Nearly Midnight News, September 21

...*walks up to a large acorn desk*
“This is dusty as anything could be... that's not quite right. And these loose papers! I thought I gave specific instructions for this to be cleaned..."

Cyphaer tells rplfg, "!!!!" 
 Kissari tells rplfg, "*goes all feir'dall happy mode and tosses those papers all over while jumping about giggling* La-la-la-laaaa-la."

*pulls up a chair and sneezes*
“Well, the show must go on. Er... well... the news. You get what I mean. Welcome to the Nearly Midnight News, Truncated and Late Edition."

Cyphaer tells rplfg, "YAY!"

"New in tonight, Othmirs attack! Word from Velious is that the Othmirhave been going around and biting the faces off of - gasp- cabbages and root vegititables and the random adventurer! These once-cute critters are now the bane of the Dain, going so far as to raid the gardens of the dwarves and gnawing an ankle that might get in the way."

Vinjarick tells rplfg, "diabolical"

"Word from Thorin Drunk'Dain is that the food stores have been running dry, and they always wondered about those "shifty, beady-eyed watercats". While no one from the Othmir camps has been willing to speak on this matter, our reporter in the field, me, has been attacked as well! These soft, luscious-furred creatures glomp and hug and tackle and assault you with adorable."

Celennia tells rplfg, "wait..the nearly midnight news is back????? yay~" 
Ombline tells rplfg, "As long as mine keeps up with his (her? I can't tell) research, I don't care what the othmir does in zer spare time."

"Much nicer than those stupid hua-mein bear-things… Anyways, There is not any indication of if this is true, save for one little othmir caught in an orc camp. And if you could ever be so kind, could you please release him...?

“The orcs, of course, say he is a dangerous and wild critter who took out the last chief Ry'Gorr. With the assistance, of course, of an unknown reporter. The accomplice is still at large, and no reward is being offered. The orcs seem to consider "good riddance" in this case is well founded."

"Elsewhere, Had... Drinal has captured Perse... Firiona. While the surprising turn of events has caused much stir, historians are trying to figure out if this has ever happened before. The answer? No.”

“For an expert opinion, we made one up: "Oh, the horror! Our little Firiona has gone missing! Try the next castle..." Anyone who has any information is requested to present it to the Lord of Death, and to expect Quite A Reward. We were unaware of any ominous intent."

"It is also noted that a new sign has been posted."No Trespassin: Violators will be shot in the knee." So of course someone investigated. More to come when we see them next."

"In the high city of Paineel, there are experiments regarding necromancy. Qeynos objects. This is hardly news at all."

“The gnomes caught in Ykesha tonight report higher than average rainfall. There are also reports of higher-than-average drinking, as the engine cleaner seems to be alcoholic. For those on the lower island, wear a hat."

Ariahdnia tells rplfg, "**snerk**"

"Deep in Klak'Anon, the clockworks are trying to create sentience. As they are copying the gnomes, we expect impressively explosive results. That they are already sentient seems to mean little. I suppose this means that a Clockwork Sutra needs written so that they have some basis of understanding. "Insert Tab A into Slot B for a good time...” That's terrible...who comes up with this stuff? I need to fire someone, I just know it. ...Oh...right..."

"The Maj'Dul volleyball league starts back up again this week. The new regulation ball is a head weighing no less than three stone. Any willing participants are to be weighed at their leisure in the market. While some might find this a bit gruesome, it has weeded out those players who are not serious about the game. These are to be considered the first volunteers. Maj'Dul, it's a hell of a town."

"The weather in Frostfang reports snow. Really. Just snow. Nothing special about it. Why do we even both sometimes. We try to put on a quality program and you just get… “Snow."

"In other news, a new organized crime syndicate has risen across Norrath. Calling themselves Krono, they squeeze the citizens dry to get "that certain something" that seems to have known psychological effects of dependency and irrational desire. Some call this a "protection plan" while others call it "the best thing since Paid Subs". Not being much into the BDSM community, we are not sure what this means."

"That is your Nearly Midnight News. I'm Folodu, and this is irreverent."

The Noble Craftsman: or, How To Be A Great Cobbler

Transcribed by Folodu Amrunrosse

One must first take pride in their work, whatever it may be. Only from that can you be among the great artisans. You also need to be able to meet the needs and desires of your clients. You must use only the highest quality items in your work. You must use the finest detail you can manage. You must be discrete - never outright admit to working with someone. 

With pride comes a need for excellence. Own your skills to the extent they exist and don't you ever claim to know how to do a thing you do not. It hurts the relationship you have with your client and will not recommend you to them for future work. 

Each client is different. If you know how to make a good shoes but aren't so great at thigh-high boots, then see if the client is alright with something a little different. If not, own up that you aren't the best and try anyways. A good attempt goes a long way. 

If you are willing to skimp on the quality of your material, where else are you going to cut corners? You are making the last pair of shoes, so spend that little extra on good sand and binder. Let your client know they have only the best around their feet. 

Some people aren't picky and are willing to go with standard clogs. Never permit that. Even if you are being paid something ridiculous, make sure you take the time to smooth your surfaces. Even when you are making a mold for a particularly intricate boot, make sure you hand touch the last details. It's the small things that matter most here, so working around limitations will be your hardest challenge. Be willing to alter a casting for fractures and swells.

Remember, you want your client to know they have only the best on them. Be sure to remind them often on your skill. Even as they say hello to the fishes, they should be aware of the remarkable job you done for them. It makes them feel special for that brief, important moment.

A short note: addressed from Freeport.

I always stand strong with you. Please call on me when ever you have need.

-Xeita

To all Amicae - current and past -

OOC / Real Life update

Dear Friends -

     As you have no doubt noticed, I've been out of game for months, and my partner, Sytan/Folodu with me. Some of you may be aware that I have had recurring computer and health complications.

     My health has prevented me from returning to you as I have wished, and for that, I am sorry. I had hoped that the Vigiles would stand strong without me. I tried to leave what word I could, but without mail acess I could only hope to reach those of you who were online in the brief moments i could manage to sit in a chair.

     The laptop that enabled me to be with you all last year died sometime in July. I tried to stay, rearranging a tower so I could reach it from a couch, an armchair, something that would accommodate my back.

     I failed, and it has hurt all of us.

     Now, I am returned, on another laptop, borrowed from a new housemate who has more computers than he can use. At least for a time, and for as long as I can manage, I will be here again. Because of Holly Windstalker's generosity, I can write to you {briefly in game, during a promotional event} to tell you this.

     I miss you all - Please, rejoin us in the VAooc channel, on this blog, or write us a note if you are able.


     Be well in these uncertain and trying times -

To all Amicae, current and past:

Amicae -

     Many have taken a rest or have gone missing in the wake of the recovery missions last Cycle. It has been needful and good for many - and in the wake of it the halls once so warm now know silence also.

     We are of a cloth, we Amicae, no matter our professions, or circumstances. It is good to renew the bonds we have chosen, of friendship and fellow help.

     We, the ever-watchful, the ever-faithful - no battle can sunder where we choose to build.

     Come home, if you so will it, or join us again in the open halls when your commitments allow. Let us know you live, that we may celebrate your name.

     Vai Z'Ress
               Ariahdnia

Roster: Sytan Fiac

~ Vigiles Amicae Service Record ~

~ Available to all sworn Amicae ~

Name: Sytan Fiac
Status: Active, with medical restrictions
Rank, specialty, auxiliary: Legate Auxilus Pax, Necromancer, Sage
Gender: Male
Age: Appears no more than middle-age - or about 300 years old for an elf.
Race: Teir'dal
Birthplace: Unknown
Residence/Citizenship: Most recently registered in Gorowyn

Description and/or portrait:
A light ashen skintone over a thin frame, and perpetually slouched shoulders. His face is etched deep with worry lines and is set in almost a continuous frown. He frequently can be seen walking with a limp. In loose or thin clothing, a set of gnarled, poorly healed scars bisect his sternum and scapula. He can typically be found in dark, somber robes, Except in Maj'Dul. When he is in the desert he frequently adopts the thin and ornamented linens of the local dervin people, though even in these he selects deep jewel tones.
He wears a bone ring on his right pinky finger. The faint smell of sandalwood follows him.
His hair is shoulder length, frequently braided, and seems to lack luster, as if he is not eating well or recovering from illness.


Specialties:
Staff fighting, histories, diplomacy, magical theory, direction of entropic and hematergic magical energies

Proficient:
Unarmed combat, light arms, medium arms, pole arms, staff, terrain, research, magic theory, energy storage, carpentry, needlepoint, diplomacy, field survival.

Weaknesses:
Diplomacy. Walks with a limp, and sometimes needs a cane for balance and support. Vulnerable to all standard physical and magical attacks capable of overcoming the shields and reactive defenses of any average necromancer of middle-rank.

Service Record & Events of Note:
Appears to have been appointed as Legate Pax as far back as the earliest records of the Vigiles. With the exception of the years he was being held by hostile fores, he has served that role continuously ever since. His service record is exemplary: without controversy or challenge, except insofar as he traditionally opposes the Legates Bellum when debating matters of diplomatic significance before the Council.
Widely believed to serve the Praetor as consort, but no official record supports this rumor.

Previous known Aliases: Legate Auxilus Pax Sytan Finn, Diplomat Sytan of Argentum Circuli. Referred to by the Erollissian devotees as Brother Fiac. Hailed by the Ravens as Greyfeather. Known in certain slums as Sidhen Finn.

Records suggest no public positions held before being named Diplomat for Argentum Circuli. Argentum history hotly contested by reputable scholars, as those fragmentary records date from the Age of the Spires many dozens of centuries ago. Likely the record refers instead to an ancestor of the present Fiac.

Awards:
- Linguist
- Bookbinder

Notable kills:
- Mayong Mistmoore
- Harla Dar
- Darathar

Wanderlust Weekend battles

Ariahdnia,

Feel free to pass this information along to anyone in your organization that would be interested in ccoming.

We didn't have a chance to perform this week's raid, so we'll be rescheduling it (14 Sept, 6pm EST).

The targets will be either Toxxulia's Mound (level 90), Mirguals, or The Palace of  the Ancient One (Both level 80). This battle will be also open to guests who have a desire to come out and fight.

Rivald De'Elvin
The Leader of Wanderlust