Velwythe

Archive for the ‘FreePort Daily Beacon’ Category

Project ‘Deep Blue‘, for many months making headlines throughout Atla, drifted from media attention at the end of last Chohwey. No news regarding the project has been made since an engineer said the vessel will support up to ten people–until now. Three days ago the silence was broken, or rather the darkness was lifted from over the project. What is claimed to be the first ever capture of the ‘submarine’ was taken by a lone man from FreePort fifteen kilometers north of the city.

Bernard Williams was camping along the FreePort coastline one night when he was awoken by something in the bushes near his tent. After discovering it was only a raccoon he returned to the tent. But on his way back Williams noticed a strange light coming from a cove just north of his camping spot. After making the short trek through the bush and trees he noticed the strange lights floating in the cove.

Williams was unfamiliar with the Deep Blue project before taking capture and did not submit it to the Beacon as a first glimpse of Deep Blue, rather he immediately turned the image over to the FreePort law enforcement fearing the strange vessel to be something from the radicals in the archipelago.

By the next morning news had spreading quickly that there was an unknown object in the water near FreePort. Patrol boats were sent to investigate just before morning light but even then the waters were empty. Luckily, after viewing the capture, local authorities stated definitively that it was not an enemy ship. What they couldn’t answer however, was what exactly had been there.

If indeed the image is of Deep Blue it is clear that the vessel will be quite large and shaped unlike any other sea going craft known on Velwythe. But the strongest evidence suggests that what was captured was not Deep Blue. For something so secretive and important to be casually trolling the waters north of one of the busiest shipping areas in the world is absurd. Heaton Willstrom with the Deep Blue project was contacted regarding the capture and has yet to reply. Any further developments will be brought to you first from us here at the Beacon. And for those unfamiliar with Deep Blue or any of the other exploration vessels in the Destination Horizon project more information is available at the FreePort Magi University.

Calvin “The Vagrant” Mettle received his sentence today: Death. Mettle’s death will not be a quick execution by lethal injection or hanging as is common in the FreePort Province. Instead, he, and several others that have already been incarcerated will be used for a show in the Solstice Festival which begins at the end of Vos. While the arena is home to the CAF (Caged Arts Fighting) series, it occasionally provides a venue for blood matches where the combatants fight to the death, a tradition nearly 1000 years old. The Solstice festival has, for the past fifty or more years, offered those who are brave enough to watch, a spectacle unlike any other. Scheduled for the after-hours of the opening day, the blood matches will not be open to anyone under the age of 18. Calvin “The Vagrant” Mettle was captured near the logging city of Sayfend two weeks ago after a five year terror hold on the Valley. Mettle, during those years, often posed as a wanderer or homeless man and lured children and women to his hideout where he would at the very least, rob and beat them in the back alleys of FreePort city. Because FreePort is plagued by many homeless thieves, identifying the one responsible for the crimes was nearly impossible. While the exact number of people that fell victim to Mettle’s crimes is unknown, dozens of children and women have come forward since his arrest, all claiming to have been a victim of his during the past years. In fact, since he has been locked up at least 25 people have stepped forward to help ensure his death sentence. Other than the difficulty in finding Mettle, few people were willing to speak out about what had happened to them for fear of being hunted by the maniac. Everyone that has given a testimony of the events repeated the same frightening news, that Mettle swore he would take the lives of the victim’s family should they say anything about him. The city of FreePort has collectively breathed a sigh of relief now that Mettle is locked away. And ticket sales for the after-hours blood match which includes other public enemies are expected to rise by at least 50% from the past three years. For information on reserving a seat or for show times please contact any of the arena administrators in their offices on the south boulevard or at the arena itself.

20th of Desanna, 248EM

With only a few months until the Solstice Festival, preparations are already underway to make it the greatest event in FreePort’s history. Breaking his usual silence, Count Gerald Iseman’s press advisor gave this reply, speaking for the count, “I assure you all that this festival will be unlike any other in FreePort’s history. For such a special occasion, a special surprise is needed. The only thing more I can tell you is to make certain you are able to attend the opening ceremony.” Though we here at the FreePort Daily Beacon bring you the news first, rumors had already spread through the city that something special is being planned, long before the Count’s announcement. Speculation as to what the ‘surprise’ could be ranges from the absurd to the mundane. Some believe that it is the announcement of the completion of the road to and around the arena. Others think it might have something to do with the railline at the base of the Cliffs of Gent. What the count actually has waiting behind his back won’t be shown until closer to the festival. And you can be certain that the Beacon will be the first to bring you any developments and the latest updates as they happen.

1st of Desanna, 248EM

Managing Editor Sherry Wrothforth has finally stepped down from her work here at the FreePort Daily Beacon. After twenty six years with the organization she has been the primary force driving the Beacon forward and ensuring the Beacon’s reputation remained spotless. Wrothforth will be remembered by the staff and friends for her constant willingness to help, her ability to drive the staff to perfection and her always pleasant Demeanor. Wrothforth was the winner of several awards during her time here at the Beacon ranging from managerial commendations to the Truth Through Ink Award for journalism excellence. Most readers will remember Wrothforth for the two stories that won her the award on two separate occasions. Those reports, the assassination attempt on Count Iseman 15 years ago, and the riots in the Vos section of the city will always be a standard for the rest of the staff. The latter story was an integral part in finally ridding the city of FreePort of any hints of segregation. Taking over for Wrothforth is Michael Hefferson. Hefferson has been with the Beacon for several years now, and looks forward to the opportunity to run the organization. “It has been on the back of my mind since I joined the paper. I never thought it could happen, not until Sherry [Wrothforth] told me she was leaving and wanted me to take over. It’s just great.” Look for Hefferson’s critical and artistic touch in every aspect of the organization as well as his occasional work on the front page stories. 1st of Desanna, 248EM

For the latest Your Word the Beacon went out on the street to see what you have to say about the quickly approaching festival. With just under two months until what Count Iseman is calling “the greatest Solstice Festival in FreePort’s history”, excitement is growing throughout the city.

“I just can’t wait to see what the surprise is! That’s all I’ve been thinking about for so long, I just can’t wait any more.” Tanya, age 17, FreePort

“After the fireworks and performance from last year I don’t know what the count can do to top that—but I’m anxious to find out!” Oliver, age 36, Sayfend

“Forget the arena, I’m just here for the food.” Garrison, age 31, Alpine.

“I’m not just excited about the ‘surprise’ but the whole thing. Every year the entire festival just gets better and better. If the count is going to improve anything, he should start with the city itself. I’m all for partying all week, but somebody needs to clean up all that trash. By the end of the week I can hardly walk.” Sarah, age 23, Tru Dahn

“It is perhaps the greatest festival in the world. Given the choice, I’d be here all week instead of the AAAE.” Vaan, age 21, FreePort.

Almost everyone we interviewed was hardly able to contain their excitement. The only concerns we came across were all related to the trash problem. Count Iseman hasn’t mentioned anything about the problem, but we have heard rumor he is appointing a temporary group the responsibility to maintain the city. Regardless, we here at the Beacon encourage you to do your part in keeping FreePort clean.

3rd of Steyman, 248EM