Sick Ducker

Fruits of Contention - Wayrest

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Fruits of Contention - Wayrest

Dibella's House of Common Pleasures

2100, Last Seed 21, 4E 205

---

The sun had set, the curfew had taken effect. Yet in the premiere brothel of Wayrest, the night has just begun. Citizens and occupying soldiers flocked to the "entertainment" district alike, and the latter were more than happy to let their orders slide. Not all who came to one particular brothel, commonly called the House of Commons, came for the bodily pleasures. It was a large three story building of many rooms; many of them housed former pirates trapped between rock and a hard place, while other were occupied by opportunists hoping to pilfer the legendary treasures of the Corsairs.

One such individual was Ander. He had rented a small room three days ago, never requiring any services and never returning until dark. Tonight, he was carried in by a band of mercenaries. Ander was unconscious, but in stable condition. He was soaked liked the mercenaries, though thankfully, only in water. They had emerged from a manhole, guided by receipts in Ander's pocket and Alim's directions.

Overlooking the bustling lobby, where red lights glazed across dark leather, were the premium guest rooms. These weren't the rooms for pirates and scavengers; only the richest (and often the anonymous) could afford them. Sounds of pleasure and pain seeped through the cracks of mostly sound-proof doors. One such room was taken by Relyssa an hour ago. Another was where a Breton man in an ash gray cloak had emerged. This man wore leather armor under his cloak, and partly concealed under his hood was a silver circlet and messy black hair. His relaxed shoulders showed his ease, yet a faint frown made it clear he was not happy. His right hand hovered around his waist, as if protecting an invisible object attached to his belt. The Breton man took out a pipe, lit it with a spark spell and watched the scene below.

"S'toth trusts you were satisfied with his services?" Came a sultry purr from the same room. The Khajiit was a busy one tonight, for his barbed appendages were coveted by curious lords and ladies alike.

"Most enjoyable." The Breton man nodded absentmindedly. Without turning to acknowledge the prostitute, he offered a handful of coins. "Here's your tips."

As S'toth left, the Breton man focused on the newcomers below. He watched Gustav rent a premium room for himself, and cheaper options for his employees. He watched Xenia Richton, madam of the house, chide them for leaving a wet mess (on this already wet mess of an establishment), and redirecting Ander to the nearest clinic. He watched some soldiers cast suspicious glances at the mercenaries (but none of them did anything, since they weren't supposed to be there in the first place). He watched mercenaries from other companies, who were hired by the armies, size up their newest competitors. Finally, he watched the lonesome Nibenese sailor trailing after them.

The Breton man smiled to himself. He made his way downstairs, brushing past the mercenaries and not acknowledging them. He weaved through the sweaty, drunk and aroused mass of people, almost unnoticed, until he was in front of the Nibenese lad.

"You there, come." He gestured. "I have a job for you."

Fruits of Contention - Wayrest

Tamrielic Gazette: Last Seed 21

^{Read by kings and emperors®}
Last Seed 21^st, 4E 205
_{Iliac Bay Edition | 6 Septims}

---

Courage Amid Chaos!

Vampires strike at the victory banquet in Evermore! Notable casualties include Crown Prince Hrolfr Iron-Arm of Jehanna, Lord Hesse Arnault of Farnorth, and Cammen Goring, the interim treasurer of Wayrest¹. While many other notable individuals are killed or injured in the attack, the vampires have been defeated thanks to unexpected outside help.

Piper Speculatus, sister of Sagax "Fury of Windhelm" Speculatus, and daughter of the Seventh Estate collaborationist Caius Speculatus², distinguishes herself by saving Duchess Emmeria Guimard and her guests. Speculatus is instrumental in defeating the legendary vampire lord Nyrehtaud. Her fearless endeavor is aided by the mystic Ariane Fontaine, and the witchhunters Diarmid Groupeville and Marcel Gawain³. A Dunmer, Khajiit and two Argonians also make contributions.

For Speculatus' heroism, Duchess Emmeria grants her the title "Guardian of Evermore", an utmost honor bestowed to a scarce few⁴. Fontaine, Groupeville and Gawain are also recognized as "Friends of Evermore". Other contributors receive thanks on behalf of the Duchy.

Editor's notes:

^{1) Their deaths are likely to impact the situation in Wayrest. While Prince Hrolfr is vocal and temperamental, he has curtailed the use of subterfuge. Lord Hesse is one of the few moderates, and his demise will be a serious blow to those seeking middle ground. Lastly, Wayrest Treasury will face further turmoil without Goring.
2) The Speculatus matron, Equa, has been released by the Penitus Occulatus. She is recently spotted in Daggerfall.
3) Groupeville and Gawain are severely injured fighting Nyrehtaud. They are in critical, but stable, conditions. Many are tossing coins for the witchhunters' recoveries.
4) Our legal experts believe less than 100 people have been bestowed the title throughout history. However, it includes no tangible rewards.}

News

Sea of Ghosts: According to several terrified sailors, the tiny island of Icereach, north of Jehanna, has been overrun by thousands of undead. Similar undead hordes are also reported for Olenveld and Vounoura. One report even claims reanimated giants and whales.

^{(Authorities of Northpoint and Blacklight have issued travel warnings, but Jehanna denounces such measures.)}

Morrowind: The Nerevarine has not been seen in the last three weeks. Some believe he is quietly abdicating, while others suspect he has been assassinated. In the meantime, Chancellor Ildoryn Sarano is directing the war.

Cyrodiil: The Cyrodilic Disconnect ravages the Imperial Province, claiming over thousands of lives as of this time. Major cities are quarantined, while many affluent Imperials are relocating to High Rock. While previously observed to affect only Imperials, the plague has mutated to infecting Bretons, Nords and Redguards. The cure devised by Angela Venarius declines in effectiveness, causing some to suspect her sabotaging her own formula out of spite.

High Rock: There is much uncertainty regarding the Imperial Legions in High Rock. The 11th legion is called to Cyrodiil to aid in quarantine efforts, while legates from the 12th legion resigned en masse in protest of a similar order. The reserve legion is expelled from Jehanna when General Cassia expands recruitment, though some suspect it is due to a leadership struggle with Legate Duilis.

Elsweyr: The island of Caspherion recently opened its exclusive shores to Khajiit refugees. Its leaders promise safe haven from Maormer raids.

^{(Win your very own trip to Caspherion! Cyrodiil residents not eligible.)}

Topal Bay: A Tsaesci fleet, supported by Maormer ships, enters Leyawiin harbor. This coincides with a Seventh Estate-led uprising in the city. The vampires of the Estate (under vampire Caius Speculatus' command) take control of Leyawiin and join forces with the invaders. Imperial and Khajiit loyalists (led by a resurfaced Ri'Nhazi-Do) are currently resisting.

^{(Martial arts experts break down Tsaesci dragonknight tactics. Page 9)}

Orsinium: Falkreath rebels arrive to bolster their besieged Orc allies. The fresh and eager Nord troops mount a surprise attack against the Redguard lines; they are unsuccessful and suffer heavy casualties (including Lodjolf Thorn-Raker).

Summerset Isles: The semi-secret Dominion-Pyandonea alliance breaks down as a Maormer delation is killed by populist mobs on Alinor. Pyandonea responds by withdrawing its remaining envoys, ending naval cooperation and announcing its support for Cyrodiil (though some interpret this as support for the Seventh Estate).

Stros M'kai: Maormer ships leave the blockade. Redguard navy takes advantage and breaks the blockade with new ships and experimental magic weapons. The Dominion fleet withdraws and the island returns to Hammerfell control.

^{(Tamrielic Gazette will resume distribution on Stros M'kai next month! First ten subscribers receive one month free!)}

Skyrim: Advisers from Black Marsh attempt to enter Skyrim through the Imperial Protectorate of Riften. However, they are detained by the orders of Jarl Maven Black-Briar.

Black Marsh: Advisers from Skyrim have arrived, as part of their anti-Morrowind coalition. They are poorly received and generally ignored by Argonian commanders.

^{(What advice would you give them? Share with us!)}

---

Celebrities

Music: A song of redemption! Bard Felix aep Caileach has been pardoned of all crimes of treason! Following the publication of his inspiring memoir (exclusively by Tamrielic Gazette), the Elder Council and Imperial Bards Guild declare aep Caileach a champion of Cyrodiil.

Poetry: Renowned poet and translator of Akaviri haiku, Sylette, has been killed. Her remains are lost.

^{(Sylette's admirers pay respect with the deadric letter Hefhed. Page 7)}

Jewelry: The Lover's Knot, a mastercrafted tiara loaned for display in Evermore, has been stolen. Its owner offers a one million septim bounty for the tiara's return and the thief's capture. Dozens of bounty hunters have already set out in search.

^{(Bet on the successful bounty hunter! Notable contenders on page 3)}

Performing Arts: Notable investor and patron of the arts, Horace Fontaine, is dead. His estates, along with significant debt (due to the destruction of Daggerfall Theatre), are inherited by his niece, Ariane Fontaine.

Justice: Pirate Maj Noor will be executed on Last Seed 23. Nathaniel Sangrouge, the provisional governor of Wayrest, says Noor is "a prime example of delinquency and subversion", and her execution will be "a triumph for the liberated citizens of Wayrest".

^{(Maj Noor's original sketches are now on sale! Previews on page 8)}

Topic of the Day/Week/Whatever

As someone who stays up late all the time, summer. It is the only season when nights are more comfortable than days.

Anyone up for a game of Mafia? (How to Get Away With Murder Edition)

Come on, let's make the game happen.

What Are You Listening To?

What Are You Listening To?

Fruits of Contention - Wayrest

Two main options for our first encounter: Go through the werecroc inhabited cistern, or detour through the wastewater tunnel.

Fruits of Contention - Wayrest

Wayrest, High Rock

1900, Last Seed 21, 4E 205

---

"You shall not pass!"

Those were the final words and Gustav was not getting through the gates of Wayrest.

The company had spent most of the day traveling from Wind Keep, only to be denied by the throng of soldiers. The mercenaries weren't the only ones barred from entry. Those guarding the gates, currently troops from Northpoint, were on alert after a supposed corsair retaliation this time yesterday. Visitors were not allowed to enter.

"No passage?" Ariane inquired.

Gustav shook his head. The company had already been denied entry at the northeastern gate and the western gate, and they were stuck outside of the southern gate. Bribes didn't work, not for a reasonable amount, at least. They would have to camp outside, or head back to Wind Keep. Then they need to apply for a permit, and judging by the talks of impatient merchants, it would take at least a week to process. Wayrest was occupied by many armies, and all them remained dug in.

Ariane sighed. But just as she was doing so, a man introduced himself, seemingly out of nowhere. "I see we have crossed paths again, and my assistance would be valuable for the second time."

"Who are you?" Gustav narrowed his eyebrows. "And where did you come from?"

"We may not have met, but Lady Ariane and I had the pleasure of working together in the past." This man, short with dirty black hair, but defintely Nordic looking, wore Breton style steel armor. Though said armor fit him poorly and several patches hinted its origin as loot from a deceased ex-owner. "After all, I got this company out of Windhelm."

"Ander." Ariane shook her head. "Survived the Kamals and cleaned yourself up, but still conniving as always."

"Come on now, Ariane, my work may not be as sophisticated as your magic, it is nevertheless critical." Ander boasted, looking extra smug about it. "Just ask our pal, Farid. Where is he anyway?"

"Dead." Ariane stated. "For a month now."

"Unfortunate." Ander looked less smug. "Well, Slick-Teeth, or whatever that Argonian spellsword's called, can vouch for me too."

"Tsleeixth is also dead."

"Oh." Ander scratched his dirty hair. "There's always Rozalia; she's an insider. Surely she-"

"She's dead too, not that it's your business" Gustav interrupted, impatiently. "Look, whatever you're trying to sell, sell it."

"Damn, didn't know so many are gone." Ander was solemn. "Well, you need to get inside the city and I have the metaphorical key. But first, what should I call you?"

"Gustav."

"Of Solitude?" Ander's eyes lit up again. "I robbed your sto-I mean, I read about your shrewd dealings."

"Uh-huh." Gustav crossed his arms.

"Anyway." Ander cleared his throat. "For a small fee, I can get you inside the city and find you a safe place to stay in."

"Keep talking." Gustav was intrigued.

"All your need to do is watch you head."

---

Bonk!

"Ow! What the?" Gustav rubbed his forehead. He just bumped into something, hard.

"Told you to watch your head." Ander smirked.

"Could have told me we're going in the sewers!" Gustav grumbled. "What are you doing here anyway? My boots are all drenched in gods-know-what."

"First of all, we're going through a secret passage." Ander set down his lantern, one of few sources of light (alongside some mercenaries' torches). There was the occasional hole leading up, but the sun was too far set to cast light into it. "It wouldn't be so secret if I go yammering about it."

"And second, this is a rainwater duct." Ander examined the sewer walls. Gustav couldn't see what; this section was not wide enough for two people. "The sewage tunnels are deeper and swarming with slaughterfishes."

Ander picked up his lantern and continued forward, but Gustav dragged him back. "Still haven't answered everything."

"I'm no longer with the Thieves Guild, if that's what you're wondering. I'm good as dead to them when I got caught in Windhelm." Ander shrugged. "Just know that both you and my new employers covet the opportunities of a wartime city."

"Such as looting the deceased?" Ariane perked up from behind Gustav.

"They didn't seem to object." Ander shot back. "I bet you got that shiny wand from a corpse too."

"A pile of ash, actually."

The tunnels were shorter going forward. Someone of Gustav's height had to walk hunched, while shorter individuals like Ander could stand upright. To Gustav's (and Oren's) relief, they soon came across a junction tall enough for most to stand, and wide enough for two people. One side of the junction inclined up, while the other went down. There was a burning torch on the wall with the sharp scent of sterilizing agents. While Ander checked his map, Gustav took a cautious step toward the downward path. He was rewarded with an odor so pungent, that he nearly vomited his lunch.

"That's the waste sewage." Ander pointed out. He led the mercenaries to the upward path. "Here's a shortcut."

A few twists and turns later, the mercenaries found a round cistern ahead. Its ceiling was three stories tall, and had grates showing the darkening sky above. The water was deeper inside, which looked about knee height for Gustav. Several pillars supported the room. Strange purple vines grew on the walls.

"They say the vines weren't here before the Corsairs." Ander noted. "Invasive species brought in by Bosmer pirates."

Ander scanned room. His gaze fell on the barely visible center, where a platform held an unknown figure. Said figure was...eating?

"Quiet down." Ander's voice was suddenly a whisper. "There's people hiding down here from time to time, very bad people; avoid them."

"So, do we go back to the sewage tunnels?" Gustav asked.

"I'll try to skirt around this one." Ander whispered back. "Follow me once I reach the other side, one at a time."

And so Ander set out with the tip-toe precision befitting of a thief. He hugged the wall, shuffled carefully to avoid splashing water and kept his lantern partly behind his back. The figure in the middle didn't notice him, until he was halfway through.

There was a large vine growing from the wall into the floor, and a portion of it was above water. Ander carefully stepped over it, but at the last second, the vine seemingly twitched. It tripped Ander. He fell straight into the water, and his lantern went out. When he emerged again, soaked and only visible by moonlight from above, the unknown figure was staring straight at him. The figure growled; Ander bolted for the exit.

The figure writhed and contorted. Its muscle rippened, nails grew into claws, skins hardened into scales, a tail lashed out, and it became always twice as big. It was a werecrocodile.

Ander almost reached the exit, but the werecrocodile leaped there before him, blocking his exit. It swiped its claws at him. Ander jumped back, narrowly saving himself. Then the werewcrocodile charged. Ander dived to his side, avoiding the attack. The werecroc stomped, but Ander seemed untouchable as he rolled away. However, Ander's poor-fitting armor was laden with water at this point. He got up dazed and heavy, and stared down a rapidly approaching tail swipe.

The swipe was so powerful, that it sent Ander flying across the cistern. He smashed straight through a pillar and stopped by the wall behind it. Amid the crumbling of bricks came the sickening crunch of bones. Ander wasn't getting back up.

The werecrocodile hissed and paced around the cistern. Luckily, it didn't seem to notice mercenaries watching from the entrance.