A terrible miscarriage of justice was narrowly averted when six innocent citizens of Ashbury were able to prove their innocence by showing that Sir Duncan of Ashbury had sworn false testimony against them. Duncan, a knight of the former Duke Alaric of Ashbury, had kept his title under the new Duchess' reign.
The six accused - Raven Canterbury, Naric Bloodstorm, Elric Korombos, Daela, Morlox, and Kerrugan - were informed of their conviction for treason as the Duchess addressed the town Friday evening. They and their many friends were confused and angered as it was explained to them that according to the laws of the land, the sworn testimony of a noble was sufficient to convict them, and their trial had been held in their absence. The six were given a choice between execution and banishment, with sentence to be carried out Sunday at noon after an expected emissary from Evendarr was to arrive. The emissary, Sir Lyle of Evendarr, had supposedly given his testimony to Sir Duncan. Duchess Mara passed judgement upon the accused based on Sir Duncan's word.
Their search for an explanation was given direction when local Bard Turlough Kuranes reported to them that he had recently been approached by a stranger who offered to make him a rich man if he would testify that he had heard the six plotting to commit treason while sitting in the Tavern. Turlough was not able to see the man but described a strange amulet he had been wearing. With this information and the aid of local law expert Quentin Dunbury, they attempted to find the source of the accusation against them. Sir Duncan also expressed concern over their fate and tried to help them.
After another townsperson came forward with information regarding several clandestine meetings he had witnessed between a stranger and Sir Duncan, the accused found their way to a decrepit hovel outside of town, where they believed evidence would be found to clear them. There they were confronted with a guard composed of the local Gypsy tribe that Sir Duncan had evidently hired them to guard the site.
The Gypsies, obeying Sir Duncan's orders, prevented the six from entering. Fortunately, no fight ensued, and the resulting standoff was broken when they sent for Sir Angus, a Paladin of Ashbury.
After a difficult search through the rubble of the collapsed building, a letter was found signed only by the letter "D". It suggested methods for choosing which innocent people would be accused of the crime of treason to cause the greatest amount of hostility in Ashbury when the executions would later be revealed as unjustified. At the time, the accused speculated that "D" stood for Alaric Dragonhart.
An attempt to gather additional evidence by searching the house of Sir Duncan failed when all materials gathered were destroyed by an explosive trap in the house.
Fortunately, a witness was found who had seen Sir Duncan wearing the amulet the town had been searching for, although it could not be found when Sir Duncan was searched later. Duncan claimed it was a magic amulet he had discarded after using it up.
The evidence against Sir Duncan was substantial, but the efforts of the six accused were almost in vain when Duncan cast a Charm spell on Sir Angus before he presented the facts to Duchess Mara. Fortunately, the Charm spell expired in the middle of the trial.
Duncan was stripped of his title, and enthusiastically executed by Baron Bryan Nordenn.
Duncan later resurrected at the Healer's Guild and reclaimed his possessions before leaving town. Several nobles expressed surprise that he was allowed to leave unhindered. The Duchess explained that he had paid the penalty for his crimes and could not be punished further for the same crime. "If serving a sentence is not sufficient punishment for a crime, then what is the point of having a system of justice? The only effective penalty would be a final death in that case," she said.
Duchess Mara was deeply sorry for the ordeal that the accused had been subjected to. She apologized for the misdeeds of the former noble. "When such a crime is committed, it not only affects the unfortunate victims, it diminishes all of us. When a traitor such as Duncan breaks the Code of Chivalry, the pillar that sustains us against the powers of Chaos is weakened. Those of us sworn to uphold the Code must be ever more vigilant."
The Proscribe Creatures ritual performed on the night of September 18th was partially successful. The spell will prohibit goblins, hobgoblins, kobolds, ogres, fire newts, giant frogs, and land sharks from entering the town during daylight hours.
Adventurers had fought many creatures throughout the night and day before the ritual, managing to harvest the body parts of many types of creatures. Undead were fought but their bodies disintegrated before adventurers could bring them back to the Healers' and Mages guild. Noticeably absent from the onslaught of monsters against the town were trolls of any type.
The body parts of orcs were removed from the Proscribe Creatures list by decree of the Duchess after the orc Clan McEwan appealed. The Clan has promised to personally protect the town against orcs during the day in return.
On the night of the ritual, Mother Merry, Guildmaster Isabella and Sorceress Shalizar consecutively cast their Circles of Power in the middle of the town while the townspeople of Ashbury stood guard. As soon as the Circles went up, the biata Isabella collapsed in a heap. The two other casters proceeded with the ritual, stepping over the crumpled form as they began their ritual of steps, fire, smoke and light. About a quarter of the way through the ritual, the forces of monsters began to attack, perhaps in an effort to distract the ritual casters. Wave after wave of monsters of all varieties attempted to defeat the hardy adventurers to no avail. Once again, trolls were absent from the attacks.
When the ritual was complete, all inside and without were alarmed to find out that the circles still stood, apparently a flaw had occurred in the Celestial part of the ritual. Sorceress Shalizar immediately turned on the still unconscious biata, threatening to strangle the life out of her for flawing the ritual. Were it not for the soothing voice of Mother Merry, who calmly stood by her fallen assistant, and the shouts of Baron Morgan outside the circle, Isabella's fate might have been even worse. Efforts by the biata Vassa Thrommel and Baron Bryan to breach the circle and healing and celestial spells cast at the circle walls were all to no avail.
When the circle finally went down, it was determined that the flaw in the ritual was that Giant Sewer Rats were not proscribed. "Oh well," one citizen was heard to say, "At least we got those damned land sharks."
Ashbury was shocked when a flash of bright light blinded those in front of the Healers' Guild. When eyes had adjusted, it was discovered that six people had disappeared!
Most of the ones who disappeared where of the court of the Ash Forest. Their names are Squire Davon Opate, Laurelin Goldsong, Slaransia Silverwood, Brian Otonefist, Rethilenn, and Eridan. Nothing was left to indicate that they had been destroyed, and witnesses could find no trace of their passing.
Sorceress Shalizar immediately went to the scene to investigate. At Baroness Alicia's request, she cast her namesake Detect Magic spell upon the site of the disappearance. At that exact moment, another flash in front of the Merchant's Guild whisked away four more citizens - Morlox Nightshade, Max Maniaz, and the gypsies Ariel and Jantos.
News of the disappearances spread like wildfire in the town and soon there were whispers that it was more than a coincidence that the only guild where there was no disappearance was the Mages' Guild. A local group of angry barbarians confronted the Sorceress that day and demanded that she return the people she had kidnapped. Tense words were exchanged between the natural enemies, but both parties left the confrontation unharmed.
"If I were behind this incident, you would have heard screams of terror and pain," explained the apparently bloodthirsty Sorceress. It was also pointed out that some of those who disappeared were members of her Guild.
In the two weeks since the disappearance, local scholars have been investigating the phenomenon, but so far no conclusions have been reached. Any citizens who may have knowledge of the incident should report to the proper authorities.
Duchess Mara Tirane fell in battle during a daylight attack of undead upon the town recently.
The Duchess was fighting a number of undead alone in front of the Manor House. Her magical sword was swinging madly and brought down some of the creatures, but more were behind. The efforts of several townsfolk to rescue her were in vain, as skeletal figures circled her body until it vanished to the Healers' Guild.
There was no explanation as why the Duchess left the safety of the warded Manor House to fight alone without her guards. It is believed that the traitor Duncan cast a Charm spell upon her, causing her to dismiss her guards and run into a battle there was little hope of winning. Duncan claimed to be locked inside the warded hall during the fight.
Members of the court of Trellheim were able to rescue the Duchess' crown, jewels and sword after the battle. Her Grace was most grateful for the safe return of her possessions.
A brave group of adventurers calling themselves the Mist Wood Rangers uncovered a sinister plot of the evil group The Fist to disrupt the Proscribe Creatures ritual.
It began when Ranger Darian Ilthranis found a coded message on the body of a bandit. With friends Feyd and Morlox they translated the message which led them to a meeting with a group of necromancers. The necromancers assumed the Rangers to be the bandits and spoke of their plan.
Darian played along but then returned to town to warn the nobles. He then bravely returned and led the necromancers into an ambush trap where most of the evil group was captured.
by Cleo Smith
Here's me again, Cleo Smith, keeping us citizens informed so we can properly perform our civic duties!
And here's some sound advice: I think we citizens should make sure our nobles get all the thanks they deserve. Whenever one of us citizens witnesses a noteworthy act deserving of any sort of recognition, I think we should tell our Paladins (Sir Hieronymous and Sir Angus in case you didn't know). And remember especially - don't forget to report on the actions of those potential nobles, the squires of Ashbury. We certainly want to make sure they are occupying the positions their actions have earned them.
Speaking of squires, it seems that the court of Trellheim has been having a few problems with theirs lately - but certainly not with Squire Spud who is not tall, does not have dirty blonde hair, and does not wear a ratty green thing under his tabard. And poor Squire Hanson. . .if any citizen out their can absolve this man of the crime he has been accused of, please step forward. Perhaps a member of The Company could be persuaded to help out with testimony (again).
I'm also required to print a retraction. Baroness Alicia did not give Baron Bryan a present (yet) although they were seen walking arm in arm. I wonder what Sonya Dawntreader would say.
I would also like to mention a word for the most excellent show in town - the Saturday night talent competition in the tavern. But women, make sure you take your man away before the gypsy belly dancing starts.
Remember if you have any real news (facts only!) contact me!
REWARD! Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of my court and of other citizens of the duchy, please contact me as soon as possible. -Baroness Alicia Hollymsong.
B.N.: Thank you very much for your gift. I shall wear it next to my heart and treasure it always. - S.D.
ATTENTION STONE ELVES: Your audience is requested for a council meeting. Your standing in our community will be determined. Contact Squire Vishuluan at Nordenn Manor.
THE NECROMANCERS' GUILD is taking applications. See Baron Morgan for directions.
SHALIZAR: Thank you very much for the spell training. Because of you, I believe I'll be staying in town, perhaps permanently. If there is anything I can ever do for you, just mention it! - Gentar ("Gent").
POTIONS, Life Insurance, Financial Arrangements. Seek out Maximus the Healer.
SIR ANGUS GRIMSBY, Ducal Paladin, would like to thank the following citizens for their loyalty and bravery: Gok (spelling?), the half orc who saved me from the undead. Thanks also to Squire Hanson and the other loyal citizens who escorted the three banished thieves to Ashbury's border. You have the gratitude of the Duchy!
THE MERCHANT'S GUILD is looking for brave men and women to serve as guards for various establishments in town. Contact the guild for more information.
CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of a recent talent competition held in the Dragon's Flagon! First place: Daphne Green; Second place: The Wilhelm Brothers; Third place: the Gypsies. Thanks to Turlough for judging, too! - Camilla Zatar.
ADVENTURERS: Do you seek the aid of an organization, but no restrictions to your freedom? Join the Mist Wood Rangers. We require only honor, and offer training, protection, healing, and even pay in return for support. We are a brotherhood of fellows, not a rigid group who are always together. Talk to Darian Ilthranis.
HEAR YE! Straight from tour dates in Niman! It's Bobo and Spanks! See a goblin sawed in half! Hear the latest in Niman humor! Feel the cutting wit of. . .Bobo & Spanks, The Killer Clowns!
SORRY 'BOUT THE BUMP. We didn't mean to raise the cost of healing (Muhahaha!). Just goes to show that those without Magic Armor should always watch their back, even when standing in front of the Healer's Guild! Gregory's Merry Band.
DUCHESS MARA wishes those who proposed answers to her puzzle in the Tavern that the correct answer, submitted later that evening, was "You will allow me to marry neither of your daughters."
GOLD AND SILVER paid for ritual components. Top price. Especially looking for feathers, insects, pine cones, and snake skins. See Isabella at the Healers' Guild.
MOTHER MERRY: Do not confine citizens against their will. It is a crime to do so. - VT
LEGAL REPRESENTATION, documents notarized, pre-nuptial agreements written, scrolls and potions identified. All scholarly services performed. Quentin Dunbury.
MORGAN: Strike one.
REWARD for information leading to the capture of the thieves who have been stealing weapons and who attacked the brewers. - Ashbury Merchant's Guild.
THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD would like to congratulate the following new Apprentices: Justice, Barony of Trellheim; Marshak; Mathis Beornstanas, The Company; Morlox Nightshade; Slaransia Silverwood, Barony of the Ash Forest; Vishulaun TJ, Barony of Nordenn