Attack on the Pearl Ward

The Attack on the Pearl Ward, colloquially known as the Shell-Shattering Storm, was a catastrophic act of destruction that ravaged the northern portion of the Pearl Ward of Whittengrove, as well as delivering damage across the surrounding city.

## Background

### The City

Whittengrove, having been founded approximately one hundred and thirty years previously, had since flourished into a cultural and economic hub, and thus served as a melting point of societies, nations and interests in a manner arguably beyond that of any other city on the continent. Individuals of all walks of life could be found within the city, some sustained by simple industries of fishing and local agriculture, while nobility and merchants with continent-spanning guilds owned a series of lavish manors, towers and manses upon the elevated peninsula on the eastern edge of the city. The region of Pearl Ward was afforded commanding views of both the city itself and the estuary of the Lotus Run and Oyster Bay beyond it, and thus highly desirable for property construction.

In the early days of the city's expansion, the local holders of wealth claimed much of the land along the far end of the peninsula, afforded them both the most splendid views as well as separating them somewhat from the bustling metropolis sprawling beneath them. More recently, the land remaining, closer to the city but still no less desirable for many was purchased up by nobility from elsewhere in the continent, forming distinct bands of nationality in the region - the locals claiming the southern part of the ward, residents from Atralran and Viridell the central stretches, and the Rydooni enclaves the northern aspect.

In 131WD, the city of Whittengrove was struck by a large-scale tsunami that damaged much of the low-lying parts of the city, disproportionately destroying the harbourside Halfsail Wharf, and leaving the elevated manses and towers of the Pearl Ward untouched. The damage displaced thousands of refugees for the best part of the year, with local politicians such as the Magistrate Nayeli Dahmythe petitioning the residents of the Pearl Ward to open up their houses - many of which were in truth second or third homes - to house the displaced, though to little overall results.

### The Courier

No doubt guided by both his blade and his lineage to that of the Archfey Eesonnet, the eladrin Dane Evergreen had long since maintained strong beliefs in his intentions to liberate the oppressed from the chains of their confinement beneath a system built to profit from their efforts for the benefit of those less dutiful in their hardships. When arriving at the Material Plane, he found these oppressors to be epitomised by the large merchant factions operating throughout the continent of Ahlus, with the operations of Howell Holdings particularly garnering his attention and ire both. After the opening of a branch of Fonteyne's Fountain within the Atral settlement of Amber Run, in which Dane had come to reside, Dane's efforts were stepped up in response, attempting to frame Howell Holdings for a series of thefts, involving a snatch-and-grab enacting at the tavern operated by Ódóvir Jotunsson.

Despite efforts to investigate the thefts by the Mettlemajor Vincent Frostbrooke, Dane evaded legal detection in the process, his crimes instead blamed on a vagabond with a history of such activities elsewhere in the continent. Despite this, Dane had been plagued for many months about jeering messages of being watched by a third-party, and in spite of efforts to investigate his seemed witness, had not managed to determine who was observing his every action. On the day of an adventuring party's departure to the city of Whittengrove shortly before the festival of Auburn Dusk, Dane's wife Zylvari presented him with a recently delivered parcel - an ornate wooden box sealed with a complex lock enchanted to cast *Knock* on the fastenings in his presence, the container lined with plush satin and containing a slate-like pillar of stone faintly thrumming with the arcane.

A voice, stern and authoritative, commanded him simply *"A gift, perhaps one for when the time and place is right. Keep it close."*

Dane stored the artifact in his Bag of Holding and travelled to the city of Whittengrove with his companions, arriving at the settlement the day of Auburn Dusk, the holy day of Emes, God of the Moon.

### The Festival

Intended to aid in the ongoing battle of words between two politicians - that of the Magistrate for East Halfsail Wharf Nayeli Dahmythe and the Magistrate for North Pearl Ward Deston Cloudfang - over the housing of refugees in the city, much of the party travelled to Orchid Oasis, a bathhouse on the crossroads between the Pearl Ward, Cadre Ward and Halfsail Wharf to discuss the matter with the latter Magistrate. Conversely, claiming - falsely - that he owned a property within the noble district, Dane instead set forth into the Pearls seeking an empty property, disguised by means of the spell *Disguise Self* to look akin to the Order of the Oyster patrolmen stationed throughout the region. Unfortunately, owing to the ongoing festival, he found that the majority of the residents were actively occupied, with much of the Rydooni quarter filled by the presence of one of the Archons and her extended retinue. During these efforts Dane was stopped by the merchant Jiro Stask, who quickly fell for the eladrin's disguise and ongoing deception, offering to loan out the manse he was staying in for a proposed sting operation against a suspected riot orchestrated by the Sect of Renewal in response to the lacklustre response from the realms to respond to their outcries and concerns of coming destruction.

Winning Jiro's trust, and creating a false plan to bait the dissidents of the Sect into the house - otherwise empty save a house keeper, Jiro's Shield Guardian and several *Unseen Servants*, Dane, using the improvised false name Dane Everdark, excused himself at the behest of the voice once more, placing the artifact *"somewhere out of sight within the manor"* in one of the cabinets of the manse's sixth bathroom. After a sparing bout with Jiro at the latter's behest, the pair departed for the festivities, where Dane ditched his arcane disguise to perform in the festivities.

Meanwhile, the other members of the adventuring party had parleyed with the Magistrate Deston Cloudfang and agreed to take over performing duties at the grand imported Azure Cocobolo Candletrunk erected within the Pearl Ward later that evening, bartering a night of performances as musicians, actors, poets and dancers in exchange for their boarding until such a time that reconstructions in the Halfsail Wharf were completed. Through use of tactful use of magical embellishments, swathes of fabric purchased on the way and improvised into streamers and banners, the party recreated a romanticised version of the Fourth Battle for Viridell, featuring the Blue Dragon Irsecrinth's defeat to a brave band of defenders. The performance was a roaring success, winning the approval of much of the nobility - particularly amongst the Rydooni and Atral visitors - and securing accommodation for much of the displaced.

## The Attack

Approximately twelve hours after placement of the Node of Vicissim in the Howell Manse in Whittengrove, the adventuring party from Amber Run departed the city by means of the Great Conduit. Shortly after they crossed the gulf of the Lotus Run, bound for the Atral capital of Chalimar, a sudden detonation consumed much of the northern stretch of the Pearl Ward, centred around the Howell Manse.

Witnessing the sundering destruction from afar, the only proceeding warning was that of a subsonic thrum, and a faint twinging pain at the temples, before a perfectly spherical mote of energy erupted through the towers, manses, gardens and other places of residence, business and leisure. Outwardly appearing like that of a violent storm of thunder and lightning condensed and concentrated into a 1000 foot radius orb, the force of the subsequent implosion destroyed all contained within it, shattering soil, stone, brick and bone alike.

Fearing further attacks, or worried of the structural integrity of the Great Conduit - connected as it was to the southern edge of the Pearl Ward - the Galerider Rail accelerated away, leaving the party able to do naught but watch.

### Casualties

Statements made by the Proviciar Kalgast Brandywood on behalf of the Lotus Council placed the initial estimates of casualties to be close to the region of eighteen-hundred individuals, although exact numbers would be impossible to confirm given the all-consuming destructive nature of the resulting implosion. With most of the remains - inorganic and organic alike - reduced to dust and ash, recovery and identification was all but impossible.

Two factors influenced the number of casualties dealt. The detonation in the Pearl Ward undoubtedly reduced the overall numbers, given the large gardens, orchards and fountains surrounding many of the manses when compared to the densely-packed regions elsewhere in the city. However, due to the proximity to the festival of Auburn Dusk, and recent efforts to rehouse refugees into the manor houses, buildings that may have been otherwise empty at another time in the year were instead heavily inhabited. An unfortunate additional set of casualties came in the form of a Greatwyrm Aership from Aviacrest, which had docked at the Aerodrome at the edge of the Pearl Ward earlier that morning. The pull of the storm drew the Aership into the swirling winds, tearing the flying vessel apart as the crew unloaded its cargo hold.

More fortunately however, the inward pull of the detonation resulted in relatively little spread of resulting debris and shrapnel, thus reducing the quantity of deaths caused by secondary or tertiary injuries. Nonetheless, numerous injuries were suffered by those beyond the radius of the detonation, numbering at least five times the estimated fatalities. Amongst these was the Magistrate Deston Cloudfang, who suffered extensive wounds to his face and upper torso when he raced towards the manor of his betrothed, Sigrith Skelland.

#### Notable Casualties

* Aesophus, Senior Lecturer at the School of Vika of the Academy of Rydoon *(and retinue)*
* Cwenhild Skelland, property magnate *(and household)*
* Hugo Fullerban, Retired Brigadier of the Silvertowers *(and retinue)*
* Iolita qu Harmonia, Archon of Pylodes *(and retinue)*
* Jiro Stask, Husband to Fiona Howell
* Mismeia Ailwi, Majordomo of the Howell Manse
* Yanat Haydar, Captain of the Greatwyrm Aership *Adrak (and all but one crew member)*

1 Sizeable portion of these were refugees from Halfsail Wharf

## Responses

Though claims of proof of coming end times were quickly raised by many amongst the masses, there was prompt outcry and denouncement of what was quickly considered by many, particularly amongst the nobility, to be a targeted attack. A number of investigations quickly started, both locally and more widespread, as well as outpours of relief offered from across the continent.

### Immediate Reactions & Subsequent Short-Term Responses

#### The Academy of Erudition

The Exegates of the Academy of Erudition provided vast quantities of Iviniuum to aid in the rebuilding efforts, the substrate shared amongst spellcasters of the Academy, Crimson College and Tethered Harness to transmute soil and stone, as well as help in reconstruction. In addition, operatives from the Ministry of the Preternatural were stationed throughout the damaged region, examining the destruction as part of the ongoing investigations.

#### The Aethelwald

The Aethelwald provided vast quantities of raw resources to the city of Whittengrove, relaxing previously tight quotas on the harvesting of lumber from the forests of Candlegrove and the Weald's Wake. As well as providing crates of healing herbs, rumours shortly after started to circulate that messengers had been sent into the Feywild to contact the various Courts of the Archfey on the prowl for information about the culprits of such destruction and devastation.

#### Atralran Refounded

An immediate statement was made by Gilbert IX Goldlor denouncing the attacks on a civilian population during a time of religious festivity, and mobilised large numbers of archmages, spellslingers and acolytes from the Crimson College to aid in the reconstruction efforts, alongside those associated with the Academy of Erudition and the Tethered Harness.

#### Aviacrest

The loss of one of two Greatwyrm Aerships dealt a significant blow to scope of Aviacrest's aerial presence, prompting the Aethnarch to immediately discontinue all Aerodromes across the continent and recall the remaining fleet back to the floating city.

#### Curious Couatls Caravans

Working alongside the Matron House and the Plum Blossom, Curious Couatls Caravans was responsible for a swift response of relief, providing packages of basic necessities free of charge to those displaced by the damage, as well as offering use of its caravans to aid in the removal of rubble and debris.

#### The Duumvirate

The Adamathane Akrukam Broodpeak and Moonstode Umrae Jalzazhuss donated the services of its numerous masons and blacksmiths to help in the recovery and reconstruction effort, as well as starting investigations into individuals passing through the city - on the chance that the culprits sought to flee across the Ironfangs.

#### The Galeriders

The Galeriders ceased services between Chalimar and Whittengrove, citing concerns regarding the integrity of the Great Conduit on this stretch. In addition, the guild agreed to waive the fee of any individual wishing to send send supplies to the city.

#### The Hollow Concord

Perhaps greatest amongst the outcries and denouncements came from the Hollow Concord, who suffered disproportionately in the attacks due to the vicinity of several manses owned by Rydooni nobility and merchants. Amongst the slain was the Archon of Pylodes, Iolita qu Harmonia, as well as a number of the Virtued Caste that served as her retinue.

#### Howell Holdings

Howell Holdings immediately opened a private investigation into the incident, at the order of the Lord of the Howell Town and orchestrated by his daughter Fiona Howell and the Avneclave. Meanwhile, Howell Holdings started to offer many requisite materials - such as high-quality stone and metal lifted at Ironbreach to the Lotus Council for nominal fees. Offers to send contingencies of White Coats to help maintain order were ultimately declined by the Lotus Council however, so instead individuals were sent in a civilian capacity to aid in the clearance of debris on a volunteer basis.

#### The Lotus Council

The Lotus Council ordered an immediate lockdown of the city, barring gates, waterways and other routes of transport in and out of the city in immediate response, hoping to prevent the mass exodus of the populace that would allow the would-be culprits to depart the city undetected. Woodry Bridge was likewise closed to outgoing traffic by both road and river. After a time however, this was instead replaced by rigorous examination and scrutiny at entry and exit points, ultimately facilitating the throughflow of the populace once more.

Ordering the evacuation of many of the places of business and residence around the damaged stretch of the city, refuge centres were set up across the western stretches of the city in the Allsoul Abode and Farmhand's Ward, while the Pearl Ward was cordoned off to all but authorised individuals. The entire scope of the Rosehelms and the Order of the Oysters were mobilised to keep peace within the city, as well as providing manual labour to aid in the clearance of rubble.

#### The Matron House

Aided via logistical aid from Curious Couatls Caravans, the Matron House proved instrumental in the provision of aid to the wounded, as well as support for the traumatised, bereaved or otherwise afflicted. Donations of supplies came from a number of sources from across the continent to aid them in the efforts.

#### The Plum Blossom

Acting as both labourers to clear debris, as search and rescue teams in the neighbours surrounding the blast and assistance for the Matron House clerics, priests and other healers, the Plum Blossom ceased their teachings for an extended stretch of time, sending all of their members to the city to aid in the relief efforts. First and foremost however, members of the Plum Blossom opened a number of soup kitchens to feed the displaced.

#### The Radiant Triumvirate

As well as providing vessels to the members of the Plum Blossom to sail west, the Radiant Triumvirate donated a significant wealth of lumber and medicinal herbs, as well as supplies of local produce - most notable amongst them large quantities of Alicorn Honey for use on the traumatic injuries afflicted to the populace.

#### The Sect of Renewal

Members from across the various subsects of the Sect of Renewal raised their voices to decry the senseless violence and destruction, while simultaneously denying the responsibility thrown their way as a result of a few members starting to proclaim that the devastation was but a fraction of what was come with the drawing close of the cycle's end. Sermons from the latter were quick to garner anger and ire, and so Ministers were subsequently forced to made a series of declarations denouncing the attack itself, and the violence directed towards the Sect's members afterwards, remarking that only the almighty had the right to rend the land to naught as to rebuild anew.

#### The Tethered Harness

Organised locally by the wizard Elcan Astron, the response of the Tethered Harness aligned with that their counterparts in the Academy of Erudition and the Crimson College of Redbloom, collectively proving instrumental in the rapid reconstruction of the region with the arcane.

## Aftermath

The long-term aftermath of the Attack on the Pearl Ward is yet to be seen.