OOC: The Silverymoon Gazette is a small circulation monthly newspaper emerging from the gnomish community in Silverymoon. It has recently expanded to include a Faerun-wide news section, covering news of the realms as a whole, with a focus on matters of interest to Silverymoon's gnomes. While it is not widely available outside of Silverymoon, word of its content does spread through the realms, and surely anyone keen to obtain a copy could do so without too much trouble, even in Menzoberranzan.
Editor's Introduction
Greetings, Readers! With this month's edition we inaugurate our new realmwide news section, and I am happy to report that I've found a wonderful new reporter for this beat: the young Calum Everquill. A true student of the realms, he brings great book knowledge of Faerun to the position, coupled with an eagerness to explore the whole of the realms with his own eyes. Poor Garret and Merith - they've raised an adventurer! Whilst he is still cutting his quill, so to speak, and tends to go on at length in his news filings about pretty female gnomes he met while on assignment (leaving me to edit it all out for your sakes) I am confident he will get the story for us, and grow into the position fully over time. If ye aren't directly related to the Everquill family, then ye've likely learned from them in school, so please consider them kin and be patient with the young Everquill as he learns his trade. If he has half the talent for spinning a yarn as do his parents, we shall be looking forward to his every report, I'm sure!
Garun "Quilljab" Brighteyes, Editor in Chief, Silverymoon Gazette
The Silverymoon Gazette
-
Dalvyn
- Sword Grand Master
- Posts: 4708
- Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2003 9:26 pm
- Location: House of Wonder, Waterdeep
Prankster seeks to edify Warden of Rangers
Prankster seeks to edify Warden of Rangers
As a result of the tragic demon infestation in Ardeep Forest, of which word has traveled even to the quiet streets of Silverymoon, the many refugees from Ardeep have sought out safe harbor elsewhere. Our gnomish brothers in Golden Oak have extended a warm hand of friendship to man and beast alike, and many of Ardeep's refugees now reside there, waiting for the day they might return home. In light of such kindness, the Warden of the Rangers, Janon, extended an offer to the community of Golden Oak, asking if the Rangers might somehow express their appreciation and that of the folk of Ardeep. I was sent to cover a meeting at which this kind offer was to be discussed, and ideas debated.
I arrived in Waterdeep after a long journey through wood and over road. The City of Splendours is a remarkable place, with folk from all corners of the Realms visiting and passing through. Taking the opportunity to meet many new folk, including a warrior woman of the Crying God and a soft-spoken but eloquent man from Tashalar, a city south of even the Calim Desert, I happened upon a kind man named Enig, who in turn brought me to the attention of one Dapher Dullyn, one of the organizers of the meeting to be held that day in Golden Oak. Under his guidance, and with his help, I managed to arrive at the secluded village of Golden Oak. Brothers and Sisters, I must tell you, it is a remarkable place. Never have I seen so many gnomes!
The meeting took place in the Patriarch's home, a lovely earthen hovel with tactful finery. The Golden General of Garl Glittergold's Companions of Arumdina, Japcil Kawalk himself, presided over the event, which was also attended by Sindri Silverhammer, Teeri Namfoodle and her sheepdog Hodgefoodle, and the aforementioned Dapher Dullyn. Come to represent the Rangers was a tower of a man, named Kregor. The gnomes tossed out several ideas, ranging from a massive, gem-studded golden shrine to Garl to a super-sized water-and-marble-tossing prank bucket, also useful in case of forest fires; but in the end, the General's suggestion of a ranger guard at the north entrance to the village won over the imagination of those assembled. Were that all to have transpired, I would have enjoyed the trip immensely, but left with little of import to tell ye all...but this is not how matters unfolded.
Kregor made mention of something he had thought to bring up at the next foregathering, the periodic meeting of the entire Ranger Council, and sought the gnomes' reaction to it. Namely, he quoted the ranger's code: "We are as diverse as the wilds we protect" and wondered if the Rangers could not, in fact, be moreso - for example, by allowing we gnomes to learn their ways and become one of them. The reaction of our kin was enthusiastic, and Kregor said he would raise the issue with his bretheren. So ended the meeting, on a happy and positive note.
I remained about Golden Oak, having heard rumour that a follow-up meeting might later take place. As it turned, no such meeting occurred. Alas, this kept me from being present in the flesh for a Golden turn of fate, which I will report here with the emphatic caveat that this is only the scuttlebutt going about Waterdeep, not the facts as seen with mine own eyes. At any rate, it is my understanding that when Kregor mentioned his idea to the Warden of the Rangers, the elf Janon, the Warden was rather amused. Indeed, I understand that he commented to a gnome that his or her bow was the size of an overgrown turkey wishbone, and asked whether they should not be standing in a garden somewhere. He laughed at the prospect of a gnome ranger, wondering how with all the laughing we do, we could possibly track anyone, or move with stealth...he guffawed at the prospect of looking down upon a gnome ranger in bejewelled, gaudy colored clothes, wondering aloud at what she would do when confronted with an orc: wag its finger up at it, saying "Look, you big meanie orc, get out of my forest or I'll nibble on your toes!"? He concluded "I like [gnomes]! They're fun! They are great hosts and we owe them a debt, but come now...make them Rangers?" Janon was greatly amused...but the Sparkling Wit was not! That's correct, readers, Garl Glittergold himself was listening to the Warden's musings, and was very disappointed in the Warden's racial prejudice. As we know, the Joker will never teach by word when an example will teach better, for he believes life is the best instructor of all: and so he turned Janon into an orc with amethyst-tinged skin. No, really, I'm not pranking you! Bright violet in color, with bad eyesight, terrible gas, and bad breath!
Janon was turned away from the Waterdeep gates, and his attempt to re-enter brought several members of the Watch - quickly, a large crowd gathered. After much debate, the situation came to light, and Janon manged to convince most there present of the fact he really was the Warden-come-orc. When discussion turned to remedying his predicament, the Sparklin Wit himself appeared before the crowd. He made it clear that Janon would remain an amethyst-tinted orc until he had experienced for himself the deep cut of racial prejudice. He specifically instructed all those present, saying "Make sure you treat him like the orc he is." With that, the Trickster returned to his home, leaving many a jaw hanging on the ground.
Friends, it is not often that our own Garl Glittergold, the Watchful Protector, takes such public and visible action on Faerun. He watches over us, and guides us, but most often with an invisible hand. His appearance in Waterdeep I thought most newsworthy, even though I was not present to view it with mine own eyes. I've reason to trust the accuracy of this account, and submit it to you for your edification.
Oghma enlighten, Gond guide you to discovery, and Garl help you appreciate, learn from, and laugh about it all,
Calum Everquill
As a result of the tragic demon infestation in Ardeep Forest, of which word has traveled even to the quiet streets of Silverymoon, the many refugees from Ardeep have sought out safe harbor elsewhere. Our gnomish brothers in Golden Oak have extended a warm hand of friendship to man and beast alike, and many of Ardeep's refugees now reside there, waiting for the day they might return home. In light of such kindness, the Warden of the Rangers, Janon, extended an offer to the community of Golden Oak, asking if the Rangers might somehow express their appreciation and that of the folk of Ardeep. I was sent to cover a meeting at which this kind offer was to be discussed, and ideas debated.
I arrived in Waterdeep after a long journey through wood and over road. The City of Splendours is a remarkable place, with folk from all corners of the Realms visiting and passing through. Taking the opportunity to meet many new folk, including a warrior woman of the Crying God and a soft-spoken but eloquent man from Tashalar, a city south of even the Calim Desert, I happened upon a kind man named Enig, who in turn brought me to the attention of one Dapher Dullyn, one of the organizers of the meeting to be held that day in Golden Oak. Under his guidance, and with his help, I managed to arrive at the secluded village of Golden Oak. Brothers and Sisters, I must tell you, it is a remarkable place. Never have I seen so many gnomes!
The meeting took place in the Patriarch's home, a lovely earthen hovel with tactful finery. The Golden General of Garl Glittergold's Companions of Arumdina, Japcil Kawalk himself, presided over the event, which was also attended by Sindri Silverhammer, Teeri Namfoodle and her sheepdog Hodgefoodle, and the aforementioned Dapher Dullyn. Come to represent the Rangers was a tower of a man, named Kregor. The gnomes tossed out several ideas, ranging from a massive, gem-studded golden shrine to Garl to a super-sized water-and-marble-tossing prank bucket, also useful in case of forest fires; but in the end, the General's suggestion of a ranger guard at the north entrance to the village won over the imagination of those assembled. Were that all to have transpired, I would have enjoyed the trip immensely, but left with little of import to tell ye all...but this is not how matters unfolded.
Kregor made mention of something he had thought to bring up at the next foregathering, the periodic meeting of the entire Ranger Council, and sought the gnomes' reaction to it. Namely, he quoted the ranger's code: "We are as diverse as the wilds we protect" and wondered if the Rangers could not, in fact, be moreso - for example, by allowing we gnomes to learn their ways and become one of them. The reaction of our kin was enthusiastic, and Kregor said he would raise the issue with his bretheren. So ended the meeting, on a happy and positive note.
I remained about Golden Oak, having heard rumour that a follow-up meeting might later take place. As it turned, no such meeting occurred. Alas, this kept me from being present in the flesh for a Golden turn of fate, which I will report here with the emphatic caveat that this is only the scuttlebutt going about Waterdeep, not the facts as seen with mine own eyes. At any rate, it is my understanding that when Kregor mentioned his idea to the Warden of the Rangers, the elf Janon, the Warden was rather amused. Indeed, I understand that he commented to a gnome that his or her bow was the size of an overgrown turkey wishbone, and asked whether they should not be standing in a garden somewhere. He laughed at the prospect of a gnome ranger, wondering how with all the laughing we do, we could possibly track anyone, or move with stealth...he guffawed at the prospect of looking down upon a gnome ranger in bejewelled, gaudy colored clothes, wondering aloud at what she would do when confronted with an orc: wag its finger up at it, saying "Look, you big meanie orc, get out of my forest or I'll nibble on your toes!"? He concluded "I like [gnomes]! They're fun! They are great hosts and we owe them a debt, but come now...make them Rangers?" Janon was greatly amused...but the Sparkling Wit was not! That's correct, readers, Garl Glittergold himself was listening to the Warden's musings, and was very disappointed in the Warden's racial prejudice. As we know, the Joker will never teach by word when an example will teach better, for he believes life is the best instructor of all: and so he turned Janon into an orc with amethyst-tinged skin. No, really, I'm not pranking you! Bright violet in color, with bad eyesight, terrible gas, and bad breath!
Janon was turned away from the Waterdeep gates, and his attempt to re-enter brought several members of the Watch - quickly, a large crowd gathered. After much debate, the situation came to light, and Janon manged to convince most there present of the fact he really was the Warden-come-orc. When discussion turned to remedying his predicament, the Sparklin Wit himself appeared before the crowd. He made it clear that Janon would remain an amethyst-tinted orc until he had experienced for himself the deep cut of racial prejudice. He specifically instructed all those present, saying "Make sure you treat him like the orc he is." With that, the Trickster returned to his home, leaving many a jaw hanging on the ground.
Friends, it is not often that our own Garl Glittergold, the Watchful Protector, takes such public and visible action on Faerun. He watches over us, and guides us, but most often with an invisible hand. His appearance in Waterdeep I thought most newsworthy, even though I was not present to view it with mine own eyes. I've reason to trust the accuracy of this account, and submit it to you for your edification.
Oghma enlighten, Gond guide you to discovery, and Garl help you appreciate, learn from, and laugh about it all,
Calum Everquill
-
Dalvyn
- Sword Grand Master
- Posts: 4708
- Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2003 9:26 pm
- Location: House of Wonder, Waterdeep
Silverymoon Gazette
Reply 2: (Second Report)
Subject: Headline: Dazzling New Altar to Garl Unveiled in Applehill, New High Priests Named
Word reached this reporter's ears last week that a marvelous new altar to the Watchful Protector was being fashioned, to be installed in the House of Gold - the temple to Garl in the gnome hamlet of Applehill. Designed by the gnome illusionist Dapher Dullyn, and constructed with metal provided by the High Artificer of Gond, Arlen Kenth, it was assembled by a team of gnomes in service to the House of Gold.
The altar's unveiling was a momentous event, attracting not just myself but also Golden General Japcil, High Priest Janarum, the priestess Melian (eventually, though, not right at the start), the Glittering Jester Glim, Tiiani, Sindri, Haegar, Gemami (also a bit after the start), and the whole of the village of Applehill, not to mention many Companions of Arumdina and other inhabitants of the Temple. Of course, Dapher and Arlen were also there, having participated in the creation of the altar.
Before the ceremony, the Altar was tightly wrapped in a fine silk cloth bound around the altar by a complex winding of thread whose many strands surrounded the altar, yet somehow managed to collect into a single knot at its apex. This kept several curious early arrivals from sating their curiosity before the official unveiling! The knot may not have long survived Haegar's careful calculations, but the ceremony began before he could test their vailidity.
When the appointed hour arrived, Japcil invited Dapher to say a few words, and he spoke thusly: "I would like to thank Japcil for giving me the task of designing, and gathering the needed supplies for the altar. I would also like to thank the [church] of Gond for aiding me in this quest. Arlen [provided] the metals, and [Gond's Church] the [jeweler's skill]. I would also like to thank all that have gathered to celebrate in Garl's glory."
Dapher then prepared to cut the knot, but it deftly moved to hide at the far end of the Altar as he drew his blade. Even with Dapher's blade re-sheathed, the knot seemed a bit skittish - Arlen went so far as to try luring it out of hiding with a length of rope, thinking it might feel more comfortable with a companion about. The knot did eventually return to Dapher, and with a gentle tug on the single free strand it all came undone and the shroud fell away from the altar, revealing it to cheers from the crowd.
My, what a sight to behold! In the image of our Priceless Gem himself, Garl Glittergold, clad in golden platemail, it is bejeweled with rubies, amethysts, and all other manner of precious stones, and shines like the sun on a summer afternoon. The inscription upon it reads "May The Great Jester keep you safe, and your humor good. May your Gems Glitter Always."
When people had reeled their jaws back into their faces enough so that they could chew, a feast provided by the House of Gold was shared by all, and there was much rejoicing. The young Gemani arrived, and just as she explained how she came to be there, there was a bright flash atop the altar and a gold sphere the diameter of a small shield appeared, emitting an incredible whirring sound. In time, the whirring slowed, and the sphere revealed itself to be a rapidly-spinning gold coin, now slowing to a stop. Stop it eventually did, and as it did so it revealed itself to be engraved on one face with an armoured gnome holding a battle axe in a defensive posture, on the other with an elderly gnome recounting a story with animated gestures.
The coin came to perfect rest, balanced on its edge atop the altar, and there remained for a few moments before literally cracking into two thinner halves, which cascaded off the altar, one to each side, in a flurry of golden motes. When I regained my sight, behold: there were two thrones - one where each side of the coin had fallen, each back engraved with the respective image from the coin.
A deep voice then resounded through the temple, which could only be the voice of our Sparkling Wit himself, and it spoke thusly:
"Each and every gnome has two faces: one that laughs, shares stories, and teaches through humour, and one that stands vigilant, that protects and defends. Garl has two orders: one that laughs and tells stories, and another that stands firm in the protection of others. So too should my Church on Faerun have two faces: one that stands ready to take arms and fight all those who would endanger gnomes or gnomehood..." (and at this, a golden helm manifested on the throne with the warrior engraved upon it) "...and one that is good at socializing, bringing friends together, teaching through shared stories, and through humour." (With this, a second golden helm appeared, this one upon the throne engraved with the animated elder.)
The voice continued, "While I entrust my faithful Japcil with the defense and the serious military matters," (Japcil saluted smartly at this) "...a task that he has already accomplished as the General of the Companions of Arumdina, I now ask him to continue to faithfully fulfil his duties as my High Priest and Voice on Faerun." Japcil was flabbergasted, honoured, and speechless as the first helm levitated off the altar and into his hands. Garl's voice then resumed, saying "As for the teaching and socializing part of gnomehood, as well as the tale sharing, I charge my daughter Melian with it. I ask of her, who never misses a gathering, to continue to weave bonds of friendship between gnomes and gnomes and between gnomes and non-gnomes, and to spread words of humour as my second High Priestess and Voice on Faerun. A task in which she will be assisted, I hope, by my First Glittering Jester, Glim." The ironic humour in this lay in that Melian had not yet arrived...though she did so not long thereafter! Garl's ironic wit be praised! [OOC: You may just have to *be* a gnome to appreciate gnome humour...]
Glitterbright Japcil took on his responsibilities immediately, welcoming Tiiani into the faith, she having completed writing the books that were her faith quest. Dapher inquired with Glim about joining him as a Glittering Jester, and Glim charged him with putting on Foli's play, "Day of the Missing E's." Melian then arrived, and events were explained to her, along with her new title!
The gathering then returned to the feast, to jokes and pranks and tall tales, and to admiration of the incredible altar, until those not residing in Applehill had to return home, to their waiting families, with broad smiles on their faces and a wondrous tale to share.
I'd like to end my report with a word of thanks to Tiiani, who helped me assemble and fact-check this story - any errors that remain are my own, but her assistance was beyond measure!
Oghma enlighten, Gond guide you to discovery, and Garl help you appreciate, learn from, and laugh about it all,
Calum Everquill
Reply 2: (Second Report)
Subject: Headline: Dazzling New Altar to Garl Unveiled in Applehill, New High Priests Named
Word reached this reporter's ears last week that a marvelous new altar to the Watchful Protector was being fashioned, to be installed in the House of Gold - the temple to Garl in the gnome hamlet of Applehill. Designed by the gnome illusionist Dapher Dullyn, and constructed with metal provided by the High Artificer of Gond, Arlen Kenth, it was assembled by a team of gnomes in service to the House of Gold.
The altar's unveiling was a momentous event, attracting not just myself but also Golden General Japcil, High Priest Janarum, the priestess Melian (eventually, though, not right at the start), the Glittering Jester Glim, Tiiani, Sindri, Haegar, Gemami (also a bit after the start), and the whole of the village of Applehill, not to mention many Companions of Arumdina and other inhabitants of the Temple. Of course, Dapher and Arlen were also there, having participated in the creation of the altar.
Before the ceremony, the Altar was tightly wrapped in a fine silk cloth bound around the altar by a complex winding of thread whose many strands surrounded the altar, yet somehow managed to collect into a single knot at its apex. This kept several curious early arrivals from sating their curiosity before the official unveiling! The knot may not have long survived Haegar's careful calculations, but the ceremony began before he could test their vailidity.
When the appointed hour arrived, Japcil invited Dapher to say a few words, and he spoke thusly: "I would like to thank Japcil for giving me the task of designing, and gathering the needed supplies for the altar. I would also like to thank the [church] of Gond for aiding me in this quest. Arlen [provided] the metals, and [Gond's Church] the [jeweler's skill]. I would also like to thank all that have gathered to celebrate in Garl's glory."
Dapher then prepared to cut the knot, but it deftly moved to hide at the far end of the Altar as he drew his blade. Even with Dapher's blade re-sheathed, the knot seemed a bit skittish - Arlen went so far as to try luring it out of hiding with a length of rope, thinking it might feel more comfortable with a companion about. The knot did eventually return to Dapher, and with a gentle tug on the single free strand it all came undone and the shroud fell away from the altar, revealing it to cheers from the crowd.
My, what a sight to behold! In the image of our Priceless Gem himself, Garl Glittergold, clad in golden platemail, it is bejeweled with rubies, amethysts, and all other manner of precious stones, and shines like the sun on a summer afternoon. The inscription upon it reads "May The Great Jester keep you safe, and your humor good. May your Gems Glitter Always."
When people had reeled their jaws back into their faces enough so that they could chew, a feast provided by the House of Gold was shared by all, and there was much rejoicing. The young Gemani arrived, and just as she explained how she came to be there, there was a bright flash atop the altar and a gold sphere the diameter of a small shield appeared, emitting an incredible whirring sound. In time, the whirring slowed, and the sphere revealed itself to be a rapidly-spinning gold coin, now slowing to a stop. Stop it eventually did, and as it did so it revealed itself to be engraved on one face with an armoured gnome holding a battle axe in a defensive posture, on the other with an elderly gnome recounting a story with animated gestures.
The coin came to perfect rest, balanced on its edge atop the altar, and there remained for a few moments before literally cracking into two thinner halves, which cascaded off the altar, one to each side, in a flurry of golden motes. When I regained my sight, behold: there were two thrones - one where each side of the coin had fallen, each back engraved with the respective image from the coin.
A deep voice then resounded through the temple, which could only be the voice of our Sparkling Wit himself, and it spoke thusly:
"Each and every gnome has two faces: one that laughs, shares stories, and teaches through humour, and one that stands vigilant, that protects and defends. Garl has two orders: one that laughs and tells stories, and another that stands firm in the protection of others. So too should my Church on Faerun have two faces: one that stands ready to take arms and fight all those who would endanger gnomes or gnomehood..." (and at this, a golden helm manifested on the throne with the warrior engraved upon it) "...and one that is good at socializing, bringing friends together, teaching through shared stories, and through humour." (With this, a second golden helm appeared, this one upon the throne engraved with the animated elder.)
The voice continued, "While I entrust my faithful Japcil with the defense and the serious military matters," (Japcil saluted smartly at this) "...a task that he has already accomplished as the General of the Companions of Arumdina, I now ask him to continue to faithfully fulfil his duties as my High Priest and Voice on Faerun." Japcil was flabbergasted, honoured, and speechless as the first helm levitated off the altar and into his hands. Garl's voice then resumed, saying "As for the teaching and socializing part of gnomehood, as well as the tale sharing, I charge my daughter Melian with it. I ask of her, who never misses a gathering, to continue to weave bonds of friendship between gnomes and gnomes and between gnomes and non-gnomes, and to spread words of humour as my second High Priestess and Voice on Faerun. A task in which she will be assisted, I hope, by my First Glittering Jester, Glim." The ironic humour in this lay in that Melian had not yet arrived...though she did so not long thereafter! Garl's ironic wit be praised! [OOC: You may just have to *be* a gnome to appreciate gnome humour...]
Glitterbright Japcil took on his responsibilities immediately, welcoming Tiiani into the faith, she having completed writing the books that were her faith quest. Dapher inquired with Glim about joining him as a Glittering Jester, and Glim charged him with putting on Foli's play, "Day of the Missing E's." Melian then arrived, and events were explained to her, along with her new title!
The gathering then returned to the feast, to jokes and pranks and tall tales, and to admiration of the incredible altar, until those not residing in Applehill had to return home, to their waiting families, with broad smiles on their faces and a wondrous tale to share.
I'd like to end my report with a word of thanks to Tiiani, who helped me assemble and fact-check this story - any errors that remain are my own, but her assistance was beyond measure!
Oghma enlighten, Gond guide you to discovery, and Garl help you appreciate, learn from, and laugh about it all,
Calum Everquill