Taylor's Newspaper Editions

Preview Edition
"The Dawn Times"

Thanks to the kindness of Prince, our newspaper, "The Dawn Times",
will soon be ready for publication here at the castle. And now,
with publication nigh, there is one thing we hope our esteemed
readers will understand:

Although "The Dawn Times" does support His Royal Highness' cause, we
are not an arm of the Loyalist Army. Our purpose is strictly to report
the news from an unbiased perspective. We will be ever-vigilant in
pursuit of the truth.

Taylor, "The Dawn Times" Reporter.


Issue 1
"Queen's Knights Reduce Lelcar to Ashes"

According to top-secret sources, "The Dawn Times" has learned that
during the recent battle for Lelcar, the Godwin army set fire to the
town in order to facilitate their own speedy evacuation.

After pouring fuel throughout the western islet and igniting it, the
Godwin troops waited for the Prince's siege to let up, then evacuated.
Although many Lelcar residents still remained behind, the Godwin troops
then ruthlessly destroyed the western bridge to make sure they couldn't
be followed.

Thanks to rescue efforts of the Prince's army and Orok, the leader of
the western islet, casualties were kept to a minimum, but the
populace is furious over the Godwin faction's barbarous act. And the
fact that the Godwin commander was a Queen's Knight, sworn to protect
Falena, is inciting even more anger.


"Lelcar Strikes Alliance with Prince"

The representatives of Lelcar's three islets, Volga, Wasil, and Orok,
have recently promised full cooperation with the Loyalist Army.
Lelcar's islets have long been known for their disparate political
views. Since the start of the war, hostility between these factions
has only intensified.

However, the cowardly actions of Queen's Knight Zahhak during the
recent battle over the town have instilled a great anger and resolve
in all the peoples of Lelcar; all factions are now firmly in the
camp of His Royal Highness.


"Portraits of the Enemy: Introduction"

In this special serial publication, "The Dawn Times" hopes to use its
extensive investigative acumen to focus on the heinous cast of enemy
characters who continue to threaten the Loyalist Army and, indeed, the
very way of Falenan life.

Many of our esteemed and loyal readers have been gravely injured or
had family members maimed, murdered, and kidnapped by this rogues'
gallery of scoundrels. Therefore, it's natural to wonder why anyone
would want to learn more about them.

However, in order to achieve victory, it is vital to know one's enemy
as one knows himself. Therefore, "The Dawn Times" firmly believes that
this series, however controversial, can help contribute to the
eventual victory of the Loyalist Army.

Next time, "Portraits of the Enemy" will take an in-depth look at the
traitorous Queen's Knight Zahhak, who cowardly set Lelcar ablaze during
the recent battle over that town.


Issue 2
"Prince Living Double Life as Bandit?"

Rumors have been circulating that the Prince has been spotted in Sable
performing what are described as "bandit-like activities". This news has
caused much consternation among the Prince's forces. However, there are
conflicting reports that state the Prince was in Lelcar at the time.

But and eyewitness from Sable who requested anonymity is sure the culprit
is indeed His Royal Highness. "I seen him with my own two eyes." the
witness said. "He was walkin' all regal. Ain't no doubt it was the Prince".
Perhaps not even an official denial by the Prince will put an end to
these suspicions.


"Yashuna Village Hot Springs Dry Up?"

"The Dawn Times" has learned that Yashuna Village, a tourist resort
famous for its hot springs, is experiencing a strange and sudden reduction
in the amount of hot water coming from its subterranean source. The
proprietors of the hot springs inn are at their wits' end.

Adding to the stress and heartbreak for the citizens of Yashuna is that
no one can pinpoint the cause of this mysterious drop in water volume.
"None of us can figure out what's gone wrong!" an inn proprietor
tearfully exclaimed. "If something doesn't happen soon, we'll be out of
business!"


"Portraits of the Enemy: Zahhak"

As promised in the previous installment of "Portraits of the Enemy,"
"The Dawn Times" will share what we have learned about the traitorous
Queen's Knight Zahhak. To begin with, we must mention that Zahhak is of
noble birth; he is actually a distant relative of the Godwin Family.

In fact, it was Lord Godwin who first discovered Zahhak's talent for
swordsmanship and recommended him for a position as a Queen's Knight.
Zahhak's first real taste of battle was during the Armes invasion
eight years ago, where he proved himself among the strongest of the
Queen's Knights.

Zahhak is known for his quiet, measured disposition, but he's actually
more cold and unfeeling than calm and composed. Those who have worked
closely with him reveal an almost megalomanical personality--one who
would do absolutely anything to achieve his goals.

"Portraits of the Enemy" has uncovered the reason Zahhak turned his
back on the royal family. According to insiders, Zahhak is firmly
convinced that Lord Godwin's iron-fisted methods are truly the best
way to make Falena into a more powerful nation.

Zahhak's unwavering devotion to the strong-arm tactics of Lord Godwin
is probably the reason he set Lelcar ablaze. In Zahhak's judgement, this
tactic was probably the best way to put the Prince's forces in disarray
and secure the Godwin faction's rapid evacuation, even if it put many
innocents at risk.

Former comrades of Zahhak now say that they won't put anything past him
in the future. "I was surprised at the time, but now that I think about
it, that's just the kind of cold, calculated maneuver he'd make in
battle", former Queen's Knight Kyle said. "I was a damn fool not to
expect it."


Issue 3
"Euram Barows Behind 'Bandit Prince'"

"The Dawn Times" has learned that, as expected, the Prince was indeed
innocent of the "bandit-like activities" ascribed to him by witnesses
in Sable. The Prince's forces succeeded in capturing a band of bandits
on Ranro Mountain outside of Sable; the bandit ringleader had been
pretending to be the Prince.

It turns out that Euram Barows was the mastermind behind this scheme;
in his words, he wished to "sully the Prince's name." But the Prince's
forces were able to lure Euram to Sable and revealed his scam in public,
clearing the Prince's name. Instead, it is the Barows family whose name
has now been "sullied".


"Sable Corps Joins Prince's Camp"

With the "Bandit Prince" scandal resolved, "The Dawn Times" has learned
that Lord Raulbel of Sable has declared complete support for His Royal
Highness. Lord Raulbel officially announced that the main force of the
Sable Corps, led by General Dinn, would be placed under the Prince's
command.

On the condition that he join the Loyalist Army, Roy, the leader of the
bandits, was pardoned of the crime of "gross impersonation of a regal
with the intent to profit and deceive." Roy himself has now personally
sworn fealty to the Prince; he is currently residing in the Castle.


"Portraits of the Enemy: Euram Barows"

In this installment of "Portraits of the Enemy," we examine one Euram
Barows, the man behind the "Bandit Prince" scheme.

Due to his incompetence and other shortcomings, we strongly considered
whether he was even worth including in this series. However, his plot
could have severed ties between the Loyalist Army and Sable, so we will
take a closer look at him.

As our readers doubtlessly know, Euram is Lord Barows' second son.
Because his eldest son, Hiram, was assassinated during the battle over
succession between Princess Falzrahm and Princess Shahrewar, Euram is
in line to eventually become head of the Barows family.

Euram is certainly not the ideal candidate to head up a Senatorial
faction, lacking common sense, strength, and bravery. Furthermore, he
is hugely unpopular among the citizenry. "Portraits of the Enemy" has
reason to believe that this chicken-hearted man is not done scheming
against the Prince.

According to Luserina, Euram's sister, the two of them were very close
when they were children. But as she got older and began to help their
father with his work, Euram became cold and distant. Around this time,
he became deeply--indeed, some might say obsessively--attached to
Princess Lymsleia.


Issue 4
"Nether Gate Sets Fire to Beaver Lodge"

Beaver Lodge was set ablaze last night in a bold and shocking pre-dawn
attack. Fortunately, the Prince's forces rushed to the scene and
performed search-and-rescue operations, keeping casualties to a minimum.
However, most of the Beaver Lodge's residences were severely damaged in
the attack.

According to the Prince's forces, Nether Gater, the assassin group that
also participated in the assault on the Sun Palace, was behind last
night's arson. One of the attackers is alleged to have declared that the
purpose of the assault was 'complete and total genocide' against the
beavers and their community.

Lord Godwin has often made public references to Falena's historic, racial,
and cultural identity being 'subverted by the continued existence of the
inferior demi-human races.' There is little doubt that his scurrilous
beliefs are behind this surprise attack on the beaver community.


"Beavers, Prince Strike Accord"

The morning after Nether Gate's sudden assault on Beaver Lodge,
Fuwalafuwalu, the beaver elder, expressed his deep appreciation to the
Prince for rushing to help his community in its greatest hour of need.
He formally announced the beavers' official intention to ally with His
Highness and to oppose the Godwins.

The beaver community is known for its ability to stay out of conflicts.
During this war, the beavers have done well to maintain their neutrality,
but after discovering that the Godwin faction was plotting their
extermination, they deemed it pointless to maintain this position any
longer.

Prince heartily accepted Fuwalafuwalu's offer of an Alliance.


"Portraits of the Enemy: Dolph"

This time, "Portraits of the Enemy" examines Dolph, the enigmatic young
man apparently behind the surprise attack on Beaver Lodge. Dolph is a
member of the notorious assassination organization Nether Gate, and we
have reason to believe that he played some role in the assault on the
Sun Palace as well.

However, "Portraits of the Enemy" has been unable to uncover the
slightest hint about his personal history prior to joining Nether Gate.
In fact, even his place of birth and parentage are shrouded in mystery.

We do know however, that he has been known to go by the alias of
"Michafute." This name is strikingly familiar to that of Takefute, who
was supreme commander of Nether Gate at the time of its dismantling
eight years ago. But we can only speculate on the relationship--if there
is any--between the two.


Issue 5
"Rainwall falls into Enemy Hands"

Around the same time Beaver Lodge was attacked, the Godwin Army
stormed into Rainwall and gained control with little resistance.
But the townsfolk had little sympathy for Lord Barows, now knowing
that he had secretly conspired with Armes to divide our beloved
Falena. Some even said that he deserved this defeat.


"Lyon Snaps at 'Bandit Prince' ''

'The Dawn Times' has learned that, upon capture of the 'Bandit Prince,'
the Prince's bodyguard, Lyon--known for her mild disposition--openly
unleashed her fury on Roy, the one who had been impersonating His
Highness. Lyon apparently urged him in no uncertain terms to repent
for his actions.

Rumor has it that this "talk" with Lyon is what persuaded Roy to
give up his bandit ways. Allegedly, Lyon was sent over the edge
after Roy persisted in addressing her as 'sweetie' and calling
His Royal Highness a 'coward'.

'The Dawn Times' attempted to reach both parties for interviews,
but was rebuffed in both cases. 'Please, don't ask me about that!
I'm so embarrassed', Lyon said. Roy was less cordial, simply
snorting and walking away, muttering what sounded like, 'crazy -
ass reporter!' under his breath.


"Portrait of the Enemy: Salum Barows"

This time, we examine the actions of Salum Barows, the unscrupulous
head of the Barows family. When Rainwall collapsed, Lord Barows was
forced to surrender to the Godwins, his long-standing enemies.
The public, however, tired of his constant selfish maneuvering, has
shown no sympathy.

After all, it was Lord Barows who pushed for Princess Falzrahm to
ascend to the throne despite her being only second in line to the
title, igniting the Falzrahm-Shahrewar conflict. And it was Lord
Barows who pushed dam construction forward, which planted the
seeds for the Lordlake uprising.

Lord Barows even stole the Dawn Rune and allied with the New Armes
Kingdom. Lord Barows' intentions were decent, as his goal was to
maintain peace by preventing the rise of the hard-line Godwin
faction. But he is a man who would sell Falena out to accomplish
that goal, a true blight on our nation.

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