Hello and welcome to the brand new Local News Station here at Coexisting Connections! My name is Lucius Scarletwound and I am here to bring you the news as often as necessary. Thanks for your continuous support! Today marks about three weeks since registrations for magics has begun and though Simul has been incredibly helpful in this endeavor, we want to remind everyone of what our goals are. Community:  Under this law, all Simul citizens will abide by a new curfew. This law only stands in city limits. Until the perpetrators of the crimes against Simul have been found and punished, the curfew will stand between the hours of 9 PM and 6 AM. All citizens must be inside between these hours. All businesses inside of city limits must adjust their hours accordingly. All businesses will be compensated by the Royal Fund with proper documentation of loss of revenue. All requests must be sent to Ferren Drebek, Royal Quarters, Eleutheria.  Safety: Until a new royal family can be assigned, Siphoning Mages have been increased in order to be disbursed throughout Simul. Every major city and landmark will now be equipped with roaming Siphoning Mages to patrol the area. This is for the safety of our people. Until the crime has been quelled, Siphoning Mages will make their homes among the people. If you would like to house a Mage, please contact the Royal Quarters in order to set a meeting and be qualified. Any and all who offer aid will be compensated for their time, room and board.  Trust: Any and all magical technology and persons (Non-Humans or Magical Humans) must register their abilities and capabilities. Alongside the Siphoning Mages, groups of Treasurers will accompany them in order to survey the populace. This may seem a bit invasive, but this is for the safety of all. Those who have taken lives and caused suffrage have yet to be brought to justice. Until that time, for the peace of mind of every soul, we must be open about who we all are. Any persons or items found to not be registered will immediately be confiscated and/or jailed until proper paperwork is obtained. From the date of this article, all persons/items must be registered within the next 7 days. Persons registered will have a card designated to them which must be on their person at all times for identification purposes. You can register at your local post office or main city entrances. There will be temporary offices designated for this purpose. Vigilance: This is not a new law, but more a warning for citizens. If you see something or someone magical, please use caution. Do not treat your fellow man any differently, however! That is not what we are doing here. We just want people to be safe and secure. This is why Identification Cards will be provided. If someone magical refuses to identify themselves, or have proper paperwork for magical items, please contact your local authorities. It may just be that they did not see the announcements. You will be doing them a favor! The faster we identify those with magic, the faster we can find and deal with the assailants on our land. Thank you so much to those who have already registered yourselves and your items. For those who still have not, the deadline may have passed, but we are still traveling the lands in order to make the transition much easier. As of this day, Sudbury is the only city that has no office in order to register. Unfortunately, communication between the Ferren Force and the local leaders of the magical city have broken down. We are still working on things, and until then, the city will be heavily guarded with the SM until we can come to an agreement that makes everyone's lives a little easier. As always, travel safe and stay amazing Simul. This is Lucius Scarletwound signing off.

Part One: How long had it been since he had actually felt the sun on his skin? Timothy had been out of his mind for too long and he knew it. She had distracted him. She had put him in a place hoping that he would continue to forget. Clever. But, her distractions had held her up long enough that his mind had ‘come back’ to him. It was time to pay. It was time to remind them. The sun had left its scar across the tree tops, casting elongated shadows reminiscent of the eldritch horrors that were about to be upon every soul Simul held. As dusk fell upon every home, Timothy added to the potion of night. It was nothing tangible at first; only the sound of wind through tattered robes. His leathered body made its way north west from Sudbury, aiming his hollow eyes at the distant capitol. Quietly, at first, his chapped lips parted to spill forth a spell he had been preparing for months.  ”Cadant. Guadeant.” “Mother.” The look upon Hilda’s eldest son, Lloyd’s face was more than just haunting. His eyes, wide with silent terror, pierced the dim candle light of her study. His tall frame quivered noticeably while his hands gripped the bottom hem of his royal green tunic that he had already dressed into for bed.  “What is it, my son?”  “I-I could not find father a-and…something is wrong.” He had to speak nothing more as the queen had already risen from her perch and hastily walked toward him. Her expression was a near perfect copy of his own while uncertainty pumped through her veins.  ”Pro animabus suis.” “He just-just fell down.” Mother and son stood in the archway that led to the younger of the brothers’ room. Herald, still in his day dress, lay on the crimson rug that kept his otherwise cold marble floor warm. His eyes, rounded, peered up toward them. No. ….he wasn’t looking at them. He was looking passed them, into the darkness of the hallway. And even as his mother fell to her knees and took his head into her lap and did what she could to bring him back to reality, his blank stare persisted. Lloyd could only stand there, staring back at the eyes he knew held nothing behind them.  Hilda screamed.  ”Non relinquam.” Thud. “What in the-” Alfred’s voice rang clear, if only to be cut off by the sight before him. His  dear wife holding their youngest son close to her chest while his eldest, the heir to the Fortescue Throne, lay mere inches away with the same, empty eyes, directed at him. By the time the king could muster enough thought to yell for help, something else happened. One of the last memories he would have.  Hilda’s crying had ceased. Her beautiful eyes, too, widened, as if she were frightened. Her lips trembled and quaked, aching to say something. Before she could, the sound of her head hitting the marble floor echoed back at her husband. The imaginary concussive force was enough to send Alfred staggering backward, reaching out for anything to hold himself up. All while he watched his family slowly melt onto the floor… ”Vocant nomen meum. Volunt pacem.: The scene itself was one that could cause even the most disciplined monk to falter on their feet. But the smell. Their flesh bubbled, blistered, burning from the inside and splitting open to make way for rivers of mushed muscle and liquified organs. It did not stop there. For, the moment there was nothing but puddles and bones, even they began to break down. Cracks riddled the surface of their skeletons before finally shattering, sprinkling into the pools that were once the king’s cherished family.  The castle rang with the sound of a howling that could only be described as agony in vibration.  ”Et hac nocte.” The frigid grip on Alfred’s shoulder was the only thing that had his incessant screaming pause. And if it were not for the sight of Timothy behind the non consented collision, perhaps the king would have had half a mind to continue his uncontrolled wailing. However, he would be joining the family he had just lost. If only he knew. If only anyone could have stopped it.  The Doctor leaned in, allowing his icy breath to wash over Alfred’s cheekbone.  ”Cessabunt.” Part Two: As reported on BREAKING NEWS: It is my displeasure to bring the most current news to Simul. As much as I would love to not have to relay this information, it is my duty to keep you all informed and as safe as I can. With that, I must weave together the details of last night’s horrors.  Before the sun began to descend, something else fell upon our great kingdom. From what we can gather, the first attack was in Korrig. Despite the docks already having taken a major hit, it appears the assailants decided they needed to come back to finish the job. Unfortunately, the structures are a complete loss. Even worse, it has been reported that more than 20 people are still missing while the casualties are nearing the same number and injuries have topped 33.  From what we can tell, the next attack was shortly thereafter in Timberholde. Every city entrance was reportedly blown apart and virtually sealing the city inside of itself. This also included grave damage to the newest addition, the train. The station and surrounding area have been destroyed beyond repair. Casualties have reached 67, more than 40 have been injured and another 17 are still missing.  Another attack mere hours after came in the form of another explosion. This one took out the entirety of the bridge from the mainland to Curet Insula. No fatalities have been reported, but it has only been a few hours since receiving the news and searches are still in effect.  I wish I could say that I have reported everything. I wish I could tell you great people that we can recover from this. I wish I had the magic words…something to give you all hope. Unfortunately, with this last piece of information I have to bear, I cannot fathom how we are to unite. At just past 8 last night, Eleutheria and our royal family was attacked. According to the guards and surviving staff, nothing was out of the ordinary until they heard Hilda scream and then what sounded like a man being tortured. This man is assumed to be King Alfred. Apparently, shortly after, a fire broke out, causing many of the people who also lived in the castle to flee with little to nothing to the second story of the city. Still, 13 are missing and feared dead. The royal family was never located, even after the fire was quelled.  There was but a note left at the scene. This note had a confession and confessions to more crimes that were, unfortunately, confirmed this morning. The entire Fortescue bloodline has been murdered. Sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandfathers and grandmothers… all of the bloodline has been taken from Simul in the most horrid of ways. I cannot even begin to write what information I have been given.  Simul…please. PLEASE be safe. I know we are now living in a very uncertain time. I have faith that we will be okay. Please, look after yourselves, your families, your neighbors and your cities.  This is Flynn, signing off.  Part Three: “How convenient.” The voice, as smooth as honey with a sting of whiskey, Ferren stepped forward, his arms outstretched toward the seated crowd. The room, only illuminated by candle light, held more shadows than souls. Upon his stage, the only thing separating him and his patrons was a large, ancient oak lectern. Atop, an open book. The leather case had obviously seen better days and the pages between looked to have been made of tissue paper. Sullen and sunken eyes peered out from the darkness, aching to see what their fearless leader had to say.  “It has come to my attention that Simul needs us. A lesson we have been trying to relay, yet, have been ignored. The time is now. We must offer our services to aid those in need. We must smile in the face of danger. We must provide comfort and care. We must protect those who cannot protect themselves.  “As we have known since the beginning of time, magic-” A resounding hiss echoed through the masses, disgust rolling from their tongues. “-has brought nothing but pain and agony. Those who are not pure and normal have kept us in the dark for too long. They keep us from living normal lives. Safe lives. They took our king from us!” The hiss had quickly turned into grunts and chants of agreement. A haunting melody of what was to come. Ferren’s arms fell, his palms landing on the book he treasured. A disgusting smile growing on his oddly proportioned face.  “We will make Simul ours again. We will make it safe. It is time for us to go to Eleutheria.” — It would take exactly 21 days to reach their destination. It was not a direct route by any means. Of course it wasn’t. They had to make sure that people knew them, that people would stand with them when the time came. The time would come, and the group of ten would stand in front of what was rebuilt of the royal family’s castle. Messages had already been received, which had allowed Ferren and his entourage to enter without question. For two days more, meetings were held and plans were made. It was indeed their time.  — “People of Simul!” Much like he had spoken his piece in front of his congregation, Ferren stood on the second story balcony of the castle. His entire form was easily seen by every set of eyes on the grounds. There had been posters and announcements made, telling of a man who had offered his ‘services’ in place of a royal family until Simul could heal. The news had promised this man had plans and safety. And that is exactly what he planned to do…to say.  “We have been through hell and back. We have survived. We will continue to thrive. We may have lost our leaders, but we still have one another. From this moment on, I promise to make sure no tragedy like the recent happens ever again.” Silence befell him. It may have appeared he was taking in the trust and admiration of the people…but in the depths of his mind, a singular cog was churning. Oh, how these people trusted him.  “There will be changes to our kingdom. There will be safety.”  Part Four: As reported on BREAKING NEWS: Dear Simul, This will be my last article until further notice. Do not fret friends! The news will make it to you, I promise! Before I hand Simul Quarterly to our newest host, Lucius Scarletwound, I would like to take this opportunity to deliver not only an amazing update for the citizens of Simul, but I would love to formally introduce you to our newest writer.  Lucius Scarletwound of Timberholde is a born and raised citizen who has loved our land as much as anyone. Not only is he a very talented writer, but he also has many friends in many places. I trust that Lucius will uphold the truth and safety of the people!  Now, back to what you all have been waiting so anxiously for: What is new in Simul? Since the coronation of our new leader, Ferren, our kingdom has undergone some very large changes. Much as the Pastor promised, he has begun to implement many new rules and laws in order to rebuild and keep you all safe. Now, I understand that some of these changes and promises have caused a bit of a stir when it comes to our magical community, but I must iterate; this is for the best. Considering the hell we the people have had to endure these last few months, it is necessary that we come together and make one another feel safe. Ferren has promised more than just safety. He has promised order and community. I, for one, may be one of the magical that must adjust how I live, but if it makes Simul rest easier, then I am willing to do such.  Compiled below are the news laws that will mark a new age in Simul’s history.  Community:  Under this law, all Simul citizens will abide by a new curfew. This law only stands in city limits. Until the perpetrators of the crimes against Simul have been found and punished, the curfew will stand between the hours of 9 PM and 6 AM. All citizens must be inside between these hours. All businesses inside of city limits must adjust their hours accordingly. All businesses will be compensated by the Royal Fund with proper documentation of loss of revenue. All requests must be sent to Ferren Drebek, Royal Quarters, Eleutheria.  Safety: Until a new royal family can be assigned, Siphoning Mages have been increased in order to be disbursed throughout Simul. Every major city and landmark will now be equipped with roaming Siphoning Mages to patrol the area. This is for the safety of our people. Until the crime has been quelled, Siphoning Mages will make their homes among the people. If you would like to house a Mage, please contact the Royal Quarters in order to set a meeting and be qualified. Any and all who offer aid will be compensated for their time, room and board.  Trust: Any and all magical technology and persons (Non-Humans or Magical Humans) must register their abilities and capabilities. Alongside the Siphoning Mages, groups of Treasurers will accompany them in order to survey the populace. This may seem a bit invasive, but this is for the safety of all. Those who have taken lives and caused suffrage have yet to be brought to justice. Until that time, for the peace of mind of every soul, we must be open about who we all are. Any persons or items found to not be registered will immediately be confiscated and/or jailed until proper paperwork is obtained. From the date of this article, all persons/items must be registered within the next 7 days. Persons registered will have a card designated to them which must be on their person at all times for identification purposes. You can register at your local post office or main city entrances. There will be temporary offices designated for this purpose. Vigilance: This is not a new law, but more a warning for citizens. If you see something or someone magical, please use caution. Do not treat your fellow man any differently, however! That is not what we are doing here. We just want people to be safe and secure. This is why Identification Cards will be provided. If someone magical refuses to identify themselves, or have proper paperwork for magical items, please contact your local authorities. It may just be that they did not see the announcements. You will be doing them a favor! The faster we identify those with magic, the faster we can find and deal with the assailants on our land. Thank you Simul, for trusting me all this time with your news! This Flynn, signing off until further notice. I will miss you.  Part Five: To come.

Dear Simul, This will be my last article until further notice. Do not fret friends! The news will make it to you, I promise! Before I hand Simul Quarterly to our newest host, Lucius Scarletwound, I would like to take this opportunity to deliver not only an amazing update for the citizens of Simul, but I would love to formally introduce you to our newest writer.  Lucius Scarletwound of Timberholde is a born and raised citizen who has loved our land as much as anyone. Not only is he a very talented writer, but he also has many friends in many places. I trust that Lucius will uphold the truth and safety of the people!  Now, back to what you all have been waiting so anxiously for: What is new in Simul? Since the coronation of our new leader, Ferren, our kingdom has undergone some very large changes. Much as the Pastor promised, he has begun to implement many new rules and laws in order to rebuild and keep you all safe. Now, I understand that some of these changes and promises have caused a bit of a stir when it comes to our magical community, but I must iterate; this is for the best. Considering the hell we the people have had to endure these last few months, it is necessary that we come together and make one another feel safe. Ferren has promised more than just safety. He has promised order and community. I, for one, may be one of the magical that must adjust how I live, but if it makes Simul rest easier, then I am willing to do such.  Compiled below are the news laws that will mark a new age in Simul’s history.  Community:  Under this law, all Simul citizens will abide by a new curfew. This law only stands in city limits. Until the perpetrators of the crimes against Simul have been found and punished, the curfew will stand between the hours of 9 PM and 6 AM. All citizens must be inside between these hours. All businesses inside of city limits must adjust their hours accordingly. All businesses will be compensated by the Royal Fund with proper documentation of loss of revenue. All requests must be sent to Ferren Drebek, Royal Quarters, Eleutheria.  Safety: Until a new royal family can be assigned, Siphoning Mages have been increased in order to be disbursed throughout Simul. Every major city and landmark will now be equipped with roaming Siphoning Mages to patrol the area. This is for the safety of our people. Until the crime has been quelled, Siphoning Mages will make their homes among the people. If you would like to house a Mage, please contact the Royal Quarters in order to set a meeting and be qualified. Any and all who offer aid will be compensated for their time, room and board.  Trust: Any and all magical technology and persons (Non-Humans or Magical Humans) must register their abilities and capabilities. Alongside the Siphoning Mages, groups of Treasurers will accompany them in order to survey the populace. This may seem a bit invasive, but this is for the safety of all. Those who have taken lives and caused suffrage have yet to be brought to justice. Until that time, for the peace of mind of every soul, we must be open about who we all are. Any persons or items found to not be registered will immediately be confiscated and/or jailed until proper paperwork is obtained. From the date of this article, all persons/items must be registered within the next 7 days. Persons registered will have a card designated to them which must be on their person at all times for identification purposes. You can register at your local post office or main city entrances. There will be temporary offices designated for this purpose. Vigilance: This is not a new law, but more a warning for citizens. If you see something or someone magical, please use caution. Do not treat your fellow man any differently, however! That is not what we are doing here. We just want people to be safe and secure. This is why Identification Cards will be provided. If someone magical refuses to identify themselves, or have proper paperwork for magical items, please contact your local authorities. It may just be that they did not see the announcements. You will be doing them a favor! The faster we identify those with magic, the faster we can find and deal with the assailants on our land. Thank you Simul, for trusting me all this time with your news! This Flynn, signing off until further notice. I will miss you.

It is my displeasure to bring the most current news to Simul. As much as I would love to not have to relay this information, it is my duty to keep you all informed and as safe as I can. With that, I must weave together the details of last night’s horrors.  Before the sun began to descend, something else fell upon our great kingdom. From what we can gather, the first attack was in Korrig. Despite the docks already having taken a major hit, it appears the assailants decided they needed to come back to finish the job. Unfortunately, the structures are a complete loss. Even worse, it has been reported that more than 20 people are still missing while the casualties are nearing the same number and injuries have topped 33.  From what we can tell, the next attack was shortly thereafter in Timberholde. Every city entrance was reportedly blown apart and virtually sealing the city inside of itself. This also included grave damage to the newest addition, the train. The station and surrounding area have been destroyed beyond repair. Casualties have reached 67, more than 40 have been injured and another 17 are still missing.  Another attack mere hours after came in the form of another explosion. This one took out the entirety of the bridge from the mainland to Curet Insula. No fatalities have been reported, but it has only been a few hours since receiving the news and searches are still in effect.  I wish I could say that I have reported everything. I wish I could tell you great people that we can recover from this. I wish I had the magic words…something to give you all hope. Unfortunately, with this last piece of information I have to bear, I cannot fathom how we are to unite. At just past 8 last night, Eleutheria and our royal family was attacked. According to the guards and surviving staff, nothing was out of the ordinary until they heard Hilda scream and then what sounded like a man being tortured. This man is assumed to be King Alfred. Apparently, shortly after, a fire broke out, causing many of the people who also lived in the castle to flee with little to nothing to the second story of the city. Still, 13 are missing and feared dead. The royal family was never located, even after the fire was quelled.  There was but a note left at the scene. This note had a confession and confessions to more crimes that were, unfortunately, confirmed this morning. The entire Fortescue bloodline has been murdered. Sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandfathers and grandmothers… all of the bloodline has been taken from Simul in the most horrid of ways. I cannot even begin to write what information I have been given.  Simul…please. PLEASE be safe. I know we are now living in a very uncertain time. I have faith that we will be okay. Please, look after yourselves, your families, your neighbors and your cities.  This is Flynn, signing off.

Panic on the northern coast this morning, dear Simul. News coming out of Arbrestor is haunting. According to authorities, during the early morning hours, before sunrise, a group of ten or more assailants descended upon the docks that provide great resource to our kingdom. What seemed to be a fair amount of tourists quickly turned into a horrific display of fire and acid type magics. Some witnesses that survived reported seeing a line of people taking steps in tandem toward the docks, aiming for where the most ships were housed before eruptions of flames and some sort of caustic mist. From what I could decipher from the reports given, these people appeared to be magics of some sort, robed in cloth that is eerily close to the description of the other attacks of late. Unfortunately, there are not description of the faces, only the numbers and the robes. As of this afternoon, it has been reported that there are 56 injured, 13 dead and over 40 still missing. The King, Alfred Fortescue, has put out a statement: "Dear Citizens Of Simul, The news of yet another tragedy in our kingdom brings me more than just sadness. As your king, it is my job to make sure you are all safe, sound, and healthy. I am doing my best to make sure these things stay true til the end of my time and another takes my place. I am sending aide in the form of money, food, and people to every area that has been affected. We are organizing forces to also aide in security in our most vulnerable cities and towns. If you have been affected by hardship, please reach out to the incoming forces and you will be helped in any way we can. Please, stay safe Simul. We WILL overcome this. We WILL defeat this evil." This is Flynn, signing off.

It does not bring any ounce of joy to report on this story today, Simul. We just got word that there was yet ANOTHER random attack on our great kingdom. Astu Aether's portal tree, that sits on the southern coast of Simul, that also allows for easier travel to the floating city, has been the victim of arson. From what information we have gathered and statements provided by witnesses, it seems that a singular man, heavily robed in dark clothing had come in the night to set the bottom of the tree on fire. Some sort of fluid had been used which is what caused most of the damage. The only good news is that there WERE witnesses that were able to extinguish the flames before the tree was unsalvageable. The city leader of Astu Aether has put out a statement regarding the issue: "My people and my city are my first priority when it comes to safety. For the foreseeable future, we will be positioning guards at the tree that will take personal information for all those coming and going from Astu Aether. Please have a little patience. We are doing this for the safety of everyone." We here at Coexisting Connections send our best. This is Flynn, signing off.

BREAKING NEWS As someone who is magical, I find myself very concerned with the recent breaking stories we have had to covere here at Coexisiting Connections. But it is my duty to keep the people of Simul informed, and I will always keep that promise. Less than 24 hours ago, it was brought to our attention that there was a murder in Gao Shan. 32 year old Yang Da of Gao Shan was murdered in his back garden. According to GSP, Yang was shoveling a path to his back shed when he was attacked. Witnesses stated they they had heard the screams of the young man. One neighbor said they had rushed outside and saw Yang being attacked by an unnamed assailant dressed in dark robes that masked their face. However, it was also reported that the attacker had used a fire magic. "All I saw was fire coming from their hands while they punched and kicked Mr. Da. I tried to climb the gate, but I was too late. The murderer sprouted wings and disappeared into the sky!" GSP ask for the people to keep a vigilant stance and report anything suspect. Our condolences go out to Yang's family. This is Flynn, signing off.

BREAKING NEWS Yet another massive upset of the people has come in the form of something...unseen. With the disappearance of local wildlife on the Northern Coast, citizens of Simul have taken notice. Whispers of a mad man "melting flesh" from "carcasses and live animals" have been spreading like wildfire across the northern parts of our great kingdom. Some have made it their duty to find whoever this person/s are/is, but the only facts we have learned is that the person keeps to an area not easily reached on the cliffside near the ocean. Witnesses state that there was more than one person during the time of the incident. It appeared that only one was the aggressor. Flames have eaten away the cliff face and the landscape has slid into the ocean. There is no news on survivors or who the people were in the area. Will update when more is known. Please be safe, folks. This is Flynn, signing off.

BREAKING NEWS It has come to our attention that there was a recent attack on Dry Gulch! Witnesses say that a group of less than a dozen, but more than eight people descended upon the northern ship port of Dry Gulch and attacked a seaman. Not only was the ship burned to ashes, but the dock in which it was parked. Unfortunately, the owner, Warren Thule, was killed in the incident, alongside his wife and four children. It has also been clarified that this group of murderers did so with the use of fire magic. One witness overheard the spells being spoken by one perpetrator, while the rest were, allegedly, standing around and helping fuel the aforementioned attack. It is not clear if local authorities have caught any of the suspects, but the good people of Dry Gulch have been preparing for a witch hunt....This does not sound good, people of Simul. This does not sound good at all. This is your local News Officiant, Flynn, signing off...