The appearance of the fabled Rod of Seven Rifts attracted many beings to Ashbury recently, all of whom wanted the Rod for their own purposes. The tangled web of those searching and plotting for its possession may never be completely unravelled.
The Rod was discovered when an undying cursed man named Kalten led a group of adventurers into a tomb where they were confronted by undead, traps, and many riddles. Kalten knew that the Rod would free him of a curse, and it did--by killing him as soon as he touched it, thus allowing his undesired immortality to cease.
Young biata Kelial of the Ash Forest then accidentally touched the Rod and became spirit-linked to it. He was forced to carry the Rod around uselessly.
The theft disturbed the rest of the mummy Ichorax, whose tomb had been invaded, freeing him from his imprisonment. The crypt collapsed after the thieves left, and it took Ichorax a few hours to dig himself out, at which point he went searching for the Rod.
Meanwhile, the Life Elemental Hyperius was also searching the town for the fabled magic item, but to no success. It is not known exactly how these powerful beings were aware of the Rod's presence.
Among others searching was former Mages' Guildmaster Avar Lychus. Wizard Avar had performed a ritual which put his spirit into the body of an iron golem, making him virtually unkillable and, not surprisingly, unrecognizable to those who knew him in his previous form. He had himself delivered to Sorceress Shalizar as a present from Wizard T.F. Arcevol of the College of Aracane Arts and Sciences on Lake Hollym.
The Rod was taken to the Mages' guild for identification while Avar "stood guard." When Sorceress Shalizar successfully identified the item, the item released some unknown powerful spell which not only knocked out Shalizar but also caused the Permanent Circle to stop functioning. Avar took this opportunity to grab what he thought were ritual scrolls but which were in reality meaningless papers, and he attempted to escape. He easily defeated Sir Angus and Vassa Thrommel as he ran off into the night.
It is assumed that his original plan was to steal the Rod but upon learning that it was spirit-linked, he re-thought his plans.
Hyperius later was able to remove the spirit-link on the Rod. He then demanded that it be turned over to him. He took it to the battlefields in an attempt to close the rift that had unleashed the strange being known as Harlequin and the dog-like gnolls.
The Rod later resurfaced in the hands a kobold named Frank. Hyperius had apparently taken the Rod into the Obelisk and struck the pillar inside with the Rod, causing an explosion that had killed him and sent him back to his bottle or home plane for resurrection.
The Obelisk, being protected against such rash actions, remained relatively unharmed. The Rod fell to the ground where it was picked up by Frank. As the town rallied to fight against the gnolls at the rift itself, Frank was caught and the Rod coincidentally (or maybe not--who knows the complete powers of the Rod?) once again passed to Kelial. After the gnoll battle, the Rod was used to successfully shut the rift.
To confuse things more, the shattered spirit of Cassandra Bavdera (Avar's wife) appeared in town in the form of a banshee-like creature. Avar apparently wanted the Rod in order to rift to the Graveyard of Shattered Spirits where he could retrieve his wife's spirit to rescue her.
Avar told of many Magical Graveyards where the spirits of those permanently dead go to rest. Besides the already known Graveyard of the Four Winds and Hero's Graveyard, there was also the Graveyard of Shattered Spirits where his wife resided.
The Graveyards, according to Avar, are controlled by one known as the Registrar who decides which Graveyard the spirit will enter (if any). Most spirits never achieve this "honor."
The Registrar wanted Cassandra's spirit in one piece and removed from the Graveyard of Shattered Spirits where he stated it did not belong. Apparently Cassandra was supposed to have suffered her final death years ago but Avar had performed some sort of ritual to stop this and the ritual had shattered her spirit. The Registrar was very unhappy with Avar's attempt to "cheat Death."
Two Nightmare Elementals were then sent into town by the Registrar to punish the town for aiding Avar. One delivered vibrant nightmares to random people and played upon general fears of individuals. The other explained the problem of Cassandra's cheating of death and what would end the punishment on the town. After the Nightmare Elementals left, the town began to explore the problem of the essences.
Before much could be done however, a large red crackling being appeared screaming the following message: "Shattered spirits, Registrar's rage, Avar's folly, fade away!" Six individuals were then pulled into the plane of the Graveyards by the Registrar in order to secure the essences of Cassandra. Those grabbed were Ariel, William and Lithitar of the gypsies, Victor of the Pride, Sir Angus, and Makao Magusar.
Those taken were informed by the Registrar of Avar's plot. They were transported to Avar's home in the town of Capulus where they retrieved the part of Cassandra's spirit not in the Graveyard of Shattered Spirits. They then took this to the Healers' Guild in an attempt to resurrect her.
Hyperius was able to repair the spirit of Cassandra, but she "pulled a black stone" upon resurrection and died her final death. Avar left heartbroken. It was soon after that when Ichorax came to town searching for the Rod. Ichorax explained that he was cursed due to the pact between his brother and a death elemental--causing him to suffer a thousand years inside a prison that separated him from the one thing that could end his angst--the Rod. No one was quite sure whether to believe him or not, especially after he threatened people as he walked about town attempting to discern the Rod's location.
Ichorax later said that he had created the Rod and that his essence was infused with it, and until he recovered it, he would continue to plague the town.
When this didn't turn the Rod over to him, he then spread word that he only wanted to save his decent citizens from the perils of the Rod--and that he would depart for one night while they attempted to secure the Rod for him. Later research uncovered the fact that Ichorax was a bloodthirsty tyrant in real life who killed thousands. His abused subjects finally sealed him alive in that tomb.
The next night when Ichorax appeared making his demands, he was met by Hyperius who dispatched him with seven mighty blows. Ichorax's undead followers were also quickly destroyed by the townsfolk, led by Baron Morgan and Mother Merry.
The Rod, which had now been used to close the dreaded rift, ended up in the hands of Shalizar who apparently planned on studying the powerful item. However, Avar made a deal with the Sorceress--he would allow her to copy the powerful spell Magic Storm from his spellbook in exchange for the Rod. Shalizar happily agreed.
Avar then left, taking the Rod with him, apparently on a quest to use the Rod to get to the Graveyards and defeat the Registrar in another attempt to get his wife back.
It is therefore very likely that we have not yet heard the last of the Rod of Seven Rifts.
Apparently all is not well in the Plane of Life Elementals.
A recent visit by a Life Elemental named Hyperius threw much of the capital city into disarray as he bullied his way through town, demanding that his orders be followed.
Hyperius asserted his authority over the Healers' Guild in town infuriating not only Mother Merry and Guildmaster Isabella but also Duchess Mara. He demanded that the circle be kept lowered at all times except when performing resurrections, arguing that this would prevent necromantic rituals from being cast.
Hyperius was apparently under the delusion that Alaric was still Duke and that his evil necromancers still ran things in Ashbury. Even when confronted with the truth, he still stated that it did not matter and that he would test Ashbury to make sure things had really changed. "I do not want to see Ashbury turn into the necromantic pits that have become Niman and Ravenholt," he said.
Hyperius' desire to get the powerful Rod of Seven Rifts also made many wonder if he were really what he said, as his desire to get the item seemed to be paramount in his goals.
Meanwhile, a healer named Father Folsom walked into the Healer's Guild and then spent a good amount of time trying to deteriorate Hyperius' attempts to rectify the so-called failings of Ashbury. However, many felt that Father Folsom was also not what he appeared to be.
While in town, Hyperius involved himself in various other actions, including destroying an evil sword known as the Ghast Blade and trying to close the Obelisk rift that had opened.
By destroying the Ghast Blade, Hyperius released a powerful ghast fueled by the awsome necromantic ritual that placed it in the blade in the first place. Its release weakened Hyperius while the ghast ran free through town and Hyperius could not be revived until the ghast was destroyed.
Hyperius' attitude towards Ashbury was better understood when it was discovered that he had originally come from Sessuar. Life Elementals are recruited from those who in their life worked and fought towards the goals of promoting life and fighting necromancy, and the Vital Senate (which controls the Life Elementals) is as subject to politics and in-fighting as any tyrra-bound government.
This became clearer when a Life Elemental calling himself Danathis tested several town members including Mother Merry, Morgan Blackbourne, Camilla Zotar, the Merchant's Guild, and the Pride. (others may have been tested as well). He announced later that some had not passed his tests but did admit that among those tested, Mother Merry and Camilla both passed.
It was learned that Danathis is a Knight Elemental who works for the Vital Senate and whose purpose is to test and judge the merit of individuals without interfering with their lives. Those who fail are to be watched for signs of necromancy--upon which later they will be killed or stripped of their powers.
To confuse things more, Baron Morgan later discovered that the mysterious person calling himself Father Folsom was a Death Elemental bent on causing some yet to be determined mischief. Its appearance at the same time as Hyperius hints to some sinister plot being played out among the innocent victims in Ashbury.
After Folsom was killed by Hyperius, a disgusting black smoke left the body of the blind healer and disappeared through the eaves of Midnight Guildhall. Hyperius was finally called down by a trio of other Life Elementals who appeared and demanded his return, stating that he had overstepped his bounds. They left almost as soon as they appeared, taking Hyperius with them and restoring the Healers' Guild circle to its full power.
The opening of the various rifts in the capital city recently (most likely due to the presence of the Rod of Seven Rifts) caused more than one headache for the Duchy.
First to be noticed were the strange frog-like creatures who call themselves bullywogs. They first appeared during the Ashbury Faire in August and are generally peaceful unless attacked or provoked.
Later, there appeared strange group of dog-like beings calling themselves the Chandrakkar (known to others as "gnolls"). The gnolls were particularly excited/frenzied to see the sarr whom they called "Gorbe," and they attacked them on sight. The gnolls told the citizens that the sarr had escaped from their world many years ago but now the gnolls had "followed them" to complete their war. Their attacks upon the sarr and all those who protect them still continue to this day.
Next, a strange being who called herself (itself?) Harlequin appeared through the rift, running away from someone she refers to only as "Mister C" (or perhaps "Mister Sea").
Harlequin takes the shape of a small jester but is apparently some sort of construct who is immune to most spells and is quite powerful in her own way. However, she spends most of her time playing practical jokes, having fun, and worrying that Mr. C will come and get her.
She has attracted the attention of the Duchess who delights in Harlequin's performances. Harlequin can usually be found hanging out in the Dragon's Flagon. Since she has caused no real permanent harm to anyone (and in fact helped in the battle against the Rat King), she has been allowed to stay. The fact that no one can see to harm her might have also played into this decision.
A group of intelligent giant spiders calling themselves "the attercob" then appeared, complaining about how the bullywogs were eating them and asking for the town's help. Their disagreeable nature soon showed when they attacked without provocation, and the Duchess (not surprisingly for those who know her) has ordered that any and all giant spiders be immediately stomped out. Later, in what perhaps was the silliest encounter from the rift, a group of giant lemmings made a run for the lake, but were often killed before they could drown themselves.
The famous comedy team of Bobo and Spanks ended their first and only performance in the Duchy of Ashbury with quite an amazing performance: their own deaths.
"It's no big deal," said Bobo, "We get executed all the time. It's the cost of doing business."
Bobo and Spanks have been sought-after performers in Niman for many years and they decided that the time was right to take their show on the road. However, they were apparently not prepared for the reaction they received in Ashbury.
They performed their act in the Dragon's Flagon just after the Wilheim Brothers held their Oktoberfest drinking contest (won by Rowell). They began by performing some juggling and telling some awful jokes and then promised to "saw a goblin in half."
True to their word, their hesistant goblin assistant was sawed in half. As the poor victim lay there in a growing pool of blood, Sir Angus arrested the pair. Before much could be done, Spanks said "No, look, he's fine!" and pointed to the goblin who now stood before all. However, it was obvious that the poor fool had been raised as a zombie.
Bobo and Spanks were hauled off and charged with necromancy and were to be Obliterated later by Hyperius. However, once Hyperius was called back by his fellow Life Elementals, their future became less clear since the Healer's Guild does not presently have the components to perform an Obliteration. Bobo and Spanks were allowed to perform before the Duchess before their execution, but they refused to apologize for breaking the law and showed no remorse.
In his defense, Spanks merely said "Look, it was funny, wasn't it?"
She had only decided a handful of unimportant cases. She was just getting used to being called "Lady." And now, because of an accident, she has lost all that.
Signe Morrigan sent her resignation notice to Duchess Mara recently. She had been appointed by the Duchess to be the Magistrate for the estate of Ashbury but all of that is behind her now. She was found unconscious near her horse a few months ago, the apparent victim of an attack that left her for dead. She revived slowly but her wounds were too great to be healed magically. Her future will limit her because of her lack of movement. She stated that she plans on spending a lot of time in the Dragon's Flagon.
Sheriff Lornlin Darque, whose strange mask sometimes frightens local children, and who was coincidentally appointed by Signe, was promoted to be the new Lord Magistrate. He subsequently appointed Kelson to be the new Sheriff of Ashbury. Kelson stated that he is proud of his achievements for the Duchy and plans to build the Town Guard into a strong force for good.
As if the town of Ashbury were not busy enough with the arrival of the Rod of Seven Rifts and all the confusion and excitement it brought, a crazed wererat decided that the time was right for a concerted attack upon the town.
Calling himself the Mighty Kathraxus, this wererat led his huge rat followers on a killing spree through town. They took special delight in tormenting and attacking any sarr they could find. This combined with the attack upon sarr by the dog-like gnolls kept many of the felinoids busy and troubled for much of the time.
It was later learned that Kathraxus was actually a former apprentice of then-Guildmaster Avar Lychus. Kathraxus was at that time known as Rufus Rasmun and was a scholar who was kicked out of the Guild for some unknown reason. Rufus was not apparently cursed with lycanthropy at that time. It has been suggested that the attack was timed because Rufus, upon discovering Avar in town, assumed that Avar was once again in charge of the Guild.
The rats spent most of the time trying to obtain and collect silver and magical weapons that could destroy Rufus and his wererat leaders.
Finally, their hideout was discovered and an attack upon the lair was made. The battle was led by many brave commoners as the nobility were busy with an important meeting at the time. Eventually, the nobles joined in as the battle plunged deeper and deeper into the sewers of Ashbury.
The battle was fought long and hard and was eventually successful, but a new battle was yet to take place: the battle for treasure.
Many commoners who fought in the battle accused the court of Trellheim of hoarding the treasure. Baron Morgan and his squires deny this but the Duchess still gave generous rewards to many of the commoners who participated in the battle to appease them.
According to Squire Hanson of Trellheim, at the end of the battle, two trapped and locked chests were discovered. "Vaasa Thrommel of the Merchant's Guild sent for a set of tools so that I might disarm whatever traps were on the chests," he stated.
"After a brief examination, I asked for Vaasa's advice as the trap seemed quite complex. He extracted whatever treasure could fit through the small opening. This consisted of six magical scrolls."
Unfortunately, further examination caused the trap to detonate, sending a toxic gas into the air. The two placed the box aside to inventory the contents later as they turned to the second box.
The second box had no apparent opening and was completely seemless. Etched on top was the word "Vitae."
"When I touched the chest and pronounced the word," said Hanson, "a handle appeared. We took the hint and carried the chest away."
At the Merchant's Guild and in the presence of a representative from each of the groups who had fought in the battle, the first box was opened. Inside was found approximately 10 gold pieces of jewelry (evaluated by Rowell of the Merchant's Guild), 5 magical potions (identified by Hippoc of the Company), a couple dozen elixirs, gasses and gels, six magical scrolls, and one or two possible ritual components.
Solicitor Quentin Dunbury served as a witness to the transaction and has stated that to his satisfaction the treasure was evenly divided. "In fact," he said, "Trellheim took a Dispel Magic scroll and left everything else for the others to divide. Each group then was allowed to pick one from each treasure group in a round robin until all of the treasure was divided. I did not see Trellheim take any other treasure unless they did so on the battlefield where I was not present."
Baron Thomas, by the way, took none of the treasure, stating that he believed in "giving freely according to the Code of Chivalry."
by Cleo Smith
October is now the month of love--so will somebody please love poor Otto Neumacht of the brewers, who admits that he is quite desperate? A word of warning, though: Otto was probably most famous in his hometown of Blackstone for being a notorious liar, a fact which may have contributed to his being chased out of town.
Meanwhile, poor Wilhelm of the brewer's heart was broken when he was jilted by Erin of the "Shaker Sisters."
Another desperate bachelor in town is Hyperius. What can you say about his situation, except for how obvious it is? It's too bad that Baroness Alicia doesn't have a higher stupidity tolerance - too bad, that is, for Hyperius since he seems to have taken such a shining to her. If it's the romantic type you're looking for, I'd suggest Necros, who was lately seen serenading his lady love with song and dance in the middle of town.
Sorceress Shalizar apparently fancies the inanimate type, as she's been seen fondling Baron Morgan's magic sword. Though it may just be the month--even Duchess Mara was seen picking up men in the tavern in the most obvious way.
Warning everyone! Kendi of the Pride is underage (she's still a kitten).
Here's something else you won't want to tangle with. It's very convoluted so I'll try to keep it simple. Sir Angus was rumored to have begun wooing Raven Canterbury the gypsy (much to Sheriff Kelson's dismay I'd imagine). However, when bachelors around town were asked "What is your ideal woman like?" the most popular answer was Raven Canterbury. Apparently deciding the competition was a little too steep, Sir Angus has picked an only slightly less difficult target: Camilla Zatar (another gypsy!). He's already proposed to her! Unfortunately, he died soon after, forgot he had proposed, and has since settled on proposing only dinner dates. This has caused some tensions between the Paladin and Baron Thomas, whom Sir Angus sees as competition (he apparently doesn't know about the others yet). My suggestion to clean up the whole mess is to hitch up Raven with Baron Thomas, Kelson with Camilla, and that way they'll have a perfectly harmonious love trapezoid with no (known) loose ends. (See Quentin Dunbury for details.)
A few more odd survival notes:
If you're looking for the Magistrate, you'll probably find him eating doughnuts in the tavern.
Don't send Darian Ilthranis any letters. His appreciation of them seems to be less than gratifying.
Beware--when Trancor the trap-man gets bored, he sets up traps around town and gets his jollies watching people blow up.
For newcomers: Whatever you do, don't ask to take the Trellheim Death Elemental Test which consist of (1) Imprisoning a person (via the spell) and (2) putting them under water for several minutes. If you die from suffocation, then you are not a Death Elemental.
Last but not least, Guildmistress Isabella can perform first aid if necessary. Many citizens seem to be unaware of her many talents.
That's all the Real News for this time. And remember: If you can't say something nice about someone, come over and sit by me.
SHALIZAR: Sorry I had to leave suddenly. I'll be back for what I paid for. - Sir Hieronymous.
TO ALL CITIZENS within all Trellheim estates: Baron Morgan Blackbourne hereby requests that anyone finding a necromantic potion deliver it with all haste immediately to the Trellheim Manor House in the city of Ashbury. Baron Morgan has been asked to deliver them to Hyperius, a Life elemental and member of the Vital Senate. If the former holder of this potion can be arrested and brought in for questioning, authority is hereby given to question him fully to discover the source of the potion. Ideally, this necromancer, or the potionmaker himself, should be brought to the Manor House in Ashbury.
ROYAL ARMY recruits wanted. Good pay, good benefits. See the world when you're ordered to. Contact your recruiter now!
MOURNA: I was unaware of your identity when I followed you that night. I do not expect to make that mistake again. - Leo Magusar.
ARMORSMITH WANTED. Earn great pay, work reasonable hours. Room and board. Contact the Merchant's Guild.
MAXIMUS: We know who you are. Better make out a will. You and your guild will soon be history.
KIP THE KOBOLD messenger for hire. Privacy guaranteed (I can't read).
BARON BRYAN cordially invites all citizens and all nobility to a masquerade on Halloween night in the Dragon's Flagon. Prizes awarded for the best costumes.
LEGAL REPRESENTATION, documents notarized, pre-nuptual agreements written, scrolls and potions identified. All scholarly services performed. Quentin Dunbury.
ALARIC DRAGONHART: Your actions have been nothing less than treasonous. If you feel these accusations are false, please surrender to me immediately to clear the matter up. Otherwise, you will no longer find Trellheim and its people hospitable. - Baron Morgan Blackbourne.
THANKS to Darien and Isabella for the assistance you gave me on Friday, October 8th. Isabella, it was my pleasure to race back around enemy lines to grant you the greatest gift of all, courtesy of the Duchess Mara. Darien, some day I hope to repay the debt I owe you. - Squire Hanson.
GOLD AND SILVER paid for ritual components. Top price. See Isabella at the Healers' Guild.
TOBIAS: Come for me. It would be interesting. - Thaddeus of the Pride.
THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD will be closing at 3 pm the 30th day of October 593. The Guild will reopen on the 31st at its normal hour of noon. Please schedule your celestial needs accordingly.
DUCHESS MARA: My undying gratitude for not Proscribing my clan out of Ashbury. We shall bear responsiblity for keeping the town free of orcs. - Angus McEwan, Chief of Clan McEwan.
THE ASHBURY MAGES' GUILD would would like to congratulate the following new apprentices: Ariel, Butterfly Gypsy Clan; Daniel Stromgaard; Jantos Avatar, Butterfly Gypsy Clan; Kador; Laurelin Goldsong, Barony of the Ash Forest; Lithitar Drakkar; And the following promotions to Guildsman: Mathis Beornstanas, The Company; Morlox Nightshade