Day One
Sometime in the early morning hours of June 16th, some residents of RhyDin woke up to a strange and rather foul-smelling event. When they stepped out of their homes or into their streets, they found that it was raining fish of all sizes. The largest spotted had been sixteen inches in length — it fell and knocked a hole through one man's admittedly unsound roof before landing on his dinner table as if served on a platter.
Residents who lived closer to the dockside reported being awoken by a loud explosion apparently coming from the harbor. Officials were, however, uncertain as to whether there are any links between the explosion and the raining of the fish.
Not long after the fish rain ended, things quickly became out of control on the dockside. Due to circumstances unknown at even at this time, somehow something happened that caused the smattering of fish that fell all over the docks and surrounding areas to begin multiplying exponentially. It occurred after a mysterious fog rolled in out of no where, leaving behind a wake of destruction.
Some people began cleaning up the mess, even as one elf was bludgeoned unconscious by a falling fish.
And then the seagulls appeared. Like a cloud of white that blocked out the sun, they descended upon the tidal wave of fish, most people either gathered up what they could of the unlikely bounty of fish and ran, or just ran outright.
It wasn't long after the gulls descended that the entire cat population of RhyDin encroached upon the docks, immediately causing a war between the birds and the felines. Mysteriously, however, the cats suddenly broke off the battle for food and began acting as though all of them had peanut butter stuck to the roofs of their mouths.
Things seemed to be calming down as night deepened, and the raccoons came in from the forests to the north and south to join in on the bounty. As of the morning of the 17th, the fish had finally stopped multiplying and it looked as though the scavengers were beginning to make a dent in the pile.
Day Two
Residents and businessmen reported that the chaos that had started on the 16th on the docks was beginning to wind down, though not before it was spread a little further into the city by someone. Several places reported that they found fish left on their doorstep, courtesy of Anonymous Couriers. One resident was quoted as saying, "It's a nice gesture, doncha know, but those fish were stinkin' ta high heaven by the time they got here!"
Various people had been attempting to clean up the mess, and one resident posted a warning sign on the water's edge telling people wishing to take a swim what danger they may be in. There was also an unconfirmed rumor that a bear had come into the city to feast on the now very rotten fish.
Day Three
After attempts by many residents trying to clean up the disaster on the docks, very little headway was made until early morning of June 18th, when the tide came literally into the streets to clear out the mess. Some abandoned structures on Easter Drive were flooded, but it appeared that whatever caused the supernatural high tide kept it from flooding any occupied structures.
The tide successfully cleared most of the debris from the streets and sent the wildlife scurrying for higher ground. No less then fifty raccoons and cats were spotted on the roof of one warehouse. "Never saw anything like it, lemme tell ya! Them critters were just sittin' there, all polite like, lookin' really irritated by the water below," one man said.
Just as it seemed that the disaster had at least reached the clean-up stage, however, a muffled but loud explosion was heard not long before sunrise. It appeared to be coming from underground. Immediately, in a jet of flame, manhole covers begin flying sky high systemically across the city. One man noted property damage: "It was the oddest thing. I was taking a bath upstairs, and then suddenly this manhole cover came right through my roof, hit my toilet and it exploded. Not only couldn't I go to the bathroom, but I was picking bits of porcelain out of my [rear end] for hours!"
Conclusion
Residents and business people who live and work on or near the docks gave a hearty sigh of relief when the last fish floated out to sea. Though there was some minor flooding, most buildings escaped it unscathed and reports are that no occupied structures were flooded. There was one report of a young woman being injured by one of the flying manhole covers, but as to her location and condition, no one knows.
One resident who lived through the disaster was quoted as saying, "Thank the gods it's over! Everything I've eaten since then has tasted like fish, and now that they're gone, maybe I'll be able to actually enjoy a meal again!" In a related sentiment, nearly every establishment that serves food near or on the docks has taken fish off of their menus for the time being.
How the incident came to happen, then escalate, is still unknown. The RhyDin Guard is still waiting for someone to come forward with information.
For the Best Non-Magical
Weapons and Armor
DeVernon Dockside: An Interview
From DOCKSIDE NEWS REPORT
DNR: So, let's start simple: What exactly is DeVernon Dockside? What do you do?
Sebastian: DeVernon Dockside is a trading/shipping company that contracts several vessels to haul almost anything and everything. We currently employ five different ships, but we're always looking to expand.
DNR: How has business been since you opened? Been getting enough trade?
Sebastian: Well, actually, the business has been open for close to twenty years. I came into ownership of the company when it's previous owner, David (can't remember the last name, but I'll get it to you), had a heart attack. Business has been good, though. We get enough contracts to pay the bills.
DNR: Twenty years? That's fairly good for RhyDin. So, you mentioned that you carry almost anything and everything. Any limits on what you're willing to haul?
Sebastian: As long as it's not illegal, we'll take it where ya want it to go.
DNR: Speaking of cargo, do you have a rate scale, or do you judge each load independently to come up with a price?
Sebastian: You know what? I honestly have no idea what we charge these days. My brother recently joined the administration staff and he handles all of the financial areas. Apparently he thought I wasn't doing a good enough job. Before, though, yeah, it was judged by the load.
DNR: So it's a family-run business? How many employees would you say you have working dockside, and how many working at sea?
Sebastian: Well, kind of family-run. My brother and his wife are the only other family working at DeVernon Dockside. Other employees? Hmm, I'd say about five or six that work with us in the office. Four of our ships crew between 10 and 12 men, but the Traveler Joshua has 18 I believe.
DNR: The dockside residents sure can use the employment. Planning on hiring more anytime in the near future, or for that matter, expanding the business?
Sebastian: Well, as mentioned before yes, we are always willing to expand. We are looking for a captain and crew for the
newest addition AFTICA, as well as longshoremen. If we contract anymore vessels, then we should be looking for clerical help too.
DNR: So, you'd like people to be made aware that you are looking for competent and capable crew for your newest vessel, and people to load it? Are there any particular qualifications you want from employees? Any particular traits you're looking for?
Sebastian: Actually, there aren't many requirements at all. We do take in those with little and even no experience, though, experience is always a plus. Be prepared to work hard we don't like slackers.
DNR: Excellent. Hopefully word will circulate and you'll find the type of hard workers you're looking for. Is there anything else you'd like the dockside or even greater RhyDin to know about your business?
Sebastian: Of course. We really do welcome almost all business opportunities. Don't be afraid to stop in. Big or small, we want to be your main choice. My guys work hard — you'll get what you pay for.
DNR: Well, we at the Dockside News wish you all the best of luck with your business. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us.
Sebastian: Thank-you very much. I enjoyed our chat.
Dockside Life Returns to Normal
By NORMAN MARLIN
From Dockside News Report
Residents and business people who live and work on or near the docks gave a hearty sigh of relief when the last fish floated out to sea. Though there was some minor flooding, most buildings escaped it unscathed and reports are that no occupied structures were flooded. There was one report of a young woman being injured by one of the flying manhole covers, but as to her location and condition, no one knows.
One resident who lived through the disaster was quoted as saying, "Thank the gods it's over! Everything I've eaten since then has tasted like fish, and now that they're gone, maybe I'll be able to actually enjoy a meal again!" In a related sentiment, nearly every establishment that serves food near or on the docks has taken fish off of their menus for the time being.
How the incident came to happen, then escalate, is still unknown. The RhyDin Guard is still waiting for someone to come forward with information.
Giant Squid Attack!
By JEFFREY PIKE
From Dockside News Report
As told by the lone survivor, a giant squid had attacked his ship while it was five hundred miles off of the eastern coast of RhyDin. According to him: "All that was left was timbers! It came outta nowhere! Just wrapped its giant tentacles 'round the hull an' squeezed!"
The man kept repeating that part of the tale. Any attempts to ask what had happened to the rest of the crew were met with screams. After repeating again what had happened with the giant squid, he ran away, apparently inland, swearing off calamari forever.
Fish Wash Up On Whitewall Island
By DOCKSIDE NEWS REPORT
According to the supply ship that runs between Whitewall Island and Rhy'Din, the island received a very unwelcome surprise not long after the last of the fish washed off of RhyDin's shores. Due to tides, currents and some believe bad luck, all of the fish that were swept out to sea littered the beaches of the fairly self-sufficient island. With the fish, the other wildlife soon came out of the trees to partake of the unexpected feast, even as residents tried to flee inland to escape the carnage. Cleanup was still in progress even as late as June 25th.
Yes Ladies and Gentlemen, I am back. And what have I come back to? Well, let's see, shall we? The town is running amok with slime and vermin. And I'm not talking about just the lawyers, folks. I'm talking about actual vermin. Of course we wouldn't have this problem if more of you actually bathed once in awhile.
Ravensheart School for the Gifted has been approved to expand it's doors to the general public. I encourage more of you to seek them out, whether it be as a teacher or as a student. Those people work hard, and their students do amazingly well.
During a brief visit to the local courthouse, I noticed the place could use some work. If anyone wishes to volunteer to paint and doll the place up a bit, you would have my undieing gratitude.
I'm also laying out plans to spruce up our town a bit. Any suggestions of what you would like to see are welcome. Please submit them to my office so I may look them over. And no, I do not want to see suggestions on free ale or nude people. We have enough of that going on in the Red Dragon.
Thanks folks, and have a lovely time.
Common Goods
At Uncommon Prices
New Chantry Forming
By LADY WYHEREE BLACK
The following notice was found on the door of the Inn on June 16th. "Are you willing to learn or further your powers of the Arcane? A Drow sorceress and a magus are currently trying to form a Cabal and build a chantry to house would be, and aspiring mages to from a powerful entity for the good of RhyDin. If interested please inquire with Evonella. The more the merrier. Let magic rule!"
The number of magic-users in RhyDin appears to be on the rise. Being an Elementalist Mage myself, I will be keeping an eye upon these latest arrivals.
Storms in the Southern Hemisphere
By THE DOCKSIDE NEWS REPORT
Shipwreck on the coast of RhyDin.
Seafarers beware: The storms in the southern hemisphere this season have already proven to be deadly. Bands of gales have wreaked havoc on shipping lanes, ships and crews. Ten vessels have been reported missing or overdue by the harbor masters in their ports of call, and two have been reported sunk. Captains are especially cautioned to avoid the White Teeth Shoals at all costs. Typically, captains run north of the Teeth, staying between them and the coastline to take advantage of the currents for faster passages. However, harbor masters, owners and captains who have taken that route this winter season down there have all agreed: Run south of the Teeth, instead of risk being driven up onto the rocks.
One such captain had this to say: "I don't know how we survived. We were runnin' behind a schooner, looked like a fishin' schooner, an' a gale blew up outta nowhere. All of a sudden, the rigging was screamin', an' we just barely got our sail in. I posted a lookout, 'cause we were comin' up on the Teeth, an' he saw it. The
schooner, she went up on the rocks. An' then she was gone, coulda only been a matter of seconds. We wore 'round an' headed back north… no one could help 'em, we all woulda been dead tryin'. But that was it. She was just gone."
The name and crew compliment of the schooner remains unknown.
The Devotion To Balance
By LADY WYHEREE BLACK
On June 16th, a note was pinned upon the Inn's door, mythical and mystical in nature. The parchment looked old, yet elegant, Golden Fog flowing from it. There was no writing to be seen on the parchment. Those who looked upon it heard a voice travel through their head, a serene, yet meaningful voice.
"To all and any whom may be concerned. As of late, the rating of violence and the movement of darkness has increased substantially. The Taint of
inhumane action still stains these lands, and will continue to do so until any of us stand up. I know what you may be thinking — how stupid could one be to stand up to this. The question is simply, however, I am. Any who know this voice would know myself. And I grow tired of the nightly growth in the darkness. So I ask this of all. If you believe your heart is pure, that you wish to see a greater good finally stand out within these lands, then please… take time out of your day to exclaim your interest, And write me a Letter, Feilas Wyndael. Help me to bring a Balance to these lands, Help me to fight for a Greater Good."
The parchment glowed after people heard it, but the voice faded away. Further inquiries revealed the first meeting of those who responded to the call was held on June 25th. I hope to meet and interview Lord Wyndael in the very near future.
"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.
