📰 The Ebon Gazette
“Truth from the Treetops” — The Official Voice of the Society of the Ebon Compass
💥 DUELING SCANDAL ROCKS JADE SERPENT SCHOOL
Witnesses describe a “roiling dispute of honor and venom” between two Jade Serpent duelists, ending in a highly illegal triple challenge.
The first duel ended in a draw. The second ended with a disarmed combatant deliberately biting their opponent. And the third? Rumors claim intervention from a River Tyrant stylist broke the cycle — and the winner’s nose.
Council officials are demanding public arbitration, while dueling master Mistress Qirathi remains silent. A formal protest has been filed by Crimson Prowl instructors, citing “unfair weaponized flexibility.”
🚢 THE GILDED MANTICORE RETURNS — AND THEN VANISHES AGAIN
The Society’s flagship airship, The Gilded Manticore, returned late last night in an unscheduled arrival, battered and smoke-stained. Within two hours, she took flight again — this time, under heavy magical camouflage.
Crew were tight-lipped. One off-duty artificer was overheard whispering, “We brought something back. And it woke up.”
Authorities urge calm. Several magical wards have been doubled around the Spire Docks.
🏞️ STRANGE RUMBLINGS NEAR HAMLET
Scout patrols confirm that the mysterious silence from Hamlet may stem from more than cowardice. Edran Oakwarden reports signs of massive underground tremors near the village perimeter. Several trees were found twisted into spiral patterns overnight.
“Nature doesn’t do that on its own,” says Edran. “Something ancient stirs.”
🧱 THE ALABASTER TOWER GLOWS BY NIGHT
Local prospectors returned this week to the alabaster tower found deep in the jungle — and reported a soft internal glow pulsing at dusk. One explorer claimed to hear “chanting in reverse.”
Uzzar Doomfang is organizing a second expedition. He insists it will be a “controlled entry with minimal bloodshed.” Volunteers are welcome.
🐟 WHERE ARE THE FISH?
Zarrik of the Murk has filed an official grievance against the Church of the Silver Wave, citing failure to pay ferry dues after an expedition vanished without a trace. The tide-folk are restless, and fish hauls are down 40%.
“I’m not a charity,” Zarrik said. “And they didn’t even bless the boat.”
📜 MISSING: RUNESKULK AND MOONWAND
Thurlim Runeskulk and Eldrin Moonwand, both known arcane theorists, have failed to return from a recent expedition into the deeper ruins. The last message received was a scrambled Sending referencing a “self-writing obelisk” and “cascading glyphs.”
Vrissk the Unfathomable has taken over research duties in their absence. He denies responsibility. With an unnerving smile.
📣 ANNOUNCEMENTS
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The Crimson Prowl will host an open duel exhibition this 8th-day. No claws.
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The Society of the Ebon Compass seeks scribes for cartography transcription. Hazard pay provided.
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Temple of the Forgotten Eye is requesting volunteer medics and warders for jungle relief.
Published under the authority of the Society of the Ebon Compass.
Editor-in-Chief: Valerius Everwatch