503

A seahost of weresharks and the monstrous figure that seems to be leading them reach Gateway. There are battles in the streets and general chaos. Lost in the combat is Dominic Claremont, youngest child of Draughtian Duke Rhyse and Duchess Catelyn.

Late February. Temporal anomalies arise around Gateway.

Due to some magical experiments by Aniel, (the ex-Mogur), temporal anomalies plague Gateway. Those sucked into one are aged older or younger. This lasts for several days until Aniel finds a way to stop it, but kills himself in the process. The Emperor henceforth outlaws temporal magic.

March 6. Ashlan Menagerie opens.

Duchess Aileana Ashlan opens a menagerie on Gateway to share her love of unusual and unique creatures with all.

Log: 503-03-06 Menagerie Opening

Mid-March. Gateway plagued by dreamless sleep.

Citizens of Gateway start having trouble with sleep, in that there are no dreams. The dreamless sleep leaves citizens tired and unable to function effectively, lowering their resistance to illness and causing quite a bit of trouble.

Log: 503-03-18 Imperial Breakfast when sleepless

March 21. Avanna holds citizens of the Empire hostage.

A gathering and trading expedition gone awry, notice arrives to the Emperor that Phineas Ashlan, Lady Phoebe Forester, and a man by the name of Vox, along with a ship's crew, were being held for ransom by the Avannese. It was also announced in the letter that, during this battle, Admiral Hasdrubal was killed as his ship was taken. These rumors turned up false when the Admiral returned hale. Formal negotiations took place soon after when the tables turned in Gateway's favor.

Log: 503-03-27 Negotiations with Avanna

Log: 503-05-06 A bit later - private council on Avanna

March 24. Xander Caprios dies.

Prince Xander Caprios dies in bed, weakened by illness from the odd dreamless sleep plaguing Gateway.

May 28. Inferno in city destroys townhouse district.

Due to the carelessness of some drugged-up revelers on the night of the double eclipse celebration, the row of townhouses which were residences of many notable peerage was swiftly consumed by a raging fire that swept through the area. This incident leads to the remodeling of the second floor of the castle, turning the Hall of Providence into four separate areas which would later become the baronial suites attached to each ducal tower.

July 3. Caspian Fernwick knighted into the Imperial ranks and named Sheriff of Crossroads City.

After a long squirehood and passing trials, Caspian Fernwick received his spurs and becames a knight. The Emperor named him Sheriff of Crossroads soon after, raising a lot of brows with the appointment of the new, young knight.

Log: 503-07-03 Caspian's knighting and celebration afterward.

May 20. Duchess Aileana Ashlan births twins.

After a small controversy over Aileana departing on a ship for Green Fields after going into labor, Lady Ivari Aileana Borissa Philomena & Lady Iphigenia Aileana Fortina Emily Ashlan were born. Their mother was rumored to barely have made it before birthing in the first field the group came to after docking at Green Fields.

August 8. Earthquake hits Crossroads.

The isle of Crossroads is hit by an earthquake, the violence doing some damage in the city and opening up a couple of holes to ruins beneath. Both holes mysteriously disappear some time later.

October 14. Phineas Ashlan murders Duke Regent Raziel Devonshire.

In what some consider a strange turn of events, Duke Regent Raziel Devonshire is cut down by a poisoned blade thrown by none other than Phineas Ashlan during a meeting at the latter's residence in the city. Stranger even still, Phineas then fled the area in the obvious company of the notorious demon worshiper, Vox.

It should be noted that in the days that followed, an elf visiting the Empire, known to many as Coroliss Lucale, gathered the magic of his race to him, performing an ancient ceremony to return life to the recently murdered Duke Regent. Fortunately for the Duke Mists, the elf's efforts were successful.

Log: 503-10-14 Phineas murders Raziel with Vox in attendance

Log: 503-10-20 Raziel is brought back to the land of the living by the Elf, Coroliss

October 28. Damon Osborne executed for High Treason.

The criminal Damon Osborne, found guilty of such crimes as brainwashing, public unrest, drugging the populace, and the murder of Lord Vincente Caprios is thrown to be torn apart by the currents until he dies.

Log: 503-10-28 Damon's execution

October 30. Duchess Asha Barca weds Lord Phaedrus Forester.

The Duchess gives marriage another shot when she weds Lord Phaedrus Forester, from the influential Green Fields family. This husband survived the first twenty-four hours and was quick to see that Guardian was provided with heirs.

December. Rumors of wanted ex-duke on Fields.

Bards seem to be spreading tales of propaganda that paint the ex-duke in a kinder light than rumors elsewhere in the Empire, some even villifying Raziel and saying that the accusation of murder against Phineas are all false. The wanted criminal is reported as seen on the isle in many places with his son and wife.

December 25. Baron Phaeton Forester weds Annabella Accoucheur.

The wedding of the Forester Baron takes place on Green Fields with a large group of friends in attendance. The party afterwards is remarked upon for a long time on the Fields.

Log: 503-12-25 Phaeton weds Bella