Orlandia Sentinel

Wyldehaven Forest On Fire!

2010-08-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

A MOST TERRIBLE BLAZE!

Phineas Hightower, Metropolitan Orlandia.
Reports are coming in from several border towns near Wyldehaven, that thousands of forest acres are currently burning uncontrollably in the vast tree-laden region, reputed to serve as home and hiding place for pirates. Witnesses have described the sky above the once-beautiful area as being choked by thick, sickening smoke, with a multitude of airships scattered across the horizon; some crafts fleeing, while others seem to be endeavouring to control the blaze or rescue families trapped by this catastrophe.

Hundreds of refugees have begun to arrive at several of the towns inside Orlandia’s terrestrial territory. The Orlandia Sky Defense Force has deployed men and aircraft to regulate the influx of refugees across borders, as well as to construct camps near border towns in order to provide shelter for the displaced families. OSDF officials have also suspended the investigation of the attack on the OSS Phoenix Tear in light of engaging the current crisis at hand. The Council of Faction Representatives is urging Orlandia’s willing and able citizens to assist in any means available by donating supplies, volunteering at refugee camps or preventing the spread of fire into Orlandian territory. The OSDF also encourages young men and women of appropriate age to enlist and help maintain order during this tragedy.

There is no word yet on the cause of this calamity, although various refugees among the first group to arrive in the border town of Cranston, claimed to have seen green-hued fireballs exploding into the forest canopy above Haggard Hollow, a known pirate enclave. A number of unscrupulous pirate guilds are known to congregate there, and these pirates have been known to deal in, and occasionally use, aether-based weaponry for their nefarious operations. The current focus of Orlandia’s leadership, however, remains fixed on helping those affected by the fire.

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Pirates Attack Diplomatic Ship

2010-07-28T17:05:00.000-07:00

PIRATES ATTACK!

Phineas Hightower, Metropolitan Orlandia

Early this morning, a marauding band of
Pirates attacked a convoy bearing the
senior members of the Orlandia Council
of Faction Representatives en route to Wentington
Cross as it was returning from a diplomatic mission regarding the OSS Vigilant incident.

The terrible assault, which left the sky burning with clouds of toxic aether, was
witnessed by several passing traders. One
Council ship, the OSS Phoenix Tear, was
lost in the ensuing battle. Among the
unfortunate perished are OES Chief Engineer Albus Huxley and OSDF Air
Marshall Austin Godwin. Loremaster
Elias Lightlifter of the
Benevolent Order of Stone Mages was
extricated from the wreckage and is
currently in the infirmary. The Skyfather
was not part of the
envoy and has issued his condolences to
the families of the deceased.

The League of Privateers for the Acquisition of Antiquities and Free Trade issued a statement this afternoon, condemning the heinous attack and distinguishing this atrocity as having been perpetrated by brigands acting separately from their faction. Despite derogatory public opinion, The League insists that it represents a contingent of over three thousand freemen, merchants and couriers who wish to distance themselves from such criminals in hopes of maintaining relations with Orlandia. League representatives, had in fact met with the Council recently, engaging in a joint effort to recover the crewmen of the OSS Vigilant, which had crashed due to mechanical failure. Brief discussions had also taken place regarding the allowance of League members to attend and engage in commerce within Orlandia's borders during the annual Stone Blessing Festival. Currently, the Council has yet to decide on granting League members admittance.

An investigation is underway to identify the culprits responsible, and bring them to justice. The incident occurred in Wyldehaven airspace, less than a kilometer away from the Orlandian Terrestrial Border. The League has offered to assist in the investigation, though the Council has yet to respond to the League. The Council office has also declined to offer comments to this publication for the time being.

Engineer Attacked By “Creatures”

2010-07-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

Phineas Hightower, Metropolitan Orlandia
Master Engineer Foster J. Wainright, Guild Leader of the Brotherhood of Electricity, was attacked last night while inspecting electrical conduits in sub-level two, under the Temple of Flight in the Stone Mage district. He was found in grave condition by fellow guild members and rushed to a nearby infirmary, where he passed away during emergency surgery.

Before he expired, Master Engineer Wainright had managed to impart to his guildmates that he was conducting a routine inspection when he spotted several “creatures” that seemed to be sabotaging or modifying a major conduit. The engineer described them as humanoid, shrouded in black garments, except for grotesque masks made of copper or brass. “Gremlins” was the term Foster used to describe his assailants, before slipping out of consciousness.

Gremlins are believed to have existed centuries ago, but have been more of a legend, if not a passing joke among engineers, mainly the imaginary scapegoat for mechanical failures and accidents that befall Orlandia’s complex public works, or even aircraft. The Brotherhood of Electricity has vowed to search the sub-levels for those responsible for the death of their Guild Leader, and bring the culprits to justice. The OSDF has begun an investigation, and warns that engineers should not engage these creatures, but report any sightings to authorities immediately.

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Stone Mages To Donate Babbage Systems To Academy

2010-07-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

Phineas Hightower, Metropolitan Orlandia
The newest iteration of Baggage difference engines, titled the “Mark III”, is now available for retail purchase, and the Benevolent Order of Stone Mages will be replacing and upgrading their current systems. The order will be donating as many as 20 of their obsolete terminals to Hesperus Intermediate Academy in the interest of familiarizing the next generation of our citizenry with the devices which are rapidly becoming integral to daily life. The Orlandia Engineering Society will also be assisting in the integration of this technology by handling installation, as well as instructing professors and administrators on operation and light maintenance.

The academy will receive additional public funding to build a processing house, which is typically a two-story, five-hundred-square-metered structure in which the main processing unit will be installed, and where punchcards will be entered and filed. The project also involves general remodeling to facilities so as to allow the installation of the electrical cables which will grant the terminals access to the main processing unit, not to mention the external aethernet system. While the Mark II system is considered obsolete by current industry professionals, the Metropolitan Orlandia School Board deems the system being donated as more than adequate for key administrative and communicative functions for both students and faculty. The installation project is set to begin in early August.

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Orlandian Visions - Adventurers On Riker Street

2010-07-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

A colorful depiction of a crew of adventurers leaving the Carter Building on Riker Street, in the Market District, metropolitan Orlandia. Rendering provided by Heather Scott
Dragonmun Studios

Do you have a piece of art or photograph that captures the spirit of life in Orlandia? Send a missive to phineas.hightower@gmail.com and your depiction may be featured in this periodical as part of our "Orlandian Visions" column.

Council Grants Reprieve On Lighter-Than-Air Ban, With Restrictions

2010-07-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

Phineas Hightower, Metropolitan Orlandia
After lengthy deliberation and debate, the Council of Faction Representatives has voted unanimously in favor of suspending the Lighter-Than-Air-Ban, while setting forth provisos in hopes of maintaining a safe environment for the upcoming Stone Blessing Festival which is a mere month away.

The reprieve will bear the following provisos:
- The overall number of lighter-than-air devices, defined as passenger or cargo dirigibles, balloons or blimps shall not exceed more than one-hundred, within a two-kilometer radius of the sky-city of Orlandia, at island level, above or below.
- Aircraft suspended by excited aether gas are extremely unstable, and are not to enter the two-kilometer radius of the sky city, at island level, above or below. Aether cargo, regardless of state, is not to be transported within the two-kilometer radius.
- Aircraft suspended by hydrogen are permitted within the two-kilometer radius, so long as they are moored at perimeter docks at island level, and are forbidden from flying above or below the island.
- As adequate data does not yet exist regarding the safety of helium gas, aircraft suspended by helium are not permitted within the two-kilometer radius of the sky city, at island level, above or below.
- Captains using balloons to supplement lift for aircraft with weakened floatstones are instructed to contact the Benevolent Order of Stone Mages via telegraphic draft or aethernet transmission to make the necessary arrangements for stone charging before entering the two-kilometer radius of the sky city, at island level, above or below.

The Skyfather has signed off on the reprieve and its conditions, which will be in effect from August fifth through the eighth, and warns that the OSDF shall be on increased patrol to strictly enforce the law during the festival. The Skyfather had this to say, regarding the decision: “The council spoke at great length over this issue, at times with considerable passion, reflected by the concerns of Orlandia’s citizens as well as those who wish to prevent injury to the impressive commerce enjoyed by both residents and visitors to our great city. People of Orlandia, you may rest easy, as we have put forth restrictions which will remove a dangerous element from our skies. Merchants, we the leadership of Orlandia hear your plea as well, as we have made arrangements with the terrestrial towns of Harrisburg, Glastontown, Fenton, Saardrucken, and Gravda. These locations have agreed to host merchants affected by the restrictions, with many establishments offering discounts and deals to merchants for food, lodging and transport of inventory to metropolitan Orlandia. We will do our best to accommodate you, but please bear in mind that we will do what is necessary to insure the safety of our citizens, and yours as well, while you conduct business within our borders. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated”.

While there may be a few unhappy merchants, vendors and artisans from all corners of the globe have registered for space at the festival, which is shaping up to be a grand spectacle for the sky-city once again.

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Commission To Review Fatal Edge Incidents

2010-07-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

Eileen Hightower, Metropolitan Orlandia

Citizens of our fair sky-city are familiar with the cautionary adage “Mind the Edge” which has become a general colloquialism for well-wishing, but it seems as though several Orlandians have forgotten the grave importance of this handy, but useful phrase in the last few months. According to a report released this week by the Orlandia Commission for Public Safety, there has been a marked increase in Edge-related incidents within the last six months, leading to four deaths and three hospitalizations. All of the incidents occurred in the Eastern portion of the island in locations which have presented no issues in the past.

Commissioner Henry Firwirth is lobbying for a special task force to investigate the nature of these incidents, and propose measures to decrease or even eliminate future occurrences. “We cannot allow such preventable accidents to continue unchecked,” says Firwirth, “we have a responsibility to the people of Orlandia to provide them with a safe environment in which to live, and I will do all I can to ensure that safety”.

Johann Winters of the Orlandia Atmospheric Research Coalition has been researching this issue independently and believes that the incidents may be caused by a shift in the wind patterns around the island. These wind patterns may be causing a predictable flow of air currents similar to the tides in the oceans of the Down-Below. These tides, depending on the time of day, as well as other conditions caused by temperature and altitude may be powerful enough to pull unsuspecting Orlandians over the Edge. Winters is currently seeking funding to verify this hypothesis, and if proven, will be the first research of its type in regards to Orlandia’s unique atmospheric challenges.

The Orlandia Sentinel will publish the Orlandia Commission for Public Safety’s report on the Edge Incidents in a Special Edition next week and any subsequent information provided by the task force should it be formed.

# # #

Crew of OSS Vigilant Found Alive

2010-07-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

Mortimer Thuroughgood, Bedldem
Captain James Austin and his crew of six were found alive by a search party, and are now convalescing at the Firebrand Inn, in Bedldem. The search party, comprised of local men from the town led by Sheriff Marcus Randolphe, located the wreck of the OSS Vigilante, and were able to track the crew after a two-day search.

“The Vigilant’s Debris had been well picked-through,” Stated Sheriff Randolphe, “Obviously by pirates, as all salvageable materials had been removed from the crash site. We were able to discern that the Vigilant’s crew had left the scene and followed their evident trail of departure. After two days we happened upon the soldiers as they had begun to assemble a makeshift camp. The captain and crew escaped serious injury, bearing only bruises and abrasions. We escorted them out of Wyldhaven without incident, and they are currently receiving care from local doctors as they await transport back to Orlandia”.

With the safe return of the Vigilant’s crew, The diplomatic mission by OSDF representatives draws to a favorable close. The emissaries shall begin their trip home later today. It is reported that while pirates were active near the crash of the OSS Vigilant, members of the League of Privateers for Free Trade and Acquisitions were exceedingly cooperative, rallying a multitude of aircraft and volunteers to assist in the search for the endangered crew.

OSDF officials, plan to debrief Captain Austin and his crew, and possibly launch an investigation into the cause of the incident. The officials also expressed there gratitude to Sheriff Randolphe and the townsfolk of Bedldem for their courageous efforts in recovering the crew.

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Card Game “Skirmish!” Named Official Game For Upcoming Festival

2010-06-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

Phineas Hightower - Metropolitan Orlandia
Casinos like the Crimson Pig in metropolitan Orlandia are abuzz as the official card game to be featured during the Annual Stone Blessing Festival has been decided by the Council. “Skirmish! A Clash in the Skies”, a fast-paced game which hinges on both chance and strategy, was chosen for its emulation of adventures experienced by many of Orlandia’s more daring citizens. Custom decks of cards will be made available in the Crimson Pig Casino for play within the venue, and may be available for sale depending on player interest. Until these cards are manufactured, interested folks may modify a standard deck of playing cards in order to practice for the upcoming festival. The Council hopes that by playing the game, captains and crewmen may be able to prove their mettle during the festival without risk of injury or damage to airships, and city property most importantly. -

Those interested in learning the rules of play must access the aethernet via this address.
http://animefestivalorlando.com/skies-of-orlandia-skirmish-clash-in-the-skies/#more-1033

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Accident At Larkhead Laboratory Destroys Experimental Aircraft

2010-06-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

Phineas Hightower, Metropolitan Orlandia
Larkhead Aethernautical Institute suffered a severe setback in development yesterday as an explosion disintegrated a laboratory and hangar facility in Balan Hill, near Hedgenbury.

The hangar supposedly housed a new type of aircraft which was theoretically capable of flight independent of floatstones or lighter-than-air suspension. The vessel, once completed, would have used a form of combustion technology to propel itself forward, while a system of foils, similar to bird wings, would plane on the passing air, providing lift. The laboratory was in the process of refining an aether-based liquified fuel for the aircraft when the explosion occurred.

There were no fatalities, however Dr. Maximillian Hillerton, founder of the institute, was critically injured by the blast. Upon being ambulated by emergency medics to the nearest infirmary, Dr. Hillerton was heard raving loudly, claiming his work had been sabotaged my fantastic creatures. Two other scientists suffered minor injuries, and were released from care after minimal medical attention.

The OSDF has begun an investigation of the laboratory and hangar to confirm the cause of the accident. Sid Shadowmoon offered the following statement to the press regarding the incident:
“Dr. Hillerton is a colleague of mine, and we had discussed his project at great length. I, as well as several of his peers, tried to warn him of the inherent dangers of working with such a volatile substance. Our friend has paid a serious price for this display of hubris despite the documented, incontrovertible evidence that aether is an element far too chaotic to tame with our current means. May this be an important lesson to any scientist who thinks harnessing explosive forces are the future of transportation! ”.

Though the Larkhead Aethernautical Institute has other facilities, the Balan Hill location housed most of the work for their key aircraft project. As the institute awaits the recovery of Dr. Hillerton, an emergency meeting of the board which funds the institute will convene this weekend to discuss the options at their disposal.

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OSDF Airship Crashes In Wyldehaven, Crew Feared Dead

2010-06-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Mortimer Thuroughgood, Bedldem
OSDF Command received a Radiotelegraphic distress call late last night from the Ironclad airship, the OSS Vigilant, as it descended into the canopy of trees within the Wyldehaven territories. Details are still muddled as to why the Vigilant had crossed the border into foreign airspace. The OSDF claims that a navigational error is the cause, but refused to comment on how the craft had come to such misadventure. Locals in Bedledem bore witness to the Vigilant as it flew over the town in the dusky evening at a low altitude, and that the craft seemed to show no signs of damage or duress at that time.

A heavy plumage of smoke could be seen by airborne civilian and pirate vessels surveying the crash site. An OSDF search and rescue team is supposedly en route, and can probably expect resistance as they cross the border into a region passionately protected by the League of Privateers for Free Trade and Acquisitions. An Emissary from The Council has traveled to meet with League leadership in hopes of conducting a search and rescue mission with the cooperation of the privateers.

Speculation abounds among the townsfolk in border towns like Bedldem as patrols by OSDF ships have been a regular sight in the skies overhead. There have been occasional incidents already in which military and pirate vessels have exchanged fire as confusion lingers regarding the actual definition of the political boundaries in the region. Despite the supposition by many citizens that the OSS Vigilant and her crew may indeed be a casualty of rising tensions, OSDF Command remains resolute in the effort to investigate the incident, and to return any survivors to the safety of Orlandia.

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Council To Consider Reprieve For Lighter-Than-Air Ban

2010-06-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

Phineas Hightower - Metropolitan Orlandia
As the Stone Blessing Festival approaches, many merchants who depend upon the resultant commerce of the impressive gathering, have petitioned The Council of Faction Representatives to lift a controversial ban that prohibits aircraft levitated by lighter-than-air gasses from entering a radius of 2 square kilometers surrounding the sky-city. The Council has determined that the gases used for balloons and rigid airships to be extremely volatile, presenting a serious risk should an accidental breach occur. It has also been suggested by Chief Engineer Sid Shadowmoon that lighter-than-air craft may be used for nefarious means by air pirates to cause considerable calamity during the festival. Additionally, It is believed that many pirates opt for lighter-than-air vessels to avoid dependence on Orlandia’s Khazradanium, thus the ban supposedly keeps many illegal aircraft out of the city’s airspace.

Merchants maintain, however, that while many of them depend on floatstones to levitate their airships, additional barges for inventory are usually suspended by balloon. Several proprietors of smaller endeavours claim that the rising price of floatstones, as well as recharging expenses have hindered their bracket of the economy, forcing newer entrepreneurs to seek lighter-than-air vessels which, while less stable, are cheaper and worth the risk for struggling merchants and artisans. Some company executives also cite the necessity of hydrogen or heated-air balloons to help support aircraft with diminished energy in their floatstones, as a supplement to help them reach the city.

The Council will meet tomorrow afternoon to discuss the ban, and if it stands, will also entertain solutions to meet the needs of merchants affected by the ban.

Newspaper Baron Issues Flabberghast Challenge

2010-06-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

Phineas Hightower - Metropolitan Orlandia, June
Mr. Chance Solitaire, Orlandia Sentinel’s own President and Editor-In-Chief, invites tellers of tall tales and spinners of spine-tingling yarns to partake in this year’s Flabberghast Challenge at the annual Stone Blessing Festival. The contest, named after the late University of Orlandia Humanities Professor Ludwig Von Flabberghast, is in remembrance of the great man and his recollections of amazing travels and discoveries, which he would share in fireside chats with Mr. Solitaire and other colleagues over brandy and cigars.

President Solitaire had this to say regarding the competition: “I believe civilization began with gatherings of human beings sharing experiences through the spoken word, and such a tradition is quintessential in maintaining our humanity, in the face of an ever-changing world caught in the tempest of technological advancement. Let us not forget that direct interaction with our fellow man has been the true key to our evolution as a species, no matter what we may invent or build in our lifetimes.”

Mr. Solitaire will entertain selected candidates at the Crimson Pig Casino on Friday and Saturday of the festival, at times yet to be determined, where he will invite the contestants to unravel their stories before an audience, and continue the grand tradition that began with the late professor.

We invite interested parties to submit by recording themselves audio-visually, telling a 5-10 minute story of adventure in the spirit of Baron Munchausen, Allan Quartermain, Commander McBragg, and/or Pleasure Island’s Adventurers Club. Wearing an adventurous or steampunk-themed costume for the recording and at the event is strongly encouraged. Upload it to Youtube and send a link to phineas.hightower@gmail.com . Selected candidates will be notified upon review by AFO staff. Remember, stay safe when making the recordings, and AFO retains the right to use any videos submitted. Enjoy and good luck!

Some links for reference:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkZzLUvuLLU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8q-b5174-0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_wnEYMJ5r0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f_r8j4emS4&feature=related