
Be aware that this is from the perspective of the commonfolk and it might not reflect the entire story.
ASSASSIN STRIKES KING ORPAZ! A BLOW TO THE HEART OF THE PRIDE!
Leonopolis, First Tuesday of Highsun, 223 A.T.C.
By Luxidor Leonidas, Senior Investigator of The Roaring Lion
A day of joy, a night of legacyโshattered!
As all of Concordia roared in celebration, awaiting the birth of Queen Agimiโs first cub, a vile hand of treachery struck at the very soul of our kingdom. An assassin pierced the heart of our den, slipping past our walls, past our guards, past our honor! In the sacred halls of Solaris, His Majesty King Anwar OrpazโThe unyielding, hit by a cursed blade, its venomous touch rendering him silent and still! The palace was thrown into alarm, as those loyal to the throne surged forward, but the serpent had already done its work. Yet, when darkness crept close, new allies did not falter!
Victoria Vulperian of Sevenfold, a Vixen diplomat by title but a lioness in heart, led the charge against the treacherous cur, driving the would-be assassin into the grasp of justice! Meanwhile, her twin, Marco Vulperian did the unthinkable. With the kingโs breath fading, Marco seized every concoction within reachโtested or not, wise or foolishโand poured them down the kingโs throat! Twelve. Thirteen. Fourteen!? MORE!? No healer would dare, but Marco dared! No scholar would act, but Marco acted! And against all reason, against all laws of medicineโthe king lives!
The assassin, however, spoke no secrets. They were consumed by fire most unnatural, their body turning to ash, their masterโs secrets vanishing into the winds.
But Concordia does not forget! And Concordia does not yield!
Embrace the Sun!
MADMAN'S BREW OR MIRACLE BY SOLARIS?!
Leonopolis, Fifth Day of Highsun 223 A.T.C.
By Luxidor Leonidas, Senior Investigator of The Roaring Lion
Only a few days ago, His Majesty King Anwar Orpaz has survived the COWARDLY attack! The healing rites of the Stewards of Solaris, combined with the baffling intervention by Marco Vulperian, are being credited with the kingโs MIRACULOUS rescue. According to multiple sources, who shall remain anonymous, Marcoโs approach defied all known laws of medicine and magic. โMixing that many potions should have ended in catastrophe.โ one anonymous student of the Cursebreakers Academy spoke.
Impossible? Absolutely. But hereโs the problem: it worked. Another healer speaking under the condition of anonymity, confessed that the king should not have survived such reckless alchemy. โIt defies medicine, it defies magic! it defies logic!?โ they admitted.
So, what are we left with? While scholars speculate that Marcoโs wild concoction triggered an unstudied reaction, some claim it was fate. The concoction merely delayed the inevitable long enough for the Rite of Solaris to take effect. A few go even further stating that Marco's actions proved that WE WILL ALWAYS BE STRONGER UNITED.
A will so strong than death itself refused to claim the king. Was it the medicine, or was it the will of something far greater that saved our king?
Embrace the Sun!
THE FLAMESPAWN: HOW DEEP DOES THIS INFECTION RUN?
Leonopolis, Fifteenth Day of Highsun 223 A.T.C.
By Luxidor Leonidas, Senior Investigator of The Roaring Lion
Victoria Vulperianโs Investigation Uncovers Disturbing Truths...
Diplomat and now celebrated hero, Victoria Vulperian has wasted no time in pursuing those responsible for the treacherous attack on King Orpaz. Her investigation into the Cult of the Flamespawn has led to the discovery of several Flamespawn hideouts operating within Leonopolis itself! Fanatics embedded in merchant guilds, noble circles, and EVEN IN THE PALACE ITSELF. How did she acquire all this intel on them so quickly?
The Flamespawn, long thought to be a scattered group of fire-worshipping zealots, appears to be far more organized than previously believed. Recovered documents and intercepted missives have hinted at a mysterious group known as the Hands of Surtr, whose motives remain as enigmatic as the flame they worship. These newly uncovered truths reveal a web of conspiracy that stretches into the deepest corners of the Kingdom of Concordia.
โThis is no mere act of random terror.โ Victoria Vulperian declared in a statement to The Roaring Lion.
โThis was a coordinated attempt to weaken Concordiaโs heart. And I intend to root out every last ember of this treachery.โ
But the investigation has not come without its critics. There has been a growing backlash against the Sentinels, Concordiaโs esteemed protectors, for allowing outsider Lady Victoria Vulperian, to lead the investigation into such an urgent matter. Many have questioned why the Stewards have not taken the reins themselves. โWhy should a foreigner lead this investigation?โ one disgruntled anonymous noble commented to the Roaring Lion. โThe Stewards are more than capable of handling such matters within our own walls.โ
But counterarguments are equally strong. The Stewardsโ duty, many argue, is to King Orpaz. A duty that, at present, requires their full attention as he continues to recover.
With the kingโs health still fragile and Queen Agimi set to deliver their child in a few weeks, it is believed that the Stewardsโ must remain focused on ensuring the royal familyโs well-being.
Still, Lady Vulperianโs investigation presses on, and her findings grow ever more troubling. With each passing day, the cultโs presence in Leonopolis seems to have infiltrated deeperโposing a dangerous question: How many of these โHands of Surtrโ are hidden in plain sight? The investigation is ongoing, but tensions rise in the city, with the investigation leading down darker, more treacherous paths.
Citizens are urged to report any suspicious activity to the Sentinels.
Embrace the Sun!
A NEW LIGHT FOR CONCORDIA: QUEEN AGIMI DELIVERS PRINCE SOLARIS II VULCARON ORPAZ
Leonopolis, Thirtieth of Highsun, 223 A.T.C.
By Luxidor Leonidas, Senior Investigator of The Roaring Lion
In a moment of profound joy and hope, Queen Agimi has delivered a healthy son, Prince Solaris II Vulcaron Orpaz, firstborn and next king of Concordia! The kingdom had awaited this moment with bated breath, and today, the newborn prince is the shining light in a time of uncertainty. Born in the early hours of the Twenty-second, the princeโs birth was met with jubilant celebrations throughout Leonpolis.
In an unprecedented move, the royal family still chose to continue to with the Solaris' Kiss Ceremony. Many believed that after the attack only two tendays ago, the ceremony would not take place. Crowds gathered in the palace courtyard, where the newborn prince was held aloft during sunset. While the kingdom rejoices, the absence of King Anwar Orpaz still recovering from the attack was deeply felt. His absence a reminder that, although Concordia has been granted a new heir. The last few days still loom over all of us. The people cheered and celebrated the princeโs birth, but they could not ignore that their king, their ruler, remains far from recovered.
It was Steward Feronis Lightbearer, the kingโs second attendant, who oversaw the ceremony, ensuring the princeโs protection and guiding the solemnity of the rites. Steward Beauford Dawnbringer, the kingโs primary attendant, was notably absent from the event, remaining by King Orpazโs side as he continued to recover.
However, the absence of Beauford Dawnbringer and the presence of Feronis Lightbearer both have sparked waves of criticism. Some daring voices question whether Steward Lightbearer and Steward Dawnbringer have failed their king in his hour of need. Some suggested they should step down from their duties, citing their inability to prevent the near-assassination of the king and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his health. The royal family has yet to comment on this.
There has been some speculation surrounding the newborn prince's second name, Vulcoran. While the royal family has not publicly explained the significance, rumors abound that the name may be a tribute to Lady Victoria Vulperian and Lord Marco Vulperian, who were recently granted honorary titles by the Royal Family. The Vulperiansโ bravery and decisive actions in the aftermath of King Orpazโs attack have earned them widespread admiration in Concordia, and some believe the naming of the prince reflects the royal family's gratitude.
With the arrival of Prince Solaris II Vulcoran Orpaz, Concordia has something to celebrate once again! Though his birth was tainted by the kingโs absence, the kingdom is bursting with excitement at the promise of a bright future ahead. Queen Agimi, now recovering, can rest easy knowing her sonโs presence will inspire hope across all of Concordia.
The kingโs recovery is eagerly awaited, but for the coming days, Solaris is shining a little brighter for all all of us.
Embrace the Sun!
