Exotic Travel Locales . . . DEEP Discounts!

The Haslanti League - Entrenched in the deep North, the people of the Haslanti League are as tough as their mountain homes. Rather than succumb after the third elemental invasion, they've dug in, and now, their capital cities are modern marvels! Come see their advanced hydroponics and reactor warmed cavern cities. Enjoy fresh delicacies like snow saber. Just remember to pack some extra layers!

Haunted Sijan - People like to tell ghost stories, and there's none more fascinating that old Sijan. Once a vibrant cultural hub, Sijan was abandoned ten years ago. While this was obviously a result of the unchecked elemental incursion (serves them right for refusing the deliberative's offer of defense), people like to gossip. Now they say the city is haunted. Our Meruvian forces are hard at work establishing a base there to reclaim the city and expand the empire, though. A brighter future for everyone!

Nexus - The melting pot of the riverlands! Travel to Nexus to taste exotic dishes, mingle with vibrant people, and enjoy entertainments available nowhere else. The factories in Nighthammer can be oppressive, and we recommend being careful after dark, but if you're looking for fun, there's no place better. Just don't take any money you're not willing to lose. "Forget it, it's Nexus!"

The Hottest Celebrity Gossip

Joel Rowan - Joel Rowan is the host of the hit radio show "The Joel Rowan Perspective". With the hottest guests from stars to the rich and powerful, Joel has the ear of the nation. There isn't a household in the New Meru that doesn't tune into his show at least sometimes.

Hayden Davis - Best known for his role in the classic action-scifi movie, "Edgewalker," rumor has it that this rugged older star has been signed on by Wonder Studios to direct the next Evelyn Tepet movie. Known for his thoughtful takes on the place of robotics in society, will this mark a turning point for the series into more serious cinema?

Solstice Blake - This young woman is still wanted by the Meruvian government for the terror attack she staged against the Harbor Towers in New Meru. Having escaped custody, Blake is at large and considered to be extremely dangerous. The authorities warn that, despite her young age, she to be considered a top threat, and any civilian that has any information regarding her location should call 555-4636 to report.

Kade Hoffman - This up and coming tech magnate has taken the market by storm with his company, "Essential Motors," but with his next venture, he's told reporters that he wants to break out into robotics. His lofty claims seem like the next Davis thriller, but time will tell if he'll be able to deliver on his transhumanist promises to investors. Still, his rising influence just might be the toughest competition that Blackgate Industries has ever head, and the best hope the UES has of competing.

Senator Griff Shaden - Another woman, Melissa Volken, is alleging that she had a short-lived affair with Senator Shaden. A rising star in the Meruvian deliberative since ending his active duty with the Meruvian First Flight Division, this is the 6th such allegation made against the politician. His representative, a young clerk or assistant, refuted the claim, stating that Mr. Shaden had not even been in the same city with Ms. Volken on the dates of the alleged tryst, and her documents seem to corroborate this version of events.

Doctor Sean Valkuria - Still no word on the disappearance of Dr. Valkuria, whose research into robotic implants made him a leader in the field. A former professor at NMU, his current employer, the Tempus research group claims they have not heard from him since last month.

Willard Blackgate - New Meru's most popular tech mogul is at it again! His latest venture, purchasing ADAMANT, the company by the personal augmented reality visor, has already released its new prototype, and looks set to be the new hot commodity on everyone's shopping list next spring. In other news, he's looking to purchase the Peleps Bay Buccaneers to break into the Rumble Ball circuit. Hot stuff!

Evelyn Tepet - One of Meru's greatest modern heroes! Captain Tepet completed the DragonBlood program and rose to prominence on the northern front as she led her unit against a violent elemental horde. Granted early retirement from the legions, she's become a breakaway star back home in New Meru. Her first film, "Black Rose," told the story of a highly trained agent taking on international threats, and looks to be the first installment of Wonder Studios' new cinematic universe.

Craneson Swann - This dashing young diplomat has been assigned to negotiate the release of UES civilians taken prisoner by the navy of the Choral Archipelago for trespassing in sovereign waters.

Breaking Exposé

Invasion! - Aliens are working hand in hand with world governments to orchestrate a take over. Those in on it will be elevated to the next level of existence as reward. Their agents and coconspirators are everywhere, don't trust the Men In Black.

Black Outs -  "If the power drops out, that means there's a spirit around.  These days they thirst for human blood and you don't want to be caught in the dark where they can see you, clear as day.  Only a halogen light will scare them off.  Why do you think the police carry standard issue halogen torches, huh?  I also heard that the number of missing people is being suppressed by the government.  Surely there's a connection."

The Future, Now! - There's rumors of an amazing new cybernetic implant that makes whoever has it immortal, the process of making it though is as uncertain as it's actual existence but it can't possibly be completely kosher.

Illicit Study Aid -  Among Meruvian parents there are rumors of a product called 'Tengese Concentration water' that will help children gain an edge at school.  Supposedly it doesn't work on adults, leaving some people skeptical of the product.  But there are enough tales to suggest that all the smart kids are on it.  Even drug dealers are starting to take notice, some with the intention of making their own 'concentration water'.  This fad could get quite dangerous...


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Setting note: The names of the imperial families correspond to wards/states of Meruvia. They are also given as official last names to orphans and foundlings raised in those zones, ala "snow" and "sand" in game of thrones. This means that, yes, Evelyn Tepet is a woman without a family. I'm sure that has nothing to do with her status as a dragonblood.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:28, Wed 14 Oct 2020.