by Oliver Nirab

In the eve of the 6th day of the Fire Ant, as many of Ashbury’s adventurers  were arriving in town and greeting one another in the Dragon’s Flagon, Dimsdale, court jester for His Grace, called for quiet. He explained that  Duke Aramis was on the front near Queensboro and that he had given orders  for Dimsdale to place Warlord Agnar in charge of the gathering.

Suddenly Ingregavor and Count Requin rifted into the tavern. Ashbury’s  adventurers quickly drew their blades and summoned their aura, but Requin shouted that he wished a parlay, stilling Ashbury’s heroes.  He began to  spew his usual rhetoric about how the Ashbans had abandoned their oath to  King Mykell, and that he had nothing but the utmost respect for Ashbans pointing out that it was the nobles he felt were dishonorable and corrupt.

As he spoke many Ashbans noticed that there was something strange about Requin, noting some subtle scars and the fact that he wasn’t wielding his magic blade.

As Requin circled the tavern, complementing the commoners and insulting the  nobles Ingregavor spoke up stating, “I tire of this,” and invoking the power  of Amora Dun.  At this Requin seemed to fall apart revealing that he was  some form of construct. Inside the creature was some sort of noxious black  substance which caused all those present, save Ingregavor to be forced to the nearest wall and paralyzed.

At this Ingregavor began to circle the assembled Ashbans, taunting as he decided who to slay and eat. He decided upon Baron Agnar, and began to advance upon him.  Suddenly Dimsdale, who had appeared to be affected by the paralysis as well, stepped in front of Agnar and shoved Ingregavor. He identified himself as Terseraz, changed into a magnificent gold and red dragon and challenged Ingregavor. Ingregavor seemed surprised, but met the challenge, taking his dragon form as well.

The two dragons engaged in a magnificent battle casting obliterates and imprisons as if they were mere magic missiles! Luigi of Ash Forest, an eyewitness to the events, commented, “It was the most amazing thing these eyes have ever seen!”

The battle raged back and forth, with both combatants resisting the most powerful magics in existence and weathering blows that could topple buildings when suddenly Terseraz said “Are you done yet young one? I’m not even a third through.”

Ingregavor yielded the day to the elder dragon and rifted away. After the foul dragon’s retreat Terseraz dispelled the magic holding the adventurers, and rifted away while uttering, “Dimsdale is no more.”

The following day many of Ashbury’s heroes were rifted to various camps of the Blackbourne Compact by Terseraz, and were able to rout Requin’s forces there.

During the afternoon of the 7th, some of the Phoenix Guard entered town reporting that a large force of trolls were marching on the capital under Requin’s banner. Ashbury’s forces, combined with the members of the Phoenix Guard, were able to destroy this force though.

During the afternoon of the 8th Terseraz arrived in town and announced that the Duke and his forces were engaged with a force led by the Dark Countenance himself, Freejyn, near Queensboro. The magnificent dragon then explained that he knew where Ingregavor’s lair was and that he could rift the Ashbans there to try to get Ingregavor and destroy the bottle that housed his spirit.
Ashbury’s heroes rifted into the military camp and came upon the largest structure available. In the distance they could hear His Grace’s forces battling with Freejyn. Terseraz destroyed the ward and kicked in the door.

They found Count Requin and Ingregavor inside a circle of power, protected by many of Requin’s Maulers. All seemed surprised at the sudden intrusion. “I did not receive a report of a large force in this area!” Requin angrily yelled at his captain.

Terseraz stepped forward demanding the Ingregavor abandon his dragonheart, Count Requin, or be destroyed. Requin scoffed at this, confident of his dragon’s loyalty, and was caught completely unawares when Ingregavor agreed.

“Again you win Terseraz,” the evil dragon said. “I yield to your power.”

Requin begged Ingregavor not to abandon him, calling him “father,” but the dragon merely ignored him and rifted out. At that Requin ordered his forces to attack, and a fierce melee erupted. The maulers inside the building were dispatched fairly quickly, but those throughout the camp ran to assist their leader.

In the midst of all the fighting Baron Agnar, Findarth T’Varian of Shokan Ryujima, and Shya Corak, wielding the blade Validus, fought their way to Count Requin and combined their might to bring him down. He was healed so that he could call a surrender and stop the fighting.

At the call by Requin to yield many of his troops seemed hesitant, but Requin demanded it. “They are Ashbans,” he consoled his men. “They will treat you fairly.”

At that Terseraz identified Requin and determined that Ingregavor had been allowing Requin to drink his blood so he could gain power, an act forbidden by the Order of the Wyrm. It did, however, explain Requin’s great power and reference to the dragon as “father.”

As the Ashbans determined what to do with the traitorous count, Terseraz recommended imprisoning him in Amora Fortannis.  Since Freejyn had escaped, there was a need of someone evil to be there to keep a balance.

Requin gave a final plea to the assembled Ashbans “My men are from the same land as most of you.” He said. “Please keep this in mind when deciding their sentence.”

As Terseraz prepared to rift out with the defeated Requin, Perwin the Baker begged the dragon for one last pun.  “No more puns.” Terseraz solemnly replied.  “No more ruses.” And with that he and Requin rifted out.

Since that date, much of the area known as Trellheim has been in turmoil. Many of Requin’s generals are now fighting among themselves to lay claim to what he had built, and as of this writing none have emerged as the “heir.” The troll Bonescythe and his followers meanwhile have seized this opportunity to retake large sections adjacent to the Tower Hills and to once more turn against their hated dwarven enemies in Trollsgate. The Freejyn Horde encroaches from the north and west, and of course Morganna the vampire still controls much of western Trellheim. And in a most unusual twist, the crazed “scientist” known as Dr. Formalda has claimed to be the new “dragonheart” of the region, although this claim seems highly doubtful.

Baron Agnar recently attempted to bring about peace in the region by offering asylum to Requin’s followers and mercy to his officers in a letter which has been printed and publicly posted throughout Trellheim and which is printed later in this issue. As of yet, there have been no responses from the war-torn region.

by Oliver Nirab

On Friday the 27th of Fire Ant, one of the Royal Regents to Ashbury, Sir Rupert Buchard, summoned Ashbury’s heroes to the Dragon’s Flagon and welcomed them. He explained that Duke Aramis and his court were in the north fighting against orcs and the Freejyn Horde in Falkirk. Sir Rupert also reported that he was under orders from His Grace to place warlord Baron Agnar in charge in the absence of the Duke. The regent then warned that intelligence reports stated that a contingent of orcs had broken through enemy lines and were heading for the capital.

At that point Sir Rupert was interrupted as a strange white figure walked through the wall of the Dragon’s Flagon. He was obviously in spirit form, and had symbols of Chaos all over his face. He identified himself as a farmer named Harry. He claimed that he was driving his cart into the city to deliver his goods to the marketplace when he suddenly fell unconscious, and when he awoke he was in spirit form. Harry kept interrupting his own discourse, seemingly speaking to himself, with statements like “Shut up, I’m telling them.” When the assembled Ashbans asked what was wrong, Harry claimed that he had four voices in his head that kept trying to get him to do things for them. Harry then identified the voices as the Lords of Halloween: Jack O’ Lantern, Nachtface, Lord Yech, and Muckhead (whom Harry called Muckmuck.) Luigi of the Ash Forest jokingly dubbed the figure “Halloween Harry.”

Harry explained that the Lords of Halloween would only leave his body and return him to normal if he ran Halloween for them, but Harry didn’t know how to do that so he needed Ashbury’s heroes to assist him, all the while interrupting himself to answer the voices in his head. At that point, the spirit form let out a terrible sneeze and an undead figure appeared. It was quickly dispatched and Harry apologized. “That’s been happening to me all day,” he explained.

There was little resolved, and Harry departed, saying he would return later to get help in running Halloween. Very soon afterwards, right outside the tavern, a series of powerful sneezes were heard and a large amount of undead attacked the tavern, though they were quickly dispatched.

The rest of the evening passed fairly uneventfully, but reports from other parts of the city state that some skirmishes with undead took place during the night, but that no one was seriously hurt.

The next day, however, fared far worse for Ashbans. Undead began attacking throughout the day, and at one point during the afternoon was able to contain most of the town, including the court of the Ash Forest, behind the healer’s circle. Every time Baron Agnar attempted to lead an assault, he and his warriors were beaten back. At one point even Baron Agnar himself lay unconscious upon the ground outside the circle. At this development, a group of sages who were watching these events from behind the safety of the Sage’s Guild ward tried to get healing to the baron on two occasions, but were beaten back both times. At some point Baron Agnar did receive healing, though the exact details are still unclear.

Soon a group of air elementals arrived, and the Ashbans in the healer’s circle tried to convince them to assist in the destruction of the undead. The elementals stated that they were not powerful enough, but would return to their realm and send help in exchange for lightning spells to heal them. The Ashbans delivered the spells and the elementals departed, soon replaced with a life elemental who helped the Ashbans make an effective counter-attack and destroy the undead, and life the Mystic Wood Elf Jinn Mal-de-Mir.
After the battle, the life elemental told Baron Agnar that more attacks would be coming soon and that he would have to marshal the citizens for Ashbury’s defense. Agnar stated that his court was depleted as far as spells and healing, and that he would hole up behind their ward until his court could replenish their spells.

The life elemental apparently disagreed with this decision and questioned Agnar’s position as a noble if he would not even defend his lands. At this point the Baron became enraged and struck the life elemental down, followed by a swift killing blow. He then issued the order that Ashbans traveling the roads did so at their own risk for the rest of the evening because his court had no healing left and would not be able aid them.

Later that same afternoon, a small group of orcs arrived in town, identifying themselves as members of the Bloody Hands tribe. They were apparently foraging for supplies and equipment, but upon finding little of use that wasn’t behind wards, the orcs departed. They soon returned in full force. Sir Rupert entered town with some of his soldiers stating that the orcs that had broken through His Grace’s lines in Falkirk were marching upon the city. He reported that his men were fully equipped with healing and life spells, and that time was of the essence lest the orcs entrench themselves. Led by Baron Agnar and Sir Rupert, the Ashbans marched to meet this challenge, facing the orcs in combat and killing them and their leader.

As the sun set, undead once again began plaguing the city with renewed vigor, launching many attacks. In addition, lost spirits appeared piteously moaning that they could not resurrect. Many of these spirits were led to the Healer’s circle and successfully resurrected.

Also returning that eve was Harry. He informed the Ashbans that the Lords of Halloween would leave the unfortunate farmer and return him to normal life if they would choose the new king of Halloween. He explained that the lack of such a ruler was at the heart of all the chaos. Baron Agnar stated, however, that he would not choose a king of Halloween. Sir Agnar in the past had refused to cooperate with the undead rulers of Halloween in any way.

Harry then entered the Sage’s Guild. What was said is not known, but when Harry returned he named Lady Azrael the Duchess of Halloween and Baron Agnar the Jester of Halloween, apparently because Harry was amused with the baron’s hat.

Soon after Harry returned to the Sage’s Guild again telling the assembled scholars that if a lord was not chosen, Harry would be forever cursed, and the chaos and mayhem would only intensify. He told the sages that ten unanimous votes were necessary to select a king, and that the lords in Harry’s head would abide by their decision.

A discussion was soon launched in the guild about who was the lesser of the evils and whether a king should be chosen at all. In the end it was decided that one should be chosen so that the lords would leave Harry to return to his life. Among those present were Zatarina Norik, Candalis the gypsy, Cedric Fruvous, Ragnar, Greywolf Everstarr, Jessemy Vorik, Diego Sabatini, Glorianna Wyndancer and Dominic Senguir. They decided that since Jack O’ Lantern’s Halloweens were rarely deadly, that he was the best candidate of the four and they voted for him. With that, Harry rifted from the building and was has not been seen again. His current whereabouts and status are unknown.

On Sunday, the madman scientist Dr. Formalda entered town flanked by his constructs and proclaiming that the dragon Ingregavor had chosen him as the new Mal Draco Dragonheart. With this declaration, he sent his constructs to attack the assembled Ashbans. The fighting was fierce, and many people fell in combat, but none were forced to resurrect, and the constructs were ultimately defeated. No word has been reported on the fate of Dr. Formalda, whose body dissipated after being given a killing blow before he could be questioned and reveal any information about Ingregavor.

The events of this All Hollow’s Eve beg the question of what will happen next year now that a king has been chosen by the citizens of Ashbury for the first time since we arrived on Fortannis.

During the afternoon of the 7th of the Fire Ant, two young men came into town telling a wild and creative tale about the Kingdom of Nabornia and all the wonderful figures that inhabit the land. This imaginative tale had captivated several citizens, and the boys wove a very intriguing story. It was interrupted, however, when one of the boy’s fathers entered the city berating his son for shirking his chores and his son’s friend for being a bad influence. The father seized the boys and dragged them back to their homes.

It is very likely that many of Ashbury’s citizens would have thought nothing more on the matter if it weren’t for the next development in this interesting tale. Ashbury’s populace began encountering folks who claimed to be from Nabornia throughout the day. This situation came to a head later that night. Details are somewhat sketchy but it appears that the father encountered earlier was taken to the Ash Forest manor house for questioning after resurrecting in the Healer’s guild. The father told a chilling story that his son was furious about his father’s threats of being forcibly separated from his friend by their parents, and that in a fit of anger the boys killed him. The young storytellers were detained by Ashbury officials and escorted to Baron Agnar’s manor house for questioning.

The situation was made even more complex when a large group of individuals entered town looking for the storytellers, identifying them as the Heroes of Nabornia. Many townsfolk recognized some of the Nabornians in the group as those they had encountered earlier in the day. The entourage was led by a figure calling himself King Harold of Nabornia. The Nabornians all appeared to be human with the exception of King Harold, who looked to be a being of chaos. King Harold’s entourage quickly ascertained that the young storytellers were in the Ash Forest manor house and headed there, demanding the return of the storytellers.

He was greeted from behind a ward by Lady Azrael, Dame Azura and Baron Agnar, who treated him cordially. King Harold explained that he and his troupe were from Nabornia and that the powerful imaginations of the young men had brought their kingdom to life. Harold further explained that without the storytellers, Nabornia would cease to exist, and he demanded their release so that the Nabornians could continue to exist. When Lady Azrael pointed out that he looked like a chaos being, Harold claimed that he had no idea what she was talking about.

Baron Agnar explained that the storytellers had committed a crime and could not be released until they were tried. King Harold balked at this, insisting that the storytellers could not be guilty of such a crime, and demanded their return at once, but Baron Agnar refused, stating that a full murder investigation had to be launced before they could be released.

Things seemed to be at a standoff until Aldric Harrington happened upon the scene and was taken prisoner by one of the Nabornians. King Harold demanded the release of the storytellers at once or he would kill Aldric, and began to count from five. When he finished counting, the storytellers were not yet released so Harold himself stuck Aldric down. Seeing the man slain, the father said he’d drop the charges, and Baron Agnar released the young men.

The storytellers ran to their creations overjoyed at their existence. At their release King Harold then demanded that Baron Agnar take a knee before him and apologize for detaining two citizens so honored by the Nabornians. At this Agnar ordered the ward lowered and stepped out verbally berating King Harold for his insolence. In responce King Harold declared a state of war and a battle immediately followed.

King Harold himself, it was noted, had many powers similar to that of a chaos being. The fighting was pitched and difficult, but Baron Agnar himself stuck the killing blow to King Harold. As Harold died, however, the rest of the Nabornians continued to fight. Seeing the damage being caused, one of the storytellers yelled “And then the fighting stopped!” which echoed across the battlefield at ten times the volume of the boy’s voice. At the sound of it, the Nabornians all ceased fighting.

The Nabornians wondered away, and Baron Agnar gave a stern lecture to the boys about responsibility and handling power before letting them leave. The pervading theory about how all this happened seems to be that the boys somehow summoned a Chaos being who created the rest of the Nabornians, though this conclusion is tentative, and there are many questions left unanswered.

by Oliver Nirab

Though Queen Sidraste was apparently freed, this has not hindered the forces of Amora Dun.  Quite the opposite, the horrors of the Iniquitous have increased and continue to taunt many Ashbury citizens.

Late on the night of the 6th of the Fire Ant, a black floating sphere was seen in town with a visitant. The sphere would occasionally curse any Ashban it came across, including Sage’s Guildmistress Zatarina Norik, Ragnar, Greywolf Everstar, Selrik Wyndancer, and Sparticus of the Black Unicorns.

The curse, however affected people strangely. Zatarina’s stance on earth magics were seriously affected. When the young Town Guard captain, Alexander Hawkwood had been killed and brought to Zat for healing, the biata earth caster responded that “healing was boring.” Unfortunately, Alexander was not brought to another earth caster in time, and the brave young man suffered his final death. In addition, Zat also seemed to revel in violence and bloodshed, and even stated an indifference towards necromancy, though at no time was she ever reported to actually cast the dread magic. Guildmistress Shya Corak was quick to point out that her actions were completely caused by the curse.

Greywolf seemed to lapse into despair for no discernable reason, and no one seemed able to bring him out of his glum state. Sparticus seemed to, at all times, endeavor to be near Baron Agnar, even at inappropriate moments. Ragnar had the stink of the grave upon him, no matter how hard he attempted to be rid of it.

This reporter was unable to learn of the effect of Selrik’s curse.

Well known adventurer Storm Thrommel has only two words of recommendation when dealing with the black sphere. “Stay Away.”

Many of the friends of those afflicted attempted to find cures for the curse, attempting various remedies throughout the gathering.
At other points in the gathering some Visitants would enter town and create gaping pits that would spew forth creatures corrupted by Amora Dun which would attack Ashbans, at other points Visitants would walk through wards and circles of power to curse various insects and snakes that were in buildings, causing them to grow to enormous size and attack all those within the building.

At many points the Visitants told the Ashbans that if Shya Corak would throw the mystic blade Validus into one of the pits that they would cease their attacks, it was one of these horrid attacks that slew Captain Hawkwood and Ragnar. The Visitants went on to blame all the destruction they were causing on Shya for not relinquishing the artifact.

Ragnar received something of a mixed blessing when, upon his resurrection, he found himself cured of his curse, though needless to say, Ashbans were not eager to attempt this cure on the other afflicted townsfolk. Fortunately cures were found for Greywolf, Sparticus, Zatarina and Selrik. In fact, it was Selrik who assisted Shya in curing Zatarina.

Clearly, even though the forces of Amora Dun have been struck a serious blow, they are not defeated easily, and the path to their defeat will be long and bumpy indeed, but as was proven this gather, Ashbans can band together to overcome any adversity.

 Early on the 8th of the Fire Ant, Sir Morgasander, High Sheriff of Ashbury, arrived looking for members of the Town Guard, but Since Alexander Hawkwood had been slain, the only member of the Guard available was Selrik Wyndancer.

The enigmatic purple skinned noble explained that local children were missing from a nearby orphanage, and that Headmaster Shmelling made a plea for help in the last edition of the Ashbury Times. Morgasander gave Selrik the authority to deputize a small group and try to assist the headmaster.

The gypsy chose Greysmere Orithalcun, Aiden O’Dally, Cearbhall O’Dally, Renshai, Jinn Mal-de-Mer and Ukrok for this task. The group went to the orphanage and spoke with Shmelling, who told the adventurers that the children were having nightmares.  As the town guard went to interview one such child, the boy was pulled by brown furry creatures to another realm.

The deputized guardsmen followed into the portal to confront the creatures, bravely fighting through the hordes combining the use of blades, magic and alchemy to rescue the boy. Leading the beasts was a particularly powerful furry creature who was taunting the boy throughout the entire ordeal.  The heroes defeated the horrid torturer and returned safely with the boy.

Some of the guard believe that these creatures were booglings, and that their leader was the boogieman himself, others believe that they were all just minions of the boogieman. Whoever is right, it is a signal that the horrors of All Hollow’s Eve have begun early this year.

Reports of trouble at the Twilight School led to an investigation recently when the school Deans refused to let parents see their children.

A group of Adventurers went to the school to investigate, posing as parents looking a schools for their children. They found in the basement many permanently dead bodies with their throats torn open and their blood drained. This was reported to Baron Agnar, and late the same night, Ashbury’s Warlord led an attack on the school. They were confronted by a group of vampires, the leader of which identified himself as Feldar of Galanthia.

He informed the Ashbans that they were trespassing and ordered them off of the school grounds. Baron Agnar identified himself and ordered the vampire to depart immediately, but he refused. Baron Agnar ordered the Ashbans to attack and a fierce fight ensued. Many of the vampires were stuck down and dissipated, but Feldar and two others remained, the foul vampire leader stated that the Ashbans had not cut off his food supply, only delayed it, and then rifted away.

A search of the school found one building burned down and another still burning, as well as a building still intact but warded. The ward key had been discovered on one of the vampires and was used to open the building.

Inside was found a half a dozen children, all scared and frighteningly obedient. Guildmistress Shya Corak took charge of the children making sure that they were fed and properly clothed, and early the next day took them to the orphanage in Safehaven until their parents could be identified.

Early in the morning on the 7th day of the Fire Ant what was described as “A horde of Goblins, Gnolls and Kobolds” marched into the capital city. Unfortunately the vast majority of adventurers were still sleeping, Greysmere Orithalcun and Calis of Foxcastle were the only adventures about town. Greysmere caught sight of them while he was scouting the woods on the outskirts of town, and retreated to the tavern hoping to recruit assistance, but found Calis to be the only Ashban around. Despite the vastly overwhelming odds, these two brave souls heroically challenged the creatures and slew them to a man outside the Dragon’s Flagon.

by Guildsman Cedric Fruvous

The Sage’s Guild is pleased to welcome Talon the Gypsy and Yalenus Veler as apprentices. On a more personal note, I am very proud to have accepted Jaquari Chiharu as a personal apprentice.

We have accepted Dominic Senguir as a guard on a prohibitionary basis. He has made every effort to atone for his crimes and help the general populace of Ashbury and the forces of good, and while we shall not overlook his past indiscretions, we shall give him the continued opportunity to atone for them.

Guildmistress Shya Corak has placed herself as an associate status within the guild due to her new duties within the Healer’s Guild. She shall have all of the rights and privileges afforded her rank within the Sage’s Guild, but her responsibilities are greatly lessened so that she might focus fully on the preservation of life within the duchy. We shall miss her, and wish her the best of luck.
The Sage’s Guild is looking to purchase the following items: An Earth Circle of Power scroll, Investiture Scrolls and components, Earth Regeneration scrolls and components. In addition we buy and sell potions, elixirs and celestial scrolls.

We also offer the following services: the teaching the following skills and offering of the following services: Armorsmithing, potion creation, celestial and earth magics, gas globe creation, alchemical books, weapon training, trap disarming and creating skills, and of course historical, archeological, and various other lores.

To the soldiers and officers of The Blackbourne Compact:

By order of His Majesty, King Gareth Ap’Moire, and His Grace, Duke Aramis Llyrr, all those who formerly served the Kingdom of Evendar, the Duchy of Ashbury, and the Barony of Trellheim are ordered to lay down their arms. You will assemble at the Trellheim-Elendil-Stormwood border by dawn on 25th Lion. Officers will be subject to the King’s Justice, soldiers will be reassigned to Ashban regiments and given the opportunity to prove their loyalty.

In addition, those who currently hold the child Lady Sonja Hellfax are ordered to turn her over to my custody.  Be it known, any harm that has come to her will be revisited on her tormentors a hundred fold.

It is strongly suggested that you officers and soldiers take this opportunity to surrender with Honor.  It will be your last chance to do so.

Sir Agnar Anti-tiburon
 

It is with deepest regret that I mourn the death of Captain Hawkwood of the Ashbury Town Guard  on Saturday, the 6th  of  the Fire Ant. He was a friend, teammate, and Captain to the most inexperienced would-be heroes Ashbury has seen. Whatever one might say about the Guard, none may doubt that Alexander was loyal to his Duke and King.  Alexander led a life pointing to the ideal of chivalry and its tenents he followed closely. I was never close to him, but while serving on the Guard I respected him for his quiet sense of purpose and his ability to listen.

Ashbury is doubtless now celebrating its victories over the Compact. But let us remember that there are forces that rob us of our freinds still active in our world, and it was at the hands of one such abomination that a good man died that day.

May your roads be easy, and your eyes open to the new world around you, Alexander.

With the advent of Alexander’s death, Sir Morgasander has named me Captain of the Town Guard, and this responsibility and position I have accepted. Due to this need, I have relinquished many of my duties to make room for helping the citizens of Ashbury.

Many of you have made scorned comments about the Town Guard. Granted, there are many adventurers whose skill and prowess in battle far exceed any past or present member of the Guard. But it is not just our skill in battle that will aid the people of Ashbury. I myself weild no weapon but use my skills as a healer in defense and betterment of the town. Would you scorn my life spell if used on your prone and dying body? I dare say you would not.

I’m not asking for your respect, and I’m not asking for anything more than a chance for us to help those that need it. There are many new faces in Ashbury who need help, information, protection and resources. And frankly, if you’re not on a team, you have few resources. That is where the Guilds and the guards come into the forefront. Ours is a resource for any Ashban to utilize. Our Sage’s, Mage’s and Healer’s Guilds and the Town Guard have resources for all Ashbans to call upon.

The Healer’s Guild has made its circle available as a standing post of defense in battle, and as its resources replenish from the tradegy of Dame Natasha’s sacrifice, will again be selling potions and offer healing to the citizens. How many times have the members of the Healer’s Guild given healing to you and never asked once for payment? Or the Sage’s Guild, which maintains guild hours to keep its doors open to you day and night so you can research and learn about knowledge necessary for your quests? Or the tireless efforts of the Mage’s Guild, who work to try to keep their doors open to indentify your magic items?

I never once cast a mortal wounds on someone and then demanded payment. I never shook the pockets of a dead man for money before I lifed him. Yet every day I look around and try to help those that need it, and I get scorned for being on the Town Guard. It would do you some good to assist and help make Ashbury a safer and friendlier place.

At one point, I was going to join into a baronal team. I made the choice not to, not because they were not wonderful opportunities but because I felt my place was best served helping the commoners. I would hope some of you would also feel the same calling and come and join the ranks of the guilds and the guard. Make a difference in our future and help your fellow man.

Remember to thank your healers and your sages and your mages.  Remember to help the guard patrol a round about the town. Welcome newcomers and make them want to return to Ashbury to adventure yet another day. Remember our fallen and keep their sacrifices close to heart.

Glorianna Wyndancer

by Sue D’Onym

I hear that Lady Azrael is forcing  Baron Agnar to sleep on the floor ever since he won that date with Rotwilda (Creepshow’s sister)!

Dame Azura didn’t seem very happy after her date with Creepshow. When she came back she wouldn’t speak about it and wouldn’t let anyone touch her. By the way, during Creepshow’s game, Perwin booed at all Shya’s answers while Gilwing cheered at her. In fact if it weren’t for Gilwing, she would have died. Bad Perwin!

Kirin was seen without Cormack by her side recently. The grapevine says Cormack met a female barbarian from his past and took a “vacation.”  Uh oh!

Ragnar has been in a combative mood lately. He was about to challenge Jessamy to honor combat because he thought Jessamy left him to die.  If everyone did that every time that happened there would be no one left with any honor. Renshai later insulted the barbarian people and Ragnar challenged him to honor combat and won.

Hey, Renshai, you need to learn when to keep your mouth closed. You insulted and mooned Creepshow behind a ward and you kept insulting the Iniquitous. When Requin surrendered and yeilded the battle, kneeling before the nobles who began speaking to him,  Reshai pushed his way past the nobles to try to give a killing blow to him. Look, Renshai, we all admit you have guts — now prove that you have brains!

I see that Baron Agnar has squired Auric now. What was he thinking? That boy does not speak — how can he ever lead the town?

Still, the Baron doesn’t seem to care too much about what people say. You should have been there to hear the dark whisperings being  uttered about him after he personally slew a life elemental that had aided the town by lifing people during a disasterous fight with undead. Maybe it’s that chaos symbol on his face acting up again.

Lord Roldo opened up his Import store in town recently and was visited by many adventurers who made some trades and drooled over the magic items and weapons he had for sale. Some people came away saying the prices were too high, but others, like the newlywed gypsies Candelis and Diego, knew that no hobling sells things at the first price quoted and were able to negotiate for some interesting items I am told.

Turmoil in the freehold estate of Dale: Seems they decided to elect a mayor, but somehow the ballots were misread or something and recount after recount just led to more disagreements until the two candidates and their followers ended up in a huge battle taking up most of the town and lasting even until the day that I write this! So much for democracy — give me the feudal system any day.

Well, that’s it for this month. Keep those cards and letters coming and remember — if you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit by me.

TO ALL THOSE who asked how they could repay me for Life spells: Does one rose for  for each spell seem fair to you? Honestly, nothing is necessary...But if you insist, I do adore the color red. And please, no white ones! Yours –  Lady Dara

ATOR: Are you no longer interested in obtaining the barbarian artifact?  Contact me. — Bertram

IF YOU WANT to exchange your components and scrolls for coins, come to the Mage’s Guild. We buy all Celestial scrolls, ritual scrolls, components, and magic items.

LOST: Odd shaped pewter heart with hole in it for necklace. Please contact Dame Azura if found. Thank you.

MAGIC ITEMS! Armor! Scrolls! Potions! Elixirs! Gasses! Weapons! Components! Ritual scrolls! Horses! All adventuring supplies are available at Lord Roldo’s Imports! Trade-ins accepted.

WANTED: A perfect sapphire, A Silver Bell from a Jester's Cap, and TheEssence of a Greater Fire Elemental. Or One Rare and Two UncommonCelestial Components. Also interested in all other items of Interest. If you have any of these please Contact Tarquin.

REWARD FOR INFORMATION. Help put criminals where they belong. All sources kept confidential, all rewards distributed quietly. You have my word as a noble to His Grace. See Lord Magistrate Eros for details. Reward relative to worth of information.

SARR OF THE KINGDOM RETURNED: Do not stand in our way; the prophecy is clear and the polearm will be taken from you so that you may not use it. Keep your stinking noses where they belong and you won’t get hurt.

I HAVE BEEN CHARGED with creating as thorough and neutral a text as possible on the history of the Biata. Anyone with knowldge of or involved in Biata history in any time period please contact me and tell me your story. – Cedric Fruvous, Biata Emissary

REWARD: 100 GOLD CROWNS for the capture of the hobling bandit known as Luvo Piper. Let us return law and order to the Duchy. – Sponsored by the AMC

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: Could anyone with information pertaining to the Galanthian vampire that was encountered on the weekend of Halloween please contact me. – Yalenus Veler

PERWIN’S DELICIOUS BAKED GOODS! Baked goods almost always available when I’m in town, like my famous baklava, but you can always stop by my bakery in South Point for fresh treats. I also take special orders, just contact me for details. –
Perwin the Baker

THE SAGE’S GUILD: More than just reading! The Sage’s Guild offers more than just research for hire and an extensive library. We offer the following goods and services: Armorsmithing, potion creation, celestial and earth magics, gas globe creation, alchemical books, weapon training, trap disarming and creating skills we also buy and sell scrolls and potions. So even if you aren’t a sage, we undoubtedly will be able to help you find what you want. – Ashbury Sage’s Guild

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK everyone who helped me my first weekend in Ashbury. A special Thanks to Shya.   – Rowen

JOIN F.O.I.L.! (Free Our contamInated Land). AElves of Ashbury, band together to rid society of the menace of the savage Wild Elves! Ward the Wold! Join the society of freethinking, civilized beings who will work to effect a better culture, unfettered by adulteration and horrid admixture. Send your names, requests for membership cards, contributions and letters of support to: Teril Belayson, President and Treasurer, Belayson’s Honey Farm, Elindil, Ash Forest.