April Uprising

The April Uprising was an attempted insurrection that took place in April of 2022. The conspiracy involved plots in three separate core cities, and culminated in an attempt by Bruhmethius’ governor Shathenaten to establish himself as a God-King and rebel against the Empire of Kufmal.

### BACKGROUND

The city of Bruhmethius had seen moderate growth before 2022. However, the feeling among much of the populace was that Bruhmethius was being sidelined in the imperial power structure compared to other cities such as Uxban, Carhio and Fort Jennings. This narrative was stoked by various candidates for the city’s governorship.

### TIMELINE

#### City Growth and Illotep

The city's fate took a new trajectory in February of 2022, when the city received a new governor named Shathenaten. The governor had one goal in mind: to bring glory to himself and his city. The first part of this plan was to transform Bruhmethius into an Imperial Core City. This was put in motion with a massive construction plan, funded by heavy tax reform. The increase in local taxes was justified by extravagant projects to bring pride and opportunity to the city's residents.

This plan involved a rate of design and construction on an unprecedented scale. These projects included monumental city gates, hotels, a palace, a new university, obelisks, and other monuments. However, his rate of construction and design could not be handled by the fledgling Kappa engineering students of the newly founded Bruhmethius University alone.

Even with the rapid pace of development, Shathenaten was not pleased with the pace. He then hatched a plan to abduct the best architect in the empire, Master Architect Illotep, using the justification that he was born in Bruhmethius and thus should stop making projects for other cities. This plot was carried out when he sent his agent Hunter Hardy (under the alias Agent H) to kidnap the architect from the construction site at the Imperial Summer Palace in Uxban. This was carried out in mid-March of 2022. The Bunbunmaru Kufmal Gazette reported on this, but was oblivious to the true cause. Shathenaten kept the architect locked up in secret, forcing him to design various large building projects for the city.

#### Growing Suspicion

Shathenaten's next step was sending Agent H to case out Kufmal City's Temple of the Yellow Sun for inspiration on decorating a pyramid of his own. However, Hunter accidentally found the hiding place of the avatar of a sun god called the Yatagarasu, who was being kept a secret by one of the temple's priests. This information caused another plan to form, and the governor decided that if he could harness the power of a sun god, he could become a king, or even a god himself. He ordered a secret containment chamber be installed in his in-progress pyramid design.

Soon enough the Pyramid of Shathenaten was completed, which at the time was described by the Gazette as "a place of worship, as well as serving several other governmental roles" and "shows the dedication and glory of its governor". However, some failures of hiding construction of the containment chamber on the top floor led the Gazette's head Tengu reporter, Aya Shameimaru, to grow suspicious. Shathenaten, realizing the architect had a watermark made of calcite in his construction style that was in every building he built, sent Agent H to burn down the house of Illotep in Uxban to hide evidence of this link. He could not remove these watermarks due to the act of doing so drawing even more suspicion.

The agent succeeded in burning down the house, but some documents survived, and the information was found by a private investigation led by Aya and her business partner, the businessman Fren Banklin. An assassination of the crow Tengu was attempted by Hardy, but failed. This prompted the team to investigate further, obtaining enough proof to present to the Emperor.

#### The Insurrection

Shathenaten decided to move up his timeline, having his agent kidnap the somewhat dim-witted Yatagarasu and locking her up inside the pyramid on the night of 4/6/2022. That same night, he announced that Bruhmethius was separating into its own kingdom, with himself as its new God-King. He revealed that his prison for the Yatagarasu could harvest her power and create a solar weapon no one could counter. This did not deter the Emperor, as he rallied the Kufmalian Army under general Roy Bateas and the Kufmalian Navy under admiral Aquarius to sail out from Kufmal City.

Despite Shathenaten's hasty construction of defenses around the city and mass conscription, the Imperial forces conducted a naval invasion on the ninth of April. Once a beachhead was established, most of Shathenaten's forces defected to the imperial side, with the rest retreating to the Pyramid of Shathenaten. A quick siege led to an assault the next morning, with imperial forces breaching the wall and storming the lower levels and rescuing Master Architect Illotep from a dungeon below the pyramid. However, when the army made it to the entrance of the containment chamber, a mechanism in the roof focused the Yatagarasu's power into beams that blasted holes in the side of the pyramid, vaporizing anyone caught in their path. With quick thinking, a charge led by the Emperor himself gave him room to fire enchanted arrows at the cage's mechanisms. This freed the Yatagarasu, which turned out to be a Hell Raven named Utsuho Reiuji. Upon breaking free, she turned her powers against the remaining rebel forces and turned the tide. Shathenaten himself fled in the confusion using some unknown magical assistance, and all remaining resistance surrendered.

#### Aftermath

The city received imperial funding for its recovery. A series of trials also led to the execution of Hunter Hardy for treason, as well as the other former rebels being sentenced to labor to rebuild the damage to the city. Shathenaten's pyramid would not be repaired, as a way to remind the city of his destroyed legacy. A new governor was appointed in his stead, the former labor commissioner named Yamesus. His first act was to dedicate the April Uprising Monument on 4/25/2022 to honor Aya and her associates for their work uncovering the conspiracy.

### IMPACT

Since then, the city has made an effort to rebrand itself as a center for education and progress, while not trying to erase the past. The Obelisk of Progress, erected by Shathenaten, was not torn down, but instead complemented by the new Obelisk of Redemption. The University of Bruhmethius, first founded by the former governor, was expanded. Streets were named after the two investigators that uncovered the plot, Shameimaru Street and Banklin Lane.

The citizens of Bruhmethius are very proud of their city's prestige, and tend to be more competitive and boastful than other cities. There are still some citizens that approved of Shathenaten's reign due to the massive growth of the city under his rule. There are even rumors of an underground movement that seeks independence for the city forming, even after the Shathenaten's fall.

### DOCUMENTS

The following letters and newspaper excerpts were archived by the Kufmal Museum curators in connection with the April Uprising:

#### Bunbunmaru Kufmal Gazette article covering Illotep's work on the Imperial Summer Palace

> BUNBUNMARU KUFMAL GAZETTE
>
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> 3/15/2022
>
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> Palatial Proportions!
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> A grand construction project is advancing north of the city of Uxban! The emperor has ordered a new palace built to meet the needs of the administration.
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> The palace currently under construction will offer nearly thirty times more space as the cramped palace in the capital. Included in the construction
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> is a massive ballroom that could fit the old palace building inside of it!
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> The construction is under the plans of the master architect Illotep, the mind behind the Dagler hotel.
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> We at the Bunbunmaru can't wait to receive imperial press releases from the new palace!
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>
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> -Aya Shameimaru reporting
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>

#### Letter concerning Illotep's Calcite Watermark:

> Momoyosa Mines LTD.,
>
>
> Your representative asked why I needed to order one stack of calcite. If you must know, my status as an architect is beginning to proceed me. I am establishing an architectural “watermark” of sorts to ensure no one in the future attempts to claim my work as someone else’s. As such, each of my major projects will have a calcite shape, three blocks wide with another block above it in the center to form an upside-down T shape, set into the floor. That is why I need that much calcite. The mineral is rare enough to be a pain for an impostor to duplicate. I need it fast for the imperial palace that’s under construction, so don’t keep me waiting.
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> Sincerely,
>
>
> -Master Architect Illotep
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>
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> 3/15/2022
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>

#### Letter from Hardy baiting Illotep

> Master Architect Illotep,
>
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> I am an agent for a client that wishes to hire ya services. I know you’re working on that imperial palace up in Uxban, but I assure ya he can provide enough incentive to make your journey worthwhile. He heard something about ya shoppin around for a bit of that calcite stuff, and he happens to have some good connections. If you wanna hear my client’s proposal, meet me underneath the junction near the Kufmal nether highway portal tonight at 11 sharp.
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> Your future business partner,
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> -H
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> 3/17/2022
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>

#### Bunbunmaru article covering the disappearance of Illotep

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> BUNBUNMARU KUFMAL GAZETTE
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> 3/18/2022
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> Palace in Turmoil?
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> The construction of the new imperial palace in Uxban continues, but without its mastermind! We are sad to report that the Master Architect Illotep has been missing since last night! The construction crew has stated that the project will continue since his plans are still secure, however the Emperor has ordered an empire-wide search if he is not found by tonight. If you ask this Tengu’s opinion, he probably drank himself to sleep in a bar somewhere and will turn up any minute. We will provide updates when he is found.
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>
>
> -Aya Shameimaru reporting
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>

#### Bunbunmaru article covering the Bruhmethius building boom

> BUNBUNMARU KUFMAL GAZETTE
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> 3/21/2022
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> Building Boom in Bruhethius!
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> A recent building plan is being enacted in the city of Bruhmethius. Some of the projects in this plan include a lighthouse, a seaside hotel, large city gates, an obelisk and a Governor’s Palace. There are even talks of a pyramid!
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> The goal of this project is to bring Bruhmethius up to the imperial splendor of other core cities close to the capital.
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> The city’s governor, Shathenaten, told us in an exclusive interview that he has no plans of slowing down this expansion.
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> -Aya Shameimaru reporting
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>

#### Letter from Hardy to Shathenaten discovering the Yatagarasu

> My Lord,
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> I followed up on our little visit to Kufmal’s sun temple this morning. Those crumbs and trapdoors near the roof comb hid a lot more than they led on to. I nearly got busted trying to sneak a peek, but what I saw I don’t even want to mention here just in case. I’ll tell ya when I get back. Just know that this plan of yours could be taken to the next level with what I know.
>
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> Your humble servant,
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> -Agent H
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> 3/25/2022
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>

#### Letter from Aya to Fren Banklin starting the investigation

> Fren,
>
>
> You know that press event I was invited to in Bruhmethius? Well that pyramid that their governor’s building is a massive ego project. But it gets worse, so much worse. I managed to sneak away from the tour group for a few moments, near the basement. I have no clue why they are building a dungeon in a temple, but I think something’s being hidden there, one of the walls looks different. I heard faint noises too. But what’s even more concerning is that they refused to take us above the main chamber. I saw something else, though. That dungeon is complete, but there’s a lot more iron bars being brought in, on top of strange equipment that would not go in a temple. I think I was being watched, too. I got us a room at the Cyan Palace, but keep an eye out. I’m going to run my “oblivious” report for the Bunbunmaru paper before I get back, so I’ll meet you there.
>
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> Stay safe,
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> -Aya
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> 3/27/2022
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>

#### Bunbunmaru article covering the Pyramid of Shathenaten

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> BUNBUNMARU KUFMAL GAZETTE
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> 3/28/2022
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> Pyramid of Glory!
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> The building boom in Bruhmethius shows zero signs of stopping, as all efforts have gone to the rapid construction of the pyramid of governor Shathenaten. It is to be a place of worship, as well as serving several other governmental roles. The architecture is nothing but splendorous and shows the dedication and glory of its governor. He personally said to me that the pyramid encapsulates his legendary power more than I could know. I wonder what he meant by that?
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>
>
> -Aya Shameimaru reporting
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>

#### Banklin's response about Illotep in Uxban

> Aya,
>
>
> I understand your concern now. However, I believe we should start collecting some evidence now if we ever hope to present a case. If the master architect Illotep went missing, perhaps he left some clues? I’ve done some digging while you’ve been about, and I believe he used to reside in Uxban. It would be prudent to search there should anyone try to cover their tracks.
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> Your friend,
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> -Fren
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> 3/29/2022
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#### Letter from Shathenaten ordering Illotep's house burned

> Agent H,
>
>
> Your assistance thus far has been appreciated. However, there is work to do. That crow tengu seemed too suspicious, and I don’t want her sticking her beak into somewhere it doesn’t belong. I want you to head to the architect’s place and “decommission” anything that may prove detrimental to our progress. If anyone gets too close to our business efforts, find a way to “dissuade” them.
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> Swift progress to you,
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> -Your Lord
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> 3/31/3022
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>

#### Letter From Banklin to Aya responding to the fire

> Aya,
>
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> I have done some scouting around while you found a hotel, and there is bad news. The architect’s house has just been burned down! I can’t get close due to the fire brigade still being there, but maybe you can convince them since you’re a member of the press. Perhaps you can find something there the flames did not touch.
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> Best of luck,
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> -Fren
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> 4/2/2022
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>

#### Letter from Hardy reporting on his failed assasination attempt

> My Lord,
>
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> I hate to inform you that there have been some complications. I took care of the architect’s place like ya said, but later I saw that crow tengu sneakin around. I tried to take care of her for good, but the rascal flew away before I could finish her off. She didn’t see my face, but she knows somethin’s up. Not sure how much she learned, but I’d keep things on the down low. I will face any punishments you seek on me, your grace. I’ll be back at the base by tomorrow.
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> Your humble servant,
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> -Agent H
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> 4/3/2022
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>

#### Letter from Aya to Momiji Inubashiri about lying low

> Momiji,
>
>
> Things have gotten very dangerous. Mr. Banklin and I are lying low after an attempt on my life by a hooded figure last night. This has convinced me that the work we are doing is of the highest importance. I now ask you and Hatate to manage the paper while we are in the field. My integrity as a reporter hangs in the balance of this conspiracy. I need Hatate to continue reporting in my stead for now. Sorry for the lack of notice.
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> Your worried boss,
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> -Aya Shameimaru
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>
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> 4/3/2022
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>

#### Letter from the Emperor setting high alert

> Chief Captain of the Guard,
>
>
> The private audience we had with the reporter tengu today brings much concern. You heard her claims as well as I did. However, I have decided to hold off on direct action for now. The court would need significant justification to approve of any action, even retrospectively. I have tasked Ms. Shameimaru with continuing her investigation with imperial assistance. Unless more evidence is brought against this governor, all she can say is that he’s a bit egotistical. For an accusation this serious, an architect’s calcite watermark just won’t cut it, there’s just too many other explanations.
>
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> However, I implore you to be ready with an elite rapid response force in case this escalates. I am prepared to intervene personally if this conspiracy proves true. The guard branch in Bruhmethius could possibly be involved for the worse.
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> Best of luck,
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> -The Emperor
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>
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> 4/5/2022
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>

#### Letter from the Emperor assembling the task force

> Aquarius,
>
>
> I hate to call upon you on such short notice, but the situation has called for the utmost caution. You are the one I trust the most for this matter, and I want you by my side for this. I know you’ve mentioned wanting a break from being a museum ship eventually, and I guess this is your chance, hmm? Now, I ask you to mobilize yourself and five other triremes, and load them with marines and supplies. I have asked the Chief Captain of the Guard to assemble the elite Ivory Vines squad for you to embark yourself. I will join you and lead them ashore personally. Before sunrise, we will sail for Bruhmethius. Expect resistance, I believe we have an insurrection on our hands.
>
>
> We will also have the news tengu Aya on board, if you can ignore her squawking. She’s been investigating this on my behalf
>
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> Godspeed,
>
>
> -The Emperor
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>
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> 4/8/2022
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>

#### Bunbunmaru Kufmal Gazette article reporting the Yatagarasu's kidnapping

> BUNBUNMARU KUFMAL GAZETTE
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> 4/7/2022
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> Panic at the Yellow Temple!
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> Last night, there was a massive arcing of light across the horizon as there are reports of something supernatural being stolen from the temple! I tried to ask for more information, but the two priests were in a heated argument outside the damaged pyramid, and were not very helpful.
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> Eyewitness reports claim the strange lights came from a trireme that made haste southwest away from the city. The head of the navy, Aquarius, has been seen closing down the ship museum and loading supplies, likely in preparation for a mobilization. The rest of the fleet is also being mobilized. We will provide updates as the situation develops.
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>
>
> -Hatate Himekaidou reporting
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>

#### Bunbunmaru article covering the landing at Bruhmethius

> BUNBUNMARU KUFMAL GAZETTE
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> 4/9/2022
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>
> Insurrection in Bruhmethius!
>
>
> A naval invasion of Bruhmethius is underway! After the city’s governor refused an emergency meeting with the emperor, a warrant was sent for his arrest! A fleet of six imperial triremes led by the former museum ship Aquarius sailed towards the harbor, but was engaged by three vessels flying the flag of the city! Before my own eyes, I saw the city rise in revolt against Kufmal’s will, led by the accused governor Shathenaten. I kept a bird's eye view running the enemy’s positions to the emperor as marines battled with the enemy’s vanguard in the streets. I even felt a few arrows graze my wings!
>
>
> There is good news though, as our forces have regained most of the city. Shathenaten and his insurgents are pushed back to the pyramid he has recently constructed, which is currently being besieged with the help of the army forces of General Bateas from Fort Roughs. Extreme caution is being taken, as one of the priests of the Sun Temple who joined the siege has warned that the governor may be utilizing the power of a godlike being which was kidnapped from the temple early last night, called the Yatagarasu.
>
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> Our staff are rushing as fast as we can to give you updates as soon as information comes forward.
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>
>
> -Aya Shameimaru reporting
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>

#### Bunbunmaru article covering the siege of the pyramid

> BUNBUNMARU KUFMAL GAZETTE
>
>
> 4/10/2022
>
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> Victory for the Empire!
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> This is an extra long edition of the paper for you today. My wings are shaking with the aftermath of what has happened today as I write.
>
>
> The dawn of this morning was broken with a hole blown into the side of the pyramid, with several squads of marines storming it alongside the barricaded main entrance. The Emperor led the charge on the breach, utilizing flaming enchanted weapons to sow discord among insurgent ranks in the cramped building. My assistant Hatate Himekaidou followed alongside the troops entering the building while I kept watch on the exterior from above. Hatate reported that as the temple was cleared out, a hidden room in the basement dungeon revealed the captured missing Master Architect Illotep, almost starved to death in isolation. The Emperor’s charge led them upstairs to a large chamber entrance up a flight of stairs, where they regrouped for a breach. Six members of the elite Ivory Vines marine squad stacked on the doorsteps. As soon as they opened the door, a beam of energy vaporized them instantly. Taken aback, the Emperor yelled for me to open up an entrance on the side of the chamber as a distraction to avoid a futile frontal assault.
>
>
> There I was, lugging a stack of explosives to the wall of the pyramid, soldiers stacking up on me as I lit the fuse and flew off. At that moment, hell broke loose. A hole was blasted in the wall, another one of those beams emanating from the temple interior. A two pronged assault began, and Hatate and I could not believe our eyes at what we saw. This chamber held a massive vat of lava, inside a prison of iron bars. Strange equipment on either side of this birdcage appeared to be siphoning energy from its captor, whom I assumed to be a crow tengu like myself, but I was mistaken. Suspended from the cell roof was a hell raven, a species I had only thought to be a legend. But this was no ordinary corvid, she was the Yatagarasu the priest warned of. The energy being siphoned from her unconscious form was being channeled into what I can only describe as an artificial sun, firing off deadly beams. At the controls was none other than the corrupt governor Shathenaten himself, surrounded by his most elite guards. The battle was fierce, and I had to use all my unmatched speed to avoid the deadly blasts and direct them away from our soldiers.
>
>
> Recently, I asked the Emperor what was going through his head during the assault, and he told me this: “I could have shot an arrow straight at that rotten excuse for a governor’s face. However, the look of pain on that caged goddess’s face, and the destruction it wrought, made it clear what I had to do.” The Emperor’s flaming arrow flew straight toward one of the two pillars that were draining the hell raven’s power. It hit the crystal apparatus on point, exploding one of the pillars and shutting off the whole mechanism. The look on Shathenaten’s face was unforgettable as the caged bird opened her eyes and turned, and what could only describe as a long barrel appeared on her right arm. She pointed it at the bars in front of her, and blasted a beam of her own that melted the bars to molten iron. The bright red eye on her shirt glowed with power as she swooped through the gap. She looked me in the eyes for a moment as she flapped her wings and scanned the chamber, the maelstrom of battle continuing below the two of us. Her gaze stopped as she fixated on the governor, a look of rage filling the girl’s face. She raised the barrel attached to her arm, and charged up a blast that vaporized the guardsmen protecting the traitor as he jumped out of the way, his last troops held the line as the coward scampered out of the fresh hole in the wall, the Emperor and his cohorts cutting down those who refused to surrender. And like that, it was over. I am sad to report that soldiers on the perimeter saw the governor throw something at the ground, and quite literally disappear in a puff of smoke, likely a dark magic we have yet to hear of. While a search was put into action, those of us who survived the assault took a moment to rest. The surrendered insurgents were marched to the old pyramid’s dungeon while we regrouped outside. It was there where I saw the hell raven again, seeming dazed and confused. That was until she noticed a face in the crowd, and flew down to tackle the Sun Temple priest Ukuntu in a hug. I will make a follow up interview going more into this, but apparently this girl is the hidden god of the temple itself, who was a secret to all but the priest until she was kidnapped by one of Shathenaten’s agents following his visit to the temple a fortnight ago.
>
>
> In the meantime, the ruins of Shathenaten’s pyramid have been condemned as unholy, after inscriptions on the walls proclaimed the petty former governor as a god-king who would crush Kufmal with his light. As for the architect Illotep, he will be provided imperial housing as he is brought back to health.
>
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> The Emperor has a lot of cleaning up to do here, and my staff and I will follow the aftermath as we rebuild. Glory to Kufmal!
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>
>
> -Aya Shameimaru reporting
>
>

#### Bunbunmaru article interviewing the freed Yatagarasu

> BUNBUNMARU KUFMAL GAZETTE
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> 4/12/2022
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> Yatagarasu Interview!
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> It has been two days since the climactic battle in the pyramid of Shathenaten. In that time, those who fought in that battle have been recovering from their experience. There is one uplifting story from this battle that deserves more attention, the reuniting of two friends. Inside the KFP in Bruhmethius, I’ve sat down with the Kufmal sun temple Priest Ukuntu. Alongside him is his friend, the Yatagarasu herself. This hell raven goes by the name Utsuho Reiuji, and Ukuntu has kept her a secret for over a month now. I’m here to find out why.
>
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> [Aya]: How did you two first meet?
>
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> [Ukuntu]: Apparently, the light the temple produced had attracted her for a while. It was me accidentally leaving some dango out that got her to stay a while.
>
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> [Aya]: Oh really? Which restaurant was it?
>
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> [Utsuho]: I tried both, I ended up liking Ringo’s better.
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> [Aya]: Well that opinion certainly won't cause any controversy! Anyways, why did you keep her existence a secret?
>
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> [Ukuntu]: To be honest, it was nervousness. We never knew the Yatagarasu had a physical form, and I didn’t want the head priest to think I was pulling a trick. I guess that’s silly of me, but Okuu here didn’t seem to be the most presentable since she didn’t know anything about our culture-
>
>
> [Aya]: Okuu? Is that a nickname?
>
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> [Utsuho]: For me, yes! I liked the sound of it! I call him Uku as well.
>
>
> [Aya]: I see. Now, I am going to ask something a bit personal, is that okay, Utsuho? I want you to describe what happened to you the night of your kidnapping.
>
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> [Utsuho]: I can. I am not scared anymore… (She takes a deep breath). It began with a blast, some magical restraints stopping me from breaking out of the clutches of the men that barged in. It all happened fast, I remember a boat, a cart, and I blacked out. I awoke in that awful machine, held in place by chains and beams of light. Then that Shat guy came in, taunting me, ranting about how he would use me to wipe out everyone who stood against him. I called him a Shatstain, like the nickname Uku and I overheard visitors call him by during his visit last month. He got mad, and the next thing I know, it was the worst pain I had ever felt. Then, it was darkness, like a sleep I couldn’t wake from. Then, there was so much pain, dull explosions and sounds without sights to match them. So much pain… (Utsuho pauses for a moment as Ukuntu wipes her face). But then, I woke up. I felt the pain lifted, the restraints gone. I saw the fighting, and I broke free. I saw you up there, Aya, and I was glad that I had more birds of a feather to help. Then I saw that man, the one who hurt me. All the pain built up, and it was only instinct after that. Everything else was a blur until I burst free of those walls, and saw Uku again. I was just glad that there were people that wanted me to be safe. (Utsuho gives Ukuntu a bear-gripped hug).
>
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> [Ukuntu]: I felt bad for not going in there with the soldiers, but I am not built for combat. I warned the Emperor that Shathenaten would likely try to do something with Okuu. I guess it paid off. It’s too bad that he used her power to hurt so many people in the fighting.
>
>
> [Aya]: Well, at least it’s over. What remains to be known is what will you two plan to do now that your deity has a physical form?
>
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> [Ukuntu]: I just got a letter from the head priest saying he’ll accept anything Okuu needs, so I don’t see why she wouldn’t live in the temple now. No need for secrets, and she can be free to fly around and learn about our people. Eventually, you may even run the temple and manage worshippers!
>
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> [Aya]: How do you like the sound of that, Utsuho?
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> [Utsuho]: Me… talking to that many visitors? Ehhh… sounds difficult… (She is visibly nervous)
>
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> [Ukuntu]: We’ll make sure you can do it. You’re the Yatagarasu after all. Us priests are here to help. (Utsuho begins eating the food that’s been brought to the table by a KFP employee)
>
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> [Aya]: Well I’ll leave you all to your meal, you’ve earned it after all that’s happened!
>
>
> So, that concluded our interview with the Yatagarasu. We at the Bunbunmaru are excited to see how the reunited temple will develop!
>
>
>
> -Aya Shameimaru reporting
>
>

#### Bunbunmaru article detailing the aftermath

> BUNBUNMARU KUFMAL GAZETTE
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>
> 4/17/2022
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> The Fallout for Bruhmethius!
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>
> It has now been one week since the battle that enveloped the city of Bruhmethius. Much has happened in that time, especially in the imperial capital. I have just attended a press conference held by the Emperor, which gave a number of important announcements. The first of these is the punishment for the soldiers who fought alongside the corrupt former governor Shathenaten. These troops are sentenced to labor for one year, with the goal of rebuilding from the damage of the insurrection, as well as various new infrastructure projects. As for Shathenaten, he has been declared a fugitive, and anyone with knowledge on his whereabouts may be awarded compensation if it leads to him being brought to justice.
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> The second announcement is the appointment of the replacement governor for the city of Bruhmethius. The Emperor has announced that the new governor will be Yamesus, a Bruhmethius native who was the former Labor Commissioner. His new cabinet will focus on a rebuilding campaign, which will include a monument to the lives lost during the insurrection.
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> The next announcement is a grant being awarded to us here at the Bunbunmaru Kufmal Gazette, for our work investigating the disappearance of Illotep and unraveling the plot of Shathenaten. Receiving the award next to me was my trusted friend and business partner Fren Banklin, who assisted me in the complex investigation. I have decided to split the grant money with him, so he can improve his print shop. As for us, we will likely have enough funds to make our own proper headquarters!
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> The final announcement by the Emperor is a grant to the Sun Temple and its clergy, as a thanks for their efforts during the crisis. This includes the announcement of the Imperial Map Project, which will use the abundant space inside the base of the sun pyramid to display a growing map of the entire empire and its cities. The Yatagarasu was also personally given an award for her involvement in turning the tide of the battle.
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> As one pyramid rises, another falls. An extra announcement at the end of the conference confirms the rumor that the desert pyramid built by the disgraced former governor will be permanently condemned and left to the sands, as a fitting end for the legacy of the so-called “god-king”. If you ask me, I’d say that someone is going to start an unofficial tour company to the site within the month.
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>
>
> -Aya Shameimaru reporting
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>

#### Bunbunmaru article covering Hardy's trial

> BUNBUNMARU KUFMAL GAZETTE
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> 4/19/2022
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> The Hunter Now the Hunted!
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> I recently paid a visit to the Kufmal Municipal Prison, for a harrowing interview. Across from me, surrounded by two armed guards, is the man who went by “H”, the very man who tried to kill me during my investigation. He was the former governor Shathenaten’s right-hand man, who goes by the real name Hunter Hardy. I am here to ask him some questions now that he has a court date set up for high conspiracy and attempted murder charges.
>
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> [Aya]: What made you start working for Shathenaten?
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> [Hunter]: A good paycheck, that’s all. I had the skills he needed to get some jobs done.
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> [Aya]: Including kidnapping and murder?
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> [Hunter]: That’s right toots. The price on that beak of yours was too good to pass up. Nothin’ personal.
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> [Aya]: So I see. And you’re admitting to all of this so readily? Not even trying for a defense?
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> [Hunter]: This whole show is nothing but a kangaroo court, the court of public opinion would get me anyway. Oh well, at least my name’s gonna be remembered in that paper of yours.
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> [Aya]: Maybe so, but this whole plan you and Shat had fell apart. You’ll be seen as a failure.
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> [Hunter]: You of all people should know that any press is good press, toots. Plus, that Shat guy had it coming. He was insufferable to be around anyway, with that ego of his.
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> [Aya]: Well then, that’s one way of thinking. Is there anything else you want to say before I leave?
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> [Hunter]: I want my last meal to be a hearty rabbit stew, just like my ma used to make me. Maybe one of them moon rabbits like Seiran would have some good cuts of meat on her.
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> [Aya]: I don’t think youkai are on the menu, but good luck with that.
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> Hunter’s court date is scheduled for April 22nd. I will be attending, of course.
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>
>
> -Aya Shameimaru reporting
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>

#### Bunbunmaru article covering Hardy's execution

> BUNBUNMARU KUFMAL GAZETTE
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> 4/22/2022
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> Hunter to Hang!
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> The trial for the case of Hunter Hardy, the right-hand agent of Shathenaten’s plot, has been concluded. Chief Justice Eiki Shiki has heard the arguments, and a verdict has been brought down by the gavel. I was called as a witness, as well as several other individuals he had contact with during the conspiracy. And for the verdict, Hunter Hardy has been found guilty of Attempted Murder, two counts of Kidnapping, and High Conspiracy. His punishment is death by hanging, scheduled for the gallows outside the courthouse on April 29th.
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> Even though my life was nearly taken by this man, I don’t feel much about this trial. I understood his motives better after I interviewed him a few days ago, and I knew whatever punishment the Chief Justice gave him was likely the best.
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>
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> -Aya Shameimaru reporting
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>

#### Bunbunmaru Article coving the April Uprising Monument

> BUNBUNMARU KUFMAL GAZETTE
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> 4/25/2022
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> Remembering the Fallen!
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>
> This morning, the new governor of Bruhmethius, Yamesus, alongside a recovering Master Architect Illotep, unveiled a new monument in front of the governor’s palace. This is a monument to the recently concluded April Uprising, as it will be officially called. This marker is a dedication to those whose lives were lost in the fight against the disgraced former governor Shathenaten. I was invited to attend, alongside my good friend Mr. Fren Banklin. I would like to note that on the top of the monument rests four calcite blocks in a reverse T-shape. This was a reference to the clue we found that Illotep left on all of his projects, which led us to uncovering the plot.
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> During the ceremony, the two of us were both awarded with our names on two new streets in the city as thanks for our investigation and participation in the final siege. In addition, the Emperor has declared April 9th a national holiday in remembrance of the April Uprising.
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> We at the Bunbunmaru are humbled by the efforts taken by all the people of Bruhmethius to honor the weight of these events and move forward.
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>
>
> -Aya Shameimaru reporting
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>