A recent rash of Nexual Shifts has hit RhyDin by storm leaving many lost in time and space. Temporary memory loss, drink spillage, time distortions and hard landings are the primary results of such shifts. Although some reports of entire buildings vanishing and reappearing elsewhere have been recorded as well. Having recently suffered personally, this reporter felt a need to better understand why.
We've all heard about the Nexus, many of us have suffered during Nexual Shifts but what is really happening and why have the incidents grown in recent weeks? Is there a pattern? Perhaps this is cyclical to seasons? And just where do we go when we're swept away? These questions raise a slew of intriguing theories, yet what are the facts?
Wishing to gain as much knowledge on the subject as possible, this reporter dug up a virtual "who's who in Nexual research". I found there are several "experts" on the topic and quickly set out to interview as many of them as I could. My first interview was with Doctor Noah Tahl, a leading astrologer for Bio-Techs Astrological Watch Team. Bio-Tech has a regional office located in RhyDin's Stars End and is best known for their achievements in alternative propulsion systems.
When asked as to why the recent surge in Nexual activity, Dr. Noah Tahl has this to say: "We've been studying the Nexus for the past 15 years. We know it consists of energy and that on occasion this energy can cause physical shifts. You know, of people, places, things; a lot like a mischievous fairy. What we haven't figured out is exactly where everything goes when it gets swept up in such surges. Mind you, there are a lot of theories out there, but few actual facts."
When pressed for an understanding of the flair ups, as we've seen these past few months, Dr. Noah Tahl commented: "If we understood how it worked we'd be amazed!"
My research next brought me to Meteorologist Stormy Winters, Weatherman of RhyDin's local radio station BRAT. When asked about the recent Nexus shifts Mr. Winters remarked: "In recent weeks we've been monitoring weather patterns, but everything seems to be the same as last year, nothing unusual.
We don't think the Nexus Shifts are caused by the weather, although, come to think of it, when it's raining or snowing things do get more wonky than usual. Hmm, maybe we should look in to it after all?"
Mr. Winters left abruptly after making his final statement, leaving the rest of my questions unanswered.
My next stop was at RhyDin's local Research Laboratory located in the lovely Uptown District of RhyDin Old Town, where I met with Dr. Leary O. Facts, a leading research scientist in the field of electro engineering.
When asked about the recent upsurge in Nexus Shifts he stated: "Research has really just begun on this subject. What we do know is that everyone has a theory of why and where, but none have any hard evidence to prove that these shifts actually occur. True, every now and again a building seems to have moved from one side of town to the other. But I ask you, are you sure it was a Nexus shift and not some mad magic-wielding wizard? No, you don't know anymore than we do what moved that building."
He continues: "Odd things happen in RhyDin all the time, some want to lay the blame on some fictionalized Nexus Shift, but we scientists know that in reality, weird things happen everywhere, all the time. Especially when there is a liberal dose of magic being used like there is here in RhyDin. We believe that Nexual Shifts are nothing more than the overactive imagination of the population. And until we have evidence to prove otherwise, we will stand by our beliefs." Dr. Leary O. Facts was then swept away by what he claims is a "fictionalized" nexus shift.
Having found little in the way of facts, this reporter can only conclude that not only is the population confused about Nexus Shifts, so are the so-called "experts". Until further evidence manifests we may never have the answers to why or where.
For the Best Non-Magical
Weapons and Armor
Free Ale Or More?
By TERA STARFARE March 4, 2007
As a reporter it is my duty to let you The Oracle's faithful readers know what is going on around RhyDin. So here I am reporting on the recent posters that have gone up all over town advertising "Free Ale". Now these posters give the reader step by step instructions on how to go about getting themselves this supposedly free ale.
For those of you that have not yet seen the posters there are only three steps. 1. Make a list of what you desire as long as it is not alive. 2. Make sure the name "Bob" is on it somewhere and light the list on fire. 3. Expect delivery in a few days no strings attached and no cost either. On down a bit it says to remember the service is free of charge and provided by Bob of the Nightblade elite.
Most all of you know that I also tend bar at the Red Dragon Inn which gives me the opportunity to see and hear a great deal of things that I wouldn't normally be privy to. Not to mention as a reporter I have many anonymous sources as well as some mighty good friends that are members of The Watch, the RhyDin Police force, and the RhyDin Special Forces.
I have but one thing to say regarding this offer. Do so at your own risk. Making a list and burning it then having something appear is certainly some type of magic and that means power. I have seen Bob
many times myself in the Inn, usually when there is conflict and strife. This does not sound like a completely harmless offer to one that has lived in RhyDin as long as I have.
Found Dead
By DARKKO
Kohaku
The wolf Anoth Kohaku has been found within a rather ghastly buidling on the very outskirts of RhyDin. Scenes of a ghoulish slaughter were seen by this reporter's eyes, and what seemed to be the wolfen's body hunging from some sort of hooks. It looked like there was quite a fight but seemes to have been lost by the wolfen.
Night Sky Lit Up!
By TERA STARFARE March 3, 2007
All the reports state that sometime after midnight on March 2 the night sky lit up like fireworks over the mountains. So far no one is quite certain just what the cause was but even those patrons that drop by from time to time from the Spaceport claim this "meteor" went hurtling in a ball of flames right past it was well on a collision course here.
What is known is that it was traveling toward the forest as an alarming rate of speed. There was a loud crash and resulting in a tremor that reached as far as town here when it hit. No injuries have as of yet been reported from this bizarre occurrence but The Watch are cautioning citizens traveling to or through the forest to beware until further study can be made of the potential repercussions of this event.
Massacre In The Southern Glen
By BRANDI FLAME
A massacre took place in The Southern Glen. One of the surviving victims gave a statement claiming "he came from out of the blue, tied me up and tried to kill me." That's right, a young woman was sitting quietly in the Southern Glen with her boyfriend having a small afternoon picnic and enjoying the afternoon sun when her boyfriend was attacked.
The attacker was described as as a large, muscular man, around 35 to 40 years old, he was wearing a long white old T-shirt and brown pants with no shoes, and he held a dagger.
The woman said he attacked her boyfriend first causing her to react violently trying to push the man off of him. The suspect was said to have looked too old to fight but it just shows not all of us get bad backs when they are old. Witnesses say they saw a man flee into the marketplace, and described him as a 20th Century pirate.
The victim of this "pirates's" stabbing is in a stable condition as is the female. With one seriously injured, another cut and bruised, this outdoors afternoon was not all it was cracked up to be.
The victims names and whereabouts will not be stated for personal reasons. The people of The Red Dragon Inn are said to be careful and have more than one person with them when venturing out alone. Where will he strike next?
Quite frankly folks… I'm disgusted with the town I'm running. It never ceases to amazing me, no matter how long I'm here, how utterly self centered all of you are.
The Old Temple District was being destroyed. Innocent lives have been killed. And how many came to their aid? Where are all you supposed heroes? I had to make deals I never should have had to make just to attempt to help them. And then… and THEN someone I thought to be a friend joined the ranks of that wretched freak who seeks to destroy those who wish nothing more than to live their lives in peace.
Shame on you. All of you. All of you who prance around the Red Dragon with your fancy powers and your need to rush and help anyone who even looks a little ill. And yet you can't bring yourself to face a serious threat. Oh no. You expect ME to solve all your problems. Well how about you go back to fixing your own and leave me out of it. I'm trying to handle things the best I can, and instead I get more crap piled on.
And the next person who comes into my office wanting funding for some lame arsed little pipe dream can bite my furry
tail. The letters and memos I've received this month alone are enough to make me want to throttle someone. If you want money to fund something that you know bloody well the rest of the city could give a rat's arse less about, then I suggest you do this one thing. I hear it's becoming popular. It's called "Getting a Job." You should try it.
And the staff of this very newspaper are not innocent either! I have been away, trying to recover from the absolute hellish time I've been having along with mourning the loss of a friend. I no more than come back to grab a few things from home and visit some friends and I find missives on my doorstep demanding I write this article.
Well here it is folks. Chew on that for awhile.
Common Goods
At Uncommon Prices
Disappearances!
By ELLY~
Rhydin can be a really nasty place to some, especially young, defenseless girls! Recently a few have disappeared off the streets without a trace or clue. They were all young and beautiful, their ages ranging from 17 to 25. To date, about five have gone missing. If anyone has any information on these girls' disappearance, please contact law enforcement! Or if you are one of these girls and just haven't gone home, shame on you! Your family is worried, go home!
I urge everyone to be careful, especially young, beautiful, innocent girls! Never walk alone, always walk with an escort. A strong, tall, handsome man should do the trick! For those unable to find a man though, I'll be having a sale at my atelier so people can drop by and pick up some things for protection.
Dragon Formation Arrives!
By TERA STARFARE March 5, 2007
Dragons of every size and color were seen flying in formation over the forest led by a black dragon that some claim looked like the dragon known as Storm. Storm has been gone for quite some time now and many I spoke with regarding this massive formation believed she was gone for good. One family I spoke with on the outskirts of town were arming themselves with pitchforks in case of attack by the newly arrived dragons.
In any case it remains to be seen if these dragons are going to prove to be friendly or not to the citizens of RhyDin and until this is known it may be best to be prepared rather than caught off guard.
G's P.O.V.
By G'NORT DRAGOON-TALANADOR
Welcome fans to another editions of my G'norticle. An Article in The Oracle from G'nort. Me.
I'm a fairly outspoken individual. Generally, when I speak my mind, someone feels wounded. But then, if that's my point of view one should ask why are they feeling wounded. Is it because I'm saying something that hits close to home and you think I'm right? Or is it something that you feel I'm saying because I'm attacking a specific individual? Only I know the answer. I simply like to keep it real and speak from an honest, open mind.
Last month in this… ahem… fine work of literary masterpiece I said that this month I'd talk about why there's so many dragons. Here, my friends, is the answer. Or answers as the case may be. First, most people know dragons as being either two sides. Those that are most evil like the black, green, white, blue and most notorious, red. Whereas on the side of good are the silver, brass, bronze, copper and gold. Personally, I never had a liking for Gold dragons because they're, frankly, snobby, holier than thou, etc. In fact, I can think of a couple individuals who might be gold dragons in disguise, come to think of it.
Silver dragons are the better ones. They make the cutest females, too. But those evil dragons are the pests. Thinking they're tough just because they're evil. It's poor upbringing. I happen to have captured a young white a while back, and under my care has become a useful beast. He's loyal to me, guards my inn, and helps with refrigeration and cooling in those sweltering Summer months.
So, why are you seeing so many dragons hanging around the Red Dragon lately? First, the name. "Red Dragon Inn." It implies to these dragons that it's a place for dragons to hang out. But then why are the doors human sized? And where are all the Orcs and goblins? Scared of being eaten by the Red Dragon, probably. The Red Dragon isn't a human only place, and that's fine. What gets me is all the dragons that come in and are in dragon form. Have some consideration! I don't go into your places in human form, have the courtesy to come into the Inn in a human form! When you're a dragon you're really taking up a lot of space. And stay out of the rafters, those things haven't been cleaned in years and you kick around a lot of dust, soot, and dead bugs.
Has anyone noticed that there are duels on nights other than Thursdays and Mondays? Don't get me wrong, I like seeing a lot of participation on those days. Let's see some more! Get your fight on in the organized places. That back alley is good for a nice drag down take out no holds barred fight, but if I want to get beaned by a trash can again, I'll get into a fight with my wife. The Arena and Outback are a bit more sanitary, by far.
Oh, by the way. I'm only human. I've been challenged to a no holds barred, all powers used fight recently, and I have to say… "Are you freaking nuts?" I've got no powers. I'm cunning, witty, greedy and good with a contract, but I'm so out of practice with my "super powers" fighting
it's not funny. Not to mention that I'd have to remember where I put all my adventuring gear that gave me any advantages in a fight like the dragon hide armor, those rings, amulets, Ioun stones, and my thrifty Vorpal sword and Scimitar of Doom or whatever I named it. Those things are locked up for safe keeping and I don't envision a time anytime soon that I'm going to go through the effort of breaking them out because you want to test your skills in an all out fight. Go find one of those Dragons. I recommend the Red or Gold. Gods know those fellows need to be knocked down a peg from their high horses.
Keep in mind, everyone, that things cost money. I know, I know, this is RhyDin and everyone is pretty much loaded. If that's the case, why don't you buy everyone free drinks for a night? Sponsor a duelist? Free carriage rides for the kids? Don't be so greedy, I'm greedy enough for us all.
And keep out of my head. Not that it's happened recently because of a handy item I bought from the store to block thought penetration, but if you're trying to read my mind, it's rather rude. I happen to like having private thoughts. And I like thinking dirty thoughts about some of our more cute inn patrons.
That's right, I've undressed a few of you with my eyes, and don't for a second believe that I'm the only one. Every single man there has done it to you women. And I know for a fact several of you women have done it to me and other men. Especially the married ones. They've seen their wives naked on numerous occasions, to get some variety they'll picture another woman they see that's hawt naked too.
But it's okay, really. So long as they're not acting on those thoughts, they still go home with you, still love you, and still make sweet love by the fire. So can those jealous thoughts. Besides, you're thinking of someone else naked sometimes too so don't be too hypocritical.
I think that'll do for this months edition of G's P.O.V. For Next month, Do we really need a political body? As a former candidate for Governor, I'll tell you why. Next Month!
"When you need more than skin, Hellballs Leather Goods. After all, it's your hide you are protecting."
To place your order or for more information contact Woody Sprite. You can leave a message for him at the Red Dragon Inn.
