Port Cos Struggle for Domination Turn 7

Post Cos News:

Titanius Clan offers sale on its leases.
The market district and street of brands in Port Cos were once again thrown into the unknown as the 7 tribunes assembled by Furius Titanius in Port Cos packed up their offices and moved to quarters unknown. The Street of brands district with it Cadres of roving ex military from Ar had become a contentious place in Port Cos. Once encompassing Bridgemont and Silk Street, the Titanius clan made their presence known in a series of clashes with neighborhood residents early on, extorting tribute and fealty from home owners with military efficiency.

Several hands ago, a conflict began with the incursion of Titanius militia into the southern district of Valleran academy. This move, combined with the pressure by Brooklane to regain the old academy building itself, put the Valleran Academy on the defensive while it expanded its staff to include the peasants of nearby farms.
This loss however, did not stop Torrin Graves of the Valleran from regaining the loyalty of his southern quarter in the following hands, in what seemed a coordinated effort with the scribes of Brooklane. Buoyed by his success at the Academy building now known as Claremont, Lucian Simon moved to imprint his philosophy on the people of Bridgemont with great success. From that time forward, the conflict sea-saw back and forth, with roving bands of Titanius militia alternately extorting loyalty from citizens, while patient charitable scribes spread bread and promises through out the arias and alley ways. Eventually, the militias won out and the Titanius clan expanded their power dramatically, taking over most of the market district and reclaiming the entire street of brands under their militaristic control.

Rumor has it that the Titanius clan was undone by a woman when in recent hands, the now powerful Titanius territory came under sudden attack by all of its neighboring districts, in a coordinated conspiracy that robbed the Titanius territory of Bridgemont and Silk Street, a blow that was softened however, by their expansion into the Brewery quarters. (More to that story in future additions.) However nothing seems to have foreshadowed the clans sudden departure from their holdings, which have left the center of a the city a virtual free for all for opposing magistrates trying to gain influence among the people, before the upcoming session of Port Cos's newly formedSenate.

More on this story as it develops, but what we do know now is that the newcomer Cyrus Gent had taken advantage of the situation to claim Main Street under the control of what appears to be retired veterans from the Ar's station conflict, brothers who we have long accepted as our own here in Port Cos. The wealthy land owners of the Lake Ostia district have curiously expanded into Slavers row, a development that many will be watching very closely.

Additional News:
Scribes lecture series in the brothels to reformed whores, interrupted by Crotona family goons. Lecture hall damaged, Sex workers left wondering who they can trust.

Welcome to Port Cos?

CorruptQuill: "I don't think so. There is wine already stocked at the house, and we can make juice from what we have here. I get regular meat and vegetable deliveries from the farms, and I told them in advance we'd be coming. The paper is also
CorruptQuill: delivered daily, so I can catch up on any news I may have missed." Putting the wrapped fish in the basket, and giving over the coins, it was then he heard a ruckus again. This time though, not just old friends in comradery. Someone
CorruptQuill: had been gouged with a supporter's sign, and a fist fight was breaking out. Dotty was so excited she was turning pink, and Henry was sending the Scribe a look that said he could take one two or three if given the chance. He was
CorruptQuill: itching for it clearly, popping his knuckles again. The Scribe took Nat by the arm to steer her out of the markets, and Henry went for it. Well, so much for the guard, and Dotty stayed behind to watch. Or pull some slave hair
CorruptQuill: herself, he didn't want to know. Just as they reached the edge of the market, he looked back. A cart had been toppled, and demonstrators in support of the Brewer were on the move. "Come on." Getting ahold of Natali's hand, he
CorruptQuill: crossed the street, and went down one of the alleys:
NataIi Lockhart: Alright, so Natali had a sixth sense. Her eyes had widened as the all the activities started turning south, and her stomach and chest tensed. Hand around his arms sort of turned into a grip of Scribe proportion and she looked over
NataIi Lockhart: her shoulder to see Henry doing what he does best, and Dotty getting in on the action as she could. All Natali could think for a moment was something about how that slave better not go and get herself killed. Nat paid good money
NataIi Lockhart: for her. Looking forward again as they went into an alley, her breathing calmed a little bit and she looked to Lucian. "Well that was.. exciting." Port Cos. This was going to be an interesting place, and for once Natali thought
NataIi Lockhart: it might be best she not wander out alone during their stay. -d
CorruptQuill: "Hmm, yes.." She had calmed down, but he had not. Because he knew where they were headed. The Market was in the Brewer's territory, and they were on the march in the same direction as the alley he'd just drawn Natali into. The whole
CorruptQuill: mass was on the way to the Street of Brands, now that Furius was gone, and the only way to reach the Brook Lane owned by the Scribe was by going the same direction as the mob. Limp aside, he forced his strides into longer ones, and
CorruptQuill: put a hand to Natali's back to hurry her along. Glances taken back now and again, because they had the whole breadth of the district to get through before safety was actually reached. More signs. And now voices upraised. Some in
CorruptQuill: song, about the Brewer himself, others in mutiny against what had been Furius's treatment of the people along the border. The cobblestones were uneven, so the walk was not as simple as it might appear:

NataIi Lockhart: Wait. Where were they going now? Her brows lifted, then came together in concern as she listened to the voices and songs and all that coming from before them. And Natali nearly dug her feet into the ground to a stop, his
NataIi Lockhart: hand getting pressed back as well in this. Lucian's steps were different. A stride Natali did not know and she looked to the mouth of the alley in front of them then over to Lucian. Breathe Natali. Breathe. Samuel will be there
NataIi Lockhart: when it's all done. He was probably sitting in a room right now waiting for a book. Just.. walk. Right. Her chin lifted to help down that swallow that was sort of stuck in her throat before starting up her stride again. Uneven
NataIi Lockhart: pavement. Lots of noises. Lucian walking funny. Angry people. Drunk people. Not Scribe people. Her lower lip dissapeared under her teeth and she did all she could not to lower her eyes to stare at her feet. Breathe and go in
NataIi Lockhart: the direction his hand pressed her towards. Check. -d
CorruptQuill: His leg hated this pace, and it wasn't ordinarily one he could keep up long, but if it was the difference between leg pain later and maybe getting taken down by the crowd, he'd choose the former. Natali had stopped, and he looked
CorruptQuill: back in the direction they'd come, the mob having gained people as it swept through the market, and the distance was only about a block between where they were present and he stood with Natali. Moving his hand from her back when she
CorruptQuill: began to walk again, he suddenly opened a doorway off to the right, and pulled her in after him. Pitch black, inky darkness, and stale air. But soon after the swell of humanity pushed by with knocks on the brick wall outside, going
CorruptQuill: through in a tidal wave, that only trickled to nothing after about five ehn. His basket set down, and drawing Natali toward him so her back was to him, his hand clamped over her mouth-veils and all. Yes, welcome to Port Cos:

Port Cos Struggle for Domination Turn 6

PORT COS GAZETTE NEWS BULLETIN
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DAMO OF CROTONA VANISHES.
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WESTERN PEASANTS MARCH OF SOLIDARITY TURNS UGLY. PEASANTRY TAKES OVER WESTERN MARKET QUARTER.
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SCRIBES REBEL AGAINST TITANIUS INTIMIDATION, GAIN CONTROL OF SILK STREET AND BRIDGEMONT QUARTERS.
-=========-
CAMPAIGN SEASON FOR ADMINISTRATOR OPENS.
-=========-
FIRST PLENARY SESSION OF PORT COS SENATE CALLED. LUCIAN SIMON'S NAME RAISED AS POSSIBLE CANDIDATE.
-=========-
MORE HEADLINES TO COME.
-=========-
FOR ALL OF TODAY'S NEWS, NOW, WHEN YOU NEED IT, FAIR AND BALANCED ACCORDING TO SENATE PROCLAMATION, YOU'RE SOURCE IS THE PORT COS GAZETTE.

Mourning

Mourners flocked to the streets in the city's Brook Lane District recently, after news of the untimely miscarriage of the child potentially destined to be the heir of the Simon family legacy. For two nights Scriptum Praedium was surrounded by mourners bringing flowers, notes of sympathy, and burning candles in memoriam. Spokesperson for the family was said to have commented, 'It is quite a blow to the family, but they are appreciative of all the deep love and consideration shown by the district's citizens. We encourage donations to the academy in lieu of gifts'.

Zamalan Simon, one of the Old Academy's most notorious and beloved Head Masters, made a name for himself in Ar during the Cosian invasion. His time there was said to have been marked by considerable brutality, his methods called into question by several of the members of the well-known Circle of Scribes. Speculation about his alleged death remains to this day. No body was ever found, despite his descendents remaining in the city long after his disappearance.

Several of the family members, and those of the related Carnala family, have regained control of key districts here in Port Cos amid escalating violence. Our sympathy goes out to the family.

The Festival Kicks off!

"Mother! Mother! " A little boy knocked her robes in his mad dash between the billowing penants and colorful tents as he ran through the tent thouroughfare, one hand clutching a shining glistening candy on a stick. "oh! Sorry, Lady..." The mad dash was temporaily halted as he realized what he just accidently done. Forcing his race to a standstill long enough to apologize, she was able to get a better look at the young boy. He didn't look to be over ten, perhaps eleven years old. His clothing was of a simple white tunic, half laced up in the front and half tucked into the small leather breeches he wore. His feet were bare, probably better to run in and with the warm weather she could only imagine what a struggle it was probably for his mother to even get him to wear a shirt much less shoes.

"It's quite alright.." She remarked with a smile. The boy did take time enough to flash back a smile before dashing back off again, heading for a veiled and robed woman that was standing some distance ahead by the tent of Shania the Potter from Seventh Street.

The Festival had officially kicked off. The tents that lined the residental streets of West Village dotted the normally very green area with splashes of blues, red, purple, yellow, and white. Stripes of orange and black banners hung down from tall entrance signs proclaiming the Festival dates, from today till the end of the hand. Half of all street sales would go to the benefit of those misplaced by the lost of East district to the Avenue of Coins during the recent upheaval.

Strolling between early morning festival goers, she stopped by one of the many tents that was set up in an effort to sell some of the discounted work of a painter. Some of the portraits on sale were matted works of art while others were framed and ready to be hung. She admired one of the larger pieces that was of the famous Port Cos ship the "Venzu" that was docked in the harbor. The ship had been used during a scrimmage with a band of pirates that for some reason got the idiotic idea to challenge Port Cosian sailors that were running a trasport of expensive black wine beans. The battle had been the last for the pirates and afterwards the ship had been docked and since not been used. It had a bit of a history for the city and there had been some talk awhile back of opening the ship up to tours but no one had made the step forward to offer the coin that would restore the ship to it's former glory, but it still was beautiful to see in the harbor. The painting had been done with magnificent colors of pastels...with the slightest hint of red in a sunset backdrop. It was very good and a steal at the price marked.

Glancing to the back of the tent she saw a young male lurking behind a white table.

"You do this...?" she inquired with a gesture of her hand to the work on the easel.

"Mmhm..Yes, Lady. It's of the Venzu" He remarked as he came closer, almost bashful in his manner of having his work discussed. He didn't look to be over twenty one, twenty two.

"It's quite good.." She said, glancing back to the painting.

"Thank you..." No doubt he often received compliments for his efforts, but compliments didn't pay bills.

"Package it up and send it to House Red Tarn."

The expression on his face looked to be one of surprise, then quickly shifted to a nod and smile. "Yes, My Lady....I will have it sent this morning.."

"Very good. " Then turning she wandered away and deeper into the Festivies.

Ostias wild Ride

Ostia had been going to see the Tharlarion at the Thulman estate, they were great breeders of thoroughbred Tharlarion like the kind a Lady might ride during her sport hunts or out cantering along the green of her estate looking for the goats Agrippa said were out there keeping the lawns short. She was a great equestrian, or as the Goreans called it, Sauridian. And even if she weren’t she would still go out wearing the light brown riding leathers and boots with the little merchant suit top and helmet with veils. It was one of the many outfits you could wear a cloak with and call it a robe!

Ostia was standing at the gate waiting for the chaise to come for her so she could drive up the road onto the estate and see the stables. The Chaise - Also known as a ‘one Lizard/Suaria shay’, this vehicle has an ingenious suspension system, which accounts for its popularity among the higher castes as both transportation and collectible luxury. The body is suspended on leather straps, called thorough braces, and the seat is mounted on wooden cantilevered springs, making for its “comfortable” ride. The weight of the occupants is over the axle, making the vehicle well-balanced and easy on the Lizard/Suaria. While she wait, with her faithful charming handmaiden mara tied up to a post, with her little silks pulled up baring her most Gorean of parts, the beautiful lady Deva came to meet her, responding to her letter earlier that they should meet and try to settle their differences.

Delighted to meet her there and at last discuss their issues, Ostia and Deva got into the carriage together and mara was stuffed under the bench. To say that the ride on the shay was uneventful would be a terrible oversight. It was lovely and mild with effortless laughter and frivolity! Mara might suggest that the shay nearly crashed several times along the way teetering from one big wheel to the next, when Ostia whipped the tharlarion, and drove it down the road chattering away as if there was nothing to the careening speed. Mara might disagree that there was nothing to the bursts of dusts that she set along the estate private road, but mara was just a slave! Who would listen to her anyway? A scribe called Meri might erroneously say that she was nearly killed when they stopped to pick her up. Some observers at the stables might mistakenly observe that their heads were nearly chopped off when she pulled it into the stables.

But the conversation along the way had been very satisfactory to Ostia, surely that was what was important about their little ride? Her and Deva seemed to strike up a lovely friendship, despite the strange way that Deva screamed sometimes while they were talking. They promised to vacation together soon, in a little sporting hunt out in the game grounds of the Torwood grove beyond the Toll road. After that Meri and Deva decided to take another shay back to the plaza and Ostia was worried about them because they looked very pale and might be sick.




Then she bought the grey male and some of his sire, the one they had watched humping in the stall with the big lizard member, which is really something everyone should see at least once in their life time. She named him Herman, and then spent two days buying costumes and saddle tack for the upcoming hunt. As well as a Herlit which she named mara but couldn’t get to hunt and was very heavy on her arm and didn’t like her as much as she wished it would. Everything was going marvelously.

The Port Cos Map Drawing Shop is Open

Need a map drawn? Plotting trouble against your neighbor and want to show your ally what you need them to do? well look no further friends then the Port Cos Cartography Store!

For a very low fee, the Port Cos Cartography Store will take your hand written move strategy and turn it into a shiny new map which you can share with all your friends. We can even design maps showing fake plans to your enemies so they are totally off guard when you betray them and make them cry.


(if you have an idea for a move strategy and want to show it to someone send it to me and I'll mock it up and send it back. Also if you have photoshop and some skills I can send you the map file.)

Ticker Tape Parade

The western district was alive with a ticker tape parade cutting through Center Street. Magistrate, Valentin Renaldi and his companion, Persephany Nite Renaldi acted as Grand Marshall to the events. The orphan's choir was heard to be singing, "Ding Dong the Karian is dead!" The festivities went on well into the night with thousands of flaming arrows being shot from the walls of the old fortress all to the loud cheering of citizens.

Festival of the Arts

The Magistrate of the Garden District, located in Port Cos
would like to recruit any interested artisans wishing to
present their works at the upcoming Festival of Arts to please
send her a scroll and include name, medium they work in and
what times they are able to participate.

The Festival will be one week long and we need vendors
selling art and creative projects. We need people willing to
perform shows and exhibits if possible.
Ideas include Caricature portraits, Fire Shows, Dancing
Slaves, Quick draw Knife Throwing Show, Poetry Readings,
Plays, Demonstrations of Pottery making etc.