The
Ashbury Times
October 607
“All The News That Fits, We Print”
King Gareth ap Moire Dies!
All of Icenia was in
mourning upon news of the death of beloved King Gareth in mid-September.
King Gareth ap Moire began His
career as a minor knight in the days of Queen Sidraste’s
first reign some 2800 years before the present day. Respected as an honorable
and eloquent man from a small feif, He would never
have been known to history had King Melagar not
succumbed to the dark forces of the Mal Draco. Lord
Gareth became the voice of the common people as King Melagar’s
injustices grew, resulting in His loss of title and imprisonment. Upon escaping
from prison, Gareth led revolt against the Dark King, and successfully ousted
him. He ruled faithfully and well for a decade until His unexpected and
untimely disappearance caused further backlashes within the kingdom.
In 599, Duke Aramis Llyrr in particular came to personally believe that a this
man of impeccable nature, King Gareth ap Moire, was in fact not dead but asleep, held in abeyance by
the Virtuar for a time of future need. Duke Aramis Llyrr (with the help of
many Adventurers of Ashbury) recovered and awakened
the Sleeping King, and brought Him before the Mons Regalis -- a revered place of power which is said to greet
those worthy of the Throne of Icenia with song from
the earth itself.
Just as the lifting of the Curse of Glantri freed the Icenian people,
the assumption of the Awakened King did much to set them in order. King Gareth
toured the land, bringing cheer and inspiration to the populace, and speaking
in praise for such good works as were being performed by former Ashbans for the former Icenians
together in this new kingdom.
In the dawn of the year 600 the newly awakened
King Gareth ap Moire held a series of councils of Icenian
nobility. It was at one of thse councils in Castle Cil-Cilurion that King Gareth would first show symptoms of
the Monarch Malady -- a strange curse that was placed upon Icenian
Royalty by the corrupt King Melagar. This disease did
not affect all royal families, and not every member. Nevertheless it was this
fatal disease that had claimed King Thrombolis Avacar. It was thought that King Gareth had been cured of
the Monarch Malady in the early months of 601, during the time when the
adventurers and nobles of Ashbury took a Fairy Rade to recover the Lady of Swords, Queen Sidraste, from her fate as well. However, the condition
reappeared in the early months of 607. The Royal Healers attending His Majesty
were unable to discover a possible cure for the Monarch Malady, and King Gareth
Himself requested the news of His weakening state be kept private. As the
months grew on His Majesty’s condition continued to weaken, until there
was simply nothing that could be done. His spirit finally succumbed to the
condition on the sixth of Gryphon.
Presently, His throne remains empty, the Grand Crown
sitting upon a satin cushion which bears the sigil of King Gareth ap Moire’s
personal coat of arms. Queen Sidraste Deannen has assumed all duties of the Monarchy, with the
aid of Seneschal Dame Sonia Forthiatis. It is not
expected, due to the Monarch Malady and His temporal travels, that a Spirit
Farewell will be possible.
In private life, King Gareth was known to be a
dedicated father to His children Bron and Branwen, and sincerely in love with His first wife Dejah (who died in the rebellion against Melagar). He was generous with artists and tolerant of all
races even though he was new to the acquaintance of the elves and biata, who did not inhabit Icenia
in earlier days. His aptitude for strange customs and practices suited him well
to rule over the many races and cultures now present in the kingdom. While He
will be sorely missed by all citizens of the Kingdom, we should stand thankful
that such a great man was brought to us through the depths of time, and be
pleased for His Majesty that He has finally been reunited with the family He
loved so much.
His funeral was held on the 21st of
September and was attended by grieving people from all across the kingdom and
also from other kingdoms, including Duke Frost and the nobles of Ashbury, and most of the nobility of Icenia.
Also in attendance were nobility and ambassadors from all over the world,
including Imladar, Moorgrave,
The Three Kingdoms, Tarzaterranzan, Dwarrenagor, Cuulanis, Stone
Hollow, Trollsgate, Lempur,
Saribdis and the Blaus Getregan. Even the Wind Folk and some Lizardmen sent representatives. There was even a
rumor that General Lochaber of Galanthia
sent a missive of sympathy and a large assortment of flowers.
King Gareth’s body was laid in state and
visitations were allowed through the weekend. The viewing area was
constantly crowded and a large line snaked its way outside, day and night.
It seemed practically all of Icenia and much of
Tar’Navaria came to say goodbye.
On Saturday evening, a somber feast was
held for the nobles and high ranking representatives. At the feast, Duke
Frost made a very public speech of support for Queen Sidraste
which was well received.
The burial was on Sunday afternoon. It
was preceded by a long ceremony where many speak about the king and the man,
Gareth Ap Moire. Afterwards, only the nobles of Icenia are allowed to go to the actual interment.
Duke Frost himself, along with Gareth’s other former royal knights,
carried the coffin deep into the depths of the castle, to the crypt where the
kings and queens of Icenia rest.
Goblin Activity Tied to Permanently
Undead Resurrecting
In the early weeks of Gryphon, citizens of Dara’s Grace near the new outpost of Fairdale
reported a massive increase in the number of goblins plaguing their farms and
holdfasts. All of these goblins appeared to be of the “Nobbly Fist” tribe, a local tribe to that area and
“more of a nuisance than a threat,” according to Lt. Jessica Agravar of the Untiring Phalanx.
Nuisance they may have been, but no one in the
area could deny that there were a lot more nuisances walking around than there
had been even a few weeks before. Taking shameless advantage of the dearth of
heroes and nobles who had gone off to attend His Majesty’s Funeral, the Nobbly Fist tribe attacked the outpost of Fairdale just
after dark on the 21st of Gryphon. The horde was easily beaten back,
but the bodies of the fallen goblins did not dissipate. Nine out of every ten
goblins who participated in the attack permanently died on the battlefield and
were left to rot and swell in the sun.
The coming days would see more of the same:
seemingly endless waves of both live and undead goblins, with no explanation
for why this was happening. Adventurers were said to have overheard from
various goblins that the heroes of the past were returning to claim this land
for the goblins, and it was theorized that the goblins must have a Greater
Earth Circle of Power that was somehow bringing back the permanently dead.
Never one to ask why something was happening
when the option to bash it on the head instead was available, Lt. Jessica Agravar of the Untiring Phalanx contracted several groups
of adventurers to scout the local goblin encampments. The goal of this exercise
was twofold: to thin the seemingly endless goblin numbers and to find the camp
where all the excess goblins were coming from and somehow shut down the source.
Sources within the Untiring Phalanx state that
Lt. Jessica attempted to requisition Ducal forces to
deal with the camp when found, but with the vast majority of adventuring
companies at his Majesty’s funeral or on deep patrol, the Phalanx was
overstretched defending the border with the contested lands. Lt. Jessica was
assigned three scouts and told to enlist help from the local adventuring
population who had stayed behind. Thus it fell to the newest adventurers in the
Dutchy to deal with a situation that was clearly
starting to spiral out of control.
As small bands of adventurers scouted the
various camps a second problem arose, one that would later shed some light on
what was happening with the goblins. Just before noon on the 22nd of
gryphon, newly arrived Assistant Guildmaster Douglas
Boyd collapsed in pain as thousands of spirits arrived at Fairdale’s
Healer’s Guild circle, screaming to be resurrected.
As night approached and after
several assaults on goblin camps, the adventurers of Fairdale finally managed
to find the camp that had been spewing forth the goblins, and the circle of
power where the resurrections were happening. Lt. Jessica had brought a
Destroy Magic Ritual scroll from the Phalanx’s arsenal in Deathwatch, and
pressed
Upon arrival at the encampment, the
adventurers saw hundreds of goblins gathered around a circle, and within the
circle was a skeletal goblin performing resurrections.
By all reports the adventurers acquitted themselves well against what seemed to
be an endless army of goblins and the circle was broken. With the goblin threat
dealt with, the focus now turned to finding out why the Circles of Power were
malfunctioning.
Little is known of the events of the next twenty-four
hours, as both the Dream Realm and the adventurers themselves have been
strangely silent on the events that followed. All previous information was
gleaned from the soldiers of the Untiring Phalanx who participated in Lt.
Jessica’s debriefing after the breaking of the goblin circle.
The one soldier who was present for that time period, one Obediah Pyrite, was away on maneuvers and could not be
interviewed. Likewise, Assistant Guildmaster Douglas
Boyd has been unavailable due to the mental strain of the pressure of legions
of the dead pressing in on the Healer’s Guild circle and the need to
recuperate after his ordeal.
All that is known was gleaned
from overheard rumors from the staff of the Black Stag Tavern, and these
whispers are extremely disquieting. The entire remaining adventuring population
of Fairdale went off into the Contested Lands on Sunday morning led by a man
who some say was the undead creature known as Gwercanner’s
apprentice, carrying a huge Tome with them. These same adventurers rifted into
the Black Stag an hour later with a large pile of treasure and without the book.
Exactly what kind of deal the adventurers broke is unknown?
And with whom?
Adventurers Infected by Werewolves
Some adventurers of Fairdale
have been infected by werewolves led by a beast named Kral.
The werewolves came seeking a
boy named Tristan, who was guided to the nobles by his mother’s spirit.
She claimed the wolves were hunting him, and he needed to be delivered to his
grandmother's home, where he could be safely kept. A small team of adventuers took up the task, including Baron Rorii and the Romani healer Natalia.
In their quest to deliver the
boy they were set upon by a pack of werewolves. In a skirmish across the river,
it was revealed that the Morfang family (Larkin,
Connor, Corwin and Kaliska) are also infected with
lycanthropy, though unlike the feral beings that attacked Fairdale, they
apparently can control themselves when in their lupine form. In fact, Larkin
used her ability to drive off a portion of the pack, while Corwin ran to
retrieve reinforcements for Baron Rorii and Natalia, who had made it up the steep embankment, but were
embroiled in combat at the top of the hill as well.
Once their true nature was
known, Sgt. Ignatius and Baron Rorii insisted that
Larkin speak with His Grace, while promising no harm would come to them, as
they had helped the adventurers in the past. In a long conversation over dinner
with the assembled nobles, Larkin disclosed that she and Kral,
the leader of the wild pack had once been married, though when he lost control
they parted ways. What was once one pack was now
three: Kral’s wild pack, her own family, and a
third calling itself the Nightvale Clan, which stays
deep in the woods and has little or no interaction with the outside world. She
agreed to return to town each night and help by turning the infected back into
their normal form and in exchange the Duke would allow her and the rest of the
family to remain in Fairdale, with the understanding that if any of them ever
harmed an Icenian citizen their lives would be forefit.
Niabi was also
present at this dinner, and explained that she knew where the cure might be found, and promised to search. As of yet she has not
reappeared with an answer.
Later that night Kral
appeared in town with a small pack of werewolves. In a fierce battle they
attacked the town, but many of the adventuers were
not in the fight for some reason. Kral was also able
to control the adventurers who had been turned. When Larkin heard this, she
came running to assist and commanded Kral’s
pack to retreat. Kral was furious at this and
attacked with new fervor, but was cut down by Baron Rorii
and Lt. Ithica of the
The infected are as follows.
They are to be quarantined for one hour after midnight until they regain their
normal form. All citizens are still responsible for their actions, regardless
of their infection.
Dame Daralassia
Vanyatari of the
Squire Man-At-Arms Aven of Blythedale
Squire Osrick
of Nordenn
Sgt. Ignatius Vex of the
Ducal Army
Man-at-Arms Joquin of the Ducal Army
Man-at-Arms Cinder of the
Ducal Army
Guard Laguna Hallik of Blythedale
Two Headed Monster Defeated!
A local farmer was plagued by a large,
two-headed beast and Baron Ivan Drake sent a group to investigate. The
adventurers included Dame Darlassia of the
“Ah, but that squire.... she was a fine
lass,” the farmer said when interviewed. “She even gave me
some coins as compensation for me dead sheep!” The local shepherd
also gave the squire a cryptic note that the giant two-headed beast had left
behind. The note was a riddle and seemed to indicate that the monster was
somehow trapped with two personalities: one kind and gentle; the other evil and
dangerous.
Following the path to the cave, the
adventurers were attacked by a strong group of ogres that nearly ended the
heroes’ quest. When all appeared hopeless, Guard Laguna managed to
avoid being taken down while the others lay nearly lifeless, dodging around
until he was able to resuscitate one of the other members of the party.
Soon, the violent ogres were defeated and the monster’s cave was found.
Upon entering, they found a huge, 20' tall
giant, its ugly wart-covered head snoring loudly. The other head,
however, was awake and he warned the group to keep quiet, saying that if the evil
head, which called itself “Muck,” awoke, then they’d be in
danger. The beast told the adventurers his story. He claimed his
name is Sir Krynn, a former knight in service to Duke
Aramis Llyrr and
that many years ago a nefarious dragon mage somehow transformed him
into this two-headed atrocity. He also said that he can only control his
body when “Muck” is asleep and begged the worthy adventurers to end
his life before he kills again. Not satisified
with that solution, the group questioned him and soon discovered that the
dragon mage had used a musical instrument to initiate the magical
transformation. In addition, they found a horn inside the cave and
decided to blow it, hoping that even though it would awaken “Muck,”
the sound might remove the knight’s curse.
Sargeant Ignatius tentatively gave
the horn a blast and “Muck” did indeed awaken from his
slumber. But Sir Krynn realized that he now had
some control of his body. Muck viciously fought the adventurers as the
knight tried desperaetly to regain control of his
limbs and all the while Sergeant Ignatius continued to blow the horn.
After an anxious struggle, the monster collapsed and Sir Krynn
magically returned to his own form.
The knight was quite grateful for his rescue,
but refused to return to Fairdale with the adventurers, saying that he must
atone for the evil that was done while transformed into
a monster. But at least there is one less monster plaguing the
countryside, thanks to these brave adventurers!
Adventurers
Cut Down Tainted Plants, Animals Still Running Rampant
Controlled by a tainted fey calling herself Xin, the very plants of Fairdale have been a thorn in the adventurers side for a few months. However help came in the
form of Seelie fey, calling herself Niabi. She offered the adventurers a recipe for a poison
that would kill the plants, but they would have to retrieve the ingredients.
Several groups of adventurers answered this
call, including members of
It was discovered that Xin’s
control came from one main plant, nearly three times the size of any the
adventurers had seen before. Once it was dispatched,
The adventurers did not fare so well with the
tainted beasts of the area. It seems that the black stag that Baron Ivan posted
a reward for (and whose head now hangs in the newly named Black Stag Tavern)
was not necromantic, but was another one of her creations.
Recently, a black deer scavenger named Kordok came to Fairdale, pleading for help. He explained
that Xin controlls the
animals of Runwin Wood through him. Unlike a plant
however, it seems he was attempting to fight the control. Unfortunately before
he could give much more information, in the middle of talking to the adventurers,
he was rifted out. He later reappeared, his demeanor much changed, with chains
around his neck. He commanded the beasts to attack the adventurers, and was
taken down himself in the battle. It is not yet clear if he can be cured, or if
he must be an unfortunate casualty of Xin’s
cruelty.
Tranquis Returns
Arbiter Tranquis,
the self-proclaimed “Overlord of Death,” returned to Icenia the beginning of last month, appearing in the hamlet
of Fairdale before a few adventurers. As their were
none of the nobility present, Squire Aven spoke to
him on their behalf.
Arbiter Tranquis explained
that he was willing to offer Icenia a reprise in his
war against all living things. Apparently, the Arbiter has some form a
preference in the order in which he eliminates living things, and finds Icenia less “offensive” than our enemies. For
this reason, Tranquis had offered that his Order of
Tranquility and his Knights of Oblivion would be willing to engage the enemies
of Icenia. The exchange was that once Icenia had no remaining enemies, the kingdom would
voluntarily accept what the Death Elemental referred to as “Peaceful
Oblivion,” by which we can only assume he means the permanent death of
all life in Icenia. As of the writing of this report,
there has been no response from the Nobility.
Dominion Sends Letter Announcing Change
A messenger delivered the following letter to
His Grace recently when he was visiting Fairdale:
From the desk of Iesenverfecter
Tagas Riedic to the Supreme
Commander of Icenian forces:
I send you this letter in accordance with the
great tradition of Chivalrous Commanders throughout our exalted history. As you
may or may not be aware, Iesenverfecter Aindend has been reassigned to other duties for her
repeated failures in the Icenian Campaign. I see this
as an honor to fight a valiant enemy, an opportunity to face a valorous
opponent in the glory of field combat.
Without speaking ill of my former comrade Iesenverfecter Aindend, your
successes are at an end. You will no longer be capturing our beasts. You will
no longer be rescuing slaves en masse. You will no longer be pushing our forces
backwards towards Starkenstien. The Reunification
Prophecy will finally be realized in its grandest potential, and the Doctrine
of Perfect Order will bring structure and discipline to your chaotic and
scattered existence. I understand it is in your nature to rebel against the
Perfect Order. Such is the way of lesser beings. However, as you know how to
train and break a horse to become a great mount of war, so will your Kingdom be broken, and absorbed into the Ordnungkorps.
I look forward to meeting you on the Field of
Glory.
Iesenverfecter Tagas
Riedic
Field Commander
of the Riediclegion
Supreme
Commander of the Ordnungkorps
Adventurers were overheard laughing and
commenting that it seemed unlikely that the Dominion would have sent its worst
General first.
Aloysius Pens Song About
Fairdale
Guildmaster Aloysius recently wrote a
song about the people he has met upon moving to Fairdale. He performed the piece in the tavern one
night, and has asked for submissions for more verses. He hopes to perform it every once in a while,
inviting people up to sing their submitted new verses. The original is printed below:
I was an apprentice in the Mages Guild
In my life I had great plans
Then they assigned me to this wretched place
On the border of contested lands
Here I met Skirfir,
a dwarf of some note
His sense of humor is weird
He'll give you free ale if you laugh at his jokes
But never laugh at his beard
CHORUS:
I could be lost in the Abysmal Gorge
Or could be rotting in jail
There are things worse, although only a few
Than to be stuck in Fairdale
In Fairdale... in Fairdale
It's the edge of the world in Fairdale
Guildmistress Zat
is a healer to all
Be sure to show her respect
If you want healing on the battlefield
Or ever need to resurrect
And Baron Ivan’s as pure as can be
While gypsies sleep in his tent
He’d save the world and all monsters within
If they would only repent
CHORUS
Baron Roriiathanderhil
Colaen-
lothrodarjil serves His Grace
I’d tell you more about him if I could
But his name has taken all my space
Dame Glorianna is a
gypsy knight
This duchy she has traversed
She’s always lost and I could comment why
But I don’t want to get cursed
CHORUS
And Duke Frost Vardik’s
a hero to all
He sent The One to its doom
His portrait stares from its spot on the wall
And his eyes followyou
around the room
So that concludes my song for this fine day
Here’s the moral of my tale
If you piss of people who are in charge
You could end up in Fairdale
CHORUS
Mages’ Guild Report
I am pleased to announce that the following
people have been named Apprentices of the Guild: Dazzle, Ren Suzume, and Nathan Westwind.
In order to become a Guild member and receive
the benefits, one must first submit to me a short biography. I have been surprised by the number of people
who say they are interested yet cannot find the time to perform such a minor
task. I feel that if you cannot even do
that, you probably are not organized enough to be a part of the Guild anyway.
I have received such missives from Dame Glorianna, Dame Darlassia, and
Lark, but as of yet none of them have been able to perform a primary task so
that they can be named Apprentices.
All Apprentices are also required to keep
notes on the various monsters that we encounter so as to learn whether they are
more susceptible to certain spells or elements, or to see what celestial spell(s)
is/are required to dispatch an average one.
The Guild is starting to keep a book of its findings, and will share its
discoveries with any who need the information.
Dazzle performed her first task for me by
obtaining some materials from a strange flame-throwing bear that appeared in
Fairdale recently. I was most intrigued and sent her to obtain a sample, which
she did successfully. I eagerly await
her report on the monster for our Monster Manual.
Ren has been very useful to the
Guild, and obtained some components I requested her to find for her first task.
Nathan’s task involved
finding some information out about a strange will-o-wisp which could apparently
blink in and out of existence. I was hopeful
this creature had the information I need to perfect my Invisibility spell, and
he, accompanied by Ren, was able to gather a
piece. They decided to name the creature
a “Glimmer Wisp.”
If you are interested in joining the Guild,
please submit your biography to me in person or by missive to Fairdale.
Please be reminded that the Guild will
identify magical items for 5 silvers apiece, sell scrolls for a silver per level of the spell, sell spells for your spell
book for 5 copper per spell level, and purchase and sell components, magic
items, and ritual scrolls for a negotiated fee.
We also will perform rituals in our Circle and buy jewelry that could be
used for enchanting. Spellcrafting
is also available, but if you wish for something to be spellcrafted,
it is wise to ask beforehand so that I may study accordingly. Guild members, of course, receive large
discounts for all of these services.
Wizard Aloysius
McManus, Guildmaster
Healers’ Guild Report
To all Ashbans:
I apologize for being so harsh previously in
bringing healer concerns to the public.
For those who helped and are now openly supporting the healer community,
you are wonderful and dear to our hearts.
I especially wish to thank Gilwing
and his friends who dug deep into their pockets and made keeping our healers
alive a task equal to taking down those attacking Ashbury.
In Healers’ Guild news, the Stormblades have graciously agreed to be our protection
front, so if anyone wishes to be our “right arm” protection unit,
you must pass through the Stormblades first.
We welcome into our family Dame Darlassia, Dame Glorianna, Ko the high orc,
Obediah Pyrite, and Sariah. Insignia will be arriving soon. When it does, I will have an evening party to
celebrate.
From here on, I will be saving several
Sanctuary spells for those who may be defenseless during attacks where they may
not be able to participate. If you find
yourself in such a situation, please come to me. I will at least have some bodyguards and Stormblades who will help keep you safe and protect you.
We can prevent many resurrections if everyone
has a “buddy system” where you keep an eye on someone and they do
the same for you. It only takes a few seconds to check on your buddy during
battle, and it can literally mean the difference between life and death.
I should also mention that all the trunks in
the tavern in Fairdale are filled with blankets donated over the years. Please don’t go cold at night. Feel free to borrow one, but also please
return it when you leave. If you
discover that we are out of blankets one night, be sure to let me know.
There will be a Healers’ Guild meeting
every Saturday when His Grace is in town, right after the noble’s
meeting.
I plan on always bringing baked goods to the
tavern each gathering and will distribute them for free. However, since you will probably be using the
tavern’s plates and utensils, I advise you to please tip Skirfir and his staff well.
I also urge you to be kind and not leave messes and garbage on the
tables that they have to clean up.
Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you
all again soon.
Guildmistress Zatarina
Letters
For the past five years, Icenia
has felt the need to apply their standards to the world. They have engaged
neighboring Moorgrave, Glenrake
and Galanthia in wars and skirmishes, while putting
diplomatic pressure on Lempur and the
Icenia has determined that they
have the right to apply their standards to foreign lands. We argue that this
gives us the right to apply our standards to Icenia.
The Duchy of Ashbury,
aside from the political maneuverings in the Gorban
Kingdoms, has also begun diplomatic relations with GNOLLS to attempt to give
them citizenship. By our standards, all who consort with gnolls
are to be killed on sight, and the lineage from them killed as well to purify
the bloodline. WE have done no different in your lands than you have done in
ours: applied foreign law and standards regardless of the will of the people.
We shall continue to act as Icenia has acted until
such time as Icenia halts all attempts to culturally
obliterate our kingdoms.
Zdefolwa - The Defenders of the
Greetings to the people of Fairdale:
I intend to be traveling to your town a
fortnight from now. I bring a challenge to all those skill in the Apothecarial Arts… also known as “potion
making.” I shall present four Challenges to all those so skilled: A
challenge of academic knowledge, a challenge of volume, a challenge for
“best recipe,” and a Healer’s Row challenge to see which potionmaker is best able to recognize and treat injuries.
Coin and prizes will be awarded, with a special reward for the Grand Champion
of all four events.
For those skilled in Earth Magic or even able
to read and write who are interested in competing but have not yet learned the Apothecarial Arts, I will be on hand before the competition
to instruct you. I am hoping for a good turnout, and may the most skilled
person win!
Headmaster
Ebeneazar Rynnel,
Greystone Institute of Apothecarial Arts
Good Peoples and Good Wizards of Ashbury.
The reassignment of Guildmaster
Aloysius McManus to Fairdale and his opening of the Fairdale chapter of the Ashbury Mages’ Guild have granted us a unique
opportunity to reunite and refocus our collective minds and magics
to the aid of our lands and peoples. In the short time I have spent with Guildmaster Aloysius I have been revitalized with a sense
of purpose and direction regarding my studies of the Celestial arts. Guildmaster Aloysius has shown himself to be organized,
analytical, and he has exciting plans for the Guild.
One of those plans is outlined below.
Due to its overwhelming scale, I felt that a public plea for information and
assistance was necessary to aid us in quickening the beginnings of this
project.
We ask for all those skilled in battle, and
specifically battle magics, to assist us in growing
our catalogue of the many creatures, monsters, and beings we are encountering
in Fairdale. We are collecting any information about them that might aid
us in understanding their habits, defenses, and relationship with celestial magics. If you find yourself in an encounter with any
being, be it hostile or friendly, any information you can provide to us (names,
descriptions, locations, fighting habits, etc.) will be greatly appreciated and
used to grow our archive which we one day hope to publish so that the citizens
of Ashbury, and specifically, Fairdale can be better
informed and better equipped.
To those who can cast Celestial or even
Binding magics, if you find yourself in an encounter
with a hostile entity be it a new foe or common one, we ask that, if you find
it possible to do so, you might test to see what effects your magics might have on your foe and record your
findings. Learning that your foe took more severe damage from a specific element, that it could rip from specific binding spells, or
that it resisted the magics you threw at it, is very
valuable information to this project. We ask those who collect this
information for the Guild to seek out any active member, or the Guildmaster himself to report your findings.
In closing, I personally suggest all those seeking
to better your understanding of the celestial magics,
those that are in need of celestial scrolls (both for battle or ritual
casting), or those in need of item identification or other scholarly tasks, to
contact us at the new Fairdale Mages’ Guild or to seek a meeting with the
Guildmaster to see for yourselves how we might be of
service.
A reminder to potential members that the Guildmaster requires a written statement telling him of your
history and why you wish to be a member and support the celestial arts in order
to be considered.
In service to the stars,
Apprentice
Nathan Westwind
Ashbury Mages Guild, Fairdale
Chapter
News From Around the Duchy
Connor: Large herds of cattle have been stampeded
through the estate’s largest village and locals fear that a mischievous
prankster is at work. Authorities have been searching for clues as well
as a motive, but have come up empty-handed.
Dragonhart: A formerly unknown businessman named Ternis Kave has moved quickly to
gain political power in the estate. He was recently elected to the
post of Guildmaster of the local Merchant’s
Guild and many say that he has great political ambition. With Baron Ivan
Drake spending much of his time at the war front in Fairdale, many are worried
that Ternis Kave could be
filling a power vacuum.
Ector: A very successful local
thief continues to evade authorities and calls for assistance from the
Baronial Court of Blythedale remain
unanswered.
Elindil: Tresha
Klindarin, the daughter of a prominent local merchant
has disappeared. There are rumors of foul play as she was apparently
involved in a love triangle. It is said that Squire Koshi
of the
Eldor: Locals report that Baron Rorriathanderhil
Colaenlothrodarhil is personally handling
the case of an active arsonist in this estate. Several buildings
have been destroyed, but one local official claims that the good-hearted baron
is paying to rebuild the structures damaged by the arsonist.
Fenwyck: Wagering on wagon races has apparently become
a popular pasttime in this estate and there are
rumors that the local crime syndicates are profiting handsomely.
Kiri-Ashton: Tubby Grist, the patriarch of a local
merchant family and reputedly the wealthiest man in the estate, is claiming
that two mushroom-growing families, the Fiths and the
Treenans, owe him money that they refuse to
pay. Dame Darlassia Fairseer
of the
Nymphwood: The annual harvest faire has begun, but many
residents are complaining about a large rise in the prices of the local goods
sold at the faire. Some are whispering that the steep prices are the work
of an active thieves’ guild.
Waterwood: A local wedding has caused an
uproar as some guests are claiming that the bride was under the
influence of a spell or potion.
A Little Birdie
Told Me
By Sue D’Onym
Hello drearies! It’s me again, with the News They Don’t Want You To Know. Many of you have noticed that this column
does not always appear and when it does lately, it is quite short. Well, there is a reason for that: I don’t plan on dirtying my boots
traveling to Fairdale, so I have to rely on you, dear adventurers who read this
paper, to submit gossip to me. Honestly,
how can I report what I don’t know?
If you want to make sure your friends are embarrassed, I’m the one
to write to.
I heard that General Lochaber of Galanthia
sent a missive of sympathy and a large assortment of flowers to the
king’s funeral. That man has some
nerve, even for a vampire.
Recently two new squires were added to Duke Frost’s baggage train. Man-at-Arms Aven of the Untiring Phalanx was
squired by Baron Ivan Drake of Blythedale while Osrick the Forgotten was named squire to Lady Knight Glorianna. Our condolences to the new
squires.
Speaking of Baron Ivan, he seems to be putting
a lot of pressure on Laguna Hallik. The poor
guy just started adventuring a few weeks ago and already the self-righteous
baron has been forcing the poor lad to memorize the Code of Chivalry. Perhaps the Baron should repent.
Lieutenant Ithica seems to be more of a
mercenary than an officer. It seems that
he’s trying to start a bidding war for his services, pitting his current
employer, the
Rumors have it that the Raven has stepped up
activity in Fairdale, being so close to the border as
it is. Apparently slaves have been
transported around the area, and the Raven wants none of that. Raven agent Meghan was seen speaking to certain
adventurers recently – but was that someone from The White Rose watching
in the background?
Douglas Boyd was appointed to be an
Assistant Healers’ Guildmaster under Zatarina, and he
seems as pleased to be in Fairdale as Mages’ Guildmaster
Aloysius (who even sang a song about
his dilemma).
Well, that’s all for this issue. Send your cards and letters, and as always,
remember: If you can’t say
something nice about someone, come sit by me.
Public Notices
THE EXODUS TRADING POST is Open for
Business!!! We buy, sell and trade goods of all kinds. We also have our help
wanted service, where local folks come to find adventurers to help with odd
jobs. Talk to Camelia Warmwinters
in the Black Stag Tavern!
ISSALAURA,
you will be missed by many, and missed more by those that never got to know
you. Squire Ulthoc