West Isles Weekly (Newspaper)

Overview
The West Isles Weekly is the main newspapers serving the West Isles. The news paper writes about lore and other news relating to the West Isles.

July 732
Land Dispute

Earlier this month, new claims were made on the Artland Isles by the Kingdom of Meridian. King Edward of Altmand replied with a letter disputing all claims of the isles, claiming that the Isles were significantly closer to Altmand than Meridian. Svenland, and numerous other states have yet to pick sides in this escalating conflict. Artland is very sparsely populated, and is within the Arctic Circle. To the knowledge of its population, and numerous expeditions, there is little to no valuable resource on the Islands. Phranzland has alleged full support to Altmand, and recognizes the Isles as a territory of Altmand. King Frank has stated he is willing to support his ally, even if it means entering a war.

Numerous Unexplained Disappearances

In the past few months, multiple ships have mysteriously disappeared a couple miles Southeast of Doobin. The missing ships include Pirates, Naval Militias, and a ship under the flag of the Royal Shipping Company. The Central Trading Company has not suspended Southeast trading routes as of July 28th 732. There are many theories, however none are proven.

August 12th, 732
War!

On August 3rd of this year, the tensions of the past weeks have finally manifested into a full on military conflict between Meridian and Altmand. In the wee hours of July  31st, Meridian began an invasion force of the Artland Isles. A few days earlier, a defensive force by Altmand had orders to garrison in Artland. Meridian forces attacked Altmand’s defenses, showing that it is willing to enter an armed conflict to enforce its claims. Meridian’s land forces were unsuccessful in their attempt to land in Artland, as they did not expect any resistance. King Ferdinand of Meridian sent a declaration of war to Altmand, stating that it cannot tolerate Altmand’s actions and decisions. Phranzland, Rhineland, and numerous other smaller states have joined Altmand’s side in the conflict. Wovonsland has requested peace talks between both parties, however all sides have disagreed on a possible peace agreement. The Altmand Royal Navy has readied all it’s warships, with a possibility of some mercantile ships being drafted into the conflict. Such ships would either be re-fitted into warships, or help send supplies across all fronts of the conflict.

New Company Appears

A new potential adversary to the Central Trading Company has started to build outposts across the West Isles. The new outposts are in locations with high reports of Pirates. The company, “The West Isles Trading Company” Is overseen by The Kingdom of Meridian. The WITC has been reported to have bought stolen cargo from pirates, and paid them for sinking mercantile ships. The Central Trading Company has yet to say anything about the WITC. Piracy could soon become a profitable field with the existence of the West Isles Trading Company. WITC’s main motive is to export goods back to Meridian. This action is likely a result from the month-long tensions between Altmand and Meridian, as Altmand’s Central Trading Company has had a very large influence in the West Isles, which has made piracy unprofitable.

January 30th, 733
Strange roar heard

In recent days, a peculiar “roar” has been heard in the distance. This sound has been reported to only be occurring at night. Outpost workers in Frusta Outpost claim to hear the noise much louder than in other locations, suggesting that the origin of the sound is very close to the West Isles. The sound can be heard on all islands, but is loudest in the Nova Meridian Archipelago. No expedition has been set by any crews yet. The Central Trading Company has issued an order to stay cautious in the southeast region of the West Isles. At the current moment, multiple theories have been made regarding the source of the noise. Some suggest that the noise is a cause of geological changes, while others suggest it could be due to a sea monster. What is known is that in the past few months, ships sailing south-eastbound have not returned, and are presumed missing.

Pillar formations spotted southeast

Odd pillars have been sighted southeast of Frusta Outpost. This may be related to the Peculiar roar heard. The pillars are not always in sight, and do occasionally sink into the water. Not much information is known about the pillars. Like the distant roar, no expedition has been carried out yet. Some have suggested that the pillars are a geological formation due to geological disturbances, which have also caused the roar, others argue that the pillars confirm the presence of one, or many sea monsters. Whatever the case, nobody is absolutely certain on the nature of the peculiar events.