Darklands/Rumours Notices and Orders

This is a sub-page of Darklands.

Rumours, Notices and Orders

Rumours and official notices point the party toward major quests. However, many of them were not finished. In this section only the used texts are marked.

To do: Is the executed one a party member or someone else?

$AFFAI00.MSG (Dec 1992) lists possible rumours directing the heroes toward the major quests: troubles in mines, robber baron, dragon, and witches and Templars. It also lists several events that never happen: city unrests, wars between German states, Hussite rebellion, festival:

People have heard from travellers about...
...events in other cities.
...events in the countryside.
...2
...3
...4
...5
...6
...7
...8
...nothing more that interests you.

This menu always appears. Obviously, without items 2-8.

There is news that the $CityLordTitle of $PlaceName was overthrown in $Text1. Now the city is ruled by a $CityLordTitle for the $CityLordName. The disturbances hardly interrupted trade.

There are rumors that a rebellion against the $CityLordTitle of $PlaceName was put down. Although some still doubt the stability of the government, most feel the ruler is stronger than ever.

You pry for rumors and information, but nobody has any travellers' tales or personal experiences of interest.

This item appears when there are no quests available.

There are reports of unrest in $LocName ,  which lies to the $Direction .

There are reports of something ravaging the countryside $Direction from here. Some even talk of a dragon being seen in the skies.

Appears for dragon quests.

You hear that after a long imprisonment, $NamedOneName was finally tried, convicted and executed in $NamedTwoName . It is a sad end for a brave comrade.

Everyone is talking about the Hussite rebellion in Bohemia. Prag, Büirglitz, St. Joachimsthal and Kuttenberg are in revolt and preparing to resist any attack. It is rumored that the Emperor is forming a crusade to put down these heretics. Meanwhile the Hussites under the leadership of Ziska are forming their own armies.

Everyone is talking about how the Imperial army recaptured the city of $NamedOneName from the Hussites, restoring its rightful ruler. Many of the Hussite leaders were rounded up, imprisoned, and executed.

The Emperor has proclaimed a successful conclusion to the Bohemian crusade against the Hussite heretics. All rebel cities have been recaptured and the one true Church renewed. Loyal citizens of the Empire and the one true Church are urged to return to their homes, their businesses, and their usual ways of life throughout Bohemia.

Travellers are talking about the robber-knight near $NearestCity, whose boldness and evil is now legendary. Merchants discuss distant, alternate routes, just to avoid the danger he presents. The common view is, "Something ought to be done about this!"

Appears for the robber knight quest.

Everyone is talking about the feuding around $NamedOneName. "These nobles are always declaring feuds; just let them kill each other!" is a popular sentiment. Actually, what worries people most is the way feuding war parties ravage the countryside, assuming anyone who isn't a friend must be an enemy.

The war between $NamedOneName and $NamedTwoName is a common topic of discussion. Nobody seems to know whose army is larger, which cities are likely to be threatened, or who will ultimately win. The only point of agreement is that travel in $NamedThreeName will be dangerous until someone is victorious.

The army of $NamedOneName has finally defeated his adversary, $NamedTwoName, in a major battle. Most travellers and traders are relieved. Travel will be easier, and the cities opened once more.
In addition, it is said that $NamedThreeName will now be ruled by $NamedOneName, as part of the peace agreement.

Merchants discuss the $NamedOneName festival, upcoming in $NamedTwoName in less than a fortnight. The city should be crowded, business good, and prices much too high.

Everyone is excited by the Shrovetide festival, which starts about February 11th this year. It is the biggest celebration of the year in most cities. Large crowds, lots of business, and soaring prices are expected.

People are talking about the Michaelmas festival, which starts about September 9th. Especially big celebrations are expected this year in Leipzig, Prag, Bürglitz, Kuttenberg, Brünn, Marienburg and Thorn.

Everyone is talking about the mines near $NearestCity. It is said the miners have stopped working because of "knocker" attacks within the mines. Blacksmiths and guildsmen are worried about metal supplies, while friars and preachers excite everyone's fears and superstitions. The miners are rumored to offer a reward to anyone who can solve the problem so they can work again.

Appears for mine quests.

With hushed voices, people discuss the strange lights and weird shapes in the sky near a place named $NamedOneName. Even more distressing are tales of unbaptized innocents missing from villages nearby. The common advice is, "It's a place of ancient evil. Stay away." You recall this place is $Direction2 of here.

A clue for the main quest.

Travellers are telling tales about the destruction $Direction of here. A friar says, "I saw entire villages reduced to nothing but smoldering ruins. But there was no war or feud! Then I saw a strange shape in the sky. Let me tell you, I ran for three days, praying all the way!"

Appears for dragon quests.

$OFFIC00.MSG (Mar 1992) has the official notices posted by the city ruler. They represent the current state of the city and global quests set around this city. Again, there are mentions of disabled events — a revolt, a war, a festival and Hussite rebellion:

BY ORDER OF THE
$CityLordTitle

The citizens of $PlaceName are hereby prohibited from travelling about the streets in darkness, after the hour of Compline, unless unavoidably required by their occupation, or by an emergency.

One of 2 peacetime curfew orders is always present.

TO THE GOOD CITIZENS OF
$PlaceName

Be it known that nefarious enemies are threatening war and siege against our good city. Therefore, special precautions shall be taken against spies and traitors, and the city guard has been much expanded. Certain inns, guilds and homes may be required as additional billets.
Be it also known that hoarding of food and excessive price increases are illegal. All price changes must be approved by either the Bailiff of the $marketplace, or the master of the appropriate guild.
-- the $CityLordTitle

TO THE GOOD CITIZENS OF
$PlaceName

Due to the temporary inconvenience of a hostile army besieging this city, no citizen may pass the city walls until further notice. All citizens are urged to arm themselves, and to be frugal with their foodstuffs.
Until further notice, all excess food in the city must be offered for sale to the $CityLord at the official prices, to permit fair and equitable distribution to the needy.
-- the $CityLordTitle

BY ORDER OF THE
$CityLordTitle

For sake of public order and harmony, the citizens of $PlaceName are required to avoid unnecessary congregation or meetings in the streets or public places. Those who ignore this order and continue to congregate in large crowds will be subject to arrest and fines.

Although none of you read well enough to figure out the notices, a friendly citizen helpfully explains them to you.

Unfortunately, none of you can read well enough to understand any of the notices. In the daytime you could find somebody to read them to you, but at night this is impossible. You go away, frustrated.

The above two messages do appear in version 483.07 (last) if the party is illiterate, but some players reported they didn't get them in other versions.

BY ORDER OF THE
$CityLordName

For the sake of public safety and decorum, no citizens of $PlaceName shall travel about the streets in darkness, after the hour of Compline, unless required unavoidably by an emergency or their occupation.
-- the $CityLordTitle

One of 2 peacetime curfew orders is always present.

BE IT KNOWN:

In the case of $NamedOneName, this person has been found guilty of high crimes punishable by death. Sentence was carried out at dawn today in the city dungeon. Justice was and shall be done.

TO EVERY CITIZEN:

Let it be known that affairs in $PlaceName will be guided by the teachings of John Huss. We affirm the Four Articles of Prag, and proclaim that anyone may preach the Bible's Truth. Honest Bohemians have been released from prison, their places taken by rapacious German overlords without honesty or morals. Our path is lighted by the Lord!
-- the City Council

TO EVERY CITIZEN:

I now rule $PlaceName, acting for the $CityLordName and the Emperor. You have been freed from misguided, heretical rulers. True Catholic priests are present once more. The Hussite heresy will not be tolerated. Preaching by anyone other than an ordained priest of the One True Church will not be tolerated. Long live truth, justice and the One True Church!
-- the $CityLordTitle

TO EVERY CITIZEN OF $PLACENAME

By order of the $CityLordName, I, the $CityLordTitle, do hereby rule $PlaceName. Citizens should continue their lawful, peaceful and orderly pursuits. There is no cause for alarm or concern. The time of disorder and uncertainty is now at an end. All hail the $CityLordName!
-- the $CityLordTitle

BY ORDER OF CITY COUNCIL:

Be it known that the celebration of $NamedOneName has begun. All citizens are urged to enjoy themselves safely and maintain decorum. Be assured that the watch will deal with thieves and pickpockets swiftly. Long live the Emperor!
-- the $CityLordTitle

AID SOUGHT

The $CityLordTitle invites all those stout of heart and brave of soul to volunteer, in person, to aid $PlaceName in its hour of need.

BRAVE MEN NEEDED:

The depredations of the so-called robber knight $NamedOneName must be stopped! All brave men willing to face this bloodthirsty wolf are urged to present themselves to the $CityLordTitle without fail.
In the name of the $CityLordName:
-- the $CityLordTitle

Appears for the robber knight quest.

REWARD !

To anyone who can rid $PlaceName of that nearby scourge, $NamedOneName, a despicable robber. Brave warriors are urged to inquire.
-- the merchants and bankers of $PlaceName

Appears for the robber knight quest.

REWARD FOR SERVICES

Qualified parties wishing to solve certain non-technical mining difficulties should present themselves to the officers of the Fugger Bank, during daylight and in person, as quickly as possible.

Appears for mine quests.

INVESTIGATOR REQUIRED

A company of miners wishes the services of an investigator to deal with certain special difficulties. A generous reward is offered. Qualified parties should present themselves to the mining company $Direction2 of $PlaceName.
-- a Company of Miners

Appears for mine quests.

$SITUA01.MSG (Mar 1992) lists possible rumours collected at the city inn and main square, but unlike $AFFAI00.MSG above it focuses more on local affairs and civil discontent.

Despite your best efforts, you can discover absolutely nothing new or different about $PlaceName. It seems as if the entire city has gone into a contented slumber.

This and one more appear in the game most often.

It's easy to overhear some of $PlaceName's less wealthy citizens grumbling over the recent increase in prices.
"By Mary's Motheaten Mantle," curses one, "the government should prevent all those merchants from charging so much for everything."
"But Hans," his friend replies, "the $CityLordTitle has posted allowed prices!" They drift away, and you hear no more of their familiar complaints.

You overhear two citizens discussing the best way to catch and cook rats. One believes in rat stew, while the other swears by rat pie. It's easy to see that the war is having an effect on $PlaceName.

Everyone is talking politics. People argue about the abilities of the $CityLordTitle, and people argue whether they should be subject to the $CityLordName. Passions run high over laws and taxes. The fairness of the government is discussed and compared with other cities.
In fact, many people expect the government to be overthrown.

The most interesting news right now is how Frau Glinker's cat got into the $cityChurch's baptismal font last Sunday! The sight of the poor censor chasing the animal up and down still provokes gales of laughter.

You ask about news, and what you get is jokes:
"News here in $PlaceName is so boring that the town crier is considering quitting, for lack of work."
"Well, our main entertainment is watching the trees grow."
"No problem with gossip here -- there's nothing to say!"

After listening to what people consider news here, you wonder what keeps them awake from one day to the next!

This and one more appear in the game most often.

Everyone here freely admits that nothing remotely interesting happens, ever. The biggest excitement in the last year was a half-pfennig per tun change in grain prices!

The main topic of conversation remains the recent political disturbances here. Most people say it was just traitors, trying to betray the city to its enemies. Many are too afraid to speak out at all. In any event, the $CityLordTitle survived, and now seems stronger than ever.

Everyone still talks with pride about the new government of $PlaceName. To listen to some people talk, everyone participated in the popular uprising that rid the city of its old lords. Certainly you've noticed that the city guardsmen walk with a rare sense of pride and belonging.

An addled farmer is the butt of many jokes. He claims he saw a dragon, but nobody believes him.
"But, but... it burned down a whole village!" he cries, and everyone laughs.
"Go talk to the priests," says one wag, "they have plenty of dragons in the Bible."
"Have some more ale, maybe you'll see two dragons!" suggests another.
You have a premonition that there is some truth in the farmer's tale, but you say nothing.

The depredations of the raubritter (robber knight) to the $Direction are discussed by all. Everyone knows of someone who has been hurt by his activities.
"The $CityLordTitle should do something about this!" is the common feeling. Some people have heard rumors of rewards posted by merchants. Others think the Church should take a hand.
You ponder the possibilities for honor, glory and reward, should you succeed in destroying the power of this evil man. Of course, the first step is to find patrons willing to reward you!

Appears for the robber knight quest.

You hear, "Finally, a clean and honest church. Those evil Germans will pay for promising Huss safety, then killing him. Ziska's armies will crush them, insuring our freedom forever!"
Just about everybody is willing to drink to the glory and success of the rebellion. You spot a few wearing the Hussite symbol -- a red chalice.

People aren't saying much about affairs. It doesn't take much genius to see they are followers of Huss. They resent the Emperor's victories, and obviously dislike German rule of their city.

The ongoing war doesn't seem to worry people. The popular view is, "Well, one noble or another will win. Our walls are so strong, no siege will ever succeed. They'll settle it somewhere else, with armies."
However, people are bothered by travel difficulties and the rise in prices. "I wish those armies would finish the fight quickly," says one merchant, "unless travel and trade start up soon, my business will suffer."

The ongoing feud in the countryside is nothing but a nuisance to the people here.
"I can't visit my sister any more," complains one guildsman, "travel outside the walls is too dangerous."
A workman says, "I hope those nobles kill each other. That's a fit judgement for their endless fighting."

Many of the people you encounter are from out of town, here for the celebration. While they bear interesting news from afar, they are quite ignorant of the situation within $PlaceName.

Nobody seems to remember $NamedOneName very well. "Oh, he was executed, you say?" is the usual remark.

From a number of people, you hear the same thing. "Out in the mines, to the $Direction, they're having some real problems. Something about strange creatures in the tunnels, preventing the miners from working."
You also hear that the Fuggers might be involved, but it's not clear whether they're part of the problem, or part of the solution.

This one appears when Fuggers offer a reward for solving the mine problems.

People are reluctant to talk about the $NamedOneName, to the $Direction. Most say to you, "It's an evil place. No honest person goes there."
About all you can discover is that some peculiar lights were visible there sometime in the last few months. Now it is quiet again, and the residents of $PlaceName are clearly relieved.

A clue for the main quest.

Politics is on everyone's minds. Apparently various agitators and leaflets are circulating. These complain of bad laws, unfair taxes, and bungling by the $CityLordTitle. However, it seems more people are worried about the possibility of violence in the streets than these claims.

$CITYN00.MSG (Mar 1992)

Eyes and ears open, you...
...read the official notices posted on doors and walls.
...ask about affairs elsewhere in the Empire.
...gossip about the situation here in $PlaceName.
...try to discover special jobs or interesting, adventurous tasks.
...discuss the political situation here.
...5
...6
...7
...8
...have learned what you can.

This menu appears for gathering rumours and reading notices at the main city square and at the city inn. The item "discuss the political situation here" never appears; it probably belongs to the cancelled revolution quest.

Life here in $PlaceName has been dull and uninteresting. Things seem so boring, you can't image how the citizens stay awake from one day to the next.

One of possible responses for "gossip about the situation here".

More than one person makes a passing reference to a powerful noblewoman whose well-guarded manor is said to be $Direction of here. You hear tones of awe and respect on one hand, but hints of strange doings on the other. You strain to hear more, but the conversation drifts...

$SPECI00.MSG (Mar 1992)

After a few casual conversations, you learn that...
...a certain well-placed personage is hiring freelancers.
...an aristocrat, friend of the $CityLordTitle, is hiring lots of people for "easy" jobs.
...people with a grudge against the $CityLordTitle are finding work with a certain person.
...there are some interesting rumors flying around...
...info 4.
...info 5.
...info 6.
...info 7.
...info 8.
...there's nothing more to hear.

Leads you can investigate, if you choose "special jobs or interesting, adventurous tasks" from the menu in $CITYN00.MSG. Only the first and last items appear, and the first one seems to be always disabled (gray). 2nd and 3rd items seem to had been the revolution plot, probably even the place where to pick sides. 4th item was similar to one in the previous menu, but the game menus are often redundant like that.

Rumors say someone with serious money is hiring for an unusual job. You can't determine if it's one of the merchants in the central market, a wealthy priest or bishop, or possibly the leader of the city. It is clear that the person is desperate. You need to act quickly, before they find someone else!

A well-known aristocrat, $NamedOneName, is hiring short-term workers. He offers good pay for putting up notices around town. However, you learn that angry craftsmen are tearing down the notices almost as fast as they go up! This explains why $NamedOneName hires sturdy people unafraid of rough situations.
There are rumors that $NamedOneName is a close personal friend of the $CityLordTitle, ruler of this city!

It is said that $NamedTwoName is hiring "special help" for a few weeks. Some of these people have been posting sheets that complain about $PlaceName government, rich burghers and extravagant nobles.
When you ask about this, many people are perplexed. $NamedTwoName is neither a rich burgher nor influential guildsman. All you can discover is that his family has long felt wronged by the $CityLordTitle, ruler of $PlaceName.

Unfortunately, now that you've talked to people about the aristocrat $NamedTwoName, you find that nobody will talk further about this "enemy" of the $CityLordTitle.

Now that you've been seen with the friends of $NamedTwoName, loyal supporters of the $CityLordTitle avoid you. Discovering the name and address of this aristocrat will require more work.

You hear that $NamedOneName is hiring some bodyguards, and that the work involves a journey of some sort. However, the employer cannot afford more than five people, and they must have an extremely good reputation.

You hear that $NamedOneName is hiring armed couriers for a special task. However, this employer only deals with reputable people.

Rumor has it that $NamedOneName is trying to hire a few reliable, stalwart adventurers to recover a certain object.

The huntsman says, "In the countryside near here, certain persons are worried about a dragon."
You laugh, but he insists, "Yes, they really believe that such a mythical creature is troubling them."
In further conversation, you discover this so-called dragon is rampaging to the $Direction.