If your looking for the juiciest gossip or the "real" story, be sure to visit your local bar.  The bar keep will have all of the answers.  Here are several of the rumors and reports that are making the rounds.

• Robberies are on the rise in various areas and Gallione is no exception.  Wagon hijackings and abductions are rampant.  Now a group of former criminals and mercenaries, called the "Death Corp", have been making the most trouble for the Hokuten.

• There is great concern over King Omdolia, who collapsed at Prince Orinas birthday celebration.  The Board of Chamberlains reported his fever has subsided, but he'll take 3 weeks to recover.  It will be several months before he can make any public appearances.  but since most public policy is made by Queen Ruvelia, not turmoil is expected.

• A war that caused terror for nearly 50 years between Ivalice and Ordalia, known as the "Fifty Year War".  The War was ignited when King Diwanu died without naming a successor.  The throne was succeeded by Diwanu's brother, Valowa, but Denamunda of Ivalice, declared war.  This was an excuse... the real reason was because of Zelamonia, a territory of Ivalice running along the Ordalian border.  It was once independent, but was annexed over a century ago, after an invasion.  Ivalice supported Ordalia, but the result was failure.  Unrest among the Nobles and in cities of Zelamonia, along with Ordalia's rule, led them to seek intervention from Ivalice. 

• With victories in the early battles, Ivalice's Army marched on the capitol of Bura.  But King Denamunda fell ill was never to return to his kingdom.  The confusion gave the Ordalian Army and opportunity, as Valowa was successful in holding off Ivalice's army.  Approximately 2 year stalemate was broken by the Romandan Army's invasion.

• Romanda is a military state seperated from Ivalice by Larner Channel.   Under King Valowa's orders, a blood relative, they marched on Ivalice.  But, Denamunda who succeeded King Denamunda was a brave warrior against both the Romanda and Ordalian armies.  An outbreak of Bubonic Plague in Romanda forced them to retreat in 3 years.

• The 2 squads most effective in the war were the Hokuten, led by Balbanes, and the Nanten, led by T.G. Cid.  They scored many victories as they marched on Ordalia.  But the long war was disasterous for both administrations.  Farmers' revolts and riots broke out in many areas, as both kingdoms focused their war efforts within their borders.  This made another stalemate broken only by the death of King Denamunda.  (Widely believed to be assassinated)  His successor, Omdolia was not fit to lead the kingdom, and left all matters of state to the elder statesmen and the Queen.  Therefore, there was no power to drive the troops of Prince Lanard, Valowa's successor, out. 

• After allowing the invasion of Zeltennia, battles that both the Hokuten and the Nanten fought in, Ivalice hoped for peace.  Realizing the war was useless, both kingdoms agreed on peace, focusing their efforts within their respective borders.  Although the agreement was bilateral, Ivalice surrendered.

• Soon after, Ivalice's economy was on the brink of bankruptcy because of the sever war reparations.  Payments could not be made to returning soldiers, and large groups of Knights were discharged.  As a result, high unemployment, uncertainty and distrust filled Ivalice.

• The rumor of the failing health of King Omdolia is spreading throughout the capital.  Since his collapse during Orinas' birthday celebration, we've been told that he was on his way to recovery, but the discouraged faces of his close advisors tell otherwise.  With an official guardian for the Prince yet to be named, the Queen is certain to clash with the elder statesmen over his guardianship.

• It was revealed that the main group in the Death Corps, the Thieves, were close to annihilation due to the joint effort by the four groups of the Knights.  According to official reports, the total number of thieves apprehended by the plan added up to approximately 700, and the death toll was approximately 3000.  Wiegraf, the leader of the Death Corps is yet to be apprehended, but the Hokuten stated that is was just a matter of time.

• The Thieves, major players in the Death Corps are close to annihilation, but the Knights haven't been able to capture their leader, Wiegraf, yet.  Although the Hokuten are in pursuit of the remaining members, an assault on a high official occurred at the mansion of the well-known and respected Beoulve family.  The target seems to have been Prince Larg's assistant, Dycedarg.  Fortunately the assassination attempt was unsuccessful.

• After the death of King Omdolia, Queen Ruvelia held the reigns of the government.  Any officials objecting to her policies were ousted, even elder statesmen.  The Empress openly criticized the Queen, and was banished to Bunahan, never to return.  It is said that she was poisoned, but no proof was ever found.

• A political struggle erupted between the Prince Larg and the son of the late King.  They are fighting for the regency, who will be guardian to the Prince.  The Queen sided with Larg, but the officials who oppose her, including many Nobles, sided with Goltana.  Lately, some say Prince Larg will officially be appointed Regent.

• A large peasant rebellion has errupted in Zeltennia, Goltana's territory.  It was caused by the heavy damage resulting from the previous years drought, as well as growing unease over the rise in taxes after the War.  A group of ex-Knights, known as the "Ryomoku" seemed to be behind the rebellion.  Baron Grims' Black Sheep are struggling to suppress it.

• Princess Ovelia has been abducted from the Orbonne Monastery.  Witnesses say the Knight that disappeared had a crest of a Black Lion, believed to the ghose of the Nanten, under Prince Goltana.  Goltana strongly denies any involvment.  He assembled a group of investigators to clear any suspicion, but due to the attempted supression of the rebellion in Zeltennia, it seems difficult.

• Long before Ivalice was united, the land was divided into 7 kingdoms: Zeltennia, Fovoham, Lionel, Limberry, Lesalia, Gallione, and Murond.  Each tried to expand their territory and struggles continued for hundreds of years, until an ambitious new King, was born in Murond.  He gathered a great army from all over Ivalice and fought, but victory did nnot come easily.  Then the King found a secret ways to summon a Magic God from the netherworld.  But when he tried to usi its powers, the Magic God killed the King and tried to destroy the world...

• 12 brave souls defeated the Devils summond by the Magic God and sent him back to the netherworld.  At this time, the 12 warriors were crested with 12 zodiac symbols, and people began to call them the "Zodiac Braves."

• Crystals said to be made in a mythic era.  With a zodiac symbol carved on their surface, the crystal was known as the "Zodiac Stone of the 12 zodiac symbols."  The stones are said to have holy powers used by the Zodiac Braves to work miracles.  The last time they were seen was during St. Ajora's time, no one has seen them since...

• Bart Trading Company, based in Warjilis, is increasing in popularity because it donates heavily to projects improving the infrastructure and orphanages.  But they are not only known for thier charity.  Some say they are a criminal outfit involved in opium smuggling, slavery and even murder.  Who knows the real truth about this company?

• Three months have passed since the Battle at Gulofavia – The first all out battle on a plain bordered by Lesalia and Limberry-.  The death toll for the two armies reached nearly 400,000.  This battle between those that fought side by side during the War is only creating many casualties with no end in sight.  Many see the situation as a stalemate, and its length has brought pessimism among the people.

• Princess Ovelia, abducted from Orbonne Monastery has been safely rescued.  The mastermind behind her abduction was Gelwan, a close official to Goltana and Queen Ruvelia.  Trying to bring her son to the throne, it was the Queen’s plan, to persuade the Minister –But, those supporting the Queen strongly deny these allegations-.  Furthermore, the Minister has already been executed.

• The one who rescued the Princess was a young Knight named Delita, an assistant Black Sheep Knight under Baron Grims.  Recognized for his heroism, he is expected to be the next leader of the Black Sheep now that the seat is vacant since the Baron was killed while fighting the “Ryomoku.”

• 3 months have passed since the death of Draclau, due to illness.  There are rumors that the leader of Lionel Castle was really assassinated.  There is even one rumor that it was a murder by an “Unidentified monster.”  To support these theories, there was an attack upon the castle by thieves, the night before his death causing many deaths and injuries.  The cause of death was said to be people were “crushed to death.”

• 10 years ago, the kingdom had a terribly bad harvest.  Zeltennia and Limberry were devasted by drought and their harvests were half the norm.  On the other hand, Gallione and Fovoham, were devastated by floods.  The harvests in the west were about half the norm as well.  People left destitute in the war and people suffering from famine migrated to Lesalia seeking refuge.

• Known as the “Silver Nobleman” to his allies and “Silver Ogre” to his enemies, Marquis Elmdor was hit by a stray arrow at the battle at Fuss Plains and died.  His people believed in him and though he was a devout believer in the Galabados Church.  Many visit his grave to pay their respects.  Since he was the leader that supported the Goltana Army, the war effort will be affected.

• Suffering through the long stalemate, Larg’s Army began to mobilize.  Over 80 percent of the Knights in the frontline were Hokuten when the march on Bethla began.  Bethla was a strategic location for the invasion of Zeltennia.  Occupying this area would mean an abundant food supply.  This would either make or break the war effort for either side.

• There was an incident of an attack by an “Unidentified monster” at Lionel Castle.  But now, it has occurred again at Riovanes Castle, home of Duke Barinten.  Victims of this incident are said to number over 500.  The image of people’s crushed heads are etched into the minds of those who saw it.

• There are numerous coal mines in Goland, but a monster seems to have recently settled in one of them.  A plan to gather Knights to suppress the monster was being made by the administration, but due to the war no progress has been made.  The administration put up a reward for anyone from commoner to hunter, who slays the monster.  All hope for a quick solution.

• Nelveska Island, an island that lies 8000 doma north of Zeltennia.  In the center of the island are many temple graves.  It was a critical area used by guerillas resisting the enemy.  Known as a paradise for its lush greenery, the fishermen call it a “Cursed Island” and “A fearsome iron sentinel will kill all those who approach.”

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