The Ashbury Times, November 2003

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.