Panselore Permanently Slain!
Panselore, the undead warrior
who was once the right hand of Baracus Kul, was permanently destroyed early
this fall after his bottle was captured and destroyed on the Forge of
Purity.
Panselore was responsible for
perhaps thousands of deaths on the many times that he captured Ashbury City and
proclaimed himself Duke. This will
not happen again, however, as on a recent night he tried and failed – and over
the next few days his minions were thwarted, and he was destroyed.
Early that evening, His Grace
informed gathered adventurers and nobles that Panselore was known to be in the
vicinity and working with the “Dark Blood Barbarians.” Information obtained by
the Duchy’s intelligence agencies suggested that Panselore was constructing a
keep not too far from Ashbury City, and his “Barons” had constructed lairs for
themselves as well in order to rally undead forces. His Grace asked those
gathered to keep an eye out for any information leading to the whereabouts of
these bastions of evil.
Soon after, Panselore himself
attacked the Ducal Manor House and was dispatched by His Grace. In the meanwhile Panselore’s “Barons”
led an attack against Ashbury proper where the adventurers and gathered nobles
crushed the invader forces. The death
Knight calling himself the “Baron of Blythedale” claimed that the forces were
there to ensure that Ashbury surrendered. Sparticous of the Black Unicorns cut
him down after they exchanged many powerful blows. The Harvester, a being reported to never be seen outside of
his diamond golem, was also present and similarly dispatched.
Later that same evening, a
farmer noticed the Harvester walking into an old abandoned mineshaft. The man
followed the diamond creature to the entrance and saw a number of undead
guards. He came to town to find some adventurers who’d clear out the undead and
maybe get him a piece of that diamond man!
The mineshaft turned out to
be the Harvester’s Laboratory. The lab was guarded by several undead that were
dispatched with ease. However, the
mineshaft was marked with warder glyphs protecting the pathway. Though
adventurers found a letter on one of the undead creatures with hints and clues,
they were not able to use the clues to successfully navigate what ended up
being a difficult puzzle.
After studying the clues,
they went back the following day and managed to get all the way through – but
only found fresh tracks. Whatever treasure and information that may have been
present was gone.
A vansir of unknown origin
then came to town looking for Gilwing of the Black Forest; however, as Gilwing
was absent, he was sent to see Sir Smith of Trollsgate. Smith, along with
Theodin and other members of the Caldarian adventuring group “The Phalanx”
followed the man to a mound in the Ash Forest that was teeming with cadaverous
undead. The mound was actually a barrow that was previously an elven burial
ground that had been somehow corrupted by the creature calling itself the
“Baron of the Ash Forest.” The “Baron” somehow channeled its energies into the
mound in a strange ritual that spread its undead life into the mound. The creature was able to spawn ghoulish
creatures and wights anywhere in the mound.
There were five distinct
rooms; one for each leg, one for each arm, and one for the body and head. The
body parts needed to be destroyed using earth magics or potions to prevent the
undead from clawing their way out of the walls!
In retaliation, Panselore’s
troops attacked Ashbury city late in the evening but were dispatched handily,
but not without the loss of a magic sword that was stolen by a fast undead who
waylaid Lupiticous and made off with the weapon.
The adventurers were seen to
emerge with a magical sword and the knowledge that Panselore’s wight contingent
was utterly destroyed. This made the final battle against Panselore much
easier, as very few undead with necromantic carrier attacks were then
present.
The Ducal Paladin and Sheriff
of Ashbury Sir Harrison Ryatt then asked for volunteers for a very dangerous
mission. He informed Simon of the Mage’s Guild that he had captured
information; the undead abomination calling itself the Baron of Blythedale and
his guards would be transporting the Spirit Bottles of several powerful undead
sorcerers from Panselore’s holdings in the reclaim to Panselore’s Keep
somewhere near Ashbury. Sir
Harrison was unsure as to the power of the “Baron’s” guards, but he knew that
they were not necessarily the most powerful creatures, as the “Baron” was known
to be arrogant. He told Simon to gather a group and be ready by an hour before
noon the following day.
Simon gathered Cora, the
Lempur Daedric, Squire Raven, Fishercat the kiergani, and a few others and was
ready to go when Sir Harrison’s runner arrived. The adventurers were able to set an ambush for the undead
and cut them down, capturing and destroying three spirit bottles and a map to
Panselore’s Keep!
A few hours later, His Grace
arrived in Ashbury city and called his nobles to a council of war. He informed
them that he and his Ducal soldiers would be meeting Panselore on the field of
battle in what was expected to be a difficult fight. When told of the map and
the location of Panselore’s keep, he ordered his nobles to rally the town and
be prepared to attack the Keep!
Scant hours later the battle
was joined. Ashbans led by Baron
Rorii attacked the front gate of a small keep that was under construction to
the southwest of the city. The battle was long and many Life spells were
used – and some were not used in time, as several brave warriors were forced to
resurrect, including Baron Rorii.
Inside the keep there were
two Circles of Power: the Harvester’s Circle and another which was initially
empty when the adventurers arrived.
Unconfirmed intelligence reports said that Panselore’s bottle would be
in the Harvester’s circle – once it was detirmed which Circle that was, the
battle pushed toward it while undead poured out of barracks built into the
walls of the keep. Sage’s Guildmaster Cedric Fruvious created a Circle of Power
around the Harvester’s Circle and begun a ritual to destroy it. In the
meanwhile, the other Circle was showing deadlier activity as the “Baron of
Blythedale” reformed at his bottle in the Circle. He was seen to cut down many adventurers, deliver killing
blows, and animate the fallen as undead.
Still others he killed and dragged into the circle.
In the “Baron’s” Circle was
another bottle; this one was that of a liche who seemed to think that the
living were distasteful. She fought several adventurers and animated them as
well, referring to them as her “toys” and even making one sing. She eventually escaped out the back
gate of the keep.
Baron Rorii and Sparticous
and Air Raksa of the Black Unicorns were brought into the circle which the
“Baron” and the liche were ducking in and out of strategically. For some
reason, the “Baron” allowed the elf Michiko to enter the circle in exchange for
Sparticous’ life, and Morgan Smythe was allowed to be exchanged for Raksa. The “Baron” was seen to be wearing a
Black Unicorn’s tabard, Baron Rorii’s crown and belt, and wielding a Shield
that was given to Sparticous in the siege against Glenrake – all of which he
stole from the adventurers.
Eventually both Squire Koshi
and Sparticous cut down the “Baron” who re-spawned at his bottle until his permanent
death. The Harvester was
destroyed, only to reappear in a Ward in the castle, this time in a silver
golem – he eventually escaped out the back gate of the keep just as his Circle
was destroyed and Panselore’s bottle was captured.
Within a few heartbeats of
the Harvester’s Circle being destroyed, Sir Harrison and Daedric arrived on the
scene to report that Panselore had been dispatched and his spirit was headed
towards the bottle – acting on His Graces’ orders he commanded the adventurers
into a full retreat just as many more much more powerful undead began to
arrive. They successfully transported Panselore’s bottle to the Earth Circle in
Ashbury where it too was crushed on the Forge of Purity.
Guildmistress Zaterina and
Sir Harrison shortly thereafter recognized the spirit of Panselore in the Earth
circle. It was suggested that they
perform the resurrection – that his spirit must be confused, but that if they
could resurrect him then Panselore could be obliterated! This proved to be unnecessary however
as they could feel his spirit slip away and shatter when the resurrection
attempt was made.
A rousing cry was heard from
the adventurers as His Grace arrived on the scene to tell his tale of the battle
and observe a moment of silence for the fallen.
Duke Frost relayed that the
battle between the ducal forces and Panselore’s main forces was fierce and
deadly. The battle was sorely
contested and in doubt throughout. Over one hundred ducal soldiers were forced
to ressurect. The battle seemed
lost when Duke Frost himself was
taken down in battle and one of Panselore’s nameless minions then cast a battle
magic circle of power around himself and the duke. Duke Frost then regenerated
in the same circle, dispatched the minion and rejoined the battle, turning the
tide back in Ashbury’s favor. Note
should also be made of the valiant fighting and bravey of Sergeant Gilbert
Stotler and Lieutenant Grorgrom Halgrimson of the Ducal Army.
After a brief celebration and
feast to commemorate the final death of Panselore, the seemingly indefatigable
adventurers of Ashbury along with a phalanx of ducal soldier volunteers
returned to Panselore’s Keep to finish the job.
His Grace’s forces had
originally cleared out the keep and moved on, however in just a short time
Panselore’s troops had rallied in the wilderness and retook the keep. Vansir
Warchief Ulthoc along with numerous vansir warriors and Baron Rorii with the
entire court of the Ash Forest (including Lady Daralassia and newly squired
Koshi) led the main forces of the assault against the front gates of the Keep.
Present also was the Caldarian group the “Phalanx” comprised of Riddick,
Theodin and Gareth.
The keep was well secured and
even Black Unicorn Sparticous was heard to be shocked and amazed at how
powerful the undead were and how quickly they had become so well entrenched.
The undead had rallied around a new Circle of Power presumably constructed by
the condescending female liche that adventurers had faced earlier in the day.
Lords Daniel Grimbsy and Ivan
Drake led a contingent of forces that distracted and dispatched several death
lords while Sparticous and Baron Rorii focused their attentions on the liche
and her personal guard. She released a flurry of Necromantic spells along with
at least eight death spells before she was dispatched outside of her Circle. By
the time she was dispatched the Circle of Power containing her bottle was
destroyed and her bottle captured. She reformed at the bottle six times before
attempting to flee out the back gate.
While this battle was
occurring, Amani Ranger Scarn Whiteleaf and Sheriff Sir Harrison Ryatt along
with Lord Du’Gaul, the visiting mystic wood elves Joshua and Mori, and Daedric
the Lempur led a commando unit of His Grace’s home guard led newly
transferred man-at-arms Lokegon in cooperation with a contingent of
darkly dressed elves led by an elf known only as “the Overseer.” The
mixed unit climbed up the cliff side at the back of the Kkep, crept through the
woods and preformed a strategic strike through the back gate. They cut
down the liche as she tried to escape killing her permanently, then proceeded
into the keep to join with the other Ashban forces.
The havoc, disarray, and
destruction that this force caused to the undead in the keep was a show of
unparalleled strategy that left no undead neither standing nor capable of
escape.
Later on in the evening the
keep was burned to purify it of any necromantic taint and another celebration
was held at the Dragon’s Flagon.
His Grace plans to have a
memorial to those who lost their lives against Panselore constructed, complete
with fountains, gardens and a large pillar emblazoned with the Code of
Chivalry.
Black Blood Menace
Destroyed; Ulthoc Named Chieftan
The group of Vansir calling
themselves the “Dark Blood” (also sometimes referred to as Black Blood) have
been cured of their taint.
As reported in the January
605 edition of the Ashbury Times, they made their first appearance in
December of 604 in the estate of Hagarath. They were quite a menace, as they
not only attacked the adventurers who had gathered for the annual games, they
stole their limbs as well.
Some of the participants had
to bow out of the games because of their inability to stand or fight while
missing a leg or arm.
The Dark Vansir were primarily
from the Snake and Ghost tribes, though the tribal leaders did not condone
these actions. Those who resurrected after losing a limb returned to this world
with a limb belonging to somebody else. For example, Draeka of the Scarred Fist
Clan of high orcs resurrected with an elf’s leg and an ogre’s arm.
These Vansir later attacked
Ashbury City during His Grace’s annual tournament, though they were easily
repulsed by the large number of adventurers gathered. Clearly they had grown
quite bold, and were venturing far beyond the Reclaim to gather limbs.
This prompted the Court of
Nordenn to take action. Dame Glorianna, Cora, Tieran and Ulthoc toured the
Barony, restoring the limbs of many and reassuring the general populace that
this threat would be dealt with.
Ulthoc then spoke with some
members of the Bear Tribe. After discussing the gravity of the situation, the
Chieftains of the various tribes agreed send delegates to a summit in Ashbury
city and seek the aid of Duke Sir Frost (who in addition to being Duke is
currently the Regent of Nordenn).
In the meantime, Krimheld of
the Snake Tribe returned home to see for herself what had happened. While some
of the young impetuous members of her tribe were running off to join the Dark
Vansir, the tribe indeed did not share their vision. She was sent to the summit
as the tribe’s delegate.
Shortly after dinner in the
Dragon’s Flagon, the Vansir dignitaries gathered on the stone porch of the
Flagon for their summit, or “Gathering of the Tribes”.
Members of every tribe but
Alligator were there: Sheep, Ghost, Raven, Roc, Bear, Wolf, Eagle, Snake,
Sandtiger, and Fox were all present. The dialogue was loud and risked spilling
into combat several times: Some tribes wanted the destruction of Snake
tribe for breeding this Dark Blood problem, some tribes saw this as an omen
that now was the time to try to strike against the Barony and Duchy, and
some tribes were vowing a civil war between the Vansir tribes
themselves if either occurred. Ulthoc then took the floor, and spoke with
the passion of a poet. Every time a delegate asked a question or
interrupted him, he answered their question and reminded them of the past
glories and failures of their own tribe, slowly convincing all present to
listen to him. He spoke of the lows of the Vansir people when they were
tricked into foolish battles that could not be won. He spoke of the
days of the Snake Nation Army and the One King Theodorik Vardik of Gryphon
Tribe. He reminded them that the legacy of Theodorik lives on through His
Grace, and that the Vansir tribes could either stand tall and proud and defeat
the Dark Bloods, or turn their backs on what is true and noble in the heart of
every warrior.
All the delegates vowed to
act together to defeat the Dark Bloods and all united in a way the Barbarians
have not done since before the Black Maw brought them to Tar’Navaria. The
delegate from Bear tribe spoke up, and said that they should all choose Ulthoc
as the Warchief for this new Warpact against the Dark Bloods. He accepted,
and all the tribes swore on a ring of iron to stand together to defeat the Dark
Bloods.
Later that night, the Dark
Bloods lead by a strange Vansir figure dressed in black attacked many of the
Delegates on their way out of Ashbury. While none of the delegates were killed
and many of the Dark Bloods forced to resurrect, one of the Vansir assembled in
town also resurrected: Roden of Sandtiger Tribe. He was slain while seeing
the delegate of Bear Tribe home to safety.
Corruption in the
Forest Stopped
Thanks to the brave
adventurers of Ashbury, a large section of the estate of Waterwood in the Ash
Forest was saved from a mysterious corruption.
A month or so ago, with no
warning, a five square mile of the estate became uninhabitable. The trees themselves became darkened
and animated and they began lashing at passersby. The section of the forest
became completely impassable as anyone who got too close was entangled by the
trees and plants – and then dragged into the forest never to be seen
again.
When the area first became
corrupted, elves who lived within the are went missing, including an entire
family group of kiergani. Missing
as well were several Amani Rangers– including the Overseer of the ‘Dark Watchers,’
an elite company of the Rangers responsible for watching over the dark areas in
the forest.
The estate of Woodwash is
located only a mile or so from Ashbury City and is easily accessed by crossing
the bridge over the Ash River. The estate belongs to Sir Eros Clearbrook, who
worked with the Amani Rangers to try to solve this.
No progress was being made
until some kiergani heard and saw their spirit totems leading them to the
forest. The totems were then seen to turn to face the depth of the forest and
then leave their ‘bodies’ to fly into the forest. Squire Raven tried to
physically enter the forest but was entangled in the branches of as soon as he was close enough. He was cut out, and after several more
attempts felt that the terrain was impassable.
To enter the forest the
kiergani figured that they must kill themselves, dissipate, and become spirit,
in a manner that is apparently how they communicate with their ancestors.
Raven, Aubry Darksun, and other kiergani then attempted this action.
As they passed through the
spirit representation of the forest, the elves were attacked by small groups of
twisted spirit elves that seemed to be trying to capture or kill them. Deep in the heart of the spiritual
representation of the forest they found the Overseer bound to a tree, his spirit tortured.
Squire Raven killed his form
in the spirit world and he dissipated immediately – then for some reason as yet
not understood, the kiergani reformed in their bodies rather than in the
circle, as if the forest had somehow given them a ritual of regeneration.
The Overseer, meanwhile,
resurrected in Ashbury city and called all elves to him in a conference to
discuss what had happened to him and the forest. The Overseer imparted the following information:
The ‘Black Blood’ barbarians
were directed by their vampire tree in the Blotwud (which can sense corruption
in trees from hundreds of miles away) to transfer its essence to a corrupted
tree in one of the Dark Areas of the Ash Forest. They had entered the Dark Area of the forest, capturing the
ranger who was stationed to guard it.
The barbarians only so much as touched the heart of their vampire tree
to the dark and twisted tree and the being’s essence immediately transferred into
the tree.
The tree’s roots dug deep
into the forest and into the spirit world and stretched out in the ground over
a five-mile area – controlling and corrupting all of the roots of the trees in
the area. Then the true attack
began. The trees themselves, powered by the awful evil of the vampire tree,
attacked and captured elves.
The commander of the Dark
Watchers was in the area, and he immediately sensed the vampire tree and
attacked it – but he was not powerful enough to defeat the tree and it captured
him as well.
The elves had been bound into
the forest and their spirit energy was used to fortify and spread the area of
corruption – now in the spirit realm, their spirits are sinisterly twisted and
forced to defend the Black Blood-tainted forest. The blood of their bodies fed the vampire tree.
Upon telling his tale, the
Overseer left Ashbury city en route to Zalanarik’s Keep, promising to return
with whatever information and wisdom the great elf could impart.
The next afternoon, the
kergani Overseer returned wielding a powerful artifact that Zalanarik had given
him to use for this quest. He
asked that all elves of true hearts and strong spirits come with him into the
forest where they would cut the very roots of the vampire tree with the artifact
axe – the “Vigilant Spirit.” He informed the elves to keep an eye
out for tree roots that are pulsing with black blood and having a fleshy
texture.
Zalanarik also sent
provisions and these were given to Baron Rorii to distribute among the
elves.
When the elves reached the
border of the trees, the Overseer asked that they all form a circle, clasping
hands. He asked that they all make a beautiful noise with the strength of all
their spirits together. He told them that they must summon the strength of all
of the denizens of the forest. The mightiest oak, the bear, the birds in the
sky must all feel their strength.
At the height of this noise,
which calmed babes over the entire city, he lifted the axe above his head and
activated an unknown ritual that allowed him to pull the physical bodies of the
participants into the spirit realm.
Participants of this Spirit
Quest were granted a number of powers to help them during the Quest. All the
elves had immense strength, and were immune to both fear and chaos magics. It was said that their arrows were twice
as deadly.
The elves found themselves
inside the corrupted forest – beset upon on all sides by The twisted elven
spirits and plant creatures capable of engulfing – that tried to stop them from
killing the roots. The twisted
spirits and plants were seen to spawn near the roots and continued without
cessation. Nine roots were found and cut, some by the Axe, some by Scarn’s
Stake of Woe, but many lives were lost.
The Spirit Quest ended after four of the elves were forced to resurrect
and at least five others needed Life spells.
The Overseer explained that
he felt that only a few roots remained – but that he could not call forth the
Spirit Quest again until that evening. He promised to return to them at that
time to finish the job. He was heard to compliment the elves on a job well done
– it was not for lack of valor, but how entrenched was the foe, which prevented
total victory that day.
The Overseer returned that
evening with woeful news: The barbarians had taken up defenses along the
forest’s edge and he could not get close enough to use the powers of the
Axe. He suggested that all people
of valor now join the fight against the barbarian menace while he took a small
handful of elves on the Spirit Quest.
The “Dark Blood” barbarians
fought to defend their corruption but they were no match for the gathered
Ashbans. The Overseer took Scarn Whiteleaf, Dugal, and Raven into the spirit
realm and when they cut the last root the forest stopped entangling those that
entered it, and the four elves discovered that they still possessed the powers
of the Spirit Quest! Attacking
without mercy or regard for the powerful necromantic energies that the vampire
tree spewed forth, including necromantic rituals, the elves destroyed the tree
as the Ashbans dispatched the “Dark Bloods.”
No further reports about the
limb stealing Dark Bloods have been heard and it is surmised that they were
defeated wholly.
Nobles Write
Treatises on the Code; Oaths
Noble’s Code?
by Lord Ivan Drake
I am often surprised by the
number of people, from commoner to adventurer to noble, who refer to the Code
of Chivalry as the “Noble’s Code.” While it is true that nobles are
expected to uphold the Code and are judged by it, these edicts are not reserved
for bluebloods alone. I believe that all citizens of Ashbury can benefit
from following the tenets of the Code and I would strongly encourage everyone
to do so.
As Sir Eros Clearbrook
eloquently states in his treatise, the Code of Chivalry is the foundation upon
which our society is based. Therefore, it would make sense that all citizens of
this society study the Code and attempt to live their lives by it. And
there are clearly advantages to doing so. One who gains a reputation for
following the Code will be respected and trusted. One who achieves a reputation
of breaking the Code likely will be looked upon with suspicion and distrust.
Some might argue that the
Code of Chivalry allows for many “grey areas” that cannot be easily resolved by
the tenets themselves and that perhaps the Code’s own words are too ambiguous
to be effective. It must be understood that that the Code is intended to
be all-inclusive, covering an immensely wide arena of protocol and behavior,
therefore it must be broad enough to handle whatever real world applications
are put before it. But the true test of the Code’s efficiency is judged by
answering a simple question: Does it work? Does faithfully following the
Code actually result in good deeds? Does faithfully following the Code
make our lives better? I think there are few people who could honestly answer
that question with a negative response.
So take the time to learn the
Code of Chivalry and truly try to understand it. Discuss its tenets,
debate its merits and develop your own interpretations. While you may find
that many disagree on the specifics, virtually all will agree that following
the spirit of the Code is a worthwhile endeavor.
by Lady Daralassia Vanyatari,
Court of the Ash Forest
What does it mean to swear
fealty to a land? Many people may not understand the weight of such an oath or
the expectations that the nobles and people alike may have of those that have
sworn fealty.
Fealty in the simplest term,
is the fidelity of a vassal to his lord and therefore to his country. Fealty or fidelity can be described by
many words like allegiance, loyalty or perhaps the best descriptive word would
be devotion. Devotion means being
ardently dedicated and loyal.
What does all of this
mean? To swear an oath of fealty
whether you choose to walk the path toward nobility or not, you must first
understand where and to whom your allegiance lies. Many people may come to live in and serve a country to which
they were not born. They may still love that country to which they were born
and its people, but once an oath has been sworn to serve a new country your
loyalty now lays in your new home, and to those people who also make that
country their home. Should a
conflict ever arise between your land of birth and the country to which you
have sworn an oath of fealty, you would be obligated to protect the country you
now serve.
When first joining a baronial
court you should be asked to swear an oath of fealty and serve the people and
nobles of that barony. You must understand that your oath to serve that barony
carries over to encompass the duchy in which that barony lies, and then
ultimately, the kingdom in which that duchy lies. Once you have sworn an oath
of fealty, you have dedicated yourself to that kingdom. You will obviously also
be expected to follow the laws of the land and a certain code of conduct, in
the case of our kingdom, including but not limited to the Code of Chivalry.
Even while abroad you should conduct yourself accordingly as you are
representing the kingdom to which you have sworn to serve.
Many nobles, court members
and adventurers travel to other kingdoms and empires. Some may travel through the mist, some by magical means and
some by land or sea. Mist travel and magical travel especially, make going to
places that are a great distance apart quick and for the most part easy.
Many nobles make regular
visits to other lands and perhaps even own homes abroad. Still, one can not
forget where one’s duty lies. No one person can swear fealty to two lands and
actually fulfill their oaths. Devotion to a country is all the time, even when
you are in another land.
This does not mean that you
can never leave the country you serve or that you cannot be involved in aiding
another country while you are abroad. This simply means that once you swear an
oath of fealty to a country, you are devoted to that country above all others.
Jester Killian
Returns to the Dragon’s Flagon
The strangely nervous Jester
known as Killian made a name for himself in Ashbury for his performances in the
Dragon’s Flagon, attended by commoner and noble alike. “Remember: Comedy, not
mockery” was his trade phrase. But Killian had not been seen in Ashbury city
for about seven years.
On a recent Saturday night,
he made himself known by awakening from a deep slumber under the unaware Duke’s
legs. His Grace was having a meeting at the Ducal Table in the Flagon when
Killian suddenly arose from beneath the table, making as surprising an entrance
as ever.
He later organized an evening
of entertainment. Patrons of The Dragon’s Flagon were amused with a
variety of performances including the flute music of Simon, Sparticous’ juggling
talent, Killian and Daralassia’s wit, and Michiko’s singing.
The show began on a
musical note as Simon graced the tavern with several different tunes on
his flute. At first the audience’s reaction seemed enthusiastic but after
the third song began one member of the crowd was overheard asking if there was
a limit to the number of pieces one could perform at any one show. Killian
himself was heard saying “He just doesn’t know to quit while he’s ahead!”
Next, Sparticous of the Black
Unicorns showed off his juggling skill which started off well enough, but after
a few failed attempts he was overheard declaring that there wasn’t enough
light in the tavern, and took his seat.
One of the tavern workers, who asked to remain anonymous told us, “He
always seemed so scary and imposing with those skulls on his shoulders and
all. I never even knew he could juggle.”
Killian also took the floor
several times throughout the evening to bring some laughter to the gathering
with jokes, mostly about the nobility and adventuring class. He even requested
aid from Squire Koshinara in a raucous version of his famous song “The Code”, which did not seem to sit well
with some of the nobles present. Many of the common folk, however, seemed
very appreciative of his brand of humor.
Lady Daralassia proved that
not all nobles are humorless though, when she informed the crowd about the
secret bedroom lives of aged elves. Her wit had most of the tavern
uproarious with laughter, however the newly knighted Dame Glorianna seemed quite
chagrined and declared that she will forever be known as “Lady
Pottymouth.”
Killian was about to end the
show when several people called him out on his forgetfulness
towards one particular act. He apologized profusely and passed
the stage off to Michiko who sang a lovely, if someone provocative
song. She seemed less than thrilled with her own performance, declaring
that, “the butterflies got in my throat.” Afterwards however, Sir Harrison
was seen approaching her to encourage her and show his appreciation. He said,
“It is my job to protect the people, but without performances like that to lift
their spirits it would be a much less worthwhile endeavor.”
After the show, Killian
went through the crowd collecting their thanks and their coin, and from the
jingling coming from his hat the show seemed quite a success. Sparticous and
Lady Daralassia refused their share of the proceeds, but the rest
seemed quite happy to accept their earnings from the evening.
Many were heard to comment
that they hoped that such entertainments would once more become a permanent
fixture in the Flagon.
Mage’s Guild Report
by William Lenox, Guildmaster
The Mage’s Guild is happy to
announce that Aria Devonshire has been promoted to the rank of Guildsman.
Aria’s hard work and dedication has made her an asset to the guild. We would
also like to extend our congratulations to Apprentice Dame Glorianna on her
recent knighting.
Celestial Wizards have long
claimed dominion over the elements, but lacked a way to defend themselves
against them. After our first expedition to the Elemental Plane of Earth, we
now have found a way to allow celestial casters to memorize the Elemental
Shield spell, but we need a few more pieces first! There are three more
elements we must acquire before the ritual can be cast to grant us these
powers, but I am very optimistic that the guild members will be able to assist
me in acquiring them. We will advise the rest of the citizens of Ashbury when
the ritual is successful.
As a reminder there are many services available at the Guild.
We can identify your magic items and ritual scrolls (and determine the value of
other jewelry and baubles, even if they are not magical). We offer teaching in
celestial magics, spell ink, and battle magic scrolls. We can cast Wards and
Wizard Locks on your residence for a small fee. Our guild members are available
to perform rituals. Prices will vary based on the difficulty of the ritual and
the danger to the caster. Contact the guild to make an appointment. We reserve
the right to refuse rituals which have death or Obliteration as a possible
backlash. We assure you confidentiality on all goods and services purchased. In
addition we buy and sell ritual scrolls and components when possible. As a
reminder, guild members receive discounts on all the above services and goods.
The Guild is always looking
for new apprentices. Interested parties must at least be able to read celestial
scrolls to be eligible. Stop by the Guildhall or make an appointment if you
are interested.
Healer’s Guild Report
by Guildmistress Zatarina
Norik
I would like to thank
everyone for all their support for the Healer’s Guild. No one has yet made the
“shame” wall!
Please welcome to the Guild
new members Ket, Sun, Kere, Amaranthus, and Lokegon. Gilbert is also on hand as
a special guild member.
About ten years ago, I made a
book for the Healer’s Guild about resurrections, but that book is now missing
and would be out-of-date anyway, so I am starting a new one. I need from
everyone information so that your resurrection, if it happens, will be as
pleasant as possible. Please provide the following:
Friend: Give us
about 5 names of people you would want present when you resurrect and we will
try to get at least one of them for you. A physical description and location
would help.
Race: Let us know
if there is anything special about you or your race that we should take into
account.
Background: a basic
history of your life would help with the resurrection story.
Story: To
resurrect with the least amount of problems, you need to hear a pleasing story
to guide you from the shock of death. A list of things to input or avoid would
be useful here. Remember, the person performing your resurrection does not have
a lot of time to prepare.
The last thing I wish to
discuss is Healer’s Guild bed space. If you wish to sleep at the Guild, this
means sleeping in the side building, not behind the Circle of Power or
even in the Guild room itself. There are conditions for sleeping in the side
building, as I stated in the last Ashbury Times. Those who have stayed there in
the past and did not do their part to help the Guild will not be allowed to
stay there again. You had your chance.
If you wish to stay in the
Guild, please contact me in advance so we can work something out.
Sage’s Guild
Report
by Guildmaster Cedric Fruvous
Greetings. I am glad to
announce the latest addition to our guild, Lord Ivan Drake. Lord Ivan has
humbly accepted a position as an apprentice and we are pleased to have him.
The Sage’s Guild is currently
working on The One issue, as well as attempting to find a way to destroy the
new bloodline of vampires. We are also interested in the strange pillar that
has appeared in the city.
If you have any information
on these topics please stop by and let us know so that we may help the nobles
to better keep Ashbury safe for the common men and women.
The Sage’s Guild sells Wards
at the price of one gold crown and Wizard Locks at the price of five silver
nobles and we guarantee discretion as to which you get. If you wish to reserve
a Ward, speak to Guildmaster Cedric or Senior Guildswoman Aria. Wards and
Wizard Locks are reserved on a first come first served basis. The Sage’s Guild
also sells potions, weapons, armor, alchemy and wine when we have some
available.
The Sage’s Guild also can
teach skills to newer adventurers for a nominal fee. If you find yourself
without your spell or recipe book, the Sage’s Guild can rent you ours. And, of
course, we offer the use of our library for research.
The Sage’s Guild is looking
to purchase Lore, Vision, Circle of Power, and Investiture ritual scrolls and
we are currently seeking a Summon Magisterium Elemental scroll.
We are also working on
compiling a tome of monsters, tome of undead and compendium of golems so that
we may better educate up and coming warriors on the vulnerabilities of
monsters. If you are a veteran warrior who tends to remember the abilities of
those you vanquish please take a moment to speak with Guildmaster Cedric about
this project.
Town Guard Arrest Report
On Saturday 9.10.605, Dan,
leader of the adventuring team Wings of Polaris, was arrested by Sheriff Sir
Harrison Ryatt. He was summarily
questioned first by the Sheriff and then by Sir Eros.
Dan is charged with
conspiring with Necromantic beings and Treason for delivering a letter
containing information requested by the foul creature known as Creepshow in its
quest to restore Morganna. Evidence of this treason was found shortly after the
“Vampire Ball” of last Halloween.
Due to the seriousness of the
charges he has been given until the end of October to obtain evidence to help
him prove his innocence. He is still under arrest and as such must remain
within the city limits of Ashbury.
Should he leave the area he
will be presumed guilty and his life will be forfeit He faces a sentence of
death and obliteration if found guilty.
Let it also be known that
Adria and Mace are also under arrest.
The Town Guard should be notified immediately if either is seen.
Letters
To All Good and Noble People
of All Lands,
Let it be known that on the
evening of September 10th, 605 two intrepid squires
were raised to the peerage of Icenia. Both these squires have shown virtue,
fortitude, prowess and largesse befitting a lord of the realm.
Daralassia Vanyatari shall
now hold the title of Dame. She shall be addressed by her correct title in all
things. She shall remain a member of the Court of the Ash Forest.
Glorianna Wyndance shall now
hold the titles of Dame and Knight. She shall be known in all things as Lady
Knight. She has been granted the estates of Crystal Falls and Hillcroft in
Nordenn and shall continue to serve the Barony of Nordenn under the regent.
Please join me in celebrating
these well deserved elevations.
In Service,
Duke Sir Frost Vardik
To the Adventurers and Nobles
of Ashbury to the Soldiers of the Ducal and Baronial Armies, and to other brave
travelers who were present:
The Vampire Tree powering the
evil forces behind the Dark Bloods has been destroyed, and many of our
children have been released from the force that was controlling them. While the
monster that caused this uprising seems to have escaped, I will have his
blood on my blade in short time now that his ranks have been broken.
The Jotuns attempt to kidnap
an entire Fox Tribe village was stopped, and they have returned to the Reclaim
to attempt to rebuild their village. It is our hope that they may all have
warm shelters and a new meade hall built before the first snow falls. Were it
not for your actions, they would be chained to the walls of a Jotun ore mine
rather than rebuilding their homes.
A wise and powerful man once
said that the Just and Righteous need no reward for their actions other than to
see Evil defeated. I hope with all my heart this is true, for I can offer no
reward other than my thanks, and the thanks of my people. It is my hope
that actions such as these will help show my people that the evils of Evendarr
are fully behind us, and a new dawn with Icenia approaches.
Thank you, my friends.
It is your honor and valor that endows all the peoples of the Duchy with
strength and pride.
Warchief Ulthoc
A Little Birdie Told Me
by Sue D’Onym
Let’s see what the latest
News They Don’t Want You To Know has to offer this month!
Duke Frost recently lorded
two of Ashbury’s finest females, Daralassia and Glorianna. Didn’t he give his wife a title
too? Baron Rorii seems to
be the only male he has lorded, but maybe the Duke was confused by the long,
luxurious hair.
Killian is always
pulling stuff out of his bag to give to people. Is this his idea of a good way
to woo women? He gave an eyeball to that crazy elf Michiko.
Someone really ought to teach him a new tactic.
Speaking of Michiko, what was
she doing spending so much time with the Black Unicorns? Getting drunk on their
porch? Inviting Alexander to sleep behind her ward? Not to mention
cavorting with Sparticous behind buildings in the dark, with a sword and
liquid light, and even giving her life for his? Doesn’t she realize they
got her lover killed? She really must be crazy.
By the way, Sparticous did a
really fine job in Killian’s show, juggling his balls.
I heard that Jezebel
got into a cat fight with Lira and Morgan over a destroy
magic scroll. Apparently Jezebel sat by and watched while members of the
Black Unicorns and Baron Rorii were turned to zombies and finally
dissipated inside Paneselore’s circle, the circle Jezebel insisted she
be the one to destroy.
The reason my column is so
short is because very few people wrote in, and those who did spent 10
paragraphs talking only about themselves. Contribute please, and until next
time remember, if you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.
Public Notices
RITUALS CAST for reasonable fees; please seek
Arch Magus Squire Glorianna Wyndancer
SCROLLS AND CATALYSTS WANTED: The Order of the
Black Unicorn is looking for the following Ritual Scrolls: Race Change,
Channel, Enchant, Expanded Enchant, Race Reaver, Monster Slayer, Spell Store,
Protection Aura, Copy Formal Ritual, Preserve Duration, Permanent Duration,
Regeneration, Elemental Blast, Elemental Aura, Damage Aura, Earth Aura, Spirit
Store and Controlled Spirit Store. We are also looking for the Catalysts for
Permanent Duration, Race Change, Controlled Spirit Store, and Copy Formal
Ritual as well as any reagents. We are willing to buy or trade, please contact
Sparticous, Paythin or Lira.
THE SAGE’S GUILD can teach skills for a
nominal fee. If you find yourself without a spell book or recipe book, you may
rent ours. We also sell potions, weapons, armor, alchemy and wine when we have
some available.
IN NEED OF A WEAPON OR ARMOR, but you haven’t
the coin? Speak with Sparticous, Paythin or Lira of the Order of the Black
Unicorn.