goto news stand
  • #goto First Land Herald
  • #goto Herald
Room Title Description Genie Zone Genie Room Lich Room
The Crossing, Hodierna Way east of bank 1 160 731
The Crossing Docks, South End Skirr'lo'lasu dock 1 169 937
The Crossing, Alfren's Ferry ferry dock 1 236 957
Riverhaven, Town Square town square 30 8 389
Riverhaven, East Pier Lybadel and Kree'la dock 30 104 471
Langenfirth, Wharf barge dock 40 36 3434
Therenborough, Horseman's Run one north of gate 42 3 3162
Shard, Moonstone Street just outside bank 67 81 2512
Ratha, Port Walk outside Neh dock 90 4
Uaro Dock, Port of Ratha Night Sky dock 90 234
Uasin Dock, Port of Ratha Tasia'zaul dock 90 262
Mer'Kresh, The Galley Dock galley dock 107 113
Fang Cove, Walkway just outside bank 150 10
Outer Hibarnhvidar, Market Road outside The Singing Raven 116 13
Aesry Surlaenis'a, Staho Pivo'hrr'schu'Mus by the Crystal Wave 99 93
  • Note: There are other NPCs present in the game who sell newssheets, but only imps will sell the newsletter that has the Herald. Other newssheets are very much out of date.

Articles

Article PageHeadlineDateAuthor(s)Article number
The First Land Herald/449-02-30O-Pi-Sekh Chants Erupt as Chepiso Escapes Hounds of Rutilor449-02-30Illiya85
The First Land Herald/449-01-14A Spotlight on Krenze, Goblin Pyromancer449-01-14Shaylynne84
The First Land Herald/448-05-05Nascent Unknown Launches Orbital Attack, Adventurers Ascend to Dismantle Weapon448-05-05Navesi83
The First Land Herald/448-02-21Hound Chepiso Overreaches, New Law on Necromancy Enacted448-02-21Ruea82
The First Land Herald/447-06-30Nascent Unknown Finalizes Form, Second Colossus Attacks447-06-30Navesi81
The First Land Herald/446-09-02Nascent Unknown Settles Into Orbit446-09-02Navesi80
The First Land Herald/447-07-26New Knowledge Discovered of Custodians, Lightning Spider446-07-26Navesi79
The First Land Herald/446-06-18Mechanical Colossus Rampages Through the Crossing446-06-18Navesi78
The First Land Herald/446-04-38Nascent Unknown Evolves Further446-04-38Navesi77
The First Land Herald/446-03-06Vela'tohr Activity Inspires New Empath Spell446-03-06Navesi76
The First Land Herald/446-01-14Strange Celestial Phenomenon Approaches446-01-14Navesi75
The First Land Herald/445-09-01Mountain Guard Assassinations445-09-01Ruea74
The First Land Herald/444-08-36The Herald Returns with a Recap444-08-36Shaylynne73
The First Land Herald/440-10-11 (1)A Memorial for Osven440-10-11Shaylynne71
The First Land Herald/440-10-11 (2)Fete of Banishment for Sir Beren440-10-11Shaylynne72
The First Land Herald/440-09-22Second Experiment Probes Custodian Responses to Lights440-09-22Navesi70
The First Land Herald/440-08-38Forest of Night Research to Resume440-08-38Shaylynne69
The First Land Herald/439-09-38Andreshlew Rises Again439-09-38Navesi68
The First Land Herald/439-09-18Voidgazer Cultists Invade, Andreshlew Calls Out Warning439-09-18Navesi67
The First Land Herald/439-08-07Seeking the Truth and Sir Beren439-08-07Shaylynne66
The First Land Herald/439-07-14Basalt Isle Assaulted -- Major Blows Dealt to Lich and Sivroch439-07-14Navesi65
The First Land Herald/439-06-09Multiple Hits by Sivroch, Foul Altar Erected and Destroyed439-06-09Navesi64
The First Land Herald/439-05-18Experiment with Custiodian-Disc has Explosive Results439-05-18Navesi63
The First Land Herald/439-04-05Dragon Priest Suulnir Speaks439-04-05Navesi62
The First Land Herald/438-10-02Final Preparations Made to Assault Basalt Isle438-10-02Navesi61
The First Land Herald/438-07-06Oshu'k'et Victorious Against Pirates, Undead Kraken438-07-06Navesi60
The First Land Herald/438-04-34Crossing Tunnels Cleansed of Ichorous Corruption438-04-34Navesi59
The First Land Herald/438-03-02New Dragon Priest Powers Revealed in Skirmish at the Spire438-03-02Ruea58
The First Land Herald/438-01-26Charity Ball Interrupted by Poison, Defenestration438-01-26Navesi57
The First Land Herald/438-01-15Creeping Ichor and Bone Creatures Attack the Crossing438-01-15Navesi56
... further results

References

  1. Disclaimer: All articles are written by players and submitted to a GM before being published in game. Articles are written In Character and represent the PC author's interpretation of events.

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