The forces of the Holy Roman Empire have swept across France. They have been halted for the moment outside Paris. The city’s walls were well-built and well-defended, but it still looks like only a matter of time before it, too, falls and the HRE extends its reach all the way to the coast. Some say that all of France will be claimed before the summer ends. And the HRE shows no signs of stopping there: once France has been claimed, it’s only a short hop over the Channel and into England.

Pope Mary went missing from the Vatican in the summer, sources report, without even a note to say where or when she'd left. As Her Holiness is generally very good about informing her subordinates, the worst is feared.

Her Holiness the Pope was found in the newly-minted Cardinal Thomas of Tynemouth's palace, tied to a heavy piece of furniture. Thomas was found with his hands on the Popes very bonds, tightening the knots, and was taken into custody.

With the opening of new trade routes to the lands in the Far East come rumours of conflict. A great warlord known as Genghis Khan threatens to claim all lands for himself and slaughter anyone who opposes him. Rumour has it that he has even made a Pact with some powerful fae from the other world.

After several months of stagnation, the Pagan rebellion in Ireland regained its footing and succeeded in toppling the Norman rulers. The final stand took place at Dublin, where the Norman troops were prepared to give it their all in the name of their Queen. Things did not go as they expected, however, when an assassin sneaked in during the night and killed Queen Mary de Courcy, sister of the late King Henry II. Spirits broken, the Normans surrendered. All Christians have now been exiled from Ireland. Only one thing still remains uncertain: who will stand as the new ruler of Ireland?

It has been revealed that Gregor Rivers, previously known as the King Consort of Scotland, did not in fact have any right to claim the title. His marriage to Wilfrida Hunter was false, as revealed by his real spouse, the Pagan Goddess Dii Casses. There was rioting in the streets of Edinburgh after the truth was revealed. The current whereabouts of Gregor Rivers are unknown, but he certainly isn’t living in the castle any more.

After several months of uncertainty and confusion, some stability has returned to the Seelie society as a new Queen has been chosen. Branwen Titania, daughter of Rhiannon, now claims the title with much support from the rest of the Seelie. What sort of ruler will she be? Will she survive the next six months? Only time will tell.

Despite research by several intrepid and loyal subjects of the Queen, no arrests have yet been made in the matter of her son's murder.

The oath sworn in dramatic fashion by Katrina of Maldon is still due to be fulfilled. Will there be blood on the floors of Godstow?

I Katrina of Maldon, swear on the Lady of the Shadows, that in the space of the next six months, I shall kill Alyson of Barnsdale, God help my soul.

The Slough Battlefield has been turned to purest glass, with red lakes where the worst casualties were. There is no traction on the glass, so no one has been able to see what is responsible.

It is believed that the Goddess Agrona has been destroyed, as her shrines seem to have collapsed and her priests have torn each other's throats out after sacrificing all their congregations in futile attempts to bring her back.

Avazda, Queen of the Unseelie, has signed a Pact agreeing for mutual trade, missionaries for both sides, freedom of travel and trade and good relations with the English! All should rejoice in the hard work of the Church and the Knights of St George in securing such a favourable deal.

Please ignore rumourmongerers who claim that the Unseelie know no hierarchy, that Avazda speaks for no others except herself, and that anyone travelling in Tia N'Aill had better take several Cold Iron weapons and a band of mercenaries for safety.

The nobles of Sicily are reporting an increase in tooth-ache, following an effective advertising campaign on the island.

The entire band of Nottingham outlaws, led by either Robin of Locksley or Allie the Upshot, depending on who you believe, have been brutally butchered. One of them is said to have been burned alive.

Rumours abound that Allie the Upshot seeks revenge.

The townspeople in Ely seem to have had a quick fling with Nantosuelta worship in which they burned at the stake all members of the Order of St Galahad. Rumours abound, but the most prevelant rumour is that the Order were Agrona worshippers who taunted the populace into killing them when their god fell. Several young people have been removed from the Order monastery, all with severe injuries.

Are you a HEALER? Specialise in MALADIES OF THE MIND? Perhaps you are DEDICATED to a SAINT or GOD or know a FAE willing to heal injuries caused by too much staring up at the night sky while lying in cold fields. ALL are welcome to apply.

Dunstan of Woodeaton would like to speak with you about his son Averill.

• Does Sam Attaway's hair look blue to you?
• Nah, it's just the light. Edithe's ears are a bit pointed, though.
• But she's always had those cheekbones!
• I'm pretty sure Gruff's eyes weren't always purple.
• Did you hear? Hector Mallory is marrying ALL THREE queens of Spain.
• Dii Casses is hungry again.
• Rhydian Coedwig sacrificed himself for us all.
• Averill of Forthwick is beyond human help.
• Cardinal Tirel…
• High Priest of Nantosuelta de Jorvalle…?
• Nantosuelta walks the earth.
• That sword Allie handed over wasn't Excalibur.
• What is Excalibur anyway?
• Did you hear? Aelindis is dead! Dead at the hands of Agrona!
• Are you sure? I heard it was that dastardly Spik who finally did her in.
• What was that light above the New London Forest?