themagpiesnest-tff

[themagpiesnest-tff]

At the peak of the busiest part of the day, a flock of magpies drops the newest edition of The Magpie's Nest into the open air marketplaces of the city courts and the gathering crowds are delighted to see it looks thicker than usual...

Fight for the Veil : A Story in Three Parts

The Unseelie Court: The Rise of Queen Titania

The Seelie Court: A Fall From Grace

Lady Grey: A (Not So) Brief Biography

[themagpiesnest-tff]

*The morning after the battle, birds swarm the cities, dropping a summary of the events for all to read*

King Oberon Captured, Enemy Revealed

After more than a day of conflict, I can finally write that the fighting is over...for now. But, as most of us in Midsummer now know, that has come at a steep cost.

Many found it a bad omen to see King Oberon smugly ride onto the field that morning, not a scratch or dent on his black polished armor. It seems the Unseelie King, who had never been much of a fighter during the Fae War, could not stand the idea of allowing Queen Titania to lead yet another army while he waited in a guarded castle. Those close to the Queen say she looked decidedly displeased at her husband's unexpected arrival.

Two things struck fae onlookers as the human army neared. First was that the army was sparser than reports had indicated, with perhaps even a hundred men missing. This, we would later learn, was the result of a mysterious string of poisonings in the human camp the night before.

Second was the elegant lady that lead the human army, clad in gold plated armor and riding under a black banner with a grey rose. She was certainly too young to be the current human queen, who's crest was that of a golden sun. Stranger still were the symbols etched into her armor. The oldest among us would likely recognize these crude symbols from the days before most of humanity forgot we existed. Worn versions of these symbols can still be found carved into some of the oldest houses in Dalk. These "protection symbols" were meant to ward away fae. Thankfully, the majority of them are merely the product of superstition and not of any real potency. However, the sight of them was enough to unsettle many onlookers. Most humans in this century do not believe in fae, let alone know such ancient lore pertaining to them. The sight of the leader of Oak Town, Nell Hadley, riding beside the noblewoman certainly did not help quell those fears.

It took over 12 hours for all the magical shields our brave mages created to fall, with many spellcasters fainting from the sheer exertion. When the shields finally fell, chaos erupted. There are too many varying accounts from various angles of the battle for all of them to be true. So far I've heard reports of Shark Clan mages summoning a massive wave that crashed over the battlefield, Sparrow Clan fae nimbly jumping from tree to tree to shoot sleeping darts from above, and Lilithian blood mages crushing vials of blood to summon beasts of nightmares -- to name a few.

But, we all know one part of the story to be true. In a moment of pure hubris, King Oberon rode toward the leader of the human army and right into a trap. By the time anyone had realized what was happening, Oberon was already being pulled onto a horse of one of the enemy's mages. Just as quickly as they had come, the army retreated with their prize. The noblewoman looked back with a triumphant, mocking smile as she rode off with the most powerful man in Midsummer.

It is said that even now messengers are running between the two camps with correspondence to begin bargaining the retrieval of the Unseelie Court's foolish king. However, many are celebrating the King's absence. Some of Queen Titania's more zealous supporters are even calling for the crowning of Queen Titania as the singular ruler of the Unseelie court.

So, where do we all go from here? Only time will tell. But, I'm already hearing whispers that the crown is seeking a handful of skilled fae for a secret mission in the coming weeks in hopes of ending this once and for all.

Look to the skies,

[themagpiesnest-tff]

*In the early morning, a massive flock of blue birds swarms camp, dropping hundreds of copies of the Magpie's Nest from the sky.*

I'm afraid you will find this message rather rushed, my little birds. My recent reports have ruffled some feathers, and things have been...complicated. So, I'll get to the meat of it:

The Seelie Court has had spies in the human capital city for thousands of years. All correspondence from the capital stopped three weeks ago.

Suspicions are growing that human settlement, Oak Town, has collaborated with our enemies, alerting them to the tears appearing in the veil.

Trust no human in the town of Dalk, and do not eat or drink anything from The Wishing Tree.

An army will be on marching on Midsummer by the end of the week.

Keep an eye to the sky. I'll write more to you when I can

[themagpiesnest-tff]

Veil Torn, Enemies Approaching

I wished to come to you with good news. But, alas, I come bearing some of the worst news to hit Midsummer in the last hundred years. I know, I am one to fall victim to a dash of hyperbole and dramatics here and there, but this time I come to you as serious as the grave.

Between the rumors and half truths, I know this much to be true. The Sparrow Clan has long warned of the steadily increasing holes in the veil of magic that shrouds the forest from outside danger. As of yet, it has largely gone unheeded. Now, the consequences of this inaction are upon us. A tear has formed half a mile wide, exposing all in Midsummer to threats from the land beyond. Rumor has it that this massive tear has grown steadily these last few months, and this vital information was covered up by our own sovereign leaders so as not to cause a panic -- a decision that has surely now only lead to a greater panic.

As if this wasn't enough, an even more troubling sign of the dark days to come has begun to reveal itself after the first night forming camp. Fires have been spotted in the the distance -- inconsequential at first, but by the next night they were markedly closer. After much speculation, the powers that be finally had to aquesque. Although they will not say who this distant army is or why they approach, it is now confirmed that someone or something is marching toward Midsummer, with only vague orders given that could fill in any gaps in information.

Keep an eye out for my next report. You have my promise that the Magpie's Nest will continue to find it's way all the way to the Wildlands.

Additional resources:

A History of the Veil

A Description of the camp

[themagpiesnest-tff]

Trouble Near the Southern Border!

By now all of Midsummer has heard.

On decree of their majesties King Oberon and Queen Mab and as well as the Solitary Fae Council of Chieftains, all willing fae must report to the south edge of the Wildlands. Horsebacked messengers have rode the full lengths of the forest, dispersing urgent summons.

While Queen Mab has dispersed this information with quiet urgency and the occasional promise of gold or favors to those of particularly high skill, it is said King Oberon's knights have burst into the homes of some of the more talented spellcasters and warriors in the city and recruiting them there by force.

Even the Solitary Fae's spellcasters have also come in large numbers, including the famed Shark Clan singing mages, Fox Clan illusionists and Sparrow Clan healing mages. A diverse camp of warriors and magic casters is beginning to form near the rip, with tents, simple wood structures structures, glamoured huts are being assembled to accommodate the expected numbers.

Dearest readers, I cannot help but feel like something terrible is to come. Why are knights and warriors needed? Why is the situation so urgent that they have asked for the help of mere civilians? Why must we all make the trip to the Wildlands with such extreme haste? Reports of knights in full armor marching toward southern part of the forest have reached my ears. Yet, still no word from the royals. I have never been one to take kindly to being left in the dark. If there is a secret to be found I will find it.

Expect word from me soon.

[themagpiesnest-tff]

There is much to report, dear readers; and so very little time.

Both courts, along with all of the clans, have implemented some form of curfew in addition to increasing patrols. Even the pacifist Sparrow Clan now has nightly patrols, ensuring all are tucked away into their treehouses. Despite these increased security measures, the Stranger’s toll has only risen. Even the King’s mistress, so recently elevated to Countess, seems to have been a target. Of course, with her newly borne bastard daughter, we cannot completely rule out the Queen’s involvement. Other notable targets include Aubrey Crane, suggesting that the Stranger fears neither lawman or criminal. It would appear both Harland Briar and Vera Pike have mostly recovered from their brush with the Stranger, and only time will tell if Kit Scarlet and Aubrey Crane will follow suit.

To date, here is our most recently compiled list of assassinations/ targets.

Harland Briar, Seelie, recovered

Ethel Grancourt, Seelie, deceased

Mary Wren, Seelie, deceased

Thalia Efraim, Sparrow Clan, deceased

Louise Forde, Sparrow Clan, deceased

Serena Shells, Shark Clan, currently recovering

Kit Scarlet, Unseelie, currently recovering

Aubrey Crane, Unseelie, currently recovering 

Morell Moret, Unseelie, deceased

Geoffrey Wlyde, Wolf Clan, deceased

Methel Strongshield, Wolf Clan, deceased

Vera Pike, Fox Clan, recovered

Alyce Norwood, Fox Clan, recovered

Thrystan Baker, Clanless, deceased

A pattern is clearly emerging: those in positions of power seem to be the Stranger’s true target. Other kills seem to be collateral damage, likely to try to throw investigators like ourselves off the scent. Alas, motives of the Stranger remains a mystery to even us. Their target pool is too evenly dispersed among courts and clans to favor any individual group as the culprit. Furthermore, a string of grisly assassinations hardly seem to be aligned with the Tears of Iwan’s agenda. The deaths are far too public to be the work of the Church of Lilith.

We will watch closely, Midsummer. Take care, and we shall talk soon.

[themagpiesnest-tff]

Darling readers, it pains me that we are reunited at last under such dire circumstances. Multiple sources have approached us and the pattern cannot no longer be ignored.

Danger walks among us and its has only just begun to show its face. The rising amount of crime and death plaguing Midsummer is no accident, but a deliberate act. Whether or not there is a single player or a party working to achieve their ghastly goals remains a mystery to even me. For brevity’s sake, we will refer to this unknown assailant or assailants as the Stranger.

Listed below is a list of names whose recent demises we believe can be attributed to the Stranger.

Thrystan Baker, Clanless

Ethel Grancourt, Seelie

Morell Moret, Unseelie

Methel Strongshield, Wolf Clan

Additionally, we suspect that Harland Briar’s recent mishap with poison was the work of the Stranger. It appears Vera Pike was similarly targeted, but she made quick work of her attackers. Unfortunately, we fear that the Stranger was not so easily slain. More is to come, of that we certain. The Stranger hardly seems the type to disappear quietly, especially after such spectacular failures.

In the meantime, dear readers, do take care. We would hate to see your name on the next list.

[themagpiesnest-tff]

Chaos Ascends

Well, Midsummer, perhaps your bloodlust rivals the Kings’ or perhaps you are just eager for justice. It is not mine to judge, my dears, but I do watch with such interest. 

The royal guards- aside from recently deceased- escorted both monarchs and their courts to safely. The Seelie and Unseelie rulers may wear different colors and crowns, but perhaps our monarchs are more similar than they let on. Neither monarch spared a glance for the poor humans, pooka, or hobs left behind in the riots. 

Before the blood could even begin to dry, ravens flew from Roheim. But where did they fly to, my dear readers? How many heads will roll before this is all over? Who will have a higher body count, Bloom or the Avens? What of the Solitary Fae’s alignment? Will the chieftains’ loyalties change now that the war is over? 

Respect for Mab continues to dwindle, but the Avens seem stronger than ever. In fact, they did not seem at all surprised by how their tournament was derailed. Some might even say they look pleased with the change of events. After all, their prisons are overflowing with all sorts of fairies. The dungeons have never before been so completely filled. Unseelie, Seelie, and Solitary alike have been caught up in the chaos that erupted in Ironclaw. Never before has a monarch taken prisoners of a different court in a time of peace so blatantly. Perhaps the Avens simply seized everyone holding a weapon and intended to determine degrees of involvement at a later date. Perhaps, my reader, but unlikely. The Avens will not be remembered for their caution or patience. I doubt the rest of Midsummer will be remembered for their eagerness to submit to such cruelty if the past few weeks have been any indication. 

Be careful. Midsummer. I would hate to see myself or any of my lovely readers caught in the crossfire. 

[themagpiesnest-tff]

Blood in the Water

It seems the Avens were not able to crush their dissent so completely after all. While the rest of the tournament has dragged on- truly, are there any humans left in the remaining towns- the grumblings have only persisted and rose up into a deafening roar. It appears no one in Midsummer is currently satisfied with leadership, regardless of court or clan. 

Didn’t I tell you earlier, my dear reader, that Midsummer was on the verge of a great change? Didn’t I warn you? Don’t say I don’t take care of you now. Only the best for my lovely readers. 

It appears we have arrived at such a pivotal moment in the final days of this bloody tournament. Shall I set the stage for you?

King Oberon and Queen Titania were in the royal box, with a rare sighting of Prince Oleander between them. Queen Mab was not present at Ironclaw, though many members of her court were out and about, looking quite odd in all their lighter colors in such a dark place. Three of the clans, Shark, Sparrow, and Wolf, had all their chieftains in attendance accompanied by their entourages. All of the important players of Midsummer converged at a single point. 

The Unseelie Guard, less than a foot away from King, drops dead. No assassin is immediately seen. Queen Titania, always more wolf than Queen, drew her dagger and kept her child close. The King stood up and his remaining guards drew closer, ready to protect their Royal Highnesses from this supposedly invisible threat. Was it a poison that felled the poor guard? Or perhaps a bit of magic? 

It matters not, Midsummer. If someone that close to the King can be killed, well- 

An opportunity presents itself. There are choices to be made. 

If you plan to take this chance to rise up and fight- for what cause only you know- drop the word “seize” in my askbox. 

If you plan to take this chance to slip away to safety, drop the word “flee” in my askbox. 

So, my lovely reader, which shall it be?

When the moment comes, will you seize or flee?

[themagpiesnest-tff]

The Wrath of the Avens

Well, we have certainly started the tournament with quite the spectacle. A few dozen fae gathered at the gates in protest, awaiting the royal couple’s entrance to Ironclaw. Instead, They were met by the royal knights. I cannot say I am surprised that the King and Queen were not interested in meeting their dissenters face to face, but I am a little disappointed.  It would have made for quite the show. 

Those that did not resist the knights have been jailed. Rumor has it that Lisbet will have plenty of blood for her Goddess. As for those that resisted the knights? Their heads adorn the gates they last gathered at. 

A grisly event and the bloodshed has only just begun. 

[themagpiesnest-tff]

Tensions Rising

My, my Midsummer. You are surprising me with your boldness. So many seem displeased with the Aven’s tournament. I do hope you are forming your own opinions, my dear readers, and not just following mine. After all, we started the Magpie’s Nest so all could be informed. Not just the upper echelon who have been showered with food and drink as they trickle into the castle from each corner of the map.

For these few days of festivities, most have seemed awfully tense despite the Aven’s extraordinary hospitality in housing so many. It appears neither the King nor Queen want anyone to miss a single moment of their upcoming tournament.

But it seems once again, I must rely on you, my little birdies. I’ve heard whispers that some plan to protest outside the gates of Ironclaw. What a novel idea. Midsummer has not had a good riot since the Tithe, and I cannot recall that there has ever been an act of such blatant dissent against the Avens in Belldonna is that has been answered with anything but bloodshed.

So my question to you is- Rebel or Obey, Midsummer? Are you truly that upset to hear of these humans being forced to fight for the death? Or are you simply looking for an excuse to overthrow the Avens? Are you enduring these grotesque festivities as a necessary evil in order to maintain order? Or are you simply enjoying the bloody legacy the Avens are leaving behind?

Let’s find out, shall we?

If you plan to protest the tournament or at least support the brave souls that do, drop the word “rebel” in my ask box.

If you plan to attend or at the very least then a blind eye, drop the word “obey” in my ask box.

Do not keep me waiting for too long, my lovelies. I am dying of suspense.

[themagpiesnest-tff]

A Royal Invitation

Well, Midsummer, it looks like we are moving up in this world. We received a Royal Invitation from King Oberon and Queen Titania Aven- although, so did just about everyone in Midsummer. It would seem that anyone, regardless of whether they be fae, halfling, or human, with a known location received an address. 

Your Presence is Requested by the rightful King Oberon and Titania Aven of Belladonna. 

Their Royal Highnesses graciously invite you to celebrate another successful year of peace in Midsummer. Their Royal Highnesses are exceedingly grateful for the good Queen Mab Bloom’s continued cooperation in ensuring Midsummer is a land of peace and prosperity. 

Their Royal Highnessess will be celebrating with a tournament which all regardless of rank or status are invited to attend. Participants will be limited to humans only. 

The invitation drags on for quite some time, but I only wanted to share the juicy bits with you, my dear reader. There are people starving. Would anyone care to remind the Avens of that? One can only guess as to how many coins it cost to print out so many invitations and send so many royal messengers out on their way. Besides, I’ve heard that all of the nobility is invited to arrive in Belladonna a few days before the tournament. 

Alas, dearies, no one asked my poor old opinion, but I’ll share it with you anyway since we are such dear friends: 

This tournament bears nothing good for Midsummer. The last time our loving King and Queen seemed to be completely united, they bore a child. Perhaps this time they seek to expand the kingdom for their heir? After all, a tournament where only humans can fight seems to be in very poor taste now that all of Midsummer knows about Queen Mab Bloom’s blood payments. 

I cannot help but wonder if those rumors that the Tithed humans were freed had more truth in them than I originally thought. Perhaps the tournament is how the Avens intend to prevent anyone from questioning their power. After all, what good is the Tithe if payment can be stolen right out of the Roheim dungeons? Or perhaps some of those Tithed humans will be fighting in the upcoming days. My money is on the former. 

Keep your loved one close, dear reader. I sense Midsummer is about to experience a great change. 

[themagpiesnest-tff]

A very reliable source told me that the real reason Balthazar and Kit Scarlet got into such a nasty fight is because they were once lovers before the war. Balthazar has been pining over Kit all this time. When Kit rejected him again, Balthazar went insane with fury. Maybe part of him was hoping that if Kit was burned so badly, the King would discard her and she would come crawling back to him? Honestly, Kit Scarlet’s choice of men will always baffle me.

Oh my! I do love a good pair of star crossed lovers!

Now, this is an interesting theory. What do we think, my little birdies? Were the Queen’s war hound and the King’s mistress once lovers? Is that why Kit Scarlet is healing at Thornhill, Harland Briar’s estate, which neighbors Black Manor?

I’d pay very handsomely if anyone could speak with either Balthazar Black or Kit Scarlet and get a statement. Or even Harland Briar to speak on whether or not Kit remains at Thornhill or makes nightly excursions elsewhere.

[themagpiesnest-tff]

Rumor has it Luna Silverbone, formerly Crow, has rented a lavish hunting lodge in Gillyshire from a friend. They say she refuses to go back to Wisteria, indulging in wild parties and dodging questions about her new Seelie husband. The former queen bee was said to have thrown a particularly ruckus party two evenings ago, ending with many of the company nude and splashing in Lady Silverbone's garden fountain. It seems our once blushing bride could be back to her old tricks.

Oh my! This is a juicy one. Tsk tsk. With such a high profile wedding so recently, surely the new Lady Silverbone did not thing this would go unnoticed. I wonder what King Oberon will think of just how badly his cousin has mucked up his grand plans to unite the bloodlines of two of the rival courts most prominent families. I’ll reward anyone handsomely who can sneak into one of these infamous parties and give me all the most intimate details.

[themagpiesnest-tff]

Naughty, Naughty

You surprise me, Midsummer.

But, you have made it abundantly clear it is chaos the majority of you seek

As dark fell last night, the people of Wisteria grew tired of Queen Mab’s two weeks of silence, lanterns filling the night as over a thousand fae walked to the gates of Anvali Castle and demanded to see their queen

For hours, no word came from the Anvali, besides the increasingly consisted orders to disperse from the crowd of tersse knights blocking the gates. But, many say that light came from the Queen’s tower, the faint silhouette of a figure in the window. Many believed Mab would appear with time, to undo the mess she had made. But, still Anvali remained silent as the grave. 

Nobody is sure who threw the first stone, but the violence between the knights and the crowd will be remembered for years. The people of Wisteria abandoned their couth, giving into their most primal of instincts as the Unseelie so often do. Many will bear the wounds of that night, all the while news of disappearing humans begins to surface. With Wisteria at it’s most unstable in centuries, all in Midsummer look on in tense anticipation. 

[themagpiesnest-tff]

Silent As The Grave

It has been over a week since news of Queen Mab’s deceit spread through court. Anvali Castle, once the center of activity, has fallen silent. The queen has not been seen at court since the news broke, locking herself in her chambers and accepting few visitors. There has been a noticeable thinning of nobility at court, many of the uppercrust suddenly having convenient excuses for why they must depart from their chambers at the castle, and back to their own manors. It is said the Seelie Queen has even ordered nearly all her ladies-in-waiting away. Only her most beloved lady and friend, Viscountess Cora Winter is dutifully by the reclusive Queen’s side. 

Is this the end of the mighty Bloom monarchy? Four thousand years is an awfully long time for one family to reign. Will the law and order the Seelie have clung to for so long buckle beneath the weight of this heavy secret? What do you think, birdies? 

Let’s play a little game, shall we? 

If you still believe in the good Queen Mab, leave the word “Order” in my ask box.

If you’re ready to riot in the streets, leave the word “Chaos” in my ask box.

I eagerly await your thoughts.

Yours,

[themagpiesnest-tff]

The Rot of the Bloom

I’ve got a secret...

It has now been six years since the end of the Fae War. Six years since the entire realm waited with baited breath for over 30 hours as peace was negotiated. Six years since the thunderous applause arose from the crowd of nobles as the treaty was signed. Six years since celebrations spilled into the streets of the fae cities.

Mouths stretched thin across bared teeth as Queen Mab and King Oberon tried to smile graciously at one another during the official signing. Only Queen Titania refrained, glowering in the background, the sword at her hip still caked with Seelie blood from the day before. And yet, with tensions still thick in the air, we could not help but feel hope. If these famous foes could bury the hatchet, couldn’t we all?

It is often said Queen Mab hesitated as she signed the treaty, a momentary pause as her quill hovered above the parchment. But, we chalked that up to nerves, as an acknowledgment of what a momentous day it was. As the treaty was held up, we all cheered blindly, the words too small from our lowly places below the podium to make them out.

Today I must be the bearer of most unpleasant news, six years in the making. We have been deceived! Cheated! Hoodwinked! We all allowed ourselves to be lulled into security, to believe in the inherent goodness of the Queen Mab. But I have two words that will shake the sleep from your eyes - secret clause.

You didn’t think King Oberon would give in so easily, did you? You didn’t think he could resist adding something nasty, did you? That would be awfully optimistic of you. 

You see, the treaty released to the public omitted one crucial detail of the agreement that ended the Fae War. Right above Mab and Oberon’s signatures is the very last clause of the treaty. It was clearly a hasty addition, written in the scratchy hand of King Oberon himself. A fitting final act of revenge against his sworn enemy. 

“Each year, the Seelie sovereign will present the Unseelie sovereign with a gift of one-hundred humans. Failure to deliver will render the treaty null.”

A little birdie told me, this year King Oberon has a personalized list of humans he is demanding. It seems many of the Unseelie nobles are growing weary of their human slaves running away, and are keen on getting them back. Looks like even the tempestuous King Oberon knows one of the most important rules for a King who desires to stay on his throne- keep your nobles happy. 

What will happen next? Riots in the streets? The ruin of a dynasty? Perhaps a coup or two? That’s up to you, my dearies. Give me something delicious to report.