THE BEST NEWS FROM IVONA TO VOHEMAR

Interrogations fall flat, but is that enough to save the 4423?
by Aidan Windom

It looks like the 4423 has been given the worst Amicus present of all. They were given not flowers, nor chocolates, nor even so much as a smile. Indeed, the only present the 4423 has been given is a one-way ticket to Ivona, and that’s not a good present at all.

Reports state that investigations into the 4423’s alleged involvement in the case in Doma, where the whole town was wiped out by a fast-acting poison, proved to be "inconclusive." Officials would offer no further comments than this.

They are being handed over to Ivonian authorities in the hopes that their courts will be able to find more conclusive evidence either for or against the 4423’s involvement with the crime.

Some suspect this is in fact a peace offering from Vohemar to Ivona. It is no secret that tensions between the two countries have been on the rise, and the 4423 has landed itself squarely in the middle of their squabbles. With this Vohemar may be attempting to appease Ivona, to keep the two from escalating into an all out war that neither country wants nor needs.

[Note: Because members of the 4423 crew do not have their journals currently, they will be unable to read this news story until their journals are returned.]

Investigation of the Pirate Ship 'the 4423' Unearths Other Crimes
by Larry Halstead

Well, folks, it looks the 4423 is at it again. Or, to be more accurate, they were at it, but now they’re locked away behind bars.

The 4423 crew was arrested on charges of the murder of the Badlands town of Doma and placed in holding cells in Berum. But before its capture the 4423 managed one last, dastardly deed when it raided a merchant ship from Kropmork. The ship was heavily damaged, and it and its crew would have sunk below the clouds had patrol officials not arrived in time to save the crew. The ship was lost, as well as the corpses of an unconfirmed number of dead, presumably killed during the raid by members of the pirate crew.

Currently, the 4423 is awaiting a verdict pending investigation for the incident in Doma. It is yet unknown if they will also face charges for the merchant ship raid. As you’re probably aware, Vohemar has a highly underdeveloped court system, and the verdict will likely be decided by high officials. Details are scare on how the investigations will be conducted, but as the 4423 crew is already in custody, many of them will likely be questioned and the ship turned over for any evidence that may link them to the case in Doma. Ultimately, Vohemaro officials will probably make a decision based on their own political agendas.

Finneas Magentabeard, another prominent Vohemaro pirate captain, had this to say about the 4423: "Pirates, huh? Are they really pirates? Hah! They’re the laughing stock of Vohemar. Real pirates don’t let themselves get caught red-handed. They’re only posing as pirates. Those [ones born to unwed parents] need to stop shaming us pirates and Vohemar!"

The Badlands Bulletin will continue to keep you posted as the investigation unfolds!

[This is a radio broadcast that originates from Berum but can be picked up through most of Vohemar:]

Vora: Good evening, this is the VBC with just a small announcement. Frederick Tagore, resident and financial contributor of Berum, has reportedly been robbed three days ago. The reports place the break in during the performance of Steel Samurai, by the infamous theatre ship the Winding Way. A performance he himself arranged.

Nothing has been found out in regards to the culprit, but Tagore is offering a generous reward for the safe return of his valued crystal vase and the ne’er-do-wells that took it.

The unseen world of Berum
Written by Regina Tralynn

Many a traveller has been known to pass through Berum and be distracted by the mere mundane attractions that the city has to offer. True, the spice markets at noon are an amazing blend of sheer variety of cultures that are housed here, and the spiralling towers of the Council Hall are an awe-inspiring sight even to the citizens who see them regularly, but how many stop to think about what really sets Berum apart from the rest?

Have you ever stopped to question the fine wines in your cellar? Or why our trade thrives even when supply is scarce? Did you ever wonder where we got the strength to rise up and drive Ivonia out? History books tell us that it was the proficiency of our leaders and the tenacity of our people, but that’s only half the story, just as most people who pass through Berum really only see half of what is really there.

The rest is magic.

Berum is home to a whole network of magic users and demihumans who work silently and thanklessly to keep our city running as it does. Unlike the Ivonian Mage’s Society who try to keep their numbers limited to those with status and class, Berum’s guild is open to everyone; from the Mayor’s personal weather witch who helps to keep our skies clear, to Enchantress Bella of the slums district who can cast a curse on a man anywhere on the continent as long as she has a drop of their blood.

Guild Halls can be found about the city, and offer training and information to those in need. Even for those with no talent of their own might often find themselves inflicted with some kind of magical inconvenience, and are free to seek the talent of a mage to help them resolve it.


[OOC: Submitted by smiling_samurai!]