The Westbrooke Express: March 14th, 189 F.T

== WAVES OF REFUGEES CONTINUE FLOODING INTO WESTBROOKE ==
Just a few short months ago, the Capital of the Realm of Lofthaven was viciously attacked by a menagerie of Dragons, the first seen in Leomoth
since the Age of Strife. Ever since that day, Alheim Cornelius, our Archon, has sworn to assist Lofthaven and their new Sovereign, Uriel I, in ensuring that the displaced peoples of these attacks have somewhere safe to be. Although everyone was shook by the sudden and violent attacks, many people in Westbrooke have to ask: When will it end? How many people are we just going to allow into our city, no questions asked? Hundreds if not thousands of people we know nothing about are just pouring into our walls, and then asking us to build more walls for them! Countless portiil have gone to waste, and for what? So that we could build glorified slums? Crime has risen in all fronts, and the Night Watch has had more prisoners in the past month than it has in the past year! Take Delvers Row, for example. A maze of alleyways, dead ends, and cutthroats just waiting to take your last dollar. And what has the Archon done? Absolutely nothing! When Lofthaven sends their people, they’re not sending their best! They’re sending scum! And to what end? Is this even Westbrooke anymore? Or is this eastern Lofthaven in all but name? 
=== SECOND BLACK CLOUD APPEARS OVER DIRE FOREST ===
Reports from the south east indicate yet another cloud of black smoke
appeared over the Dire Forest on March 13th, 189. Eyewitness descriptions seem to indicate similarities to the cloud which appeared over the Great Forest earlier this year. Scientists and Arcanists alike are wondering what these phenomena might mean. Any information regarding these events
should be reported to the Wildwood Company HQ in the Inner-North District. 
=== THE CHURCH OF THE ETERNAL FORGE ===
Well met, my friends. I am Tovis K. Blacktree, Priest of our Lord the Night Keeper, and the Officer of Religious Affairs in the Republic of Westbrooke. I am very much pleased to announce that a member of our people, and 
personal friend of mine, a man by the name of Julius Von Parvel, has founded a place of worship for Kaysenant, The Forgefather. Located at Kaysenants Forge, the smithy, Julius’ “Church of the Eternal Forge” is a fine place of worship by any definition. Craftsmen, artists, and anyone looking to forge their own path would feel right at home there. Pamphlets are available at the city's western gate. I'm sure the Forgemaster will be looking forward to you visiting.
=== ARCANISTS CORNER ===
Mages, Wizards, and Arcanists alike, I write with excitement in my heart. Our recent studies into the properties of mythril have allowed us to uncover several incredible properties of the substance. Our work has shown that Mythril, at it's core, is somehow magical in nature, if not origin. We believe that it could be used, and with great effect, to implant magical properties into items with the utmost ease and precision. If this indeed is possible, then the slow, grueling work of transcribing crystals could be done away with, and, should an adequate supply be uncovered, mass produced mythril-based enchanting facilities could be created. I look forward to sharing more information with you in the coming weeks, my friends! 
=== FORMIS DISCOVERED BENEATH MINES ===
Several months ago, The Duloris Initiative delved into the network of tunnels and mine-shafts beneath Westbrooke, after discovering what
appeared to be precursor remnants further below. They quickly unearthed an entire structure, with multiple rooms. After weeks of excavation and
preparation, they have successfully cleared out the entire facility, and uncovered something shocking: a deceased Formis. For those of you who do not know, a Formis is an artificial golem of the utmost sophistication, created by the precursor society and their leader, Pretorus. They appear as suits of bronze armor, and they have not eyes, but glowing lenses, like that of a telescope, and indeed, they can zoom in and
out with their vision as if using such a device. This Formis which The Duloris Initiative has found is the second they have discovered, though the first that was not alive. A formis by the name of Fact-Giver is alive and well, living within the city. We spoke with Fact-Giver earlier this month, here is what he had to say: 
“How do you feel about the discovery of another of your golem brethren
beneath the city?”
“IT MAKES ME SAD.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“IT IS ALL RIGHT. I AM SURE THAT HE DIED FOR A GOOD REASON. THIS IS A GOOD THING.”
“Right. Tell me, how do you feel about the Republic of Westbrooke, and people from Leomoth coming into what used to be Precursor lands?”
“IT IS WONDERFUL. I AM SURE THAT PRETORUS WOULD BE VERY HAPPY THAT THE LAND IS NOT GOING TO WASTE. I HOPE THAT HE IS PROUD OF US.” 
“And are you hoping that we can find more Golems like yourself beneath the city, as well as more ruins?” 
“YES, I AM. I WISH FOR US TO FIND MY HOUSE. IT IS BURIED DEEP BELOW. I LONG FOR A HOME ONCE AGAIN.”
Moving words by Fact-Giver. You heard it here first, Ladies and gentlemen. We’ll keep you posted on any new facts and information discovered about Precursor Ruins, artifacts, and more! Only in the Westbrooke Express!
=== BRIDGE TOWN CONTINUES EXPANDING ===
Despite initial warnings by the Westbrooke Government, Bridge Town has continued adding buildings to it's docks over the past few weeks. While at first a simple house boat, a small community of fishermen has come to encompass twenty buildings, all floating on the water, precariously attached to the southern docks. We spoke with the first member of what has come to be known as Bridge Town, and he said this: “I really didn’t know that it would get so out of hand. I just wanted a house boat, man. Now my place bumps into someone else's every night, and they yell at me. It isn't fair. Everyone keeps talking about building across to Cromwell Island, but I don’t think they make beams that go that deep.”
We spoke with a representative of the Archon, Alheim Cornelius, who spoke on his opinion of the whole affair.“My dad said to tell you that he told them not to build houses on the water,because it's so dangerous, and that if they sink and are ruined, they brought it on themselves. Wait, people built floating houses?”
Wise words from the Archon. We’ll keep you updated on the Bridge Town situation as new events unfold.
=== ADVENTURERS GUILD BROADENS HORIZONS ===
All reports indicate that the Westbrooke Adventurers Guild has been an
immense success so far. Earlier this week, it's proprietor, Conrad, announced that they would be funding an expedition by the Duloris Initiative to the center of the continent, where the old Precursor capital
apparently once stood. We spoke with both Conrad and Istano Menedar, leader of the Duloris Initiative. 
“What are you hoping to accomplish with the expedition?”
Istano: We are hoping to find some large remnant of Precursor Civilization beyond the mountains, if not the capital city itself.“
And Conrad, why has the Adventurers Guild decided to bankroll and guard this venture? Do you see profit in it somehow?”
Conrad: Indeed! Such a trek would, at the very least, bring renown and attention to the guild. And if we’re able to find something of monetary value, all the better!
Istano: I do hope you’ll save some treasure for the rest of us!“
Istano, some people in Westbrooke call your organization a cult. How do you feel about this?”
Istano: I don’t see how that is relevant to the topic. Nonetheless, The Duloris Initiative does, for the most part, follow The Celestian, as many travelers do. I don’t understand how worshiping one of our peoples main deities makes us a cult."
Conrad, you said in your announcement that only the best of the best will be joining The Duloris Initiative on this journey. Do you foresee a lot of obstacles?”
Conrad: I do. We have a member who has been in the center of the continent, and she has attested to it's dangers. Dangers that only the strongest and smartest could deal with. That's why only Third Class or higher Adventurers will be joining us on this mission. 
“Well, best of luck to you two gentlemen. One final question; when will you all be departing?”
Istano: We’re set to leave by mid-may, and are hoping to establish a base of operations by late June.