Current Events in Charouse

[Chris]

Hi,

Here is a list of current events in and around Charouse (and Montaigne). Like the posts about characters and setting information, all of the information here can be considered common knowledge to any natives or travelers in Charouse.

Le Grande Armee and the Ussuran Campaign. Months ago, l'Empereur removed Montgaine and his majesty's own golden boy, General Montague, from the war in Castille. This occurred mere weeks before a massive assault on Castille's great, impregnable fortress El Morro, leaving the Montaigne army to finish the siege under less gifted generals. So far, El Morro remains firmly in Castillian hands. Meanwhile, l'Empereur has dispatched Montague with 100,000 men and women to Ussura. While this answered why l'Empereur needed to pull Montague away form Castille, it raises more questions than it answers. A great debate of rumors and thoeries has erupted in Montaigne and all over Theah as to why l'Empereur would invade Ussura, but only l'Empereur knows for sure. Montagine nationals, particularly peasants whose friends and family were just conscripted into such a war, have begun to worry about the prospect of this invasion. The nobles are much more confident in Le Grande Armee's ability to crush the foolish and backward Ussurans, but even some nobles have begun to question the reasons why (not to l'Empereur's face, of course).

The Rise and Fall of Pascal Verstanzi. Pascal is o was a gifted sculptor that won the adoration of nobles and peasants alike for his brilliant work. His statues adorn churches in Vodacce and many villas and manors in Vodacce, Eisen, and Montaigne. He is one of those rare artists who is able to do brilliant work and flatter the inquisition enough to get away with it all in the name of good faith. He recently came to Montaigne to make a fortune, and he very nearly did, but something clearly happened. Just after completing a great statue of l'Empereur and a statue of Dominique du Montaigne, Pascal vanished form the public eye for months. When he reappeared, he was mute and his ability (or willingness) to sculpt were gone. Any attempts to communicate with Pascal have failed so far, so the public is left to only wildly speculate as to his fate. He has faded form the public eye, but rumors of his fate are still common all around Charouse.

The Rivalry of Remy du Montaigne and Jean-Marie Rois et Reines du Rogne. These two nobles are very close to l'Empereur and enjoy a lot of fame as a result of their proximity. Perhaps they were already rivals, or perhaps their fame has spurred it onward, but in any case they clearly dislike each other. Normally, a rivalry or disagreement between two people would hardly, if at all, register in the public rumor mill, but these two are also two of Montaigne's finest swordsmen. Their duels have become the stuff of local legend, each one more vicious than the last and even the tamest one showing how both combatants far outstrips even veteran swordsmen. Nobles and commoners alike debate when and how this rivalry will end. Some are bloodthirsty and want it to end tragically and lethally. Some, though, do no wish either of the harm and are just entertained by their duels as anyone would be entertained by two world-class athletes in competition.

Lady Jamais Sices du Sices' Antics. Lady Jamais has become a common point of discussion for nobles who attend court regularly. In the ongoing game of one-upsmanship and witty banter that is Montaigne court, she is yet unbested. Her quips have driven men and women alike to plead for mercy, and her ridicule has driven some to abandon court entirely. She always seems to be seeking a challenge, but whenever she finds someone who is brave enough to face her in witty repartee, she abuses them so thoroughly that she finds herself needing a new sparring partner before the court is over. Currently, the subject of her ridicule is Marquis Yanick Bisset du Verre, but he has not taken her quips in good humor. Rumors abound about what he plans to do about her, but in the meantime courtiers wait with cautious anticipation for her next stunning jibe.

[Chris]

Hi,

Here is an update about new or revised rumors around Charouse. The Assistant GMs are encouraged to add to or correct these rumors according to what was going on in their scenes.

An assassination attempt?
Remy du Montaigne is convinced that someone is trying to infiltrate court in order to assassinate a noble, most likely himself. The recent disappearance of Pascal Venstanzi has Remy investigating him, but as long as he has not turned up, the hunt for the assassin continues. This has put Pascal back int eh public consciousness, and his whereabouts are still unknown and very much a public topic.

Where is General Montague?
With Le Grande Armee having returned from the Ussuran Front, both the peasantry and the nobility alike wonder: when and where will General Montague make his first public appearance at home? He is married to l'Empereur's daughter Dominique, so he must surely return to her, but so far he has not been seen nor heard of since the army's return. Pessimists have begun to whisper that he died in Ussura with the 90% of the army that did not return, and that Lieutenant Steiner and other officers are keeping this information hidden, presumably ofr the sake of morale and to avoid l'Empereur's further wrath.

Vandalism and abductions
The Musketeers and others have been investigating the disappearances of two shopkeeps in downtown Charouse. There is little evidence to go on and no property was stolen in the abductions, so the Musketeers are now asking for people to come forward with any evidence they may have. Remy du Montaigne has openly criticized Jean-Marie Rois et Reine's handling of the investigation, saying that the abductions are surely connected to recent break-in attempts tied to some unknown rogue known only as "Orso." Jean-Marie is yet unsure and refuses to address Remy's criticism publicly. Meanwhile, the Musketeers and others have foiled numerous attempts to burgle the shops, all done by paid lackeys. It is unclear where the interrogation of these lackey has led, but Remy has chastised Jean-Marie for not doing what is necessary to stem crime downtown. Orso remains at large, if he is indeed real.

Rivalry between The Leaping Stag and The Saucy Crumpet
The two inns have stepped up their rivalry in recent weeks. Rumors have begun to circulate about Damien Lachance dealing in illegal substances from the Crescent Empire, brought back with the army form the Ussuran Campaign. Damien has, of course, dismissed these rumors as slander, blaming Madame Tessaro of starting the rumor. No evidence has been found of her involvement in this rumor, nor has any evidence been found linking him to the allegations. Madame Tessaro has yet to comment openly.