Rumors overheard in Midmark (Session 53, 4/22/15)

Rumors overheard in Midmark (Session 53, 4/22/15)

The Cock & Bull Inn is very crowded after Thorfus lets slip that Talon might be visiting. While somewhat annoying, this also means that the party is able to overhear quite a few rumors about recent events in the city and surrounding areas. Here are some highlights:

– Newton has been utterly destroyed and the Church of the Ark has been unable to do anything about it – in fact, the recent and sudden retirement of Patriarch Galen has paralyzed the institution in Vargen and Midmark has been slow to respond after the last failed mission. The Brotherhood of the World Forge and Temple of Merendur are planning a joint mission before the end of the month, though. Chuq actually catches a glimpse of a depressed paladin half-heartedly training in the cathedral yard who Master Dain identifies as Galron, the only survivor of the last mission sent to rescue the town.

– Arden Grell’s estate, which has been abandoned for months (he was living in temporary apartments) is still rumored to be haunted. There were no reasonable offers on the property when the city put it up for auction after the judge’s suicide.

– A mage living near the harbor has put out word that he needs adventurers to find some rare components for his research. Interested parties should seek Boscelin Boscastle near the Flotsam & Jetsam Tavern.

– An old back-country explorer has been making the rounds of the Outlander distict’s taverns claiming that the last imperial governor secreted a large amount of gold somewhere in the Mikhelwode in the last days of the rebellion. He says that, for a price, he will share a map he’s recovered.

– Although details are hard to come by, there seems to be some kind of gang war going on between Cutter’s Mad-dogs and some new gang in Midmark. The new group is offering a cheaper alternative to the Mad-dogs’ infamous drug, Dog-froth.

– Sailors returning to Midmark report that Devil Fish have been spotted in the Vargen’s harbor and upriver on the Khelwater – something never heard of before now. Some fishermen in that other city claim to have seen three wingless dragons burst from the river and fly off towards the Mikhel Peaks (northwest) a few weeks ago and just prior to these sightings.

– Other news from Vargen: refugees have arrived from the small town of Seahill, south of Newton and Dowton. Apparently, their town has attracted the attention of some Ogres and goblins (wandering down from the Mikhel Peaks) who have destroyed the settlement. Messengers have been sent to Xenilum’Khel about the issue, although it’s not clear how much help will be forthcoming since the village is predominantly human. Furthermore, there are fainter rumors that the village of Scalle even further to the south of Vargen has come under assault.

– Travelers have been disappearing on the roads south of Midmark (between the city and village of Goldthistle). In fact, during the party’s stay, an abandoned cart full of produce on its way to market is found on the side of the road. As previously, no sign of the missing either alive or dead.

– A family was murdered in the village of Southside, just southeast of Midmark. Both parents and three children were ripped apart in their home — this after a month of attacks on livestock in the village. Locals who witnessed some of the previous attacks believe that a pack of jaguars is to blame.

– Seabreeze, on the coast south of Midmark and home to many vacation residences for the city’s elite, is offering a bounty for Atomie scalps. Atomies are sprites known for mischief and Seabreeze seems to have an infestation.

– Due east of Midmark, near the village of Kortham, animals have been turning to stone. It looks like the problem is centered on the old imperial fort of Sarthanem, but the locals are not equiped to deal with it and have appealed to the Midmark militia for help.

– Uncivilized islanders from Magwater Fen (northeast of Midmark) have been raiding nearby farms, although no deaths have been reported. This tribe seems newly arrived from deeper in the jungle.

– Walleham, just outside Midmark to the east, has lost some livestock to a wyvern raiding from Magwater Fen. The village has also had a rash of disappearances — babies stolen from homes.

– Something or someone is setting fires in Magwater Fen. An adventuring company, Archer’s Irregulars, went out and killed a Pyrolisk for the reward. Some homesteaders on the fen’s borders say that didn’t solve the problem, though.