Kuronii Chronicler
Part of the Regional Newspapers
Area: Venturil
Distribution: Fallen Star Inn
Ownership: Government-owned.
Language: Common.
OOC editor: Hmail News.
Issues Archive
2014
July 2014
Current Events
There was a robbery at the Chronicler’s headquarters shortly before the June issue went into production. All ink, paper, rulers, binding paste, and other assorted tools went missing. At the time of reporting, there are no suspects. Anyone with any information should step forward to help the guards apprehend these despicable burglars. The Chronicler deeply regrets that it could not publish an issue in June. (ooc: Interested? Josleen will NPC a little cops-and-robbers RP with you. Your character can be either the cop or the robber - your choice.)
Lumbermen continue to clear the jungle to the south. Their progress has been slowed by the discovery of a relatively large and vicious pride of felines, believed to be cousins of the lion. The Wildlands is mostly home to solitary species of felines, making the lumbermen’s advance relatively easy to date. However, this pride is the largest feline grouping yet discovered, totaling an estimated 14 felines, who control a sizable territory. Trophy hunters who bring to the Castle the heads of leonine-felines will be handsomely rewarded by the King. (ooc: This is a real RP opportunity to make some in-character gold. Ask someone to NPC the feline, engage in a duel, and then claim your gold reward via Eboric. 1,000 gold for a feline pelt. People who volunteer to NPC felines will receive 750 gold oocly for being such great sports. Only one kill per RP, please.)
In Venturil
King Eboric is in the process of appointing Ealdorman to lead each of the three byrgs (fortified towns) that protect our great city. The Ealdorman will be chosen based on leadership experience in battle and combat hardiness. Given recent tensions with minotaurs in the West, native westerners will likely be favored, particularly for the position of Ealdorman of Denubyrg (western-most byrg, north of the Great Western Plains). (ooc: Eboric is looking for players to play the Ealdorman. There is a preference for established Venturil characters, which either means creating a new character with a Kuronii character or migrating your character to Venturil and working your way up the ranks.)
The Farmer’s Festival will be held during the third week of August. Bring your family and your faith. King Eboric and the clergy will lead a grand ritual to strengthen the Kuronii bond with the gods. May the gods continue to bless our might in battle and home. You can also expect to find local farming prodigy Emilia’s spectacular produce at the festival, as well as family-friendly games and vegetable competitions for all. Bring your tubers and legumes!
Foreign Affairs
Tensions between Minotaur factions and the Riddarnir in the West worsen. Some refugees from that conflict have begun to arrive in Venturil. (ooc: Eboric and Raid are your go-to people for minotaur battles on either side.)
Kuronii Voices
There is a column that goes to great lengths to mask its racism against the Wildland’s felines as nothing more than a scientific catalog of the feline race (Wildland-specific, with no clear reason as to why). This ‘science’ is based on the author’s decade long observation of these geographically-limited felines, and concludes that these felines possess inferior intelligence, lack social cohesion, cannot grasp abstract thought including math, and so on. The author argues that these felines should be excluded from the list of intelligent races of Hollow and relegated to the dumb beasts that populate our lands. This argument leads him to a final conclusion: “We do not call the slaughter of cattle ‘murder.’ It is in this vain that we should not describe the clearing of the southern jungle as ‘genocide.’ Such histrionics have no place in Venturil.”
Remembering
*This is a limited-time special interest series in the Chronicler which brings Kuronii history to the people of Venturil.*
Given the difficulties our brothers in the West currently face, it is only fitting that we remember their story and their strength. The Western tribes settled the Western Plains long ago under the firm guidance and cunning of King Ine, brother of Alimer and Aethelred. The plains at the time were home to tribes of violence - of barbaric humans and minotaurs, and even scores of plain dwarves which have now gone all but extinct. King Ine’s tribe ran our enemies from these plains with naught but the fierce roar of their warriors and clash of their arms. Their blood sowed this land and their bodies filled the barrows. But King Ine and his descendants were not only heralds of war, but also of peace. Some of the native human tribes of the plains were peaceful, and the Western Kuronii learned to live in harmony with them. Some of the Kuronii who thirsted for a more nomadic lifestyle broke off to form new tribes, such as the Riddarnir from which our Queen Raidh hails. The Western Kuronii of the plains today evolved the culture that you, dear reader, are more familiar with here in Venturil. The smaller tribes that broke off from King Ine’s mainline, such as the Riddarnir, have retained the old customs, untouched by the chaffing of time.
May 2014
Current Events
The construction of several fine byrgs (fortified settlements) in the countryside surrounding the White City has been completed ahead of schedule thanks to the wise guidance and generous patronage of King Eboric. King Eboric is now looking to appoint leaders for the byrgs and asks hardened soldiers that have years of experience leading others into battle to see him directly about seizing this opportunity. Given recent tensions in the West, native westerners will be favored, but all inquirers will be considered.
A dark cloud has rolled over Venturil. King Eboric’s father, Eastern Kuronii King Penda, passed away on Rynvale Island in an accident. His body was brought to Venturil to be laid to rest alongside his ancestors in the barrows. Several Eastern Kuronii, who have been living on Rynvale Island under the leadership of the late King Penda, accompanied the body and chose to stay in Venturil to join King Eboric’s movement of Kuronii unification. More Eastern Kuronii are expected to arrive in the coming months. The royal funeral was beautifully and tenderly overseen by King Penda’s family and lieutenants; it was a true homage to the spirit of what it means to be Kuronii, a spirit King Penda so effortlessly possessed in life, and will continue to possess in death.
In Venturil
Walk into any tavern these days and everyone is talking about the same thing. Instead of haggling in the general store, shopkeepers and customers discuss the circumference of Queen Raidh’s belly and debate the existence of a maternal glow. Is King Eboric standing taller these days? There is no doubt that speculation as to Raidh’s ‘baby bump’ is the prominent topic in Venturilian hearts and minds. This month’s Royal Baby Watch is last month’s Drow-Loving Scandal. Queen Raidh’s older brother, Avaldi Jarlsson, was approached for comment and had this to say: "Piss off, if you don't want an arrow through your throat." His comment confirmed suspicions for many, while others remain cautiously reserved. This article’s tone pretends to be above the fray by reporting on the rumor itself without directly confirming or denying the rumors. But, in the act of ‘reporting on the reporting,’ The Chronicler itself joins the chorus of frenzied gossipers.
The Fengoth River runs clear. Farmers in the dead forest are glad and report an improvement in their cultivation. It will still take some time before the farms of Venturil return to their former fertile glory.
Foreign Affairs
Reports of escalating violence continue to trickle in from the plains of the Deep West. Tensions between Minotaur factions and the Riddarnir worsen. The Riddarnir are rumored to be amassing for a presumed concerted strike, but the Chronicler has been unable to attain verification of this as of publication. (ooc: Eboric and Raid are your go-to people for minotaur battles on either side.)
Kuronii Voices
In last month’s paper, an author pushed for Venturil to proactively engage the Riddarnir and aid them in their struggle against the Minotaurs. That same author refurbishes his opinion with a twist: it’s what Penda’s would have wanted.
Remembering
*This is a limited-time special interest series in the Chronicler which brings Kuronii history to the people of Venturil.*
This month’s historical article highlights the Eastern Kuronii in memory of the late King Penda. Recent Eastern Kuronii immigrants tell fond and flattering memories of King Penda’s rule.
April 2014
Current Events
Venturil's farmlands are slowly showing sign of firm recovery after the terrible upheaval caused by The Burrower. Although the monster is no longer a direct threat to Venturil thanks to our glorious King, its destructive wake is said to be responsible for much of Venturil's barrenness. Eye-witnesses describe their close-encounters with the monster. “It was terrible! [It was a] great black thing with legs and slither-bits all over it,” according to Horod Jensen, mason. “And [it was] the size of a fortress to boot! Enough to make the bravest of men wet his breeches, I tell you. Not that I did so myself, mind,” adds Mr. Jensen. “That beast was the stuff of nightmares. Never mind the way it ripped the earth up as it went. Lost my whole beet harvest,” recounts Jemiica Nort, farmer. “But better to lose my beets than my life. Praise the King!” The King has dedicated funds to reconstruction and strife alleviation, such as food pantries. (ooc: The Burrower rp is still ongoing in the Underdark. Contact Tenebrae or Tiphareth.)
Politics
After last month’s scandal regarding a minority tribe leader’s romantic involvement with a drow, a spate of drow-loving accusations has taken the city’s political scene by storm. Anyone who so much as sneezes the wrong way may find themselves accused of bedding a drow.
In Venturil
What oasis is this? Is there a curiously small patch of fertile land in northern Venturil, or is city newcomer, Emi, the most gifted farmer this side of the Xalious Mountain Range? Situated near the new lake, Emi’s hilltop farm is bursting with lush, green growth. Speculation runs wild, with many competing farmers claiming that Emi has magical assistance. Those enjoying the fruits of Emi’s labor (literally) say the farmer simply has a green thumb and the blessing of the gods. (ooc: Contact Emilia for more information.)
Foreign Affairs
Minotaurs continue to ravage Kuronii tribes in the Deep West, including the tribe from which Queen Raidh hails. Casualties are rising, but still reported in two-digit ranges per month.
Classifieds
A new cavalry yard has been built near the Venturil stables. Those hoping to ride in the King's Cavalry may apply there to begin rigorous training. (ooc: Contact Raidh or Eboric to get involved.)
Skilled builders, masons and engineers are required for several structures sponsored by Queen Raidh Jorgunsdotr. Send word to her via Venturil Castle.
Kuronii Voices
A single voice from a northern Kuronii tribe compares the current drow-loving accusations to a dark time in Northern Kuronii history. The columnist cautions that this mania is destructive to the internal fabric of Venturil’s society.
A second article focuses on the plight of the Deep West tribes in their struggle to survive near-constant war with the minotaurs. The columnist calls for the city to send reinforcements to the west to aid our distant kin.
Remembering
*This is a limited-time special interest series in the Chronicler which brings Kuronii history to the people of Venturil.*
This month’s historical article highlights the Northern Kuronii tribe’s history referenced in the column section. Several decades ago, the tribe suffered untimely deaths amongst its youth. The dead were found with vampire marks, but searches of neighboring areas turned up no sign of a vampire. It turned out that the vampire was disguised within the tribe itself. Once discovered, the vampire was slain, but after his true death several tribe members accused their rivals of being vampires. A few innocent and falsely-accused Kuronii were killed due to rash actions and poor judgment.
March 2014
Current Events
A recent conflict between Kuronii lumbermen and the feline tribes of the jungle have slowed progress in clearing the jungle for Venturil’s expansion. Though such conflicts are commonplace, the casualties are usually sustained by the feline tribes. This conflict is particularly harrowing because it left 3 Kuronii men dead and served as a reminder that even with heightened security and better weapons, clearing the jungle is dangerous. The article does not report on the number of feline dead - it never has and likely never will.
There is a lovely profile flattering Queen Raidh, King Eboric’s newly betrothed second wife. She is a Jarl’s daughter of a small offshoot of the Western Kuronii tribe. The article is careful not to compare her to first wife, Queen Jerica, or create any competition.
Politics
As the quarries toil with stone to build the next great settlements of the Kuronii Empire, tribal leaders vie for recognition as potential ealdormen (the noble class). This article reports on a sensational scandal. A minority tribe leader from the North has been accused of fathering a grey elf with an unnamed drow. There is a political cartoon of the nobleman’s wife on her knees, screaming and weeping over a demonic looking baby with point ears. Written on the baby’s ratty blanket is the phrase ‘The Future of Politics?’ The woman’s tears collect in a fragile, cracked vase labeled ‘Traditional Values.’
Business
The marriage of King Eboric and Queen Raidh has been an auspicious one for the Venturil economy. Terms of trade with Raidh’s maiden tribe have improved considerably. Locals can feel the relief in their pockets as prices for certain goods from the Great Western Plains have decreased.
Foreign Affairs
Hollow has yet to feel the strength of Venturil. We cannot risk being seen as weak, for the weak are prey. Young men and women of able bodies and courageous hearts are commanded to serve Venturil by enlisting in King Eboric’s army. Dinosaur hunters may skip basic training.
Kuronii Voices
There are five articles dedicated to ripping apart the drow-bedding nobleman/social pariah. Most of it is hysterical hand-wringing over the loss of traditional, family values. The racist tone is overt, comparing intercourse with drow to bestiality. This man has no chance of ever becoming an ealdormen.
Remembering
*This is a limited-time special interest series in the Chronicler which brings Kuronii history to the people of Venturil.*
This month’s historical article highlights the Eastern Kuronii tribe who settled north of Gamorg on Rynvale Island thousands of years ago after The Split. The Split is the name given to an event many thousands of years ago when the massive Kuronii tribe fractured into three distinct groups: Western, Northern, and Eastern. The Eastern Kuronii tribe, from which King Eboric hails, was imperialist in its pursuit of wealth, power, and land. Because the tribe frequently clashed with ogres, they developed a knack for taking down larger-than-human foes.