Crix Destroyed!
by Oliver
Nirab
“The Crix is coming!”
That alarm has sent commoners
and many stout adventurers to their wards fleeing before the onslaught of this
horrible black cloud for several years now. On the 5th day of October in the
year 603 however, the very day that the “History of the Future” claimed that
the entirety of Dockside would be completely destroyed, the adventurers from
Ashbury destroyed the Crix.
The Crix’s method of
attacking was to ominously sweep through village after village, then pause and
release a volley of low powered celestial magics. At that point the Crix
would release beings that seemed to be made of the cloud: individuals that did
not talk, but showed some sort of battle instincts. The beings themselves
possessed the ability to web those that dared to stand in their way and seemed
to be composed of lightning and ice. If someone was to fall to the
creatures they were carried back to be engulfed in the cloud. Anyone
engulfed by the cloud resurrected or permanently died.
Some theorize that the cloud
was feeding off of the people it engulfed, gaining power and skills from those
it devoured. Some say the cloud was the creation of unseelie fey or
Glantri, as a curse upon the land.
The Windwalkers, led by His
Excellency Baron Morgasander, have been fighting the Crix and defending the
populace against its onslaught for over a year. However, due to its
erratic movements, the Crix has been difficult to track. Most battles have
happened accidentally and have gone badly. That is, until the adventurers
who had reportedly traveled to the future (or one possible future where Icenia
was ruled by Galanthia) came up with a “History of the Future” document,
detailing some of the locations that the Crix would strike and when. This
history also spoke about the destruction of the Dockside district of Ashbury
City.
Two nights before the attack
was supposed to occur, the Crix was seen entering Ashbury. After rounding
up the commoners and making sure they were safe, the Ashban adventurers stayed
in their wards as the cloud moved through the city, circling buildings and
eventually moving off into the Ash Forest.
A scouting expedition was led
by the kiergani Raven Nevermore and included Sheriff Sir Harrison Ryat, Guard Osrik and Nicholas Couerfroid
confirmed that the cloud had moved off from Ashbury city. Word was sent
into the Forest via messenger to warn its inhabitants.
Over the next day and a half,
the cloud attacked three small villages in the Ash Forest, in the estates of
South Point, Kiri Ashton and Waterwood. There were dozens of reported
resurrections and Baroness Glendura is reportedly seeing to it that her people
make it through the difficult recovery process.
“The Future History” stated
that Dockside would be utterly destroyed on the 6th day of the month.
Preparations were made, wards were cast by merchants on their warehouses and
people were hid inside the wards. The Ducal forces were sent to Dockside
proper, whereas the Windwalkers hoped to intercept the Crix between the Ash
Forest and Dockside. Little hope was to be found in the people that stood to
defend against the Crix as no way to dispatch the cloud had been found.
When informed of the
happenings in his capital city, Duke Sir Frost Vardik charged Sir Jonathan
Dragonhart Vardik and Sparticous with the task of leading the endeavor against
the Crix.
History was proven wrong that
sunny day, when the adventurers of Ashbury joined the battle against the Crix
just moments after the cloud had decimated the Windwalker forces. Windwalker and
Ducal Army uniforms scattered across the ground met the adventurers in their
search for the cloud.
What made the difference was
that over the previous few days, information led the adventurers of Ashbury to
believe that the Rhi-artan stones were required to destroy the cloud, as well
as four pieces of a poem.
One piece of the poem was
recovered by the vansir warrior Rendar, Percival Sweetwater, Nathan, and
Sparticous. This group was forced to tell disgusting stories to a hag who sat
inside of a circle of power in order to retrieve the piece of the poem.
The second piece was
recovered by Raven Nevermore, Guildmistress Shya Corak, Kaayrith, the Child of
Camulous Dustin, and Drake Nevermore.
The third piece and a ritual
scroll were given to Lhasa Skamar for winning the song competition on Saturday
by a mysterious Child of Camulous named Hannah.
The adventurers had managed
to get six of the seven Rhi-artan stones, which were reported to be keys to the
cloud’s destruction. Baron Morgasander had one of the stones, given to him by a
farmer who walked into town some months back. The second stone was acquired by
Paythin of the Black Unicorns when he and a group of members of the Sage’s
Guild fought a pit of powerful mindless undead, which resembled hulks of rotting
flesh. Squire Gabriel Bruce received a stone by stealing it from a pit of
howlbears. Raven Nevermore received a stone after his group passed a strange
test given by a strange elf in the Ash Forest. The Vansir Maif traveled to
Corrhiem and found a stone laying in a broken circle with a Symbol of Galanthia
in it. And finally Sparticous found a stone in the cave that the
Galanthians had been trying to get in a month ago. (See “Enchanted Map Found
in Sage’s Guild” on the next page for more details.)
In the cave was also the last
piece of the poem that they were searching for. Apparently the formerly unseelie fey Silva informed
the adventurers that they may be able to find a stone in that cave. Baron
Morgasander reportedly swore that Silva wouldn’t be hurt if he assisted in this
endeavor.
The seventh stone was last seen in the possession of the
former squire known as Glantri, whose whereabouts are presently unknown.
When the final battle began,
the adventurers bearing the stones were able to repel the cloud itself, though
had no effect on the creatures coming out of the cloud, called Crixlings.
Beyond just a normal repel,
the stone bearers were able to push back the cloud into a cave. The Future
History revealed that the Crix had been trapped inside this cave in the future,
but by Glantri using the Rhi-artan stones.
The battle lasted hours and
wave after wave of crixlings sprang from the cloud and assaulted the stone
bearers as they tried to push the cloud back into the cave. At one point
Nicodemus, a gypsy member of the ducal army, was being dragged into the cloud
and was saved in a daring rescue by none other than Silva. Drak Nevermore
however wasn’t so lucky and was dragged into the cloud. He successfully
resurrected later. The fox scavenger Sivak was also dragged into the cloud just
at the moment that the cloud was pushed into the cave.
Once the cloud was trapped
inside, seven people were required to destroy the Crix: the six stone bearers
and one person who would need to sacrifice their life because the seventh stone
(the one held by Glantri) was not available. Many offered without thought,
including Squire Gloriana and Guildmistress Shya; however, it was Silva whose
voice was loudest and who eventually entered and sacrificed his life to destroy the cloud.
Inside the cloud the
adventurers found Sivak and healed her and she was able to assist. A group of
seven creatures appeared on the inside of the cloud led by a powerful Crixling
creature. The group reappeared seven times and each time a Rhi-artan stone was
required to kill the creature. Each that was killed took the spirit linked
stone from the person administering the killing blow and then crystallized into
a stone looking exactly like the rhi-artan stone that was used, and then
crumbled to dust. One of the creatures was impervious to weapon strikes, but
was quickly prisoned by Baron Morgasander. Realizing they had no other way to
destroy it, the Baron dropped the prison and Silva prisoned the creature then
killed it and his spirit was sucked away leaving only a pile of clothing. He
did not resurrect in the Ashbury Healer’s Guild circle and his whereabouts are
unknown.
After all seven powerful
creatures were defeated, the cloud expelled the adventurers and imploded in on
itself. A small streaking comet was seen to crash into the cloud as it
was imploding and some theorize that this was the last Rhi-artan stone, the
final piece of this puzzle.
Whether the
Crix is destroyed now or merely banished to another place is unknown, but
commoners, nobles and adventurers alike may rejoice that its reign of terror is
at an end.
Enchanted Map Found in Sage’s Guild
On the 3rd eve of October,
603, a scholar from the Bardic College came to Ashbury with a strange poem and
a stranger story. She had been researching the mage Pentathos, the same mage
responsible for the horrible Pentathos’ Gaffe, and came upon references to a
treasure map that could find unclaimed enchanted items.
The map is reported to
illuminate with a glowing dot on the spot where the magical items are to be
found, and what’s more, not only does it find magical items, it transports
groups of six to the very spot where these magical items are found.
Reports indicate that the map only shows magical items that are
“unclaimed” or not in the possession of a creature with a spirit.
The scholar had found the key
phrases to activate the map and wanted to use it. She gave the information to
Guildmaster Cedric Fruvus and indicated that he owed her something in return to
be named later.
When the sages dug through
the old dusty archives and reams of paper that previous Guildmistress Zaterina
had compiled during the year when Cedric was absent, they found the enchanted
map.
When the map was unrolled,
the mage Pentathos appeared in a burst of blue light. However, it only seemed
to be some phantom of Pentathos as it gave an informative speech but did not
respond in any way to the sage’s queries. (As many historians know,
Pentathos was obliterated and died in exile for releasing the Gaffe.) At
one point, it asked if there were any questions and pointed to “the dragon in
the back” to address its questions and gave the adventurers gathered quite a
fright.
The map is known to be
activated by a key phrase. The map also brings the adventurers back to the very
spot where they left from. It apparently does so when the holder of the map
says a second phrase. There can also be either a great boon or a terrible bane
upon one of the people who are transported to these spots, however the bane or
boon disappears once they are returned. However, when they return their
names appear written on the back of the map in ghostly writing and they cannot
use the map again.
The map glows with a
brilliant light which lights up the Sage’s Guild when it is ready to be used,
and shortly after, a glowing spot appears on the place on the map. After some
time, it seems the map can grow impatient and the spot begins flickering
indicating perhaps that the spot will soon disappear from the map.
Adventurers theorize that if the spot fades away, than the map lies
dormant again for a while and the window of opportunity is gone.
Many adventuring groups used
the map over the course of the few days leading to the attack upon the Crix.
The first group to go was lead by Cedric and included Sivak, Sparticous, Paythin, Nicholas, and Nathan. According
to the map, the group rifted somewhere near the Bile Dens. They found
themselves in a deep pit, hundreds of feet down. While there Sivak was gifted
with the ability to fell her foes with blows mightier then the most powerful
dragon. In this pit were also five monstrous undead horrors and a
pedstal which had one of the Rhi’Artan stones upon it. Paythin of the Order of
the Black Unicorn took the stone, which granted him a protective aura around
his person.
The second time the map began
glowing was that Saturday morning. Members of the Court of the Ash Forest went
this time, including Sir Du’Gal, Scarn and Squire Gabriel. They were rifted
into the center of a group of sleeping howlbears. The group was stealthy and
managed to obtain a second Rhi-artan stone. (For those readers unaware, a howlbear
is a cross between a large bird and a bear, larger than a grizzly bear. They
are known for their habit of eating people that get too close and being
impervious to all but the most skillfully aimed weapon blows. Howlbears
are also known to be able to resist many poisons and magics.)
Later in the day, while
Ashbury was under attack by the Freejyn Horde led by “The One,” a mismatched
group was teleported deep into the Ash Forest. Due to the non-elven
nature of some of the adventurers, the Baroness gave them each a favor in the
hopes that whatever rangers they met would ask questions first rather than
shoot.
Kiergani Raven Nevermore,
Guildmistress Shya Corak, Kaayrith, the Child of Camulous Dustin and Drake
Nevermore were all sent to the
deep woods where they heard a haunting melody floating in the air. They
followed the melody to a beautiful elf calling herself Dewkiss who immediately
told them that they had come to the wrong place.
When pressed for information,
Dewkiss offered a riddle, which was easily answered by the adventurers. When
they again asked for information, and told the elf they were trying to destroy
the Crix, she then informed them there was a group of creatures with dark
intentions nearby in the forest and that they must be dissuaded. The
adventurers found and easily dispatched a group of trolls lurking in the woods
nearby.
The strange elf then stated
that there may still be darkness in the hearts of the adventurers and bid them
confront it. She bid them touch a floating white mist, which recoiled when
touched, revealing an eerie shadowy likeness of the adventurer who touched the
mist. Guildmistress Shya pondered for a while and then decided to kill herself.
When she was lifed, she cast a healing spell at the misty version of herself and
the misty version of herself attacked everyone hurling powerful necromantic
magics. It was defeated and next Raven Nevermore touched the mist, but it was
heard to whisper that he was a cheater for helping Shya during the previous
battle.
This left only Kaaryth and
Dustin who had not helped during the last combat. Kaaryth tried to defeat her
shadowy self and failed, and finally the new adventurer Dustin was left. She
was unable to bring herself to attack a copy of herself and instead offered it
friendship. The “elf” congratulated them for their success and handed
them a piece of parchment with a part of the poem needed to destroy the Crix
and then rifted away, leaving in her stead a Rhi’Artan stone.
Some hours later, the map
became active again and this time members of House Ryujima were summoned to the
task. House Ryujima split their numbers into two groups and went on two
separate quests utilizing the map’s power, but were unsuccessful in recovering
a stone. The first group consisted of Lord Find’rth, Taji, Velvrin, Trife,
Jaquari and Ny’ev. The second group consisted of Nym, Mia, Kiri, Runaki, Keres
and Aldric Harrington. When asked about the quests, Taji Ryujima’s response was
a polite but firm “what happened is our business.” It is rumored that the
first group of dark elves returned with an amulet with a scorpion encased in
amber and the phrase “Vaccaran Pirates” was overheard after the second group
returned.
The map activated one again,
late in the evening. The Black Forest was outside of the Sage’s Guild when the
map’s light awakened Guildmaster Cedric. The Black Forest, concerned about his
safety, spoke with the sleepy elf and he blearily and under the further stress
of the cold explained how the map worked. The group consisted of Gilwing,
Lira, Auric, Luigie, and the High Orcs Rock and Garra. They were teleported far
to the south to the land of Lempur into a crypt of some description. The names
of the deceased were written in stone plaques over the stone beds of the five
corpses, as well as the years of their demise ranging from 2999 to 3001.
It has been theorized that these dates are from the old Icenian calendar,
and that this puts the time of death to be about 300 years ago when Lempur was
first cursed by Glantri.
The Black Forest also claimed
that the plaques said that the corpse set apart from the others was called
“Medorant Lempur Margrave.” It is
known among historians that the old ruling class of Lempur were of the Margrave
family. The crypt was eerily filled with mist and there seemed to be a light
that filtered in from one of the walls. Gilwing looked out the crypt door and
explained that what he saw was a scene of pure destruction.
There was a black mist
swirling about a decimated city, with piles of bones and skulls everywhere. In
the darkness he could see glowing eyes here and there. Needless to say, Gilwing
decided that it would be wise to avoid going outside.
At this point Rock discovered
that there was a glowing dagger on the corpse which was set apart from the
others, and after careful consideration, he grabbed the dagger which
immediately spirit-linked to him. The corpse sat up and in a high pitched
screech ordered the adventurers to go and take the dagger. Reports are
mixed at this point, because the other four corpses got up and began effecting
the adventurers with fear and attacking them, but some claim that the Lempur’s
words also spoke of taking the curse and spreading it.
Dominic the Gypsy, Mayf the
Vansir, Hallie, Lockheart, Bosh and Ezri were summoned the final time the map became
active. They were rifted by the map to somewhere in Corrheim. They saw a group
of gray goblins dragging a kicking and screaming green goblin up a mound where
they killed the goblin on a symbol of Glantri. The grays then noticed the
adventurers and mentioned that they were working for the Mastermind before they
assaulted the gathered adventurers.
The battle was hard and well
fought, and the adventurers emerged victorious. Dominic lifed the green goblin
moments before it dissipated. The goblin claimed to be Vex, Son of Vox, the
last green goblin of the Bloody Fingers tribe. It said that the gray goblins
under Mastermind’s orders had been rounding up the green goblins and taking
them here to be transformed into gray goblins. In the circle surrounding the
symbol of Glantri the adventurers found the last Rhi-Artan stone and it spirit
linked to Mayf. Vex fled into the woods nearby as many gray goblins approached.
The adventurers wisely returned to Ashbury using the map’s powers.
Our sources say the names have faded from the map now. Perhaps this means that these same adventurers can again use the map to find magical items.
Sarr Kingdoms Unite, Gnolls Demand “Homeland”
Three of the five sarr
kingdoms to our south have announced an alliance, the roots of which can be
traced back to a meeting arranged in Ashbury almost a year ago.
This information was
presented to the nobility of Ashbury by Kuwo Mushtee, who has just been named
an emissary and Lord of the “Three Kingdoms.”
The Three Kingdoms of
Ukmutznif, Darclag and Junjeq have been actively working to solve their
differences while neighboring Bobthitet has been building its war machine.
The Three Kingdoms, being
made aware of the “Future History” in which they were practically destroyed by
gnolls and Bobthitet, have been meeting over the past year and have allowed King Zutclag of Junjeq to be
their spokesman for the moment, although he has no power to give orders or do
anything without approval of all three Kingdoms.
One of the main problems they
face is that the gnolls are demanding their own country, and none of the
kingdoms are obviously willing to do that.
Gnashtooth has so far not
been seen and has stayed out of it. Most of the problem has been coming from a
group of gnolls calling themselves “Gnolls Organized for Liberation” which is
demanding its own lands, mostly the south of Junjeq and part of Darclag. The
gnolls call their organization “NOL” because they can’t spell “gnoll.”
The leader of this group is a
gnoll called “Harkan” who, apparently aware of the Ashban’s “Future History”,
has been jokingly calling himself “Sheriff Harkan.”
The Three Kingdoms have been
encouraged largely by the various Healer’s Guilds. Apparently the Healers
Guilds have been a major proponent of the alliance so to halt the killings.
The geography of the region
causes some concern as well. Bobthitet divides Ukmutznif from the others and
Queen Nikwik and her new husband Utclag (son of Zutclag) apparently have no
desire to join with any sort of union that wouldn’t place them in charge.
Necromancy and slavery has
been declared illegal in all of the countries, although the holding of gnolls
in slavery is not considered slavery anywhere.
It was not but a few hours
after Kuwo reported this information that a gnoll came to town. He called
himself “Fido” and claimed that it was his “slave name” and arrived without
weapons or aura. He asked only to speak to a noble of Ashbury and refused
to talk to Kuwo.
Fido came bearing news that
the gnolls who are loyal to Gnashtooth want a start a peace treaty with
Ashbury. They wish for land to be granted to them and for the magical
weapons of the “Gnoll Prophecy” to be returned to them.
Fido confirmed that
Gnashtooth was working with Queen Nikwik, but stated that it was because Nikwik
had promised to give the gnolls back their “homeland” free from gorbe slavers.
Fido claimed that if Ashbury convinced the Three Kingdoms to do the same, there
would be no need to align with the necromancers of Bobthitet.
After much talk between Fido,
Sir Du’Gaul and Kuwo, they came to the conclusion that Fido should bring a
message to Gnashtooth. The message stated that if they truly wanted a treaty,
they should pick a color to wear as a tabard, they should not attack any citizens
of Ashbury and they should not come back to town until they have started to act
like they truly want a treaty. The reason for picking a color to wear on a
tabard is to tell the difference between Gnashtooth’s followers and Harkan’s
followers. When they have done this, a small group of gnolls would be
allowed to come into town bearing a white flag with a sign upon the flag that
only those present would know.
Fido was told that when and
if they come into town they will not be attacked and at that time they would be
allowed to talk further of a peace treaty with Ashbury. The gnoll was
safely escorted out of town.
Shortly thereafter, Kuwo
Mushtee recently posted this public notice concerning his appontment as a Lord
of the Three Kingdoms:
The Kingdoms
of Junjeq, Darclag, and Ukmuznif have reached an alliance. They may be referred to now as the
Three Kingdoms.
The Three
Kingdoms have made me noble, and have charged me with acting with their
authority to ally with Icenia. I am Lord Kuwo Mushtee. I am the distant cousin
of an ocelot. My device is two open golden eyes, side by side, on a field of
green and brown.
Unless you
are in the three Kingdoms, you are under no obligation to refer to me with my
title, bow to me, or kneel to me. However, there is no law preventing you from
acting in this way.
If you have
respect for the Three Kingdoms, a desire to see a mighty alliance between the
Three Kingdoms and Icenia, or even if you simply have respect for me, I ask
that you address me as Lord Kuwo Mushtee. You may simply say Lord Kuwo in less
formal circumstances.
If you are
not a noble yourself, and wish to give me or the Three Kingdoms respect, I also
ask that you bow your head slightly at the neck the first time you address me
in polite company or if we are eating together. If you are taller than me, you
should bow your head at the neck and perhaps some at the back so that your eyes
are level with mine. If you are
not in a hurry, or wish to be especially respectful, you may wait for eye
contact from me before raising your head again. I would also recommend that you
bow this way toward healers, sorcerers, warlords, law givers, sheriffs, members
of the town guard, learned ones, teachers, fine entertainers, craftsmen, and
any other you respect. I do, and they all seem appreciative. Respect is the
best place to start from when talking.
Bowing must
not be disruptive. If bowing to me would show disrespect to another, then you
should not bow. Do not bow in combat.
If you are a
noble, and you wish to show your respect and support for this alliance or for
me, addressing me as Lord Kuwo Mushtee will, of course, be more than
sufficient. You may show extreme respect for the Three Kingdoms by bowing your
head at the neck slightly in my direction while commanding me to rise from
kneeling before you.
If you are
native to the Three Kingdoms, or claim allegiance to the Three Kingdoms, you
must, if at all possible, see me or send me word of your presence when
traveling in Ashbury. If you are gorbe native or loyal to the Three Kingdoms
and trade or regularly travel through Icenia, I request that you send me notice
describing your usual schedule. Travel notifications may be sent to the Ashbury
Sage’s Guild. I also request that,
if possible, all Gorbe speak to me briefly before or during the early part of
their journeys through Ashbury.
If you are a
Gorbe and suspect that some aspect of your residence or business in Icenia
influences her relations with the Three Kingdoms, please notify me.
Finally,
note that Lord Rasq Darkmoon is a lord of Icenia, not of the Three Kingdoms.
You are required to bow and address him properly in Icenia.
I am Lord Kuwo Mushtee.
Foreman Milo Arrested for Necromancy
Adventurers and citizens of
Bartersville, Nordenn may remember a construction foreman named Milo who was
working for his Excellency Baron Morgasander on the construction of a fort on
the northern border of the Barony of Nordenn. In the second week of October,
Sheriff Sir Harrison Ryat and his town guard arrested Milo, based primarily on
the work of Guard Osrik, of the Sheriff’s crack investigative force of
adventurers.
It seems that Guard Osrik had
followed up on some leads that indicated that Forman Milo took the foul undead
Panselore’s idea and was using zombie construction workers. Osrick had defeated
several zombies in the wilderness who were carrying lumber and nails.
The Sheriff led a team late
at night to investigate loud noises at a construction site presently being
worked on by Milo not far from the heart of Ashbury City. As none of the normal town guard were
around, The Sheriff and Guard Osrik called upon the a group of adventurers new
to Ashbury, including Ezri, Hallie, Bosh and Dominic, who lent his assistance
as a healer in this endeavor.
A back up team of experienced
adventurers and healers, including Aldric, Mayf, and Raven accompanied the
group and waited outside of the construction site.
The group entered a
dilapidated manor house that was obviously being remodeled. Sources say the manor house is owned by
Stumptoe Quarries, a recent acquisition that was to be sold after the
reconstruction was finished. Mr. Stumptoe was not available for comment.
The large building had only
the smallest of light filtering out, though the sounds of furious hammering
were heard from a great distance away.
The adventurers entered the
building and called out to the workers demanding in the name of the Sheriff
that they stop and explain all the noise in the dead of night.
The banging continued
unabated until the adventurers saw that one of the “workers” was in fact an
undead. The adventurers immediately attacked the foul creatures and began
felling them quickly, but many more zombies literally came out of the woodwork
to attack.
The horde of zombies seemed
endless and the battle was chaotic, but the adventurers managed to tell friend
from foe in the dark and destroy the undead. Hallie was instrumental in
dragging injured people from the fray and ensuring that they were healed.
The following morning, the
Sheriff led a group of town guardsmen to arrest Milo at the small house he was
renting nearby. He apparently came along without a fight, but complaining all
the way.
Milo’s trial is at present
unscheduled, but is planned when witnesses can be called forth to testify. Where he got the zombies from is at
this time unknown, as Milo shows no prowess in the perversion of earth magic.
It is speculated that he purchased the undead from some other person or
persons, perhaps the known criminal and necromancer Bok’Rok.
This marks the first victory
of the Sheriff’s new initiative to crack down on tougher criminals utilizing
the talents and abilities of skilled adventurers.
Freejyn Horde Returns;
Attacks Biata Freehold
On the afternoon of October
4, 603, the Freejyn Horde returned to Ashbury with chants of “Hail and Kill”
and “Glory to the Red Rage, Glory to the Elements.” They did not march in as
Ashbury is accustomed to, but instead rifted in with a strange figure,
seemingly composed of all four foundation elements at their head. This
creature seemed to have some control over the usually orderless mob of Freejyn.
The battle did not last as
long as the last time Ashbury had encountered them, as Ashbury’s defense was
seemingly more organized and powerful.
Sparticous, Lord Find’rth, Gilwing, and Lord Du’Gual were able to
prevent their leader from rifting out when the battle was lost for the Freejyn.
All four were seen landing their mightiest of blows upon the foe almost
simultaneously. It was quite a display of martial prowess, but upon the final
blow the stranger creature just vanished into thin air.
Later, it was reported that
the biata freehold of Bloodstone was attacked and hundreds of biata were
slaughtered by the newly emerged Freejyn Horde. Their leader, calling himself “The One,” stated that his
“Plane Touched” would wipe all biata off the face of Tar’Navaria. Plane Touched is apparently the name
that the Freejyn Horde is using for itself now. The battle was bloody and came
as a complete shock to the biata.
The biata defenders were
slaughtered unmercifully, with the wounded being put to death in the midst of
battle. An unusually high number of biata met their permanent deaths during the
battle, including some whose spirits were not weakened by previous
resurrections.
The freehold of Hopewell is
reportedly preparing for war, but preparations against a force that can appear
and disappear at will is difficult at best.
Both Councils withdrew their
support of Ashbury over a year ago over an argument of a sword commonly called
Slavetamer; however, Squire
Glorianna of Nordenn has retrieved the magical shortsword and has presented it
to His Grace Duke Frost. Duke Frost verified it was indeed the oft maligned
weapon, as it had once been the possession of his liege in Niman, Duke Vordan
Nicodemus. The two recognized councils of biata are rumored to be sending in
delegations to get the sword and to make a plea for assistance to Ashbury.
Oracle Leads
Adventurers Astray
by Ezri
Asteridae, edited by the Ashbury Times Staff
In our first night in Ashbury
we were commissioned by Sir Eros to seek the Oracle. The Oracle, we were told, would answer all questions
truthfully. There were some very important questions that needed to be
answered, including how to defeat the Crix.
My fellow new adventurers
including the swordsman Lentis, Lockheart the Celestial Mage, The Child of
Camulous Dustin, Hallie, Bosh and myself agreed to assist the magistrate.
My memory of the Oracle’s
tests is a blur, but at the end the Oracle appeared and gave us the answers we
were after…or so we thought.
We first reported our
information to Guildmistress Shya of the Healer’s Guild and then to Guildmaster
Cedric of the Sage’s Guild the following morning.
After mulling over this
information, it was clear that we had been tricked. The Oracle never lies, but
the idea that a troop of goblins was hiding in The Wold, the most secret and
well defended area of the Ash Forest, was absurd. It also claimed that Glantri
was essential in destroying the Crix, yet the adventurers of Ashbury emerged
victorious without his assistance. It seems perhaps, that many people may have
been duped all along.
If any Ashbans have information on this supposed
Oracle I would be interested to find out where it came from and what may have
happened to this supposed font of information.
In the meantime, I personally refuse to
believe anything this “oracle” says as truth until I see it for myself.
Mastermind Attacks
The Mastermind came into town
recently, having captured one of the biata found in the stone ziggurat that
appeared in Ashbury several weeks ago. He came with a large force of gray
goblins and undead. The Mastermind threatened to kill the biata if he wasn’t
given all the necromantic ritual scrolls in Ashbury and erected a Circle of
Power around her with himself and two other goblins within.
After much
delay and debate, the Mastermind killed the biata and raised her as undead.
Lord Find’rth patiently explained to the Mastermind how his plan had no hope of
succeeding and the Mastermind agreed, ordered his goblins and undead to attack.
They were quickly dispatched. The Mastermind then dropped his circle and
attempted to dash to freedom. Sparticous, Taji and Air Raksa chased the gray
goblin and cornered him. Air Raksa wasn’t able to effect the Mastermind
with his blows and Taji cast Prison and Confine Spells which the Mastermind was
able to resist. Sparticous was able to land two devastating blows upon
the Mastermind, the second one slaying the foul creature, who did not die
permanently.
Healer’s Guild
Report
Ashbury’s Healers’ Guild is
pleased to provide the following services: Protective and curative potions
for sale; Spellbooks of Earthen Magics for loan or sale; Copying of Earth
spells into spellbooks; Earth Ritual casting services; Education on Earth Spell
and Ritual casting; Destruction of
Necromantic magic items and scrolls (at your profit); Resurrections.
Please feel free to contact
the Guild at your leisure to discuss potion availability and fees for all
services except resurrections. We are here to assist and educate you!
We are also looking for
warriors with stout hearts, keen eyes and ears, and sharp reflexes to assist in
protecting Guild members during battles.
In an effort to broaden my
learning, as well as provide the unfortunate with the most pleasant and
appropriate resurrection experience possible, I am conducting an inquiry into
the different resurrection preferences favored by the citizen races. I intend
to compile the results of my research into a book for the Healer’s Guild, so
that any and all who perform resurrections may thereby educate themselves.
I cannot assemble this body
of knowledge without your assistance. Additionally, the more responses I
receive, the broader span of knowledge I can provide. Therefore, I humbly
request that any and all who wish to assist in this project kindly submit:
* Your race (If you have
undergone a Race Change Ritual, your former race as well)
* If you have resurrected: please describe your most
pleasant/least upsetting resurrection experience. (Race Changed individuals may
list previous racial resurrection experiences)
* If you have never
resurrected: please describe what you would find to be a pleasant resurrection
experience.
It is not required for
individuals to submit their names, nor the record of how they died.
Additionally, personal minutae may be omitted from the experience. I do not
wish to delve into private matters, only to have a generic idea of what each
race finds comfortable.
Successful resurrections can
be extremely debilitating to a person’s constitution; therefore, the Ashbury
Healer’s Guild offers the opportunity for specific individuals to remark in
advance upon what criteria comprise their own personal resurrections. The utmost
care will be taken to keep your information private and confidential.
Lhasa
Skamar, Assistant Guildmistress
Magistrate’s Report
by Sir Eros Clearbrook
A few recent trials (and
tribulations) have been handled by me which may be of interest to the
adventurers of Ashbury who comprise the bulk of this paper’s readers.
The former fey known as Silva
was arrested for killing some Galanthians a while ago. I placed Squires Gabriel
and Glorianna in charge of this trial, and they questioned Silva and other
witnesses to the incident and concluded that Silva’s claim of self-defense was
adequate, especially since there were no witnesses to the contrary. He was
released from prison and all his items returned to him.
Lord Find’rth of House
Ryujima was involved in two incidents. The first concerned an assault upon
Nicholas who had been allegedly searching one of House Ryujima’s kills. I
explained to Lord Find’rth that we do not settle matters of this sort in
Ashbury through attacks, and fined him two gold.
I felt that merely keeping
the fine with the ducal treasury as is usually the case would not hurt Lord
Find’rth in the slightest. He may
just see it as a cost of doing business. Instead, I gave the fine to Nicolas,
figuring that might teach a better lesson to Lord Find’rth than any mere fine
would do, and made a comment that it should cover Nicolas’ share of the treasure. I do not wish it to be said that
I had in any way decided who should receive what off of someone’s kills (as the
expression goes). I will not accept any cases where this is the issue and I
will not place myself in the position where I have to stand as judge over every
distribution of treasure to determine its fairness.
The second issue was a charge
from Sage Cedric that Find’rth had assaulted him. I heard the evidence and it
was obvious that Find’rth was threatening, but assault requires more than a
threat that something bad might happen in the future. It requires fear of “immediate physical harm” (quoting
Quentin Dunbury’s essay on the laws).
There are a lot of threats and insults given every day in our lands,
heard both on the battlefield and in the taverns, and once more I do not think
it is the purpose of our laws to mediate every disagreement that our citizens
have with one another.
In other news, the Ashban
citizens who months ago were arrested at an auction for necromantic items,
potions and scrolls have finally had their trials. Breiton Fantus (also called
Breiton the Innocent) had his death sentence commuted. Kiskosk the Sorcerer and Just Gerraro
were each given one death and both resurrected. Kristoff (called “the Mad”) and Slater Smith both survived
their sentence of Obliteration for their second conviction of necromancy.
Delath Cobler (also called the Deadly Doom-Dealer) met with her permanent death
by Obliteration.
Letters
To All Ashbans and Esteemed
Visitors,
Several hopeful events have
transpired recently. The destruction of the Crix is first and foremost. Let’s
give thanks to the many Windwalkers and Ducal Soldiers who have lost their
lives to defend our lands from this foul, fey abomination. Let us also thank
the brave nobles and adventurers who have led to the cloud’s demise. Let us
also hope the return of the sword Slavetamer can lead to renewed good relations
between Ashbury and the biata that live in our proud lands.
We have much left to be
vigilant against. We must never let our guard down and we must treat each
other, both citizens and allies, with the respect and honor each deserves. I
would be most displeased to see our fine duchy and our fine nation destroyed
because a few do not know how to act in an appropriate and respectful manner.
Those that know should well
know I have no love in my heart for the mercenary adventurer, for those that do
good deeds in search of fame, fortune and glory, for those that seek to better
only themselves. I see some of our adventuring caste moving past the base and
mean goals so often associated with adventurers. I see them doing good works
for no reward and for the sole reward of knowing they have done good works.
This does my heart and confidence good. But I also see greed and pettiness,
self aggrandizement and pride. Look not to your duke to smile upon these traits
and look not to your duke to place any faith in those that seek wealth and
glory over what is right and just.
In service,
Duke Sir
Frost Vardik
To the people of Icenia:
It is with great honor that I
write this letter. The Crix, a foe that I have originally heard of in children’s
stories, and later faced several times, including the future apparently, has
been defeated. While this is a great victory for the people of Icenia and other
nations that have been affected, remember that many Windwalkers fell before
this force of nature from Faerie. On the day it was defeated, all of the
Windwalkers died, as well as the ducal army that was stationed there. Some did
not make it to see their friends and families again. Thanks to them for slowing
it down and facing it directly before the adventurers and stonebearers arrived,
many citizens’ lives were saved. To the Windwalkers and Ducal forces that fell
on the fifth day of the tenth month, I salute you and give my undying thanks
for your sacrifices.
In honor,
truth, and justice,
Baron Morgasander
To all citizens:
The Court of the Ash Forest
is looking for people desiring to assist the Forest in many capacities, from
being a voice for the commoner to becoming a noble in the future. I will be in
the Dragon’s Flagon on Halloween night until midnight, and the next morning
until noon, and I am looking forward to meeting you. Inquiries and concerns
will be kept confidential.
Those whom I feel will be
possible candidates will be invited to a private dinner prepared by myself that
Saturday night so that we may get to better know each other in a relaxing
situation.
In Service,
Baroness Glenduria Manyave
A Little Birdie
Told Me
by Sue
D’Onym
And now for the News They
Don’t Want You To Know!
Nicholas and Cedric would
seem to be on Lord Find’rth’s least favorite Ashban list. Cedric got the least
of the dark elven warrior’s ire though, as he only received a verbal attack
while reports tell Nicholas had his rib cage pulverized by a certain glowing
mace. It would seem Nicholas’s ribcage is worth about two gold. (Nicholas later reported that the fine
was paid in coppers and was two coppers short!)
Hey, isn’t Find’rth a Lord of
a land that we have a treaty with?
Hmm...according to the laws of Ashbury, it says that our nobles cannot
try foreign nobles but can only “expel them from Ashbury with all due respect.” Gee, you would think Sir Eros would
know that, wouldn’t you?
Speaking of dark elves, there
were more than a few lovely dark elven women in Ashbury City very recently. How
long can it be before someone loses their head over one of them (literally or
figuratively)?
Scarn, Lhasa and newly
appointed “Lord” Kuwo have recently left the Court of the Ash Forest to pursue
other important matters. Maybe it’s just the “in” thing with elven Baronesses
to keep small baronial courts.
Baroness Glen apparently has
wanted to bring in new blood to the barony for a while but her court said there
was no need. She is apparently now going ahead without them and is actively
looking for new adventurers who want to pursue the noble life. Meanwhile, newly
re-knighted Sir Jonathan was overheard asking Sparticous and Paythin to become
squires to himself and Sir Du’Gual.
And what’s with this “Lord”
Kuwo? He is expecting us to bow to
him? There are a bunch of guys in the Black Forest who are also claiming that
in their lands of Moria, they are equivalent to barons. Ashbury is being
overrun by noble wannabes! Pretty soon everyone will be bowing to everyone
(except for the dark elves).
Guildmaster Phrodiet was
recently seen answering questions about guild policy while at the bottom of a
pile of gypsies and mystic wood elves. Let’s hope he wasn’t on duty.
Silva was arrested and
brought to trial for killing Galanthians, and Sir Eros put squires Gabriel and Glorianna
in charge of trying him. The former fey was acquitted, but rumors say that the
magistrate isn’t happy about how the squires handled the case, even though he
supports the decision.
It seems Shya and Glorianna
somehow managed to find the controversial sword Slavetamer where so many others
had failed. Didn’t several people claim it was lost in the mists?
Sir Eros was heard at the
Duke’s table recently telling how he hoped he could convince a certain pretty,
young lady to become his squire. Duke Frost was heard to mention how perhaps he
should institute the Nimani custom of keeping one eunuch knight in Ashbury. Sir
Eros politely declined.
His Grace was a bit upset
with the Dragon’s Flagon’s staff when they presented him with tea from a
company called “Celestial Seasons.” However, he seemed in a much better mood
after they gave him some fudge donuts.
Braveroar is returning to
Ashbury after failing to make a profit with his mine in Dwarrenagor. Apparently
this business venture was not as lucrative as this particular Whiterock
expected. It is said he is bringing with him a relative...could it be his
mom?
Well, that’s
all the news I have room for this month. Send me your gossip to see yourself or
your enemies here. Until next
time, remember — if you can’t say something nice
about someone, come sit by me!
Public Notices
THE ORDER OF THE BLACK UNICORN is looking for
the following: 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 Blade,
Spirit Store and Controlled Spirit Store. We are also looking for the Catalyst
for Permanent Duration, Race Change and Copy Formal Ritual as well as any
reagents.
SAGE’S GUILD MEETING Friday, October 31st, 10
p.m. Attendance mandatory for Sage’s Guild members in town. - Guildmaster Cedric
LOOKING TO PURCHASE or trade for the ritual
scrolls: Transfer Enchantment, Permanent Duration, Copy Formal Scroll,
Regeneration or Arcane Armor. Have many scrolls and catalysts to trade. – Lord
Find’rth T’Varian Ryujima.
LORD FAUST, did you forget my request?
If so contact me at my keep. Sparticous of the “Order of the Black
Unicorn”
WANTED: Someone who can create a shield
to my request. Please see Shya.
SPARTICOUS: You think you’ve had tests of
immortality by undead creatures and Adventurersout to make a name for
themselves. I don’t care about your claims I’ll just see you dead for daring to
attack me. - Shugah Kane
CELESTIAL RITUALS PERFORMED. Nominal fee required -Cedric Fruvous
PLEASE SEE BRAVEROAR STONEHAMMER for goods
forged in Ashbury late this October. All proceeds from blacksmithing (and
any donations) shall be donated to the People of the Duchy of Ashbury Defense
Fund. Braveroar is establishing this charity in the name of his fallen friend
Theron “Flatdog” Dragonstarr Wyndancer Soulsfire. Donations and other
said money shall be given to the Duke at his convenience to disperse among the
people as His Grace sees fit.