Dockside News Report Vol. 1 " Iss. 1 June 16th, 2007

Top Story: Fish Rain in Rhy'Din! By: Norman Marlin Sometime in the early morning hours, some residents of Rhy'Din woke up to a strange and rather foul-smelling event. When they stepped out of their homes or into their streets, they found that it was raining fish of all sizes. The largest to be spotted thus far has been sixteen inches in length — it fell and knocked a hole through one man's admittedly unsound roof before landing on his dinner table as if served on a platter.

Residents who lived closer to the dockside reported being awoken by a loud explosion apparently coming from the harbor. Officials are, however, uncertain as to whether there are any links between the explosion and the raining of the fish.

There are no reports as to how many different areas of the city were effected by this event, but authorities suggest that everyone pitch in to clean up the fish before the high heat of the sun makes the smell unbearable.

((More information can be found here. Open to all who want to play with it, in any way.))



In the Area: Salvage Yard Being Overhauled By: Jeffrey Pike The Rhy'Din Salvage Yard, once owned by the McKennitt boys, is now apparently under renovation. Workers of all types have been spotted doing clean up, maintenance, repairs and even construction in the northern part of the Yard.

According to one man an elf by the name of Cinder Shirastan, one-time caretaker of the Yard, is the one responsible. Shirastan was not able to be reached for comment, so the reasons for the renovation remain a mystery.

Vigilante Justice on the Docks By: Anonymous

In the darkness of night and with the sound of leather, two men were soundly beaten on the fringe of the dockside by one of the Scathachians. What "crime" was committed, as well as the ultimate fates of the men, remains a mystery. Any information regarding this incident would be appreciated.



The Shipping News

Al Na'ir under Captain Maia Cyrene d'Thalia in loading dock.

Bonny Anne under Captain Mary Read in port.

Fiddler's Green under Captain Robert Kidd in port.

Pride and Fury under Captain Stephen Kidd in port.

Seawolf under Captain James Black at sea.



Business Advertising and Classifieds Advertise in the Dockside News Report! Just type up an ad and send it on over. It will appear in the next issue.

((If any muns care to give actual accounts or updates on their vessels (or want their vessels removed from or added to the shipping news) shoot me a PM. If anyone wants to add an article or advertisement, send it on over as well. Permission is given to the Oracle Staff to reprint any or all of the Dockside News Report.))

Dockside News Report Vol. 1 " Iss. 3 June 18th, 2007

Top Story: Disaster Recap (Day Two) By: Norman Marlin Residents and businessmen are reporting that the chaos that had started two days ago on the docks is beginning to wind down, though not before it was spread a little further into the city by someone. Several places report that they found fish left on their doorstep, courtesy of Anonymous Couriers. One resident was quoted as saying, "It's a nice gesture, doncha know, but those fish were stinkin' ta high heaven by the time they got here!"

Various people have been attempting to clean up the mess, and one resident posted a warning sign on the water's edge telling people wishing to take a swim what danger they may be in. There was also an unconfirmed rumor that a bear had come into the city to feast on the now very rotten fish.

Officials are still warning residents that the docks and the surrounding effected areas are to be considered dangerous, due to the wildlife, the health risk and the smell. Due caution should be used by all of those who visit until this mess is fully brought under control.

DeVernon Dockside: An Interview By: Jeffrey Pike Despite the disaster on the docks, we were still able to get into contact with Sebastian DeVernon of DeVernon Dockside and have a chat with him about his business, what they do and what their future plans are.

Pike: So, let's start simple: What exactly is DeVernon Dockside" What do you do"

Sebastian: DeVernon Dockside is a trading/shipping company that contracts several vessels to haul almost anything and everything. We currently employ five different ships, but we're always looking to expand.

Pike: How has business been since you opened" Been getting enough trade"

Sebastian: Well, actually, the business has been open for close to twenty years. I came into ownership of the company when it's previous owner, David (can't remember the last name, but I'll get it to you), had a heart attack. Business has been good, though. We get enough contracts to pay the bills.

Pike: Twenty years" That's fairly good for Rhy'Din. So, you mentioned that you carry almost anything and everything. Any limits on what you're willing to haul"

Sebastian: As long as it's not illegal, we'll take it where ya want it to go.

Pike: Speaking of cargo, do you have a rate scale, or do you judge each load independently to come up with a price"

Sebastian: You know what? I honestly have no idea what we charge these days. My brother recently joined the administration staff and he handles all of the financial areas. Apparently he thought I wasn't doing a good enough job. Before, though, yeah....it was judged by the load.

Pike: So it's a family-run business" How many employees would you say you have working dockside, and how many working at sea"

Sebastian: Well, kind of family-run. My brother and his wife are the only other family working at DeVernon Dockside. Other employees" Hmm, I'd say about five or six that work with us in the office. Four of our ships crew between 10 and 12 men, but the Traveler Joshua has 18 I believe.

Pike: The dockside residents sure can use the employment. Planning on hiring more anytime in the near future, or for that matter, expanding the business"

Sebastian: Well, as mentioned before....yes, we are always willing to expand. We are looking for a captain and crew for the newest addition AFTICA, as well as longshoremen. If we contract anymore vessels, then we should be looking for clerical help too.

Pike: So, you'd like people to be made aware that you are looking for competent and capable crew for your newest vessel, and people to load it' Are there any particular qualifications you want from employees" Any particular traits you're looking for"

Sebastian: Actually....there aren't many requirements at all. We do take in those with little and even no experience, though, experience is always a plus. Be prepared to work hard....we don't like slackers.

Pike: Excellent. Hopefully word will circulate and you'll find the type of hard workers you're looking for. Is there anything else you'd like the dockside or even greater Rhy'Din to know about your business"

Sebastian: Of course. We really do welcome almost all business opportunities. Don't be afraid to stop in. Big or small, we want to be your main choice. My guys work hard - you'll get what you pay for.

Pike: Well, we at the Dockside News wish you all the best of luck with your business. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us.

Sebastian: Thank-you very much. I enjoyed our chat.

The Shipping News

AFTICA in port, waiting for officers and crew.

Al Na'ir under Captain Maia Cyrene d'Thalia at sea.

Bonny Anne under Captain Mary Read in port.

Dauntless under Captain Gordon Howe in port.

Fiddler's Green under Captain Robert Kidd in port.

Pride and Fury under Captain Stephen Kidd in port.

Marietta under Captain Leif Hawke at sea.

Seawolf under Captain James Black at sea.

Suave Holly under Captain Sean Donovan at sea.

Traveler Joshua under Captain Az'myth Donne in port.

Business Advertising and Classifieds

DeVernon Dockside is currently seeking a qualified Captain and crew members for the latest addition to their fleet. Also hiring hard working longshoremen. Contact Sebastian DeVernon for more details.

Dockside News Report Vol. 1 " Iss. 5 June 23rd, 2007

Dockside Life Returns to Normal By: Norman Marlin Residents and business people who live and work on or near the docks gave a hearty sigh of relief when the last fish floated out to sea. Though there was some minor flooding, most buildings escaped it unscathed and reports are that no occupied structures were flooded. There was one report of a young woman being injured by one of the flying manhole covers, but as to her location and condition, no one knows.

One resident who lived through the disaster was quoted as saying, "Thank the gods it's over! Everything I've eaten since then has tasted like fish, and now that they're gone, maybe I'll be able to actually enjoy a meal again!" In a related sentiment, nearly every establishment that serves food near or on the docks has taken fish off of their menus for the time being.

How the incident came to happen, then escalate, is still unknown. The Rhy'Din Guard is still waiting for someone to come forward with information.

Fish Wash Up On Whitewall Island By: Norman Marlin According to the supply ship that runs between Whitewall Island and Rhy'Din, the island received a very unwelcome surprise not long after the last of the fish washed off of Rhy'Din's shores. Due to tides, currents and some believe bad luck, all of the fish that were swept out to sea littered the beaches of the fairly self-sufficient island. With the fish, the other wildlife soon came out of the trees to partake of the by now very rotten fish. More information about the cleanup there will be reported as we receive it.

The Shipping News

AFTICA in port, waiting for officers and crew.

Al Na'ir under Captain Maia Cyrene d'Thalia at sea.

Bonny Anne under Captain Mary Read in port.

Dauntless under Captain Gordon Howe in port.

Fiddler's Green under Captain Robert Kidd in port.

Pride and Fury under Captain Stephen Kidd in port.

Marietta under Captain Leif Hawke at sea.

Seawolf under Captain James Black at sea.

Suave Holly under Captain Sean Donovan at sea.

Traveler Joshua under Captain Az'myth Donne in port.

Business Advertising and Classifieds

DeVernon Dockside is currently seeking a qualified Captain and crew members for the latest addition to their fleet. Also hiring hard working longshoremen. Contact Sebastian DeVernon for more details.

Dockside News Report Vol. 1 " Iss. 7 July 5th, 2007

Top Story: Becky's Place, an Interview with Keir Harding By: Norman Marlin It's located quite far down the shore, towards quieter sections of town. The place literally appeared like Dorothy's house in Wizard of Oz. There was just suddenly a Victorian house set onto the beach front. It's renovated, turned into a cafe. There's a white-pillared front porch that leads to a small green lawn in the front. A glossy, dark-green, wrought iron fence separates the property from the street. Small, wrought iron cafe tables and chairs dot the wraparound porch and front yard. There's two floors, the main floor mostly kitchen in the back and the front counter....a few tables, but most of the cozy seating is upstairs. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the sea line the walls. Those two areas — plus the foyer, where there are coffee machines, a beverage steamer, and a glass-cased counter for baked goods — comprise the little cafe, simply named Becky's Place.

The Dockside News Report had the opportunity to sit down with the owner, Keir Harding. Originally hailing from Winfield, Wisconsin, in Sauk County, he gives the impression of someone possessing both American midwestern charm and keen business instincts.

Marlin: Handsome looking place you've got here. Couldn't help but notice you're in a quiet spot, though....get much business" Or is it slow"

Harding: We usually get a fair amount of business, but we certainly have our slow days. We have alot of regulars who stop by for their favorite dish or drink and like to sit in the same place everyday. It's those kinds of customers I like to serve — the ones I can build a relationship with.

Marlin: What seems to be your most popular attraction, food-wise" What would you recommend to customers who haven't been here yet"

Harding: I'd have to say Miss Elisha's hot cherry cobbler. She makes it fresh everyday and always serves it with a smile. Alot of folks don't like to eat the food they serve on a daily basis, but I can say that if all I had to eat everyday for the rest of my life was Miss Elisha's hot cobbler, I'd end up dying a happy man when my time came.

Marlin: I'll have to try that after we're finished here. Now, how did you come to open Becky's Place" Any interesting tale to tell there, or was it just a spur-of-the-moment decision"

Harding: Well, it's funny you should ask. About a year and a half ago, there was this big storm in Safe Harbor, Wisconsin and before my crew could get out of the building and to safety, our cafe was snatched right from it's foundation and ended up here. Don't ask me how that happened, but it sure took us all a long time to get used to this. When we found a way to get back, a few people went home, but most of us stayed and decided to continue running the place. It's been a hell of a ride, but I like this place.

Marlin: That's....one of the more colorful ways people land in Rhy'Din, I'll give you that. Have you had any trouble hit outside of just adjusting to a new place" Or has it been peaceful"

Harding: No, for the most part, it's been peaceful. Alot more peaceful than back home. It's why I don't mind staying.

Marlin: Any plans on expanding the business, or are you happy with the size it is now" And do you do catering, or is it strictly walk-in business"

Harding: We at Becky's Place really like the size of our establishment, so expanding isn't exactly on our to-do list. It's a personal business; we like to maintain a close relationship with our customers, and expanding would only hinder this.

Yes, we do catering, but we do need notice at least 48 hours in advance, that way we can make sure to prepare everything needed. We haven't gotten too many catering orders, but each of our recipes is "secret" (handed down from family members) and it's what makes our food so unique. It keeps people coming back.

Marlin: Well, we've covered your origins, covered the favorite dish, and your plans. Is there anything else you'd like to tell the realm about Becky's Place"

Harding: We're a very friendly sort of people. Even if all you want is a cup of coffee, don't feel like you need to rush out. We love to chat and get to know our customers.

Marlin: Sounds good! And now, I think I'd like to try a piece of that cherry cobbler.

As suggested, the cobbler was indeed very good.



Dockside Raffle Still On By: Jeffrey Pike The Dockside Charity 50/50 Raffle is still running. Thus far, twenty-eight tickets have been sold, leaving plenty of tickets still up for grabs. The numbers taken are: 1, 2, 3, 7, 13, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, 31, 36, 42, 46, 53, 57, 60, 63, 65, 69, 70, 72, 77, 83, 88, 96, 99 and 100.

In order to sweeten the deal (and benefit the charity), the Dockside News has decided to match ticket sales. Therefore, if all tickets are sold, the winnings will not just be 100 crowns, but 200. So, pick one of the numbers left, buy a few tickets and remember, it's all for a good cause!

The Shipping News

AFTICA in port, waiting for officers and crew.

Al Na'ir under Captain Maia Cyrene d'Thalia at sea.

Bonny Anne under Captain Mary Read in port.

Dauntless under Captain Gordon Howe in port.

Fiddler's Green under Captain Robert Kidd in port.

Pride and Fury under Captain Stephen Kidd in port.

Marietta under Captain Leif Hawke at sea.

Seawolf under Captain James Black at sea.

Suave Holly under Captain Sean Donovan at sea.

Traveler Joshua under Captain Az'myth Donne at sea, as of June 26th.

Business Advertising and Classifieds

DeVernon Dockside is currently seeking a qualified Captain and crew members for the latest addition to their fleet. Also hiring hard working longshoremen. Contact Sebastian DeVernon for more details.

Dockside News Report Vol. 1 " Iss. 9 July 19th, 2007

Dockside Charity 50/50 Raffle Winner Announced By: Norman Marlin After a late rally by the citizens of Rhy'Din, all tickets in the Charity Raffle were sold out. Drawing took place at 7:00P.M. sharp at the Dockside News Report offices, and the winner was Ryan Stevens with ticket number 32. Half of the proceeds went to him; half are being kept in reserve for charitable purposes. Currently, suggestions for what to do with the money include handing it over to Kitty Helston, our Governor, to contribute to converting an abandoned warehouse in the area into a clinic for the citizens. Other ideas are: A Foodbank for needy citizens, a possible new school or perhaps an after-school program for Rhy'Din's youngsters.

Feel free to add your suggestions. Just drop a note by the Dockside News offices and your suggestions will be included in the poll for all citizens to vote on.

Monster Sighted in Harbor By: Norman Marlin On the 13th of July, a giant monster was sighted in the harbor. Though the beast looked very fearsome, it only let out a very loud roar and did not attack anyone or anything in the harbor. It vanished sometime thereafter and has not been seen since.

Crab Trap Dispute By: Jeffrey Pike In the early morning hours, two residents of the dockside area were seen shouting at one another. Apparently the dispute was over the ownership of crab traps. One man, Mr. Ray Dodge of the Fantastic Crabtastic Company, claimed the traps were his; the other man, Mr. Sam Boxer of the Crabtacular Spectacular Company, likewise claimed the traps. The argument by the two men lasted for over an hour, beginning with the crab traps and ending with them accusing one another of stealing company secrets.

Residents of the dockside, long since used to the arguments between the men, continued about their business.

The Shipping News

AFTICA in port, waiting for officers and crew.

Al Na'ir under Captain Maia Cyrene d'Thalia, at sea.

Arisugawa under Commodore Gustavus (G'nort) Talanador in port.

Bonny Anne under Captain Mary Read in port.

Dauntless under Captain Gordon Howe in port.

Fiddler's Green under Captain Robert Kidd in port.

L'Orient under Commodore Gustavus (G'nort) Talanador in port.

Marietta under Captain Leif Hawke at sea.

Pride and Fury under Captain Stephen Kidd in port.

Seawolf under Captain James Black at sea.

SpellJammer under Commodore Gustavus (G'nort) Talanador in port.

Suave Holly under Captain Sean Donovan at sea.

Traveler Joshua under Captain Az'myth Donne at sea, as of June 26th.

Business Advertising and Classifieds

Dockside News Report Vol. 1 " Iss. 11 August 12th, 2007

Dockside Killer Behind Bars By: Norman Marlin According to public records, the Dockside killer turned himself into authorities after killing five confirmed victims, one unconfirmed victim and dogs, seagulls and rats. No details of the killer turning himself in have been found, but guards at the Port South Holding House say that he is childlike and does not seem to comprehend what he has done. One of the guards reported that he reminded him of a five-year old nephew he had.

He is currently being visited by Chryrie Nightstar, though there is no record if this is just a friendly visit or more medical in nature. He has also had another visitor, described as an adult woman who persists in calling this childlike creature her 'love.' The nature of their relationship is yet to be fully discerned, however, as is whether or not this adult female is truly this childlike creature's love interest.

Gaston, the head of the Port South Holding House, has stated that aside from episodes that frequently turn the seemingly innocent creature to rages, he has been a model prisoner and some privileges are to be added slowly starting next month if his model behavior continues and if his rages can at least be predicted for the sake of safety.



August Fishing By: Jeffrey Pike Fishing has been some of the best there has ever been seen in Rhy'Din of late. Several boats have reported higher than normal yields and while the market value of many fish has dropped, record profits are still being recorded.

Some attribute the unexpected bounty to the Dockside Disaster that occurred, when fish multiplied on shore and caused a city-wide problem. One fisherman said, "Maybe them living ones went back in and started multiplyin' in the water. Damned if I know, it's just been a really good haul."

Fisherman hope that the trend continues until the season end come fall.

The Shipping News

AFTICA in port, waiting for officers and crew.

Al Na'ir under Captain Maia Cyrene d'Thalia, at sea.

Arisugawa under Commodore Gustavus (G'nort) Talanador in port.

Bonny Anne under Captain Mary Read in port.

Dauntless under Captain Gordon Howe in port.

Fiddler's Green under Captain Robert Kidd in port.

L'Orient under Commodore Gustavus (G'nort) Talanador in port.

Marietta under Captain Leif Hawke at sea.

Pride and Fury under Captain Stephen Kidd in port.

Seawolf under Captain James Black at sea.

SpellJammer under Commodore Gustavus (G'nort) Talanador in port.

Suave Holly under Captain Sean Donovan at sea.

Traveler Joshua under Captain Az'myth Donne at sea.

Business Advertising and Classifieds (Submit an ad to the Dockside News Report for print!)